24th January: Today in Christian History

24th January, 1529

On this day in Christian History, Tatars bound John of Kazan in Kazan (now a Russian Federation city but then under control of the Mongols) and mortally wounded him with swords when he refused to convert to Islam.

24th January, 1539

On this day in Christian History, Belgium issued a mandate against the Mennonites whom it harassed because of their Anabaptist beliefs.

24th January, 1597

On this day in Christian History, the Dutch rout a Spanish force at the Battle of Turnhout, confirming their resolution to never again submit to Spanish rule. 

24th January, 1722

In this day in Christian History, Harvard appointed theologian Edward Wigglesworth to fill the newly created Thomas Hollis chair at Harvard College, the first divinity professor in America. By casting doubt on Calvinism, Wigglesworth will become a force for the development of Unitarianism in New England. Yale will be founded to counter his liberalism.

24th January, 1831

The London Provisional Committee issues a circular to the secretaries of the county associations of Independent churches in England and Wales, explaining the objects of a proposed union and inviting the associations to send deputies to a meeting to be held in London in May for considering the scheme.

24th January, 1844

On this day in Christian History, Fanny J. Crosby, who later became a notable hymnwriter, is one of seventeen students from the New York Institute of the Blind who give a concert for the United States Congress, and she recited a thirteen stanza original composition calling for the creation of institutes for the education of the blind in every state. This draws “calls for an encore” and earns the congratulations of John Quincy Adams.

24th January, 1886

On this day in Christian History, Thomas De Witt Talmage celebrated his seventeenth year as pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. A noted orator, he is one of the leading pastors of his day and a crusader against vice in New York City. .

24th January, 1975

On this day in Christian History, Frederick Donald Coggan in his enthronement sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury calls for more people to put themselves forward for ordination.

24th January, 2006

Unknown gunmen assassinate Elijah Yisa, an Anglican pastor, discipleship mentor, and evangelist among Nigeria’s Muslims.