MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Days after the home of Solid Rock pastor John-Paul Miller was investigated by FBI agents, people were seen moving items out of the Market Common church on Tuesday, carrying what appeared to be furniture and equipment from the property.
The Howard Avenue church has been the site of weekly domestic violence awareness protests since Pastor John-Paul Miller’s estranged wife died by suicide in April was being emptied out on Tuesday.
NewsNation affiliate WBTW also learned on Tuesday that Miller has filed articles of incorporation for a new place of worship — Living Water Church at Market Common — at the same address as Solid Rock Ministries, according to South Carolina Secretary of State records.
Miller’s adviser Charles Randall refused to comment on the future of the Solid Rock church on Tuesday when contacted by WBTW; he was seen helping move items at the church. Neither Miller nor his attorney Russell Long has responded to multiple interview requests since Friday.
A WBTW crew saw workers loading equipment into several trailers that were driven off-site. Solid Rock’s distinctive sign was previously stripped of its white lettering, and information about service times and its website were also removed.
Controversy has swirled around Miller and Solid Rock Ministries since his wife, Mica, was found dead in late April at the Lumber River State Park in Robeson County. Her death was eventually ruled a suicide, but the case sparked nationwide interest because of allegations that she was abused by her husband before her death.
The activity at Miller’s 803 Howard Avenue church comes four days after an FBI operation at his Coldwater Circle home in Myrtle Beach ended with multiple boxes of evidence being seized.
It remains unclear why the FBI was at Miller’s home for several hours on Friday. Investigators removed several items, including what appeared to be some computer equipment. A spokesperson told WBTW on Friday that the agency does not comment on potential indictments.
Both Solid Rock church and Miller’s home in the nearby Azalea Lakes neighborhood are part of a $5.59 million real estate portfolio operated by Solid Rock Ministries.
Melissa Pfeiffer, a regular demonstrator outside the church on Sundays, was emotional on Tuesday as she watched what she hoped were Solid Rock Church’s final days.
“I’m a little confused, I don’t fully believe that the church is shutting down,” she said. “I think that they’re just moving to a different location, and they think that’s going to stop the protests, but they can’t hide forever. “We will figure out where they are, and we will be on their sidewalk Sunday morning.”
Miller has not been charged in connection with Mica’s death but previously admitted to police that had multiple GPS trackers placed on her vehicles and leaked a topless photo of her online.
Mica, a talented singer, was active in Solid Rock for years, and Pfeiffer said her connection to the church made Tuesday’s activity bittersweet.
While Solid Rock’s fate remains unknown, Miller appears to be embarking on a new venture. On Oct. 17, articles of incorporation were accepted in South Carolina for “Living Water Church at Market Common Inc.” Miller is listed as its registered agent with his home address.
Miller has applied for federal (501)(c)(3) nonprofit status for Living Water. If the IRS approves and at some point, Living Water is dissolved, all of its assets would be distributed to St. Delight Pentecostal Church, a tiny Little River-based church where Randall is the pastor.