On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 2nd, a fire was reported at First Presbyterian Church in Prosper. Fire departments from multiple jurisdictions were on site quickly, led by the Prosper Fire Department and Fire Marshal.
The interior of the church was gutted by the fire. Many stained-glass windows were destroyed or damaged. It is expected that few contents will be recoverable due to fire, smoke, and water damage.
John Fowler, commissioned pastor for the congregation since 2002, says the members of the congregation are aware of the situation and processing their grief. “For the most part, they are responding well. It’s a loss and there is pain associated with that.”
By Wednesday afternoon, the church’s insurance company sent teams to board up windows and doors and secure the building.
“We have been in contact with several folks,” said Fowler. “We will wait to hear from the insurance company and the fire department. We might also need a structural engineer offer an opinion.”
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Prosper’s Fire Marshal, along with insurance examiners, are actively investigating.
Fowler said worship services will take place virtually this Sunday, August 7th.
“We are really fortunate to have virtual worship options in place, ever since COVID started. We will definitely be worshiping this Sunday!”
Next Steps
“Now we wait to see what God is calling us to do next. And how will we accomplish it? We’ll be right here, and we’ll keep listening,” said Fowler. “Listening to the church, listening to our session, most importantly, listening to God.”
Until the cause of the fire has been established, and the building’s structural integrity determined, the congregation has no immediate physical needs.
“We know prayers work. And we can use them. We truly appreciate the love and concern, so please pray!”
Grace Presbytery will work to keep our members updated as additional information is made available.
Notes of support can be mailed to: P.O. Box 450, Prosper Texas 75078 or emailed to John Fowler.
First Presbyterian Church is located at 401 S. Coleman Street in Prosper, Texas.
The church was organized in 1878 and moved to Prosper in 1902. The congregation was commemorated with an historical marker granted in 2012 by the Texas Historical Commission.
