African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas |
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African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (1829), lithograph by William L. Breton.
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| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Episcopal |
| Website | About St. Thomas |
| History | |
| Founded | 1792 |
| Founder(s) | Absalom Jones |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania |
The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (AECST) is a very important church. It was started in 1792 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This church was the first black Episcopal Church in the United States.
Its first members came from a group called the Free African Society. These were black people who had left another church, St. George's United Methodist Church, because they faced unfair treatment and separation there.
A leader named Absalom Jones guided them. He was a free black man and a preacher. As the church grew, Absalom Jones became the first black priest in the Episcopal Church in 1802. Bishop William White ordained him. The church has always been part of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania.
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A Church with a Mission
The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas has always been active in its community. It became a very important place for black culture in Philadelphia.
Important Leaders and Activists
- The second leader of the church was William Douglass. He was an African American and worked to end slavery.
- Many church leaders and members helped people escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.
- In the 1900s, the church and its members were also involved in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked for equal rights for all people.
- Henry L. Phillips served as a leader for the church for a short time in the 1870s. He later returned as the ninth leader from 1912 to 1914.
Music and Art
The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas was a pioneer in music.
- It was the first black church in the United States to buy a pipe organ.
- It was also the first to hire a black woman as an organist, Ann Appo.
- Other talented organists included John C. Bowers and his brother, Thomas J. Bowers.
Where the Church Has Been
The church has moved to different buildings over the years. This was to stay close to where most of its members lived. But it has always been open and active since it started.
- The first building was dedicated on July 17, 1794. It was located at Fifth and Adelphi streets. This area is now a passageway called St. James Place.
- Later, the church moved to Twelfth Street.
- As more people moved, the church moved to West Philadelphia, to 57th and Pearl streets, and then to 52nd and Parrish streets.
- Today, the church is in Philadelphia's Overbrook Farms neighborhood. It is at the corner of Overbrook and Lancaster avenues.
See also
