It’s a problem many churches would like to have.

St. John’s Catholic Church has outgrown its worship space and will be adding a 26-foot extension onto the back of the church to allow for 10 more rows of pews.

Architect Ronald Garner presented the plans for the expansion to the Oxford Historic Preservation Commission on Tuesday night, seeking approval for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project.

“That’s a good problem to have,” said Commissioner Brian Hyneman.

The church did not ask or plan for additional parking spaces since the church received permission from the University of Mississippi to use the parking lot at the Gertrude Ford Performing Arts Center for Sunday services.

The addition will be made from the same materials as the existing church and painted in the same colors.

The extra space will also allow for enlarged restroom facilities and additional mechanical space.

The church also asked the commission to approve the removal of decorative metal grill work in a large alcove on the south wall of the existing church, that will be replaced with decorative exterior ceramic tile work.

The commission approved the requests unanimously.

In other business Tuesday, the commission tabled a request from attorney Josh Turner for a sign in front of his office on East Jackson Avenue, and approved a 4-foot front-yard fence for property on Johnson Avenue.