After a devastating fire in late July ravaged its historic chapel, First Baptist Dallas has resumed Sunday services in its worship center at its downtown campus.
The fire on July 19 caused significant damage to the historic structure. It took approximately three hours and nearly 100 firefighters to get the blaze under control. Authorities believe the fire may have originated in the basement, but the specific cause remains uncertain. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities.
Sunday services have been held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center for the last two weeks. The first service in its downtown worship center since the four-alarm fire was held on August 4 at 11 a.m.
First Baptist Dallas leader Pastor Robert Jeffress led the service on Sunday, receiving a standing ovation from parishioners.
“There were like three or four times today where the people got on their feet and wild applause, not for themselves, but for the goodness of God and protecting us through these last two weeks,” Jeffress told Fox 4 KDFW.
The historic sanctuary, initially constructed in 1871 and situated in the Central Business District, was renowned for its addition of a red brick facade in 1890. Notably, this chapel was the sole church in Downtown Dallas to retain its original location, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The church is requesting donations on its website for a fund focused on the “Historic Sanctuary project.”
“Thank you for your prayers for our church! To help support First Dallas, we would encourage you to give to our ongoing ministry through Mission 1:8 WIN NOW or to a special “Church Campus Redevelopment” fund focused on the Historic Sanctuary project,” its website states.
However, Jeffress confirmed that insurance would cover the costs of rebuilding the church. He stated that the new church would seek to honor, not replicate, the original building.
“If we allow that thing to remain in ruins, it will look to the whole world like we’ve been defeated by the evil one, so we’re going to rebuild,” Jeffress said, per NBC 5 DFW. “I’m not saying we’re going to duplicate every square inch of that worship center. … We’re going to remember that historic place of worship and do everything we can to honor it.”
Jeffress noted that the church’s historic sanctuary steeple is expected to be removed and preserved for reinstallation when the new structure is complete, reported Fox 4. Additionally, the City of Dallas has approved preserving as many historic walls as possible.
The church aims to return to its regular schedule in two weeks, which will include the resumption of all classes and worship services.
“Trust me when I tell you this, some good things are coming of this already, and we’re going to be able to reveal those to you in the days ahead, ” Jeffress said, per Fox 4.
