The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1913-09-05


of his own race, walked so humbly
and exerted his influence in bringing
about better relations between the
races so faithfully, that this tribute
TO his memory is printed with the
hope that it will serve as an example
for others of his race to emulate
Ed. Banner.)
After an illness, which kept him
lingering for several months, the Rev.
P. G. Gowens of Ocala, died at the
Marion House-his home-in the ev-
ening of August 18th, 1913.
In the passing away of Rev. Cow
ems, the hand of death has taken from
this community one of our oldest and
most valuable colored citizens. His
loss is keenly felt in the home, in the
church and in the community at
large. AS husband and a father, he
was faithful, kind and sweet-spirited,
sincerely devoted to his loved ones.
AS a churchman, he was loyal,
IdllUlul
can Methodist faith, and the founder
of the African Methodist church in
this city and section; and it can be
said to his credit that he remained a
faithful and loyal member of the A.
NJ. E. church until death.
With profound love in his heart for
God and for his fellow man, he lived
devoted Christian life, and planted
himself in the hearts of the entire
community, irrespective of denomina-
ton or race. And although his spirit
has departed from among US, he still
lives in our hearts.
He was born 20 years ago in the
state of South Carolina, and brought
to Florida as slave in 1850. He first
settled at Spar, but later removed to
Ocala, where he spent the remainder
of his life.
He was true specimen of the self
made man, having gotten his training
as best he could in the earlier days
when there were few educational adj
vantages offered to the race. In mat
ters educational, he was a little above
the average colored minister of his
day and time. and possessed consid-
able natural ability,
In the years just after the war,
when colored men figured prominent
" in politics, he was a leader among
colored people in this section as pol
itician, and rendered his race much
service.
His larger achievements were in the
church, however, and it was in the
church that his name became the IL
lustrious one that it is. Aside from
several minor positions in his church,
he held the position as pastor OF Mt.
Zion A. M. E. church of Ocala, and
served his denomination for many
years as presiding elder.
After an active ministry, which ex-
tended through a period OF several
years, he was relieved from special
work, and superannuatel; but his zeal
for the cause of righteousness and hui
manity was of such that he was ever
on the alert to do whatever he could,
even when he was too feeble to be as
signed to duty.
During the last few years of his life
he visited and preached in the jail and
in the poor house, ministering to the
spiritual needs and comforts of the
prisoners and the poor. He was al
ways on hand to minister to the con-
demned and doomed, and was the last
to visit and pray with them on the
gallows when they were hanged. He
was a true and sympathizing friend to
the weakest and poorest of sinners,
and was loved by all who knew him.
That long and beautiful life of useful
ness has come to a close, and his spir-
it has departed from us, but he still
lives in our hearts and will live on
forever.
During his life he acquired consio-
cradle property, which served to pro-
tect him from want in his last days,
and enabled him to leave his family
well provided for at his death.
He leaves a wife, mother and one
daughter, together with other rela-
tives and host of friends to mourn
his death.
In keeping with an oft expressed
wish while he lived, the funeral ser
vices will take place at the Mt. Zion
A. M. E. church of this city three
months from the date of his burial, at
which time a number Of prominent A.
NJ. e. ministers will be present from
several sections of the state.
Truly, our friend and brother has
departed, but he is not dead, only
asleep. Yes, he is sleeping the sweet
fx.