King expresses his appreciation for Dexter's call and schedules a meeting with the pulpit committee. One week later, a Montgomery newspaper reported: "A call has been extended to the Reverend M. L. King, Jr., to serve as the pastor of the church. He has indicated through correspondence that he will be in the city for the first Sunday in April and it is hoped that the call can be accepted."

Pulpit Committee
Mr. R. D. Nesbitt, Chairman
Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
Montgomery, Alabama

Gentlemen:

This acknowledges receipt of your telegram stating that I have been called unanimously to the pastorate of your church. Knowing the outstanding history of your great church, I feel distinctly honored by your call. Please express my appreciation to the officers and members for extending to me this great honor.

Because of previous commitments, I will be unable to meet with you on the date requested. However, it will be convenient for me to meet with you on the first Sunday in April. If this meets with your approval, I shall arrange to arrive in your city Saturday before the first Sunday.

With best regards I remain,

Respectfully yours,
M. L. King, Jr.

396 Northampton Street
Apartment 5
Boston, Massachusetts

MLK: sj

TLc. MLKP-MBU: Box 116, folder 49.

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