Cairo church for Sale on eBay - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

CAIRO, IL (KFVS) -  The former First Christian Church of Cairo is for sale on eBay.

Geoffrey King of Carbondale has bought and sold real estate in the past, but he never imagined owning a church.

"It was a surprise. I think it was a surprise to everyone, including me," he said.

After working on the church for about a year, King is ready to sell the 101-year-old building and placed it on eBay for $50,000.

King has received interest from across the country, but wants Cairo to benefit from the sale.

He will donate half the money from the sale to go toward a new swimming pool in town, something Cairo hasn't had for more than 40 years.

"I think every kid should know how to swim and it's a big benefit for the community by teaching responsibility," King said.

"I have a daughter and I would love to do activities with her here instead of driving somewhere else," said Cairo resident Anthony Davis.

Aside from being a popular recreational facility, it should provide an economic boost as well.

"It will put men and women in this community, put to work in the construction and maintenance of this facility," said King.

"I'm looking for a job. So yeah, I would love it," said Davis.

©2009 KFVS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.