J. T. Brooks to Martin Luther King, Sr., and Alberta Williams King
Author: Brooks, J. (Joseph) T. (Alabama State College for Negroes)
Date: November 16, 1953
Location: Montgomery, Ala.
Genre: Letter
Topic: Martin Luther King, Jr. - Career in Ministry
Details
Joseph T. Brooks, a deacon of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, indicates to King’s parents that Dexter was interested in King, Jr., for its pastorate. Joseph T. Brooks, Jr., who is mentioned in the letter, was a classmate of King’s at Morehouse.
Dear Rev & Mrs King:
I am addressing this note to both of you for fear that Reverend King may be out of town and it may be held until he is in town. Some time ago, Charlie Dunn, secretary of the pulpit committee of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church here, called you with reference to M L., Jr. We are interested in having him in the consideration for the pastorate of our church. The condition of our church treasury at present, however, does not seem to justify or to make possible our bringing him down from Boston, where I understand he is continuing his study.
Please ascertain for me the earliest time that he does plan to come home. If we could locate him in this area, we would certainly want him to come down with us for a sermon. I have heard so many fine things about him and his ability and possibility, that I am intensely interesting in having him down. Please answer this note if you can. And if you can not, please rush it on to him for reply as we are now in process of hearing a series of prospects and would like if possible to make a decision sometime in the not too distant future.
Sadie and I are fine. Joe, Jr is getting married next month in N C—that will get the last one off our hands. Thank Goodness!!! Love.
Cordially yours,
[signed] Joe
J T Brooks
Source: CSKC, INP, Coretta Scott King Collection, In Private Hands.