Reverend Richard Amos Ball

Reverend Richard Amos Ball

Reverend Richard Amos Ball died in 1925 but his legacy lived on far longer. Barber, minister and musician, he started his family band “Ball Family Jubilee Singers” and taught them how to play instruments as well as many others in his church community. He was able to enrich his community through the church and musical education. Music was such a fundamental part of the church because learning music is learning another language and boosts academic intelligence as well as social confidence all while being able to express spirituality and identity. Having this grounding connection would be a fundamental part of a Black Canadian community during the 1920's after constantly being dehumanized and excluded from those social opportunities. Their gospel based music was famous and widespread through Canada and America, going on tours to spread musical talent and gods words. He and his family were also known to have continued the underground railroad legacy and Reverend Amos Ball was always remembered as a giving man of charity and god, uniting everyone over discrimination.

Carol Ball

Reverend Richard Amos Ball. Carol Ball. St. Catharines Museum, T2008.16.9.

St. Catharines Museum

1892

St. Catharines Museum

Image