Church damaged by fire just before Palm Sunday

DARBY BOROUGH (WPVI) -- A Delaware County church sustained extensive damage after an overnight fire, and parishioners spent the day before Palm Sunday looking for another place to worship.

Pastor Alex Thompson says his congregation at the Ever Abundant Life International Church won't be discouraged.

"Because He rose, we can rise," Thompson said.

Fire crews responded to the two-alarm blaze after midnight on the 100 block of Ridge Avenue in Darby Borough.

The Creative Minds Learning Center and Christian Academy, which is attached to the church, was most seriously damaged. Pastor Thompson says there's smoke and water damage throughout the building.

By Saturday afternoon, windows were boarded up and signs hung to keep people out.

Darby's mayor has offered to hold their Palm Sunday services it in the borough's new recreation center.

"We're going to take the congregation down there and have church just like we normally do. But probably better because we're going to praise God. Nobody's hurt," Thompson said.

As for the daycare, where some 100 children attend each day, leader say they are trying to find another place to house classes and childcare by Monday morning.