SAN ANTONIO — Firefighters are investigating a fire that sparked at an east side church early Friday morning, according to officials.
The incident took place at the New Testament Missionary Baptist Church on the 1200 block of E. Crockett Street around 12:30 a.m. Friday.
Officials say a person who was staying inside the church saw a man take off when the flames started. He tried to chase the man down and called firefighters.
The church has been part of the neighborhood for at least 56 years and for 25 of those years Pastor Bernard Willis ministered the church. He says the church dates back to 1940 but is unfortunately now a loss.
"The baptismal pool area, the choir stand, the sanctuary is completely gutted. We have lost the church," says Pastor Bernard Willis.
The pastor calls the loss significant but not the end.
"We've got some young people here and they are very innovative, creative and we'll let those creative juices have its way and I'm sure God will give us a vision on how and when to rebuild," Willis said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by arson and fire officials.