Please join us in celebrating Absalom Jones, the founder of the first Black Episcopal congregation in the United States in 1794. He was the first African American to be ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church in the United States and is included on the Episcopal calendar of saints, his day being February 13.

The Diocese of Tennessee will hold its 8th annual celebration on Sunday, March 10, at 6 pm, followed by a reception. The Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt, Bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee, will be the celebrant and Ms.Tabitha Ssonko, Lay Vicar at St. Anselm's Episcopal Church and Campus Ministry for Fisk University, Tennessee State University, and Meharry Medical College will be our preacher.

The Chamber Choir, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Franklin, Donna Stokes-Rogers, Director, will provide the music. 

The offering collected at the service is designated for St. Augustine's University, Raleigh, NC and Voorhees University, Denmark, SC - the two Historic Black Universities (HBCU's) founded by the Episcopal Church. You may also donate today at this secure link. (Select Absalom Jones-HBCU's from the drop-down menu). The Diocese of Tennessee has raised over $7,000 for these two institutions since 2017.

According to the Episcopal Church Office of Development, "Historically Black Colleges and Universities create dynamic and empowering educational environments for college students from diverse backgrounds. Now, more than ever, these institutions need your support."

Learn about Absalom Jones.