Fire destroys Zion Cross Baptist Church in Nash County

The fire broke out before 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the brick church at 14919 Watson Seed Farm Road.

Multiple fire departments from Nash and Halifax counties responded to the fire.

There were no reports of injuries or deaths.

The entire parking lot was taped off Friday, and bricks covered the ground.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Deacon James Taylor told WRAL News the building was built in the 1930s and, for months, there was a leak in the steeple. He said water was leaking into the church, and that's what he believes caused the roof to collapse.

"It's really heart-sickening," Taylor said. "It really is just heart-sickening."

Residents said they couldn’t believe what they saw when they looked outside.

"I can't believe it," nearby resident and churchgoer Hazel Daniels said. "This is a legend church."

Daniels said it sounded like a car crash when the church collapsed on Thursday afternoon.

"It was a strong boom," she said.

Taylor said because of the leak, the 100 church parishioners had been meeting in the fellowship hall.

A message on the church sign reads, "Just keep on praying."

This weekend's Sunday services and bible study will take place at Neuse River Baptist Church at 3702 Old Cherry Point Road in New Bern.