The State Fire Marshal's Office says the fire that destroyed the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Junction City was set intentionally.
Fire crews from multiple departments rushed to the church near Walnut Street and Mulberry Street just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Officials told us no one was hurt in the fire.
Members of the church told us it was built in 1874, but officially opened in 1875.
For Becky Folk, her memories in the church go back years. She said her grandfather was the choir director, her mother played the organ and her father was the Sunday school superintendent.
"I remember sitting on the front seat and my feet wouldn't touch the floor," Folk said.
She showed us a scrapbook she has full of pictures of family and the church. She said she can easily describe how beautiful the windows were, especially when the sun would shine through.
When she first heard about the church on fire, she was shocked.
"I couldn't imagine somebody being that cruel," Folk said.
The church had a smaller crowd, 25 people at most. However, even with a small crowd, Folk said the church had a big impact on the community.
"I think it's made people's eyes open to what, what do I believe," Folk said.
She said even if the church is rebuilt or the damage is fixed, she doesn't know if it'd be the same.
"I don't think it'll be the same, but the only thing about it is you can't take people's faith away from them no matter what you do," Folk said.
As for Floyd Alexander Caldwell, he's feeling many emotions. He said he's not only mad this happened, but sad.
Caldwell said he has many memories at the church with his wife, Patsy, and their three kids. He's been going to the church for 40 years.
"The people there made you come back to visit or to show up for service," Caldwell said.
He's also the former fire chief for Junction City.
"I'm not able to go into the fires anymore, but if I had of been I would've been there," Caldwell said.
He told us that in a small town like Junction City when something like this happens it's felt by everyone.
"It touches everybody," Caldwell said.
Reverend Dennis Miller, Foothills District Superintendent, oversees all Methodist churches in Western Ohio.
He met with members of Good Shepherd Sunday at the Village Community Center for service.
In a statement sent to 10TV, he said "We will be working closely with the congregation in the weeks and months ahead, to consider next steps. Our primary concern is that we continue the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ in Junction City. We ask for your continuing prayers for the fine people of this congregation and community."