Historical Writings
Today in Christian History
Wednesday, December 9
536
Count Belisarius of Byzantium, reputedly a Christian, enters Rome, where he will make a magnificent defense of the ancient city against the Goths. During his career, he will receive little support from the suspicious emperor Justinian, but when he is put on trial on what appear to be trumped up charges of corruption, Justinian will pardon him.
1793
Christian journalist Noah Webster publishes the first issue of American Minerva, the first daily newspaper in New York City.
1840
Scottish missionary explorer David Livingstone, 27, set sail on his first journey to Africa. (He had been accepted to serve under the London Missionary Society two years earlier.)
1863
Birth of G. Campbell Morgan, English congregational clergyman and Bible expositor. Morgan authored more than 60 Bible commentaries and books of sermons many still be in print.
1896
William Henry Sheppard, an African-American missionary to Africa, writes to supporters at home, promising to prove that he merits the trust they have placed in him. Finding little success as a missionary, he explores the Congo and exposes Belgian atrocities.
1911
The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Argentina expels from its ranks Irish missionary James Stewart and some other associates who had adopted Pentecostal practices.
1941
(or November 5) Martyrdom of Orthodox priest Sergius Mechiev who rejected the atheistic and anti-ecclesiastical proclamations of the Soviet government and had to live for years in hiding. He is shot within prison walls.
1942
(or the 10th) Death in California of faith healer Lilian Barbara Yeomans.
1973
"Marshall Efron's Illustrated, Simplified and Painless Sunday School" first aired over CBS television. This religious series was broadcast on Sunday mornings until August 1977.
1978
The Sorbonne, one of the most prestigious universities in France, awards missionary-linguist Kenneth Pike an honorary degree.
Copyright Statement
© 1987-2020, William D. Blake. Portions used by permission of the author, from "Almanac of the Christian Church"
Lectionary Calendar
Wednesday, January 20th, 2021
the Second Week after Epiphany
the Second Week after Epiphany
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