Historic Church in Louisiana Burns

Authorities say a historic church in Bogalusa, La., has been destroyed by a fire.

Firefighters tell WDSU-TV that Bethlehem Baptist Church on East 7th Street caught on fire about 4 a.m. Sunday. The three-alarm fire destroyed what was the oldest African American church in the city.

The church was founded 102 years ago in the Old Mills Quarters before moving to its current location in 1958 and being rebuilt in the 1960s.

Parishioner Glennis McKephin said the loss is devastating.

Pastor Christopher Matthews says it’s too early to talk about rebuilding. He says the congregation of 250 people would focus on taking time to heal.

Bogalusa Fire Department officials said the cause of the fire was under investigation.