Jacob F. Murray

Elder Jacob Fitzgerald Murray was born in Newark, New Jersey at Beth Israel Hospital on May 8, 1961 to Jacob and Cynthia Murray. He and Cathy (Shaw) Murray are the parents of the late Joshua Murray and Cornelius J. Murray. 

Gerald spent his formative years in Newark, New Jersey attending Roseville Presbyterian Church.  He moved to South Carolina to live with his grandmother, Mulvenia Cooper, after his grandfather, James Cooper died.  Gerald attended Dantzler Elementary and Roberts High School. After high school, Gerald entered the work force and then joined the United States Coast Guard.  After serving, he followed one of his dreams and became an entrepreneur. His entrepreneurial pursuits led him around the country until he came home to South Carolina to assist in the care of his grandmother.

In 1994, Gerald committed his life to Christ and hands were laid on him by Bishop Milton Mosby at God’s Church of Deliverance, Columbia, SC and he was baptized in the Holy Ghost. In October 1996, Gerald was licensed to preach the gospel at Providence Baptist Church by Pastor Lonnie Robinson.  He was also certified by Prison Fellowship to minister to individuals who have been involved in the justice system.

In 1998, he incorporated a nonprofit, WATCH Ministries.  Elder Murray pursued the ministry of Jesus Christ with fervor and passion. He served on Bible Study team in the prison and positioned himself to serve the body of Christ as Bible study leader at Providence Baptist Church. He loved preaching the gospel and teaching people the Word of God. In his missional journey he served as interim Pastor at St. Mark Baptist Church Lone Star, SC; served in the evangelistic tent ministry with Israelite Holy Temple Outreach Ministry, Manning SC under Bishop Robert Wilson; and Associate Pastor at Faith Temple House of Prayer, Orangeburg SC. 

After a relocation to Texas, in 2016, he relocated to South Carolina to assist in the care of his father.  After returning he re-affirmed his membership with First Providence Baptist Church, Santee SC and submitted to the Apostleship of Bishop Robert Wilson and was confirmed as an Elder. Elder Murray believed and lived out the ministry of the Body of Christ and the Kingdom principle of the unity of all believers.  He became ill and was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  His mother and brother cared for him during his courageous battle.  On Sunday, October 7th, with his son Cornelius by his side, Elder Murray went to receive his heavenly reward.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Cornelius Murray; his parents, Jacob Murray and Cynthia Shingler; his siblings, James Murray, Debra Abraham, and Yolanda (Sam) Caldwell; his two great aunts, Pastor Emma (Cephus) McKune and Ollie Mae Wilson; two aunts, Patsy (Lawrence) Abraham and Catherine Buggs; nieces and nephews, April Tyler, Trenicia Gerald, David Gerald, Alexis Murray, Bethany Caldwell, and Jonathan Caldwell; great nieces and nephews, D’aunte Gerald, Dionne Gerald, and Mackenzie Murray; Jennifer Murray, along with godchildren, cousins, and friends.

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