Immense Faith - Kingston Snake Church |
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Jeffrey Blake Adams prophoto@adamsimages.com
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Many religious groups focus on one small portion of their chosen religion, and make that the defining principle for the way they practice their Faith. This small church outside of Atlanta, chose a phrase; "Thou shall take up Serpents" and made that the essence of their worship.
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They are a quiet, respectful, and joyful crowd.
They meet every Saturday night in their small, austere church building up on the hill in Historic Kingston GA.
The folks in the church don't care for the carrying on at the old school across town, (see sidebar).
I went initially to photograph an oddity, to satisfy my curiosity, and to see if there were any great photographs to be made. I was struck by the gentle nature of these people, and their deep faith, as they sang, danced and drank strychnine, and yes took turns handling the rattlesnake.
They were very generous, and gave me full permission to photograph during heir service, explaining that they were used to "outlanders" coming to see their service. They just asked me not to make any noise or to interfere if any of them were bitten. They support each other, spiritually, and in their own way, create a safe place where they can share common ideas and resources.
I offer these photographs as a look inside their hearts, and their efforts at family, community and faith.
Jeffrey Blake Adams
A complete collection of these photographs is available, as a set or individually. In Gallery Wrapped Canvas or as Archival Custom Mounted Photographic Prints. 40x50, 20x24 or 16x20 - Hit the contact page and email for details
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Kingston GA Not much going on in this town, the railroad cuts it in Half, a Civil War Cemetery is a large part of town. The Great Locomotive Chase that Started in Kennesaw GA and Ended in Resaca Ga came through here near the end of the war. Downtown is typical old south, one Main Street, with old store fronts, an empty Grand Hotel, one Civil War Antique store where they readily accept confederate money, one Grocery store, one great country restaurant, and a few other empty bldgs. Across town from the church, is an old elementary school that has been converted into a flea market by day, local "play what you bring" dance hall where families, of all ages come and play music, dance together, and participate in raffles hoping to win some extra goodies to take home. Something was so sweet about the way grandmothers danced with their teenaged grandsons, Moms and Dads, kids of all ages, dancing, playing music, singing. No embarrassment here, yet 30mi to the south east, in Downtown ATL, I doubt a teenaged boy would be caught dead with family on a saturday night. The town's farmers have been decimated by larger corp farming, offshore farms, and a lack of subsidies. The flea market brings the community together, and serves to put food on the table, as they scavenge what is left, antiques, treasures, clothing and tools, more whilst hoping for better times. Nearby the wealthy relax at Barnsley Gardens, a luxury resort owned by german baron with a world class spa and golf course. |
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