JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Northside church was destroyed by a fire early Monday morning.
The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department responded just after 2 a.m. to the St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church on Bernard Road. Firefighters at the scene said the building was fully involved when they arrived.
Nearly 50 firefighters were on scene, working to control the flames. JFRD spokesperson Capt. Eric Prosswimmer said that because of structural damage, crews were not able to enter the church and were fighting the fire defensively.
JFRD reported shortly after 3 a.m. that the fire was under control. The roof collapsed, and officials said the building is a total loss.
The fire marshal was on the scene, speaking to church leaders and investigating.
At this time, there is no indication that the cause of the fire is suspicious, according to JFRD.
No one was injured in the fire.
After the fire, members of the church, which holds a service almost every day, showed up Monday morning and began to pray.
The Coptic Orthodox Church is the main Christian church in Egypt. It has around a million members outside Egypt, and there are more than 100 churches in the United States, including in Jacksonville.
Despite the loss, members of St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church have hope that they’ll be able to rebuild.
The church is also accepting donations from anyone that would like to help. Those wishing to donate can do so here.