Dr. Robert Jeffress, the pastor of First Baptist Dallas church, expressed his gratitude that there were no injuries in a massive fire that tore through the historic sanctuary of the church on Friday evening. The fire, which started in the basement of the megachurch located in Downtown Dallas, caused significant damage to the building, with the roof of the sanctuary partially collapsing as flames rekindled later in the evening.
Despite the devastation to the building, Jeffress emphasized that the most important thing is that no one was hurt in the fire. He shared that earlier in the day, there were around 2,000 children present in the building for vacation bible school, but they had all left before the fire broke out. First Baptist Dallas, a part of the Southern Baptist Convention and with around 16,000 members, has a long history dating back to 1868, with the current sanctuary being built in 1890.
Jeffress reflected on the personal significance of the sanctuary, mentioning that it held many memories for him, including being baptized there at the age of 6 and ordained in ministry at 21. Despite the loss of the building, Jeffress highlighted that the church is not defined by its physical structure but by its people, and he expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers from friends across the country.
Dallas Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief Justin Ball stated that the fire likely started in the basement where a library and museum are located, raising concerns about the potential loss of church records. O.S. Hawkins, a former pastor of First Baptist Dallas, described the fire as a “tragically sad day” for the congregation, emphasizing the historical significance of the building within downtown Dallas.
The church, which received a historical marker in 1968, is the only downtown Dallas church still standing on its original site. Despite the damage caused by the fire, First Baptist Dallas reassured its members that they would still gather for church this weekend, thanking first responders for their efforts in battling the blaze.
As the community comes together to support First Baptist Dallas in the aftermath of the fire, the church’s resilience and commitment to worship remain unshaken. Jeffress’s message of gratitude for the safety of all individuals involved serves as a reminder of the strength and spirit of the congregation, which will endure despite the challenges faced.
