LEADERS at Halesowen’s Zion Christian Centre have been “overwhelmed” by the support following Sunday’s devastating blaze, which wrecked the auditorium and badly damaged other parts of the building.

The church has been deluged with messages of sympathy and hundreds of people are frantically working to create a temporary worship area in time for Sunday’s services.

An electrical fault has been blamed for the fire which started at around 5am in the auditorium, destroying staging and equipment.

Senior pastor Rev Leon Evans vowed Zion would “rise from the ashes” but the clear up operation will be a long process.

Insurance assessors are investigating the extent and cost of the damage, which is expected to be substantial.

Steel girders in the auditorium roof buckled under the intense heat, giving rise to fears structural damage may have been caused to the former Webb Ivory card factory, which dates from the 1950s and has been home to the church since 1986.

The cafe and hair dressing salon community enterprise businesses, along with offices, were also badly affected by smoke and water.

Rev Evans said an immediate priority was for the electricity supply to be reconnected to the rear block, which escaped the blaze, so the many groups that meet there can restart their activities.

Fifteen overseas students at Zion’s faith-based organisation, Operation Mobilisation, were evacuated from their residential block on the large site, off Little Cornbow, when the fire alarm went off.

Rev Evans praised the speed and professionalism of the eight fire crews who contained the blaze and prevented the entire building from being destroyed.

He said: “The fire was devastating but the church is the people, the building is important but it’s the community that matters.”

Unused former warehouses on the site, which Zion had bought for future development, are being hastily converted into church accommodation and Sunday’s services at 9.30am and 11.30am, which attract 500 to 600 worshippers, will go ahead.

Rev Evans said: “The response from the community has been amazing. We have had hundreds of people down here helping, both church members and others.”

Neighbouring churches have been “gracious and supportive” lending items such as chairs and messages of support have been sent from all over the country.

Zion’s Facebook page has been inundated with messages of sympathy and support.

David Roberts said: “So sad to see the damage but struck by how the baptistry, the place of renewal and new life, stands out amongst all the ashes.”

Christine Chadwick added: “It's heartbreaking to see the damage done to the building but it's a blessing that it didn't happen a few hours later whilst people were there. I will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers.”

Although Zion is insured, people wishing to make donations to assist with immediate costs and loss of income can do so online through the website www.zionnetwork.org