Rep. William H. Gray III, August 20, 1941 – July 1, 2013. A memory: In 1987, Bill, a Philadelphia congressperson, was breakfasting with American Baptist sisters and brothers on Capitol Hill. Evangelist Oral Roberts had just announced he would die if his followers didn’t immediately contribute $8million to his ministry. Bill, who was also pastor of Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, was incredulous. “Doesn’t work that way in my church and it SURE doesn’t work that way here,” he said. “If I went to folks and said I’ll die if you don’t give me what I want, they’d shrug and wave, ‘Bye.’” He wiggled his fingers in the air and laughed loudly. Rest in Peace and rise in glory, Bill. Today you are missed. (Posted July 2, 2013, on FaceBook)
Cakes and Ale 