Our Pastor

Larry Phillip McCray, a native of Washington, DC, was born January 17, 1973. From that day his life has been an example and testament of God’s favor and blessings. With a love for music and singing at an early age, Reverend McCray was trained and mentored in his gifts by his father, the Reverend C.V. Holmes. At the age of 14, Reverend McCray was assisting his father as organist at the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, in Dover, DE. His gift in singing gave him several memorable opportunities to appear on programs at many events with gospel legends and Grammy Award winning Gospel groups of that time. After high school, Reverend McCray had hopeful aspirations to enter into the Mortuary Science Industry, more specifically, enrolling in the apprenticeship program. As a young man, after his college matriculation, he decided to fully embrace that very career choice. He then relocated to Wilmington, DE to work for the Bell Funeral Home on 8th and Popular while serving as organist at the Friendship Baptist Church, pastored by the late Dr. Phillip Henry Blake Sr.

After attempting to avoid the unction of the Lord for two years to do a deeper work for Him, he then conceded to the call of Ministry and was licensed to preach the Gospel by the New Covenant Baptist Assembly under his Pastor, Reverend A. James Collins Sr. During his tenure at New Covenant, he was released to serve as Youth Minister for the New Inspirational Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA under the late Dr. Barry J. Williams. As the calling of God became more real and exciting, Reverend McCray entered intotheological studies to advance his gifts.

Meanwhile, he joined the St. Phillip’s Baptist Church of N. Philadelphia, under the leadership of Dr. Willie I. Graves Sr. Reverend McCray was then sought out by the pulpit committee of the Historic Second Baptist Church of Nicetown in Philadelphia, PA. After much prayer and counsel, Reverend McCray accepted the daunting task to lead God’s people, and in May of 2000, he was installed as the 10th Pastor in the 110-year history of “Grand Ole Second!” They experienced immeasurable blessings from God both spiritually and financially.

In September of 2006, Pastor McCray was elected and called to the Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church of Temple Hills, MD. The Lord blessed this work. Under Pastor McCray’s administration, the church grew. He also led the church in a major renovation project and one of this greatest achievements was the burning of the mortgage within the first 4 years of his pastorate there. In September 2020, after 14 years of humble service to Mount Calvary, the Lord impressed upon him to accept the will of God and the desire of a sincere and God-led group of people who desired a pure atmosphere to work and worship. Thus, it is at The Tabernacle Baptist Assembly, “Where the Presence of God Dwells”, where Pastor McCray humbly serves as Organizing Pastor/Servant Leader. He is a sought-after national preacher and facilitator; a caring and loving father to his children, Zion, Arielle, Shiloh, and McKinley; and he is a devoted advocate for Social Justice.