Recently a special committee was appointed from the deacons to sit in conference with the Finance Committee of our church and weigh a request from the Payne Avenue Baptist Church. Payne Avenue is a Negro church whose pastor is Rev. H. J. Bailey.  Brother Bailey is not a controvers[i]al and defying type of negro leader.  He believes his church can best serve his own people.  We agree with him.

     Payne Avenue Church has had to relocate because of the redevelopment project.  They have tentatively purchased the property of Memorial Baptist Church.  This is in the heart of the Negro section and is about ten blocks from us.  To consum[m]ate this purchase and make it possible for Memorial to move, they need about $4,000.00.  Five churches have been apporached [sic] to assist.  We are one of the five.  Our committee felt that a minimum of $800.00 should be our goal.

     We plan to make a general appeal Sunday August 2.  But due to the nature of the matter we thought it should be stressed.  Therefore, the committee has selected a number of people to make this direct appeal with the inside explanation that might be mi[s]interpreted if in a general promotion.  To have a missionary project here under our eyes seems most wise.  It is a fine mission field for the Negroes and we could see our money working every week.  It would give us a solid argument, if we are approached by them to come here, to say, "We are helping a good Negro church right here in the general community.  There is no need to disrupt our own work. We have provedn [sic] our love by the act."  This means that we are aiding the AFRICAN MISSION WORK HERE IN KNOXVILLE!

     If we can get 40 people to give $20.00 for this project we will be doing a great service to their church and we will be honoring our Lord in this manner.  If you cannot do this much but can help with any amount it will all go together for a worthy and expedient cause.

     If you can help in this matter the envelope is enclosed.  Bring it to the church Sunday August 2, or mail it before.  I certainly plan to be one of the 40 as mentioned above, and I feel sure that we will have enough people who can and will to make the reaching of this goal a reality.

     May God bless you, and may we continue to keep McCalla Avenue Church moving at a delightful spiritual pace.

Sincerely yours,

Raymond Smith, Pastor