Villa Ridge Christian Church, photo by smalltowngirl

One of the things I love most about my wanderings in rural Missouri is the moment when I happen accidentally upon a beautiful, old, country church. Missouri’s churches have stories to tell; stories of weddings, funerals, and stories of community.

I’m always amazed that the people of these tiny, probably relatively poor towns understood the need for churches as gathering places, churches as symbols of faith, and churches as places of worship. Churches are deeply relevant in small town Missouri history and culture, which I think is what inspires me to photograph so many of them.

Villa Ridge Christian Church, photo by smalltowngirl

When I saw this church outside of Washington, Missouri, goosebumps immediately traversed my neck, back and arms. Not only is the church nearly 150 years old, it’s the same denomination I was raised in; First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.

Villa Ridge Christian Church is located in Villa Ridge, Missouri, between Union and Pacific, Missouri. According to US Census data from 2000, the population of Villa Ridge is 2,417.  Villa Ridge Christian Church is located at 119 East Villa Ridge Road.

Villa Ridge Christian Church, photo by smalltowngirl