From Walter R. McCall
Author: McCall, Walter R. (Fort Valley State College (Ga.))
Date: January 17, 1954
Location: Fort Valley, Ga.
Genre: Letter
Topic: Martin Luther King, Jr. - Career in Ministry
Details
King’s friend from Morehouse and Crozer was also under consideration for the pastorate of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. McCall had delivered a trial sermon several weeks earlier and reports in this letter that Dexter had invited him to return in February, two weeks after King’s trial sermon of 24 January.
Reverend M. L. King, Jr.
193 Boulevard, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia
Dear Mike,
Both of your letters reached me, and I was very sorry that you were taken ill. Such often happens without our control, you know. It’s good that you were up in time to fulfill your preaching date. Hope things came out the way you wished them.
Nevertheless, I was hoping that you could get down before you leave because I have somethings I wanted to talk over with you, before I put them into operation. Perhaps you could give me some insights (into them).
Well, there is nothing happening down here so interesting. As expected, I have been working rather persistently especially since my secretary had to go to do practice teaching last qtr. Since I have a new one, many of my headaches are alleviated.
Drop me a line if perchance you do not get back this way before leaving.
Please tell Reverend King that I really appreciated what he did for me to cut down on my headaches resulting from closed businesses which prevented my shopping. Boy, your father is a man who will live as long as I live, and even as long as my sons and daughters, for I shall tell them of his kindness toward me.
Well, Doc., how the news reach other schools about my being here I know not. I have two very important preaching engagements: one at Talladega and Florida A&M, Tallahassee; in addition to these, I’m preaching at Dexter on the Firts Sunday, February. A special delivery was here waiting my return with the hope that I fill the pulpit on 1st. Sunday, January. But that was too late. If you are interested in gettingthat church, I would be glad to put in a plug for you. You may inform me. Take it from me, that is a Great Church, Mike. Much honor will go to the man who gets it. Frankly, I have fallen in love with those people. Don’t let anybody tell you that that church is such a hell raiser! It has some laymen, men who are concerned about the future of our preaching ministry among young men. That is a healthy sign.
Do not forget me Doctor. Drop me a line every now and then. All my boys are gone from the “Fort”, so I am the only guy left here. I am void of intellectual companionship. Gals are rushing me and I am staying clear of them down here. For I want no “mess” from here out.
Your Pal,
Mac.
Source: MLKP, MBU, Martin Luther King, Jr., Papers, 1954-1968, Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, Boston University, Boston, Mass