Gowan Pamphlet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Reverend Gowan Pamphlet |
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|---|---|
| Pastor of First Baptist Church | |
Portrait, c. 1790–1800
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| In Office | 1781–1807 |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1772 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1748 |
| Died | 1807 (aged 58–59) Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| Occupation | Minister, preacher, formerly enslaved person |
Gowan Pamphlet (1748–1807) was an important American Baptist minister. He was a formerly enslaved person who became free. Pamphlet founded the Black Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. Today, this church is known as First Baptist Church.
He was one of the very first, and for a time, the only ordained African American preacher in the American Colonies. This means he was officially recognized to lead religious services.
Contents
Gowan Pamphlet's Early Life
Gowan Pamphlet was born in 1748. He was born into slavery.
In the 1770s, he worked as an enslaved person for Jane Vobe. She owned a tavern called King's Arms Tavern in Williamsburg. Pamphlet worked alongside other employees and enslaved people there. He learned how to serve important guests like George Washington.
Some enslaved people working for Vobe learned to read the Bible. They also attended church services. Pamphlet may have been one of them. During this time, he began his work as a minister.
Starting His Ministry
Pamphlet was inspired by Moses Wilkinson. Wilkinson was a blind preacher who combined Christian teachings with African traditions.
During the American Revolutionary War, Pamphlet began to preach secretly. He shared messages of equality. His listeners were free and enslaved African Americans. They met in a wooded area near Green Spring Plantation.
By 1781, his group grew to over 200 members. With his owner's permission, Pamphlet was officially ordained in 1772. This made him one of the first Black preachers in the country.
Pamphlet stayed in Williamsburg until 1786. Then, he moved with his owner to Manchester, Virginia. He lived there until Jane Vobe died.
The year 1793 was very important for Pamphlet. He returned to Williamsburg. His new owner was David Miller, Jane Vobe's son. Pamphlet continued to preach to his group. He kept promoting equality.
In September 1793, his owner freed him. This act of freedom is called manumission. This document was the first time his chosen last name, "Pamphlet," was written down. People believe he chose this name after reading Thomas Paine's famous writing, Common Sense.
In that same year, Pamphlet's group became an official church. The Dover Baptist Association formally recognized them.
By the early 1800s, Pamphlet owned land in Williamsburg. He also owned 14 acres in James City County. He continued to lead his church. By the time he died, the church had about 500 members.
Death and Lasting Impact
Gowan Pamphlet died in 1807. He was 58 or 59 years old. He passed away in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Gowan Pamphlet's Legacy
Gowan Pamphlet's work had a lasting impact.
In 1962, Martin Luther King Jr. visited Williamsburg. He preached at First Baptist Church. He spoke about the church's founding. He also talked about its importance in the broader Civil Rights Movement.
Colonial Williamsburg helps tell the stories of 18th-century African Americans. They have programs where actors portray people like Pamphlet.
In 2010, the Library of Virginia honored Pamphlet. They recognized him as an "African American Trailblazer."
A historical marker was put up in 2020. It commemorates Pamphlet's life and legacy. The marker is in Williamsburg, near where the church first stood.
