Christmas Storm Damage, Dec. 25, 2012 65 Gallery: Christmas Storm Damage, Dec. 25, 2012

MOBILE, Alabama – The roof to the sanctuary at Trinity Episcopal Church on Dauphin Street in Midtown Mobile completely ripped off during tonight’s tornado, according to witnesses.

It's "likely a total loss," the Rev. Bailey Norman posted on the church's website.

"We have been told by the fire department to stay away from the building as it has severe structural damage. We will return in the morning to survey the damage," Norman wrote. "We are so thankful that (so far) no one has been injured that we know of.

"We must soak all that has happened, but I believe in God's grace to overcome any obstacle and I believe in the good folks at Trinity who will band together to face what is to come. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts, prayers, and concerns. I will keep you updated."

David C. Webb, who got married in the church nearly 20 years ago, walked over to check on the church tonight.

“It looked as if the whole section of the roof had flown off, landed on the ground and was leaning against the wall,” he said. “There’s total devastation.”

The inside of the sanctuary was being soaked as rain continue to pound the area after the National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado hit Mobile, causing severe damage to businesses at The Loop, Murphy High and Mobile Infirmary.

Nearby homes were damaged. No fatalities or major injuries have been reported.

Webb said he teared up tonight when he checked on Trinity Episcopal.

Established as Mobile's second Episcopalian church in 1845, the congregation voted to move to its current location from downtown in 1945. The church was moved brick by brick, according to its website, to keep its Gothic Revival architecture intact.

The church was badly damaged during 1979's Hurricane Frederick. There was a hole in the roof, bashed-in windows, and the spire needed repair.

Trinity Episcopal just underwent major renovations in 2010, including a new roof and brick work.

Tonight, members of the church were saddened by the destruction. But they were thankful that no one was injured.

Just 24 hours earlier than when the tornado struck, Trinity was preparing to hold its Holy Eucharist for Christmas Eve.

“When I got there, I couldn’t believe it,” Webb said. “The small sanctuary” on the west side of the church, “was completely destroyed. The façade had just crumbled down and you could see the inside. I just stood there in awe.”

He thought the main sanctuary, with its tall, magnificent steeple was spared.

But then, he walked behind the church, and noticed “there was a gaping hole on the back of the church.

Webb married his wife, Blakeley, in that sanctuary on April 24, 1993. They have since had two children.

They’ve attended or heard of many family weddings there over the past 40 years, including that of Blakeley Webb’s parents. They recently attended the wedding of a nephew there.

A grandmother’s remains were scattered in a garden there.

“It’s been around for so long and we just hold it dear to the family,” Webb said. “It’s sad. But I know that they will rebuild, and it will be beautiful again.”