It's a tiny town on the border of Botetourt and Alleghany counties. Iron Gate is home to a just few hundred people. But there are seven churches within a three block area.
Tonight WDBJ7's Bryce Williams takes us there to explore the people and their faith and to find out why it's home to so many houses of worship.
Mayor Alan Williams described the town for us. “Sort of like a small Mayberry I guess I would describe it. It's one of those communities where you could feel safe if your car broke down that someone would actually help you,” he said.
“It was incorporated in 1890. It was an iron ore mining town. The Iron ore industry was booming at that time,” he continued.
The town, which is nine blocks by three blocks is packed with churches. There are 5 in the city. The other 2 are in bordering Botetourt County. So why so many churches? The people who live here say it's not because they're more religious than people elsewhere but perhaps it has to do with the option to choose.
“I think it's just different denominations-- Not that we don't all get along here it's just different denominations of people and their religions. The Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and the Advent Christians,” the mayor continued.
We also spoke with Rev. Louis Dodd. “We have a group called the Iron Gate Christian Fellowship. And all the churches but one participate in that and we help those in need, we also provide food assistance for families,” he said.
Churchgoers say their faith has helped them through the toughest of times. We spoke with Gloria Clark about that. “This is just a little town but it's got the Lord here because there's churches, churches, churches and if you don't have a church go to one but carry a bible with you and read that bible every day,” she said.
Words of advice from a woman and a community that calls on a higher power for guidance.
