Jehu Jones, the first Black Lutheran pastor

February is Black History Month, and while it is important to lift up Black leaders, innovators, and creators all year, we do so intentionally this month. The study of Black history certainly includes struggle, but it's more than that - it's also resiliency, community, brilliance, and joy.

As a denomination, the ELCA has a lot of work to do to confess and repent from our own racism. According to a 2014 Religious Landscape study, the ELCA is 96% white - more than any other religious group in the US. Black pastors and deacons are often paid less than their white colleagues, and wait longer for a call. While we must address these issues, it serves no one to ignore the gifted Black clergy and lay members who are part of the ELCA, and who have played important roles in the rich history of American Lutheranism.

The first Black Lutheran pastor was Rev. Jehu Jones, ordained in 1832. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, he settled with his family in Philadelphia, where he began to preach and provide pastoral care among the Black people of the city. Though there were other Black churches established in the city, there was not yet a Black Lutheran church. 

In February 1834, his congregation passed the following resolution: “That the congregation endeavor to build a suitable house to be dedicated to the worship of Almighty God” and Jones soon set out on a fundraising tour, visiting congregations across central Pennsylvania and Maryland. Later that year, lots were purchased and the cornerstone laid. Unfortunately, despite Jones’ fundraising efforts, aid promised by the Synod of Pennsylvania was never paid, and creditors brought suit against Jones and the church. The building was sold in a sheriff’s sale in 1839, though the congregation continued to meet for worship with Jones as their pastor at least through 1851.

In 1849, Jones requested help from the Synod of New York to establish a Black Lutheran congregation in New York City. His request was denied, and a committee submitted a report that, without cause, questioned the faithfulness and integrity of his entire ministry. Despite these unfair attacks, “Jones should be remembered, above all, for his unflagging commitment to his missionary calling and his steadfast faith in the teachings of the Lutheran Church.”

Unfortunately, the lack of support given to Rev. Jones by the institutional church is an issue still present today. Though we say that we value diversity as the ELCA, too often our words fall short when they are not accompanied by action.

Our life together is enriched by diversity of all kinds. We give thanks for Rev. Jehu Jones and the many faithful Black Lutherans here and across the world. As fellow members of the Body of Christ, together we rejoice in God's grace, strive for justice, and love our neighbors. 

With hope,
Pastor Kerri 

Bonus resources: 

• For an in-depth read about Pastor Jehu Jones, check out this article from Lutheran Quarterly (the source for the above material). This issue of our synod's quarterly magazine includes an expanded version of this column. 
• Check out this series for the month of February about the Treasures of Darkness, curated by ELCA Pastor Kwame Pitts, co-host of the podcast "Opposite Ends".
• Support ELCA World Hunger with a special card for your valentine!

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