(March 3, 1819 - September 10, 1898) Born free in New York City 20 1819, the Rev. Alexander Crummell dedicated his life and ministry to the freedom and education of black Americans. Crummell was denied entrance in General Theological Seminary, solely due to his race, but was able to complete his theological education in the Diocese of Massachusetts. 

In 1842 he was ordained as a deacon and in 1844 as admitted into the priesthood by the Bishop of Delaware. After his ordination, he established a small mission in Philadelphia and it is here that he became involved in politics, advocating for equal suffrage and the abolition of slavery. After he was denied inclusion in the Pennsylvania diocesan convention, again, on the basis of his race, he moved to the United Kingdom in 1848, where he graduated from Queen’s College, Cambridge in 1853.

After serving as a missionary in Liberia, in 1973, Crummell returned to America and served as a “missionary at large to the colored people.”

Along with his many writings, Crummell spent the remainder of his ministry helping to strengthen the ministries and witness of black urban congregations.

Crummell’s feast day is celebrated on the day of his death, September 10.