Firefighters were called to the Missionary Baptist Church in Antioch at 6300-square-foot South Stewart Avenue around 2:15 p.m. A fire appeared to have started on an upper floor and quickly spread throughout the building. MORE: Firefighter and 2 others injured in fire at Englewood’s home By 2:25 p.m., the CFD had scaled its response to a 2-11 and then to a 3-11 at 3:07 p.m. More than 194 firefighters and 54 firefighters responded to the scene, the fire department said. SEE: CFD briefing on the Church of Antioch fire Most of the roof of the building had collapsed at 3 a.m., said department spokesman Larry Langford. It was not clear if anyone was inside the church when firefighters were dispatched, he said. The fire appeared to have started in the back of the church, where crews initially noticed thick smoke. The flames appear to be coming out of the church windows in a video posted on social media. “This church is an anchor in this community,” said pastor Gerald Dew. “This is a place where people have gotten married, found their faith, been encouraged, equipped and empowered. It’s a neighborhood church.” The causes of the fire were not immediately known and the investigation is ongoing. Chicago Fire Department officials said the fire broke out shortly after 4 p.m., although firefighters were still battling the blaze and the blaze for several hours. “Most of the roof is gone,” Langford said. “It was a very popular church in the Black community.” Dewey said he did not believe anyone was inside the church at the time of the fire. Shortly before the fire started, the parishioners had filled the stalls for the celebrations for the celebration of Good Friday. “I know this: If we have to lose something, losing it on Good Friday is the best time to lose it because after Good Friday comes Resurrection Sunday,” Diu said. And while the parishioners were devastated by the loss of their historic structure, they were also optimistic about the strength of the church. “They are beyond the walls of the sanctuary, we are a family beyond the walls of the church. And we love each other,” said Marquita Gill, a member of the church. “It is very destructive, but I know we will overcome it.” “All it does for us is give us a greater reason to redouble our efforts to be purposeful in our involvement and commitment to this community,” said Pastor Dewey. At one point, a firefighter was seen dragging an ambulance. Officials said he slipped on the road and twisted his ankle. was not injured by the fire. Pastor Diu said that while the church itself may burn down, they will find a way to hold services on Easter Sunday. Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report. Copyright © 2022 WLS-TV. All rights reserved.