Dr. Gary B. Murray served at St. John for many years before becoming our pastor. While serving in the capacity of interim pastor, in October of 1996, Dr. Murray was asked by the deacons to accept the call from God. He humbly accepted and is presently the Chief Under-Shepherd of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Murray has shown himself to be a Godly man in every manner; more so, he is truly a child of God. He is constantly carrying out the Lord’s work and when we are in need, he is always there. Pastor Murray is a willing and hard worker for the Lord seven days a week; morning, noon, or night, whichever comes first. Under his visionary leadership, the church has continued to grow and prosper in its quest to be about the business of “Kingdom Building”. Pastor Murray approaches the pulpit as a place for salvation and education, delivering sermons that are both inspirational and scholarly. Pastor Murray is the husband of one wife – our First Lady, Beverly – and the father of Stacey and Shanese. Pastor Murray and his family reside in Smyrna, Tennessee and he is employed by Nashville Electric Service. He is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Immanuel Theological Seminary and Holy Trinity Theological Seminary. Before uniting with St. John Missionary Baptist Church, both Pastor and Sister Murray attended First Street Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Murray has demonstrated great faith while growing spiritually and cultivating unity within our congregation. We regard him foremost as a gift from God and will faithfully continue to press toward God’s vision for our church family under his leadership.
