The former Shelby Regional Medical Hospital has been acquired by First United Pentecostal Church in Center. The hospital has been unused since it’s closing in 2013. 

Pastor of the First United Pentecostal Church, Andy Wilson, discussed plans for the property. After demolishing the current structure, plans are to erect a new sanctuary, offices, fellowship hall, gym and youth center. Rev. Wilson has served as pastor here for better than two years. Over the past twenty four years serving as an ordained minister, he has ministered in Alabama, Louisiana and Texas.

Wilson stated the church membership has grown to close to 400 members in the past couple years. Even though the present church building has been remolded recently, the building has reached capacity, leaving the need for a new building imminent. Plans for the new building allows for a 700-900 seating capacity, making it one of the largest churches in Center. After the new building is completed, there are plans to sell the old church building. Demolition plans for the hospital are underway but will not take place for several months, still.