DALLAS (ABP) — One of Southern Baptists’ most historic and prominent congregations has officially embarked — with four simultaneous Oct. 30 building implosions — on what it is calling the biggest church renovation-and-expansion project in modern history.
Four buildings are imploded to make way for a massive $130 million renovation-and-construction project at the First Baptist Church of Dallas Oct. 30. (Photo courtesy First Baptist Church)
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Members of the First Baptist Church of Dallas joined dignitaries gathered to observe the demolition of the buildings, which stood on land the congregation will use for a $115 million project to build a new, modern sanctuary and recreate the church's historic campus.
“The last time anyone has seen this view of our church was 1927,” said First Baptist Pastor Robert Jeffress, according to a press release. “And now, we are seeing the sanctuary in a whole new light.”
“This is a very positive [thing] for the city of Dallas,” said Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, a First Baptist member. “The best part of the story is yet to come. This change is a new gateway into an important part of Dallas. It will give the entire downtown area a different feel.”
Demolition experts used 450 pounds of dynamite to bring down the church’s Burt Building — which dated from 1927 — as well as its Christian Education Building, Ruth Ray Hunt Building and Veal Building. Those structures — some of which had originally been built as office buildings that the church acquired and converted — will soon be joined by the Truett and Mary C buildings (to be demolished by wrecking ball).
An architect’s rendering of the new sanctuary and cross-topped fountain that will be the centerpiece of the First Baptist Church of Dallas’ new $130 million construction project. (Image courtesy First Baptist Church)
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Once debris is cleared, construction will begin on a facility that includes a glass-enclosed sanctuary seating 3,000 as well as educational facilities and a large public green space surrounding a cross-topped fountain. The project is one of several massive building projects ongoing or recently completed in downtown Dallas, and church officials expect it to be completed in time for Easter 2013.
“As I look around downtown, I see spectacular temples of commerce, culture and government — many new, some restored to former glory, and all intended to stand for generations,” said Jeffress. “The Kingdom of God needs a home to equal them — a spiritual oasis in the middle of downtown.”
Demolition experts took special care to shield the church’s historic sanctuary from potential blast damage by boarding up its stained-glass windows and erecting a massive earthen berm to prevent pieces of debris from bouncing off the street and damaging the sanctuary. The ornate worship hall — much of which dates to 1890 — served as home base for two of the nation’s most legendary Baptist pastors, the late W.A. Criswell and George W. Truett.
Once the new sanctuary is completed, the historic building will continue to be used for weddings, funerals and other special services.
Church officials say they already have pledges secured to cover the project's price tag.
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Previous ABP story:
First Baptist Church Dallas launches $130 million building project (11/3/2009)