HOOVERSVILLE, Pa. -- Mass had just ended when smoke started billowing outside the Church of the Holy Family in Hooversville, Somerset County.

A few people were left inside the building, but the church was evacuated and everyone got out safely.

A church leader who was inside the building when the fire started said someone called him to let him know there was black smoke coming out of the side of the church.

He said after the call he tried to find out exactly what was going on, but the smoke was too intense for him to take on himself.

The sanctuary was nearly destroyed by the fire, but the church does have insurance coverage to cover the damages.

Fire investigators said the cause of the fire is believed to be a candle left burning in the room after the mass.

All events will continue as scheduled at the church, but mass will be moved to another location in the building.