An opportunity being given for persons to converse with Presbytery relative to their experimental acquaintance with religion and an internal call to the work of the ministry. The following Brethren presented themselves M. M. Sevier, J. J. Gray, and J. A. Heaton. The Presbytery having with the above named young Brethren and being satisfied as to their communion with the church and to their internal call tot he work of the ministry, received them under her care and assigned to them the following texts from which to prepare written discourses to be read at the next meeting of Presbytery...J. J. Gray, Rom 6th ch-23v. [October 6, page 48]
[Source: Minutes of Hopewell Presbytery, October 5-7 , 1866]

Presbytery having taken the necessary steps of trial preparatory to Licensure in the case of J. J. Gray and W. H. Johns and being satisfied as to their internal call to the work of the gospel ministry and their aptness to teach and they having answered in the affirmative all the questions required by our book of discipline did on motion on the 5th of April 1869 at Dyer Station Gibson Co. Tenn Licens J. J. Gray and W. H. Johns to preach the Gospel where God in his providence may cast their lots. [April 5, 1869]
[Source: Minutes of Hopewell Presbytery, April 2-5, 1869, page 125]

A petition from Friendship Congregation for the ministerial services of Bro. J. J. Gray for one fourth of his time was presented with a promise to remunerate him for his services. Said petition was granted.

Rev. W. W. Hendrix then proceeded according to the order of the Presbytery to preach an ordination sermon which sermon was able and appropriate and delivered in an impressive manner to a large and attentive audience after which Bros. J. J. Gray, and W. H. Johns were by prayer and the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, regularly ordained to the whole work of the Gospel ministry. Rev. Jo McLeskey presiding and delivering to the newly ordained Bishops a solemn and impressive charge and then by prayer commended them to the grace of God and to his holy keeping.
[Source: Minutes of Hopewell Presbytery, September 29-October , 1871, pages 186 & 188 ]

On motion, and at his own request, a letter of dismission and recommendation was granted Rev. J. J. Gray. [Sept. 27]
[Source: Minutes of Hopewell Presbytery, September 25, 27, 28, 1880, page 9]

Rev. J. J. Gray, on returning a letter formerly granted, was received a member of the Presbytery. [September 24, 1881, page 3]

On calling the roll the following members were absent without permission: Rev's E. W. Edward, J. J. Gray and F. P. Flaniken, and Elders S. C. Douten, P. S. Dunlap, S. W. Harris, R.T . Holt and A. Claybrook. [September 26, 1881, page 7]

At. 7:30 o'clock, Presbytery held a missionary meeting. Rev. J. J. Gray was called to the chair. [September 26, 1881, page 8]
[Source: Minutes of Hopewell Presbytery, September 24- 27, 1881]

Rev. J. J. Gray, of the Obion Presbytery and J. O. Davison of the Lebanon Presbytery presented letters of dismission and recommendation from their Presbytery and were received as members of this.
[Source: Minutes of Hopewell Presbytery, October 5, 1889, page 3]

The following commissioners were selected to attend the next meeting of the Synod of Tennessee:
Ministers--Principals, J. J. Gray, R. H. Anthony, T. W. Cannon and Allen Foust. Alternates, N. T. Hopkins, J. O. Davison, W. H. Johns and T. A. Grier. [page 3]

Presbyterial Directory - Ordained Ministers
J. J. Gray, McKenzie, Tenn. [page 16]
[Source: Minutes of Hopewell Presbytery, October 1, 1892, page ]

Also one [a communication] from Rev. J. J. Gray, which was referred to a committee composed of Revs G. M. Oakley and H. R. Reed, with Eld. Joseph H. Bullock. [page 3]

The following report by the special committee on communication from Rev. J. J. Gray, was read and on motion adopted:

"Your committee to which the letter of Rev. J. J. Gray was referred, asking that his connection with your body be dissolved, have carefully considered the same and recommend that his request be granted, and for good and sufficient reasons that he be divested of his ministerial functions, and that the stated clerk be instructed to have this action published in the Cumberland Presbyterian.
Geo. M. Oakley, H. R. Reed, Joseph H. Bullock [pages 4-5]
[Source: Minutes of Hopewell Presbytery, September 30-October 2, 1893]

Jesse J. Gray
Cumberland Presbyterian Minister
married: 2 November 1871
wife: Cornelia ("Nelly") Jane McCracken
[daughter of Robert Pane McCracken and Eliza Jane ?]
born: 10 January 1854

Children of Jesse J. Gray and Cornellia Jane McCracken Gray:

1. Robert E. Gray
married: 29 December 1896
wife: Blanche Douglas
[daughter of Dr. Joseph Benjamin Douglas and Fannie Godwin]
born: 20 December 1876
died: 7 August 1956

Children of Robert E. Gray and Blanch Douglas Gray:

1.1. Louise Gray
born: 25 March 1899
died: 22 November 1976
husband: John Harrison

1.2. Robert Douglas Gray, Sr.
born: 7 December 1900
died: 18 October 1980
married: 4 March 1925
wife: Inez Clopton
born: 9 September 1906
died: 18 February 1986

Child of Robert Douglas Gray, Sr. and Inez Clopton Gray:

1.2.1. Robert Douglas Gray, Jr.
born: 2 January 1926
died: 1 October 1993

2. Lura Gray
born: 28 November 1873
died: 1939
husband: Rufus D. Peay