1: Roman Church historian Dionysius Exiguus (ca.500-550), in calculating his
history of the Christian Church, took this day as the supposed date of the Annunciation.
March 25th afterward became the first day of the calendar year, until the Gregorian
Calendar Reform of 1582 changed the day to January 1st.
1533:
During one of his recorded "Table Talks," German reformer Martin Luther
declared: "That the Creator himself comes to us and becomes our ransom - this is the
reason for our rejoicing."
1634:
The Catholic Church gained a foothold in colonial America when the ships "Dove"
and "Ark" arrived in Maryland with 128 Catholic colonists, selected by Cecilius
Calvert, second Lord Baltimore. The colony was under the leadership of Leonard Calvert,
Lord Baltimore's brother.
1951:
American missionary and martyr Jim Elliot reflected in his journal: "When it comes
time to die, make sure that all you have to do is die."
1953: A
group of 22 Southern Baptist military personnel, stationed at Rapid City, met to form the
Calvary Baptist Church, the first Southern Baptist congregation established in South
Dakota.
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)
