Religion has always been vital to the region of Western North Carolina, from traditional Cherokee beliefs to modern multi-campus church complexes. Here, faith is more than a conviction; it’s a way of life.
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Nearly 70% of North Carolinians claim an affiliation with religious organizations, but even those with no spiritual background were welcomed by churches after tropical storm Helene took their homes and disconnected them from necessities such as drinkable water, food, gas, shelter and even their cell phones.
No story about the aftermath of Helene is complete without a nod toward the churches that worked within their communities. From Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in the city of Asheville to the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in the tiny, unincorporated community of Bat Cave, residents had a place to turn. What follows is a tour of five houses of worship in Asheville and beyond, rendered in original watercolors, that are on the frontlines of continued recovery from Helene.
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This article is part of Caught in the Current: Helene Recovery in Asheville and Beyond a project that we have partnered on with the School of Journalism at Northeastern University. Their enterprising students took on the story of Asheville, North Carolina, a community still dealing with the devastation of Hurricane Helene, 18 months later. As part of our mentoring program, we’re amplifying their efforts by sharing the amazing work produced by their students. Visit the official interactive magazine for the project HERE.
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