Faith in Their Own Color: Black Episcopalians in Antebellum New York City

In 1853, three African American men from St. Philip's Church in New York City attended the Episcopal Diocese of New York Convention and successfully requested official recognition for St. Philip's, the first African American Episcopal church in New York City. This remarkable story is recounted in Faith in Their Own Color by Craig D. Townsend, highlighting the church's struggle for autonomy and independence amidst racial boundaries and discrimination. St. Philip's had faced numerous challenges, including a fire, a riot, and decades of discrimination by the Episcopalian hierarchy. Despite this, the congregation sought to define itself within the predominantly white Episcopal structure, reflecting the tension between self-determination and acceptance by a white denomination. Townsend's book sheds light on the history of New York City and African Americans during the antebellum period, highlighting the racism and difficulties faced by African Americans in a city where full abolition did not occur until 1827. It also showcases the remarkable stories of individuals who built and fought for St. Philip's, including Rev. Peter Williams, Dr. James McCune Smith, Henry Scott, Alexander Crummell, and John Jay II.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

On a serene September afternoon in 1853, three African American men from St. Philip's Church, situated in the heart of New York City, entered the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, accompanied by a collective sense of determination and resilience. Their presence among the esteemed gathering of five hundred wealthy and influential white church leaders marked a significant milestone in the history of African Americans and the Episcopal Church.

After considerable deliberation and with a profound reluctance, the Convention ultimately acceded to the men's request: official recognition for St. Philip's, the pioneering African American Episcopal church in New York City.

In his captivating book, "Faith in Their Own Color," Craig D. Townsend unfolds the remarkable story of St. Philip's and its unwavering pursuit of autonomy and independence. Through his diligent research, Townsend unveils a forgotten chapter in the history of New York City and African Americans, shedding new light on the profound ways in which religious faith can both reinforce and transcend racial boundaries.

Founded in 1809, St. Philip's had weathered a fire, a riot by anti-abolitionists that nearly obliterated the church, and more than forty years of discrimination by the Episcopalian hierarchy. In stark contrast to the majority of African Americans who were embracing evangelical denominations, the congregation of St. Philip's sought to establish its identity within an overwhelmingly white hierarchical structure. Their endeavors reflected the delicate balance between their yearning for self-determination and their desire to be accepted by a white denomination.

The history of St. Philip's Church serves as a poignant illustration of the racism and extraordinary challenges African Americans faced during the antebellum era in New York City. While full abolition did not occur until 1827, Townsend vividly describes the ongoing and intricate negotiations between black and white New Yorkers. He also shares the captivating stories of historically overlooked individuals who played pivotal roles in the construction and defense of St. Philip's, including Rev. Peter Williams, the second African American to be ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church.

Through his meticulous storytelling, Townsend invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of St. Philip's and its unwavering commitment to faith, resilience, and social justice. "Faith in Their Own Color" serves as a testament to the power of religious institutions to foster inclusivity, bridge divides, and pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate society.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231134699