Robert Atkinson Gibson was born in Petersburg, Virginia to the founder and long-time rector of Grace Church,[1] Rev.

His formal education began at Episcopal High School at Alexandria, Virginia, from where he transferred to Mount Laurel Academy; he then attended Hampden–Sydney College near Farmville.

While also a popular society figure in Richmond, bishop Gibson became known for his simplicity, sincerity and reverent conduct.

Frederick Neve) expanded the diocese's ministry into isolated rural areas, building schools and churches in the Blue Ridge Mountains with the help of deaconesses.

Bishop Gibson also designed the diocesan seal for the 1907 General Convention that met in Richmond (which last hosted in 1859), which remains in use today.

[6] Bishop Gibson also sought to repossess, restore and reopen many colonial churches (especially in the Tidewater region) which had fallen into ruin.

When it was over, and especially since Bishop Gibson wanted to travel to London for the Pan Anglican Congress of Mission as well as the once-per-decade Lambeth Conference, he sought help, requesting the special diocesan council elect a coadjutor in 1908.

Bishop Gibson's likeness also flanks that of George Washington in the stained glass window of Grace Church in The Plains, Virginia.