Christian Family Companion 11-27-1866 p 373 Vol. II No. 47

Cedar Grove Branch

Nov. 14. 1806.

Dear brethren and sisters, and kind friends; I do not wish o. intrude upon your generous hospitalities, as you have 1 eon so Liu I as to render relief to the many who have been destitute of so many 0f the luxuries that you enjoy, and of food and rainiest. They have shared largely of your hospitalities, and believe have rendered praise to the good God who hears the ravens cry and gives their young ones food. It is true, we have passed through great afflictions, endure 1 many losses, hut all this time the church has been increasing, and many have joined in with the people of God, and are now striving for the faith once delivered to the saints.

I will give you the history, or part of the history of one of our churches, viz: The White Horn church. I joined in with the people of God six years ago last summer, and I would often go with our ministering brethren to this arm of the Church. It belonging then to our church (Cedar Grove.) There were at that time nine members at that place. The good work was revived, and souls were converted to God. Since that time (six years ago) four have gone to reap the reward of their labors, and there is now an organized church. Four have died, three have went to the far West, and the church now numbers some over one hundred, who are now contending for the faith. - These brethren commenced a meeting house before the war was over and could have very easily paid for it, had they not have been subjected to greater losses in property, and a sad disappointment in a contract. but not becoming disheartened, they still went on with their work, and the house is now completed by the workmen, with some little exception. The workman holds the keys to the house, and will until some arrangement is made for the payment of three hundred dollars, which is still unpaid. 1 do not wish to beg money of you for our brethren. I state the condition of things, and then vim can say if you wish to lend a helping hand or not. The brethren, m we have said were in the first place disappointed. Then when the war closed it appeared that money matter closed it for while the soldiers were here there was some money scattered for forage, &c, but when they were gone grain and stock was so very scarce that it is all we can do to get money for to pay taxes. Now if there are any of our brethren or sisters, or kind friends, who wish to help pay for a meetinghouse, in a country which has been made destitute by the ravages of war, their help will be thankfully received.

When you consult your mind, if I you feel disposed to throw in your mite, send it to Rogersville P. O., Hawkins Co., Tennessee, to your humble servant, the writer, and I will send you a receipt for the same, and will also acknowledge a receipt through the Companion.

I hope some of our dear brethren or kind sisters will take an interest in this matter and use their influence in the same.

May God bless the Church, and prosper his cause, is our prayer.

ABRAHAM MOLSBEE.