My Life, My Love, My All
My Life :
During the year of 1938:
A new car cost $860.00. Gas was 10 cents a gallon. Movie tickets were 25 cents. And the average yearly income was $1,731.00. Times were hard but in Wadmalaw South Carolina . Franklin and Lillie Bell Gibbs were about to receive a true BLESSING FROM HEAVEN.
On a Saturday evening on September 17, 1938 Lillie Bell started to give birth to a baby boy. From the first moments his maternal grandmother Martha Peterson said this one would be special. On this day Henry Allen Gibbs ( or Allen as he was affectionately called) was born. On the day Allen was born he didn't cry. His grandmother mandated that since he wasn't
turning blue just keep him clean and warm. Then three days later they heard a faint cry, that's when Allen began to make his presence known. Allen grew into the role of " Family Protector". Following his father on his endeavors Allen developed a love for the church. He could often be found taking the Sunday School minutes. During his younger days Allen was the family mediator. With the gift of gab Allen talked himself and his siblings out of countless trouble. No one bothered Allen, for his loving personality endeared all who knew him to him. Allen was heard on many occasions during any altercation he was state that he was a lover not a fighter. So Love is what he did.
My Love :
As an young man Allen met the young woman who would become his wife - Margaret Robinson. Even though he was only several years older than her Allen often assisted the teacher by helping teach the younger classes, and Margaret's class was one of them. Not letting grass grow under his feet their courtship was not long by any means. With a new bride Allen sought out a better life for his family. In 1960 Allen came to Philadelphia with the urging of his Aunt Rebecca Brown of a better life. He moved to 419 Fulton Street, a three story home which he shared with his Aunt Rebecca (Sister) and Uncle Isaiah (Boyd). His Uncle Isaiah got him his first job in Philadelphia at Pride Dog Food company. After several months he brought his new bride and son (Kenneth) to Philadelphia. Allen moved his growing family into a two bedroom apartment at 3rd and Bainbridge after his second son (Curtis) was born. The need to give his family the best became a way of life for Allen. It was after his second son was born that his Uncle Benjamin (Dan) offered another job to him working at Philadelphia Dress Beef. It was here where Allen met the men who would begin to lay the foundation of a personal walk with Christ. On April 1st, 1963, then Elder B. F. Peterson Sr. sent his son around the corner from 3rd and Fitzwater to 3rd and Bainbridge to invite Allen to sing for the afternoon service. Not wanting to deny this request he quickly dressed and walked to the church. When introduced he proceeded to sing "Lord Let Your Holy Ghost Come on Down". He was so convicted by his own song that he was baptized the
very same evening and came up out of the water speaking in tongues. He often say on April Fools Day he became a "Fool for CHRIST". Now as Allen grew spiritually his family grew naturally. His union with Margaret begat eight children: Kenneth, Curtis, Henry Jr., Darrell, Carroll, Gwenivere, Jennifer and Veronica. Along with the happy times of a noisy household
came sorrow with the unexpected death of Curtis. But through the hard times his faith never wavered. It was during such times that he perceived a calling upon his life to become a vessel in which the Master use. Rising to the position of Minister Allen pursued a closer walk with GOD: serving as Church Secretary, on the Choir, Sunday School teacher, Bible Class
instructor, and church van driver. He took to heart the saying "whatever your hands find to do DO IT". It seemed that the more he served GOD the more GOD blessed him. Being elevated to the position of Elder, "El" as he was affectionately known in the church, was truly a man after GOD's own heart. Elder Gibbs Sr. began to mentor the younger brothers in the ministry by becoming a living g example of how a man should carry himself.
My All :
"Psalms 34:6 - "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles."
As GOD spoke to Abraham to get "from thy kindred", so he spoke to Elder Gibbs Sr.. While serving as the Assistant Pastor of Bible Way Church, Elder Gibbs Sr. heard the voice of the Lord to step out from his kinfolk. On June 21,1988, Elder Gibbs Sr. established a charter under the name of "Greater Bible Way Temple". Just as he began to prepare his household tragedy struck again with the untimely passing of his wife of 25 years on October 3rd of the same year. As much as it pained him, his Faith never wavered. GOD spoke to him during his lowest time of his life with the charge to "Go Catch Man". The first service of GBWT was held on January 6,1991 at 52nd and Larchwood Streets. Since that day GOD has continued to bless and provide. With a growing church GOD saw fit that he should not be alone in this walk. On May 23, 1992, he wedded Pearlie Brown. His faithfulness was continuously rewarded under the tutelage of Bishop Edward Moses that Elder Gibbs Sr. was elevated to District Elder of the Eastern Pennsylvania Diocese, and under Bishop Preston Bachus as Overseer. As the health
of Bishop Bachus began to decline, Overseer Gibbs Sr. was appointed Diocesan of the Eastern Pennsylvania Diocese.
As Moses anointed Joshua to take the people over the Jordan, during the 2000 Holy Convocation, Apostle Huie Rogers anointed Overseer to the Bishopric. With the new elevation given came a greater charge..."To whom much is given much required". Transitioning the people from a store front church to the present Temple, Bishop Gibbs Sr. encouraged his people always give GOD Praise! Even when his health began to fail Bishop Gibbs Sr. still has a praise on his lips and in his heart.
Because "ALL GOD WANTS... IS PRAISE!"