Afterward, he decides to research his own family history and discovers not only a direct line back to a Methodist circuit-riding preacher from Scottsboro on his mother’s side, but also evidence of several other Covingtons living in the area and practicing snakehandling.Ī few months later, Covington visits Brother Carl at his home in Kingston, Georgia, before attending services at his church. Some of the more rigid members of the congregation in Jolo, such as the ailing matriarch Barbara Elkins, do not approve of Covington’s participation.Ĭovington brings his family to a service at Carl Porter’s church, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, during which his daughter appears to be very enthusiastic about the services and Covington has his feet ritually washed. For the first time, he entertains the reality of the Holy Ghost. Up in Jolo, the desire to testify seizes Covington. A testament to their newfound trust in Covington, Brother Carl invites Covington and his photographers to attend their 20th annual homecoming in Jolo, West Virginia, over Labor Day weekend. Covington begins to participate actively in the services himself, rather than as a journalist and observer, and earns the name Brother Dennis. Dyal, and Charles McGlocklin would be preaching under a brush arbor. After the church in Scottsboro shuts down, Covington is invited to attend services on Sand Mountain where three snake-handling preachers named Carl Porter, J.L.
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