A nearly century-old church in North Carolina has been destroyed by a fire.

Area news outlets report that multiple crews responded to the Rose Hill United Methodist Church around 8 a.m. Monday.

Duplin County Emergency Management Director Matt Barwick said the roof collapsed as firefighters entered the doorway, forcing them back outside. He said low temperatures turned any water that didn't hit the fire into ice. The fire was controlled within an hour, but crews were still working hours later.

Members of the State Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on site to investigate the fire's cause, and declared the sanctuary a loss. Emergency management officials say the fellowship hall might be salvageable.

Pastor Christopher Vogle Leak said no one was inside the church.