Richard Allen, founder and first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, died on March 26, 1831. Born into slavery in Delaware in 1760, Allen purchased his freedom and became a Methodist preacher. His ministry unfolded during a period of racial

The relationship between church authority and imperial power was tested repeatedly in the early medieval world. Though Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor in 800, tensions between East and West remained unresolved—especially over the use of icons in worship.

An Anglican clergyman and theologian, Daniel Whitby became one of the most controversial divines of his generation.

The term “Anabaptist,” meaning “rebaptizer,” was originally used as a label of reproach during the sixteenth-century Reformation. Anabaptists rejected infant baptism, arguing that baptism should follow personal profession of faith. Because they had been baptized as infants within state churches, their adult baptism was considered a second baptism—hence the name.

When Emperor Diocletian issued the Edict Against the Christians in AD 303, it inaugurated one of the most severe persecutions in early church history. Churches were destroyed, Scriptures burned, and believers imprisoned or executed. For many Christians, it appeared that imperial hostility would never end.

Charles Wesley, one of Christianity’s most prolific hymn writers, died on March 21, 1778. Though often overshadowed by his brother John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, Charles’ theological and poetic contributions profoundly shaped evangelical worship.

John Gossner, who died on March 20, 1858, was a German-born clergyman whose evangelical convictions placed him at odds with both ecclesiastical and political authorities. Originally ordained in the Roman Catholic Church, Gossner emphasized personal conversion, direct engagement with Scripture, and a vibrant devotional life.

The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) traces its origins to Lexington, Mississippi, in 1897. However, its rapid expansion came after a pivotal moment in 1907. On March 19 of that year, founder Charles Harrison Mason attended the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, where he reported experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Cyril of Jerusalem was a fourth-century bishop and theologian best known for his Catechetical Lectures, instructional teachings delivered to those preparing for baptism. These lectures became foundational for understanding early Christian doctrine, especially regarding the Nicene Creed and the Eucharist.

Patrick, who died on March 17, 461, is remembered as the missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland. Though widely known as “Saint Patrick,” he was never formally canonized through the later medieval process used by the Roman Catholic Church. His recognition as a saint comes from early Christian tradition rather than a formal Vatican declaration.

John Albert Broadus, often called the “Prince of the Pulpit,” died on March 16, 1895. A leading figure in nineteenth-century Southern Baptist life, Broadus combined pastoral ministry, academic leadership, and denominational influence.

On March 15, 1517, Pope Leo X formally authorized the sale of indulgences to help finance the costly construction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

In seventeenth-century Massachusetts, Puritan leaders sought to preserve religious uniformity within the colony. Quakers, who emphasized the “Inner Light” and rejected formal church rituals, were viewed as dangerous dissenters. They were fined, imprisoned, branded, and banished.

On March 13, 1925, Tennessee enacted the Butler Act, legislation prohibiting public school teachers from denying the biblical account of creation by teaching human evolution.

On March 12, 2000, during the Jubilee Year, Pope John Paul II led what became known as the “Day of Pardon,” publicly asking God’s forgiveness for the historical sins of members of the Roman Catholic Church.

On March 11, 1559, Protestant reformers in Perth, Scotland, took dramatic action against Catholic institutions.

On March 10, 1748, John Newton experienced the turning point that would define the rest of his life.

Civilla Durfee Martin died on March 9, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia, leaving behind a hymn legacy that continues to shape Christian worship.

Hugo Black, a former U.S. Senator from Alabama, served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court after his appointment by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937.

Thomas Aquinas died on March 7, 1274, leaving behind one of the most influential theological legacies in Christian history.