Magalhães, Gesson Álvares de (1934–2021)

Gesson Álvares de Magalhães, born on October 12, 1934, was a significant member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brazil and a prominent poet, particularly within Rondônia's cultural scenario. In addition to his poetry, he was actively involved in various departments of the local church.¹ Originally from Santana dos Brejos, Bahia, he was the son of Propércio Álvares Pereira and Francisca Flora de Magalhães.

Gesson had the privilege of being born into an Adventist home, where he learned the word of God from an early age. This knowledge led him to choose baptism, which took place on December 3, 1949, at São Paulo Adventist Academy (GAC), now known as Brazil Adventist University, Campus Hortolândia.² His decision, even at the young age of 15, reflected his love for God and his desire to serve Him—a commitment he upheld throughout his life.

He began his primary school in Bahia but completed his primary education at Goiânia Adventist School in 1946. Later, he went on to study at GAC in São Paulo and took a technical course in accounting. He graduated from high school in 1953 as the valedictorian of his class.³

After that, Gesson lived in Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná—where he studied Languages—before finally settling in Rondônia, specifically in Porto Velho. Gesson left his mark on Rondônia’s society, both in the general population and within the Adventist community.⁴

In the context of the Porto Velho Central Adventist Church, Gesson was very active in various roles, especially as an elder, a position he held for many decades. In addition to being an elder, he also contributed to the music ministry, conducting the Louvor em Canto (Praise in Song) choir for over 30 years.⁵

In addition to his work in the Church, Gesson was a teacher who actively engaged in various areas of education in Rondônia. He left a lasting impression of his Christian values and kindness on his students, coworkers, and the people he interacted with in these different environments.⁶

Gesson left a significant mark on Rondonian culture, particularly in the literary context. His literary journey began at an early age when he wrote his first poem in 1946 at just the age of 11 years old, and it continued over the following years. Gesson was a founding member of the Rondônia Academy of Letters and actively participated in the Brazilian Writers’ Union.⁷

Gesson Magalhães authored various literary works, including Adejos de Minh'alma (Farewells from my Soul), a book of poetry; Alguma Cousa (Something), which won a competition held for the centenary of Vespasiano Ramos; and Porto Velho em Prosa e Verso (Porto Velho in Prose and Verse), a chronicle published in a local newspaper. In addition to these works, he also published numerous articles and chronicles in various newspapers and magazines.⁸

In his personal life, Gesson started a family by marrying Ivete Gomes, a native of Arapongas, Paraná. They were married on December 8, 1955, and had their first child, Iverson, in 1956. In addition to the firstborn, they had two more children: Sonete and Soniver, both of whom currently live in Washington, D.C., USA.⁹

In addition to being a teacher in Porto Velho, Gesson served as vice-principal, principal, and chief of staff for the Secretariat of Culture, Sport, and Tourism. Still in government, he served as the chairman of the commission that revised two versions of the state constitution and worked on drafting the organic law for various municipalities. Later, at the State Department of Education, he worked as a proofreader, advisor, and head of the office. He was also president and vice president of the Rondônia State Education Council.¹⁰

Gesson passed away on January 31, 2021, in Porto Velho, Rondônia, the city where he spent his final years and much of his career. Many people in Rondônia expressed their condolences, highlighting his skill as a poet, his kindness and friendliness as a person, and his devotion and love for God and his family.¹¹

Sources

Albuquerque, Lucio. “As homenagens ao grande poeta Gesson Magalhães considerado a grande perda cultural e na Educação para o Estado.” Gente de Opinião. Available at https://www.gentedeopiniao.com.br/colunista/lucio-albuquerque/as-homenagens-ao-grande-poeta-gesson-magalhaes-considerado-a-grande-perda-cultural-e-na-educacao-para-o-estado. Accessed on September 18, 2024.

Dell’Orso, Giuseppe Paolo. “Gesson Álvares de Magalhães (1934).” Singrando Horizontes. Available at https://singrandohorizontes.blogspot.com/2009/03/gesson-alvares-de-magalhaes-1934.html. Accessed on August 22, 2024.

“Memória.” Revista Adventista 116, no. 1370 (June 2021).

Notes

1. Giuseppe Paolo Dell’Orso, “Gesson Álvares de Magalhães (1934),” Singrando Horizontes.↩

2. Ibid.↩

3. Ibid.↩

4. Ibid.↩

5. “Memória,” Revista Adventista 116, no. 1370 (June 2021): 46.↩

6. Lucio Albuquerque, “As homenagens ao grande poeta Gesson Magalhães considerado a grande perda cultural e na Educação para o Estado,” Gente de Opinião.↩

7. Giuseppe Paolo Dell’Orso, “Gesson Álvares de Magalhães (1934),” Singrando Horizontes.↩

8. Ibid.↩

9. Ibid.↩

10. Ibid.↩

11. Lucio Albuquerque, “As homenagens ao grande poeta Gesson Magalhães considerado a grande perda cultural e na Educação para o Estado,” Gente de Opinião.↩