Bartram Nason

House Church

The Beginning and End of a Faith Community

In 2006, I began documenting the practice of a house church in Duluth, GA. As an alternative to attending services in a church building, this group of friends would meet every Wednesday to share a meal and worship in the living room of the founderss townhouse.

The group shifted and grew over many years. In 2012, the founders moved out of state, and the house church disbanded. I was invited back to capture their last worship in the space.

Black and white photo of a person passionately singing or speaking, with eyes closed and hands raised in an expressive gesture, capturing an emotional moment.
Black and white photo of a group of people gathered around a dining table, sharing a meal and engaged in conversation. In the background, a couple of individuals are in the kitchen, adding to the lively, communal atmosphere.
A woman leaning on her arms next to a piano, facing a man who is out of focus. A glass is on a table in the background.
A sheet of paper with song lyrics titled "By Our Love" by Nathan and Chrissy Nockels on a wooden surface. A laptop and a book are on the right side, resting on the same surface.
A man stands in a doorway, waving to two children outside near a red car. One child is holding a plastic container. Inside, a shelf of books is visible, and a child in a cap peeks into the doorway.
A man sitting on the floor with his eyes closed and hands clasped, surrounded by people whose legs and feet are visible.
A person wearing a striped shirt is writing with a blue pen on a notebook placed over an open book.
A group of people, including children, gathered in a room. Some are sitting on the floor, and a person is playing a keyboard. Toys and an overhead projector are visible on the floor.
Three people in a room, with one person leaning against a counter, another giving a shoulder massage, and the third seated with head down.
Black and white photo of a person with their hands clasped near their face, appearing deep in thought or prayer, while another person in the background rests their head on their hand, also reflecting a contemplative mood.
A person drinks from a glass with another person holding food next to them, and a third person holding an open book. The front person's shirt reads "JESUS WAS HOMELESS."
A man sitting on a bench reading a book in a room. A guitar is leaning against the bench, and there is a small computer monitor on a nearby table. Various items are on the countertop behind him, including pots and decorative objects.
A kitchen countertop with various food items, including sliced bread, broccoli, beans, apple slices, red bell peppers, carrot sticks, and a fruit mix container. A person is preparing a meal with salad and dressing. Other items include aluminum foil, red grapes, and a blender.
A group of people gathered in a home setting. In the foreground, several children and adults sit around a dining table with food and pumpkins. In the background, more people are gathered in the kitchen and living room area, some standing and others sitting.
A person using an overhead projector with a sheet of text on it. A binder with papers is open on the floor. In the background, several people and children are seated on a couch and the floor.
A man writing in a notebook while a woman sits beside him with her hand on her pregnant belly. Other people are visible in the background, including a person standing and another sitting with eyes closed.
A group of people sitting together, some with their heads bowed, hands in prayer, and others touching or supporting them. A piano is visible in the background.
Black and white photo capturing a group of individuals in a moment of collective prayer or reflection. One person is in the foreground with hands open in a gesture of surrender, while others place supportive hands on shoulders, bowing their heads in deep focus.
Two people sitting on a couch. One person is leaning on the other's shoulder with their eyes closed, while the other person is looking upward with a slight smile, holding a pillow.
A woman wearing a shirt that says "so LOVED" stands in a room, talking to another person. In the background, a woman is in the kitchen and a child is near a piano.
A group of adults and children gathered around a dining table with various foods, including fruits, vegetables, and snacks. Two pumpkins and candles are on the table. People are talking and interacting, and there are more people in the background near a red couch.
A group of people seated indoors. A woman in the center is sitting cross-legged with a book open in front of her. She has her eyes closed and hands clasped. Other individuals are sitting around, with one person holding a child and another sitting on a red chair. A purple container with toys is on the floor.
A person lying face down on the carpet with hands on the floor. An arm is extended above them, and an open binder is on the floor nearby.
A group of people gathered in a living room. A man in the foreground is playing a piano. Other adults and children are sitting or standing around the room, engaging in various activities. Some are seated on couches, while others are on the floor. A fireplace and decorated wall are visible in the background.
A woman holding a tablet with a video call on the screen, sitting next to an overhead projector in a room with several people gathered around. Some people are seated on chairs, while others are sitting on the floor.