Fire Destroys Part Of Historic Sanctuary At First Baptist Dallas
The historic sanctuary of Dallas First Baptist Church was largely destroyed Friday night after a four-alarm fire engulfed the building.
As first reported on KDFW Fox 4, firefighting crews were first called to the church in downtown Dallas just after 6 p.m. They were able to mostly contain the fire until the roof partially caved-in around 7:35 p.m., and flames reignited.
Investigators believe the fire may have started in the church’s basement, the television station reported.
The cause and origin of the catastrophic fire will be investigated after the building is considered structurally safe.
Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress posted on Facebook on Friday evening, “We are grateful that no one was injured today and are thankful for the first responders who helped contain the fire to our Historic Sanctuary. … One way or another, we intend to meet for church this Sunday.”
In an interview with Fox 4, Jeffress recalled his connection to the church, “I was baptized there when I was 6, I was ordained in ministry when I was 21. It holds a lot of memories.”
The church had concluded vacation bible school with over 2,000 kids, Jeffress told KDFW. Jeffress said, “I’m grateful that the church is not bricks or mortar or wood; it’s people.”
The First Baptist Church of Dallas was organized on July 30, 1868, according to the Texas State Historical Association.
The cornerstone of First Baptist Dallas was laid in 1890 by a small group of believers determined to begin a Baptist church in downtown Dallas, according to the church’s webpage.
First Baptist has remained in downtown Dallas throughout its history and received a historical marker in 1968.
In 1991 the physical plant of the church covered five city blocks, according to the state’s historical website.
This story has been republished with permission from The Roys Report.
Sheila Stogsdill is a freelance print journalist and digital reporter, primarily covering crime issues for KSN/KODE.