Gray's Temple CME Church

 Rev. H.H. Gray was the Founder and the Shepherd of Gray's Temple C.M.E. He established it in 1920 along with his wife, Mother Addie Gray. Rev. H.H. Gray shepherd Gray's Temple C.M.E. Church until 1922 where the baton was passed to whom was considered the First Appointed Pastor, Rev. I. S. Pinkett.

In 1928, under the Shepherd and Pastor Rev. A.D. Gorham, a new Church was built to replace the converted schoolhouse that was destroyed in "The Storm of 1928," that swept through the State of FL killing thousands of people and destroying everything in its path. This building was used from 1929 to 1956. Within this period eight Pastors were assigned to this great Church that sits on the corner of 18th Street and Beautiful Avenue. They were: H. W. Leath, who died while pastor; Rev. J. J. Jordan; N. H. Martin; F. N. Rushing; J. E. Williams; C. L Reaves; S. L Reece and I. E. Robinson. This effort took place under the oversight of the Trustees W. M. Young and Eddie Morant.

The Rev. G. W. Armster built the present edifice which had been in use since 1957 and purchased the parking lot in the rear of the sanctuary. It was with the dedication and supervision of the Trustees, Eddie Morant, David Stephenson and Floyd Davis who managed the progress of such magnitude. This erection was done under the leadership of the Presiding Elder, Rev. N. Martin and The Rt. Rev. J Claude Allen, Presiding Bishop.

For the next 10 years these following Pastors enjoyed the bitter sweet fruits of the newly built church: Rev. D. W. Bass; A. L Goodwin; J. A. Crumpton efforts paid off the pews. In 1964 under Rev. 0.R. Jackson a resale and reversal of the deed was sold back to Gray's Temple for $100.00. Rev. W. B. Jefferson brought up the rear of the first ten years of the newly built church.

The Legacy of Gray's Temple C.M.E. Church continued as New Pastors made their profound marks upon a foundation that was built on Godly principles and under the leadership, guidance and holy orders of the Presiding Prelates: Rev. R. L Lacy 1967— 1969, who died while pastor; Rev. A. L Goodwin, 1969 — 1970 completed the appointment for Rev. Lacy; Rev. D. A. Bell, 1970 _ 1973; Rev. S. White 1973 - 1974; Rev. A. L Williams 1974 - 1976. Rev. J. H. Henderson 1976 -1978 Remodeled and furnished kitchen, placed neon lighted cross on top of building and started Sunday night radio ministry.

The following thirteen years Gray's Temple saw several Pastors come and go as some left their profound marks upon the church and members alike, they are: Rev. H. L Peterson 1978-1980; Rev. L. A. Irvin 1980 -1981; Rev. LA. Irwin 1980-1981; Rev. W. Monroe 1981 - 1982; J. W. Powell 1982 _ 1983 started a campaign and bargained to buy the 2 lots across the street.

He put in wall to wall carpet and cushioned the pews. A. C. Crumbley 1983 —1984; J. A. Allen 1984 -1991 remodeled the choir stand and pulpit area. He removed the hazardous asbestos ceiling from the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. He purchased a church van and finalized the deal for the lot across the street. He passionately remained Pastor for 7 years.

To close the 20th Century the following Pastors took renovation of the illustrious Gray's Temple to the next level in formulating the spirit of excellence and innovation; Rev. W. Kelly 1991 — 1996; Rev. M. F. Payne 1996 — 2001, remodeled the parsonage to the Educational Center, upgraded the bathrooms and foyer of the church. He also installed new air condition units, purchased a new piano, drums and other miscellaneous things around the church. The final project under his headship was a new roof and the purchase of the present parsonage.

What better Pastor to kick off a new era not only the 210 century but also the 3rd millennium AD, then none other than a Millennium Preacher himself, the Rev. Dexter Harris 2001 — 2002; Then came one of the longest running Pastors to shepherd Grays Temple C.M.E., The Rev. Dr. Lionel G. Walker 2002-2010. Under his headship he updated and extended our mission statement; painted church and parsonage; extended pulpit area; new carpet was installed and new sliding glass doors to fellowship hall. The foyer and fellowship hall were retiled. The ushers installed a new light and fan in the foyer; the cushions were redone on the altar and a new skirt for the altar. Rev. Walker started "Big Mama's Kitchen and feeding pantry," he presented and implemented a $5.00 (Rally for Christ) plan to assist in paying conference claims. Rev. L. G. Walker ended his tenure as the Presiding Elder of the Miami-Tampa District (S.W.A.G.) during the Fifth Episcopal District Annual Conference, Aug. 2018.

Rev. J. Whitmore 2010 — 2014 Presented and implemented another plan to pay conference claim, a platform was built for the pulpit and a TV was donated to the Youth Department. The overhang was replaced, the kitchen area was retiled and cabinets replaced in the kitchen. Concrete slabs were poured at the two doors on the side of the church and the ushers replaced doors to the restrooms under his headship.

Rev. Nicolas T O'Neal 2014-2017 created the first Harvest Fest. He painted the church and installed an alarm system. He implemented the vision for Dinner Sales through the Culinary Ministry to offset the conference claim and to assist in other areas needed. Finally, he Created the Pastor and Member Vision, "We are Change Agents".

Rev. Errol Darville 2017 — Present came in ready to work. However, he experienced a setback with a house fire of the personage upon moving in. Therefore, a major restoration of the parsonage is under-way and plans to be completed within a few months or before the 2019 Annual Conference. He has updated the ladies' restroom and renovated the educational building back into a residential living domain. New air conditioners have been installed. Rev. Darville has repaved the entire parking lot and renovated the pulpit and choir areas. He has also re-landscaped the front of the church with grass and shrubbery and continues to work as hard as day one.

We applaud all of our Pastors, Past and Present and those that have gone on and left behind a profound legacy for years to come. We are deeply honored for the heritage our loved ones paved and bestowed upon the future of this great church, Gray's Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church!