John Coltrane (1926-1967) was one of the best American Jazz saxophonists in music history. He was at the forefront of the jazz style known as free jazz. As his career progressed, his music took on a spiritual dimension. He received a posthumous Pulitzer Prize and, in 2007, was canonized by the African Orthodox Church. He was married with three children when he died at the age of 40 from liver cancer. 

In 1965, on their first wedding anniversary, Franzo and Marina King went to hear Coltrane play in San Francisco. They had front row seats, and felt that Coltrane was playing directly to them alone. It was a spiritual experience, and shortly thereafter they established the St. John Coltrane Church. After Coltrane’s death, his widow first bestowed, then revoked her support of the church over theological differences. The Kings’ church believed that Coltrane was the second Christ, and their primary text was his album A Love Supreme. Their services included a guided meditation on Coltrane testimonials, and music A Love Supreme.

Today, the church is known as the St. John Will-I-Am Coltrane African Orthodox Church when it became absorbed by the African Orthodox Church. Coltrane’s rank changed from a second Christ to patron saint. There is still a Coltrane-themed noon service once a month^[1], open to everyone, at the St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church. The mass includes a confession, Coltrane Liturgy, scripture readings, hymns, spirituals and preaching.  

^[1] Visit them at https://www.Coltranechurch.org