Historical Events tagged with "missionary"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Graham Staines and Sons Killed in India

January 22nd, 1999 26 years ago

Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons, Philip and Timothy, were attacked and killed by a mob of radical Hindus while they were sleeping in their car in the eastern state of Odisha, India. The family had been working in the area as part of a Christian missionary team, providing care and support to the local community. On that fateful night, the assailants set the vehicle ablaze, resulting in their deaths and shocking the world. The incident highlighted tensions surrounding religious practices in the region.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Stanley Meets Livingstone in Africa

November 10th, 1871 153 years ago

Henry Morton Stanley famously encountered David Livingstone in Ujiji, near Lake Tanganyika, greeting him with the memorable words, 'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?' This meeting brought closure to the search for the British missionary and explorer who had been out of contact for several years. Livingstone had been exploring the uncharted regions of Africa, hoping to find a route to the interior and promote Christianity, while Stanley's expedition aimed to locate him.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Bishop John Coleridge Patteson is Martyred

September 20th, 1871 153 years ago

Bishop John Coleridge Patteson, the first bishop of Melanesia, was martyred on Nukapu in the Solomon Islands. He was known for his missionary work among the islanders and aimed to educate and convert them to Christianity. Patteson's efforts were met with resistance, and during a visit to the island, he and several companions were attacked by local inhabitants. His death sparked outrage and efforts to continue his mission in the region.

Continue Reading
Education & Academia

Launch of Nigeria's First Newspaper

December 3rd, 1859 165 years ago

Iwe Irohin, Nigeria's first newspaper, was published by missionary Henry Townsend. This pivotal publication marked a significant point in the spread of literacy and communication in the region. The newspaper aimed to inform the Yoruba-speaking populace and discussed various topics relevant to society, culture, and politics. Its establishment illustrated the growing influence of Western education and mission work in Nigeria.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Narcissa Whitman's Arrival in Walla Walla

September 1st, 1836 188 years ago

Narcissa Whitman, along with her husband Marcus, reached Walla Walla as one of the first English-speaking white women to settle in the region west of the Rocky Mountains. Their journey was part of the larger migration of settlers seeking new opportunities in the American West. As a missionary couple, they aimed to establish a mission and provide education and Christianity to the indigenous populations they encountered.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Formation of the Original Quorum of Twelve Apostles

February 14th, 1835 190 years ago

In Kirtland, Ohio, the original Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was formally organized, consisting of twelve leaders chosen to guide and support the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This pivotal moment solidified the church's leadership structure, ensuring expansion and missionary work. The apostles were ordained by Joseph Smith, the church founder, and provided spiritual governance and direction to the emerging membership.

Continue Reading
Education & Academia

Founding of the Scottish Church College

July 13th, 1830 194 years ago

The Scottish Church College, originally founded by Alexander Duff and Raja Ram Mohan Roy in Calcutta, emerged as a significant educational institution. It aimed to provide modern education and strengthen the Bengali Renaissance through the promotion of Western learning integrated with Indian cultural values. This establishment marked an essential step in the modernization of education in Bengal, encouraging a new generation of learners to explore science, literature, and social reforms.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

First Christian Service in New Zealand

December 25th, 1814 210 years ago

Rev. Samuel Marsden conducted the first Christian service on New Zealand soil at Rangihoua Bay. This service marked a significant moment in the introduction of Christianity to the Māori and took place in the presence of local Māori leaders. Marsden, a missionary from the Church Missionary Society, aimed to promote Christianity and Western education among the indigenous population. This gathering involved hymns, prayers, and teachings, establishing a foundation for future Christian activities in New Zealand.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Foundation of the Dominican Mission in Ilagan

March 4th, 1686 339 years ago

The Dominican mission of Ilagan was officially established after years of unofficial presence in 1678, signifying a key development in the Catholic Church’s expansion in the Philippines. Located in the rugged northern part of Luzon, Ilagan became an important site for missionary activities and the spread of Christianity among local communities. The founding focused on education and religious conversion, as Dominican friars aimed to guide indigenous groups towards Christianity, enhancing spiritual life while influencing local culture. As a response to prior unofficial missionary efforts, the establishment was a critical step in consolidating the Church’s presence in the region during the Spanish colonial period.

Continue Reading