The painting of Jesus survives the fire of the first Wakefield Baptist Church in Massachusetts

A major fire on Tuesday destroyed the first Wakefield Baptist Church in Massachusetts, reported CBS Boston, and the historic building was declared a total loss. But while the workers were cleaning up the remains of church ashes the next day, Jesus appeared in the form of a painting, reports the Boston Globe.

The photos of the fire scene show a building inspector removing an almost virgin painting of Jesus, who was once hanging right outside the church doors, according to the Boston Globe. A little miraculously, the painting survived the devastating fire. The image of Jesus emerging from the charred church has comforted the faithful during this difficult time.

Former parishioner Susan Auld told The Globe that the painting of Jesus would be given to a former pastor of the church.

According to its website, the first Wakefield Baptist Church, almost 150 years old, caught fire around 7 pm Tuesday, reports CBS Boston. A witness said the lightning struck the 180-foot bell tower before it ignites.

"I saw the lightning strike the bell tower, we saw the smoke and it ignited quickly," said Christian Bruno, who lives in front of the church.

People were inside the church at the time of the fire, but no injuries were reported. Nevertheless, the faithful are devastated by the tragedy. "Two days ago, I went to worship Sunday at 10:15 am and I am shocked that this church is burned down," said Robert Jordan at CBS Boston.

But during this dark period, the painting of Jesus persevered and could serve as a comforting memory to the faithful after their loss.