Gribble worked as an Anglican missionary in Queensland and was a constant advocate for better treatment of the Aboriginal people. Before entering the priesthood, however, he completed his education at King's School, Parramatta, and went to work on a sheep station near Thargomindah. He then took up a droving contract in partnership with a friend.
After moving to Tumberumba as a catechist, Gribble went north to Yarrabah in 1892 to take over the Aboriginal mission from his ill father, John Brown Gribble, who was also an Anglican priest. He remained there for the next 17 years. During this time he conducted various expeditions to open up new missions in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Mitchell River regions. Suffering ill health, he was forced to move south, where he took charge of the parish of Gosford, N.S.W.
After 3 years, Gribble returned to missionary work, opening Aboriginal missions at Forrest River and Wyndham. He remained in Northern Western Australia for another 17 years until his report to the government about police shootings of two Aboriginal men placed his safety in jeopardy. He then took charge of the Church of England mission on Palm Island, which he administered for almost 20 years.
Source: 'Canon Gribble's Work Among Aborigines.' North Queensland Register. 28 February 1948. p.20.
