Legacy Church breaks ground on expansion at movie theater

RIO RANCHO — One of Rio Rancho’s largest churches is expanding on the side of Premiere Cinemas, where it resides.

Legacy Church broke ground early July 31 for its expansion to the north, though work has already begun on the project.

Joe Simons with Simons Architecture detailed the project.

“I’m the architect that did this mess that you’re seeing behind us. We’re excited to have a groundbreaking,” he said at the start of the event.

He added that the church is “doing something big for the community.”

The project will be an expansion to the existing theater to the north, according to Simons. “It’s going to be a 16,000 square feet, over 700 seats, worship center,” he said.

There will be some added offices and a lobby, but Simons stated the theater portion of the building will remain as is and continue to function as it has been.

“Not only is Legacy Church serving us with their church, they’re helping to serve the community to keep the theater going,” he said.

Pastor Steve Smothermon said he has never done a groundbreaking like this.

“Years and years ago, when we started doing multi-sites, one of the places I wanted to come was Rio Rancho, and at the time when we were looking, there was really nothing to move into, and then they built the theater and then the owner of the theater was so gracious to let us use part of his facility on Sunday,” he said.

He went on to say that when the theater closed for just over two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, it agreed to sell to Legacy Church.

“It’s very unique to have a church next to a theater or a theater next to a church in the same facility, and it’s not normal, but it’s great,” he said.

Smothermon also said he believes God wants the church to reach more people and that he loves Rio Rancho.

“My wife and I, we come to Rio Rancho a lot. Our kids live in Rio Rancho, and we always said if we ever moved from where we are at, we don’t live very far, we live off McMahon, which is just right down from Rio Rancho, we would move in here,” he said.

He stated they are breaking ground with faith “for the glory of God and the good of this city.”

“We’re not just building a building, we’re building a place where broken lives will be healed, families will be restored, and people will encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ,” he said, also noting his support for Mayor Gregg Hull’s potential campaign for governor and the work of President Donald Trump’s administration.

Hull and Rio Rancho Police Chief Stewart Steele also supported the project.

“This moment marks more than the beginning of a construction project. It symbolizes continued growth, renewed purpose and a deepening of the impact that Legacy Church has already had in the lives of so many,” Hull said.

He also recognized the values the church brings to the community.

“Legacy has expanded across the region, bringing hope, encouragement and faith to thousands right here in Rio Rancho. That legacy has been felt in powerful ways from spiritual guidance to community outreach, from youth programs to family support. Legacy has consistently stepped up, filled the gaps, and lifted people up,” he said. “Today’s groundbreaking is a clear sign that your work is not slowing down. It’s growing.”

Steele had a more personal connection with the church that he shared at the event.

“Not only do I appreciate it from the position I’m in and the growth, but the love that we have been shown here at Legacy Church. My family and I attend here,” he said.

He said the expansion was going a little slow for his tastes because he is excited about the project.

Before dirt was thrown, Smothermon lead the group in a prayer. Dozens of people from the church showed up to support the project’s groundbreaking.