“Miraculous protection by God.” That’s how a pastor described the saving of 2,000 children from a tragic event. We are here at Memorial Baptist Church. I will tell you about another church’s history. It mirrors faith and resilience.
First Baptist Church of Dallas faced a devastating fire. It was a megachurch with humble beginnings. The fire consumed its historic sanctuary. The sanctuary was built in 1890. It stood in the heart of downtown Dallas.
The church grew alongside the city. It became a megachurch over time. The sanctuary remained its heart. Presidents and dignitaries visited this architectural marvel. It became a Texas Historical Landmark in 1968.
On one day, vacation bible school took place. Two thousand children attended. Hundreds of adults were present. The school ended at 4 p.m. Only two hours later, the fire started. Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress saw divine intervention. God spared lives. He told Fox 4 News about this.
Jeffress declared the sanctuary would be rebuilt. Officials deemed the structure unsound. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Authorities continue to investigate. The church had to erect a barrier around the scene. This ensured public safety.
The First Baptist Church has deep roots. It organized on July 30, 1868. This marked the fourth attempt to establish a Baptist church in Dallas. Previous churches disbanded or moved away. Eleven charter members founded First Baptist. They met on Lamar Street.
W. W. Harris served as pastor from 1868 to 1870. George W. Truett and W. A. Criswell also led the church. Under Truett, membership grew significantly. It went from 797 to 7,804. Criswell continued this growth. In 1991, First Baptist became the largest church in the United States. It had over 28,000 members. Billy Graham was among its notable members.
First Baptist pioneered ministries. In 1897, it started a training class for Sunday school teachers. During the late 1800s, controversies arose. Samuel A. Hayden, a member, caused disputes. He left the church. In 1900, he helped form the Baptist Missionary Association.
The church began ministries to the deaf. This was in 1919. In 1921, services were broadcast on the radio. By 1926, three stations broadcast its programs. Televised services started on January 7, 1951. Criswell College was established in 1970. It was originally a biblical institute.
First Baptist played a role. It helped the conservative resurgence. This happened during the Southern Baptist Convention controversy. Criswell’s beliefs influenced this. He committed to the inerrancy of scripture. He followed conservative theology.
First Baptist remained downtown. In 1991, its buildings covered five city blocks. In 1990, it collected over $13 million. This supported its work. It also funded thirty-seven inner-city missions.
Like the First Baptist Church, may Memorial Baptist Church continue to thrive. May it always be a sanctuary for generations to come. May its legacy inspire faith and service for many years.