Blessed Absalom pray for us!

Absalom Jones Founder of the African Episcopal Church

Set us Free, Heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear: Collect for Absalom Jones, priest

Reverend Absalom Jones (1746-1818) is remembered in the Episcopal Church Kalendar as first African American Priest of the Church. Jones was born a slave in Delaware and sold to Mr Wynkoop, a Phildelphia merchant. Jones married Mary King, a slave to Wynkoop's neighbor Mr King, and very quickly raised funds to purchase his wife's freedom. He correctly reasoned their children, born of a freedwoman, would not be considered slaves. Jones eventually bought a house for his family, and subsequently purchased his freedom from Wynkoop.

Absalom Jones and Richard Allen were organizers of the Free African Society and became licesend preachers of St George's Church. Jones and Allen's efforts grew the membership of St George's and they, along with white members built a larger church. When Jones, Allen and other members of the Free African Society came to worship in the sanctuary of St George's, the ushers removed them from the sanctuary floor and showed them to the slave gallery upstairs. Jones and Allen led the members of the society to walk out St George's.

Absalom Jones organized the Free African Church with Allen and members of the Free African Society. Allen left the Free African Church to found the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Jones led the African Church to join the Episcopal Church, and was ordained the first African American priest in 1804. Jones spent his life working for abolition, the protection of freedmen and freedwomen from slave catchers, and education for the betterment of the people.

In 'Causes and Motives for Establishing St. Thomas's African Church of Philadelphia, Jones wrote: “to arise out of the dust and shake ourselves, and throw off that servile fear, that the habit of oppression and bondage trained us up in."

We remember the pioneering work of Reverend Absalom Jones on February 13, and this feast day is celebrated in many Episcopal churches nationwide. Join the Union of Black Episcopalians and the Afro Anglican Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of California at our annual celebration of the life and work of the blessed Reverend Absalom Jones, priest. We begin at 18 February, 11am, at St Augustine's Episcopal Church, 29^th and Telegraph in Oakland.