To honor their pastor’s ministerial success, St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church recently observed Pastor Ernie L. Murray, Sr. 38 years of leadership. He was honored by an appreciation program in august 18, 2024.
Hundreds of church members sat in the church pews to hear testimonials from church members, family and friends detailing pastor’s relationships and love for the church. Guest speaker was Bethel Baptist Church former pastor Bishop Rudolph McKissick Sr. who shared the praise of Murray and his legacy.
A Jacksonville native, Murray attended Darnell Cookman and graduated from Old Stanton in 1962 and served as Senior Pastor of St. Thomas Missionary Baptist for 38 years before retiring on December 31, 2023. As pastor and visionary to the St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, God led Murray to take the church to higher heights. Under his leadership, the membership grew immensely. The church also addressed the spiritual unmet needs in the city of Jacksonville and immediate communities. With numerous accomplishments, his purpose led to purchasing new property for the construction of the St. Thomas Child Development Center and erected the St. Thomas Family Life Center ($3.5M) to house Outreach Ministries and offices.
Pastor Murray is married to Gracelia McClenton-Murray, proud father of three children and the grandfather of eleven.
“The Saint Thomas Missionary Baptist Church family is grateful for Pastor Murray’s service to this church, the community and beyond,’ said church member Megan Bennett.
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