This Day In History May 13 - 19, 2012
(changes weekly; click on title above or on the month navigation link for previous entries on Presbyterian history)
On May 13, 1878, Smithsonian Institution Secretary Joseph Henry died in Washington, D.C. A lifelong Presbyterian, Henry was anoutstanding scientist who served as the first Secretary of the Institution from 1846 to his death in 1878. His funeral was on May 16th at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church.
On May 14, 1874, Black members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church met at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to organize what was called the Second Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The predominantly African-American denomination later became known as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.
On May 18, 1927, Cecil B. DeMille premiered his silent movie, "King of Kings," (movie still below) at the then brand-new Grauman's Chinese Theatre (which joined Sid Grauman's existing Egyptian Theatre).
Thousands of people lined Hollywood Boulevard opening night and a near riot broke out as fans pushed Ever the showman, DeMille enlisted four local clergymen to open the festivities. Representing Protestants was Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Robert Freeman, pastor of the Pasadena Presbyterian Church.
On May 18, 1834, Sheldon Jackson, Presbyterian missionary to the frontier West and Alaska, was born in Minaville, New York. Jackson's reputation for ministering to the spiritual, physical, and social needs of both natives and settlers earned him the nicknames "Bishop of All Beyond" and "Apostle to Alaska." Photo courtesy of the Sheldon Jackson Museum, Sitka, Alaska.
For more events this week, click here. for This Day in May.
May Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm; Sat. 1 -4 pm, Sun. 1:30 - 4 pm; Closed Memorial Day (28th)
Missions to Mexico exhibit covers the first Presbyterian missionaries (independent, PCUSA, PCUS, ARP, etc.) from the mid-1800s to the recent decision by the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM) to terminate its 1980 joint mission agreement with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Rare artifacts and photos, including a 19th century side saddle owned by Melinda Rankin, the first Presbyterian supported, independent missionary to Mexico.
Pearl Harbor & WWII: Through the Eyes of Chaplains and Valley Residents
A new exhibit has opened which commemorates the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor and the United States' (and Swannanoa Valley's) involvement in World War II.
Open through mid-July 2012.
Answering the Call: Religion and Chaplains during the Civil War exhibit unveils the little known history of chaplains during the Civil War. It includes rare artifacts, books, photos and documents that cover the various roles chaplains played at the battlefield, camp, hospital, prison, library, worship and burials. Click here for more information on the Civil War Chaplains' Exhibit. This exhibit is open through October 2012 and additional material is constantly being added.
Presbyterian Missionaries and Ministers Databases
are
being uploaded to this site, under Bios tab above. You also can click here. These databases are starting with early ministers and missionaries (pre-1860)
and are being researched by teams of volunteers and staff at the Presbyterian Heritage Center. If you have biographical information on ministers and misionaries, and especially photos, please email us.
E-Flip Online Books and Reference Sources
(allow popups on your browser;
click on image above or one of three e-book links below) The Ministerial Directory (1898)
Latest News/Future Events Centennial Celebration: Presbyterian Women — We are preparing a display on the history of the Woman's Auxiliary (1912) of the Presbyerian Church in the U.S. This group became Women of the Church and later with reunion, Presbyterian Women. The exhibit opens on May 31, 2012. If you have a photo of the Woman's Auxilliary for the Presbyterian Church that you can loan or donate for this special exhibit, please call us (828) 669-6556 or send us an email. Thanks. Click here.
New downloadable programs (leader guides, materials for group members) on Presbyterian history, missions and more will soon be available on this web site. If you would like to be notified as these modules become available, click here to send us an email!
Joyful, Joyful: Psalters & Hymnals, a 500 year Musical Journey Exhibit
A new exhibit will open in Fall 2012 featuring rare volumes from Genevan Psalters to early hymnals to the 2013 Presbyterian Hymnal. Little known facts, musical recordings and artifacts over the centuries will help prepare you for the unveiling of the 2013 new Presbyterian Hymnal.
1540s Psalter illustration of musicians, above; Ethiopic Ge'ez Psalter, circa 1700s.
Photo Collections
We are starting to provide online access to pictures.
Click to see: Stegall Collection (Congo), 1915 - 1940s.
outstanding scientist who served as the first Secretary of the Institution from 1846 to his death in 1878. His funeral was on May 16th at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Presbyterian missionaries (independent, PCUSA, PCUS, ARP, etc.) from the mid-1800s to the recent decision by the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM) to terminate its 1980 joint mission agreement with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Rare artifacts and photos, including a 19th century side saddle owned by Melinda Rankin, the first Presbyterian supported, independent missionary to Mexico.
Civil War
