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LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - A historic church in Lawrence County, Ohio, was destroyed over the weekend when it went up in flames.

Firefighters from Aid TWP VFD responded to reports of a fire at Rehobeth Church.

“It was a total loss when I pulled up,” said Matthew Jenkins, the Fire Chief.

Emergency crews used approximately 7,000 gallons of water.

Firefighters said the fire is being investigated as suspicious.

Tom Stanley attended the church for years.

Stanley expressed his heartbreak and disbelief as he looked back at a place that holds many memories.

“It’s unbelievable that this church had been beside the road for all these years, and this had to come to an end with this fire that happened. We’re really sad about the situation, and we hope we can heal from this. It doesn’t really sink in at first, but it’s a big loss for us,” Stanley said.

The church was founded in 1852, according to its members.

“We’re heartbroken. It’s a reminder, we don’t ever take anything for granted,” Johanna Linsford.

Kelly McGuire said she’s attended the church for as long as she can remember.

“My girls, growing up, I had two daughters, and they rang the bell every Sunday morning. It’s all gone in a matter of just a couple of days,” McGuire said.

Church members gathered on Sunday to pray for guidance in the coming weeks.

“We know we’ll miss the church. We don’t know what the future holds, but we’re hoping we can come back from this, Lord willing, and do some rebuilding in the future,” Stanley said. “Whatever it is, I think the church people are strong enough to overcome and keep on going.”

Aid TWP VFD is encouraging other rural churches to install trail cameras to increase security efforts.

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