Grace Chapel AME Church is moving from its longtime home at the corner of North and Charles streets in downtown Beaufort to Lady's Island.

Founded in 1869, the church has been at 502 Charles St. since 1873, the Rev. Lawrence Miller, pastor, said. The new church will be at the intersection of Holly Hall and Sams Point roads.

Work to clear a 4.5-acre plot began a month ago, and construction of the 7,500-square-foot building is expected to begin in about a week. Miller hopes the church will move to the new location within the next six months.

Church leaders decided to move in 2000, but attempts to find a suitable site within the city were unsuccessful, he said. The church has about 175 members and limited parking.

"Churches need parking, and if you don't have parking, you are doing an injustice to your people, and you inhibit your programs' growing," he said.

In other changes about town:

After several months in operation, the Lighthouse Deli & Cafe is closed while the owners ponder the business' future, owner Robert de Treville said. The restaurant opened in June at 81 Sea Island Parkway, the former site of Smokey Chef and, before that, Upper Crust.

De Treville said it's not certain the restaurant will reopen. The deli served sandwiches all day and European and Mediterranean food during dinner.

Papaya Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar is opening in about two weeks at 1001 Boundary St., the former home of Uptown Grill, co-owner T.C. Daoheuang said.

Along with fellow co-owners Khaykham Sheppard and Vienthong Chindavong, Daoheuang plans to offer lunch and dinner with Thai food and fresh sushi, including made-to-order, customized rolls.

"Everyone can have a California roll, but we want to do something special for the customers," he said.

The restaurant will be open seven days a week, with lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, it will be open until 10:30 p.m.

Follow reporter Erin Moody at twitter.com/EyeOnBeaufort.

Related content

1. New eatery, deli opens on Lady's Island, June 5, 2011
2. Grace Chapel moving, Feb. 15, 2005