Believing in the Five Signs

Tucked away in Squire, West Virginia, the House of the Lord Jesus stands as one of the few places in America where serpent handling is still practiced. For Pastor Chris Wolford and his congregation, taking up venomous snakes or drinking deadly strychnine solutions is not a spectacle or publicity stunt. Instead, it is a direct expression of faith rooted in biblical scripture. They follow what they call the five signs of the gospel: speaking in tongues, taking up serpents, laying hands on the sick, casting out devils, and drinking deadly things without harm. When critics claim that members build up a physical tolerance to deadly poisons like strychnine, the pastor points back to divine protection.

“Some people say, ‘Well y’all just immune to it.’ Well, I don’t think drinking it once every month is going to allow me to get immune to it. Even if I was immune to it, how about the months leading up to that, what kept me?”

The Cost of Faith and Defying Fear

Practicing this tradition carries real, immediate dangers that church members understand all too well. Pastor Wolford himself has survived five snake bites, and both his father and his brother tragically lost their lives after being bitten by venomous serpents. His brother passed away after being bitten in the leg by a rattlesnake during an outdoor service. Outside observers often assume that the loud music played during service somehow tames or hypnotizes the snakes. However, the congregation rejects that belief completely, crediting their safety solely to the grace and mercy of God.

“They said, ‘The music tames these things.’ I don’t hear no music going, children. Ain’t but one thing I know that’ll keep that from biting, and that’s the Lord. When he gets ready to bite, without the mercy of God, he’ll bite.”

Clearing Up the Misconceptions

Serpent handling churches often face intense negative publicity and widespread misunderstandings from the outside world. Rumors circulate that venomous snakes are set loose during services or that handling serpents is mandatory for salvation. Pastor Wolford clarifies that those stories are completely false and that visitors are always welcome in their sanctuary. The core mission of the church is not about snakes at all, but about offering hope, salvation, and spiritual community to everyday people. Handling a serpent is only done if a person feels moved by the spirit, and it is never a requirement to belong.

“I don’t preach you got to handle a serpent to go to heaven. All I want the world to know is they need Jesus Christ in their life as their Lord and Savior, and whether they ever take up a serpent or not, I could care less about that.”

Catch the Full Service

Want to see inside the sanctuary, listen to the preaching, and experience this unforgettable story firsthand? Be sure to watch the original video for an authentic look at the faith and people of McDowell County!