estward and northward
rise in the background of the forest the mountains of the Cumberland
plateau. On the east, the trees shut out everything but the sky.

We are about 800 feet above the sea-level, giving a most delightful
and salubrious atmosphere. The moral atmosphere is equally good. The
nearest place for liquors and their accompanying vices is in the
valley beneath.

The Congregational Church was organized at this place on October 15,
1885, under the superintendency of the American Missionary
Association. The congregation was composed wholly of people from the
Northern States, who had come to the mountains seeking health. These,
to the number of about twenty-five families, form the neighborhood of
Grand View. Outside of this place are to be found the people of the
mountains, scattered across the mountain-top, in a little clearing
here and another there. In the midst of the woods, during the summer,
it is a "discovery" to find the log house, the home of the
mountaineer. The occupation of all is farming. There is no other means
for a livelihood.

Many of the church members own their own homes; usually two-story
frame buildings.

During the present pastorate twenty-one have united with the church;
fourteen by letter, seven by confession. Out of this number we have
nine who are mountaineers, the first acquisition of the native element
to the church. We have a small but neat building, seating 150, in
which services are held every Sunday morning and evening. A Christian
Endeavor Society embraces a large number of the young people for whom
we labor.

This church is in connection with a large and flourishing school. The
students come to us from three States, and thus the influence of the
American Missionary Association is scattered far and wide. We are the
center of a large but poor class of people who have no means to help
themselves. If they are ever to help themselves, they must receive a
start from outside. When they do get a chance they usually go ahead.

We have among our students many teachers of the public schools lifting
the tone of the whole mountain. Last year about sixteen of the
students taught school during the vacation, covering a territory from
Red Belt, Georgia, to Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee. Several lawyers,
former students, are now practicing at the bar in Tennessee and other
States. To our honor one of our graduates is a missionary in China;
many have gone forth to usefulness. Many, if not a