A Heart-Stopping Find Shakes the Congregation (Image Credits: Static.fox4news.com)
Cedar Hill, Texas – A recent winter storm dumped heavy snow and ice that proved too much for the shallow metal roof of Kingdom Culture Worship Centre’s sanctuary, causing a total collapse discovered midweek.[1][2]
A Heart-Stopping Find Shakes the Congregation
Church director Tyshawn Miles arrived Tuesday and confronted a scene of utter destruction. The roof had plummeted onto the altar below, mangling everything in its path. “When I came in, it literally took my breath away,” Miles recounted.[2]
No one occupied the building at the time, as services remained canceled Sunday due to treacherous roads. Leaders Apostle Sherman Dumas and Dr. Jaquet Dumas rushed over after Miles’s alert. The couple, who leads the 300-member flock, expressed profound shock. The church had taken precautions Friday, including dripping faucets and running heat to combat the freeze.[1]
Widespread Destruction Inside the Sanctuary
The collapse wrecked critical elements essential for worship. Musical instruments lay ruined amid twisted metal and debris. Sound systems, LED screens, and other electronics suffered irreparable harm.
- Altar and pulpit crushed under fallen roof sections
- Speakers and audio gear destroyed
- LED video walls toppled and shattered
- Furniture and seating areas buried
- General interior soaked from melting ice
Pastor Sherman Dumas captured the disbelief: “No way in the world did we think the weight of the ice would bring the roof down as it accumulated.”[1] The building, a former Lutheran church dating to the 1960s, now awaits insurance assessment.
One Symbol Stands Firm Amid the Wreckage
In a twist that leaders view as divine reassurance, a stained-glass dove window remained untouched. Positioned at the sanctuary’s peak from its Lutheran days, the white dove emerged unscathed from the chaos. Dumas called it a potent reminder of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
“It’s still here as a sign that hope is still present,” he stated. “We’re going to see a breakthrough on the other end.”[2] Dr. Jaquet Dumas echoed resilience: “While we cried yesterday, we realized… this has got to be part of a bigger plan.”[3]
Roots in California, New Start in Texas
The Dumas duo launched Kingdom Culture in California 16 years ago before relocating to North Texas. They opened the Cedar Hill site in October 2024 after nationwide fundraising bought and renovated the property. Community partnerships already defined their mission, extending aid through Valentine’s Day.
The sudden loss disrupts but does not derail their vision. “We will rebuild because we’re builders,” Sherman Dumas affirmed.[3]
Community Mobilizes for Quick Recovery
Inspiring Body of Christ Church in Dallas offered its space for this Sunday’s service. A GoFundMe campaign quickly surpassed $15,000 toward repairs and rentals. Estimates suggest five months of temporary setups ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-winter checks like heat and dripping pipes help, but extreme loads overwhelm even prepared structures.
- Shallow roofs demand vigilant snow monitoring in rare Texas storms.
- Faith communities rally fast – donations and shared spaces sustain worship unbroken.
This episode underscores nature’s raw power even in the South, yet the Dumas’ determination shines through. Rebuilding will test resources, but the intact dove inspires confidence in restoration. What steps would you take to safeguard against snow damage? Share in the comments.
