This is King's copy of an agenda for the MIA's fourth mass meeting,
which was held at Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy's First Baptist Church. At
the bottom King wrote notes for his "Progress Report and instructions."
In his talk he sharply distinguished between the boycott tactics of
the MIA and those of the Citizens Council, probably responding to a
13 December Montgomery Advertiser editorial, titled "The 2-Edged
Sword," that equated the two. Rufus A. Lewis, head of the transportation
committee, reported that the three-day-old carpool system had been successful,
with 215 volunteer drivers participating.
Mass Meeting of Montgomery Improvement Association
First Baptist Church--December 15, 1955--7:00 P.M.
Presiding Officer--Roy Bennett (Speaks of the importance of following
the program)
Hymn--"Lift Him Up."
Reading of Scripture--Rev. H. H. Johnson
Invocation--Rev. R. W. Hilson
Song--"Joy to the World"
Report of Transportation Committee--Rev. W. J. Powell {Mr. Rufus Lewis}
Acknowledgment of Visitors--Mr. J. Peirce {Pierce}
Progress Report and instructions--Rev. M. L. King
Appeal for Funds--and Collection of Funds--Rev. R. J. Glascoe
Closing Remarks--Rev. M. L. King
Closing Hymn--[strikeout illegible] "Blessed Be the Tide"
Benediction--Rev. J. T. Thomas {E. H. Mason}
Next Meeting--Hutchinson Street Baptist Church--Rev. H. H. Johnson
Time--7:00, Monday night.
{1,954.60
1. Thanks for presence
2. The papers reveal that we have many white with us
3. Again we are not to be compared to the Citizen's Councils
4. We are still getting cooperation (we walk if necessary)
5. We are waiting to hear from Chicago
Annocement: The new Headquarters
Patronize Negro Business All drivers meet at Dexter tomorrow}
