First Monroe Baptist Church announced the sale of its property at 201 St. John Street in downtown Monroe to St. Francis Medical Center. The negotiations for this transaction have been ongoing for a few months, and the sale was completed on Monday, August 23, 2021.
“Over the past year, we knew that God was calling us to step out in faith and move the physical location of our church. In order for us to do that, we needed two things: a buyer and land. By God’s grace, He has provided both of those things. We are excited that St. Francis is the buyer of our historic property and we know that this location will continue to be a light and a beacon of hope in our community," said James Doughty, Lead Pastor of First Monroe. "We are excited to announce that we will be moving our physical location to Tower Drive and will be located next to the St. Francis Community Health Center. I want to thank our church and everyone who has made this possible so that we can continue our mission that all people will know Jesus!”
Kristin Wolkart, President of St. Francis Medical Center, said, "We are very excited about the acquisition of this property in downtown Monroe which can be used to expand our healthcare services. The congregation of First Monroe Baptist Church will remain in the current location for the next 18-24 months while their new church is built on Tower Drive. We have been downtown neighbors since 1915, and we are excited to have them once again as neighbors in their new location next to our Community Health Center."
St. Francis has not finalized any plans for use of the newly acquired property, which is located within walking distance of its downtown hospital.
Wolkart said, "We have not decided how we will utilize these buildings and land but will be engaging various parties to help determine the best use based on community health needs. This purchase reinforces our commitment to remain in downtown Monroe and serve those throughout Northeast Louisiana who seek our care."
Details of the purchase price were undisclosed at the request of both parties.