Parishioners of Brooksville church are upset after investigators said someone set their place of worship fire.

Walter Lillie is not having a good start to the week. When he looks at the fire damage to Lake Lindsey United Methodist Church, which caught on fire Sunday morning, he gets upset.

"The devil came to church yesterday but he lost," Lillie said.

The church has roots that date back to the mid 1800's. Church members say it is the oldest Methodist church in Hernando and somebody tried to burn it down.

"Our little church is full of love," Lillie said. "All we have done is try to help other people. Why somebody would do something like this is beyond our belief."

Most of the fire damage happened inside the fellowship hall behind the church and investigators are calling it an arson case.

"Sad and mad at the same time," Lillie said. "I hope they get the guy who did it."

Church members admit things could have been a lot worse. The cross is still up and the old church is still standing to see another day.

"The Lord is with us," Lillie said. "We were real lucky."

Sheriff's officials say since this is an open case they can't release many details. If you have any information give them a call.