Wednesday was tough for an Essex County town after a church that has been part of the Schroon Lake community for decades was destroyed by a fire.

At 6:50 p.m., firefighters were still at the scene. But that is not stopping the community, who are already stepping up to help each other through these difficult times.

"It was heavy fire real fast," said Schroon Lake Fire Chief Paul McCann.

The fire shut down a section of Route 9, with neighboring businesses feeling the intensity of the fire.

"Pretty hot. It was hot enough where it was getting the inside warm," said Pitkins Restaurant line cook Duane Wheeler.

Firefighters from across Essex and Warren counties came to battle the flames. The fire even spread to the home next door, which was occupied by the church's pastor.

As day turned to night, crews remained on scene working on hotspots.

"[This is] normal for this kind of building. They go up quick and there's a lot of fire fast," McCann said.

As work continues for firefighters, members of the community church gathered at the the neighboring Mountainside Church hours after the fire, and shared stories and memories of baptisms, weddings, and services at the church affected.

"I feel like a sense of relief now that we've had this service, that things are going to be okay," said church member Erin Donaldson.

Pastor Lynnette Cole says the church is and will always be a part of the community. She vowed to continue holding services, despite not having a permanent home.

"I'm not going anywhere, because my heart beats with yours," Cole said.

The Schroon Lake Facebook page appears to be where many are sharing words of strength, and their own memories of the church before the fire. 

The fire chief says the church will have to be demolished. As for the cause, that remains under investigation.