October 1: Today in Christian History

October 1, 1529

The Colloquy of Marburg, which attempted to unify the followers of Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli, begins. It would close in failure October 4. While the Reformers agreed on 14 of the 15 articles, they remained divided over the Lutheran doctrine of the Eucharist (consubstantiation). Thus Switzerland remained Reformed and Germany stayed Lutheran—and dreams of a united European front against Roman Catholicism died

October 1, 1555

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina is appointed choir master to St. John Lateran, where he will produce some of the finest music before Bach.

October 1, 1844

When a mob attempted to prevent Seventh-day Adventists from crossing a bridge to worship in Paris, Maine, one of the ringleaders horsewhips an Adventist. Fourteen-year-old John Nevins Andrews throws his arms around the assaulted man, declaring, “If you whip Brother Davis, you must whip me also.” In respect for his bravery, the Adventists were allowed to pass. Andrews became an Adventist leader and author.

October 1, 1865

James Bryan invites a revival team to use his circus arena and many people become Christians there.

October 1, 1877

Daniel Warner’s church brings charges against him for preaching holiness.

October 1, 1883 

Former Presbyterian minister A. B. Simpson opened the Missionary Training School for Christian Evangelists (which would later be re-named The New York Missionary Training College).

October 1, 1924

Mabel Dean and Hattie Salyer arrive in Egypt to begin a mission work.

October 1, 1948

The Communist government of Romania announces that one and a half million persons loyal to the Catholic church are being placed under the control of the Orthodox church.

October 1, 1961

Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) begins broadcasting and will become notable for its 700 Club.

October 1, 1978

After discussion with the board of OC (Overseas Crusades International), with whom he had worked many years, Luis Palau forms his own evangelistic organization. The Luis Palau Evangelistic Association (LPEA) will conduct large evangelistic events around the world.

October 1, 2000

Just past noon the first of two bombs rips apart Grace Sonmin Church in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe. Nine people died and seventy others were injured.

October 1, 2000

Pope John Paul II canonizes Katharine Drexel, American foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a congregation to serve the African American and Native American people who are oppressed by discrimination and dire poverty.