Over 200 people joyfully gathered in Harrisburg on February 14-15, 2025, to celebrate the life and ministry of Blessed Absalom Jones, abolitionist and first Black Episcopal priest, and to explore how his example can inspire and guide our lives today.
The weekend began with an afrocentric evensong and sermon by Dr. Catherine Meeks, former Founding Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, and current Founding Executive Director and Chief Soul Midwife of The Turquoise and Lavender Institute for Transformation and Healing. The following day, participants heard from the young people who took part in the Absalom Jones Contest and Dr. George H. Love Youth Awards. Throughout the weekend, receptions provided opportunities for fellowship and reflection on the weekend’s themes.
Friday evening kicked off with a reception and book signing with Dr. Meeks. Members of the dioceses of Bethlehem and Central Pennsylvania were invited to participate in a book study of Dr. Meeks’ memoir, A Quilted Life: Reflections of a Sharecropper’s Daughter, in preparation for this year’s Absalom Jones Day celebration. After transitioning to evensong, the Rt. Rev. Audrey Scanlan welcomed attendees and thanked Dr. Meeks’ for her prophetic witness, both through her memoir and her upcoming sermon.
The event choir led the congregation in powerful renditions of African American spirituals and hymns. Christyan Seay, Evensong & Music Coordinator, St. Paul’s, Harrisburg, Professor Fred Dade, Music Director, Minister of Music & Arts, St. Paul’s, Harrisburg, and Rodney Barnett, Organist & Choir Director, St. John, York, led the musical offerings. Other ministers of the liturgy included the Rev. Shayna J. Watson, Trinity Church, Washington DC, the Rev. Ricardo Sheppard, Church of the Atonement, Washington DC, the Rev. Canon Anthony Alexander, Bishop Baxter Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, and the Very Rev. Robyn Szoke-Coolige, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Harrisburg.
Dr. Meeks captivated the audience with her message about how to honor Absalom Jones’ life and ministry, particularly his fight for Black rights and freedom for the enslaved. She said:
“At the moment, we are in the midst of turmoil and destruction, and families being separated. That’s exactly what Habakkuk was describing and Absalom Jones’ life – that’s where we are. As we sit here in this place – and right this minute, it’s not us in this room, but it could be some of us next week – So let us not get too far away thinking, that was Babylon, that was Israel, and that was 200 years ago. It was, and it was yesterday, and it might be tomorrow. So what does that say to us in terms of how we live? Because for me, nothing matters about any of this business of religion, if it doesn’t help me to live better.”
Dr. Meeks’ words reminded all present that this work is far from over. The Rev. Celal J. Kamran, diocesan Multicultural Missioner and Rector of St. Paul’s, Harrisburg, reflected on the impact of her message:
“For myself, and from what I’ve heard, Dr. Meeks was tremendously impactful because she was authentic. She called us into a deeper relationship with what Absalom Jones means to us today and she reminded us that this work of racial healing is not over. We have work to do and we strive for that justice to come to fruition in our communities, through the work of the diocese, and through groups like the Union of Black Episcopalians.”
On Saturday, participants gathered to hear from local schoolchildren who participated in the Absalom Jones Contest and Dr. George H. Love Youth Awards. The Bishop Baxter Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians established the Absalom Jones Contest to add an educational component to the Absalom Jones Celebration, inviting youth to explore “Faith and Freedom” in relation to Absalom Jones’ history and their own experiences.
Students from St. Stephen’s Episcopal School and other schools in Dauphin County presented moving essays and art, reflecting on how they can use their faith to make a positive impact in their community in the face of modern-day human rights issues.
The contest concluded with Dr. Meeks encouraging the youth to continue speaking out on matters of justice and inequality.
The Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Union of Black Episcopalians Bishop Baxter Chapter were proud to host this event and look forward to continuing this annual celebration in February 2026.
Photos in this album are available for download by churches and ministries in our community.
