March 18 in Christian History: Key Events and Figures
March 18 has witnessed several pivotal moments in Christian history. rom the martyrdom of Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, to the rise of Ethiopian Christianity, this date carries deep historical and spiritual significance. By looking at these moments, we gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience, faith, and impact of Christianity through history.
March 18 has been significant in global Christian history for various reasons. Here are a few notable events that occurred on this date:
Historical Events:
1314: Execution of Jacques de Molay
- Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, was burnt at the stake in Paris by order of King Philip IV of France. The Templars were a mediaeval Christian military order that played a significant role in the Crusades.
1662: Act of Uniformity Passed in England
- The English Parliament passed an Act that enforced the use of the Book of Common Prayer in Anglican worship, leading to the ejection of many Puritan clergy who refused to comply.
1745: Birth of John Gillies (Scottish Historian)
- John Gillies, a Scottish church historian, was born. He is known for his contributions to recording the history of revival movements within Christianity.
1865: William Booth Preaches First Salvation Army Sermon
- William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, preached his first sermon as an evangelist in London, focusing on ministering to the poor and marginalised
1965: Evangelist Billy Graham Begins Crusade in Australia
- Billy Graham, one of the most influential evangelists of the 20th century, launched a major evangelical campaign Australia, drawing thousands to his preaching events.
1980: Bishop Desmond Tutu Becomes Secretary-General of the South African Council of Churches
- On March 18, 1980, Desmond Tutu, an Anglican bishop and anti-apartheid activist, was appointed as the first Black Secretary-General of the South African Council of Churches. He used this position to speak out against apartheid, emphasizing Christian principles of justice and reconciliation.
1988: Death of Archbishop Peter Kairo’s Predecessor in Kenya
- On this date, a former Catholic Archbishop of Kenya passed away, marking a significant transition in church leadership during a time of social and political transformation.
Rise of Ethiopian Christianity: Commemoration of Early Christian Movements
- March 18 is often linked to reflections on Ethiopia’s long Christian history, particularly the influence of Saint Frumentius, who introduced Christianity to the Kingdom of Aksum in the 4th century. Though not directly tied to a specific event on this day, Ethiopian Orthodox communities commemorate their historical Christian roots around this period.
See Also: March 13 in Christian History: Key Events and Figures
Notable Christian Birthdays on March 18
John C. Calhoun (1782): Though primarily known as an American politician, Calhoun was influenced by Presbyterian beliefs and defended states’ rights and religious values in politics.
John Gillies (1745): A Scottish church historian known for documenting Christian revivals and the works of early evangelists.
Neville Figgis (1866): An English priest, theologian, and historian, known for his writings on church and state relations.
Festo Kivengere (1919, Uganda): A prominent Ugandan Anglican bishop and evangelist known as the “Billy Graham of Africa.” He played a key role in the East African Revival and was an outspoken critic of Idi Amin’s dictatorship.
Joseph Kiwanuka (1899, Uganda): The first native African Catholic bishop in modern Africa, ordained in 1939. He played a key role in the growth of the Catholic Church in Uganda.
Notable Christian Deaths on March 18
Jacques de Molay (1314): The last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, burnt at the stake in Paris after persecution by King Philip IV of France.
John Winthrop (1649): A Puritan leader and one of the founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, famous for his “City upon a Hill” sermon emphasizing Christian moral leadership.
Johannes Scheffler (Angelus Silesius) (1677): A German Catholic mystic and poet known for his deeply spiritual and theological writings.
Friedrich Wilhelm Krummacher (1868): A German Reformed pastor and theologian who wrote extensively on biblical prophecy and pastoral ministry.
Cardinal Paul Zoungrana (2000, Burkina Faso): A key figure in African Catholicism, he was the first Cardinal from Burkina Faso and played a major role in promoting inculturation in the Church.
Content Credit| Ajibola Emmanuel Adebayo
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