Charles Uncles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles Randolph Uncles |
|
| Born | November 8, 1859 in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died | July 20, 1933 (aged 73) in New Windsor, New York, U.S. |
| Education |
|
Charles Randolph Uncles (born November 8, 1859 – died July 20, 1933) was an African-American Catholic priest. He made history in 1891 by becoming the first African-American priest ordained in the United States.
Just two years later, he helped start a special group called the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart. This group, also known as the Josephites, was created to serve the African American community. Charles Randolph Uncles was the only African-American to ever help create a group of priests like this.
Contents
Life Story of Charles Uncles
Charles Uncles grew up in East Baltimore, Maryland. His parents were Lorenzo and Anna Marie (Buchanan) Uncles.
Becoming a Priest
A missionary group called the Mill Hill Missionary Society looked for people to become priests in North America. Charles Uncles was the only one chosen for this important task. He went to study at St. Peter's Apostolic School in Liverpool, England.
After returning to the U.S., he continued his studies at St. Joseph Seminary in Baltimore. He also took classes at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. This was special because that seminary had previously not accepted him.
In December 1891, he became a priest. This happened at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Baltimore. Cardinal James Gibbons performed the ordination. This made Charles Uncles the very first Black priest ordained in the United States. He celebrated his first Mass on Christmas Day.
Starting the Josephites
In 1893, the leader of the Mill Hill Fathers in the U.S., Father John R. Slattery, wanted their American work to become its own group. The main leader of the society agreed. So, the Josephites were formed. Charles Uncles and other Mill Hill priests who wanted to stay joined this new group.
Teaching and Later Life
From 1891 to 1925, Charles Uncles spent most of his time teaching. He taught at Epiphany Apostolic College in Baltimore and New Windsor, New York.
Charles Uncles became ill while living at Epiphany College. He passed away on July 20, 1933. He felt like he was an outsider from the Josephite Society because of the difficulties he faced there. He was first buried in the college's cemetery. Later, in the 1970s, his remains were moved. He was reburied at Calvary Cemetery in the Josephite Plot.
