WOOLWICH TWP. -- Authorities have labeled an early morning fire at a South Jersey cemetery suspicious, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

A modular building used as an office was completely destroyed at Lake Park Cemetery on Park Drive.

A neighbor reported the fire shortly before 4 a.m.

While a cause has not been determined, the fire is considered suspicious, officials said.

Cemetery president Bob Gahrs surveyed the damage on Friday as he waited for an insurance adjuster to arrive.

The biggest loss, apart from the building itself and office equipment, were the cemetery's 144 years of records.

"I got here about quarter to 4 and the front of the building was pretty much already enveloped," Gahrs said. "I've been sorting through things, but there isn't much left." he said. "It's pretty much gone -- 140 years of records."

Thankfully, much of the information is also on file at the county historical society, plus Gahrs has some backup files and a good memory. He has served as cemetery president since 1970.

Investigators believe robbery was a motive, he said.

"They're pretty sure that they broke in to rob stuff, because all the drawers were open on everything."

That included the drawers to his scorched desk. As the wind kicked up, bits of blackened paper from the drawers flittered through the air.

"I think they were looking for money," Gahrs speculated. "Who knows."

He had just gotten off the phone with a couple interested in purchasing cemetery plots. They were going to stop out Friday. He told them not to bother and that he would be back in touch in a few days. First, he needs to get his files back in order.

In the meantime, he waited for the adjuster as neighbors drove up to survey the damage and speak with him about the incident.

Gahrs wondered why a burglar would feel the need to burn the building.

"If you want to break in and steal something, fine, but you don't gotta burn the place down on your way out," he said. "There's no sense to it."

Anyone with information is asked to call GCPO Detective Anthony Garbarino at 856-384-5619.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.