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Do not fill this in! {{short description|House of worship in Texas, USA}} {{use mdy dates|date=August 2018}} {{Infobox church |name = First Baptist Church |fullname = | |image = First Baptist Church building, Dallas, TX 2013-06-08 3.jpg |imagesize = |imagelink = |imagealt = |landscape = |caption = Main building |pushpin map = Texas#USA |pushpin label position = |pushpin map alt = |pushpin mapsize = |relief = yes |map caption = |latd = |latm = |lats = |latNS = |longd = |longm = |longs = |longEW = |coordinates = {{coord|32|47|5|N|96|47|58|W|region:US-TX_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} |location = 1707 San Jacinto St.,<br />[[Dallas]], [[Texas]] |country = [[United States]] |denomination = [[Baptist]] |associations = [[Southern Baptist Convention]] |previous denomination = |churchmanship = |membership = 13,000 (2018) |attendance = |website = {{URL|http://www.firstdallas.org}} |former name = |bull date = |founded date = {{start date|1868|07|30}} |founder = |dedication = |dedicated date = |consecrated date = |cult = |relics = |events = |past bishop = |people = |status = |functional status = |heritage designation = [[Recorded Texas Historic Landmark]] #[https://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/Details/5113006689 6689] |designated date = 1968 |architect = |architectural type = |style = |groundbreaking = |completed date = |construction cost = |closed date = |demolished date = |capacity = |length = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |width = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |width nave = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |height = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |diameter = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |other dimensions = |floor count = |floor area = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |dome quantity = |dome height outer = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |dome height inner = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |dome dia outer = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |dome dia inner = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |spire quantity = |spire height = <!-- {{convert|}} --> |materials = |bells = |bells hung = |bell weight = <!-- {{CwtQtrLb to kg|}} --> |parish = |deanery = |archdeaconry = |episcopalarea = |archdiocese = |metropolis = |diocese = |province = |presbytery = |synod = |circuit = |district = |division = [[Southern Baptists of Texas Convention]] |subdivision = |seniorpastor = |pastor = [[Robert Jeffress]], since 2007 |abbot = |chaplain = |reader = |student intern = |organistdom = |director = |organist = |organscholar = |chapterclerk = |laychapter = |warden = |verger = |businessmgr = |liturgycoord = |reledu = |rcia = |youthmin = |flowerguild = |musicgroup = |parishadmin = |serversguild = |logo = |logosize = |logolink = |logoalt = }} '''First Baptist Dallas''' is a [[Baptist]] [[megachurch]] located in [[Dallas]], Texas. It is affiliated with the [[Southern Baptist Convention]]. It was established in 1868. The church is considered influential in Dallas and among [[Evangelicalism in the United States|evangelical Christians in the United States]], because of its community involvement through 21 missions.<ref name="dallasnews.com">Sharon Grigsby, [https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2018/07/27/is-the-real-first-baptist-dallas-more-than-just-divisive-pastor-robert-jeffress/ Is the real First Baptist Dallas more than just divisive pastor Robert Jeffress?], dallasnews.com, USA, Jul 27, 2018</ref> The First Baptist Church of Dallas founded many former affiliating and existing notable ministries from Silent Friends to [[First Baptist Academy of Dallas|First Baptist Academy]] to [[Criswell College]], several radio stations, and [[Dallas Life]], a [[mission (Christianity)|mission]] for the homeless on the southern edge of [[Downtown Dallas]]. In 2018, the church claimed 13,000 members. The current pastor is Dr. [[Robert Jeffress]] (2007), appointed after Pastor [[Mac Brunson]] (1999), who succeeded Pastor O.S. Hawkins (1993), who then succeeded Pastor Joel C. Gregory (1990). The preceding pastors before Dr. Joel C. Gregory were the esteemed Dr. [[W.A. Criswell]] (1944) and [[George Washington Truett]] (1897). ==History== [[File:Dallas - First Baptist Church 01.jpg|thumb|right|Historic building]] The First Baptist Church of Dallas was established on July 30, 1868, with eleven founding members. They convened in the Masonic Hall, located on Lamar Street near Ross Avenue.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lefever |first1=Alan J |title=First Baptist Church, Dallas |url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/ivf01 |website=[[Handbook of Texas Online]] |publisher=Texas State Historical Association |access-date=June 10, 2018}}</ref> In 1872, the congregation pooled their funds together to purchase the first building, on Akard, in downtown Dallas. The cornerstone of the sanctuary that the congregation worships in today was laid in 1891. Since the 1970s, the church has established a number of ministries that are affiliated with the church. [[First Baptist Academy of Dallas]] and [[Criswell College]] (formerly Criswell Bible Institute) were formed to champion [[Christianity|Christian]] education. In the mid-1970s, [[Criswell College]] purchased [[KCBI]] to be used as a Christian radio station. The station has resided on the lower frequencies of [[FM broadcasting|FM]]. Now at 90.9 FM, [[KCBI]] broadcasts as part of the Criswell Radio Network, and includes [[KCCE (AM)|KCCE]] and [[KSAO (FM)|KSAO]] of [[San Angelo, Texas]], and [[KCBK]] of [[Frederick, Oklahoma]]. In 2013, [[Ted Cruz]], invited by Robert Jeffress, attended the church and gave a speech on faith and the [[U.S. Constitution]] to the congregation. Jeffress praised Cruz as "a strong leader and a committed Christian".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jervis|first1=Rick|title=Ted Cruz uses faith freely on campaign trail|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/12/10/ted-cruz-religion-2016-evangelicals/76945128/|work=USA Today|date=December 11, 2015 |access-date=June 12, 2017}}</ref> In 2013, a 3,000 seat Worship Center and expansion was built at the cost of $130 million, close to the historic building. The center has {{convert|178000|sqft|sqm}} of space, and the older facilities were also renovated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2013/03/31/first-baptist-of-dallas-unveils-its-new-campus/|title=First Baptist of Dallas unveils its new campus|work=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|date=2013-03-31|access-date=2019-10-22}}</ref> In 2018, the church claimed 13,000 members.<ref name="dallasnews.com"/> ==Senior pastors== W. W. Harris was the first pastor and was followed by several others during the early years of the church. In 1897, the first of the two most notable pastors, [[George Washington Truett]], accepted the position of Pastor and remained there until his death in July 1944. In 1944, Dr. [[W. A. Criswell]] became the pastor of the church. During his pastorate, the church expanded to multiple buildings covering five blocks in Downtown Dallas, eventually becoming the largest Southern Baptist church in the world. Dr. Criswell became Pastor Emeritus from 1995 until his death in 2002. In 1990, [[Joel C. Gregory|Joel Gregory]] became pastor, followed by [[O. S. Hawkins]] in 1993, [[Mac Brunson (pastor)|Mac Brunson]] in 1999, and [[Robert Jeffress]] in 2007. == Facilities == By the virtue of Dr. W.A. Criswell's Pastorship, in 2013, First Baptist Dallas completed another historically major renovation and expansion of their facilities, including construction of a new worship center. With a price tag of $130,000,000 it is the most expensive Protestant building project in modern history.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-04-13|title=First Baptist Dallas Completes Largest Protestant Church Building Project in Modern History|url=https://churchexecutive.com/archives/first-baptist-dallas-completes-largest-protestant-church-building-project-in-modern-history|access-date=2020-09-12|website=Church Executive|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=First Baptist Dallas Completes Largest Church Building Project in Modern History, Contributing to Ongoing Dallas Revitalization: Historic Congregation Goes Against National Church Trend to Build New $130 Million Downtown Campus|url=http://www.multivu.com/assets/60913/documents/60913-FBD-New-Campus-Press-Kit-All-docs-original.pdf}}</ref> In 2019 they announced another $35,000,000 expansion to the Horner Family Center and the addition of a new parking garage, growing the Family Center to 179,000 square feet from an original 98,500 preexisting square footage.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-01-17|title=Downtown Dallas' First Baptist ready to kick off $35 million campus expansion|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/2019/01/17/downtown-dallas-first-baptist-ready-to-kick-off-35-million-campus-expansion/|access-date=2020-09-12|website=Dallas News|language=en}}</ref> FBC Dallas has a 3,000 seat worship center as well as a large skywalk.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How First Baptist's Robert Jeffress Ordained Himself to Lead America|url=https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2012/january/the-savior-robert-jeffress-of-first-baptist-dallas/|access-date=2020-09-12|website=D Magazine|language=en}}</ref> It also contains computer-synchronized water fountain playing music.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First Baptist Church|url=https://greenscapepump.com/portfolio-items/first-baptist-church-downtown-dallas-tx/|access-date=2020-09-12|website=GPSI|language=en-US}}</ref> Despite implosion of a large portion of their six-block campus, First Baptist retains the original worship center (in addition to its new worship center) as an ancillary venue for worship services, weddings and other events.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Michels|first=Patrick|date=2010-10-30|title=From Church to Dust, First Baptist Implosion Makes Room for Shiny New Home Downtown|url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/from-church-to-dust-first-baptist-implosion-makes-room-for-shiny-new-home-downtown-7137577|access-date=2020-09-12|website=Dallas Observer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-11-03|title=First Baptist Church Dallas launches $130 million building project|url=https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/texas/first-baptist-church-dallas-launches-130-million-building-project/|access-date=2020-09-12|website=Baptist Standard|language=en-US}}</ref> ==Controversies== ===W. A. Criswell=== Pastor [[W. A. Criswell]] never spoke in support of [[racial segregation]] in his sermons but was critical of the Supreme Court's decision in ''[[Brown v. Board of Education]]'' and of federal intervention against [[de jure]] southern segregation.<ref name="Freeman">{{cite journal |last=Freeman |first=Curtis |date=2007 |title="Never Had I Been So Blind": W. A. Criswell's "Change" on Racial Segregation |url=http://jsr.fsu.edu/Volume10/Freeman.pdf |journal=Journal of Southern Religion |volume=10 |pages=1β12 |access-date=October 9, 2015}}</ref> In 1956 he made an address denouncing forced integration to a [[South Carolina]] evangelism conference. A day later, he addressed the [[South Carolina General Assembly|South Carolina legislature]] remarking that he "strongly favored racial segregation" and charged that those who were attempting to integrate the white church were "infidels, dying from the neck up."<ref name="Freeman" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Fitzgerald |first=Francis |title=The Evangelicals |publisher=Simon & Schuster |year=2020 |pages=243}}</ref> He was particularly critical of the [[National Council of Churches]] and the [[National Association for the Advancement of Colored People]]. However, after his 1968 election as president of the [[Southern Baptist Convention]], he said that his church already had many non-white members and was open to all regardless of race. In 1970, he remarked that he had "come to the profound conclusion that to separate by coercion the body of Christ on the basis of skin pigmentation was unthinkable, unchristian and unacceptable to God".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Leonard |first=Bill J. |title=God's Last and Only Hope |publisher=University of Michigan Press |year=1990 |pages=22}}</ref> He asserted publicly, "I don't think that segregation could have been or was at any time intelligently, seriously supported by the Bible.<ref name="StandProm">{{cite book |title= Standing on the Promises: The Autobiography of W. A. Criswell|last= Criswell|first= W. A.|author-link= W. A. Criswell|year= 1990|publisher= Word Publishing|location= Dallas, Texas|isbn= 0-8499-0843-4|pages= 202β204, 216β217}}</ref> In September 1992, after 2 years of pastoring, senior pastor Joel C. Gregory announced his resignation, claiming it was due to the refusal of Pastor W.A Criswell to relinquish control of the church, despite Gregory being the senior pastor ''de jure''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Steve Scott and Enrique Rangel |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1992-10-03-9210030082-story.html |title=PASTOR SUDDENLY RESIGNS AT LARGEST U.S. BAPTIST CHURCH |publisher=The Dallas Morning News |date=October 3, 1992 |access-date=2020-10-12 |website=orlandosentinel.com|language=en-US}}</ref> In 1994, Gregory published the book "Too Great a Temptation: The Seductive Power of America's Super Church", detaling his reasons for leaving.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Somerville|first=Frank P. L.|title=A pastor is led into temptation by the allure of a megachurch|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-10-23-1994296041-story.html|date=October 23, 1994|access-date=2020-09-12|website=baltimoresun.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=Adelle M. Banks of The Sentinel|title=EX-PASTOR RAISES QUESTION ABOUT MEGACHURCHES' FUTURE|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1994-10-01-9410010529-story.html|date=October 1, 1994|access-date=2020-09-12|website=OrlandoSentinel.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last= Hirsley |first=Mike |title=WHY TEXAS PASTOR QUIT HIS DREAM JOB|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-09-23-9409230214-story.html|date= September 23, 1994 |access-date=2020-09-12|website=chicagotribune.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| title=The rise and fall and rise again of Joel Gregory|url=https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/texas/the-rise-and-fall-and-rise-again-of-joel-gregory/ | date=2014-09-19|access-date=2020-09-12|website=Baptist Standard|language=en-US}}</ref> ===Robert Jeffress=== Since 2008, Pastor [[Robert Jeffress]] has been involved in numerous controversies, for hate speech against [[homosexuals]], [[Muslims]], [[Catholics]], [[Mormons]] and president [[Barack Obama]].<ref>Julieta Chiquillo, [https://www.dallasnews.com/news/faith/2018/06/07/who-is-robert-jeffress-a-guide-to-the-dallas-pastor-s-controversies/ Who is Robert Jeffress? A guide to the Dallas pastor's controversies], dallasnews.com, USA, Jun 7, 2018</ref> In November 2008, Jeffress, in his sermon "Gay Is Not OK", stated that "What they [homosexuals] do is filthy. It [fellatio] is so degrading that it is beyond description. And it is their filthy behavior that explains why they are so much more prone to disease."<ref>Stoyan Zaimov, [https://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-robert-jeffress-open-to-possibility-that-sexual-orientation-has-genetic-basis.html Pastor Robert Jeffress 'Open to Possibility' That Sexual Orientation Has Genetic Basis], christianpost.com, USA, February 01, 2013</ref><ref>Sam Hodges, [https://www.dallasnews.com/news/faith/2008/11/09/about-100-protest-at-first-baptist-dallas-over-why-gay-is-not-ok-sermon/ About 100 protest at First Baptist Dallas over `Why gay is not OK' sermon], dallasnews.com, USA, November 9, 2008</ref> In September 2010, Pastor Jeffress branded Islam as an "evil, evil religion", claiming that it "promoted [[pedophilia]]".<ref>{{cite web|author=Jillian Rayfield |url=http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/dallas_pastor_islam_promotes_pedophilia_video.php |title=Dallas Pastor Defends Claim That Islam 'Promotes Pedophilia' |publisher=[[Talking Points Memo]] |date=September 7, 2010 |access-date=2011-10-08}}</ref> And in December 2010, Jeffress established a "Naughty and Nice List" where businesses are identified based on whether or not they openly celebrated Christmas, saying "I wanted to do something positive to encourage businesses to acknowledge Christmas and not bow to the strident voices of a minority who object to the holiday."<ref>{{cite web|title=December 7, 2010 Podcaset|url=http://www.christiannewsweekly.org/CNW/Web%20Site/Archives/special/Jeffress,%20Robert%20101207.mp3|publisher=Christian News Weekly|access-date=December 7, 2010|archive-date=July 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725165005/http://www.christiannewsweekly.org/CNW/Web%20Site/Archives/special/Jeffress,%20Robert%20101207.mp3|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=First Baptist's Robert Jeffress to Publicly Shame Stores That Don't Celebrate Christmas| date=December 7, 2010| url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2010/12/first_baptists_robert_jeffress.php| publisher=Dallas Observer blogs| access-date=December 7, 2010| archive-date=December 10, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210054954/http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2010/12/first_baptists_robert_jeffress.php| url-status=dead}}</ref> Also in 2010, he referred to [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]] as a "Satanic" result of [[The Two Babylons|"Babylonian mystery religion"]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Jeffress 'Says Satan Is Behind Roman Catholicism|url=http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/jeffress-says-satan-behind-roman-catholicism|publisher=Right Wing Watch|date=October 8, 2011}}</ref> In October 2011 at the [[Values Voter Summit]], Jeffress branded [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS Church) as "a cult". He received widespread criticism for his statement, but he has not retracted it despite then U.S. presidential candidate and LDS church member [[Mitt Romney]]'s request for him to do so.<ref>{{cite web|author=Karen Brooks and Peter Bohan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-campaign-jeffress-idUSTRE7982DV20111009 |title=Texas pastor stands ground on "cult" comment about Mormons |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=October 9, 2011 |access-date=2011-10-09}}</ref> On November 4, 2012, the Sunday before the [[2012 United States presidential election|2012 election]], Jeffress said that [[Barack Obama]] was "paving the way for the future reign of the Antichrist."<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-megachurch-pastor-says-obama-will-pave-way-for-antichrist-84639/ | title= Texas Megachurch Pastor Says Obama Will 'Pave Way' for Antichrist | date= November 8, 2012| first= Michael|last= Gryboski | work= The Christian Post|access-date=2012-11-12}}</ref> In June 2015, he compared the "marginalization" of Christians in the United States with Jews under Nazi Germany, which was seen as a lack of respect to victims of [[Holocaust]].<ref>Stoyan Zaimov, [https://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-robert-jeffress-disrespectful-to-victims-of-holocaust-by-comparing-marginalization-of-christians-in-the-us-to-jews-under-nazi-germany-rabbi-claims.html Pastor Robert Jeffress 'Disrespectful' to Victims of Holocaust by Comparing 'Marginalization' of Christians in the US to Jews Under Nazi Germany, Rabbi Claims], christianpost.com, USA, June 15, 2015</ref> ==Notable members== American evangelist Rev. [[Billy Graham]] became a member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas in 1953 while visiting Dallas during his crusade to the area and remained a church member for over fifty years, despite not residing within the Dallas area and only very infrequently visiting the Dallas church. In December 2008, the 90-year-old Graham switched his church membership to First Baptist Church of [[Spartanburg, South Carolina]], that was closer to his residence in [[North Carolina]].<ref>{{cite news|author= Sam Hodges|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/faith/2008/12/29/billy-graham-moves-membership-from-first-baptist-dallas/|title=Billy Graham moves membership from First Baptist Dallas|publisher=Dallas Morning News |date=December 29, 2008|access-date=April 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>Bobby Ross Jr., [https://religionnews.com/2018/02/21/billy-graham-never-lived-in-texas-but-belonged-to-a-dallas-church-for-54-years/ Billy Graham never lived in Texas but belonged to a Dallas church for 54 years], religionnews.com, USA, February 21, 2018</ref> ==See also== *[[List of Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks (Cameron-Duval)#Dallas County|Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks in Dallas County]] {{Portal bar|History|Texas}} ==References== {{Reflist}} *George Jackson, ''Sixty Years in Texas'', 1908, pp. 247β248 *H. Leon McBeth, ''The First Baptist Church of Dallas: Centennial History'' (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1968) ==External links== {{Commons category|First Baptist Church, Dallas|{{PAGENAMEBASE}}}} *[http://www.criswell.edu/ Criswell College] *[http://www.fbacademy.com/ First Baptist Academy] *[http://www.kcbi.org/ KCBI, Dallas/Ft. Worth] *[http://www.kcbinet.org KCBK, Frederick/Lawton, OK] *[http://www.dallaslife.org/ Dallas Life] {{Downtown Dallas}} {{Megachurches}} [[Category:Churches in Dallas]] [[Category:Evangelical megachurches in the United States]] [[Category:Megachurches in Texas]] [[Category:Baptist churches in Texas]] [[Category:Southern Baptist Convention churches]] [[Category:Religious organizations established in 1872]] [[Category:1872 establishments in Texas]] Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. 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