The Rev. Gus Roman, an inspirational orator, spiritual leader, and humanitarian, who led several churches — including spending a total of 26 years at Canaan Baptist Church of Germantown — died April 23 of age-related ailments.
Roman, whose ministry lasted more than 60 years, was 92 when he died at Jefferson Abington Hospital. He lived in Mt. Airy from 1966 to 1977 and resided in Wyncote for the past 48 years.
Roman's son Derrick told the Local last week, “My dad was touched and blessed by earthly angels throughout his life, enabling him to go from his poverty-stricken childhood in New Orleans to becoming a globally-centered pastor and civic leader who called Philadelphia his home for 60 years … Until his last days, he remained an innovative and forward-looking presence, guiding churches, pastors and others to creatively serve God's people.”
Roman was born during the Great Depression (1932), in New Orleans during a time of rigid racial segregation. He joined the U.S. Army at age 15 and later served another tour as chaplain in Oklahoma from 1960 to 1963.
Roman earned a B.A. in philosophy and education at Virginia Union University, a master's of divinity degree at Howard University and several honorary doctorates.
According to family members, in 1967, Roman was asked to become leader of Canaan Baptist Church in Germantown, after having worked for four years at a Baptist church in Baltimore. He oversaw the congregation’s relocation to the spacious Gothic building at Pulaski Avenue and Winona Street.
Devon Allen, a member of Canaan Baptist Church for 28 years, told the Local, “Reverend Roman was a phenomenal pastor, a man of God … who was led by the Holy Spirit.
In 1980, Roman left Germantown to serve as pastor at Berean Missionary Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. In 1988, he returned to Philadelphia to succeed Rev. Leon Sullivan, one of the city's most prominent ministers, as pastor of Zion Baptist Church in North Philadelphia, returning to Canaan in 1993.
He retired from Canaan in 2006 and was named Pastor Emeritus but continued to be active in ministry as a mentor to younger ministers and advisor to churches.
On his 90th birthday on Dec. 20, 2022, the Board of Commissioners of Cheltenham Township honored Rev. Roman with a proclamation that stated in part: “Even in retirement Rev. Roman is an active evangelist and speaker spreading the gospel at churches and a passionate member to countless preachers locally and throughout the country.”
At age 91, Roman came out of retirement, returning to Zion Baptist Church as its senior pastor.
Prominent professionals don’t often have much time left over for their families, but somehow Rev. Roman managed to balance work and home. The family of seven — wife Eunice and five children — regularly piled into one car for trips to New Orleans, Atlanta, Lake George (New York State) and New England. They even drove once to Los Angeles and back, stopping at major cities along the way to visit amusement parks and other attractions.
“I did not find it difficult being the son of someone so prominent,” Derrick told the Local. “It was a source of pride for all of us. He wanted us all to become ministers, but never put undue pressure on us. My father had high expectations for us to achieve in academics and work, to love and support each other, and to have a close relationship with God. Most importantly, he wanted us to live a life of service and generosity.
“What I will miss most about my father is his wisdom and willingness to share his experiences with me and so many others. His experiences were so deep and varied. When combined with the influence of the Holy Spirit and his superb listening skills, there was so much to learn from him. And every day was a new opportunity to learn.”
Roman and Eunice were married for 65 years. He was predeceased son Marcus, and survived by his wife, children Jeffrey, Derrick and daughters Shauna and Jonai, five grandchildren, a sister, two brothers and other relatives. Interment was May 9 at George Washington Memorial Park in Plymouth Meeting.
Len Lear can be reached at LenLear@chestnuthilllocal.com.
