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From the CBS 8 West Alabama Newsroom--  Some folks in Perry County are picking up the pieces after a tornado destroys a church and damages more than a dozen homes Monday.

Members of Ephesus Baptist Church in north perry County were out clearing debris and trying to salvage whatever they could from what was left of the building Tuesday.

The church was founded in 1865 and people have been worshipping there for nearly 150 years.

"There was debris all over the church site, the roof had caved in into the sanctuary so it was really dangerous to get in there," said church member David Nichols.

EMA Director DeAndrae Kimbrough says 15 to 20 houses were also damaged Monday but no serious injuries have been reported.

“The tornado touched down northeast of Marion and headed east towards Maplesville from there,” said Kimbrough.

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