Gibson Chapel Dedication
Gibson’s Chapel
From a newspaper article published July 7, 1892
"Sunday was a day that will be long remembered by the colored Cumberland Presbyterians of Springfield. Their beautiful church on the corner of Pine Street [now named Tampa Street] and Washington Avenue was dedicated in the presence of a large number of people, both white and colored. The work consumed the entire day. The hours were well filled. The Sunday school in the basement of the church was largely attended in the morning and the bible class taught by the pastor occupied their new quarters in the lecture room upstairs for the first time.
"The 11 o’clock services were opened by an organ voluntary by Mrs. Tracy, followed by the anthem, “The Lord is My Rock,” rendered by the choir, which is one of the best in the city. Mr. Tray has had this choir in training one year, and the singing was an evidence of his ability.
"The congregation joined in singing “Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow.” The first psalm was read as a lesson and prayer by the Rev. Peter Lair, who organized the church twenty three years [ago]. Then came the beautiful hymn, “Daughter of Zion, Wake from Thy Sadness.” Rev. P. Price, of Topeka preached the first sermon, which was very impressive and instructive.
"At 3 o’clock the auditorium, lecture room and gallery were all crowded to an overflow. After the scripture lesson, [this hymn was read]
'“O, thou, whose own vast temple stands,
built over earth and sea,
Accept the walls that human hands
Have raised to worship thee.”'
"The Rev. J. F. Humphrey then preached the dedicatory sermon, which made a deep and lasting impression upon all who heard it. The sermon was in every sense up with the times and suitable to the occasion.
"A still larger crowd assembled at 8 o’clock when the Rev. P. Lair preached an able sermon. One member was received. The Lord’s supper was administered. The collection during the day was $2.70. This collection was small because three weeks ago when the church was to be decorated over $12 was raised."
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