J. D. Grey, long-time pastor of the First Baptist Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, was president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1951 to 1953. Pastorates prior to FBC included the First Baptist Church, Denton, Texas (1934- 1937), Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ennis, Texas (1931-1934), Vickery Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas (1929-1931), and student pastorates in Tennessee. Grey received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Union University in 1929 and the Th.M. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1932. He was awarded honorary doctorates from Union (1938), Louisiana College (1952), and Baylor University (1953). Grey’s additional denominational experience included president, Louisiana Baptist Convention (1949-1951); Baptist World Alliance Executive Committee member (1950-1970); and board member of numerous agencies and institutions. An outspoken campaigner against crime and immorality, Grey was a founder and president of the Louisiana Moral and Civil Foundation and president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission of New Orleans. Grey was the author of Epitaphs for Eager Preachers (Broadman, 1972), a humorous look at pastoral ministry.
This oral history interview was conducted by Lynn E. May, Jr. November 13-14, 1975, in New Orleans, Louisiana. In the interviews, Grey describes his childhood, youth, and early influences on his life. He gives his impressions of prominent Baptist leaders and preachers, including L. R. Scarborough, George W. Truett, and M. E. Dodd. Grey recalls his education at Union University and Southwestern Seminary, early pastorates in Tennessee and Texas, and his long tenure as pastor of First Baptist Church, New Orleans. The interviews cover Grey’s two terms as SBC president and his involvement in Southern Baptist life for over four decades. Grey discusses his views of pastoral ministry and denominational service, moral and social issues, the Baptist World Alliance, and controversies in SBC life, such as the role of the Federal Council of Churches and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
