Photo by Jeff Rose. Hopewell fire investigators examine debris to look for a possible cause to the fire.
Photo by Jeff Rose. The charred remains of the inside sanctuary, where the fire was contained.
A weekend fire destroyed First Congregational Christian Church on Memorial Avenue in the city.
The fire, which was called in to the Hopewell Fire Department at 4:01 p.m. on Sunday, caused heavy damage to both the building and contents.
Though the exact origin and cause of the fire is still under investigation, investigators believe evidence collected from the scene suggests it may have started in a rear alcove in the sanctuary.
Excessive heat and heavy smoke caused major damage to the sanctuary, and total estimated loss was approximately $200,000.
Both Hopewell stations responded, with Prince George and Chesterfield units assisting.
No one was inside the building at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.
