Dr. Charles Edward Gray is the dynamic Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He has been a committed man of God to Mt. Olive for 36 years.
Dr. Gray received his formal education at Fayetteville State College, now Fayetteville State University, in Fayetteville, NC (Bachelor of Science- Political Science), Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, Georgia (Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology). Dr. Gray has always been dedicated to education and continues to broaden his knowledge with many seminars, books, and journals focused on the advancement of God’s people.
Dr. Gray is a steadfast leader and seeks to bring ministries that will support the growth of his people. Since his tenor as pastor of Mt. Olive, several rewarding ministries have been organized. These varieties of ministries give members the opportunity to grow and use talents that God has blessed them with. The many ministries include: a Junior Deacon Board as well as a Deaconess Board; Spiritual, Gospel, and Mass Choirs; an Evangelism Class; Youth, Dance, and Security Ministries; and an Outreach Ministry which is named “Let God be God Charities, Inc.” He also has a Telecast Ministry to help reach those who cannot worship in the house of God. This telecast is broadcast weekly on WMYV TV- Channel 15 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Dr. Charles Gray has a love for music and that particular fondness lead him to compose two albums. The first was entitled “Let God be God” and the second was entitled “Magnify Him.” He has also produced two powerful plays entitled “Let God be God I” and “Let God be God II.” In addition, to producing those two plays, Dr. Gray also wrote and composed a second play entitled “Order My Steps” and also presented a third play entitled “The Upper Room to Calvary.” Dr. Gray uses all means to show the world Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.
The ministry of Mt. Olive Baptist Church that Dr. Gray has created reaches all areas of the world locally and globally. His ministry is a strong supporter of our local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Christ Rescue Mission; Samaritan Soup Kitchen; Crisis Control; and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). Dr. Gray also supports the local community by giving away Thanksgiving meals, food, and clothing at various times throughout the year. Globally, his ministry supports the St. Jude Children’s Hospital; Feed the Children; the Smile Train; and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
Dr. Gray has also been honored by the City Council of Winston-Salem. Belews Street, where Mt. Olive Baptist Church is located, was renamed in 2005 to C. E. Gray Drive. This honor was bestowed upon Dr. Gray for his outstanding work in the community. Dr. Gray and Mt. Olive Baptist Church also received “The Reclaiming Our Youth Award” from the Winston-Salem Branch of the NAACP for all of the support and programs for our youth. In addition, Dr. Gray received the Community Service Award from The Chronicle, which is a local newspaper. This was awarded to Dr. Gray for his “ability to meet the community’s spiritual needs while not overlooking economic realities.” Dr. Gray has also received the Winston Lake Family YMCA Black Achievers Program Award for distinguished service in the community.
Dr. Gray’s concern and work in the ministry does not go unnoticed by his fellow Pastors in the community. He was given a Shepherd’s staff by New Jerusalem Baptist Church’s former Pastor, Rev. Dr. Samuel Cornelius (now retired) as he was honored as a good Shepherd.
Dr. Charles Edward Gray is married to First Lady Eula Mae Harlee Gray and resides in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Gray and his wife have two sons, the late Andre Gray, and Michael Gray and they also have two grand children Charles Michael Gray and Chau Dre’ Gray. Dr. Gray has been a solid foundation for his family, his church, and his community. Although he has many accomplishments and accolades to follow him in his life there will be nothing more important to him and his ministry than BRINGING LOST SOULS TO CHRIST.