Rhapsody in Black: The Life Story of John Jasper

“The life and ministry of John Jasper – the extraordinary preacher of the 19th-century South, who labored not for civil rights or political activism, but for Christ. Crowds of all races gathered to hear this slave preach!

Jasper began to preach the gospel as a slave in Virginia. About half of his preaching career was as a slave and half was as a free man. He had no formal education or seminary training, but was legendary in his time. He often drew large crowds to his meetings of both the black and white race. Governors, judges, legislators, and “learned” white ministers were greatly moved by the power of Jasper’s preaching.

The Sixth Mount Zion Church in Richmond, Virginia stands to this day as a memorial to John Jasper, and nearby is his grave which is marked by a splendid monument.” —Grace and Truth Books