Historic Dallas church demolishes old buildings to make room for improvements

DALLAS - Demolition is underway on the original sanctuary for a historic church in Dallas.

St. Luke Community United Methodist Church on Dolphin Road in Old East Dallas was built back in 1936.

For the past three years, the church community has been preparing for a new era of ministry.

On Monday, crews began knocking down the church’s old sanctuary and an old education building to make room for a new building that will hold up to 200 people for receptions and special events.

There will also be a children’s development center for weekday programs and children’s programming on Sundays.

Pastor Richie Butler said the improvements will change many lives.

"The church has been a leader in social justice. If there is an issue in our community around social justice, this church has stepped up to carry the mantle. The former Emeritus Pastor Zan Holmes, who is a living legend in that era of social justice, helped to really put the church on the map. And we’re just continuing that rich legacy of being a beacon for those who are left out, left behind, and for those who are seeking justice in our society," he said.

The church is also making major upgrades to improve its hybrid in-person and virtual ministries.

It’s not clear when the entire project is set to be complete.

Pastor Butler is hopeful that date will be set soon.