The VOICE Online
Absalom Jones Celebration at Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral February 10
Posted by Sharon Sheridan
Mar 3, 2008, 07:37

Members of the diocese gathered to celebrate the life and ministry of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the Episcopal Church's first African-American priest, on Feb. 10 at Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral in Newark. The Rev. C. John Thompson-Quartey, rector of St. Mary's-by-the-Sea in Point Pleasant Beach, preached, and Bishop Mark Beckwith presided. (All photos by Joseph Bodine)

Drummer Chris  White leads the opening procession of the Absalom Jones celebration, followed by liturgical dancers from four diocesan churches

Rita Romain (with microphone) of St. Andrew's Church, Newark, leads the congregation in invoking our ancestors in the faith as the Absalom Jones Day celebration begins.

Imani Malone of Church of the Epiphany, South Orange, reads the first lesson at the Absalom Jones day celebration.

Bishop Mark Beckwith, surrounded by assisting priests and deacons, offers the Holy Eucharist at the Absalom Jones Day celebration.

Clergy and eucharistic ministers from around the diocese administer Communion at the Absalom Jones Day celebration.

A combined choir from six congregations led the singing at the Absalom Jones Day celebration.