Absalom Jones Celebration at the Cathedral featuring “Discovering Black Erie” artwork

The Cathedral honors its heritage with a celebration of Absalom Jones through the music of African American composers on Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00 P.M. Jones, a former slave who purchased his freedom, was the first African American to be ordained a priest in 1802. The Cathedral Choir, professional soloists, and the choirs of Mercyhurst University join to feature the little-known Mass by Florence Price, along with works by H.T. Burleigh and his contemporaries.

Additionally, the event will feature artistic banners from the Discovering Black Erie initiative, developed by the Burleigh Legacy Alliance in partnership with the Hagen History Center and Erie Yesterday, highlighting the accomplishments of the Lawrence family, a prominent Erie family with deep roots in the historic Jerusalem neighborhood. It will be on display at the Cathedral for the first two weeks of February.
These events are free and open to the public. Contact Dr. Chris Petit at cpetit@cathedralofstpaul.org for more details.