Allow me to hold a little conversation with the brethren over the State with reference to the building of a new church at LaFollette, Tenn. My purpose will be to give some information about the location, need and prospects of the church, and enlist the interest, sympathy and support of those who are interested in the welfare of our Baptist Zion.
          1. Where is LaFollette? I shall answer this question with the full assurances that many of my readers need the information.  We confidently expect that within a very short time the city of LaFollette will be well known throughout the entire State, but at the present it is "brand new" and needs an introduction. It is yet in  its infancy, but it is a giant for its age.  It is situated in East Tennessee thirty five miles north of Knoxville, and in Campbell County, four miles east of Jacksboro, in the beautiful and fertile Powell's Valley, at what used to be Big Creek Gap. Nestled thus among the foot hills of Cumberland Mountains, in one of the richest and most beautiful valleys in East Tennessee.  LaFollette is destined to become one of the most important towns in the State. With a new railroad just completed, intersecting with the K & O near Coal Creek, it has every natural advantage. This gives an outlet and opens up the very extensive fields of coal, iron, marble, timber, ect., all of the very finest variety and practically  untouched.
          This is not what may be termed a boom town, and yet there has been a marvelous growth for the last few months.  Much substantial improvement has been made in the way of school, bank, hotel and other business houses.  Factories and machine shops are in contemplation and the permanence of the town is assured.  Lawyers, doctors, merchants, mechanics, miners, and laborers of almost every profession, and calling have immigrated to LaFollette in such great numbers within the past year that there can hardly be found room enough to contain them. They can scarcely procure board and lodging at any price.  Now this is where we are wanting to build a Baptist Church.
          2. What are their present needs? They need to be free.  At present they are fettered by a nominal vision with other denominations, having nowhere to worship except in an old  house owned and used by all.  This kind of an arrangement never was, and never can be, satisfactory with Baptist. We can't breathe free when  shut up in such narrow quarters.  They need a church of their own and must have it.  The church is not so small in numbers, but they represent a small amount of wealth.  There are yet several Baptists in the town who have not identified themselves with the church, but they are mostly day laborers.  These, however, must be gathered in together with others who are almost daily coming.  The brethren are determined to build, and are undoubtedly laying their plans wisely.  They expect to build for ten years in the future, and this means a heavy burden for the present membership, even more than they are able to bear without some help from without.
          I believe this to be as worthy a cause as I ever represented, and I shall not hesitate to ask for some help.  We have been stigmatized as stingy Baptist, but that has long ago been proven false.  I believe that no people are more ready to assist in a worthy cause.  We are known as Missionary Baptists, and justly so too, and I am sure that nothing is more strictly missionary than the object which I now present.
          3.  What are their future prospects?  A few years ago this Powell's Valley country was largely Methodist, but the situation is altogether different now.  The Baptist are beginning to occupy the strongholds, and with a little more of a united effort the territory would  soon be ours.
          We are the first to break dirt at LaFollette for a church house, and in fact the only people so far that have made any definite arrangement.  We have the right of way.  The sympathy of the town is in our behalf, and we will receive all of the encouragement that could be expected from those who are not directly interested.  A wise building committee was selected at our last business meeting and they have gone to work in earnest.  A financial agent is out soliciting funds and is meeting with more than ordinary success.  A large amount of work and material will be donated, and with a little help outside they will be able to build a good sized, first-class, up-to-date, modern style church, costing perhaps $2.500.  This is what we need and this is what we expect.  Come over and help us. Now is the time to help where help is needed.  Help not only the Lord's causes, I am sure it will be appreciated by the brethren and blessed of the Lord.
          Lend a helping hand, my brother.  We should always help each other.  Together let us stand: Divided we are sure to fall. United we can conquer all. We are a mighty band.
          As many as feel disposed to help us will please send their amounts, large or small to W. H. RUTHERFORD,  Pastor, Clinton Tenn. January 20, 1898
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