Historical Writings

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

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.

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 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.

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.)