NJ Church Destroyed In 8-Alarm Fire Plans To Hold Sunday Services, Pastor Says

FLORENCE, NJ — Following the destruction of a church from Burlington County's biggest fire emergency in a decade, much remains uncertain about the Fountain of Life Center's future path. But the church's lead pastor says he knows two things: they still plan to hold services this Sunday, and they could use monetary donations.

The eight-alarm fire, which developed Monday and lasted into Tuesday, destroyed the center's church building, including the sanctuary. But senior pastor Russell Hodgins expressed optimism in a Tuesday video address, thanking first responders and the outpouring of community support.

• Read more: 8-Alarm Fire Destroys Church In South Jersey (PICS)

"We are devastated, but we are not defeated," Hodgins said.

While asking for continued prayers, the Fountain of Life Center shared a webpage for donations to help the church recover from the fire. People can donate online or by mailing a check to the following address:

Attn: Finance Department
2035 Columbus Road
Burlington, NJ 08016

The Fountain of Life Center is a multipurpose, 120,000-square-foot facility with a preschool, basketball courts and fitness center. Although the fire destroyed the church, officials reported no injuries. And the first responders' "heroic efforts" saved the church's school building from destruction, Hodgins says.

The church plans to hold services this Sunday but must figure out details.

"I don’t know where yet or what time yet, but I will be back with more information soon," Hodgins said.

Watch the video below:

More than 50 firefighting agencies responded to the incident, making it Burlington County's largest fire emergency since 2013, when an 11-alarm blaze engulfed the Dietz & Watson plant in Delanco.