Blessed Absalom Jones (1746-1818)

Born - November 6, 1746, in Sussex, DE
Married Mary King - 1770
Died - February 13, 1818, Philadelphia, PA

Sussex, DE, and Philadelphia, PA, slave
Manumitted - October 1, 1784
Methodist lay preacher, licensed - 1786
Free African Society, co-founder - 1787
African Church of St. Thomas, co-founder - 1794
Episcopal Church, ordained deacon - 1795; ordained priest - 1804.

Set us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice
and fear; that, honoring the steadfast courage of your

servant Absalom Jones, we may show forth in our lives the

reconciling love and true freedom of the children of God,

which you have given us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,

now and for ever. Amen.