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Christian History

Today in Christian History

August 17

August 17, 1635: Richard Mather arrives in Boston. He began the "Mather Dynasty" in New England Puritanism that also included his son, Cotton, and grandson, Increase (see issue 41: American Puritans).

August 17, 1761: William Carey, who would become a tremendously influential and effective Baptist missionary to India, is born in Northamptonshire, England (see issue 36: William Carey).

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May 2, 373: Church father Athanasius, "the father of Orthodoxy," dies. He attended the Council of Nicea, and after becoming bishop of Alexandria, he fought Arianism and won. He was also the first to list the New Testament canonical books as we know them today (see issue 51: Heresy in the Early Church).

May 2, 1507: Martin Luther celebrates his first mass (delayed by a month so his father could attend) as an ordained priest. Luther was so nervous that he nearly dropped the bread and cup. ...

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