Advocacy and opportunity for African Americans in the Episcopal Church.
About Us
The Rev. John Dublin Epps Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) was founded in 1984 as the first chartered diocesan chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians in the Diocese of Texas. We are part of the national Union of Black Episcopalians, an organization established in 1968 that carries forward more than 200 years of Black leadership and ministry in The Episcopal Church, beginning with pioneers such as Absalom Jones.
Our chapter is dedicated to uniting diverse cultures and gifts, promoting racial justice, strengthening historically Black Episcopal congregations, and encouraging the full participation of Black Episcopalians in the life and leadership of the Church. We work alongside the Diocese of Texas to support youth, develop leaders, foster fellowship, and serve our communities through worship, education, outreach, and service.
Throughout the year, we offer opportunities for spiritual growth, networking, Bible study, prayer, and community engagement. We also host special events, including the annual Holy Grill Family Fun Fest, which raises funds to support youth programs, leadership development, and other ministry initiatives.
Rooted in faith and committed to service, the Rev. John Dublin Epps Chapter continues to honor its rich legacy while empowering future generations to lead, serve, and make a lasting impact within The Episcopal Church and beyond.
THE HOLY GRILL IS BACK!
Our Barbecue Annual Event!
We started the UBE Annual Labor Day Holy Grill in 2015 and held it every year until a COVID pause in 2020. After regrouping, we are BACK - bigger and better than before! Come get your Labor Day BBQ again this year - and relive the tradition!
Labor Day Holy Grill - our next big event!
Come one Come all!
The Rev. John D. Epps Chapter of UBE is bringing back the Annual Holy Grill! Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026.
St. James Episcopal Church, Third Ward
3129 Southmore Blvd, Houston TX 77004
Activities
Activities and Events : Celebrations of our Heritage
Absalom Jones Celebration
Every year on the second Sunday in February, we honor Absalom Jones, the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church. After experiencing racial discrimination at St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church in 1787, Jones co-founded the Free African Society with Richard Allen. He later founded the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas and was ordained a priest in 1802.
Juneteenth Pilgrimage
Juneteenth, celebrated each year on June 19, commemorates the 1865 announcement in Galveston, Texas, that all enslaved people were free. In 2026, the Rev. John Dublin Epps Chapter of UBE made a pilgrimage to Galveston, visiting historic Black churches, landmarks, and cultural sites to honor the history, legacy, and significance of Juneteenth.
UBE National Conference
The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) holds its Annual Business Meeting & Conference each July in a different city. The Rev. John Dublin Epps Chapter, founded in 1968, has long supported this national gathering, including hosting the 2007 conference. In 2026, the chapter will be represented at the Raleigh conference by Regional Director Dwight Ward.
Jonathan Myrick Daniels Pilgrimage (aspirational)
Each August, the Jonathan Myrick Daniels Pilgrimage honors those who gave their lives in the fight for civil rights. It commemorates Episcopal seminarian Jonathan Daniels, who was killed in 1965 while protecting civil rights activist Ruby Sales in Alabama. The Rev. John Dublin Epps Chapter hopes to participate in this meaningful pilgrimage in the future.
Annual Labor Day Holy Grill
The annual Labor Day Holy Grill Family Fun Fest, started in 2015, raises funds for the Rev. John Dublin Epps Chapter's youth programs. The event features a BBQ competition, food, games, entertainment, vendors, raffles, and family activities. After a pause during COVID-19, Holy Grill returns in 2026 at St. James' Episcopal Church.
