HILLSBORO ? Residents of about 15 homes who evacuated as the town’s largest church burned to the ground nearby were allowed to return home Monday.

The blaze started Sunday in the sanctuary of Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church, spreading quickly to the building’s roof and educational wing. The fire also damaged one property immediately south of the church.

Firefighters from seven communities helped battle the blaze as stunned members of the congregation watched.

“You have to remember it’s only the building that’s burning, not the church,” said church member Marilyn Hiebert. “The church is the people.”

The fire continued to smolder Monday morning, said Steve Garrett, city administrator.

The fire’s cause remains under investigation.

Garrett said the building, which was valued near $2.3 million, was a total loss.

Hillsboro is a town of about 2,900 people about 45 miles north of Wichita.

Church secretary Tammy Heidel, left, and Sheryl Lehr, a member of the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church, look over the damage Monday morning. The cause of Sunday's blaze, which destroyed the .3 million building, remains under investigation.

All that remains of the HIllsboro Mennonite Brethren Church is a burned out shell, as seen in this aerial view early Monday. A fire that began Sunday afternoon destroyed the largest church in Hillsboro.