PHOTOS: Mass. UBE chapter lifts up legacy of Absalom Jones

February 18, 2025

MA Chapter UBE banner at 2025 Absalom Jones Service

The Bishop John M. Burgess Massachusetts Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, together with the diocesan Office of Immigration and Multicultural Ministries, offered on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, a festival service for the diocesan community that celebrated the life and ministry of the Rev. Absalom Jones--the Episcopal Church's first African American priest.

Leaders of worship at the service's opening: The Rev. Will Mebane, Deacon Julian Fredie, Bishop Julia Whitworth
Photo: David M. Rider

Jahsye Newton of St. Cyprian's, Boston offers a Scripture reading.
Photo: David M. Rider

The Rev. Rospignac Ambroise of St. John St. James Church, Roxbury reads a lesson.
Photo: David M. Rider

The Rev. Will Mebane of St. Barnabas's Church, Falmouth preaches the sermon.
Photo: David M. Rider

Organist and music director Brian Edwards of St. Cyprian's, Boston leads with song.
Photo: David M. Rider

UBE Chapter President, the Rev. James Hairston of the Church of St. Augustine and St. Martin, Boston
Photo: David M. Rider

UBE Chapter Vice President, Robin Williams of St. Cyprian's Church, Boston
Photo: David M. Rider

Celebrating Holy Eucharist: The Rev. James Hairston, Cathedral Dean Amy McCreath, Bishop Julia Whitworth, Deacon Julian Fredie and the Rev. Will Mebane
Photo: David M. Rider

Bishop Julia Whitworth gives the blessing.
Photo: David M. Rider

UBE Chapter Secretary Leslie Gore of St. Cyprian's Church, Boston leads the final procession.
Photo: David M. Rider

Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award recipient Carolyn Turk of Church of St. Augustine and St. Martin, Boston
Photo: David M. Rider

Church of the Holy Spirit, Mattapan members receive the Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award on behalf of recipient Louise Gant.
Photo: David M. Rider

Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award recipient Joy Howell of St. Bartholomew's Church, Cambridge
Photo: David M. Rider

Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award recipient Yvonne Clarke of St. Cyprian's Church, Roxbury
Photo: David M. Rider

Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award recipient Beatrice Green of Grace Church, Vineyard Haven
Photo: David M. Rider

Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award recipient Regine Elien of St. John St. James Church, Roxbury
Photo: David M. Rider

Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award recipient Jocelind Gant of St. Mark's Church, Dorchester
Photo: David M. Rider

The Rev. Tamra Tucker receives the Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award on behalf of recipient Patrick Kimm of St. Mary's Church, Dorchester
Photo: David M. Rider

The Rev. Hall Kirkham receives the Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award on behalf of recipient Hyacinth James of St. Michael's Church, Milton.
Photo: David M. Rider

Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award recipient Kwame Ofori-Asante of St. Paul's Church, Lynnfield
Photo: David M. Rider

Frederick Douglass Isaac Jr. Lay Leadership Award recipient Edith Ndagire Mayanja of St. Peter's Anglican Church, Waltham
Photo: David M. Rider