Mount Olive pastor to mark 38 years, church to mark 108
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Mount Olive Baptist Church will celebrate the Rev. Dr. Charles E. Gray’s 38th Pastoral Anniversary and the church 108th Anniversary on Sunday, April 2 at 4 p.m. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Waymon Monroe, pastor of Solid Rock Baptist Church and congregation.
Dr. Gray was born in Greenville, N.C. He was educated in the public schools and received his Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Fayetteville State University. He received his master’s and doctorate degrees from Andersonville Theological Seminary, graduating summa cum laude.
He moved to Winston-Salem in 1972, where he united with St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church. In 1978, he felt his calling from God to deliver His Word, and on Jan. 11, 1979, he preached his first sermon. On Nov. 4, 1979, he was installed as the pas-tor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. The church is at 1301 C. E. Gray Drive, formerly known as East Belews Street.
On July 5, 2005, Belews Street was renamed C. E. Gray Drive by the Winston-Salem City Council for Dr. Gray’s out-standing work in the community.
Dr. Gray has been blessed with a wife for 52 years, Eula Harlee Gray, of Laurinburg, N.C.; two sons, Michael and the late Andre; one grandson, Charles Michael; and one granddaughter, Chau Dre.’ Dr. Gray and Mt. Olive Baptist Church Mass Choir have produced two gospel tapes; “Let God Be God” and “Magnify Him.” He has produced and presented the following plays to the public: “Let God Be God I & II (written by his son, Michael Gray),” “Order My Steps” and the “Upper Room to Calvary.” Dr. Gray is dedicated in supporting several organizations, including the NAACP, Crisis Control, Samaritan Soup Kitchen and other local mission-minded groups, Habitat for Humanity and Toys for Tots.
Dr. Gray says nothing is more important to him than saving lost souls.
Dr. Gray is receiving accolades before his anniversary. The African American Veterans Association presented Dr. Gray with a Membership Coat from the association during worship service on Sunday, March 19. This honor was bestowed upon him for his commitment to veterans and the citizens of the city of Winston-Salem.
Dr. Gray was accepted as an Honorary Member of the African American Veterans Association. The church sponsors a luncheon every year for the veterans to attend.
