Community rallies around Royse City church members after fire burns down sanctuary [Video]

ROYSE CITY, Texas – The congregation of the First United Methodist Church in Royse City is getting a lot of spiritual and emotional support after a fire destroyed their sanctuary during Tuesday’s storms.

Another church in the Rockwall County community opened its doors to the church members and leaders.

There are lifetimes of history at Royse City First United Methodist Church.

“It’s been standing for well over 100 years. For 120 years, yes,” said Chris Everson, the church’s senior pastor.

However, the sanctuary that held most of those memories burned down Tuesday morning. A lightning strike is the possible cause.

“My admin called and said that the sanctuary was on fire, and I immediately tried to get here as soon as I could,” Everson said.

By the time Everson arrived, there was nothing he or firefighters could do to save the historical landmark.

“Firemen were in the building when things started to collapse, and they were able to get out,” he …