Edgar Harkness Gray (1813-1894): Officiated at Abraham Lincoln's Funeral

Gravestone of Rev. Edgar Gray

Plot 38, Lot 10

Edgar Harkness Gray was born on November 28, 1813, in Bridport, Vermont. He pursued theological studies and graduated from Waterville College (now Colby College) in 1838.

Gray became a prominent Baptist minister in Washington, D.C., serving as pastor of the E Street Baptist Church. In the wake of the Civil War, he was appointed Chaplain of the United States Senate, a post he held from 1865 to 1869 . In this role, he offered spiritual guidance during a critical era of American history and led prayers and devotional services within the Senate chamber.

Following President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in April 1865, Rev. Gray was among the four clergymen selected to officiate at Lincoln's funeral services in Washington, D.C. His presence reflected the high esteem in which he was held by the nation’s leaders and his influence on public life.  

After completing his term as U.S. Senate chaplain (1865–1869), Gray emigrated west. He became the first pastor of the Baptist church in San Francisco, later serving in Oakland, where he also held roles such as Superintendent of Baptist Churches in California and Dean of Oakland Theological Seminary. 

Sources: Wikipedia, Find A Grave, US Senate