The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-11

9 rector of the Church slnas ! ol Ol,, the he St. Michael's and All Angels church in Baltimore, the largest and richest Episcopal church in Maryland.
 MT. Murray received the formal call yesterday, but when seen said that he had not yet reached any decision as to accepting it.
 While the formal call was only received yesterday, prominent members of the Bal timore church have been urging him for some time to consider the matter and committee of three came to Birming- ham last Sunday to urge MT. Murray to accept MT. Murray at the time stated that all he could say was that if he re- ceived a formal call he would promise them to visit Baltimore and look over the situation. He will probably take this trip in the next two weeks.
 The committee who waited on MT. Mur- ray was composed of Samuel J. Hough and William G. Noting, representing the vestry, and William w. Chipchase repre- senting the congregation.
 St. Michaers and All Angels church has 14OO communicants and there are three as- sistants besides the rector.
 MT. Murray was born In Maryland but came to Alabama in 1882 and has lived in Birmingham since 1896. He Is regarded as one of the most eloquent divines in the state and his sermons are noted for depth of thought and logical sequence. Before entering the ministry MT. Murray was successful business man, having been in the iron business for some years. He made a remarkable record while in charge of the Alabama river mission and was recently strongly endorsed for the office of bishop He Is well known in Birmingham where the Church or the Advent under his administration has grown and become one of the largest and | strongest churches In the state.
 Sketch of MT. Murray.
 The Rev. John Gardner Murray, son of James Murray and Ann Murray, was born at Homecoming, Md, on August 3l, 1S57 His primary education was in the public schools of Maryland and took preparatory course at Wyoming seminary I Kingston, Pa. His theological education was obtained at Drew Theological semi | nary at Madison, N. J. While at the the- ological seminary he was called west on account of the death of his father and went to Kansas. He engaged in busi- ness in Colorado, Kansas and New Mexi- co. He remained there for four years when, in 1882, he came to Alabama and | engaged in the coal and iron business at Briarfield, Bibb county. He continued in business there and at Selma, Ala. until January 1, 1893, when he became postu- late for orders in the ministry. He was ordained April 3, 1893, by Bishop Jack son, and was ordained priest April IS, 1 1894. by Bishop Wilmer of Alabama. The first four years of his ministry were spent in what is known as the Ala bama River missions with headquarters at Selma. During this time MT. Murray made what was considered a remarkable record, serving eight congregations, five of these being newly organized by him His work at no time was charge upon the diocese, but contributed something to the support of every worthy cause oi l the cHuTCu III tHe ulOCeSe, anu III SelleTdl Comes to Birmingham.
 During this time there were built under | his supervision three new churches and | all the old churches under his care were | fully repaired and rehabilitated. While | on this work several calls were declined by him to larger fields. but in September l 1896, he accepted a call to the rectorshir of the Church of the Advent of Birming ham, where he has been ever since Dur ing his rectorship in Birmingham the church has greatly increased in member. l ship; the building has been completed
 and a handsome new rectory has beer
 built. He has declined several calls since | he has been in Birmingham.
 The Rev. MT. Murray, according to the | Diocesan Journal. is at present chairman l of the delegation to the general conver- tion, president of the standing committee of the diocese, chairman of the finance | committee of the council, chairman oi | the John E. Moore memorial home fund chairman of the committee on the divi- sion of the diocese, chairman of the com mittee on the bishops residence and one of the bishops examining chaplains. |
 l All kinds of cuts. Age-Herald En | graving Department.