This Week in Christian History

Friday, November 19, 2010

1863 - Sarah Hale Gave Us Thanksgiving Day Sarah Hale used her popular magazines as a forum to advocate America's national day of gratitude to God. She worked tirelessly towards this goal for over fifteen years before Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1863. Not a bad track record for a girl educated at home, largely by her own efforts... (Read more) Read the full article here 1839 - John Williams Martyred on Erromanga November 20, 1839 - John Williams encountered hostility when he landed on Erromanga, New Hebrides (Vanuatu). He tried to dash back to his ship, but he wasn't quick enough. The missionary who had hoped to feast them with the Gospel became their... (Read more) Read the full article here 1827 - Henry Alford, Author of "Come Ye Thankful People Come" Henry Alford is best known as the author of the Thanksgiving hymn "Come Ye Thankful People Come." Among scholars, he is better known for his commentary on the Greek New Testament, on which he labored for... (Read more) Read the full article here 869 - Enduring Legend of Popular Martyr King It is said that Edmund was a godly English king. When the Danes invaded in 866, Edmund struggled to hold his little state against them. Upon his capture, he refused to submit to pagan conditions saying that his faith was dearer to him than life, and that he would never purchase his life by offending God. Infuriated, the Danes beat him with sticks, then tied him to a tree and tore his flesh with whips. Next they shot arrows into him until..." (Read more) Read the full article here 270 - Gregory Worked Wonders When Gregory became bishop of Neocaesarea in the region of Pontus (modern Turkey) in the year 239, there were only seventeen Christians. When he died (which tradition says happened on November 17, 270), there were only seventeen pagans. That transformation was owing largely to... (Read more) Read the full article here