Fire tore through the United Missionary Baptist Church Monday night as frigid temperatures hindered the efforts to put it out.
More than 70 firefighters responded to the fire in the historic church in the 2500 block of Thompson Street at about 7:30 p.m., WPVI reports.
Power lines were weighed down by ice at the fire scene, and power in the area was shut off as a precaution. The fire department prepared for potential evacuation, but ultimately none were needed.
On social media, the church shared a message asking for prayers as the community grapples with the loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities expect to be on the scene for several more hours.
No injuries were reported. No one was inside the church at the time of the fire.
