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Gray, James
Full NameGRAY, Very Rev James Lundie, B.A. (Otago) 
Date of Birth7 August 1892Date of Death21 May 1982Biography
Rev Gray’s parents came to NZ to Dunedin where he was brought up. Educated at North East Valley Public School, Otago Boys’ High School and Otago University (graduated B.A.).
Theological Hall, Dunedin 1915-1916
YMBC Travelling Secretary June 1916
Enlisted in New Zealand Expeditionary Force; war service from 17 October 1917 to 19 October 1919 with the Medical Corps in France;
Post-graduate study at New College Edinburgh and United Free College Glasgow.
Licensed by Dunedin Presbytery 1919
"Mr Gray's message, though strongly evangelistic was also essentially practical. He wrote devotional material, much of it translated into Indian languages; he taught and trained pastors for Christian leadership; he visited villages preaching but also ministered to the sick who could not reach Jagadhri Hospital; he spoke at conferences; he encouraged villagers to build the House of God in their villages as a tangible witness to their faith. Perhaps one of the most influential opportunities he had was as Pastor to the Kellogg Church Interdenominational congregation in the hill station of Landour. There, for nine years, he was asked to preach Christ to the assembled Missionaries and their families, who, re-inspired, returned to their own mission stations throughout India."
The Coronation medal was bestowed upon the Rev Gray by HM the King in 1937 for services
rendered to the Jagadhri Town Council.
Author of ‘The Conquest of Gloom’ and other devotional studies.
“Own Missionaries” of Somervell Church, Remuera, Auckland.
Returned to New Zealand 1941 and resigned 3 August 1943
"Mr & Mrs Gray carried out their exacting duties with thoroughness and dignity".
In 1956 returned to the Punjab for 3 years to head the "Synod Forward Campaign" at the invitation of the United Church of Northern India, 1 November 1956 The objectives were three-fold, to further Bible study, to encourage evangelism, and to promote stewardship.
"While Mr Gray's energies were directed mainly towards pastor guidance, Mrs Gray took the opportunity to work among the Indian women and to form 'busy Bees' or 'Children's Societies'."
Returned to NZ via Indonesia 18 March 1960.
Retired 15 October 1960
In his retirement Mr Gray continued to preach and to write. He became the first chaplain at the PSSA Lady Allum Home on the North Shore, Auckland.
"James Gray was the type of man who would have excelled in any profession he chose. He was an able administrator, methodical and thorough in all he undertook. He was a wise counsellor and so sensitive to the needs of others."
(From Memorial Minute)
Date of Birth7 August 1892Date of Death21 May 1982Biography- born 7 August 1892 Lochwinnoch Scotland.
- son of Rev Henry Begg GRAY and Jessie LUNDIE
- married 10 March 1921 Marion Wilson SCOTT, born 12 November 1898 (Glasgow), died 31 July 2001 aged 103
- a graduate from the renowned English Physical Training College at Dartford , she met the Rev James Gray in England. She fully supported and actively shared in her husband’s Missionary work in India, despite the deprivations and extreme climate. A forthright and inspiring person, a gifted speaker and a perfectionist in all that she did. Always a great supporter of the “Busy Bees” and held the position of National President. In her latter years Marion resided in Lady Allum Home, being our longest lived missionary.
- child Ian Lundie GRAY (LF Riach) 1924. Grandparents of Rev Richard GRAY
- a graduate from the renowned English Physical Training College at Dartford , she met the Rev James Gray in England. She fully supported and actively shared in her husband’s Missionary work in India, despite the deprivations and extreme climate. A forthright and inspiring person, a gifted speaker and a perfectionist in all that she did. Always a great supporter of the “Busy Bees” and held the position of National President. In her latter years Marion resided in Lady Allum Home, being our longest lived missionary.
- d. 21.5.1982, aged 89
Rev Gray’s parents came to NZ to Dunedin where he was brought up. Educated at North East Valley Public School, Otago Boys’ High School and Otago University (graduated B.A.).
Theological Hall, Dunedin 1915-1916
YMBC Travelling Secretary June 1916
Enlisted in New Zealand Expeditionary Force; war service from 17 October 1917 to 19 October 1919 with the Medical Corps in France;
Post-graduate study at New College Edinburgh and United Free College Glasgow.
Licensed by Dunedin Presbytery 1919
- Ordained Eltham, Taranaki 8.1.1920
"Mr Gray's message, though strongly evangelistic was also essentially practical. He wrote devotional material, much of it translated into Indian languages; he taught and trained pastors for Christian leadership; he visited villages preaching but also ministered to the sick who could not reach Jagadhri Hospital; he spoke at conferences; he encouraged villagers to build the House of God in their villages as a tangible witness to their faith. Perhaps one of the most influential opportunities he had was as Pastor to the Kellogg Church Interdenominational congregation in the hill station of Landour. There, for nine years, he was asked to preach Christ to the assembled Missionaries and their families, who, re-inspired, returned to their own mission stations throughout India."
The Coronation medal was bestowed upon the Rev Gray by HM the King in 1937 for services
rendered to the Jagadhri Town Council.
Author of ‘The Conquest of Gloom’ and other devotional studies.
“Own Missionaries” of Somervell Church, Remuera, Auckland.
Returned to New Zealand 1941 and resigned 3 August 1943
- Somervell Memorial Church, Auckland 1941 (Supply) Inducted 3 August 1943
- St Pauls, Napier 14 February 1950
"Mr & Mrs Gray carried out their exacting duties with thoroughness and dignity".
In 1956 returned to the Punjab for 3 years to head the "Synod Forward Campaign" at the invitation of the United Church of Northern India, 1 November 1956 The objectives were three-fold, to further Bible study, to encourage evangelism, and to promote stewardship.
"While Mr Gray's energies were directed mainly towards pastor guidance, Mrs Gray took the opportunity to work among the Indian women and to form 'busy Bees' or 'Children's Societies'."
Returned to NZ via Indonesia 18 March 1960.
Retired 15 October 1960
In his retirement Mr Gray continued to preach and to write. He became the first chaplain at the PSSA Lady Allum Home on the North Shore, Auckland.
"James Gray was the type of man who would have excelled in any profession he chose. He was an able administrator, methodical and thorough in all he undertook. He was a wise counsellor and so sensitive to the needs of others."
(From Memorial Minute)
Relates to
Recollect CollectionPeople
Gray, James. Presbyterian Research Centre, accessed 31/05/2026, https://pcanzarchives.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/112602
