On Friday evening, July 19, a four-alarm fire destroyed the 134-year-old Historic Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Dallas. I, and thousands of people around the world grieved deeply. For many it was a sacred place.
I professed my faith in Christ in the sanctuary when I was five years old and was baptized there by Dr. Criswell at age six. My family never missed corporate worship services – every Wednesday evening and Sunday mornings and evenings we were there. The church nurtured me for the first 17 years of my life. I was called to the ministry and later ordained there. Mary and I were married in the sanctuary and dedicated our children at the altar. To us, it was a sacred place.
I know that the body of Christ is a spiritual entity, so ultimately physical buildings don’t matter and have no eternal value. But isn’t it wonderful when a physical place becomes a sacred place because of the life-changing, spiritual transactions that take place inside.
I also find spiritual succor and inspiration in St. Paul’s cathedral in London and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Every time I enter these monumental churches the beauty, history, and worship services take me to a transcendent, numinous place and I’m linked to the ancient church. I also feel connected to the sacred when I’m in my vineyard..
How is a sacred place established?
1. The space was created for the glory of God.
2. We’ve had transformative, spiritual experiences in the space.
3. The space is safe, accepting, and available.
How about you? Do you have a sacred place? Click respond and tell me and other readers about it.
Here are before and after pictures of FBC Dallas’s historic sanctuary.
The historic sanctuary at FBC Dallas was also a sacred place for me and my bride. We were married there in August 2003. Last Easter, my teenage daughter and I attended a Palm Sunday service there, including music by Anne Wilson. During our visit, I showed my daughter the spot where mommy and I shared vows and committed to each other in marriage. It was a special time, and the memory of the sanctuary is now a treasure!
David, thanks for sharing your story. Mary and I were married in the sanctuary and her picture was taken in front of the beautiful stained glass window at the back of the church. Where do you live now? Don
Don, it was easier to respond via email, just sent. I did not think this modality would allow images. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Roger, it’s always nice to hear from you. Don
Hi Don – We so appreciate your dedication in writing your “reflections”.
We enjoy your perspectives and discuss the ones that “hit home” from time to time. It is just tragic about the fire of the Old First Baptist Church. Mark had
some good memories of Dr. Criswell and he comes up in conversation occasionally. Thank you for sharing the photos. We heard about it on the news here in Virginia. We miss seeing you and the wonderful music and worship at Stonebriar.
Maybe we’ll travel with you again one day! God Bless!
Mark and Carol
Carol, thanks for taking the time to respond. It’s amazing how FBC Dallas has touched so many lives through the years.
I miss seeing you and Mark. Is there a chance that you could go on the Travel with Friends trip next July? Don