Historical Writings

The Colloquy of Marburg opens, attempting to unify the followers of Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli. When it closes on October 4th, the Reformers will have agreed on 14 of 15 articles, but will remain divided over the Eucharist. Switzerland will remain Reformed and Germany Lutheran.

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina is appointed choir master to St. John Lateran, where he will produce some of the finest music before Bach.

(probable date) When a mob attempts to prevent Seventh-day Adventists from crossing a bridge to worship in Paris, Maine, one of the ringleaders horsewhips an Adventist. Fourteen-year-old John Nevins Andrews throws his arms around the assaulted man, declaring, "If you whip Brother Davis, you must whip me also." In respect for his bravery, the Adventists are allowed to pass. Andrews will become an Adventist leader and author.

James Bryan invites a revival team to use his circus arena and many people become Christians there.

Daniel Warner's church brings charges against him for preaching holiness.

American churchman A. B. Simpson founded the first school in America to train missionaries, in New York City. Called the Missionary Training Institute in 1894, its name was changed to Nyack College in 1972.

Birth of Ralph W. Sockman, American scholar and devotional writer. His best-remembered poem begins: "I met God in the morning, when my day was at its best...."

The Latin American Mission was incorporated in Philadelphia by founders Harry and Susan Strachan. Today, over 125 staff work with LAM in eight Central and South American countries.

Mabel Dean and Hattie Salyer arrive in Egypt to begin a mission work.

World Literature Crusade was founded in Saskatchewan, Canada, by Rev. Jack McAlister (president 1946-79). This mission is engaged primarily in Bible distribution, church planting and Bible correspondence courses.

The Communist government of Romania announces that one and a half million persons loyal to the Catholic church are being placed under the control of the Orthodox church.

Representatives from 49 churches met in Roseville, MI, to begin organizing the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. The organization officially came into being the following month.

Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) begins broadcasting and will become notable for its 700 Club.

After discussion with the board of OC (Overseas Crusades International), with whom he had worked many years, Luis Palau forms his own evangelistic organization. The Luis Palau Evangelistic Association (LPEA) will conduct large evangelistic events around the world.

Pope John Paul II canonizes Katharine Drexel, American foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a congregation to serve the African American and Native American people who are oppressed by discrimination and dire poverty.