UBEBBC 2023 Feast Day of Absalom Jones

UNION OF BLACK EPISCOPALIANS BISHOP NATHAN BAXTER CHAPTER
WELCOME TO THE
8TH ANNUAL
FEAST DAY OF
ABSALOM
JONES
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023 2PM-5PM
ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
248 SENECA ST., HARRISBURG, PA 17110
UBEBBC.ORG
THEBISHOPNATHANBAXTER
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FEBRUARY 13, 1818:
ABSALOM JONES, PRIEST
Absalom Jones was born on November 6, 1746, in a house
slave in Delaware. He taught himself to read out of the New
Testament, among other books. When sixteen, he was sold to
a store owner in Philadelphia. There he attended a night school
for blacks, operated by Quakers. At twenty, he married another
slave, and purchased her freedom with his earnings.
Jones bought his own freedom in 1784. At St. George’s
Methodist Episcopal Church, he served as lay minister for its
black membership. The active evangelism of Jones and that of
his friend, Richard Allen, greatly increased black membership
at St. George’s.
The alarmed vestry decided to segregate blacks into an upstairs
gallery, without notifying them. During a Sunday service
when ushers attempted to remove them, the blacks indignantly
walked out as a body.
In 1787, black Christians organized the Free African Society,
the first organized Afro-American society, and Absalom Jones
and Richard Allen were elected overseers. Members of the
Society paid monthly dues for the benefit of those in need. The
Society established communication with similar black groups
in other cities.
In 1792, the Society began to build a church, which was
dedicated on July 17th, 1794. The African Church applied for membership in the Episcopal Diocese
of Pennsylvania on the following conditions: 1. that they be received as an organized body; 2. that
they have control over their local affairs; 3. that Absalom Jones be licensed as layreader, and, if
qualified, be ordained as minister. In October 1794 it was admitted as St. Thomas African Episcopal
Church. Bishop White ordained Jones as deacon in 1795 and as priest on September 21, 1802.
Jones was an earnest preacher. He denounced slavery, and warned the oppressors to “clean their hands
of slaves.” To him, God was the Father, who always acted on “behalf of the oppressed and distressed.”
But it was his constant visiting and mild manner that made him beloved by his own flock and by
the community. St. Thomas Church, Philadelphia, grew to over 500 members during its first year.
Known as “the Black Bishop of the Episcopal Church,”
Jones was an example of persistent faith in God and in the church as God’s instrument. Jones died
on February 13th, 1818, in Philadelphia.
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I am proud and honored to serve as your president of The Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter of the Union
of Black Episcopalians, which is named after the first African-American bishop in the Episcopal Diocese
of Central Pennsylvania, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Nathan D. Baxter, Bishop X. 2022 boasts of an increase in
membership, collaborative support from across the diocese, the contributions and establishment of our
Dr. George H. and Mrs. Hettie S. Love “Love of Learning Scholarship,” and of course, we got to have a
great time hosting Presiding Bishop Michael Curry for a Friday evening soiree! We could not have done
this without you.
Although we celebrate great accomplishments in the face of adversity brought on by environmental
factors, the struggle to fight racial injustices continues. What keeps us going and gives us hope? The
answer is simple. You give us hope. We are given hope, through the initiatives of our diocese and our
bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Audrey C. Scanlan, in the redesign and implementation of the Dismantling
Racism task force. We are given hope through the in-depth research of history and race done by Dr.
Cordelia Moyse Peck and Randy Harris at Saint James Episcopal Church, which resulted in a three-part
panel displayed for all the world to see. We are given hope through the implementation of the diverse and
inclusive stained-glass windows at Saint Edwards, Lancaster, PA which the congregation raised funds in
honor of the late Fr. Stephen Casey. Individuals, parishes, convocations, and the Stevenson School have
been intentional about inclusivity, accessibility, and equity in ways that emulate Jesus’ teachings.
We are in a diocese that courageously wrestles with its past,
bears its scars in vulnerability, in order for the work of healing,
recovery and reconciliation to begin. I am humbled by the
continued efforts of our friends and allies in a space that should
be safe and welcoming to all people. I look forward to seeing
what we accomplish in 2023 and beyond! Will you join us?
On behalf of our chapter, thank you. Do not give up hope.
In the Spirit of Peace,
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Greetings!
We are delighted to gather with you for the 8th time,
as the Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter of the Union
of Black Episcopalians (UBE), to celebrate the life of
the Blessed Absalom Jones. The chapter is grateful
for those original members, like our founder, Deacon
Brenda Taylor, who worked tirelessly to establish
the first chapter of UBE in the Diocese of Central
Pennsylvania. This was a labor of love devoted to
raising the voices of African Americans and increasing
their involvement in the Episcopal Church and the
larger community as we continue to tackle the difficult
job of dismantling racism.
It was a chapter goal to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first person
of African descent to become a priest in the Episcopal Church and the founder of the African
Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, with an educational component for students.
Our Absalom Jones Contest, originally an essay contest but now expanded to include various
forms of expression including music, art, literature and dance, connects students with the
challenges that, as one of the earliest activists for civil rights, Absalom Jones encountered and
worked to rectify with the current problems facing people of color in our world today.
We renamed our awards program for the Absalom Jones contest winners the Dr. George H.
Love Youth Awards to honor the memory of the late Dr. Love, an outstanding educator and an
original advocate for our UBE chapter’s establishment, who grew up in Philadelphia and was
an active member of the Historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas before relocating to
Harrisburg in the early 70’s.
We hope that you enjoy viewing the contest entries from the students as you ponder our 2023
Absalom Jones contest theme - Blessed Absalom Jones: Leading and Guiding Us in the Bonds
of Unity. The narrative hymn, Blessed Absalom, tells part of his story but my hope is that you
will take this taste of his life of leadership and service to others, do some of your own research
and continue to follow his lead in strengthening the bonds of unity by sharing this information
in your community.
Peace and blessings,
Karen Love
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THE CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY
&
ST. STEPHEN'S
159 S. SECOND ST., NEWPORT, PA
celebrates
the bishop nathan baxter chapter of
the union of black episcopalians
on their
8th annual of observance of
the feast day of blessed absalom jones
we're better Together
HTTPS://NATIVITYANDSTSTEPHEN.DIOCPA.ORG/
A BRIEF HISTORY OF UBE & THE
BISHOP NATHAN
BAXTER CHAPTER
The Union of Black Episcopalians stands in the
continuing tradition of more than 200 years of Black
leadership in the Episcopal Church, beginning with
the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first priest of African
descent and the establishment of St. Thomas African
Episcopal. Church in Philadelphia, in 1794, leadership
of Blacks in the Episcopal Church has continued
through UBE chapters across the United States.
Organized in 1968 as the Union of Black Clergy and
Laity, the Union is the proud inheritor of the work of
many people like Quintin Primo, John Walker, Tollie
Caution and Deborah Harmon Hines. UBE also grew
out of the work and spirit of earlier organizations. The
Convocation of Colored Clergy and the Conference
of Church Workers Among Colored People were
dedicated to justice and the ministry of Blacks in the
Episcopal Church.
The Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter of UBE was
established in 2014 with the Rev. Brenda M. Taylor
as the founding president. The chapter is dedicated to
serve as an instrument to eradicate racism and social
injustice and to help the Episcopal Church become
one body for all.
UBEBBC EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
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CHAPLAIN
Canon Dr.
Anthony Alexander
EXECUTIVE
ASSISTANT
The Rev. Rebecca Myers
SECRETARY
The Rev. Canon
Kate Harrigan

The Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, in partnership with
The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, Saint James Episcopal Church, Lancaster,
Saint Paul Episcopal and Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Churches, Columbia, PA
Presents
HONORING HARRIET TUBMAN &
HER COLUMBIA CONNECTIONS:
STEPHEN SMITH & WILLIAM WHIPPER,
AGENTS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
SATURDAY MARCH 11, 2023
3-4 PM Ceremony & Re-enactment
Mount Zion AME Church, 222 S. 5th St., Columbia, PA
4:30-5:30 PM Reception & 5:30 PM Evening Prayer
Saint Paul Episcopal Church, 340 Locust St., Columbia, PA
All are invited to join us for this free community event,
to honor the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman
on the 110th anniversary of her death.
ubebbc@gmail.com
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FEBRUARY 12, 2023
FEAST OF ABSALOM JONES
Celebration of African American Heritage
CHORAL EVENSONG 4:00PM
Organ Prelude: Arietta
Rodney Barnett, organist
Choral Introit: Holy One, We Worship Thee
Thomas Kerr
Rodney Teal; arr Brandon Waddles
HYMN: BLESSED ABSALOM (VERSES 1, 3, 4, & 7)
Please Stand
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Welcome and Salutations
The Rev. Shayna J. Watson
Confession
God of all mercy,
we confess that we have sinned against you,
opposing your will in our lives.
We have denied your goodness in each other,
in ourselves, and in the world you have created.
We repent of the evil that enslaves us,
the evil we have done,
and the evil done on our behalf.
Forgive, restore, and strengthen us
through our Savior Jesus Christ,
that we may abide in your love
and serve only your will. Amen.
Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through the grace of Jesus Christ,
strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
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HYMN: PRECES
Carl Maultsby
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Psalm 147:
Choir/Cantor
Dr. Anthony Leach
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord
(Refrain)
How good it is to sing praises to our God
How pleasant and fitting to Praise the Lord
Verse:
The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds
Refrain
Verse
He determines the numbers of the stars and call them each by name
Great is the Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit
Refrain
Verse
The Lord sustains the humble but cast the wicked to the ground
Sing to the Lord with grateful praise, make music to our God on the harp
Refrain
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, etc.
First Lesson Isaiah 42:5-9
A reading from the book of Isaiah
Thus says God, the LORD,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness,
I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
a light to the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the LORD, that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to idols.
See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
I tell you of them.
Reader: The Word of The Lord
People: Thanks be to God
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Magnificat/Mary’s Canticle
Choir/Soloists
Leon Roberts
Antiphon
My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord
My spirit finds joy in God my Savior
For he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness
All ages to shall call me blessed
Antiphon
God who is mighty has done great things for me
Great things God has done for me; Holy is his name
Antiphon
His mercy is from age to age on those who fear him
He has shown might with his arm; He has confused the proud in their inmost thoughts
Antiphon
He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places
The hungry he has given every good thing, while the rich he has sent empty away
Antiphon
Second Lesson John 15:12-15
A reading from the gospel of John
Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love
than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not
call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called
you friends, because I have made known to you every-thing that I have heard from my Father.”
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Nunc Dimittis
Now let your servant go in peace; let praise and blessing here increase;
for in our midst your word is done and you have sent your Promised One.
Before the people you can prepare your way of life which all may share
Your saving power is now made known; among the nations love is shown.
Child you are chosen as a sign to test the human heart and mind
for secrets hidden in the night shall be revealed in piercing light.
Now let us sing our Savior’s praise and tell God’s goodness all our days.
While breath is ours, let praise be heard for God’s own faithful saving word.
Norah Duncan IV
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Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty; maker of heaven and earth
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary
suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, dead and buried
He descended into hell
The third day he rose again from the dead
He ascended into heaven
and sitteth on the right had of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost
the holy catholic Church
the communion of saints
the forgiveness of sins
the resurrection of the body
and the life everlasting. Amen
Officiant:
People:
Officiant:
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray
The Lord’s Prayer
Choir/Soloist
Kenneth W. Louis
Jesus taught us to call our Father and so we have the courage to say:
Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed by thy name
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespasses against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil
Deliver us Lord from every evil and grant us peace in our day
Keep us free from sin ad protect us from anxiety as we wait in joyful hope
for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ
For the kingdom, and the power, and the glory are yours
Now and forever more.
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HYMN: SUFFRAGES
Carl Maultsby
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Collect of the Day
Set us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear; that, honoring the steadfast courage of
your servant Absalom Jones, we may show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of the
children of God, which you have given us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Anthem: Good Trouble
Choir/Soloist
Stan Spottswood
Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to
you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in
his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for
us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
Blessing
Officiant: Let us bless the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Officiant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be
with us all evermore. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN: TILL WE GATHER AGAIN
Choir and Congregation
Stephen F. Key
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MINISTERS OF THE LITURGY
The Rt. Rev. Nathan D. Baxter
Interim Rector
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – Harrisburg
The Rev. Shayna Watson
Associate Rector
St. James Episcopal Church – Lancaster
President – Nathan D. Baxter Chapter,
Union of Black Episcopalians
Professor Fred Dade
Evensong Music Director
Minister of Music & Sacred Arts
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – Harrisburg
Christyan Seay
Evensong & Music Coordinator
Artistic Director – Capital Area Music Association
Rodney Barnett
Organist
Organist & Choir Director
St. John Episcopal Church - York
Mrs. Brenda P. John
President
The Capital Area Music Association (CAMA)
The St. Paul’s Fellowship Choir
Professor Fred Dade, Music Director
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THE CHOIR
Andrea Addison Karen Love Sterling Thompson
Mary Ellen Baxter Ron Lloyd Patricia Tilman
Grace Brunson Ruth McNeil Debra Totton
Renee Chambers The Rev. Rebecca Myers Celia Traverse
Kathy Charles Willie J. Ross Martha Traverse
Rev. Barbara Faulkner Tom Rathbun Leona Wade
Marsha Howard Brenda Scott Lois Williams
Brenda P. John
Christyan Seay
Craig Jurgensen Rick Seay Justin Cooksey, percussion
Hollis Ann King Terry Stanton Amy Yovanovich, soprano
UNION OF BLACK EPISCOPALIANS BISHOP NATHAN BAXTER CHAPTER
FEAST DAY OF ABSALOM JONES
2023 SPONSORS
ABSALOM
JONES
The Episcopal Diocese
of Central PA
Saint James Lancaster
LOVE WINS
Hope Episcopal Church,
Lancaster, PA
LIFT EVERY VOICE
Mrs. Mary Ellen &
Bishop Nathan D. Baxter
St. Thomas Episcopal Church,
Lancaster, PA
BELOVED
COMMUNITY
Lancaster Theological Seminary
Dr. Craig Jurgensen
Church of the
Nativity & St. Stephen,
Newport, PA
St. Edward’s Episcopal Church,
Lancaster, PA
UBEBBC@GMAIL.COM UBEBBC.ORG THEBISHOPNATHANBAXTER
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The Loving Way
In Loving Memory
Of
Dr. George H. Love
While the National Union of Black Episcopalians strives to educate the Church on such universal examples
of Christian witness, it also reminds us to look to clergy and laity in our own diocese who exemplify the
spirit of Absalom Jones. Our diocesan chapter has developed a Scholarship/Award Fund honoring George
Hayward Love, Ph.D. Dr. Love, and 1924 – 2014, was a life-long Episcopalian, an educator, community
activist and lay minister. He began his Christian life in the Church Absalom Jones founded (St. Thomas
Episcopal Church, Philadelphia) and continued as a member of St. Paul’s Church, Harrisburg.
In his parishes Dr. Love served as Lay Reader, Eucharistic Minister, Chairman of the Men’s Group and
vestry member. In the local community he was President of the NAACP. In Public Education he taught
high school science; was Assistant Director for Basic Education in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and,
during the hard season of racial tension in the 70s, accepted the post as Director of the Division of Special
Projects for Harrisburg City School District. In the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania Dr. Love served as
Chairman of Christian Education Committee; Director of Adult Christian Education and Formation;
Board of the School of Christian Studies; member of Anti-Racism Committee; and Deputy to numerous
General Conventions. Many in the diocese will remember him as an advisor to four generations of bishops
(including Bishop Nathan Baxter) and mentor to many clergy and lay leaders. Dr. Love’s life is a witness
to the fullness of God’s love for the world. We hope that you will join us in sharing that love in the form of
contributions toward scholarships to deserving students.
Visit ubebbc.org or
https://donorbox.org/ube-nathan-baxter-chapter-union-black-episcopalians
to contribute to the Dr. George H. Love scholarship fund.
Make a difference today!
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Congratulations!
With much love and appreciation on our
8th Annual Blessed Absalom Jones Observance
and Anniversary Year!
Mrs. Mary Ellen & The Rt. Rev. Dr. Nathan Baxter
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UNION OF BLACK
EPISCOPALIANS
BISHOP NATHAN
BAXTER CHAPTER
Organized 1968.
Organized in 1968 as the Union of Black
Clergy and Laity, the Union is the proud
inheritor of the work of many people.
The Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter of
UBE was established in 2014 with the Rev.
Brenda M. Taylor as the founding president.
The chapter is dedicated to serve as an
instrument to eradicate racism and social
injustice and to help the Episcopal Church
become one body for all.
Join Us:
UBEBBC@GMAIL.COM UBEBBC.ORG
THEBISHOPNATHANBAXTER
ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
248 SENECA ST., HARRISBURG, PA 17110
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Examine your faith. Define a purpose.
Lancaster Theological Seminary, a graduate school affiliated with the United
Church of Christ, is known for academic excellence, celebration of differences
across Christian traditions, and creative engagement on issues important to our
world. Our mission is to educate and nurture leaders to join in God’s redemptive
and liberating work so that all creation may flourish.
www.lancasterseminary.edu
Support The Rt. Rev. Nathan D. Baxter Fund.
ONLINE: Scan QR code, select Gift Designation
“Other”, then enter “The Baxter Fund.”
OR make checks payable to: “The Lancaster
Theological Seminary”, memo: The Baxter Fund.
MAIL TO: 555 W. James St., Lancaster, PA 17603.
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Dr. George H. and
Mrs. Hettie S. Love
“Love of Learning”
Scholarship Fund
Established by the Bishop Nathan Baxter
Chapter of the Union of Black
Episcopalians for Students of Color, this
scholarship has a primary focus on the
Black community, for students entering a
2-year or 4-year college majoring in
Education.
Deadline
March 15,
2023
Number of
Awards
Varies
Amount of
Awards Varies
Preference is given to a student attending an
Historically Black College and University (HBCU),
especially Cheyney University of PA, Lincoln
University in PA, or St. Augustine's University,
Raleigh, NC. An eligible student would have financial
need and will exhibit promise for entering into the
education field. The scholarship is designed to
support Black students and students of color entering
into the education profession.
https://bit.ly/lovescholar23