Dallas awoke Saturday morning to the sobering news of a devastating fire at the historic First Baptist Dallas. Flames burst Friday evening around 6:00 pm, quickly escalating into a four-alarm inferno. Thankfully, no wounds were reported, but the fire caused substantial damage, largely receding the 134-year-old sanctuary to a flaming shell.
Viewers said they saw thick black smoke billowing from the temple steeple, visible from blocks away. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, with a partial defeat happening around 7:30 pm. The fire department switched to defensive tactics, containing the flames within the historic building and stopping them from spreading to nearby networks.
The fire’s cause remains under study. Dallas Fire-Rescue officials have stated they won’t be able to enter the building for a full study until it’s deemed structurally safe.
The news has deeply impacted the First Baptist Dallas community. Pastor Robert Jeffress expressed his gratitude for the firefighters’ swift response and the lack of injuries.
“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,” he said in a statement. While the historic structure was no longer the community’s primary sanctuary, it held immense sentimental value, having served as a spiritual home for generations and hosting notable figures like President Woodrow Wilson.
Despite the destruction, the church maintains a resilient spirit. The main church building upheld smoke damage but appears structurally sound. In a statement, the church assured its community, “We intend to meet for church this Sunday.”
The fire has sparked an outpouring of support from the Dallas community. Social media is filled with messages of comfort and offers of help. Local organizations are already reaching out to the church, seeking ways to help with the rebuilding method.
While the future of the historic harbor remains pending, the spirit of the First Baptist Dallas community appears unbroken. The coming days will be crucial as investigators determine the cause of the fire and the church begins to assess the damage and plan for the future.