First Baptist Dallas has received a $7 million donation from Hobby Lobby founder and CEO David Green to aid in the rebuilding of its historic sanctuary, which was heavily damaged in a four-alarm fire in July 2024. The announcement was made by Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress during a Sunday morning service. The donation is part of the church’s broader campaign to raise $95 million for restoration and expanded ministry efforts.
Pastor Jeffress shared Green’s message to the congregation: “Pastor, your church is about winning people to Jesus. And that is what we love at Hobby Lobby. We want to win as many people to Jesus as quickly as we can. And that is what you are doing. And we want to play a part in the rebuilding of that historic sanctuary.”
Originally offered as a matching grant, the full amount was quickly matched by a church family. “They called back the next morning and said, ‘Pastor, we will give the entire $7 million.’ So David put the check in the mail,” Jeffress said.
Reconstruction is set to begin in early 2026.
