This week in Christian history: ‘Father of Connecticut’ dies; ‘Cross of Gold’ speech; ex-slave ordained

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, July 05, 2020

Ex-slave ordained as influential pastor in Washington, D.C. — July 7, 1878

Francis James Grimké (1850-1937), a slave who eventually was ordained a Presbyterian minister and led a church in Washington, D.C. that included multiple members of Congress. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Francis James Grimké, a former South Carolina slave whose father was white, was ordained a Presbyterian minister in Washington, D.C.

A student of Princeton Theological Seminary, Grimké became the pastor at 15th Street Presbyterian Church in D.C., which had white congressmen among its attendees.

“The secret of the spiritual life is to keep in close touch with Jesus Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is close personal touch with Jesus that makes alive, that gives power,” he once said.

“Every time we get up to preach, we have the opportunity of magnifying ourselves, or of magnifying Jesus Christ — of calling attention to ourselves or to him.”