Rev . James E . Murray , Jr . aka Spock
Rev . James E . Murray , Jr . aka Spock
James ( aka ) Mayrose curly headed brown skin baby boy was the first-born son and currently the oldest son to the late James E . Murray , Sr . ( aka ) Abullah Shakir and Mayrose Goodman Murray Moon . He has two siblings Michael and Glenda . As a young child , he grew up under the training of his oldest sister the late Vernell E . Murray Mason who taught him a lot about endurance while pressing forward . He was born in Crestwood on Gregg Street and later moved to Portlock , South hill and to Broadlawn . He attended church at New Mount Olive , AME Church and song in the Youth Choir , participated in youth activities as well as Sunday School and Bible Study .
He made a significant impact on the community though strong relationships with his neighbors and childhood friends . He attended South Hill Elementary School , Crestwood Middle School and Indian River High School . Yet , as an 8 th grader at Crestwood Middle School he was selected to be a part of the “ Who ’ s Who ” among youth at the College of William and Mary . Later he was he was mentored by his principal Mr . Scott .
James ( aka ) Spock was well known and was a well-dressed guy . Often during high school , you would find his talent on stage singing in school talent shows with Alan Hines and Chris Boyd and female background singers . Upon graduating from high school , he attended Norfolk State College majoring in Business Administration . He was well rounded and very efficient when it came to financial management . He has used his understanding of business to teach and educate while uplifting the kingdom of God .
His zeal and passion to serve increased to the point that he enlisted into the United States Army . It was not long afterwards that he realized his passion to serve had to be redefined . He consulted with his grandmother the late Sister Hattie Mae Lloyd Goodman who encouraged him to answer is divine call to serve . Ultimately , in 1977 he had to return to New Mount Olive AME church to preach his initial sermon . It was Rev . L . L . Carter who mentored him into ministry along with Rev . Charles Harvin , his spiritual brother in ministry . As his ministry and mission increased he was blessed with a friend Christine Murray and together they have two son ’ s Gershom and Ishmael and their brother Christopher . He was a part of the 82rd Airborne Division . He was stationed in Fort Bragg , Fayetteville , NC , Fort Belvoir , Fairfax , VA and Korea . He served in the military for over 10 years .
He has served as an Associate Pastor and in 1994 he was blessed to become the Pastor of Allen Chapel , AME , Church , Charleston , West Virginia . In 1995 , he married Yuolanda . at Allen Chapel . From there he gained a great relationship with his mother and father in law along with gaining a son Charles and nieces and nephews . Together they have seven beautiful grandchildren .
Since 1994 , he has served three other congregations . Quinn Memorial AME , OH , St James AME Church , Pittsburgh , PA and currently Greater Mount Avery , Cleveland , OH .