A historically Black church built in the 1800s in Rowan County was destroyed in a fire overnight, officials confirmed Thursday.
Firefighters from the Franklin Fire Department responded to the blaze at 1270 Gheen Road near Will black Road just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night, officials said.
The former Methodist church was 75% involved in flames when firefighters arrived.
Officials said the church had not had a service in around 50 years.
Because it is a house of worship, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting in investigating the cause of the fire.
Investigators had not determined the cause as of Thursday morning.