In the Hills and Houses of the Lord

Located in southeast Ohio in the Appalachian foothills, the churches of Athens County are nestled within small towns, plains, and hollows.

Throughout 2021 and the spring of 2022, photojournalist Chris Day attended services in a least one church in each of the 14 county townships to photograph the people who make up the congregations of these rural churches. He ultimately documented 31 services in 29 churches throughout the county.

Despite small numbers and mostly elderly congregations at many of the services, the congregants of the church stated that their faith is as strong as ever.

“Father we are going to do what we can to get more people in this church,” said Robert Van Bibber, the pastor of Connett Methodist Church, during his sermon. “We pray to fill it till the seams are bursting.”