Background
Gross, John Birney was born on August 24, 1924 in Barbourville, Kentucky, United States. Son of John Owen and Harriet (Bletzer) Gross.
Gross, John Birney was born on August 24, 1924 in Barbourville, Kentucky, United States. Son of John Owen and Harriet (Bletzer) Gross.
Bachelor of Arts, DePauw University, 1948; Bachelor of Divinity, School of Theology and Ministry, Drew U., 1953; Doctor of Philosophy (Kellog fellow 1956-1958), George Peabody College, 1958.
Ordained to ministry, Methodist Church, 1950; minister, Mendham, New Jersey, 1950-1953; dean chapel, Centenary College Women, Hackettstown, New Jersey, 1953-1956; assistant to president, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, 1958-1959; dean academic affairs, Florida Southern College, 1959-1965; dean college, Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio., 1965-1967; vice president, Mount Union College, 1967-1968; dean college, Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, 1968-1979; professor religion, Texas Wesleyan University, 1979-1982; associate minister, First United Methodist Church, Clearwater, Florida, 1982-1985; senior minister, Druid Hills United Methodist Church, Ocala, Florida, 1985-1990.
Co-chairman membership drive Community Concerts, Alliance, 1968. Member Crandel alumni scholarship committee DePauw University, 1967. Board of directors Lakeland chapter American Red Cross, 1963-1965, Community Concerts, Lakeland, 1963-1965, Casa Manana Playhouse, Fort Worth, 1968-1972.
Served with Army of the United States, 1943-1946. Member American Association Academy Deans, Association Academy Deans, Southern Association Schools and Colls., Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Mu Alpha.
Married Lois Feldkircher, July 8, 1948. Children: John Birney II, Steven Louis.