William Gray (priest) explained

William James Gray (4 August 1874^[1] – 17 September 1960) was an eminent Anglican clergyman in the mid 20th century.^{[2] [3]}

Gray was educated at the London College of Divinity.^[4] He became a deacon in 1905 and was ordained in 1906.^[3] After curacies in Brixton and Beckenham, he was Vicar of Ide Hill and Chaplain to Sevenoaks Workhouse and Infirmary from 1911 to 1915. He was the incumbent at St Nicholas with St Clement, Rochester from 1915 to 1942; Rural Dean of Rochester from 1925–40; Archdeacon of Tonbridge from 1940^[5] to 1953; and Vicar of Kippington from 1942–52.^[6] He retired in 1953 and died on 17 September 1960.^[7]

Notes and References

1. 1939 England and Wales Register
2. "Funeral – The Rev. W. J. Gray." The Times (London, England), Friday, Sep 23, 1960; pg. 16; Issue 54884
3. News: The Diocese Mourns Archdeacon . 20 November 2023 . Chatham Standard . subscription . 27 September 1960 . 5.
4. Crockford's Clerical Directory 1955-56 p454 London, OUP, 1955
5. Ecclesiastical News. The Times (London, England), Wednesday, Oct 30, 1940; pg. 7; Issue 48760
6. http://stmaryssevenoaks.org/about/history/ Parish History
7. "GRAY, Ven. William James", Who Was Who, A & C Black, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing plc, 1920–2016.