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PHILMONT, N.Y. -- A fire badly damaged a historic church in Columbia County.

Firefighters got the call for a fire at the Philmont Reformed Church on Church Street around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The church was built in 1823 and there's no word on whether the building can be salvaged.

Reverend Dan Herrick says although the fire has damaged the building itself, it will not break apart the 50 member congregation.

"We've always said that the building is a building and the congregation is the people, but there's still an emotional attachment to the building," Herrick said.

"It's just a really sad day for the village to be losing another structure. I so appreciate all of the firefighters that are here tonight to help at least make sure the rest of the neighbors are safe," said Town of Claverack Supervisor Robin Andrews.

No other buildings in the area were damaged.

Officials are now looking into a cause.