Emotions run high as church members look at the remains of Immanuel Lutheran Church that stood for over a century in Wecota. The church was built in 1904.

The charred pieces of where church members used to sit can be seen, but Vi Neiderbaumer was there Thursday night when the church was engulfed in flames.

"My husband said, well jeepers, we aren't going to save anything if we don't just go in and so he and some of the young guys ran into the altar part," said Vi.

And fighting the flames they managed to save some church artifacts.

"Especially the statue of Jesus and the baptismal fount which means new life. We have a new grandchild coming and maybe he can be baptized within the fount," said Vi.

The Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church also helped fight the fire.

"Once it was beyond saving as it were then thinking about the members themselves. This is going to be hard on them," said Pastor Gregory Hinners.

But Vi says they will pull through.

"Sad over this. but we will come out of this with the help of the good Lord Jesus Christ," said Vi.

The church members have not reached a decision on whether they will rebuild. Volunteer firefighters from Cresbard and Faulkton helped fight the fire.

Investigators say an electrical shortage in the steeple may have sparked the fire.