Absalom Jones, co-founder and first pastor of Philadelphia's African Methodist Episcopal Church, preached a sermon on that day, in which he proposed that the day "be set apart every year ...

"Absalom (negro slave to Mr. Wynkoop) and Mary (Do. to S. King)" were married by Mr. Duché. The Wynkoops and the Kings were neighbors in Philadelphia, and both families worshipped at St. Peter's.

Absalom Jones, to his feet as Jones knelt in prayer. Cavaness is the first woman to lead Mother Bethel. A fourth-generation preacher, Cavaness, 41, long knew she was going to enter the ministry.