TLS signed “Martin L. King, Jr,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama, October 9, 1959. Letter to Rev. David B. Parke, of The Unitarian Church, Peterborough, New Hampshire. In full: “On returning to the office I found your letter of September 16, on my desk again inviting me to speak in New Hampshire for the Interchurch Lenten Program. I have checked my schedule and discovered that March 12, 1961 will be the best available date for me. I am engaged elsewhere on the other suggested dates. If this meets your approval you may write me a note and I will be more than happy to place the date on my calendar. Thank you so much for extending the invitation. I am looking forward with great anticipation to being with you.” In fine, clean condition.
Seven weeks after he wrote this letter, on November 29, 1959, King announced his resignation as pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. The departure followed his decision to concentrate on the civil rights movement and his relocation to Atlanta to direct the activities of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. In a subsequent interview in Jet magazine, King stressed that moving from Montgomery was not a withdrawal from the movement. “Actually, I will be involved in it on a larger scale. I can’t stop now. History has thrust something upon me from which I cannot turn away,” he was quoted as saying. An early letter as King embarked on the course history had set for him. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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