West Jefferson, NC-- Ashe County authorities are investigating a fire that destroyed a church built during World War II.
The Charlotte Observer reports that North Beaver Baptist Church on N.C. 163 near West Jefferson was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived about 1:30 a.m. Sunday.
The church dates back to 1943.
The Ashe County Sheriff's Office said the fire is suspicious in nature and there might have been a break-in before the blaze broke out. A sheriff's deputy noticed the flames while on patrol.
Damage to the church was estimated at $750,000.
A funeral home in West Jefferson allowed church members to use their facility for worship services Sunday.