From The Salem News via TitusOneNine:
Published: January 27, 2010 09:35 am
By Steve Landwehr
STAFF WRITER
HAMILTON — The Rev. Patrick Gray's journey to the pulpit at Christ Church of Hamilton and Wenham wasn't exactly a homecoming, but he was treading on familiar ground.
Gray is a graduate of Gordon College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton. And, he said, "Gordon and Gordon-Conwell have had a profound impact on Christ Church."
Gray's arrival at the end of October coincided with a painful split in the church. More than half the congregation broke away to form Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church, in the former St. Alphonsus Catholic church in Beverly.
Its founders left Christ Church over what they called the "moral drift" of the Episcopal Church, where liberals and conservatives have been deeply divided over issues such as the consecration of an openly gay bishop. Some conservatives opted to leave.
Gray said he knew what he was getting into when he took the job, and less than three months after the breakup, he thinks most of his flock is adjusting to the new reality.
"There's always a lament, but I think people are happy here now," he said.
While attendance at the church's three Sunday services used to number about 500, now about 200 of the faithful show up. Gray conceded that's a hit spiritually and financially.
Christ Church isn't the only Episcopal church experiencing departures, it's going on nationwide. But Gray said both sides are handling it gracefully.
"Most people are viewing this as probably the most amicable parting possible for people who have differences," he said.
Tall and slim, Gray doesn't look like he's 39. He comes to Christ Church after seven years as associate rector at the Church of the Advent on Beacon Hill.
Technically, he's the priest-in-charge at Christ Church, but he said that pretty much amounts to being the head pastor. He was hired with a three-year contract, with the chance to become the church's rector at the end.
He was born in Wilmington and raised as a Baptist, but says he fell in love with God through the Episcopal liturgy.
"I didn't find that as a Baptist," he said.
If his office accurately reflects his nature, Gray is the studious sort. All four walls are lined with bookshelves stuffed with reading material. He admits there are some he hasn't got around to reading yet.
"Books are a pastor's resource," he said.
But his sanctum also hints at Gray's lighter side. A very large bird cage is occupied by a white dove named — groan, if you'd like — Lovey Dovey.
She was supposed to be a dog. Gray was in charge of outreach while working in Boston and noticed strangers would stop to talk to people who had dogs or a baby.
"I went to the Salem shelter, but they didn't have any dogs," Gray said. "But they did have this dove."
Lovey Dovey could as well have been named Lucky Ducky. Safe from the predators that likely claimed her former mates years ago, Lovey Dovey has reached the ripe old dove age of 7.
Gray and his wife, Naomi, have been married 12 years. They have a son, Ezra, who is 6 years old and attending the nearby Cutler School. Ella, the couple's daughter, will be 2 in October.
Gray's departure from the Baptist church might have something to do with one of his favorite activities. Some fundamental Baptists prohibit dancing, and Gray and his wife love swing dancing, he said.
Gray said his goal is to "grow the church in all ways." During the Lenten season, he plans to roll out some small group ministries.
"This is a place where people can come and worship God and have fun doing it," Gray said. "But we're not irreverent or irrelevant."
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