Sheepshead Bay United Methodist Church was under construction and working to be restored before going up in flames early Wednesday morning.

The church was a staple in the Sheepshead Bay community for over 180 years. Authorities responded to calls of the first floor of the church on fire just before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, with parishioners spending all of Wednesday cleaning the aftermath.

While authorities are still investigating what caused the blaze, the lead pastor of the church, Reverend Litchmore, tells News 12 that she believes someone is responsible.

Members of the church are asking that the community donate anything to assist the church, whether it be a donation of money or effort in the ongoing cleanup.