Christian History Today
Resources for your journey through the exploration of Christian History.
March 12, 2000 - Pope John Paul II Acknowledges Catholic History
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.
March 11, 1559 - Protestants Burn Catholic Churches in Perth
On March 11, 1559, Protestant reformers in Perth, Scotland, took dramatic action against Catholic institutions.
March 10, 1748 - John Newton Becomes a Christian
On March 10, 1748, John Newton experienced the turning point that would define the rest of his life.
March 9, 1948 - Hymn Writer Civilla Martin Dies
Civilla Durfee Martin died on March 9, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia, leaving behind a hymn legacy that continues to shape Christian worship.
March 8, 1948 - McCollum v. Board of Education Decided
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.
March 7, 1274 - Thomas Aquinas Dies
Thomas Aquinas died on March 7, 1274, leaving behind one of the most influential theological legacies in Christian history.
March 6, 1858 - Missionary Society of St. Paul Founded
Father Isaac Hecker was convinced that the largely Protestant United States could be won to Roman Catholicism through intentional, evangelistic engagement.
March 5, 1797 - Henry Nott Lands in Tahiti
The late eighteenth century witnessed a surge in Protestant missionary expansion. Organizations such as the London Missionary Society sought to carry the Gospel beyond Europe to Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
March 4, 1849 - President Taylor Refuses to be Sworn in on Sunday
Before the ratification of the 20th Amendment, presidential inaugurations were held on March 4. In 1849, that date fell on a Sunday, creating a constitutional and religious dilemma. President-elect Zachary Taylor declined to take the oath of office on the Sabbath, citing personal conviction.
March 3, 1033 - Queen Cunegunda Dies
Queen Cunegunda, wife of Holy Roman Emperor Henry II, stands as a notable example of medieval Christian rulership shaped by personal devotion.
March 2, 1898 - Preamble to Australian Constitution Amended
The Australian Constitution begins with a striking theological acknowledgment: “humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God.” That phrase was not part of the earliest drafts.
March 1, 1546 - George Wishart Burned at the Stake
Near the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland, stands the Martyrs’ Memorial, erected in honor of three pivotal figures of the Scottish Reformation: Patrick Hamilton, George Wishart, and James Melville.
February 28, 1638 - Scottish National Covenant Signed
On 28 February 1638, a group of Scottish nobles and clergy gathered at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh to sign what became known as the National Covenant.
February 27, 1710 - Anabaptists Arrested
Swiss Mennonite Melchior Zahler was betrayed, arrested, and bound at the urging of a Reformed church official. His children were taken from him. His possessions were confiscated. He was transported to Bern and sentenced to exile in America.
February 26, 398 - John Chrysostom Becomes Archbishop of Constantinople
John Chrysostom was one of the most influential Church Fathers of the fourth and fifth centuries, known for his powerful preaching and theological leadership during a pivotal era in Christian history.
February 25, 1934 - Sir Leonard Woolley Finishes Archaeological Dig in Ur
Ur, the ancient city from which God called Abram (later Abraham) in the book of Genesis, became the focus of one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the twentieth century.
February 24, 303 - Diocletian Issues his Edict Against the Christians
For several centuries, Roman emperors often tolerated Christianity under an informal policy of limited enforcement, though believers periodically faced localized persecution.
February 23, 155 - Polycarp Martyred
The New Testament records that after His ascension, Jesus Christ entrusted significant spiritual authority to the apostles, establishing the foundation of the early Church.
February 22, 1901 - Lettie Cowman Lands in Japan
Lettie Cowman and her husband, Charles Cowman, were pioneering missionaries to Japan and co-founders of the Oriental Missionary Society (now known as OMS International).
February 21, 1945 - Eric Liddell Dies
Eric Liddell became an international symbol of Christian conviction during the 1924 Summer Olympics when he refused to compete in a qualifying heat race scheduled on a Sunday.