The second piece in a three-part series looking into Baton Rouge’s faith hubs

In the second installment of our photo series, 225 steps inside three more vibrant and diverse houses of worship, where golden statues, rainbow stoles and rejoicing choirs color the services. Though no church or temple was the same as the last, each was just as warm and welcoming as the next.

STORY BY: KACI YODER | PHOTOS BY: SEAN RICHARDSON

DATTA TEMPLE

During a service at Datta Temple, statues of sacred deities are cleansed with water and milk, the latter of which is regarded by Hindu observers as one of the purest liquids.

By Hindu custom, only men are permitted onto the altar to perform cleansing and blessing rituals during service.

Statues of deities in a Hindu temple represent different aspects or traits of the same higher power. By communing with each deity, a Hindu worshipper aims to relate to and reach oneness with the universe.

Longtime temple member and devout Hindu Indira Chillara blesses each member of the service.

During prayer, many Hindu worshippers sit cross-legged in the lotus position on the floor. They will sometimes press their hands together at mid-chest in the anjali gesture.

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

A non-denominational Christian church, Metropolitan Community Church is led by Reverend Keith Mozingo and aims to be one of the most inclusive churches in the city. MCC has participated annually in the Baton Rouge Pride Festival.

MCC is a branch of the international Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches movement, a group founded in 1968 that calls itself “the world’s first church group with a primary, positive ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender persons.”

In addition to welcoming LGBT people and allies in Sunday services, MCC also hosts regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and a transgender support group. Rev. Mozingo addresses the congregation at large as “saints” in weekly e-newsletters.

NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

Led by Reverend Leo Cyrus, New Hope operates under the National Baptist convention and lists its primary vision as “a spiritually mature, family-oriented, multi-generational church whose foundation is Jesus.”

Unlike more formal Christian churches, New Hope combines gospel music and contemporary accompaniment to connect with worshippers of all ages.

New Hope streams Sunday services live on their website, inviting the community to listen in on the weekly message, as well as one of their five different music ministries: Voices of Praise, praise team, youth and young adult chorus, men’s chorus and women’s chorus.

No matter the beliefs or style of worship, each worshipper in every service finds a higher meaning and purpose through their beliefs.

FOLLOW THE SERIES

Beginning in our September issue, we visited many houses of worship through Baton Rouge to get know where locals find peace, enlightenment or a connection to a higher power. Pick up our November magazine to see the final installment in the three-part series.

This story was originally published in the October issue of 225 Magazine.