141 years ago, on February 22, 1877, the FBC Waco congregation suffered the loss of its beloved Church-building to fire. In his account of the tragedy, Church clerk J.W. Speight wrote: “Many a sad countenance gathered around to witness the conflagration, and, as piece by piece the massive timbers of the roof would tumble down, the silent tear was seen to trickle down the cheek of many a noble Christian-hearted sister.” Pack Richardson, the church sexton, continued to sound the alarm, ringing the church bell “until it came down with the cupola, crashing, to the lower floor.”
That was the bad news. Three days later, the church adopted a resolution acknowledging that, while the congregation held a fond regard for its first sanctuary, the church family had outgrown the building. The membership had grown from the original four charter members to 482 in 26 years. Therefore, the fire should be considered providential, said Speight, alluding to the resolution that declared: “all things work together for good to them that love God.” Besides, the old structure did not have a baptistery.
You can read Speight’s account of the fire and rebuilding program with the accompanying church resolutions by scrolling to the bottom of the Church Manual page.
FBCWaco History 