Authorities are investigating a fire that swept through a Laurel church early Monday.

There were no reports of injuries.

Billy Evans, pastor of Christian Unity Church, said the congregation would pick up the pieces.

“God is still in control,” he said. “When God is in control we don’t have anything to worry about.”

The church was a near total loss, Evans said.

Fire Chief Steve Russell said the building was already engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.

“The fire had already come through the roof and was up probably to the top of the trees behind the church back there,” Russell said. “And it had moved to the attic space on both sides. So, when we started fighting this it was mainly from a defensive position.”

Evans said Christian Unity will hold services Sunday morning but he doesn’t know exactly where.