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Letter from First Unitarian Church to Mr. & Mrs. Lewis H. Latimer

This letter celebrates the golden wedding anniversary of Lewis Howard Latimer (1848–1928) and his wife Mary Wilson Latimer. As a distinguished African American inventor, draftsman, and engineer, Latimer made significant contributions to the development of electric lighting and was instrumental in improving carbon filaments for incandescent bulbs. The Latimers were respected members of their community, and this letter demonstrates the recognition and admiration they received from their local church congregation.

Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]

First Unitarian Church Flushing, N.Y. Nov. 10, 1923 Mr. & Mrs. L. H. Latimer, My Dear Friends, The Trustees of the First Unitarian Church have requested me to convey to you the very sincere and hearty congratulations of the church on the occasion of your fiftieth wedding anniversary. We all rejoice with you, and pray that you may have many more years of happiness together. "God Bless You." Very cordially yours, (Signed) Walter Smith Pres.