ABSALOM JONES CELEBRATION
FEAST DAY OF BLESSED ABSALOM JONES THE FESTIVAL SERVICE BEGINNING AT 9:30 AM WILL TAKE PLACE AS SCHEDULED TOMORROW ( FEB 13). 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 for ever. Amen.
On Saturday, February 13 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Philadelphia Cathedral will host a Festival Eucharist celebrating the life of Blessed Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the Episcopal Church. The 10:00 a.m. Eucharist will be preceded with special music beginning at 9:30 a.m. by choirs, instrumentalists and and liturgical dance ensembles from around the Diocese Assisting Bishop, Rodney R. Michel will be the Presider with The Rev. Canon Edward W. Rodman as the Guest Homilist. A reception will follow.
ABSALOM JONES
Absalom Jones was born a house slave in 1746 in Delaware. He taught himself to read out of the New Testament, among other books. When sixteen, he was sold to a store owner in Philadelphia. There he attended a night school for Blacks, operated by Quakers. At twenty, he married another slave, and purchased her freedom with his earnings.
Jones bought his own freedom in 1784. At St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church, he served as lay minister for its Black membership. The active evangelism of Jones and that of his friend, Richard Allen, greatly increased Black membership at St. George’s. The alarmed vestry decided to segregate Blacks into an upstairs gallery, without notifying them. During a Sunday service when ushers attempted to remove them, the Blacks indignantly walked out in a body.
In 1787, Black Christians organized the Free African Society, the first organized Afro-American society, and Absalom Jones and Richard Allen were elected overseers. Members of the Society paid monthly dues for the benefit of those in need. The Society established communication with similar Black groups in other cities. In 1792, the Society began to build a church, which was dedicated on July 17, 1794.
The African Church applied for membership in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania on the following conditions: that they be received as an organized body; that they have control over their local affairs; that Absalom Jones be licensed as lay reader, and, if qualified, be ordained as minister.
In October 1794 it was admitted as St. Thomas African Episcopal Church. Bishop White ordained Jones as deacon in 1795 and as priest on September 21, 1802. 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 own flock and by the community.
St. Thomas Church grew to over 500 members during its first year. 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.
From Lesser Feasts and Fasts
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Rev. Canon Ed Rodman brings his experience ministering in an urban context with a variety of community-based and religious coalitions to the classroom. An advocate for social change, Professor Rodman shares his skills in the areas of antiracism methods and overcoming racism, social analysis, and theological reflection with students as they explore public policy toward people who are poor and marginalized, the ecumenical and interfaith dimension of the Church’s ministry, leadership, and organizational development.
During his forty years of ministry he has held three primary positions in the Church, including Assistant Minister at St. Paul’s Church, New Haven, Connecticut, 30 year tenure as Canon Missioner for the Diocese of Massachusetts, and as Professor of Pastoral Theology and Urban Ministry at EDS. An active leader throughout the church, Professor Rodman is a member of the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, participated in the organizing of the Union of Black Episcopalians, served as an urban hearings coordinator for the Urban Bishops Coalition, and the coordinator of the Episcopal Urban Caucus.
For more information this and other Cathedral events, please call 215.386.0234, ext 104.
25 Jan, 2010 — Daniel Tomko
