Henry D. Gray Papers

The Reverend Henry David Gray was born January 18, 1908 in Antrim, Northern Ireland, to Nathaniel and Margaret Gray. He studied at Pomona College in California until 1930, and later received a B.D. from the Hartford Theological Seminary in 1933. He also took the Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh in 1935. In 1930, Rev. Gray married Helen Lorbeer. The couple had three children, David, Ellen, and Betsey.

After holding positions as minister in Scotland, Massachusetts, and California, Rev. Gray relocated to Hartford, Connecticut. In 1956, he was installed as the 14th minister of South Congregational Church in Hartford, which was founded in 1670. Rev. Gray stayed on as minister there until 1970, when he retired in favor of the Rev. John R. Elmore.

Rev. Gray's 15 years at South Congregational were distinguished. He ran a radio show, guided the renovation of the church, and was very active in youth programs. In addition, he helped to found churches in other areas of Connecticut and around the world. Another important position held by Rev. Gray was member of the Hartford Commission on the City Plan. He took this position in 1959, and served as chairman of the commission for several years. The commission was involved in various aspects of urban planning and renewal for the city.

Rev. Gray was also an author. The most notable among the many books and articles was The Upward Call , which became a best-seller. Upon his retirement in 1970, Rev. Gray planned to continue writing and working in civic affairs.