Historical Writings

The Council of Ephesus adjourned. This third of the 21 ecumenical councils of theChurch condemned Nestorianism and Pelagianism, and defined Mary's title as 'theotokos'('Bearer of God').

During the Fourth Crusade, a two-pronged Venetian and French assault captures the towers of Constantinople. The usurper Alexius III flees the city.

Charles VII of France is crowned at Rheims, largely as a result of the inspiring efforts of Joan of Arc.

Twenty-one-year-old future church reformer, Martin Luther entered the Augustinianmonastic order, at Erfurt, Germany.

Birth of Isaac Watts, innovative pioneer of modern English hymnody. Among his manybeloved sacred compositions are: 'At the Cross,' 'Joy to the World,' 'Marching to Zion' and'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.'

Death of Samuel Medley, an English Baptist preacher. Converted after reading a sermon by Isaac Watts, Medley had pastored two different Baptist churches in Liverpool between 1767-99. "O Could I Speak the Matchless Worth," one of his hymns, will be sung for centuries.

Baptism of Indian convert Radhu Das, having abandoned his high caste, his idolatry, and his self-righteous acts. He will become an educator and then a merchant, respected for his integrity and his passion to win souls.

Death of William White, 88, American patriarch of the Episcopalians. First bishopof American Anglicanism, it was White who coined the name 'Protestant Episcopal' for thenew denomination.

Confirmation of sixteen-year-old Frances Havergal in Worcester Cathedral. She becomes a notable hymnwriter, author of "Take My Life and Let it Be" among many others.

Ying Lianzhi, a Catholic convert in Nanjing, publishes the first issue of a newspaper called Da Gong Bao that will deal with such controversial issues as missionary attitudes toward the Chinese. He will also become a co-fonder of Fu Jen University.

New Tribes Mission was organized by founder Paul W. Fleming. Thisinterdenominational missions agency supports over 1,000 staff members in countries aroundthe world.

Abraham of Travancore becomes metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church of India, sometimes called the "Syrian" church.

Death of Evangeline Cory Booth, Salvation Army general. The daughter of founder William Booth, Evangeline had supervised the field operations of the Army in Great Britain, Canada, and Alaska. In 1904 she had been promoted to head the American branch of the denomination. Among her contributions was authorship of many popular Salvation Army hymns.