A historic Black church in Monroe is picking up the pieces after a fire damaged the building on Sunday, with church leaders suggesting the blaze may have been intentionally set.
The Monroe Fire Department responded to a structure fire at Saint Mary’s No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church on Williams Street on March 30. Officials confirmed that the church was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
“It’s not a good idea to go against God’s people,” said Pastor John Sewell in the aftermath of the blaze that damaged the historic structure. The statement comes as authorities launch an investigation into the cause of the fire.
The Monroe Fire Investigation Unit and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office are jointly investigating the incident. While the official cause remains undetermined, church leadership believes the fire was deliberate.
Reverend Sewell, who has served as pastor since 2001, stated that the fire “was no accident,” though he expressed uncertainty about the motive behind the potential arson.
This isn’t the first time the church has been targeted. According to church officials, the congregation has previously dealt with multiple instances of vandalism, including four broken windows and two bricks thrown into the building.
Despite the damage, Pastor Sewell affirmed that church services will continue, and the congregation is welcoming contributions from anyone wishing to assist with the rebuilding process.
A Pillar of History
Saint Mary’s No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church represents a significant piece of Monroe’s history. Founded around 1885 near the intersection of Bayou DeSiard and the Ouachita River, the church later relocated to its present location on Williams Street after several decades.
The church stands as a testament to the area’s past, when much of Monroe’s Black community resided in the neighborhood. Throughout its 140-year history, the church has been led by prominent pastors including Reverends A.T. Thomas, James Toliver, S.L. Johnson, and Frank Robinson.
Notable members have included Brothers Alex Banks, David Edwards, David Isaiah, Henry Jackson, Raymond Jackson, J.D. Johnson, Ellis Ward, Bennie Binder, Will Joseph, and Ed Washington. Sisters Matilda Johnson and Jessie Moore are counted among the church’s influential matriarchs.
As investigations continue, the congregation remains resilient, determined to preserve this cornerstone of community and faith that has stood for generations.
