A Renaissance man, A religious icon, A humanitarian
July 1927 – December 2011
Dr. Shirley Murray, Bishop Herman Murray and the Full Gospel Holy Temple Churches, Incorporated earlier this week announced the funeral and Homegoing celebration services for Apostle Lobias Murray, the founder and general overseer of the Full Gospel Holy Temple Churches, Inc. He transitioned from vision to victory on Friday, December 23, 2011.
An honorable and upright Man of God, whose character was consistent with his life and message, Apostle Murray preached holiness and he lived holy. He was known for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with immense clarity that even a young child would understand. While ministering, you would often hear him declare – If you Believe It, Say Amen!
Originally from the piney woods of East Texas, Apostle Murray was born July 28, 1927 in Jacksonville,Texas. The eldest of four children, he excelled academically and graduated from Goldsberry Chapel High School in Henderson, Texas. After graduation, he served three years of service in the U.S. Army (a Korean War veteran). While serving his country, he was introduced to the former Shirley Hollis in a pen pal relationship. Her modest ways and wholesome charm won his heart and they soon graduated from a pen pal relationship to one of courtship, love and a happy marriage – that has lasted 61 years.
Unknown to most, he did not come to Dallas to start a church in 1953, it was simply a step of faith to create a better life for his young family. In his personal testimony, he often shared his incident-filled journey from Henderson to Dallas, Texas in a raggedy 1949 Ford with a wife, two infant children and only $10.00 in his pocket. Apostle Murray also worked as a fur inspector for a local retailer before receiving the divine call to the pastoral ministry.
As a pastor, he started the Full Gospel Holy Temple Church in 1961 at 4228 Second Avenue in the South Dallas area with his wife, six members and borrowed chairs and remained as its primary leader until his passing. During his tenure, the church relocated four times due to the overwhelming and continually expanding crowds attending the services with the current local membership totaling around 4,000 congregates. Since 1972, he established over 35 branch churches of the ministry throughout the country. For the past 50 plus years he has been a commanding voice for God preaching salvation, deliverance, healing and miracles. His unquestionable faith in God and the laying on of hands to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost are the hallmarks of his ministry.
Not one to seek fame or popularity, he is remembered as a visionary and a quiet humanitarian giant often recognized for his consistent and selfless efforts to help his fellowman and his community; but, also as one that never loss the ability to communicate with the ordinary individual. His love for humanity stretched beyond the walls of the church as he owned and operated the Lobias Murray Christian Academy, Dallas’ first African-American fully accredited private K-12 Christian academy in 1979. Amid its 30 years in operation, more than 300 students have graduated from the school, attended colleges and universities and have become productive and positive members of their communities. In 1981, the Helping Hand Outreach opened its doors to Dallas County’s needy families supplementing them with food, clothes and toys (during Christmas season). He also purchased the L&S Christian Camp in Scottsville,Texas as a place for Christians to relax and fellowship.
His main goal was to share the power of the gospel to all that would hear and believe the uncompromising word of God. In 1965, he took the gospel to the radio airwaves with the broadcast of deliverance on KNOK (currently KHVN). In 1969, he began the Gospel Truth Magazine, a free religious magazine that bears testimonies of deliverance as a result of the dynamic ministry, transcribed sermons, and words of encouragement. In the early 1970s, he traveled as a foreign missionary in Japan, the Philippines, Germany, India, and other Middle Eastern countries. In 1995, the television broadcast was added as another outlet to share the message that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. Additionally, today over 50 outreach ministries flow from the church into nursing homes, juvenile centers, half-way homes, homeless shelters and street ministries spreading the “good news” of the gospel.
Left to cherish the memory of a great man of faith, vision, integrity and wisdom is: his widow, Dr. Shirley Murray, three daughters, Sharon (Eld. Alfred) Smith, Gwendol Renee Murray and Brenda Rice; one brother, Lovester (Margaret) Murray; one sister, Velma (J.C.) Reedy; 14, grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a loving nephew, Dr. Autry Terry; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the Full Gospel Holy Temple, Inc. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Herman and Mrs. Willie Mae Trimble Murray, his only son, Elder Herman Lobias Murray, Sr. and a brother, Bishop Lorenza Murray.
The Pastoral Memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, December 29 at 7:00 p.m. and the Official Homegoing Celebration service will be Friday, December 30 at 11:00 a.m. All services will be held at the Full Gospel Holy Temple Church located at 39727 West LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75237.
