Clayton police suspect someone broke into a Clayton church early this morning and intentionally started a fire.

The fire department got a call about a fire at Mount Calvary Baptist Church at 5217 Barber Mill Road shortly after 5:30 a.m.

Firefighters found the church engulfed in flames and heavy smoke, according to Clayton Police Chief Glenn Allen.

They also found a door broken down, Allen said.

The department is now investigating whether the fire was set intentionally. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF), and the local Fire Marshall are assisting in the investigation.

No one was at the church at the time of the fire. But the damage to the church is significant, Allen said.

"We're just overwhelmed, to say the least," said Darrell Sauls, who has been pastor of the church for 20 years.

Anyone who may have seen any suspicious vehicles or persons near the church or along the Barber Mill Road area during the pre-dawn hours is asked to call the Clayton Police Department at 919-553-4611 or Clayton Crime Stoppers at 919-359-TIPZ (8479).