MEMORIAL-REV. JOHN GIBSON SR.

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jehan Gordon-Booth

A resolution formally honors Rev. John L. Gibson Sr. for his pastoral leadership, community advocacy, and gospel music contributions.

Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth

Bill Summary: HR0976 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and Intent

This is a House Resolution honoring the life and service of Reverend John L. Gibson Sr., following his death on May 27, 2026.

The resolution expresses condolences from the Illinois House of Representatives and commemorates Rev. Gibson’s contributions to his church, community, and broader society.

Key Provisions and Changes

The resolution recites Rev. Gibson’s background, including:

Birthdate and birthplace: July 21, 1939, in Leland, Mississippi.
Education: Christian training degree from United Baptist Theology Seminary; Bachelor of Theology from Illinois Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary.
Leadership: Senior pastor of Rising Sun Christian Church for 48 years, including guidance through the church’s renaming for greater inclusivity and its 1991 new location.
Musical ministry: Lead singer and bass player for the Midwest Singers; recorded an album with Golden Voices Records (1971) featuring songs such as “Something On My Mind” and “He’s All Right.”
Community impact: Mentored others, advocated for social justice, and supported youth empowerment and healing across generations.

Personal details: Information about family and survivors, including spouse, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren.

Formal actions:

The House offers sincere condolences and mourns the passing of Rev. Gibson.
A suitable copy of the resolution will be presented to his family as an expression of sympathy.

Who or What Is Affected

Primarily Rev. John L. Gibson Sr. and his immediate and extended family.

The resolution affects the Illinois House of Representatives, providing a ceremonial acknowledgment and tribute.

The broader community of Rising Sun Christian Church, its members, and those touched by Rev. Gibson’s ministry and music.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

This is a memorial/condolence resolution, a ceremonial measure, typically adopted to honor a deceased individual.

No fiscal implications, legal/regulatory changes, or policy mandates are involved.

Sponsored by Representative (and co-sponsor) in the Illinois House; listed co-sponsor: Jehan Gordon-Booth.

The resolution does not alter statutes or create new programs; it serves as a formal expression of sympathy and respect.

Notable Details

Rev. Gibson’s renaming of Rising Sun Baptist Church to Rising Sun Christian Church signals inclusivity in his leadership.

His multifaceted contributions spanned pastoral leadership, mentorship, social justice advocacy, and gospel music performance and recording.

This summary captures the bill’s essence: a formal, bipartisan tribute recognizing Rev. John L. Gibson Sr.’s spiritual leadership, community impact, and artistic contributions.