> > I understand that the very small Catholic church is overflowing.
>
> Now I hear that there is a new Catholic church on a 54-acre site along U S Highway 321 in Lenoir City. The pastor's vision for the new church was realized in its mission-style design, reflecting the strong Hispanic presence in the area as well as St Thomas's many years as a mission parish. The new church was dedicated on November 23rd.
>
> By 1999 St Thomas families numbered about 200. Now they have close to 500 families.
>
> Calvin

Is that just off the two-lane section of 321 between Broadway and Ft. Loudoun Dam? I know there is a new church back in there somewhere, but I don't think it is visible from the road. I like the old Spanish missions in California. That should stand out in this area.

I also heard, but can't confirm, that the population within the city limits is now over 50% Hispanic. If true, that would be a remarkable change. Not very long ago, there were no Hispanics at all here.
Howard