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Office of Communications

Office of Communications

Reverend Dr. Mark Jefferson Keynotes Annual Absalom Jones Program

Denmark, S.C. – The Reverend Dr. Mark Jefferson, assistant professor of homiletics at Virginia Theological Seminary, served as the keynote speaker for Voorhees University annual Absalom Jones Feast Day celebration, on today, February 7, at 11:00 a.m. An emerging scholar and theologian, Jefferson’s spoke from the topic of “Broken Blessings.” He motivated everyone in attendance to be of good cheer, while allowing God to expand their possibilities to activate them to be doers who change the world.

During the celebration, moderated by the Right Reverend Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, Bishop of the South Carolina Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, Jefferson reminded those in attendance, “We are here today, not because we are pleasantly whole, but because we are broken and blessed.” He continued to highlight the late Absalom Jones as a pioneer, educator and life-changer for not only the Episcopal church, but the world.

Following his empowering Sermon, Voorhees University President Dr. Ronnie Hopkins expressed remarks encouraging the Voorhees family and visitors to stand firm in truth and love. “Reverend Jones used the pulpit to proclaim the truth of Christ and the Deliverance Jesus offers everyone,” he stated. 

Click HERE to view the service on YouTube.
For more information about Jones, see: https://episcopalarchives.org/church-awakens/exhibits/show/leadership/clergy/jones

2023 Absalom Jones Feast Day 46
Reverend Dr. Mark Jefferson
2023 Absalom Jones Feast Day 52
The Right Reverend Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, Bishop of the South Carolina Episcopal Diocese
2023 Absalom Jones Feast Day 110
Left to right: Reverend Dr. Mark Jefferson, The Right Reverend Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, The Right Reverend Daniel Paul Richards (Bishop, Upper Diocese of South Carolina) and President Ronnie Hopkins

About Voorhees University

Voorhees University, founded by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright in 1897, is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Its mission is to produce highly qualified graduates who coalesce intellect and faith in pursuit of life-long learning, healthy living, the betterment of society, and an abiding faith in God. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Voorhees as a #1 best value, #3 in social mobility and #33 among regional colleges in the south in 2022-2023; and #26 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, nationally. Additional information about Voorhees University can be found at www.voorhees.edu.

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