HOLLY SPRINGS, MS (abc24.com) - They're rejoicing in Holly Springs, Mississippi. A local church has just won a lawsuit against the city to relocate downtown.
A zoning ordinance made it illegal for churches to operate there. After a year-long battle, the church's pastor is ready to move on - and in.
The church signed a lease in downtown Holly Springs last summer. With the judge's ruling they can move forward immediately.
"I was elated. We were very excited, very happy," says Pastor Telsa DeBerry, who led the charge against the city's ban on churches.
"I think the government was abusing the rights of all Christians, all religious people regardless whether Christian or otherwise," DeBerry says. "To know the courts did agree with us -- that the ordinance was just unfair, unconstitutional, illegal -- it's a great day."
It will be a while before services can be held in the new building. DeBerry says there are several renovations to be made.
"There's plenty of work to be done. We're still looking at a couple of month's worth of renovations before we actually occupy."
He tells abc24.com, "The future's bright. We just we believe we can now do ministry as we had envisioned."
DeBerry hopes to have the building ready in the next few months. They'll hold church services every Sunday and Wednesday.
