Grace and Peace to you from God.
On behalf of the Clergy, Wardens, Vestry and People of God, welcome to the website of the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, founded in 1792 as the first black Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. The first rector of this historic parish, The Rev. Fr. Absalom Jones, was also the first black Episcopal priest in the nation.
Our parish boldly proclaims the reconciling Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are an active, mission-minded and growing church family. Whoever you are and wherever you may find yourself on your spiritual journey of faith, you are always welcomed at St. Thomas’ Church, where we are joyfully and enthusiastically committed to Jesus’ message of love, hope, prayer and faith.
I hope and pray that your journey through this website will be informative, enlightening, and above all, inspirational. After your virtual visit of our many exciting ministries, I invite and encourage you to join us in worship. Whoever you are and wherever you may find yourself on your spiritual journey of faith, you are always welcomed at St. Thomas' Church... where we are joyfully and enthusiastically committed to Jesus' message of love, hope, prayer and faith. The AECST Express Train is headed for many divine destinations. We encourage you to be a part of our spiritual journey.
Faithfully,
Martini Shaw+
(The Very Rev. Canon) Martini Shaw
17th Rector and
Dean of the Schuylkill Deanery