Mar. 29 in Christian History

Mar 29, 2012 02:47 PM EDT

1523 - German reformer Martin Luther wrote in a letter: 'There has never been a great revelation of God's Word unless God has first prepared the way by the rise and the flourishing of languages and learning, as though these were forerunners, a sort of John the Baptist.'


1638 - The first Swedish colonists in America established a Lutheran settlement at Fort Christiana in the Colony of Delaware.


1832 - The Kentucky Baptist Convention was organized in Frankfort with delegates representing nine congregations within the state.


1847 - Birth of Winfield Scott Weeden, American sacred chorister and hymnwriter. During his life he led music and singing schools for the YMCA and Christian Endeavor. Of his several musical compositions, Weeden is best remembered today for the hymn, "I Surrender All."


1882 - The Knights of Columbus, founded by Father Michael J. McGivney, was chartered by the General Assembly of Connecticut. Established as a lay fraternal society, the K of C encourages benevolence, patriotism and racial tolerance among its members.


© 1987-2012, William D. Blake. Used by permission of the author, from

Almanac of the Christian Church