Congregants at a Monmouth County church attended Sunday services despite a large piece of the structure missing after the building was hit by lightning Friday.

Pastor Joe Gratzel of the First Baptist Church in Manasquan says lightning struck the steeple Friday night during a storm, which left a gaping hole in the roof. Gratzel says the fire department responded quickly to prevent a fire from breaking out and causing more damage. According to Gratzel, the lightning caused the sharp slate tiles from the steeple to crash to the ground.

Authorities say, overall, the damage was minimal. Firefighters removed the tall metal finial from the damaged steeple to prevent it from falling. Gratzel says a tarp conceals the hole, but the church is hopeful construction will repair the steeple by next week.