The Absalom Jones Feast Day was celebrated with a focus on literacy at the Grace Epiphany Episcopal Church of Mount Airy on Sunday. Though the official commemorative day for the abolitionist and first ordained African American Episcopal priest is Feb. 13, it was recognized at the church located at 224 E. Gowen St. on Feb. 15. More than 40 braved frigid temperatures and light snowstorm to attend.
The Rev. Nazareno Javier was pleased that the feast day fell during Black History Month. “This was a way to celebrate both and give the congregation a new charge,” he said. Javier said that Jones advocated for a literate Black population in the 19th Century. Javier, who has been at Grace since September, said that it is time for the congregation to take up that banner fully.