LONG VIEW, N.C. --
Firefighters struggled to put out a massive fire at the Penelope Baptist Church in Long View Sunday morning.
The Catawba County Sheriffs Department said the fire started at about 5:30 a.m. The church is located on First Avenue Southwest.
Eyewitness News Reporter Dave Faherty said firefighters were trying to fight the blaze from the outside of the building because the flames were so intense. The roof of the building collapsed and there is massive damage.
More than 60 firefighters from five different fire departments were called to the scene.
By 7 a.m., firefighters had knocked down most of the flames, but smoke continued to pour from the building.
Members of the church's congregation could be seen standing out in front of the building, but far away from the smoke and flames.
So far, there is no word on what started the fire.
VIDEO: Fire Destroyes Long View Church
VIDEO: Smoke Pours From Church
