WS Chronicle

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY 

THE CHRONICLE

A pastoral anniversary, church anniversary and a pastor’s birthday are three special days that are circled on every church congregation’s calendar.  For the Rev. Dr. Charles Edward Gray, all three of those momentous days took place within 48 hours.

April 1 is Gray’s birthday and April 2 marked the day of his 38th pastoral anniversary and the church’s 108th anniversary. At the age of 74, Gray has made a tremendous impact on Mt. Olive and the surrounding community as well.  On July 5, 2005, Belews Street was renamed to C.E. Gray Drive by the City Council of Winston-Salem for Dr. Gray’s outstanding work in the community.

The Sunday afternoon service was very heart-warming.  Mt. Olive was joined once again by Solid Rock Baptist Church of Winston-Salem.  The sermon was delivered by Solid Rock Senior Pastor Waymon Monroe, who said he loves celebrating anniversaries with Mt. Olive because that’s where he started.

“It’s humbling and rewarding because of the fact that most of my history is here,” Monroe said.  “It all started for me here, so when I return, I always get some renewed strength and knowledge that there is more work to be done.”

“I want to emulate his [Gray’s] service to the community.  When I see what he has done for his community, it makes me want to do more for mine. I have a long way to go, but I believe I will be able to do more.”

As the honored guests, Dr. and Mrs. Gray were treated to wonderful singing, a dance routine from the Adult Dance Ministry along with gifts from the congregation and visiting church.  Gray said he never takes any year for granted and is honored for each and every guest who comes out to celebrate with them.

“It doesn’t seem like 38 years because time has gone by so fast,” Gray said. “The people that I pastor to don’t make it hard for me, so I don’t have many struggles.  My congregation just seems to follow my vision, so it makes it easy.  I appreciate the way God has blessed me to have a flock that will just fall in line.”

“Every year the celebration just seems to grow bigger and bigger.  All I can say is that God has been good to me over these 38 years.”

Gray said he really prides himself on his commitment to helping out his community.  He says he made it a mission when he first arrived at Mt. Olive that he would positively impact the surrounding community as best he can. He says he is happy that his son and grandson have taken the mantle and have carried the torch he has for community service.

For Gray, he says this time of year always keeps him on “Cloud Nine” because of all the activity that goes on.

“When you can put all of them together; 74 years on the earth, 38 years pastoring here and 108 for the church, it truly is a blessing,” Gray went on to say. “I thank God that He has allowed me to be the longest tenured pastor at Mt. Olive.”