July 01

Born in 1510 in West Yorkshire, John Bradford studied at Cambridge University before embracing Protestant reforms. He became a chaplain to Archbishop Thomas Cranmer and gained fame for his powerful sermons at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Bradford criticized papal authority and championed evangelical teaching, earning both followers and enemies. After Mary I ascended to the throne, he was arrested in 1553 and imprisoned in the Tower of London without trial. He endured nearly two years of harsh conditions before being burned at the stake in 1555 at Smithfield. His writings and martyrdom inspired subsequent generations of English Protestants and cemented his place in the history of the Reformation.

Born in 1629, Oliver Plunkett studied in Rome before returning to minister in Ireland under Penal Laws.\nAs Archbishop of Armagh, he worked to heal divisions and protect his flock during turbulent times.\nArrested in 1679 on false charges of treason, he endured a lengthy imprisonment.\nPlunkett was executed at Tyburn in 1681 and became celebrated as a martyr.\nHe was beatified in 1920 and canonized in 1975, becoming a symbol of faith and perseverance.\nHis letters and gentle leadership continue to inspire Catholics worldwide.

Born as Jemima Wilkinson in 1752 in Cumberland, Rhode Island, the individual claimed to have died in 1776 and been reborn as the Public Universal Friend. Rejecting traditional Christian denominations, they preached a message of universal salvation and piety across New England. They attracted a devoted following and established a communal settlement in western New York. Though controversial for their gender identity and theology, they played a notable role in early American religious movements. They traveled extensively, drawing throngs of listeners with charismatic sermons. They died in 1819, leaving behind a unique chapter in the history of American evangelism.

Peter E. Gillquist co-founded the Evangelical Orthodox Church in the 1970s before becoming a priest in the Greek Orthodox Church. Born in 1938, he led thousands of American Protestants into Orthodoxy through his dynamic preaching and pastoral care. An accomplished author, Gillquist wrote extensively on Orthodox theology and practice, including books like "Becoming Orthodox." He served parishes across the United States and taught at seminaries, emphasizing liturgical tradition and spiritual formation. His work bridged cultural and religious divides, shaping the growth of Orthodoxy in a modern context. Gillquist remained active in ministry and writing until his death in 2012.

Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, in 1935, Jimmy Swaggart is a prominent Pentecostal evangelist and founder of the Family Worship Center. He rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with 'The Jimmy Swaggart Telecast,' one of the first successful religious television programs. Swaggart's dynamic preaching style and musical talent, often featuring piano performances, drew large audiences worldwide. Despite controversies in the late 1980s, his ministry continued to flourish through radio, television, and publishing. He has authored numerous books on faith, spirituality, and Christian living, influencing millions of listeners. Swaggart's work helped shape modern evangelism and inspired a generation of televangelists. His legacy endures through the ongoing broadcast of his ministry and the outreach efforts of his organization.