June 13 in Christian History

Jun 13, 2007 08:49 AM EDT

June 13

1525: German Reformer Martin Luther, 42, married former nun Katherine von Bora, 26. Their 21-year marriage bore six children. Kate outlived her husband (who died in 1546) by six years.

1742: English founder of Methodism John Wesley wrote in his journal: "Oh, let none think his labor is lost because the fruit does not immediately appear."

1816: Birth of Edward F. Rimbault, the English church organist who composed the hymn tune to which is sung "O Happy Day, That Fixed My Choice."

1876: The Presbyterian Church in England merged with the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, in creating a more uniform representation of the Reformed faith in the British Isles.

1897: Birth of Reuben Larson, missionary pioneer who in 1931 (along with Clarence W. Jones) co-founded the World Radio Missionary Fellowship. Since 1969, WRMF has been headquartered in Opa Locka, Florida.

Source: William D. Blake. Almanac of the Christian Church, Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1987.