Absalom Jones Biography

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.

"[God] has seen ships fitted out from different ports in Europe and America, and freighted with trinkets to be exchanged for the bodies and souls of men. He has seen the anguish which has taken place...."

Jones helped organize the Free African...

[The entire page is 2227 words long]

Join eNotes

The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:

eNotes Pass