DALLAS — First Baptist Church, Dallas, has launched what leaders say will be the largest church-building campaign in modern history — a $130 million project that includes the congregation’s first entirely new sanctuary since the 1890s.
Once considered the largest church in the Southern Baptist Convention, First, Dallas, has declined from 25,000 members under its legendary pastor of 50 years, W.A. Criswell, to about 11,000 today.
Under leadership of Robert Jeffress, who took over as pastor in 2007, leaders say the church is growing again, but current facilities are inadequate for innovative ministries needed to reach today’s generation.
The plans for the church campus include a high-tech, 3,000-seat worship center, which will double the church’s current worship capacity. There will also be an education center and 500-space parking garage.
Several of seven major buildings currently in the church’s sprawling complex on six city blocks will be demolished to make way for construction. The current historic sanctuary will remain, with a steeple restored to its original height. It will continue to be used for weddings, funerals and special events.
New landmark features include a towering stone waterfall topped with a luminescent cross. A shallow pool surrounded by green space will provide both a common area for downtown residents and guests and a place for open-air baptism services.
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