1698: The first meeting convened of the British group which later
formed the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK).
1711: In
this date's edition of "The Spectator," English essayist Joseph Addison wrote:
'To be an atheist requires an infinitely greater measure of faith than to receive all the
great truths which atheism would deny.'
1740:
Colonial revivalist Gilbert Tennent, 37, preached his famous sermon, "The Danger of
An Unconverted Ministry." The message, assaulting opponents of the Great Awakening,
contributed to the first schism within the American Presbyterian Church between the Old
Side and New Side. (In 1758 the two divisions were reunited.)
1887:
Death of Henry Ward Beecher, 73, American clergyman and social reformer. His last words
were: 'Going out into life" that is dying.'
1921:
The United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Australia was organized at Ebenezer, in South
Australia. In 1966 the UELCA united with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Australia
(ELCA) to form the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA).
Source: William D. Blake. Almanac
of the Christian Church, Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1987. Additional
information supplied by the author. Contact via E-mail: William D. Blake. (pilgrimwb@aol.com)
