Absalom Jones Celebration on February 16

Absalom Jones was an African American abolitionist and clergyman and the first African American ordained a priest in The Episcopal Church. Bishop William White ordained Absalom a deacon in 1795 and a priest on September 21, 1802. Absalom Jones' life and work is commemorated in the Episcopal Church each year on February 13. He faithfully served the people at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, a church which remains a vibrant congregation today. Please join the African American Episcopal Churches of the Diocese of Southern Virginia on Saturday, February 16 at noon at St. James', Portsmouth, as we celebrate this great man. The keynote speaker will be the Very Rev. Dr. Ronald Ramsey, rector of St. Cyprian's, Hampton. The celebration will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. St. James' is located at 928 Effingham Street in Portsmouth.