Former Presiding Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry Preaches at Feast of Absalom Jones
- Diocese of WNC
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Photos & Writing by Katie Knowles, Missioner for Communications
On February 14, 2026, St. Matthias, a historic Black church situated in the heart of downtown Asheville, hosted the Feast of Absalom Jones for the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. The service featured a powerful sermon preached by The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry and beautiful music, led by Kyle Ritter, Canon for Music at the Cathedral of All Souls, and vocalist Sherami Harris.
St. Matthias is on the National Register of Historic Places for both its stunning gothic-style architecture and its historical significance. Founded in 1865 for the newly freed slaves in the area, St. Matthias is the first and oldest Episcopal Black congregation in Asheville. It was originally called Trinity Chapel, but due to its growth in membership, a new church building was completed in 1896. The name of the church was changed to St. Matthias and was consecrated by Bishop Cheshire. One of St. Matthias most notable impacts is that of its Parochial School, which educated many freedmen in the wake of the Civil War who could not get an education elsewhere.
On Saturday, February 14, Bishop Curry encouraged all to "keep going" in the name of love. His full sermon along with the moving rendition of the Gospel hymn Deep River, performed by Sherami Harris & accompanied by Kyle Ritter here:
Absalom Jones, born enslaved, was an intelligent child who saved his money as a boy to buy a primer, spelling book, and a Bible and taught himself to read. In adulthood he worked and saved to purchase the freedom of his wife first, and then himself.
Jones was a critical founding organizer of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, originally known as The African Church, which was dedicated on July 17, 1794. Jones, the leading minister of the church, was ordained as deacon by Bishop William White in 1795. After many years of ministry, evangelism, and advocacy, Jones was finally ordained to the Priesthood on September 21, 1802, becoming the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church.
Under the leadership of Absalom Jones, St. Thomas Church grew to over 500 members during its first year. His legacy is immense and his story is one of struggle, resiliency, and of a faithful hold to the Gospel of justice and mercy.
The full service bulletin can be viewed below. Many thanks to St. Francis, Rutherfordton and, in particular, Kathryn McGowan for assembling the bulletin and for writing a much more comprehensive biography on the life of the Rev. Absalom Jones, much of which was used for the writing in this piece.
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