Readings:
Proverbs 22:1–9
Psalm 112
Matthew 5:13–16
Preface of a Saint (3)
PRAYER (traditional language)
O God of justice and mercy, we remember before thee thy servants Peter Williams Cassey and Anna Besant Cassey, who, in the face of slavery and discrimination, gave the blessings of education and spiritual haven to the marginalized; Grant us to be fearless in the face of injustice and to work for blessings that will touch those whom the world does not count of value; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER (contemporary language)
O God of justice and mercy, we remember before you your servants Peter Williams Cassey and Anna Besant Cassey, who, in the face of slavery and discrimination, gave the blessings of education and spiritual haven to the marginalized; Grant us to be fearless in the face of injustice and to work for blessings that will touch those whom the world does not count of value; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen
This commemoration appears in Lesser Feasts & Fasts 2018.
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Last updated: 11 Feb. 2023
PETER WILLIAMS CASSEY
AND ANNA BESANT CASSEY
PRIEST, 1917; 1875
Peter Williams Cassey was the first African-American ordained in the Episcopal Church in the West. He was born in Philadelphia of noted abolitionist and Episcopal clergy ancestors, and moved to California in 1856. He and his wife Anna helped found Trinity Church in San Jose and then St. Philips Mission and Academy. Peter was ordained a deacon in 1866 and then founded Christ Church (later St. Cyprian's) in San Francisco. In 1881 he was called to serve a congregation in New Bern, NC, and later several in Florida.
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