Historic Pasadena church vandalized, set on fire

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities searched for suspects who vandalized a historic church and Pasadena and set part of it on fire in the early morning hours Saturday.

The Church of the Angels in the 1100 block of Avenue 64 was hit around 2 a.m. A group of people were walking by the church when they noticed the smoke and called 911.

Firefighters found broken windows, graffiti and a wooden statue and other items that had been set on fire. A portion of the church suffered smoke and fire damage.

There were no reports of injuries, Pasadena fire officials said. They also said the fire was intentionally set.

Along with the fire that was set inside the church, statues and items outside of the church were also vandalized and the building was burglarized.

The church was built in 1889 and is considered a historical landmark. Residents said it's an important part of the community.

Despite the damage, the church will still hold services Sunday morning.

The case remains under investigation, but authorities said they are not considering the incident a hate crime.