18 Facts About Absalom Jones

Absalom Jones was an African-American abolitionist and clergyman who became prominent in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 1794, Jones founded the first Black Episcopal congregation, and in 1802, he was the first African American to be ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church of the United States.

Absalom Jones is listed on the Episcopal calendar of saints.

Absalom Jones is remembered liturgically on the date of his death, February 13, in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer as "Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818".

Absalom Jones was born into slavery in Sussex County, Delaware, in 1746.

That year, the farmer kept Absalom Jones but sold his mother and siblings and moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he became a merchant.

Absalom Jones was allowed to attend Benezet's School, where he learned to read and write.

Later, Absalom Jones applied for his freedom for the second time.

Absalom Jones became a lay minister of the interracial congregation of St George's Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.

Together with Richard Allen, Absalom Jones was one of the first African Americans licensed to preach by the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Absalom Jones wanted to establish an African-American congregation independent of Caucasian control while remaining part of the Episcopal Church.

Absalom Jones was ordained as a deacon in 1795 and as a priest in 1802, became the first African-American priest in the Episcopal Church.

Famous for his oratory, Absalom Jones helped establish the tradition of anti-slavery sermons on New Year's Day.

Rumors persisted that Absalom Jones had supernatural abilities to influence the minds of assembled congregations.

Absalom Jones used moral suasion: trying to convince whites that slavery was immoral, offensive to God, and contrary to the nation's ideal.

Absalom Jones submitted a similar petition two years later, which was declined.

Absalom Jones was initially interred in the St Thomas Churchyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Absalom Jones's body was relocated to Lebanon Cemetery and then to Eden Cemetery.