Absalom Jones

I was invited to an annual Absalom Jones celebration and created a book to share with the children attending.  Absalom Jones had a fascinating life.  If you're not familiar with his story....
Absalom Jones was born into slavery on November 7, 1746.  He learned to read and write and had some schooling.  He earned money to purchase his wife's freedom first and several years later his own.  In 1787 Absalom Jones and Richard Allen formed the Free African Society, a social, political ad humanitarian organization.  Absalom and Richard were life long friends and lay preachers at St. George's Methodist Episcopal church in Philadelphia, PA.  The evangelistic efforts of Jones and Allen resulted in the growth of the church by ten times.  As a result of racial tensions in the congregation Jones and Allen led an historic walk out from St. George's in 1792.  Under the leadership of Jones and Allen "The African Church" was organized as a direct outgrowth of the Free African Society.  The African Church became the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas.  Absalom Jones was later ordained as the first African American Episcopal Priest.  Absalom Jones died February 13, 1818. He is remembered as a servant leader, abolitionist, and community organizer who believed in dignity and freedom for all. 

Pictured below are children and the young at heart from the Absalom Jones celebration  making candle holders before singing "This little light of mine."