With lanterns and candles lighting the way, guides took visitors on a tour of Ironton’s places of worship on Saturday.

The Lawrence County Museum’s annual historic church walk gave participants a chance to visit eight of the city’s downtown churches, where they learned the history of the buildings, heard performances of Christmas music and listened to holiday messages from the clergy.

Dating to the 19th century and the early 20th century, the churches on the route included First Baptist Church, Christ Episcopal Church, First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Ironton, St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, Gateway Baptist Church and Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church.

At St. Lawrence, Father David Huffman explained the symbolism in the architecture of the building; at Quinn Chapel, the Rev. Margaret Tyson led visitors in song; at Gateway, a trio sang a rendition of “Oh Holy Night;” and, at St. Paul, the Christmas tree was decked out on “Christ-mons,” monogrammed ornaments depicting the symbols of Christianity.

Each location and denomination gave visitors a warm welcome and an invitation to return for regular services.

Following stops at the churches, attendees visited the museum, were cider and refreshments were served.