For the first time since a fire destroyed their church, members of the Zion congregation went back inside to see what was left behind.

Tuesday was overwhelming for some, others said it was surreal.

For everyone, it was very difficult and emotional to see the devastation up close.

They went in to document the destruction. They came out with hope.

It was the first time since a devastating fire that members of Zion church entered the wreckage of their spiritual home.

"You recognized everything you knew. See the pew you sat in every Sunday, the halls you walk through, chairs you sat in. You see all the familiar things but now it's been twisted and ruined," said Jason Morehead, Lincoln.

The purpose of the tour was twofold. Members wanted to document the disaster from the inside out and search for anything that could be salvaged from the rubble.

"We walked through classrooms and you see drawings that kids made unscathed right next to completely charred portion of the wall. We found a trumpet that was unscathed but all around it was burned beyond recognition. Random relics you find and don't expect." Morehead said.

Relics that will hold special meaning in the months to come ranging from pews to pieces of stained glass.

"Trying to collect pieces of glass that was blown out by the water. The windows are special to the neighborhood and history of the church -- hoping to restore some of it into a mosaic to reflect that," said Kelli Kerns, Lincoln.

"We're going to try to save whatever we can. Pews in the back untouched, bits and pieces of furniture here and there, shelves, tables, chairs," Morehead said.

"We'll try to save anything," he said.

Zion members brought out several items from the church including a rocking horse, some books and a bucket of the stained glass chips they hope to turn into a tribute mosaic.

Many said they also brought with them a sense of closure and after seeing how much actually survived, they said they have renewed hope. The group also made a list of items they will try to salvage.