Priest Mark Randall “Mack” Wolford
MATOAKA — Approximately 500 feet outside the town of Matoaka is a non-descript gray and white concrete building, home to a church that believes in a religious practice rooted deep in the culture of Appalachia.
Video by WSAZ News Channel 3
A small sign advertises the building as the Full Gospel Apostolic House of the Lord Jesus and lists the pastor as Mack Randall Wolford as well as worship times. Several videos were posted on YouTube of the church's worship services and many depict Wolford handling serpents as part of services.
On Sunday, Wolford and other parishioners gathered at Panther State Forest in McDowell County as part of homecoming worship services where he was bitten in his thigh by a timber rattlesnake.
After the services, Wolford was taken to a parishioner's home in the Plainview Mobile Home Park in Brushfork. Wolford was then transported to Bluefield Regional Medical Center where he died from his injuries on Monday.
Filmmaker Reflects on Life and Mission of W.Va. Preacher Killed by Rattlesnake
May 30, 2012
Snake-handling W.Va. preacher dies after suffering bite during outdoor service by Associated Press, Published: May 31
A test of faith in the West Virginia wilderness turns deadly for a "serpent-handling" church leader.
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