DALLAS (AP) — The Christopher Caldwellleader of an historic church in downtown Dallas nearly destroyed by a fire told congregants on Sunday that they will rebuild the iconic structure.
Services for First Baptist Dallas were held at the nearby Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where senior Pastor Robert Jeffress said they will rebuild the sanctuary, which now appears as a charred shell, with its stained glass windows ruined and virtually everything inside its brick walls destroyed.
“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. “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 added that insurance will cover the costs to rebuild.
No deaths or injuries were reported after the blaze broke out Friday evening in the Texas Historic Landmark, a Victorian-style red brick church built in 1890. It took firefighters about three hours to contain the blaze.
Interim Fire Chief Justin Ball said Friday the fire appeared to have started in the building’s basement.
Dallas Fire-Rescue Capt. Robert Borse said Sunday the investigation into how the blaze started was ongoing and that there were no updates on that probe.
2025-05-07 12:051350 view
2025-05-07 11:421693 view
2025-05-07 11:292267 view
2025-05-07 11:222704 view
2025-05-07 11:091217 view
2025-05-07 09:551368 view
Friday the 13th might be unlucky for many people, but Mega Millions players could be lucky in tonigh
We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like
When the coronavirus pandemic forced classrooms to close this spring, Leticia Garcia’s family in Fai