Repository: African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas - Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet
Abstract:: James T. Townsend (1915-2000), formerly a state welfare supervisor and veteran of the United States Navy, was organist and choirmaster at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for more than fifty years. Named in his honor, the James T. Townsend Vocal Scholarship Award is given annually by the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Music Committee to an African American student under age 25 who is pursuing studies and training in voice at an accredited college or university, or with a master teacher affiliated with an accredited school of music. Most of the James T. Townsend papers of African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, 1975-2001, are applications for the Townsend scholarship. Additionally, the collection includes church and vestry records, church history research, clippings, correspondence, and photographs. Of special interest are illustrations of church vestments and a rectory drawn in 1941 by Dorothy Young (James Townsend's future wife).

Held at: African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas [Contact Us]

Extent:: 50.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Established in 1792 by and for persons of African descent, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is the first African American Episcopal Church in the United States. St. Thomas' founder and first rector was Absalom Jones (1746-1818), the first African American ordained in the Episcopal Church. The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas records, 1790-2019, consist mainly of original church records, as well as some accumulated secondary-source materials. The collection also contains photographs, audio-visual materials, printed materials, and objects.

Held at: African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas [Contact Us]

Extent:: 3.33 linear feet
Abstract:: Elizabeth J. Forrester (1916-1991) was a community leader active in the Episcopal Church. For most of her career she worked in the Philadelphia area as a social worker and as a director of community improvement projects; she also served on the Boards of numerous charitable, health and educational organizations. Deeply involved with her congregation, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Forrester became the first African-American president of the Episcopal Church Women in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. The Elizabeth J. Forrester papers on Episcopalianism, 1970-1991, consist of papers accumulated by Forrester on Episcopalianism, church issues, Episcopal organizations with which she was involved (principally the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas and Episcopal Church Women), and other Episcopal congregations. Included are pamphlets, newsletters, and other printed ephemera; correspondence; handwritten notes; and a few photographs.

Held at: African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas [Contact Us]

Extent:: 3.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Frances I. Clark was a West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania resident active in the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, especially from the 1960s through the 1990s. The Frances I. Clark papers on African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, 1967-1999, include church records, history/research materials, clippings, pamphlets and brochures, some photographs, and other materials relating to Clark's involvement with the church. A large quantity pertain to the church's history and anniversary programs.

Held at: African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas [Contact Us]

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