Historic Dallas, Texas Megachurch Falls to Flames

The red brick walls of First Baptist dallas Church's historic sanctuary are soot-singed and intact, but only devastation and ashes are found within.

At 6:05 pm, the Dallas Fire-Rescue received a call for 1717 San Jacinto street in the heart of downtown Dallas. A second alarm was requested at 6:20 pm. The fire was contained until 7:35 pm when the roof partially collapsed and a third alarm was called. Finally, a fourth alarm was called at 8:14 pm, according to CBS5 News.

More than 60 units responded to the church fire.

As the dawn of a new day came, fire crews kept a close eye on the structure for hot spots, but the landmark was tentatively declared partially-destroyed. Heartbroken congregant members came to see the destruction of their spiritual home and spectators stood at a respectful distance to survey the scene.

The sanctuary of First Baptist Dallas Church was built in 1890 in what would become downtown Dallas. And like the city itself, the church grew over the years.

In time, the church became a megachurch, and the church expanded to accommodate the growing flock. Yet, the little sanctuary remained at the center of operations, the heartbeat of a growing religious institution. Considered by many as an architectural marvel, the sanctuary hosted a liege of prominent visitors, including presidents and foreign dignitaries throughout the decades.

It was declared a Texas Historical Landmark in 1968.

Following the harrowing event, Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress told Fox 4 News that 2,000 children and hundreds of adults had been in the sanctuary for vacation bible school until 4 pm--a mere two hours before the fire began.

"That's miraculous protection by God to spare not only those children, but any lost lives, and we thank God for that," said Jeffress.

The pastor has also told Fox 4 News Dallas-Ft Worth that the sanctuary will be rebuilt.

The church is required to erect a barrier around the scene with 24-hour monitoring to ensure the premises are secured against members of the public.

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