University of Virginia Library

The Rev. William Gibbons was the husband
of Mrs. Isabella Gibbons of whom I have given a brief
sketch in Chapter 8.th William Gibbons was a
man of rare natural abilities. He was born in
slavery, his master being Prof. Howard of the
University of Virginia. He was a fine
looking man, with a rich, sonorous
voice and a wonderfully magnetic
manner. Armed with such qualities
it was easy for him to rouse his hearers to
the highest pitch of religious enthusiasm.
When I went to Charlottesville in 1866 he
was acting as pastor of the 1st colored
Baptist church in that place. He was
ordained some time during that year,
and in 1867 went to Washington, where,
a year later he was installed as pastor of
the Zion Baptist church in that city.
His rare eloquence, exceptional character,
and kindly disposition rendered him
popular with all classes of people, and
when he died after several years of service

every tribute of respect was paid to his
memory, by the members of his own
church, and his old friends in Charlottesville.

When I think of what an influence
this man exerted in his the narrow sphere
in which his destiny had placed him,
I try to figure what his power would have
been, if Fortune had bestowed upon
him the advantages she so lavishes
upon many who discredit their
opportunities. According to all
standards he was an ignorant
man. He had picked up such meagre
bits of book-learning as he could
with his meagre opportunities, but he
made the most of what he had
gathered in this way, and with
this slight aid to his natural abilities
he became a power among his people.
His manner was that of a cultivated
gentleman, courteous and dignified,
but never pompous, gentle but never

servile. He was a good husband and
father, and a kindly neighbor.

His preaching while in Charlottesville
was of the type in vogue at that time,
not only among the negroes, but to a
great extent among the white people
as well — the vociferous and excitable
kind, with its terrible denunciations
of sinners (meaning those outside the
church fold) its arraignment of all
wickedness (such as dancing, card
playing and similar evils) its word
painting of the joys of heaven, and
its vivid description of the torments
of hell. I have reason to think however,
that after he had lived for a time in
Washington his style of address became
somewhat modified, for in that city he
naturally came in contact with those
who, although of the same religious faith
were in the habit of presenting its tenets
to their congregations in a less lurid manner

and Gibbons was quick to learn and
could readily adapt himself to what he
saw were the real needs of his parish.

At first glance it seems unfortunate that
so much native talent, should have been
wasted in so narrow a field of labor, but
but upon reflection we must admit that
he was exactly the kind of man needed
at that time. He could meet the people
of his race understandingly, and upon
their own level, and yet they recognized
and yet they recognized his superiority
to the extent that they were gradually
led to a higher level of thought and action
by his example

It is to be lamented
that a larger proportion of those who
professed to feel a call to preach the
gospel to these people had not done so
from motives as conscientious as I
sincerely believe impelled William
Gibbons in his choice of a profession.