Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 68, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 January 1909 — THIEF IN CHURCH PULPIT 4 MONTHS [ARTICLE]

THIEF IN CHURCH PULPIT 4 MONTHS

Imposter Posed in Missouri as “the Rev. Ivan Gray.” Greenwood, Mo., Jan. 26.—For four months the members of the Webster Grove Congregational church here have been listening to the sermons of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The suave young man who has been leading their meetings in prayer, speaking encouraging words to their wives and daughters and doing all that the leader of a flock ought to do has left this settlement with about $l5O obtained on worthless checks. TK& rogue came here as "the Rev. Ivan M. Gray” and presented what purported to be excellent Chicago credentials. After bis check transactions, the wires were used and word has come that the real Rev. Ivan M. Gray has never been away from Chicago. The message informing the Greenwood congregation that they had been duped, stated that the Imposter probably is an alleged convert who disappeared from the home of the genuine Rev. Gray after stealing money and trinkets.