More people in Hattiesburg are turning to God during the economic recession, according new data provided by local churches.

The economic recession may be taking its toll financially on some churchgoers but overall attendance is growing while giving is only slightly down from 2009 in two churches that were surveyed.

First Baptist Church of Hattiesburg, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church and The Grove Church all reported an increase in their attendance.

Since the Rev. Sean Lucas arrived at First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, he’s seen a steady increase in both attendance and membership going up by around 30 percent.

While the pews have been filled each Sunday at First Presbyterian, giving has stayed about the same as last year.

“Giving this year has been flat and it matches 2008 and 2009,” Lucas said. “But in this economy that’s fabulous and people have been very, very gracious and they’re responding to the Gospel and giving.”

Despite a decrease in giving at both First Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church, both churches have ongoing construction projects to build new facilities to house their new members.

Additionally, both are implementing electronic funds transfers for members who wish to donate but do not carry cash on them.