Jones, Absalom | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

Absalom Jones

Born November 6, 1746 (Sussex County, Delaware)
Died February 13, 1818 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Episcopal priest

Absalom Jones was the first black Protestant Episcopal priest in the United States. He was principal founder of St. Thomas African Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, the first black Episcopal church in America. Besides providing spiritual guidance and religious instruction to his church, Jones also offered economic aid and educational opportunities to those in need. He founded several schools and established the Female Benevolent Society and the African Friendly Society.

Jones helped organize the Free African Society and was a well-respected community leader in Philadelphia. As an ardent abolitionist (an opponent of slavery), Jones used his pulpit for protest in the fight against slavery. Jones was a leader in the African Masonic Lodge and also helped recruit men to form the "Black Legion," a group of black soldiers who fought in defense of Philadelphia during the War of 1812 (1812–15). His ministry among blacks was so significant that he was known as "the black Bishop of the Episcopal Church."

Purchasing Freedom

Absalom Jones was born November 6, 1746, in Sussex County, Delaware. His slave parents had at least five other sons and one daughter.

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