It looks like weather from the heavens has destroyed a Winder church.

Authorities think lightning started a fire that destroyed the Sanctuary of Holy Sprit Church early Friday morning.  The church is located on West Candler Street, in the historic Candler Street district of Winder.

Pastor Phillip Adair says, the church is destroyed. The 100 year old church was currently being renovated, and Pastor Adair says, the 70 members spent "a lot of money" on things like a new sound system.

All the pastor and members could do was stand and watch the church burn. Adair told us, "when I arrived, the roof was on fire, and everything was gone."   The fire was so intense, crews attacked the blaze from the air and ground. 

Winder's Fire Chief Matt Whitten said, severe weather was in the area and may have sparked the flames.