Historical Writings

Columbus discovers the New World. His writings show he intended to bring the gospel as well as pursue his secular ends.

Summoned before Cardinal Thomas Cajetan, German reformer Martin Luther, 35, refused to recant the 95 theses he had posted the previous October on the chapel door at Wittenberg Castle.

Conversion of Benjamin Abbott, who will become an American revival leader. His conversion to Christianity came after fearful mental struggles, influenced by the preaching of Abraham Whitworth.

The Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church was organized near Clifton. It was the first Baptist congregation to be constituted in the American territory now comprising the state of Louisiana.

Death of Elizabeth Fry. A Quaker, she was known as a pioneer in prison reform.

The Jesuits are expelled from Spain.

Death of Josiah G. Holland, American news editor and author of the Christmas hymn "There's a Song in the Air." After a brief career in medicine, Holland had established a weekly newspaper. Later he joined the staff of the Springfield Republican, in Massachusetts. Holland also helped found Scribner's Magazine, serving as its editor the rest of his life.

Birth of C. Harold Lowden, American sacred composer. His most enduring hymn tunes today are GENEVA ("God Who Touchest Earth with Beauty") and LIVING ("Living for Jesus a Life That is True").

Carl Strehlow, German missionary to Australia, arrives at Hermannsburg station where he is appointed head of the mission and will translate the Bible into three aboriginal languages.

Death of hymnwriter Frances Humphreys Alexander, best known for "There is a Green Hill Far Away" and the Christmas carol "Once in Royal David's City."

Death of Edward Raimond Baierlein, Lutheran missionary among the Chippewa Indians near Frankenmuth, Michigan, and and later among the people of Sadras, Cuddalore, and Tranquebar, India. He wrote books about his Michigan work, where he was beloved for treating the Indians as true equals.

A German firing squad executes the British nurse Edith Cavell who had helped allied soldiers escape. At her death she says she has to go deeper to true love.

American missionary and martyr Jim Elliot wrote in his journal: 'For my generation I must have the oracles of God in fresh terms.'

Simon Kimbangu dies after being imprisoned for years by Belgian authorities in Congo Free State. Baptist-trained, he had preached a Christian gospel of one God, healed the sick, and alarmed colonial administrators.

The rock musical "Jesus Christ, Superstar" debuted on Broadway. (Twenty years later, the actor who played the part of Jesus, Jeff Fenholt became a born-again Christian.)

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez decides to expel the New Tribes Mission, which he says is an imperialist invasion working with the CIA. This follows a suggestion by televangelist Pat Robertson that perhaps Chavez should be assassinated.