BREAKING NEWS: Massive Fire at First Baptist Dallas Engulfs Historic Sanctuary
Friday evening, a four-alarm fire broke out in the historic secondary chapel at First Baptist Dallas, Texas, ultimately causing the structure to “largely” collapse, an official told the Dallas Morning News. Built in 1890, the chapel served as a place of worship until 2013, when the church opened a new worship center.
Captain Robert Borse of the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department reported that crews were summoned at 6:05 p.m. and had contained the fire by 9:46 p.m. No injuries or damage to surrounding structures were reported, he said, adding that arson investigators will begin their work once they can access the scene.
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“We are grateful that no life has been lost that we know of even though we just had 2,000 children and volunteers on campus for Vacation Bible School,” Pastor Robert Jeffress, the church’s senior pastor, said in a statement late Friday. “As tragic as the loss of this old sanctuary is, we are grateful that the church is not bricks and wood but composed of over 16,000 people who are determined more than ever before to reach the world for the gospel of Christ. Please pray for all of First Baptist Dallas.”
While firefighters battled the blaze, Jeffress took to social media to share the church’s urgent need for prayer:
A later social media post from Jeffress praised God for “His hand of protection,” noting that “one way or another, we intend to meet for church this Sunday.”
Please pray for this congregation and all churches in the greater Dallas area, which appears to be under clear spiritual attack in recent weeks.
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