Historical Writings

Death in Rome of Catherine of Siena, Dominican tertiary and mystic. She had exerted a strong influence on world events through her correspondence with the notables of her day.

Reformers outlaw the mass in Basel, Switzerland.

The first Anglican (Episcopal) church in the American colonies was established at Cape Henry, Virginia.

Death in Paris of Charles-Irénée Castel, abbé de Saint-Pierre, who had written many works calling for political, legal, and economic reforms, and who had proposed an international peace-keeping organization.

Death of John Philip Boehm, founder of the German Reformed Church in the United States.

John Newton is ordained a deacon in the Church of England. He had been a slaver at the time of his conversion to Christ.

Birth of Joseph H. Gilmore, American Baptist clergyman and Hebrew instructor. He is better remembered today, however, as author of the hymn: "He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought."

Major Thomas Jackson confesses Christ by public baptism at St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church Fort Hamilton, New York, officiated by the Rev. Mr. Parks. As a general in the American Civil war, Jackson will exhibit great courage, earning the nickname "Stonewall" and showing deep concern for the spiritual condition of each man under his command.

Imad-ud-din converts from Islam to Christianity in India and becomes a famed preacher, author, and translator.

Death of John Nelson Darby, a biblical scholar and founder of the Plymouth Brethren.

The Navigators trace their origin to this date, when founder Dawson Trotman began the work in San Pedro, CA. In 1943, this evangelical mission was formally incorporated, and is headquartered today in Colorado Springs, CO.

U.S. troops liberated the oldest of the Nazi concentration camps -- Dachau -- in Bavaria, West Germany. It is estimated that nearly 32,000 prisoners (mostly Jews) perished at Dachau during its 12-year existence as a Nazi detention camp.

Death of Samuel M. Zwemer, 85, American Dutch Reformed missionary. Serving in Egypt between 1890-1905, Zwemer helped found the Arabian Mission in 1888 and authored over 50 volumes during his life -- many in Arabic.