One of the largest audiences that ever attended a church service in LaFollette, was present at the opening of the new Baptist Church on Wednesday night.  An hour before time to begin, the people began to assemble.  Before 7 o'clock the auditorium was practically filled.  By 7:30 every available space was filled and many were standing.

The service opened with an organ prelude, Andante in G, by Batiste, with Miss Hannah Francis at the consol of the Moller Organ.  This beautiful number was excellently well done. Miss Francis is an accomplished singer and organist and the church was fortunate in securing her for the opening services.

The choir of thirty voices led the congregation in singing "O Worship the King". Rev. W. D. Hutton a former pastor, led the invocation.  This was followed by the singing of "Holy, Holy, Holy."

Mr. Ollie M. Newman, formerly a member of the First Baptist Church, sang "Jesus is Mine" by Wittich.  Mr. Newman has a tenor voice of remarkable sweetness and appeal.  He has been heard many times here and is always well received.

Two more old hymns followed in which the great audience joined.

Rev. D. B. Bowers, a former pastor, then read the scripture lesson and offered prayer.  The audience showed their pleasure in welcoming M. Bowers who led his people to begin the erection of the new church.

One of the most impressive features of the whole service was the music of the offertory prayer.  When the young men ushers lined up in a (webmasters note.. "I cant decipher some of the words before it continues.") of the organ played "My Jesus I Love Thee" with the chimes sounding  as from a great distance.  Miss Francis then played as an offertory "Because in A" by Delbruck.

A hymn followed, then Mr. Paul Francis sang "Enough to Know" by Scott.  Mr. Francis had a rich bass baritone voice of remarkable depth and feeling.  This was his first appearance as a soloist in LaFollette but it will not be his last as he will soon move his family here.

Pastor M.E. Miller delivered a short sermon with his characteristic clarity and eloquence.  Following the sermon the audience sang "There is a Fountain".  Benediction was pronounced by Rev. G. M. Moreland, Pastor of the M. E. Church South.  Miss Francis played "March Romaine as a postlude.

At the conclusion of the service, members of the church acted as a piloting committee to show visitors through the building.

This news article was taken from "The Advance Sentinal" Jellico Tennessee March 23, 1928. Located on the same page was a photograph and article announcing  Miss Grace Moore's appearance in Chattanooga March 26th.