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. (Collect for Absalom Jones)
On Feb. 13, the Rev. Shelton Radix will preach at the diocese’s annual Online Service of Witness to Black Ministry. Register for the service here.
Fr. Radix was born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and educated at Queens Royal College, Bernard Baruch College of the City University of NY and the General Theological Seminary. Of his ministry, Fr. Radix has said, “My life has been a journey in the service of God and I pray that He continues to give me the strength and wisdom to do so.”
The service celebrates the life and ministry of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African-American ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church.
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 16, he was sold to a store owner in Philadelphia. There he attended a night school for Blacks, operated by Quakers. At 20, 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: 1, that they be received as an organized body; 2, that they have control over their local affairs; 3, that Absalom Jones be licensed as layreader, 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. Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music)
Absalom Jones Service of Witness to Black Clergy
Feb. 13
5:45 p.m.: Pre-Service Concert
6:00 p.m.: Service
Register Now: bit.ly/AbsalomJones2022
Sponsored by: Black Clergy Caucus Commission on Black Ministries Union of Black Episcopalians
Preaching: The Rev. Shelton Radix, Affiliated Parishes of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Churches, Beverly & Riverside, NJ
Highlighting: St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth, NJ
Contact
Ven. Lynn H. Johnson, Archdeacon
Canon Clive Sang, Deacon
Ms. Linda Shomo, President EBS-UBE
