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Finding Aid for the Murphey Wilds Collection

MUM01785

PURL

http://purl.oclc.org/umarchives/MUM01785/

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Summary Information

Repository
University of Mississippi Libraries
Creator
Wilds, Murphey Candler
Title
Murphey Wilds Collection
ID
MUM01785
Date
1962-1963
Extent
1.0 Linear feet 2 boxes
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Correspondence, news clippings, and ephemera collected by Rev. Murphey Wilds, largely related to the 1962 riot at the University of Mississippi and his “Day of Repentance” of 7 October 1962.

Preferred Citation

Murphey Wilds Collection (MUM01785), Archives and Special Collections, J.D. Williams Library, The University of Mississippi

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Biographical Note

Murphey Wilds (1924-2005) was a Presbyterian minister who preached in North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, and Oxford, Miss. Wilds became an outspoken critic of Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett during the Civil Rights crises of the 1950s and 1960s. Following the 1962 riot at the University of Mississippi, Wilds delivered a “Day of Repentance” sermon, encouraging Mississippians to speak out against violence and to treat one another with love. These remarks were followed by a lecture to the Men of Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Wilds passed away at the age of 81 on 21 April 2005.

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Scope and Content

The Murphey Wilds Collection contains news clippings, ephemera, and correspondence related to the integration crisis and 1962 riot at the University of Mississippi. Highlights include copies of Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon, 118 letters written in response to his “Day of Repentance” sermon and lecture to the Men of Idlewild, and a short diary in which Wilds summarizes these events.

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Arrangement

Material arranged by format and chronologically within each format.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

University of Mississippi Libraries January 2013

Access Restrictions

The Murphey Wilds Collection is open for research.

Copyright Restrictions

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement.

Additions

No further additions are expected to this collection.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Amy Fluker, November 2012. Finding aid created by Kathryn Michaelis, January 2013.

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Related Materials

Related Materials at the University of Mississippi

For more collections related to the Civil Rights movement, please see the Archives' Civil Rights and Race Relations subject guide.

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Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

  • University of Mississippi -- Riot, Sept. 30, 1962

Genre(s)

  • clippings (information artifacts)
  • correspondence

Subject(s)

  • Civil rights - Mississippi -- Oxford -- History
  • Civil Rights -- Mississippi
  • Civil rights -- Mississippi -- Oxford -- History
  • Presbyterian Church -- Clergy

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Collection Inventory

 Folder 1.1 Diary, 1962 

Scope and Content

Wilds describes the events surrounding the integration of the University of Mississippi in the fall and winter of 1962 and early 1963, with particular emphasis on the response within the Presbyterian Church.

 Folder 1.2 Resolutions, 1962 

Scope and Content

Two copies of a plea issued by the church to make 7 October 1962 a day of repentance in response to the 1962 riot at the University of Mississippi. Also includes a plea by the clergy of Oxford for peace and order and a resolution by the University of Mississippi chapter of the American Association of University Professors condemning the riot.

 Folder 1.3 Murphey Wilds Sermon, 16 September 1962 

Scope and Content

Photocopy of Wilds’ sermon in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the admission of James Meredith to the University of Mississippi. Wilds encourages the community to respond thoughtfully and peaceably.

 Folder 1.4 “Day of Repentance” sermon and program, 7 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Two photocopies of Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon, in which he called for the community to repent for the riot at the University of Mississippi. Also includes a photocopy of the program of that day’s service.

 Folder 1.5 Uncredited sermon, JFK assassination, 1963 

Scope and Content

Photocopy of a sermon in response to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

 Folder 1.6 Miscellaneous publications, tracts 

Scope and Content

Publications and tracts regarding integration, including an essay by Franklin E. Moak which summarizes the church’s response to integration as well as Wilds’ involvement.

 Folder 1.7 Clippings 

Scope and Content

Newspaper clippings regarding the integration of the University of Mississippi and Wilds’ condemnation of racism and violence.

 Folder 1.8 Empty envelopes 

 Folder 1.9 Stephanie Breaux Civil Rights Projects, April 1990 

Scope and Content

Copies of an English class assignment by Stephanie Breaux, including interviews with Mr. Thomas Etheridge, Rev. Duncan Gray III, and Rev. Murphey Wilds regarding the response of community churches to the 1962 riot at the University of Mississippi.

Access Restrictions

Restricted

 Folder 1.10 Handwritten letter, signed. “Aunt Eilleen” [Miss Eilleen Gober] to “Dear Murph” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Marietta, Georgia, undated 

Scope and Content

Wilds’ aunt, Eilleen Gober, sends him words of encouragement.

 Folder 1.11 Handwritten card, signed. “[?] McIver” to “Dear Murphey”[Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Richmond, Virginia, 27 September 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief note from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education offering prayers and courage for the University of Mississippi and Wilds’ congregation.

 Folder 1.12 Handwritten letter, signed. “Helene Alford” [Mrs. Charles Culbertson Alford] to “My Dear Mr. Wild” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Jackson, Mississippi, 28 September 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of support for Wilds’ stance against racism and violence.

 Folder 1.13 Typewritten letter, signed. “O. G. Henry” to “Dear Murphey” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Jackson, Tennessee, 1 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter sending thoughts to Wilds’ during the integration crisis at the University of Mississippi.

 Folder 1.14 Handwritten letter, signed. “[DeVere] Maxwell Ramsay” [Mrs. William McDowell Ramsay] to “Dear Mary Rose” [Mary Rose Wilds]. Richmond, Virginia, 1 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Offer of prayers for the Wilds during the integration crisis at the University of Mississippi.

 Folder 1.15 Typewritten letter, signed. “Wallace J. Prenzel” to “Dear Sir” [Robert Kennedy]. Nashville, Tennessee, 2 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Copy of a letter to Attorney General Robert Kennedy condemning Governor Ross Barnett’s response to the 1962 riot.

 Folder 1.16 Telegram, signed. “Forest K. Whitworth” to “Rev. Murphey C. Wilds”. Dallas, Texas, 2 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Offer of prayers for Wild and his congregation in the wake of the riot.

 Folder 1.17 Handwritten letter, signed. “Raymond W. Rien” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Taylorsville, Mississippi, 2 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter offering prayers for Wild and his associates in the wake of the riot.

 Folder 1.18 Telegram, signed. “Jesse Lyons” to “The Rev. Murphy C. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. New York, New York, 2 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Expression of support for Wilds and his congregation, especially the Edwin F. Moaks, in the wake of the riot.

 Folder 1.19 Typewritten letter, signed. “A. G. Brush” [Allison G. Brush] to “Dear Murphey” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Laurel, Mississippi, 3 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Offer of prayers for Wild and his congregation in the wake of the riot.

 Folder 1.20 Typewritten letter, signed. “Henry Golson” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Nashville, Tennessee, 4 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of appreciation from the Vanderbilt Divinity School for Wilds’ “efforts to introduce some Christian grace into the confusion and unhappiness of the recent incidents in Oxford.”

 Folder 1.21 Typewritten letter, signed. “James Gailey” [James H. Gailey, Jr.] to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Decatur, Georgia, 5 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Offer of prayers for Wild and his congregation in the wake of the riot from the Columbia Theological Seminary.

 Folder 1.22 Handwritten letter, signed. “Elise” to “Dear Mary Rose and Murphy” [Mary Rose Wilds and Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Fort Worth, Texas, 7 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letting sending prayers and support for the Wilds and their response to the riot.

 Folder 1.23 Typewritten letter, signed. “Robert McAfee Brown” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murhpey Wilds]. Stanford, California, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of appreciation for Wilds’ courage and support for his “Day of Repentance” sermon.

 Folder 1.24 Typewritten letter, signed. “Mrs. Kay Cole” to “Rev. and Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Oceana, Virginia, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter commending Wilds for his stand against racial violence and condemning the actions of the “irresponsible” men responseible for the riot.

 Folder 1.25 Typewritten letter, signed. “Ted Hightower” to “My dear Brother” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Louisville, Kentucky, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Offer of prayers support for Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon.

 Folder 1.26 Typewritten letter, signed. “Alton” [W. Alton Bryant] to “Dear Murphy” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Jackson, Mississippi, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief letter praising Wilds’ courage in the wake of the riot.

 Folder 1.27 Typewritten letter, signed. “Malcolm” [Malcom P. Calhoun] to “Dear Murphey” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Richmond, Virginia, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Congratulatory letter sent to Wilds for his “Day of Repentance” sermon.

 Folder 1.28 Unsigned enclosures, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Envelope containing unsigned enclosures, including essays and clippings, defending the constitutionality of integration.

 Folder 1.29 Typewritten letter, signed. “Bill Wilcox” [William Knowlton Wilcox] to “Gentlemen” [Rev.s Gray, Wilds and Coleman]. Cleveland, Ohio, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter expressing support for Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon; also blames the sins of slavery and racism at the feet of the entire nation, not just the South.

 Folder 1.30 Typewritten letter, signed. “Eleanor Wilds” [Mrs. R. H. Wilds] to “My dear Murphey” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Aiken, South Carolina, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter from Wilds’ aunt expressing her “admiration and appreciation” for his sermon.

 Folder 1.31 Handwritten letter, signed. “[Edwin] M. Moore” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Sarasota, Florida, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief note expressing support for Wilds’ sermon.

 Folder 1.32 Typewritten letter, signed. “Winford C. Cummings” to “Rev. Murphey Wilds”. Oxford, Ohio, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Thanks for Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon

 Folder 1.33 Handwritten letter, signed. “Paul” [Paul Flowers] to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Memphis, Tennessee, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief note with Gospel reference

 Folder 1.34 Handwritten letter, unsigned with enclosure to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. New Orleans, Louisiana, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief letter with enclosed news clipping which condemns the presence of US troops in Mississippi as unconstitutional.

 Folder 1.35 Handwritten letter, signed. “Richard Wilcox” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Binghamton, New York, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Piece of hate mail, directed not only at Wilds, but the South as well.

 Folder 1.36 Handwritten letter, signed. “Eva [Eatinor]” to “Rev. C. Murphy Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Monroe, Louisiana, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter criticizing Wilds for abusing his position as a minister.

 Folder 1.37 Typewritten card, signed with enclosures. “W. R. Cole, Jr.” to “Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Louisville, Kentucky, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Card and news clippings criticizing the involvement of the Federal government in Mississippi.

 Folder 1.38 Typewritten letter, signed with enclosures. “Lucille E. Simmons” to “Gentlemen” [Rev. Duncan Gray, Rev. Murphey Wilds, Rev. Wayne Coleman, Rev. Roy A. Grisham]. Memphis, Tennessee, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter criticizing the stand taken by Wilds and other ministers of Oxford, Mississippi after the riot. Also includes article which criticizes Federal involvement in integration.

 Folder 1.39 Handwritten letter, signed. “Mrs. George W. Payne” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Shelby, Mississippi, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Payne criticizes Wilds’ sermon and defends Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett.

 Folder 1.40 Handwritten letter, signed. “George R. [Rouse]” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Lagrange, North Carolina, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter defending segregation.

 Folder 1.41 Handwritten card, unsigned to “Creature” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. New Orleans, Louisiana, 8 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Card urging Wilds to repent of his supposed “sin against the father of the white race.”

 Folder 1.42 Enclosures? “Brother E. D. Estes” to “Rev. Murphey C. Wilds”. Jackson, Mississippi (?), 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Copies of religious tracts sent from a Baptist pastor.

 Folder 1.43 Handwritten letter, signed. “Harman” [Oscar Wyclif Harman] to “Rev” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Chicago, Illinois, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief note with enclosure linking desegregation to communism.

 Folder 1.44 Typewritten card, unsigned to “Rev. Murphey C. Wilds,” 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Card urging Wilds to “shut up.”

 Folder 1.45 Handwritten letter, signed. “Edgar” to “Dear Murph and Mary Rose” [Rev. Murphey Wilds and Mary Rose Wilds]. Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Shares family news and offers support for Wilds’ position on the riot.

 Folder 1.46 Handwritten letter, signed. “Nancy S. Evans” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Concord, Virginia, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter praising Wilds’ sermon.

 Folder 1.47 Typewritten letter, signed. “Everett P. Bunck” to “Dear Pastor Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Cape Coral, Florida, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of support from Christ Lutheran Church.

 Folder 1.48 Typewritten letter, signed. “Wade” [Wade P. Huie, Jr.] to “Dear Murphey” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Decatur, Georgia, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter expressing support and sympathy for Wilds.

 Folder 1.49 Handwritten letter, signed. “Capt. Lloyd N. Campbell” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Biloxi, Mississippi, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Supportive letter praising Wilds’ “courageous stand” in the aftermath of the riot.

 Folder 1.50 Typewritten letter, signed. “S. Ralph Harlow” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Hampden, Massachusetts, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Offer of prayers and expression of support from Harlow, another Presbyterian minister.

 Folder 1.51 Handwritten letter, signed. “Mrs. Clarence Hornsby” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Rock Hill, South Carolina, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter congratulating Wilds for speaking out against violence.

 Folder 1.52 Handwritten letter, signed. “John J. Anthony” to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. El Paso, Texas, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter congratulating Wilds for speaking out against violence.

 Folder 1.53 Handwritten letter, signed. “W. Trulock, Jr.” [Walter Trulock, Jr.] to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of support for Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon.

 Folder 1.54 Typewritten letter, signed with enclosures. “Verne P. Kaub” to “Dear Mr. Editor” [Editor, the LaFayette County News]. Madison, Wisconsin, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter to the Lafayette County News, including enclosures, challenging Wilds’ ministry.

 Folder 1.55 Handwritten letter, unsigned. “An Episcopalian" to “Dear Rev. Gray” [Rev. Duncan M. Gray, Jr.]. Jackson, Mississippi, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Critique of the anti-violence position taken by the churches of Oxford, Mississippi. ( see 2.1)

 Folder 1.56 Handwritten letter, signed. “Thomas G. Greaves, Sr.” to “Dear friend and sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Mobile, Alabama, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter defending the rioters and the government of Mississippi.

 Folder 1.57 Handwritten letter, signed with enclosures. “R. C. Westmoreland” to “Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Hot Springs, Arkansas, 9 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter with two enclosures defending the state of Mississippi and its government during the integration crisis.

 Folder 2.1 Handwritten letter, unsigned. “Disgusted Ex-Episcopalian” to Rev. Duncan Gray”. Jackson, Mississippi, 10 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Piece of hate mail expressing contempt for James Meredith and the ministers of Oxford, Mississippi ( see 1.55)

 Folder 2.2 Typewritten letter, signed. “Edna Whitfield Alexander” [Mrs. Harry Artz Alexander] to “Dear Sirs” [the ministers of Oxford, Mississippi]. Grenada, Mississippi, 10 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter expressing “bitter contempt” for the sentiments of Wilds’ sermon.

 Folder 2.3 Handwritten letter, signed. “[Paul] Hancock” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Flora, Mississippi, 10 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter disagreeing with Wilds’ position on integration and the riot.

 Folder 2.4 Handwritten card, unsigned to “Dear Brother in Christ”. Detroit, Michigan, 10 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief card thanking Wild for his “bold witness.”

 Folder 2.5 Typewritten letter, signed. “John H. Marion” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Nashville, Tennessee, 10 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Expression of support for Wilds’ sermon.

 Folder 2.6 Handwritten letter, signed. “John” [John Kimbrough Johnson] to “Dear Murphey” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Memphis, Tennessee, 10 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of praise for the stand taken by Wilds and the other ministers of Oxford, Mississippi.

 Folder 2.7 Handwritten letter, signed with enclosure. “C. C. Bartwell” to “Dear Rev. Wilds’ [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Birmingham, Alabama, 10 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Anti-integration letter with enclosure.

 Folder 2.8 Typewritten letter, signed. “A Fellow Christian” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds], 10 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Condemnation of the Kennedy administration and the involvement of the Federal government in integration.

 Folder 2.9 Handwritten letter, unsigned with enclosure. “A Voter for 1964” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Auburndale, Florida, 10 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Defense of segregation and of the riot, with enclosure which blames the Federal government for the violence.

 Folder 2.10 Handwritten letter, signed. “Mrs. Ira Smith” to [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Forest City, Arkansas, 10 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter condemning Wilds’ sermon and defending Governor Ross Barnett.

 Folder 2.11 Handwritten postcard, unsigned. Memphis, Tennessee, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Postcard accusing the Kennedy administration of using undue force.

 Folder 2.12 Typewritten letter, signed. “Dr. Ted Hightower” and “Rabbi Martin M. Perley” to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Louisville, Kentucky, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Offer of prayers and support from the Religious Groups Committee of Louisville, Kentucky.

 Folder 2.13 Handwritten letter, signed. “Mrs. E. W. Halstead” to “Dear Dr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Monterey, California, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter offering Wilds support and prayers for his sermon in the wake of the riot.

 Folder 2.14 Handwritten letter, signed. “Edward H. Pruden” [Edward Hughes Pruden] to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Washington, D. C., 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of thanks for Wilds’ “courageous words.”

 Folder 2.15 Typewritten letter, signed. “Kivie Kaplan” to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Boston, Massachusetts, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Congratulatory letter for Wilds’ stand on Civil Rights.

 Folder 2.16 Handwritten letter, signed. “Marian [Wars?]” to “Mr. Murphey Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Greenwood, Mississippi, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter criticizing the involvement of the Kennedy administration in the integration of the University of Mississippi.

 Folder 2.17 Typewritten letter, signed. “John Murray Smoot”, “A. Brown Caldwell”, Fred M. Webber” to “Dear Brother in Christ” [Rev. Murphey Wilds] Baltimore, Maryland, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of support from the Presbytery of Baltimore.

 Folder 2.18 Handwritten letter, unsigned with enclosures. to “Preacher” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Mobile, Alabama, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Criticism of Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon with enclosures condemning the actions of the Kennedy administration.

 Folder 2.19 Handwritten letter, signed. “Ruth Farrior” to “Dear Murphey”[Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Columbia, South Carolina, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of support for Wilds’ courage and faith.

 Folder 2.20 Typewritten letter, unsigned. Greenwood, Mississippi, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Condemnation of integration and miscegenation.

 Folder 2.21 Handwritten letter, signed. “G. E. Humphries” [George E. Humphries] to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Arlington, Virginia, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Expression of support for Wilds’ sermon.

 Folder 2.22 Typewritten letter, unsigned. “A Southern Citizen” to “Rev. Duncan M. Gray”, “Rev. Roy A. Grisham”, and “Rev. Murphy C. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. New Orleans, Louisiana, 11 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Piece of hate mail condemning integration and the reaction of the ministers of Oxford, Mississippi (including Wilds) to the riot.

 Folder 2.23 Typewritten letter, signed. “Fred H. Purier, Jr.” to “Dear Reverend Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Jackson, Mississippi, 12 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter defending segregation and the actions of Ross Barnett.

 Folder 2.24 Handwritten letter, signed. “Mrs. M. C. [Roawen?]” to “Rev. Murphey C. Wilds”. Meridian, Mississippi, 12 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief note defending the National Guard and condemning the Kennedy administration for the riot.

 Folder 2.25 Handwritten letter, signed. “Helen Ward” To “Dear Mr. Wild” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Atlanta, Georgia, 12 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Supportive letter in favor of Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon.

 Folder 2.26 Typewritten letter, signed. “T. Watson Street” to “My Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Nashville, Tennessee, 13 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of support for Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon.

 Folder 2.27 Typewritten letter, signed. “V. B. Howard” to “Dear Reverend Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Niles, Illinois, 13 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter requesting a copy of Wilds’ sermon.

 Folder 2.28 Handwritten letter, unsigned. to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Hudson Falls, New York, 15 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter blaming the riot on a KKK conspiracy.

 Folder 2.29 Typewritten letter, signed with enclosure. “E. A. S.” [Elmer A. Skonberg] to “Revered M. C. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Louisville, Kentucky, 16 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter and enclosure about the possibility of peaceful integration.

 Folder 2.30 Handwritten letter, signed. “Dorothy E. Snyder” [Mrs. Seth M. Snyder] to “Dear Reverend Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Charlotte, North Carolina, 16 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief note offering prayers and support for Wilds.

 Folder 2.31 Handwritten letter, signed. “[?] J. Raymond Henderson” to “Dear Bro. Wild” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Los Angeles, California, 17 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief note sending Wilds blessings.

 Folder 2.32 Typewritten letter, signed with enclosure. “Murphey C. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds] to “Dear Mr. Kirstein” [Rev. John A. Kirstein]. Oxford, Mississippi, 20 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter with an enclosed essay relating the details of the riot and of the reaction of the churches of Oxford, Mississippi.

 Folder 2.33 Handwritten letter, signed. “Mrs. Frank Phipps” to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Fort Myers, Florida, 21 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Thank you letter for Wilds’ “stand against the riot”

 Folder 2.34 Handwritten letter, signed. “Mrs. Grace [O’Kelley]” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Purvis, Mississippi, 22 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter condemning Wilds’ sermon and disavowing the Presbyterian Church.

 Folder 2.35 Typewritten letter, signed. “Denton” [B. Denton McLellan, Jr.] to “Dear Murphey” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Montevallo, Alabama, 26 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of support for Wilds’ sermon.

 Folder 2.36 Handwritten letter, signed. “Mrs. Royce [Kimrell?]” to “Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Meridian, Mississippi, 27 October 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter defending the state of Mississippi and blaming the riot on the U.S. Marshals.

 Folder 2.37 Handwritten letter, signed. “Mrs. J. Rex Forrest” to “Rev. Murphy [sic] C. Wilds”. Portales, New Mexico, 23 November 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter rejecting Wilds’ sermon and linking integration and communism.

 Folder 2.38 Handwritten letter, signed. “Chas. H. McGinnis” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Sardis, Mississippi, 26 November 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter praising Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon.

 Folder 2.39 Typewritten letter, signed. “Bill” [J. W. Young, Jr.] to “Dear Murphey” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Louisville, Kentucky, 26 November 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of support and friendship for Wilds from the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

 Folder 2.40 Typewritten letter, signed. “[Uncle? Ray?]” to “Dear Murph” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Decatur, Georgia, 29 November 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter notifying Wilds of the dispersal of Scottdale Mills stocks to him, according to a relative’s will.

 Folder 2.41 Handwritten postcard, signed. “Geoff Jofenstine” to “Dear Reverend Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Oberlin, Ohio, 29 November 1962 

Scope and Content

Short note encouraging Wilds to reach out to the University of Mississippi students who supported James Meredith.

 Folder 2.42 Handwritten letter, signed. “Judy Walters Ritter” to “Dear Mary Rose and Murphy” [Mary Rose Wilds and Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Jackson, Mississippi, 29 November 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of support for Wilds and his wife, Mary Rose, and praise for their courage in speaking out against the riot.

 Folder 2.43 Typewritten letter, signed. “Peyton” [Peyton N. Rhodes] to “Dear Murphey” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Memphis, Tennessee, 4 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Note of appreciation for Wilds’ address to the Memphis, Tennessee Men of Idlewild Presbyterian Church regarding the violence at the University of Mississippi.

 Folder 2.44 Typewritten letter, signed. “Conrad Seabrook” to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Memphis, Tennessee, 4 December 1962 

 Folder 2.45 Handwritten letter, signed. “Henry F. Miles, Sr.” to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Memphis, Tennessee, 4 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter disagreeing with Wilds’ Idlewild remarks and defending segregation within Christianity.

 Folder 2.46 Handwritten letter, signed. “Fred Buercklin” to “Mr. Murphey Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Portia, Arkansas, 4 December 1962 

Scope and Content

A defense of segregation; also accuses the NAACP of infiltrating the clergy.

 Folder 2.47 Handwritten letter, signed with enclosures. “Cecil Earl Edwards” to “Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Memphis, Tennessee, 4 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Criticizes Wilds’ Idlewild remarks while defending segregation on Christian grounds. Also includes several news clippings about Wilds’ “Day of Repentance” sermon and the response of other Oxford ministers to the crisis over integration.

 Folder 2.48 Handwritten letter, signed. “Frank” [Frank M. Campbell] to “Dear Murphey” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Memphis, Tennessee, 4 December 1962 

Scope and Content

This letter thanks Wilds for his Idlewild remarks and acknowledges his honorarium.

 Folder 2.49 Typewritten letter, singed. “Henry Hottum” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Memphis, Tennessee, 4 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter of thanks for Wilds’ “frank and sincere presentation” to the Men of Idlewild.

 Folder 2.50 Handwritten postcard, signed. “Sam D. Long” to “Rev. Murphy [sic] Wilds”. Memphis, Tennessee, 4 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief note expressing home that Wilds’ Idlewild remarks might help restore Mississippi’s dignity.

 Folder 2.51 Handwritten letter, signed. “Paul” [Paul Tudor Jones] to “Dear Murphy and Mary Rose” [Rev. Murphey Wilds and Mary Rose Wilds]. Memphis, Tennessee, 4 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter from a friend expressing appreciation for Wilds’ Idlewild remarks.

 Folder 2.52 Typewritten letter, signed. “Leo Patterson” to “Jackson Daily News”. Jackson, Mississippi, 5 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Copy of a letter to the editor of the Jackson Daily News expressing support for Wilds and the other ministers of Oxford, Mississippi.

 Folder 2.53 Typewritten letter, signed. “Silas Baker Turner” to “Rev. Punk Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Columbus, Mississippi, 5 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief letter expressing contempt for Wild and his sentiments.

 Folder 2.54 Handwritten letter, signed. “Charlie R. Hardee” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Jackson, Tennessee, 5 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Disdainful letter accusing Wilds of association with “leftist swine” and rejecting his Idlewild remarks.

 Folder 2.55 Handwritten letter, unsigned. “A student at Ole Miss” to “Rev. Murphey Wilds”. University, Mississippi, 5 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Brief hate mail note.

 Folder 2.56 Handwritten letter, signed. “H. E. Pass” to “Rev. Murphey Wilds”. Water Valley, Mississippi, 5 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter accusing the Federal government for the violence surrounding the integration of the University of Mississippi.

 Folder 2.57 Handwritten letter, signed. “Chas. Bodden” [C. A. Boden] to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Bay Minette, Alabama, 6 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Acknowledges the difficulty of Wilds’ position and points out that taking an unpopular stance is sometimes necessary for clergy.

 Folder 2.58 Letter, unsigned with enclosures. to “Rev. Murphey Wilds”. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 6 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter with white supremacist, pro-segregation enclosures.

 Folder 2.59 Typewritten letter, signed. “Charlie Hood” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds], 6 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter rejecting the position Wilds took on integration and the Mississippi state government in his Idlewild remarks.

 Folder 2.60 Typewritten letter, signed. “P. H. Wharton” to “Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Port Gibson, Mississippi, 6 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter disagreeing with Wilds stance on integration.

 Folder 2.61 Handwritten letter, signed with enclosure. “Mrs. Emma S. Ammons” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Charleston, Mississippi, 7 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Discourages Wilds, as a pastor, from taking political stands.

 Folder 2.62 Handwritten card, signed. “Dr. John H. Warren” to “Dear Murphy” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Long Beach, Mississippi, 8 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Christmas card encouraging Wilds to stand up for his convictions.

 Folder 2.63 Typewritten letter, signed. “John F. [Runto?]” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Lake Charles, Louisiana, 10 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter criticizing Wilds’ position.

 Folder 2.64 Typewritten letter, signed. “J. C. McLain” to “Dear Sir” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Jackson, Mississippi, 13 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter defending the Citizen’s Council, “state’s rights,” and “racial integrity.”

 Folder 2.65 Typewritten letter, signed. “John Emmerich” to “Dear Mr. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. McComb, Mississippi, 17 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Supportive letter endorsing Wilds’ perspective.

 Folder 2.66 Handwritten letter, signed. “Rober E. Day” to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 30 December 1962 

Scope and Content

Letter expressing pride in and endorsing Wilds’ sentiments.

 Folder 2.67 Handwritten letter, unsigned with enclosures. to “Mr. M. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Oxford, Mississippi, 9 January 1963 

Scope and Content

Brief note with enclosed news clipping countering the points of Wilds’ sermons.

 Folder 2.68 Handwritten letter, signed. “F. B. True” to “Dear Rev. Wilds” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. New Orleans, Louisiana, 13 January 1963 

Scope and Content

Letter expressing support for Wilds’ comments.

 Folder 2.69 Handwritten letter, signed. “A. H. Sharpe” to “Rev. Murphey C. Wilds”. Bemis, Tennessee, 28 January 1963 

Scope and Content

Letter endorses segregation and challenges Wilds.

 Folder 2.70 Typewritten letter, signed. “Briggs Smith” to “My Dear Rev. Wilde” [Rev. Murphey Wilds]. Meridian, Mississippi, 24 June 1963 

Scope and Content

Letter suggesting that it would be unwise to force integration on schools.