Annual Absalom Jones and Richard Allen commemoration at St. Paul’s, Oakland

Come join members of the Afro Anglican Commission, the Union of Black Episcopalians, and DioCal to celebrate the legacies of Absalom Jones and the Rev. Richard Allen at St. Paul’s, Oakland. Jones and Allen were friends, activists, and fellow evangelists who were active in The Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.  Absalom Jones, ordained priest in 1802, was the first African American priest of The Episcopal Church and first rector of St. Thomas African Orthodox Episcopal Church, Philadelphia. Allen was the first African American ordained in the Methodist Church (1816) and was the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Both men were leading abolitionists of their day. This year the commemoration is especially honored to have Bishop Marc Handley Andrus as the celebrant and guest homilist Bishop Clement Fugh of the Fifth Episcopal District, AME Church. Additional guests include a choir of the California Conference of the AME Church. Love to sing? Watch this space as for information on the DioCal festival choir forming to sing at the commemoration!

When: Saturday, February 18, 10:45 a.m. (choral concert), 11 a.m. (Eucharistic celebration), 1 p.m. (reception)
Cost: Free
Contact: the Rev. Eric Metoyer, ericm@diocal.org