First Baptist Dallas returns to worship center for first Sunday Service since sanctuary fire

DALLAS - First Baptist Dallas held its first Sunday service at its downtown worship center since a four-alarm fire at the church's historic sanctuary last month.

The worship center was damaged when the 134-year-old sanctuary caught fire on July 19.

Church attendees returned to the worship center on Sunday after two weeks at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

A tarp covered some of the damaged area.

Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress received a standing ovation as he took the stage on Sunday. Jeffers was visually emotional as he began to speak.

"There were like three or four times today where the people got on their feet and wild applause, not for themselves, but for the goodness of God and protecting us through these last two weeks," Jeffress told FOX 4.

Jeffress told FOX 4 he could feel the excitement from the congregation.

"I really have seen a great revival. Our people are already excited and motivated. But they realize God has a great purpose for First Baptist Dallas, and we feel honored to be a part of this great congregation," he said.   

The church plans to be back on its full schedule in two weeks.

That includes all classes and worship services.

First Baptist received permission from the City of Dallas to attempt to preserve as much of the historic building as they can.

The church is hopeful it can keep the original facade intact for the new sanctuary.

"That square in downtown Dallas is going to continue to be used for ministry for many years to come," said Jeffress.

The steeple of the church is expected to be removed sometime this week. The church wants to preserve the steeple and put it back up when the new structure is complete.

"Trust me when I tell you this, some good things are coming of this already, and we're going to be able to reveal those to you in the days ahead.," Jeffress said.

Jeffress said next Sunday the church will look to recreate a photo from the past with all church members in front of the sanctuary.

(Source: First Baptist Dallas)

"It would be our way of saying to the whole City of Dallas, we'll show that picture everywhere, we'll have the picture of all of our members and the words ‘We Are First Baptist Church Dallas.’ It's not a building, it is us," said Jeffress.

Fire officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire, but it is believed to have started in the sanctuary's basement.