[HangnJudge]

Secure from the NSA?
none exists.

One could set up a server...
Then you could host your e-mail
Sort of like Freepmail

Of course, this does not encrypt the other side...

[Rapscallion]

No e-mail is "secure" from NSA collection and storage. If you encrypt it too well, you may get a visit from FBI to determine whether you are an agent of some foreign government or whether you are hiding some criminal activity.

Setting up your own server could prevent the Google issue you are concerned about - advertising.

One FReeper has commented to you that Google ads are the least offensive advertising if you make the proper settings to keep spam out of the channel. But even Google has to get some money from somewhere to cover their cost of "free" e-mail by you. Advertising is how they make that $.