From Slave to Priest: The Inspirational Story of Father Augustine Tolton

by Caroline Hemesath

Born into a black Catholic slave family, Fr. Augustine Tolton (1854-1897) conquered almost insurmountable odds to become one of the very first black priests in the United States. By his early death at 43, this pioneer black priest left behind a shining legacy of holy service to God, the Church and his people. Tolton's cause for canonization has been officially opened by the Archdiocese of Chicago as announced by Cardinal Francis George. The thorough scholarly research and inspirational writing by Sister Caroline Hemesath on  the great legacy and courage of this former slave who became a priest in the face of incredible prejudice within the Church and society will be a source of strength for modern Christians who also face persecution. In American history, many black people have achieved success against great odds. But Father Tolton faced a different source of prejudice - an opposition from within the Church, the one institution he should have been able to rely on for compassion and support. He endured many rebuffs, as a janitor spent long hours in the church in prayer, and attended clandestine classes taught by friendly priests and nuns who saw in his eyes a deep love of God and the Church, and a determination to serve his people. Denied theological training in America, his friends helped him to receive his priestly education, and ordination, in Rome. He later became the pastor of St. Monica's Church in Chicago and established a flourishing center at St. Monica's that was the focal point for black Catholics in Chicago for 30 years. The author interviewed many people who knew Father Tolton personally, including St. Katharine Drexel, and presents a deeply inspiring portrait of a great American Catholic. Book includes illustrations and photographs. Cause for Canonization of Father Tolton Opened by Chicago Archdiocese
Chicago, Ill., March 3 (CNA) .- Fr. Augustus Tolton, a man born into slavery who became the first American diocesan priest of African descent, is now being considered for canonization. Cardinal Francis George announced on Monday that the nineteenth century priest's cause for sainthood has been introduced in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

"Many Catholics might not ever have heard of Fr. Augustus Tolton; but black Catholics most probably have," the Archbishop of Chicago wrote.

Born in Missouri on April 1, 1854, John Augustine Tolton fled slavery with his mother and two siblings in 1862 by crossing the Mississippi River into Illinois.

"John, boy, you're free. Never forget the goodness of the Lord," Tolton's mother told him after the crossing, according to the website of St. Elizabeth's Church in Chicago.

The young Tolton entered St. Peter's Catholic School with the help of the school's pastor, Fr. Peter McGirr. Fr. McGirr would later baptize him and instruct him for his first Holy Communion. Tolton was serving as an altar boy by the next summer.

The priest asked Tolton if he would like to become a priest, saying it would take twelve years of hard study.

The excited boy then said they should go to church and pray for his success.

After graduating from high school and Quincy College, he began his ecclesiastical studies in Rome because no American seminary would accept him on account of his race.

On April 24, 1886 he was ordained in Rome by Cardinal Lucido Maria Parocchi, who was then the vicar general of Rome. Newspapers throughout the U.S. carried the story.

Fr. Tolton was ordained for the southern Illinois Diocese of Quincy. Upon his return in July 1886, he was greeted at the train station "like a conquering hero," the web site of St. Elizabeth's Parish says.

"Thousands were there to greet him, led by Father McGirr. A brass band played church songs and Negro Spirituals. Thousands of blacks and wh

Genres: Biography, Catholic, History, Religion, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Faith

255 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1974

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hugely inspiring biography about Father Augustine Tolton, the First Black American priest.

Augustine, the middle child of Peter and Martha Tolton, born into slavery in Missouri, knew firsthand the feel of the lash. He escaped into freedom with his mother and siblings, crossing the wide Mississippi River in a little boat while being shot at, before the little family settled in Quincey, Illinois, a town along the Underground Railroad. Prior to this, the young Tolton’s father, Peter, had escaped to fight on the side of the North and died a hero’s death, one of the many Black men who fought and died in the Civil War.

Augustine’s many talents (intelligence, diligence, reliability, devotion, persistence, hard-work, positive cheerful attitude, musical abilities, etc.) were recognized early on by the local priests who helped him in numerous ways, so although he suffered prejudice all his life, he also received a great deal of love and help as well, in the form of encouragement, part-time work, tutoring, advice, financial assistance and letters of reference/introduction and help with applications to people/seminaries all over the world. And Augustine wasted none of the opportunities nor kindness which came to him. He even knew how to make the most of his setbacks, no doubt because of the great faith of his mother who always taught him to trust in the Goodness of the LORD.

Since no seminary in America was ready for a black applicant, he went to the Pontifical university in Rome on the assumption he was going to be a missionary to Africa. He did extremely well in Rome, was loved by all and just before his ordination learned to his surprise, he was to return to America, still considered mission territory.

Initially, things seemed to go well in Quincy, at St. Joseph’s, the ‘black parish’, but this was not to last. Due to the envy of some black Protestant ministers who arranged lengthy and lively revivals to entice young blacks to more entertaining events (and thus away from the staider Catholic Masses and classes) and the envy and malice of a fellow Catholic priest who resorted to underhanded practices to discourage the whites from going to Fr. Tolton’s church, attendance dropped away to nothing. Interestingly, when these things were happening in his ‘home’ town, Fr. Tolton was in huge demand as a guest speaker (at black, white and mixed events) and traveled all over the country. What was it Jesus said about a prophet not being without honor except at home...?

After 2 years, Fr. Tolton asked for and received permission to go to Chicago where he knew he was wanted, where there was a large group of black Catholics in desperate need of a priest.

Once there, he set about working extremely hard to get his flock a church of their own, something he never stopped championing right up until his death. Although he did get a building for his parish and worked tirelessly saying Mass, visiting his parishioners as well as anyone (white or black, Catholic or not) in need, raising money (although now he would not go on speaking tours anymore because he felt he was needed by his own) to pay for the church as well as help the many poor blacks who continued to pour in from all over, especially the south.

Then on his way home from attending a retreat for priests, Fr. Tolton collapsed shortly after stepping off the train on the city street. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died later that evening, with the hospital chaplain, some sisters, and his mother gathered in prayer. He had received Extreme Unction, as it was then called, or the Last Rites. It was the 9th of July, 1897.

Father Tolton believed he had been a failure in Quincy. He never saw the fruits of his hard work in Chicago. God likes to hide the fruits of His special favorites ... from them ... during their life. Fr. Tolton's congregation was shocked, bereft and terribly saddened by his death. His Chicago funeral was packed and crowds were standing outside. Then when they took his body back to Quincy for burial, there was a repetition of the same, packed funeral inside, crowds gathered outside, all despite the midday July Illinois heat.

His cause for canonization was opened by the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2010. On 12 June 2019, Pope Francis officially confirmed his “heroic virtue”, putting him on the path to eventual sainthood, or anyway, official recognition of what many already know to be true—Father Augustine Tolton is a saint!

This brief review does cannot begin to do justice to this book, much less such a remarkable man. However, this book is a window on healing, love, courage and you will do yourself a favor if you read it.

Pray for us, Venerable Augustine Tolton. Pray that Americans learn what you yourself knew and lived, that we are all God’s people and He loves us all—regardless of color, faith, creed, nationality, gender or any other division we think exists—and we are called to do the same.

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew the broad outlines of Venerable Fr. Tolton's story. His trails in becoming a priest and having to go to Rome for a seminary to accept him. So I knew I would be interested in the story.

This story of his journey to the priesthood is mostly inspiring along with the people who supported and encouraged them. It was gratifying to read of the priest and religious who were on his side from the start along with parishioners. Also maddening to read of those who vocally opposed him or just worked behind his back to undermine him.

This is a story of a call to a vocation and the perseverance in the face of prejudice and those just not wanting to make waves. This is a rather detailed look into his life and that there is a good deal we do know about him via his letters and letters and documents of those around him. The amount of time it took him to be trained and then to go to seminary and then the relatively short life he had as a priest. His love for all those around him and his desire to teach and bring people into the faith. His joy and his constant singing when working.

Really glad I read this.

[Jim Sano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been doing research for a novel (working title is "Freedom"). I came across From Slave to Priest and it was perfect for what I was looking for - an intimate account of August Tolton's life and journey from slavery to becoming the first African American priest. Instead of being a dry and distant biography, it is told like a engaging novel, yet the story is well researched and true. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Fr. Tolton's journey of faith, about the life of slavery, a dangerous escape during the Civil War, and the incredible faith and perseverance he and his family had. Check it out.

[FatherBenjamin Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an easy read, and tells Fr. Tolton's story like a novel.
Against all odds, the incredible tale of America's First Black Priest, is inspiring. He was ordained to the Roman Catholic Priesthood only decades after the American Civil War ended.
Born a slave, he escaped as a boy because of his mother's courage, he grew up having received a call to the priesthood, which might have gone by the wayside of all hopeless dreams except for the encouragement of his German pastor in Quincy, IL. Though there were many difficulties and setbacks, Tolton always had a spirit of perseverance and joy. He was a force of undiminished zeal for the apostolate to his people, and a missionary to his own country.
While there was still prejudice against Fr. Tolton, I was encouraged to find out that there were many Catholics, white and black, who got along in the Catholic Parishes, and supported each other and Fr. Tolton. It is still a shame that the reality is that some people in an unchristian manner ruined the peace of Christ in their community and cause catastrophic division. And this was the reason for Fr. Tolton to move to Chicago.
I found Fr. Tolton's story of parish ministry relatable to my own life as a priest and pastor. He is an exemplar of tireless service of neighbor for the salvation of their soul.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reason for Reading: I enjoy reading biographies Religious and I have a particular interest in the Civil War era and escaped slaves.

Augustine Tolton escaped slavery with his mother and two siblings when he was 8 years old. He had belonged to a Catholic family that had brought their slaves up in the religion. Augustine was always taken with the Faith, though the hypocrisy of his slave owners did not escape him. As a boy growing up in Quincy, Illinois he soon knew that he wanted to be a priest but didn't think it was possible for a black person. With the encouragement of his local priest, he let his dream take hold of him and aspired to the day he could be a priest and pastor to his own people. Augustine was unshaken in determination that Catholicism was the true religion for his people.

At this time, just after the Civil War, though, it seems the Church in the US didn't know what to do with a Negro who wanted to be a priest. Augustine had already met prejudice when parishioners who had no problem with the black population in the pews were aghast at his showing up in the school with their children. And if not for an Irish priest who preached fire and brimstone to his parish about the equality of *all* men in God's eyes every day until they dared not complain anymore, Augustine would not have received his basic education. But then came the time to study for priesthood and his local priests tried to get him into every single seminary in the US and each one declined with some version of "we are not ready". Various priests in the diocese tutored Augustine in the evenings as he worked during the day to support his family. Much time passed and it weighed heavily on his heart that he may never become a priest. But his devotion kept him determined and eventually he was sent to seminary in Rome where he had classes with students from all over the world including Africa and Asia.

When he came back to Quincy as the first black priest in the US (there had been others, of mixed-race, but they had "passed" as white) he was met with open arms by fellow blacks and the Catholic community and he was overjoyed to finally have reached his calling. But troubles still followed Father Augustine his whole life. He would have to deal with one spiteful, bigoted fellow brother in Christ who caused him much grief. Half his congregation was white and this caused racial problems from other parishioners in different churches who wanted the whites to give to their own coffers but Augustine refused to ask people to leave his church. He also had problems with black Protestants who were vehemently opposed to him taking his peoples' souls away from them. He eventually ended up in Chicago with his own parish and though his dream of building his own church was coming true, he was one priest administering to a large flock. With the abject poverty of many of his parishioners it was a losing battle to preach morality and convert souls, as poverty breeds immorality: adultery, alcoholism, gambling, fornication, etc.

Father Augustine was a Godly man, determined to give his people someone of their own race to confide in religously. Even dying black Protestants would send for him at the end instead of their own white ministers. He spent his life ministering to the ever enlarging black population of Chicago. He spent his evenings visiting the poor and the downtrodden. His life was devoted to spreading God's message and bringing the black community into communion with the Catholic Church. He died at an early age from exhaustion and sunstroke. He is a great testimony today as a man filled with God's love who never let the cross he had to bear stop him from continuing on with God's plan for him. He can be held up as an example of one whose Faith was often tested, and as a human did occasionally succumb to sorrow, yet he turned that sorrow over to the Lord and remained determined and unwavering in his Faith.

Sister Caroline writes Father Augustine's story in a narrative voice that almost reads as a novel. It is obviously heavily researched and the text is filled with excerpts from contemporary newspapers, Augustine's letters, and journal entries of both Augustine himself and those who knew him. This personal insight truly brings Father Augustine to life again for the reader. The book is also populated with a number of photographs and illustrations. Sister Caroline manages to capture both the public man on the outside and the private one inside. I highly enjoyed this biography.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

It gets five stars for the intriguing content and maybe 3.5 for writing style, but I'm going to go ahead and drop 5 overall. This book paints a really vivid picture of the rough life of a former slave who early on felt called to become a priest, worked very hard and endured quite a bit of rejection on the way toward that goal, had the amazing mountaintop experience of getting to study and receive ordination in Rome, then came back and worked himself to death attempting to share the beauty he saw in the Catholic faith with his peers, the overwhelming majority of whom simply did not get it. Race relations in the Catholic Church of the late nineteenth century, which often pitted clergy and religious against the laity, hierarchy against local groups, and the U.S. against Rome, are an obviously important subtext.

The author occasionally puts speeches or conversations in the mouths of characters that read like a 7th grade history textbook such as those I was reading c. 1990, which is unsurprising as the book was written in the 1970s by a sister I assume was in an order that was still producing Catholic schoolteachers. I would have greatly preferred a straight academic biography with more direct quotations of the primary material, but I assume she judged that less readable to a broader public. She does a decent job of giving one a solid idea of what these source materials are and what they do and do not say.

[Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a gift from a relative. I found it much more readable than expected. The first half was more enjoyable for me as it was told in a narrative style and featured my hometown prominently. In the second half I felt like the author lost her way with the style and the book was less interesting for it. I also had some issues with the author’s descriptions of white people versus black people throughout the book. (Granted it was written by a nun in the 1970s.) Still, I very much enjoyed learning about Father Tolton and his short but impactful life.

[A.K. Frailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that really explores the heights and depths of human yearning and how far a person can go if they believe they are called by God to fulfill a mission. It also deals with those men and women who made Fr. Tolton's life more positive or more difficult. He was an exceptional human being who cared deeply for all of humanity and was willing to encounter and re-encounter every difficulty in order to help his fellow human being. He was truly color-blind and so were the best of those who loved and served him as a brother. I was moved by the story of his mother who helped to encourage him even when more practical minds would have told him he could never become a priest in the US during such an unaccepting age. Remarkably he not only became a priest but he was educated by the best minds in Rome. From slave to a scholar in Rome - talk of miracles! Truly this was a timeless book and I hope that Father Tolton will become better known. I would love to see a movie about his life - it would be an inspiration to us all. In the meantime - read the book.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting from the St. Louis/Alton/Springfield perspective about how it must have felt to be the first African American priest.

[Dan McCollum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting work, largely because it straddles the boundaries of more than one genre. Although presented as a biography, primarily, Sr. Hemesath's work could perhaps be best described as a hagiography - the telling of the life of a saint (and though Fr. Tolton has not yet been named a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, this work was written in an effor to promote his cause). Because of this, the author is allowed more freedom, I think, than if she had been writing a traditional biography. For instance, long bits of dialog are inserted by the author, as well as entire conversations. Though one cannot doubt that conversations of these ilk did occur, it seems likely that those presented are still fictitious. Furthermore, the work itself does not include footnote citations (though a solid bibliography is included at the end)

Having said that, the life of Fr. Tolton as expressed by Sr. Hemesath is a fascinating one. Tolton, along with his mother, brother and sister, escaped slavery during the last years of the Civil War and fled to the city of Cicero, Illinois. There, Tolton became the protege of a number of Catholic priests in the community, including several German friars and an Irish priest. Despite his desire to become a priest himself, his efforts were frequently stymied by the reluctance of American seminaries to take on an African-American student at the time. He was eventually accepted into the Propaganda seminary in Rome where he excelled, before being asked to return to America to work amongst the freedman population in his hometown. Sadly, he one again met setback after setback - including drawing the ire of another german priest in his hometown of Cicero who appeared jealous of Tolton's popularity - and was forced to relocate to Chicago where he eventually passed away from heat stroke and exhaustion due to the strain of his work.

Tolton's life is presented throughout as one of deep faith as well as tragedy. Despite his gifts, and general popularity, he was blocked time and time again due to the racial prejudices of the era. In Dr. Hemesath's hands, Fr. Tolton emerges as a faithful and devoted man, though one who is surprisingly passive at times. His life is an important one, however, in understanding the (tragically understudied) subject of African-American Catholicism. "From Slave to Priest" is well worth a read to anyone fascinated by the subject or looking for a good modern hagiography.

[John Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘From Slave to Priest’ narrates the fascinating and inspirational journey of a young man born into slavery who goes on to overcome practically insurmountable obstacles and widespread prejudice to become the first African American Catholic priest. At times this book will move you to tears and at other moments to encouragement. Numerous heroes and anti-heroes emerge throughout Augustine Tolton’s arduous journey to the priesthood; prominent among the more positive figures stand out his father and mother and a few select priests God placed in his path. Sadly, many of the laity and a few priests and bishops of the time failed to recognize the inherent dignity of all of God’s children irrespective of race or color. Based on the compelling information provided in this book, I am hopeful that Agustine will soon be recognized as the saint and model Christian he was.

[Robert Nwadiaru]

This is a must read for anybody who wants to know how racial segregation was treated in the United States of America, especially in the Catholic church in the nineteenth century.

Despite the treatment melted out to him because of his pigmentation, Father Augustine Tolton persevered to the end and was ordained a catholic priest. The discrimination did not stop with his ordination; rather, it continued. Today he is on the cause of sainthood. This is the benefit of perseverance no matter the odds. Today, he has become a model for the modern day minorities in the US - in the Church, in politics, and in the entire society.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent look into the life of a very important and godly man. In addition, it is very important look at race relations in the North following the Civil War. We are often told in history in high school in the North that racism was a southern problem, but this book gives an excellent picture of how difficult it was for Tolton, his family, and other African-Americans to live and worship in the North even after escaping slavery and following the end of the war.

[Ernest · Rating 4 out of 5]

e book version. An inspiring yet tragic story of Father Tolton. A talented individual who would
have accomplished much more in his lifetime if he had local Catholic diocese support. However, his extraordinary educational experiences abroad would not have occurred without the closed society and racism of America.

[BoB Lever · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a good job of portraying the courageous life of an escaped slave in becoming America’s first black priest. Fr Tolton became a priest at a very difficult time in country’s history. The difficulties he faced, few can imagine.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to this book! I loved how so many people helped and encouraged his vocation to the priesthood. I loved how Fr. Tolton’s mother was always there to support him. Her words she always used was, “the goodness of the Lord!”

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal account of Fr. Gus's life - from slave to priest. His faith and way of life will continue to be inspiring for many and for ages to come. Wonderfully presented book and an amazing man.

[Morgan Blomstedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great look at the life of Reverend Augustine Tolton, having a number of first hand recourses this story is told in an accurate representation.

[Conor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about an incredible figure in American history.

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed diving deep and learning all about this venerable man. Love him even more and praying for his cause for sainthood.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and detailed story of an incredible man. Definitely worth the read for anyone who is interested in diverse leaders in the Catholic Church

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written book

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very good book, recommended.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring biography of America's first black priest.

[Diane Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Reverend Augustine Tolton is well researched, heartbreaking and a must read. Parts of the book are a bit too textbook like, however the story of his life is very compelling.

[Mary Vodicka-Trelc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book following the life of Augustine Tolten, a black slave who fought to become a Catholic priest in the 1800's.

[Emma Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice biography. Weird choice for a high school literature class using the Socratic method.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fr. Tolton sounds like a saint. As well, he sounds like a man who was completely drawn by God to the priesthood from a young age. He always wanted to be a priest. After years of almost insurmountable difficulties he became one. And then was a priest for barely twelve years when he died. His mother supported him in his vocation.

It seems that the best part of his life, and no wonder, were the years he was in seminary in Rome. There, for the first (and last) time of his life, he was accepted by all. Tolton believed he would be a missionary priest in Africa for all the years he studied in Rome. Practically at the last moment he was informed that he was being sent back to the United States. However, no diocese back home in the states was helping him out. He had to borrow money to pay his fare to his assignment in the very diocese which, in many ways, had shunned him to begin with, because he was black. Granted, the American Catholic churches were, for the most part, struggling missions themselves, but still, it seems they could have helped him more.

The story of Fr. Augustine Tolton certainly is an important one. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read about him. However, in terms of literary value, this book is lacking. It's no page-turner.

[Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am from the Chicagoland area, and I enjoy its history. This book discusses an important part of that. It in some ways saddens me that many of the struggles that Father Augustine Tolton had are the same ones that exist today, but his faith helped him through them, which encourages me. I have a lot of respect for this man of God.

[Miranda Engholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating history but just wish the narration was better. Often felt like I was reading a 7 year olds writing which put a damper on the intensity/truth of this story. Overall, I’m glad to have learned about this inspirational man and his story.