The Treasurer: A Biography of Herbert Stewart Gray (1899-1994)
About this ebook
At the end of the 19th century, in the rugged village of West Bay, Nova Scotia, Herbert Stewart Gray was born into humble beginnings. Over time, he would become a pioneer in the North American laundromat industry and the visionary founder of Mac-Gray Corporation. Yet, The Treasurer is far more than a business biography. It is the moving account of a man whose life embodied Christian business ethics, entrepreneurial integrity, and unwavering faith.
Guided by stewardship, loyalty, and perseverance, H. Stewart Gray built more than a company; he built a legacy. Rooted in the values of orthodox Presbyterian Christianity, he championed honesty in leadership, generosity in giving, and purpose in every endeavor. From a Cape Breton farmstead to the heart of Boston’s commercial rise, Gray invested in people and institutions that outlived him and impacted seminaries, churches, and his employees long after his passing.
Told with admiration and authenticity, this biography honors not just a faithful businessperson but also a treasurer of friendships, values, and spiritual conviction. Readers will find inspiration in Gray’s drive, humility, and pursuit of the common good.
For those seeking stories of faith and philanthropy, Nova Scotia heritage, or 20th-century Protestant history, The Treasurer offers a timeless and compelling read.
Read the story of a man who never sought attention but deeply deserved it.
Discover more
About the author
Barry H. Corey is the eighth president of Biola University. A native of New England, he previously served as dean of the faculty and vice president for education at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary as well as its vice president for development. He received his B.A. in English and biblical studies from Evangel University and his M.A. in American studies and Ph.D. in education from Boston College. As a Fulbright scholar, he lived in Bangladesh, where he researched educational programs for children of the landless poor. He is the author of the books Make the Most of It: A Guide to Loving Your College Years and Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue. He and his wife, Paula, live in Southern California and have three children: Anders — who is married to Ashley — Ella and Samuel.
