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Historical Writings
Today in Christian History
Friday, June 14
370
Basil succeeds to the see of Caesarea where he becomes famous for innovations such as hostels, hospitals, and soup kitchens.
853
Execution at Tabanos of Anastasius, a priest, Felix, a Berber monk who converted from Islam, and Digna, a nun.
1594
Death in Munich of Dutch vocal composer Orlandus Lassus. Along with the works of Palestrina, his compositions will be considered the pinnacle of the Renaissance. He wrote over 1,200 pieces of music, including 53 masses, but his motets will be regarded as his finest pieces.
1715
Robert Norden became licensed pastor of the Baptist congregation in Prince George County -- the first Baptist church organized within the American colony of Virginia.
1723
Death in Paris, France, of Claude Fleury, confessor to Louis XV and author of a highly original, multi-volume ecclesiastical history of France. Although he often moved in circles of power and held offices of great responsibility, he remained a modest and simple man of unimpeachable character.
1745
Death of Aaron of Cuddalore, the first indigenous priest ordained by the Lutheran mission at Tranquebar. He had labored eleven years, even after his health failed, winning hundreds to Christ.
1936
Death in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England, of G. K. Chesterton, an influential Roman Catholic apologist and wit, noted for his use of paradox. Pope Pius XI will later pronounce him a defender of the faith.
1940
Auschwitz, largest of the Nazi concentration camps, was first opened near Krakow, Poland. Before its liberation by the Allies in 1945, over 3 million Jews would be exterminated there.
1948
At the order of Cardinal Josef Mindszenty, Hungarians ring church bells in defiance of the Communist government which has declared most traditional church responsibilities illegal.
1956
President Eisenhower signed a congressional resolution which added the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance. The last phrase now reads: '...one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'
1966
The Vatican announced that its 'Index of Prohibited Books' (created by Pope Paul IV in 1557) had been abolished.
1984
The Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution opposing the ordination of women for ministry in the Baptist Church.
Copyright Statement
© 1987-2020, William D. Blake. Portions used by permission of the author, from "Almanac of the Christian Church"
© 1987-2020, William D. Blake. Portions used by permission of the author, from "Almanac of the Christian Church"
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