DID YOU KNOW that as early as 1749, throughout Connecticut and other New England colonies, the African and African-American community -- including enslaved and free people alike -- maintained a custom of electing its own leadership through an institution they established and called the "Black Governors." The terms "Black Governor" and "Black King" were both used, though the latter was more common in areas with stronger ties to the British Crown. The first Black Governor in Connecticut, Hercules, was elected in approximately 1749 to represent New London. The date is imprecise because the single reference located to date is the inscription on the 1749 headstone of Floria, "wife of Hercules, Governor of the Negroes," in the Antientest Burial Ground in New London, Connecticut located on Hempstead Street. The tradition of electing Black Governors continued until approximately 1856?

From the Reparations Task Force

(Source: African American Connecticut Explored, p. 35.)

Clergy in Transition

The Rev. Ansley Walker has been called as Associate Rector at St. Luke’s Parish, Darien. She starts on July 25, 2023.

The Rev. Tim Hamlin has been called as Associate Rector at Christ Church, Greenwich. He starts on August 1, 2023.

Please reach out to the Diocesan Transition Minister, Amber Page Gehr, (apagegehr@episcopalct.org) if you are interested in any of our parishes or have questions about the transitions process.

Parishes seeking clergy

Trinity Church, Collinsville                                Seeking ½ time PIC

St. James’ Church, Danbury                            Seeking ¾ time PIC

St. Gabriel’s Church, East Berlin                      Seeking ¼ time PIC

Christ and the Epiphany Church, East Haven  Seeking ¼ time PIC

St. Martin’s Church, Hartford                           Seeking ¼ time PIC

St. Andrew’s Parish, Kent                               Seeking FT Rector      

Emmanuel Church, Killingworth                      Seeking ¼ time PIC

St. John’s Church, Pine Meadow                     Seeking ¾ time PIC

St. John’s Church, North Guilford                    Seeking ¼ time plus PIC

St. Paul’s Church, Plainfield                            Seeking ¼ time PIC

St. James Parish, Preston                               Seeking ½ time PIC

Christ Church Parish, Redding                         Seeking ½ time PIC

Christ Church, Sharon                                    Seeking ¼ time PIC

St. Mark’s Chapel, Storrs                                Seeking ½ time PIC

St. John’s Church, Waterbury                         Seeking ¼ time bilingual PIC

Trinity Parish, Wethersfield                             Seeking ¼ time plus PIC

St. Paul’s Church, Windham                           Seeking ¼ time PIC

Christ Church Parish, Redding, is seeking a half-time Priest-in-Charge. This is a three-year appointment with the option of converting to rector. There is a rectory, which is currently rented. Applications are being accepted through September 25.

St. Andrew’s Parish, Kent is seeking a full-time Rector with a rectory. Living in the rectory is required. Applications are being accepted through September 19.

St. James’ Church, Danbury, is seeking a 3/4-time Priest-in-Charge with a rectory. This is a three-year appointment with the option of converting to rector. Applications are being accepted through September 19.

St. James Parish, Preston, is seeking a half-time Priest-in-Charge. This is a three-year appointment with the option of converting to rector. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled.

St. John’s Church, Pine Meadow, is seeking a 3/4-time Priest-in-Charge. This is a three-year appointment with the option of converting to rector. Applications are being accepted through August 16.

Trinity Church, Collinsville, is seeking a half-time Priest-in-Charge. This is a three-year appointment with the option of converting to rector. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled.

St. Mark’s Chapel, Storrs, is seeking a half-time Priest-in-Charge. This is a three-year appointment with the option of converting to rector. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled.

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