Eld. Sanford Graye became a member of Tompkins Chapel in 1975 at the age of eight. Sanford came to the church with his older sister.  Sanford was very impressed with Eld. Gabriel.  Sanford served on the usher board, as a deacon, and as a member of the Pastor's aide board.  Sanford was very active in the church.  Eld. Gabriel took a liking to Sanford and began to take him under his wing.

In 1978, Eld. Gabriel began to mentor a young man by the name of Sanford Graye. Sanford was 11 years old at the time.  Sanford had voiced to Eld. Gabriel that he felt he had been called into the ministry. Eld. Gabriel began to work with Sanford. Sanford worked hard after Eld. Gabriel began mentoring him. Sanford tried to go everywhere with Eld. Gabriel.  Sanford was allowed to travel with Eld. Gabriel until his grades began to slip. Sanford was not allowed to travel with Eld. Gabriel for a full year. Eld. Gabriel believed in education.

On one trip when Eld. Gabriel and Sanford were traveling to a speaking engagement, Eld. Gabriel told Sanford, "Son, you will be my successor. God told me that I should pass the torch to you when I retire."  Sanford began to weep when Eld. Gabriel uttered those words.

Sanford was somewhat troubled by this news.  He felt that he was not worthy of such an honor. God showed him a vision that he would be the pastor of Tompkins Chapel. Sanford continued in his stead.  Two years after this conversation with Eld. Gabriel, Sanford was ordained at the age of 15. A few months later, Eld. Graye was appointed as the assistant pastor.  Eld. Sanford was appointed as pastor in 1987 after Eld. Gabriel retired.

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