Connect with us

Dallas, TX

First Baptist Dallas unveils ambitious plan to rebuild historic sanctuary after fire

Published

on

First Baptist Dallas unveils ambitious plan to rebuild historic sanctuary after fire


A rendering of the planned reconstruction of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. | Screenshot/YouTube/First Baptist Dallas

First Baptist Dallas has revealed ambitious designs to reconstruct its historic sanctuary, which was devastated by a fire earlier this year.

First Baptist Dallas’ Executive Pastor Jeff Lovvorn outlined the church’s efforts to rebuild during its service on Sunday.

“Our goal is to honor the past while looking forward to what God will do here,” Lovvorn stated. “We are committed to preserving the historic exterior walls of the sanctuary, and we’ve been working diligently to shore them up during this challenging time.”

Get Our Latest News for FREE

Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know.

Advertisement

The proposed designs feature a larger steeple, reminiscent of the original structure, and plans for restored stained glass windows that will enhance the worship space.

“The steeple has been a symbolic cornerstone for our church, reminding us that Jesus Christ is our true cornerstone,” Lovvorn added.

The new sanctuary will also include an elevated floor and a redesigned pulpit, which will be oriented on the north side of the building. This change, said Lovvorn, aims to create a more welcoming atmosphere for worshipers while incorporating modern amenities, including an expanded fellowship space, a grand staircase, and a new multi-purpose venue beneath the sanctuary.

Lovvorn said First Baptist Dallas is planning its largest fundraising effort ever, Mission 18, in order to bring its new vision to life by raising $95 million to support both the new sanctuary and other church ministries.

“We see this not just as a reconstruction but as a vision for the future,” Lovvorn emphasized. 

Advertisement

Construction of the new sanctuary space is scheduled to begin in January, according to CBS News.

Following the fire, which occurred in late July, the congregation has rallied together in faith and determination. One congregant who’s been a member of the church for 13 years expressed their grief over the loss but also their hope for the future: “It’s heartbreaking to see our sanctuary gone, but I believe in the church’s mission and the strength of our community.”

As plans continue to develop, First Baptist Dallas encouraged its congregation and the wider community to participate in the rebuilding efforts. 

“This is our opportunity to make history for the glory of God,” Lovvorn concluded, urging members to pray and contribute to the cause.

The church’s leadership plans to provide ongoing updates and renderings as the rebuilding progresses over the next two years.

Advertisement

Founded in 1890, the historic red brick sanctuary of First Baptist Dallas was gutted by the fire, which originated in the basement and caused extensive damage, but somehow spared the historic pulpit from the flames.

Fire investigators have not determined the cause of the fire, but arson has been ruled out. 

The church has been a cornerstone in the Southern Baptist Convention, often described as the “Notre Dame” of the denomination. Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress, a former spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump, leads the congregation of about 16,000 members.

Reflecting on the fire, Dr. Richard D. Land, a former associate pastor and professor at First Baptist Dallas, shared his personal connection to the church in his weekly column for The Christian Post. Land recounted his years of service and the deep community ties within the church, which have seen generations of families worship and grow in their faith together.

Land said while the church’s physical structure has suffered, its congregation’s spirit remains unbroken. He told readers that the spiritual essence of the church is not confined to its buildings but embodied by its people and their faith.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dallas, TX

New housing option for former homeless opens in Northeast Dallas

Published

on

New housing option for former homeless opens in Northeast Dallas


The next major piece in addressing homelessness is now open in Northeast Dallas, as an old hotel remodel is creating new opportunities for those who call it home.

Anthony Armstrong has seen a lot of situations.

“This is my first time being in this type of situation, whatever this situation is.”

The self-described Iraq war vet says he left his job at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Denver during the pandemic after suffering from complications from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Advertisement

“It kind of just threw me into like this mental spiral, and so, I quit working for about two years,” Armstrong said.

He arrived in Dallas earlier this year with no place to live but with plenty of faith.

“If you need it, just ask, and it will be provided,” Armstrong said.

After a few months in a downtown shelter, Armstrong is now a month and a half into living at St. Jude Center – Vantage Point, just south of I-635 near Greenville Avenue, which celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday.  Residents like Armstrong began moving in earlier this year.

It’s a former hotel that the city of Dallas and Dallas County combined to purchase for $7 million in 2023 and turn into permanent supportive housing.

Advertisement

Dave Woodyard is CEO of Catholic Charities Dallas, which operates as property management at what is now the third St. Jude Center in Dallas. All three centers have the same mission.

“The only requirement to be is to be formerly homeless,” Woodyard said.

The facility creates a single-site solution: a safe, quiet place to call home, paid for through federal housing vouchers combined with access to mental health services, transportation, and job placements in one location.

“Many that come here are seniors, veterans and others that have experienced some horrible traumas in their life and it’s a long road to recovery,” Woodyard said. “It’s not an easy step out, if you will. So, this gives them that safe environment.”

A fourth St. Jude Center is set to open late next year or early 2026 in Oak Cliff.

Advertisement

Woodyard adds that about 700 neighbors who previously stayed in shelters or on the streets have found housing so far, and the need continues to grow.

“The numbers going forward are really hard to predict,” Woodyard said. “Right now, we could have another ten St. Jude centers, and it would make a huge dent, but it wouldn’t be the total solution.”

For Armstrong, he adds if life is like a movie, he’s just in a new scene.

“You want to see a couple of downs to see how that person works out of it. So, I’m getting ready for my biopic,” he says. “I just have faith that things will work out for me.”

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Dallas, TX

3 Prop Bets For Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Published

on

3 Prop Bets For Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves


The Dallas Mavericks are on the second leg of their back-to-back, as they were on their home floor for a matchup against the Utah Jazz just last night. This time around, they’re hitting the road for a Western Conference Finals rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Against the Jazz, Luka Doncic struggled mightily, converting on just five of his 22 shots for 15 points, though he added nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block. The Mavericks came away with a 110-102 victory over the Jazz.

Now, they take on the Timberwolves, who they defeated to reach the NBA Finals a season ago. This time around, Dallas is a 5.5-point underdog.

READ MORE: Mavericks at Timberwolves: How To Watch, Time, TV, & Odds

Advertisement

Dereck Lively over 7.5 rebounds (-136)

The second-year Mavericks center might be coming off the bench, but he’s played 25.3 minutes per game in three appearances. He’s also covered this prop in two of those three games, notching 11 rebounds in his first two games played. With the Timberwolves being a bigger team, Lively will be in the paint more frequently and be available for some big rebounds.

Luka Doncic over 8.5 assists (-108)

At this point, Doncic has failed to cover his points spread twice in three games. However, he’s going to impact the game in every way, whether it be scoring, passing or rebounding. With his offense not being fully in form yet, he’s still going to set his teammates up well with his on-ball gravity, and he should be able to tally his highest assist total of the season by relying on his teammates to pick up on his slack.

Anthony Edwards over 26.5 points (-122)

Advertisement

Playing just under 40 minutes per contest, Edwards has covered this prop in two of his three games played this season. With their new-look squad, the Timberwolves superstar is going to be relied on heavily to go out there and make plays. He’s shooting 3-pointers with improved volume, and, should he get continue to get going, he will very easily clear this prop.

All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

READ MORE: 3 Takeaways From Mavs’ Struggling Win Over Jazz

Advertisement

Stick with MavericksGameday for more coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the NBA offseason. 

Follow Kade Kimble on Twitter.





Source link

Continue Reading

Dallas, TX

What’s wrong for Dak Prescott, Ceedee Lamb & the Dallas Cowboys – Keyshawn Johnson | NFL on FOX Pod

Published

on

What’s wrong for Dak Prescott, Ceedee Lamb & the Dallas Cowboys – Keyshawn Johnson | NFL on FOX Pod


Video Details

Dave brings on Keyshawn Johnson for a special episode of the NFL on FOX Podcast! Within the full interview, the duo talk about what’s wrong with the Dallas Cowboys and whether they can turn it around. They make sure to discuss Dak Prescott & CeeDee Lamb! To wrap up the conversation, Helman and Johnson name coaching figures such as Sean McVay and Sean McDermott as dream head coaching candidates for the America’s team!

2 HOURS AGO・the nfl on fox podcast・20:26

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending