1795 - Absalom Jones ordained a deacon
On August 6, 1795, Absalom Jones was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church, making him the first African American to hold this position in the church. This was a significant moment in both African American and religious history. Jones had already made history in 1794 when he became the first African American to be ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church. His work was crucial in advocating for the rights of African Americans and African American involvement in religious life, particularly within the church.
Absalom Jones’ ordination as a deacon and later as a priest marked a milestone in the fight for racial equality within religious institutions in America. His contributions continue to be celebrated today.
