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The Colored people of Wytheville Wythe Co Va, where I am now stationed have been endeavoring with all their energies to build a church. They have bought and paid for a lot. They have bought paid for and hauled a part of the lumber unto the lot. They have but $40 in the treasury. They need a $1000.00 to $1500 to finish their place of worship and have no further means. This is the principal town in South West Va. This church will serve week days as a school House as well. Without a building of their own I fear the school may go down. Besides the general need of any population of a church the mere fact of owning one will tend to increase this peoples self respect and dignity.
I can hardly imagine $1000.00 to $1500.00 better spent. Every dollar sent will go towards the church. nothing is required for an agency since I or any successor as the Govts officer on the spot will find it a pleasure as well as a duty to assist them in having the necessary plans procuring labor and material at the lowest rates.
My hope is that my native city will contribute sufficient to enable me to call the church the Portland Church. The character of the white