First Methodist Church Marshall moves forward with plans to rebuild

MARSHALL, Texas - Two years after a devastating fire destroyed a historic landmark, First Methodist Church is preparing to begin a new chapter.

The congregation will break ground on a new sanctuary Sept. 16.

In the early morning hours of Dec. 9, 2024, flames tore through the 70,000-square-foot downtown Marshall church, leaving the congregation without a permanent home.

"It's been a long and hard process for the congregation, but it has been God-led the entire way," said Pastor Troy Conrad.

After months of planning, church officials have finalized designs for the new sanctuary. Building committee members say the project has given them renewed hope.

"Some members have been with this church for 90 years, so it was a period of grieving and now it's a period of excitement," said building committee member Ed Perkins.

The site is now ready for construction after the final fire-damaged debris was removed last summer. Church leaders say the new building will honor the past while looking forward to the future. 

"It's going to look similar to what it used to look like before it burned down," said building committee member Monte Bacon.

While construction moves forward, the congregation continues holding weekly services at First Baptist Church of Marshall, which opened its doors following the fire.

Conrad says the experience has strengthened the church community and reinforced its faith through adversity.

"No matter what devastation we experience, or the giants that we face, whenever we rely upon the Holy Spirit and the strength and perseverance that comes from God, that's when we truly exercise our faith in this world," Conrad said.

Church leaders expect construction of the new sanctuary to take about two years, with completion and reopening planned for fall 2027.