The Witness of the Rev. Absalom Jones

By Sarah Louise Woodford, Canon for Communications & Media

“Set us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear; that, honoring the steadfast courage of your servant Absalom Jones, we may show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of the children of God, which you have given us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.”

This is the collect members of the Episcopal Church will say on February 13 to remember and honor the Reverend Absalom Jones, America’s first Black priest (1746-1818), whose life reflected steadfast courage and a ministry that was steeped in the reconciling love and true freedom of the children of God.

According to the Episcopal Archives, Jones was enslaved in Delaware from birth. At age 16, his master separated him from his mother and sisters and brought him to Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, Jones attended a night school operated by Quakers and upon attaining his freedom in 1784, he served as lay minister for the Black membership at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church with his friend, Richard Allen. He and Allen went on to establish the Free African Society, which aided in the emancipation of enslaved people and offered spiritual and material support to widows, orphans, and the poor. When the yellow fever epidemic hit Philadelphia in 1793, the society served both Black and White communities as nurses and aides while others fled the city.

In 1792, Jones led the establishment of what would become the first Black Episcopal Church in the United States. In its application to the Diocese of Pennsylvania, the church gave the diocese three requirements: they must be received as an organized body, they must have control in the running of their community, and they must have Jones licensed as lay-reader and if he qualified, ordained as their minister. Upon acceptance, the church was renamed the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. Jones became a deacon the following year but was not ordained a priest until 1802. He became the first Black American priest at 56 years old.

During his lifetime, Jones also founded the Female Benevolent Society and the African Friendly Society. In late 1799/early 1800, he petitioned Congress to abolish the slave trade and to provide for gradual emancipation of existing slaves.

The Rev. Cn. D Littlepage, Canon for Advocacy, Racial Justice & Reconciliation says, “It’s important to continue to celebrate the Rev. Absalom Jones, not just as an historical first, but as a witness to the kind of persevering faith that continually seeks to live into the kingdom of God despite opposition from the world—and even the church!”

ECCT will celebrate and witness the persevering faith of the Rev. Absalom Jones on Sunday, February 16, at 4 PM with a special service of Holy Eucharist at St. Paul’s on the Green in Norwalk, CT. The Rev. Dr. Tommy Watson will be the preacher and the Rt. Rev. Jeff Mello will be the chief Celebrant. Following the service, all are welcome to gather for a festive reception, offering an opportunity to connect, share stories, and celebrate in community.