This Day in Christian History: March 4
This Day in Christian History: March 4
March 4, 1850: James A. Garfield is baptized, 31 Years later takes the oath of office. (1881)
Garfield at age 16 |
Garfield also served as an elder in his local Church of Christ. 31 years to the day after his conversion, James A. Garfield was sworn in as the 20th President of the United States. He was the first president to have been a clergyman. Forced to resign his position as elder, Garfield told the congregation, "I resign the highest office in the land to become President of the United States."
Another thing I found interesting is that Garfield took on a debate against evolutionist William Denton in 1858. The debate lasted over a week, but it was said to have been a convincing win by Garfield.
Garfield as a Brigadier General during the Civil War |
1850: Baptism
1863: Begins term as House Representative for Ohio
1881: Sworn in as 20th President
Garfield's presidency lasted only 200 days. He was shot by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881, and died of the wounds on September 19th.
I didn't know all this. He was really a great man, wasn't he?
ReplyDeleteYa, I found it rather interesting that March 4th was such an important date for him. Not a coincidence, I think. :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Sandy!