In the late 1960s and early 1970s, areas like Florence, South Carolina, became fertile ground for the establishment of independent churches. These new congregations aimed to address the social and spiritual needs of individuals emerging from the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War. People were in search of a community-focused religious organization free from rigid, traditional beliefs. During this time, televangelism was also expanding, allowing preachers to reach audiences far beyond local boundaries. It was in this unique environment that Reginald Wayne Miller founded the Florence Tabernacle Church in 1972.
By 1977, Florence Tabernacle Inc. was celebrating its fifth anniversary, looking toward the future with plans for a new campus named Gloryland.
Miller’s influence stretched beyond the church; he also created Good Morning Jesus, a weekday television program that aired twice each morning, and established the Tabernacle Bible Institute, the Word of Truth Christian Bookstore, Tabernacle Printing, and Tabernacle Productions. Over the years, the church moved to three different locations, each better than the last, culminating in plans for a new church building.
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The proposed Gloryland campus was ambitious, featuring a daycare, an elementary and high school, a production studio for the television ministry, a grand worship center, and a 2,000-seat auditorium. Other features included a shopping village with a restaurant and motel, housing for missionaries, camping areas for families, student dormitories, and retirement homes for seniors, along with public attractions like a petting zoo and a recreation of Calvary.
A newspaper ad captured the essence of Miller’s vision for Gloryland, emphasizing the church’s status as South Carolina’s largest inter-denominational Charismatic Church, conveniently located between New York City and Miami.
John Paul Miller was born in 1979 in this vibrant environment, marking the beginning of a significant legacy. He established Solid Rock Ministries in 2006 and went on to purchase the Air Force chapel previously owned by his father’s church in 2013.
The history of the Miller family is deeply rooted in Florence, and we are piecing together their story through local media archives that initially covered their ambitious religious journey.
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UNBRIDLED AMBITION
Meanwhile, in 1974, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker created the Praise the Lord television network (PTL) in Charlotte, North Carolina. Just four years later, they opened a religious theme park called Heritage USA. Unfortunately, their empire fell apart due to scandal within the decade.
As the Bakkers’ fortunes declined, Wayne Miller, a rising figure among charismatic preachers, attempted to gain influence over the ministry, a move obstructed by Jerry Falwell.
Miller had also dipped his toes into local politics. In 1985, he collaborated with a group called Citizens Against Pornography to push for a ban that was quickly deemed unconstitutional. His efforts were met with mockery when the Florence Morning News humorously awarded him the ‘Larry Flynt Hustler Magazine Award’ for his graphic description of inappropriate material during city council meetings.
In February 1989, allegations of sexual misconduct against Miller involving Bible college students surfaced in a local television investigation. While law enforcement inquiries were not documented, Miller was never charged with any crime. However, these allegations took a toll on his marriage, as revealed in divorce affidavits filed by his then-wife, Susan Miller. Following the report, Miller filed a lawsuit against the television station, claiming they had maliciously misrepresented facts and sought $5 million in damages. Shortly after, he voluntarily dropped the case.
As his television ministry faced dwindling support and renewed allegations of misconduct, Miller sought to reinvent himself and his ministry in a new location.
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Miller moved to Myrtle Beach, aiming to restore his ministry’s reputation. In 1993, the closure of the Air Force base presented an opportunity to acquire real estate for a new church. Initially, the Millers held services in a storefront while they transitioned from Florence Tabernacle to Cathedral Baptist Church.
With a dedicated group of supporters behind him, Miller lobbied the U.S. Air Force to grant him the chapel and surrounding land while also pursuing an additional 22 acres. However, the process faced delays and resistance, turning into a lengthy and contentious struggle. Miller viewed this as a religious undertaking.
Miller relentlessly pursued his quest for free land, warning detractors of divine repercussions for opposing his plans.
However, complications arose when authorities demanded proof of the church’s financial capabilities for renovations, as Cathedral Baptist Church could not provide audited financial statements.
As Miller insisted on acquiring federal land, allegations of sexual misconduct resurfaced. Miller countered these claims, attributing them to “disgruntled associates.” He reported that a subcommittee of the National Leadership Conference, prompted by his accusers, found no evidence of misconduct against him. Yet, the subcommittee’s recommendation for him to enter counseling raised questions about his innocence.
While Miller agreed to participate, he left the program before its completion.
Amidst the renewed allegations, Miller reported experiencing extreme emotional distress, leading to a temporary retreat from church activities. He claimed that an evaluation by the Apostolic Christian Church found no wrongdoing on his part, although this organization was tied closely to his own interests.
As WPDE revisited the misconduct allegations years later, Miller and his followers unleashed a stream of complaints directed at the station, warning that anyone who spoke against him would face personal consequences.
Despite resistance, Miller ultimately secured the former Air Force chapel for Cathedral Baptist Church, purchased for $280,000 in 1995. However, he continued to seek additional adjacent property for further development, which was denied.
In 2013, Solid Rock Ministries acquired the chapel from Cathedral Baptist Church. Today, the property’s current market value stands at over $2 million.
Although Miller achieved some of his ambitions, his early dreams of expansive growth and influence have largely remained unrealized. Unlike the Bakkers, who faced severe fallout from their scandals, Miller’s journey continues, leaving his legacy to unfold further.
Stay tuned for more updates on Miller as we delve deeper into his story…
