Absalom Jones Celebration at the Cathedral of St. Peter

All are invited to join us in worship on February 1 as we recognize Absalom Jones, the first black Episcopal priest in the Episcopal Church.

The event includes the “Theology of Soul Food” presentation from 1:00-2:00 pm, Worship Service at 2:45 pm and a catered meal and reception to follow.

The John E. Culmer Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, St. James House of Prayer, St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, and the Diocese of Southwest Florida invites you to an engaging talk by Adrian Miller tracing how soul food evolved from a cultural term rooted in spirituality to an iconic cuisine, shaped by African American church life. He explores the deep ties between soul food, faith, and African American identity as it spread from the rural South to cities nationwide. Adrian Miller is a food writer, recovering attorney, and certified barbecue judge who lives in Denver, Colorado. Adrian was awarded the prestigious James Beard Award twice for his books “Soul Food – The Surprising Story of An American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time” and “Black Smoke – African Americans and the United States of Barbecue.” Following the workshop, there will be a worship service to honor the life and legacy of Absalom Jones, the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Kenny Irby, from Historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, is the guest preacher. The Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, the Rt. Rev. Doug Scharf, will celebrate Holy Eucharist.

Absalom Jones (1746-1818) was born enslaved in Delaware. Around the age of 16, he was permitted to attend a night school for Black people operated by the Quakers. Finally, in 1784, he was freed by manumission. Absalom Jones began worshiping at St George’s Methodist Episcopal Church, where he met and befriended Richard Allen. Following a dispute over where black members of the church were allowed to sit, Absalom was asked to provide pastoral leadership for the African Church of Philadelphia, later the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. Absalom Jones was ordained a priest in 1802. Absalom Jones was an earnest preacher. He denounced slavery, and warned the oppressors to “clean their hands of slaves.” Known as “the Black Bishop of the Episcopal Church,” he was an example of persistent faith in God and in the Church as God’s instrument. A festive catered meal will follow, featuring a soul food-tasting menu catered by local chef Sofia Forte, who believes that “A delicious, warm meal shared around the table with people about which you care can be the catalyst to healing.” The workshop and service will be held at The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, 140 4th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida. A freewill offering will be collected for Voorhees University and Saint Augustine’s University, two Episcopal Historically Black College and Universities. Visit spcathedral.org/absalom-jones for more information.

You can read more about the life of Absalom Jones here: https://episcopalarchives.org/church-awakens/exhibits/show/leadership/clergy/jones