March 24th in Christ

Sentencing of Hugh Latimer (1555)
Event: On March 24, 1555, Hugh Latimer, a leading English Protestant reformer and bishop, was sentenced to death by burning during the Marian persecutions under Queen Mary I. Alongside Nicholas Ridley and Thomas Cranmer, Latimer had been imprisoned for his Protestant preaching against Catholic doctrines. His formal trial and sentencing occurred in Oxford, with execution delayed until October 16, 1555, when he famously said, “We shall this day light such a candle… as I trust shall never be put out.”
Protestant Relevance: Latimer’s sentencing and eventual martyrdom galvanized the English Reformation, reinforcing Protestant resistance to Catholic restoration. A key figure under Edward VI, his sermons and death inspired the Protestant cause, notably influencing Anglicanism’s development.
Significance: This event marked a turning point in the Marian persecutions, strengthening Protestant identity in England. The March 24 sentencing is precise, tied to trial records, though execution came later.

John Wesley’s Conversion Experience (1738)
Event: On March 24, 1738, John Wesley, an Anglican clergyman and future founder of Methodism, faced a life-threatening storm aboard a ship returning from Georgia to England. Believing he was near death, Wesley reflected deeply on his faith, experiencing a profound spiritual moment of trust in God’s grace. This preceded his more famous Aldersgate experience (May 24, 1738) but was a critical step in his evangelical awakening.
Protestant Relevance: Wesley’s experience fueled his shift toward personal salvation and revivalism, foundational to Methodism—a major Protestant movement emphasizing heartfelt faith and social holiness. It marked an internal turning point, influencing his later leadership with brother Charles Wesley and George Whitefield.