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Thanksgiving Day Fire Severely Damages New Jersey Church

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A fast-moving fire has severely damaged a church in Newark.

Authorities say no one was inside the First Way of the Cross Church when the fire broke out around 7 a.m. Thursday.

No injuries were reported.

The fire damaged several areas of the one-story Apostolic church and caused minor exterior damage to a residential home next door. Officials say the church dates back to the late 1930s. 

Parishioner Edward Easterling told WCBS 880's Ethan Harp about 100 people attend the church.

"It's not a real big congregation, but it's a tight-knit one," he said.

He joined not long after another fire years ago.

"It's worse, because of the equipment that's gotten lost -- the organ, the musical instruments, the pews damaged heavily," he said. "So I don't know, I'm just leaving it in the hands of God and see what happens."

Authorities say no events were planned at the church on Thanksgiving Day, but it operates a hot meals program that usually feeds about 25 to 30 people every day.

The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes.

Harp also spoke with the owner of 5 Star Restoration, who volunteered to help with the cleanup.

"Extensive water damage, as well as fire damage," he said.

He said the building wasn't insured.

"It was a tragedy, especially on Thanksgiving," he said.

It wasn't known Thursday how much the building repairs will cost.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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