James M. Gray (1851–1935)

On September 21, 1935, James Martin Gray went to be with the Lord, closing a steady life of pastoral faithfulness and Scripture-saturated ministry. Born in New York, Gray served Christ in an era of rapid social change, choosing the quiet heroism of long obedience—preaching the gospel plainly, calling believers to holiness, and strengthening churches through careful Bible teaching. Those who knew his work remembered a man marked by reverence for God’s Word and confidence in its power to convict, comfort, and convert.

Pastor and Bible Teacher

Gray’s ministry blended warm evangelistic appeal with disciplined exposition. He urged believers to walk in repentance and practical godliness, not as a way to earn God’s favor, but as the fruit of new life in Christ. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22). His counsel to young workers emphasized steadfast prayer, moral courage, and a clear testimony—faith lived before neighbors as well as spoken from pulpits.

Moody Bible Institute Leadership

In Chicago, Gray became dean and later president of Moody Bible Institute, guiding the school as it trained generations of gospel workers for home and foreign missions, Sunday schools, city outreach, and pastoral service. He championed rigorous study alongside personal devotion, urging students to handle Scripture accurately and to depend on the Holy Spirit. His leadership helped reinforce the Institute’s calling to send out workers who would proclaim Christ with both compassion and conviction.

Scofield Reference Bible Editor

As an editor of the Scofield Reference Bible, Gray labored to make Bible study accessible to ordinary believers. In a time when many lacked formal training, he supported tools that encouraged careful reading, cross-referencing, and confidence that God speaks clearly through His Word. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). His aim was not novelty, but clarity—helping readers trace the gospel through the whole counsel of God.

Hymnwriter and Legacy

Gray’s hymns—especially “Nor Silver Nor Gold” and “Only a Sinner”—still summon the church to humility and grateful devotion. They echo his lifelong emphasis: salvation is a gift purchased by Christ, received by faith, and followed by wholehearted service. His legacy endures wherever believers open the Bible with reverence, speak of Christ without shame, and live as those redeemed for God’s glory.