In West Virginia, a unique church continues the controversial practice of snake-handling, attracting attention and concern from many.
McDowell County: The House of the Lord Jesus is a wild place. It’s the last snake-handling church in the U.S. Here, preachers handle venomous snakes while a band plays rock music. It’s a sight to see!
This church is tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. The folks here are Pentecostal Christians who believe in snake-handling as part of their worship. It’s banned in every other state because, well, people have died from it. But in McDowell County, it’s still going strong.
Preacher Chris Woolford leads the service, swinging a giant snake around while the band cranks out heavy tunes. The rattlesnakes’ sounds mix with the music, creating a bizarre atmosphere.
Underneath the church, there’s a mini-zoo filled with these dangerous snakes. They feast on rats, and let me tell you, the smell is something else! But for the church members, that’s a small price to pay for their freedom to worship.
Sadly, snake-handling has led to many fatalities over the years. Because of this, most states have made it illegal. Some preachers have even faced manslaughter charges when things went wrong.
Now, the House of the Lord Jesus is the only place where it’s still legal. One visitor told Channel 5, “Nobody has rights to take away my rights.” They’re all about following the Bible over government laws.
But it’s risky business. Chris Woolford himself said, “Out of all the ways to die, it’s one of the worst.” If you get bitten, it can lead to a pretty gruesome end.
