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Also naming the 6300 block of Lancaster Avenue as Absalom Jones Way, to commemorate the Reverend Absalom Jones and his legacy as an abolitionist, clergyman and the founder of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, the first African American Episcopal Church in The United States.
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WHEREAS, Absalom Jones was born enslaved on November 7, 1746, in Sussex, Delaware; and
WHEREAS, While living the early years of his life deprived of his freedom, Absalom Jones was moved to Philadelphia where he worked as a clerk in his enslaver's store. He learned how to read and write, and earned an education by attending an all Black night school; and
WHEREAS, Absalom Jones married Mary Thomas and purchased her freedom from her enslaver. In 1784, he was granted his freedom; and
WHEREAS, In 1785, Absalom Jones met Richard Allen. They became lay preachers at St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church and together they increased the black membership of the congregation by tenfold; and
WHEREAS, In 1787, Absalom Jones and Richard Allen founded the Free African Society, one of the earliest Black self-help mutual aid societies which Dr. W.E.B. DuBois called "the first wavering step of a people toward organized social life"; and
WHEREAS, Absalom Jones spent his time with the Free African Society by leading the group in their social, political, and humanitarian goals. The organization was dedicated to assisting widows and orphans, as well as assisting with sick relief and burial expenses; and
WHEREAS, Absalom Jones and Richard Allen protested the decision of the White members of St. George's to segregate the Black members in the balcony of the church by leading a walk-out; and
WHEREAS, The members of the Free African Society decided to organize The African Church of Philadelphia, and thereafter, the majority of the congregation wished to affiliate themselves with the Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, Absalom Jones and Richard Allen organized members of the Black community to...
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