Absalom Jones Celebration 2024
Saturday, February 10, 2024, 11:00 AM
The Diocesan Dismantling Racism Commission's annual celebration of Absalom Jones will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Creve Coeur. Jones was the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church. (Read more about Absalom Jones below the graphic on this page.)
The day will begin with a worship service, led by the Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri. Our guest preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton, Bishop of the Diocese of Maryland. The Diocesan Gospel Choir, led by Harry Moppins, will be adding their voices in praise.
If you cannot attend in person, we invite you to watch a livestream of our worship service at 11 a.m. You will find the stream on any of these platforms:
- Diocesan website: https://www.diocesemo.org/
- Diocesan Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EpiscopalDioceseofMissour...
- Diocesan YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EpiscopalDioceseofMissour...
After the Celebration of Holy Eucharist, all are invited to stay for lunch and workshops led by the Dismantling Racism Commission. The theme of this year's event is Revive, Renew, Restart: Equipping Beloved Community.
This event and lunch are free, but please RSVP by filling out this form:
More about Absalom Jones
In 1746, Absalom Jones was born into slavery in Delaware. He was freed by his owner in 1784.
In 1787 in Philadelphia, Absalom Jones and Richard Allen founded the Free African Society, a mutual aid benevolent organization that was the first of its kind organized by and for black people. And in 1792 the Society began to build the African Church of Philadelphia.
In October 1794 the African Church was admitted as the African Episcopal Church of St Thomas. The church was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1796. Bishop William White ordained Jones as deacon in 1795 and as priest on September 21, 1802, making him the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church.
Jones was an earnest preacher. He denounced slavery, and warned the oppressors to “clean their hands of slaves.” To him, God was the Father, who always acted on “behalf of the oppressed and distressed.” But it was his constant visiting and mild manner that made him beloved by his congregation and by the community. St Thomas Church grew to over 500 members during its first year. The congregants formed a day school and were active in moral uplift, self-empowerment, and anti-slavery activities. Known as “the Black Bishop of the Episcopal Church,” Jones was an example of persistent faith in God and in the Church as God’s instrument. Jones died February 18, 1818.
- Read a full biography of Absalom Jones
- Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites gifts to Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal HBCUs
- Download Absalom Jones lesson plans for children
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