Gay, Ebenezer

Gay, Ebenezer (1696–1787) Protestant clergyman; born in Dedham, Mass. He graduated from Harvard at age 18 and taught school while preparing for the ministry. Named pastor of the First Parish Church, Hingham, Mass., in 1718, he remained there for 69 years and became one of the most influential New England clergymen. A liberal in theology, he was a forerunner of the Unitarians. He remained loyal to Britain during the Revolutionary era. He died on a Sunday morning as he made ready to preach.