CHURCH HISTORY CONTINUED

1964 began the leadership of the Rev. John O. Morton as the pastor of Daniel-Gray C.M.E. Church and under his leadership many accomplishments were achieved. The promissory note on the pavement was paid in full; therefore, this was the first steps of progression. The membership, Sunday School, and Church grew spiritually and financially in leaps and bounds. Many minor and major projects were completed under Rev. Morton. The most outstanding project initiated was the “Mammoth Tea”, and special attention at Christmas as well as the Sick & Shut In. In addition, the church was roofed, and the following new additions were added to the church building: the church was air-conditioned in 1972, the old parsonage was refurbished, an electric fountain was installed and all was paid for in full. The most noteworthy contribution made by members of Daniel-Gray under the pastorate of the Rev. J.O. Morton was securing of a new parsonage for the home of the ministry of Daniel-Gray.

Rev. Herbert Scott Sr., was assigned to Daniel-Gray in 1976 and under his leadership, new windows replaced the old ones to make for a better appearance to the church edifice. Rev. Scott was the Pastor for five years.

Rev. Rozell Gray was assigned to Daniel-Gray and he led us spiritually and financially in church building. Under his expert leadership, the church family remodeled the church by adding a new alter rail, changing the appearance of the choir stand, a new addition to the church with a Fellowship Hall, various classrooms and a wheelchair ramp was included. Rev. Gray’s Christian leadership was superb and God sent as well as Rev. Derrick Beene and Rev. W.E. Green who both assisted during the illness of Rev. Gray.

1988 began the leadership of Rev. Jack Castle as the pastor of Daniel-Gray C.M.E. Church and under his leadership various accomplishments have been achieved by and made to the overall church structure. More classrooms were added, an extended choir stand, new carpet, two buses and many minor and major additions. The church experienced a great increase in membership, finances, and most importantly, the spiritual being of the church progressed. Under Pastor Castle’s spiritual tutelage, Rev. Johnny Taylor came into the ministry and moved on to be the Pastor of Western Beauty C.M.E. Church.

The year was 2000 was a fresh horizon for the Daniel-Gray family and church. Senior Bishop Marshall Gilmore appointed Rev. Roderick Shepard Sr. to serve as the pastor in charge. Groomed and anointed to pastor, teach, and administrate by God, Pastor Shepard flows in the gifts of prayer and intercession as well as equipped to be a spiritual visionary. In his first year as pastor, the church increased by more than 100 members, initiated an 8AM service, discipleship training classes for current members and new members’ orientation classes. In 2003, the vision further unfolded via shortwave radio and Internet Broadcasting through Pan American Broadcasting, where The Voice of the Shepherd weekly broadcast was streamed in more than 60 countries across the world wide web. The media outreach did not there; yet, it has evolved into a local cable circuit to which communities can view weekly services on Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday’s via Cable One Television. In addition, the church upgraded its information technology resources and launched an online multimedia Internet presence at www.danielgray.org. The church has also purchased a new van and paid it off in less than six months – other accomplishments: new children’s praise dance organization known as The Steppers of The Shepherd, male chorus, mass choir, D.G.A. (Daniel-Gray-Armor Bearers). Current projects include a new jail ministry led by Rev. Johnny Taylor, and a recent contract with interactive services firm, Brownstone Strategies of Austin, Texas, which will re-brand the current website to a more professional online multimedia site.

As a church family, we continue to thank God for the blessings he has bestowed upon Daniel-Gray C.M.E. Church and a many of thanks to the pioneers for their prayers and foresight in having spiritual dreams and visions for generations to come. We truly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the best is yet to come!

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