'We're resilient:' Durham church devastated by flames, pastor says God will see them through

A major response from the Durham Fire Department on Saturday night helped save a church from total devastation.

More than 50 firefighters responded to the call and began battling the fire at Greater Walton United Holy Church on Belvin Avenue shortly before 9 p.m.

The church was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

Flames could be seen burning through the rooftop and near the steeple.

WRAL News was able to speak with the church's pastor as the fire burned.

Even as the flames burned, Pastor Timothy Moore expressed his faith that God would help the church community through the difficult time.

"Our building at [this location] has been here for 37 years," he said. "We are confident we will bounce back. We're resilient. God will certainly see us through this process."

The church was badly damaged by fire, smoke and water throughout. A large section of roof was gone, leaving a gaping hole.

An investigation is underway to find out what might have caused the fire.