June 17, 1703: John Wesley, founder of Methodism, is born in Epworth, England, to parents Samuel and Susanna. Though Methodism’s emphasis on grace and instantaneous (often emotional) conversion marked a radical departure from high church tradition, Wesley always considered himself an Anglican (see issue 2: John Wesley and issue 69: The Wesleys).
June 17, 1963: The U.S. Supreme Court rules 8-1 that states cannot require the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer or Bible verses in public schools.