The Theology of the Everyday: Exploring Appalac...
The Theology of the Everyday: Exploring Appalachian Church Material Culture (1880-1980)
Appalachia: a region steeped in history, resilience, and a deeply rooted faith. The soaring peaks and winding hollows have long shaped not only the physical landscape but also the spiritual lives of its inhabitants. While grand cathedrals often dominate narratives of church history, the story of faith in Appalachia is etched into the humbler, often overlooked, details of its rural churches – the material culture born from necessity, ingenuity, and a profound connection to the land. This blog post explores the theology embedded within the architecture, art, and objects of these churches between 1880 and 1980, uncovering the powerful messages of faith conveyed by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
Hand-Hewn Hope: Architecture Shaped by the Land
Imagine a small, white-painted church nestled in a valley, its steeple reaching towards the heavens. This image, replicated across countless Appalachian communities, speaks volumes about the priorities and limitations of the time. Limited resources were a defining factor. Forget imported marble or stained glass shipped from Europe. Appalachian churches were built with what was readily available: wood from the surrounding forests.
Often, the men of the community would gather to hew the logs themselves, a process that transformed not just trees into timber but also individual labor into collective purpose. Oral histories recount stories of families contributing their time and skills, turning construction into a shared act of devotion. Elder Martha, a lifelong resident of a small Kentucky holler, recalled in a 1992 interview with the Kentucky Folklife Program, “Pa and all the men, they worked for weeks just getting the wood ready. It was hard work, but they knew they were building a house for the Lord.”
The simplicity of the architecture wasn't just about necessity; it reflected a theological emphasis on humility and a direct connection to God’s creation. The unadorned interiors, often featuring simple wooden pews and a plain altar, fostered an intimate atmosphere that prioritized fellowship and the spoken word. The physical structure reinforced the idea that God was present not in opulence, but in the shared experience of community and worship.
A Palette of the Possible: Decoration and the Divine
While grand artistic statements were rare, the Appalachian church was far from devoid of beauty. Resourcefulness sparked creativity. Textiles, often hand-stitched quilts, adorned walls, providing both insulation and visual warmth. These weren’t merely decorative items; they were often filled with symbolism and storytelling. Patchwork quilts, for example, could represent the interconnectedness of the community, each piece representing a different family or experience.
Flowers, both real and artificial, played a significant role. Wildflowers gathered from the surrounding hills decorated altars, bringing the natural world into the sacred space. Paper flowers, painstakingly crafted by women in the congregation, offered a more durable and symbolic representation of beauty and faith. These handmade decorations, born from humble materials, held a profound spiritual significance, speaking of the love and devotion poured into their creation.
Furthermore, the use of color, even in limited quantities, held theological weight. Blues might represent heaven, reds sacrifice, and greens the renewal of life. These color choices, though subtle, reflected a deep understanding of biblical symbolism and a desire to express faith through visual language.
Objects of Devotion: Stories Woven into the Everyday
Beyond the architecture and decoration, the objects used in worship told their own stories. Hymnals, often worn and dog-eared from years of use, were more than just books; they were repositories of shared memory and communal identity. The hymns sung within those walls often originated from the region or adapted traditional tunes, reflecting the unique cultural context of Appalachian faith. The very act of singing, often accompanied by simple instruments like the banjo or guitar, became a form of prayer and collective expression.
Baptismal fonts, sometimes simple basins or even repurposed troughs, represented the cleansing power of faith and the individual’s commitment to Christ. These objects, though humble in appearance, held immense spiritual significance, connecting worshippers to the foundational tenets of their faith. Communion sets, perhaps passed down through generations or crafted from locally sourced materials, served as tangible reminders of Christ's sacrifice and the communal nature of the Christian experience.
Resilience in the Rhythms: Music, Storytelling, and Community
Appalachian churches weren't just places of worship; they were vital hubs of community life. During periods of economic hardship, such as the coal mining strikes of the early 20th century, the church provided not only spiritual solace but also practical assistance. Food banks were established, clothing drives organized, and the church became a sanctuary for those struggling to survive.
The power of oral storytelling was central to Appalachian culture and found its way into the church setting. Sermons often took the form of narratives, drawing on biblical stories and personal experiences to illustrate spiritual truths. These stories, passed down through generations, reinforced moral values and provided a sense of continuity and belonging.
Traditional Appalachian music, with its roots in Scots-Irish folk traditions, profoundly shaped worship practices. The plaintive melodies and heartfelt lyrics of hymns resonated deeply with the emotional and spiritual experiences of the community. The music created a sense of shared identity and provided an outlet for expressing both joy and sorrow.
Challenging and Reinforcing: Faith in Dialogue
Appalachian church material culture, while unique in its context, also engages with broader theological trends. The emphasis on simplicity and humility, for example, echoes themes found in various Christian traditions that prioritize spiritual depth over material wealth. The focus on community and mutual support reflects the biblical call to love one's neighbor and care for the vulnerable.
However, Appalachian faith also presents unique challenges to mainstream theological perspectives. The deep connection to the land, for instance, often leads to a more holistic understanding of creation care and a rejection of anthropocentric views. The emphasis on personal experience and direct revelation can sometimes clash with more formalized theological doctrines.
A Legacy of Faith: Lessons for Today
The material culture of Appalachian churches offers valuable lessons for contemporary Christians. It reminds us that faith can be expressed in diverse and creative ways, even with limited resources. It underscores the importance of community, mutual support, and a deep connection to the natural world. It challenges us to examine our own values and priorities, and to consider how our material possessions reflect our spiritual commitments.
By studying the humble churches of Appalachia, we gain a deeper appreciation for the power of faith to sustain and transform lives. We learn that true beauty lies not in extravagance, but in the love, dedication, and resilience woven into the fabric of everyday life. The enduring legacy of Appalachian church material culture is a testament to the enduring power of faith to thrive even in the most challenging of circumstances. These buildings and objects remind us that the theology of the everyday is a powerful and profound expression of the human spirit's yearning for connection with God and with one another.