Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your servant Alexander Crummell, whom you called to preach the Gospel to those who were far off and to those who were near. Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
On Sunday, September 13, the Union of Black Episcopalians celebrates the life and legacy of our notable saint, the Reverend Alexander Crummell, whose official feast day is September 10th. Crummell was the personification of the will to overcome during the 19th century, successfully confronting and prevailing over barriers erected because of his race. According to A Great Cloud of Witnesses, “Crummell’s ministry spanned more than half a century and three continents. Everywhere, at all times, he labored to prepare black people and to build institutions that would serve them and provide scope for the exercise of their gifts in leadership and creativity. His faith in God, his perseverance in spite of repeated discouragement, his perception that the Church transcended the racism and limited vision of its leaders, and his unfailing belief in the goodness and greatness of black people are the legacy of this African American pioneer. He died in Red Bank, New Jersey, in 1898.”
This Sunday, we will celebrate Crummell’s vision and legacy through a special collaborative online worship service [join the Facebook Watch Party or watch here] and an online coffee hour where you can learn more about the work of the Union of Black Episcopalians. We would like for you to join in support for the UBE’s efforts to reach toward racial justice and reconciliation in spite of all obstacles.
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2021 UBE FORM
