31st May: Today in Christian History

May 31, 1578

Italian archaeologist Antonio Bosio discovered the Christian catacombs in Rome. While often mistaken as places of refuge or worship, these catacombs were primarily used as burial chambers by early Christians. 

May 31, 1701

Alexander Cruden, born in Aberdeen, Scotland, became renowned for compiling a biblical concordance that remains a standard reference for the King James Version. Despite facing mental health challenges, he accomplished this monumental task between episodes of mental breakdowns.

May 31, 1843

Methodist Elder Orange Scott presided over a convention in Utica, New York, leading to the establishment of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection. This new church was formed in response to the Methodist Episcopal Church's perceived compromises on issues like slavery and church governance. 

31st May, 1934

The Barmen Declaration was signed in Germany, representing a pivotal stand by Christians against Nazi influence. Primarily drafted by theologian Karl Barth, the declaration rejected the pro-Nazi German Christian movement and affirmed the church's independence from political ideology.

31st May, 1987

• On this day in Christian History, the Billy Graham Library was dedicated in North Carolina. The ceremony was attended by former U.S. presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, with President Bush delivering the keynote address. The library was established to preserve Billy Graham's legacy and share his story with future generations.
• On this day in Christian History, Pastor Dr. Love Oyedepo Ogah was born into the family of Bishop David Oyedepo, founder, Winers Chapel. You can read her full biography here.

31st May

On this day in Christian History, Pastor Toromoluwa Akinkuade was born. She is a Senior Pastor at the Sanding Church which was founded and is led by her husband, Pastor Tara Akinkuade. You can read her full biography here.