Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire that dealt heavy damage to a church in Zabcikville Thursday night.

Temple Fire & Rescue spokesman Santos Soto reports that calls about a structure fire at the Ocker Brethren Church reached the department shortly after 7:30 PM. When crews arrived, the spotted heavy smoke and flames issuing from the rear of the building.

Fire crews, including volunteers from Troy, Rogers, Westphalia, and Rosebud, were able to extinguish the blaze quickly and contain most of the damage to the rear wall and attic of the church. Crews remained at the scene late Thursday night to ensure safety and investigate the cause of the fire.

Brandon Hamilton with our partners at News 10 reports that the church's pastor, Brad Herridge, has told its members the church is "all about the body, about the people", and not the building.

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