Mary Magdalene was an original follower of Jesus. The name Magdalene suggest she came from a small town called Magdala. We first notice her in Luke’s gospel (Chapter 2 v 1-3). it simply says who seven demons had come out. She is mentioned 12 times in total by name in the canonical Gospels- that is more than most of the disciples or non-family women in the Gospels are mentioned. She is mentioned in the list of women who watched Christ’s crucifixion and his burial (Matthew 27 v 55-61 Mark 15 v 40-47 and John 19 v25 ). She come very much to the fore in the resurrection story. She is one of the first to witness the empty tomb. She is the first to see him after his resurrection - but initially believes he is the gardener until Jesus simply says,* ‘Mary’. She gives her wonderful reply of Rabboni * -Master She is the first to testify to his resurrection. This is why in many Christian traditions she is known as the apostle to the apostles. (Matthew 28 v1-10, Mark 16 v 1-9, Luke 24 v10 and John 20 v 1-18). We do not know for certain what happened to her afterwards. It is thought she went with John the disciple/apostle to Ephesus. I have included Biblical texts from the burial and the resurrection. In the Gnostic Gospels her closeness to Jesus results in tension with the other disciples. Sources NIV Bible, wikipedia and ** The Church’s Year * by Charles Alexander

Saint Edmund, King of East Anglia, also known as Edmund the Martyr was England’s original Patron Saint. Aged just 15 in 856 Edmund became king of East Anglia. He rules his kingdom well and spent times restoring churches and monasteries destroyed in previous wars. In 870 the Danes invaded his kingdom, marching on Mercia. Edmund fought them at Hoxne, about 20 miles from Thetford, and was defeated. After the battle the Danish leader, Hingwar, demanded the king to hand over his treasure and accept the position of vassal. The king accepted the terms on the condition Hingwar would become a Christian. What happened next is uncertain. The Danes/Vikings destroyed any contemporary evidence of his reign. Writers later then produced fictional accounts of his life. Fact or Fiction? Edmund may have been killed in battle. It is uncertain where he actually died. OR, according to pictures depicting his death, this angered Hingwar so much that he had him tied up to a tree, shot at with arrows and was then beheaded. King Edmund became Edmund the Martyr. Taking the story even further Edmund’s head was thrown into the forest. The searchers hearing the sound of ethereal wolves calling out in Latin ’ Hic Hic Hic’ - in English ’ Here ,here ,here ’ found his head. Hingwar is referred elsewhere as Ivar the Boneless. Fact - Edmund’s bones in 902/3 remains were moved to Beodricsworth - modern Bury St. Edmunds where King Athelstan founded a religious community to care for his shrine aaaaand it beacame a place of national pilgrimage. ( read ‘Beodericworth’ paragraph) Where are the remains now ? ( read Where is St. Edmund?) King Edmund was a Christian king. He sacrificed his life because he refused to renounce Jesus Christ as his saviour.

John Calvin was the Reformations supreme Bible teacher. Young John had originally planned a life of of quiet scholarship but a ‘sudden conversion’- his phrase- at age of 20 led him to want God’s will rather than his own. Born a French man he found himself exiled in Geneva, Switzerland for most of his adult life. With maximum public exposure he became a preacher and teacher of the Bible, pastor. reformer, theologian and universal Christian counselor. In the book *Great Leaders of the Christian Church James I. Packer lays a very sound foundation. He writes about Calvin the man, his will. sudden conversion and called to Geneva and Calvinism in Europe (See notes). He also covers John’s Geneva, theology and knowledge of God. John developed hie theology in his biblical commentaries as well as his sermons and treaties but the most concise expression of his views are found in his magnum opus * Institutes of the Christian Religion* It was and is Protestantism’ s classic statement. Over the years the book grew! Edition 1 was 6 chapters (1536), edition 2 - 3 times larger (1539), edition 3 added new material (1543) and finally edition 4 - consisted of 4 books of 80 chapters each (1559) Book 1 God the Creator, bk.2 Redeemer in Christ. Bk.3 Receiving the Grace of Christ through the Holy Spirit bk.4 Society of Christ or the Church The theology of John Calvin has been more influential in both the development of the system of belief now known as Calvinism and in Protestant thought more generally. Anchored in Geneva John became an international figure in his own life time. The modern world can hardly be understood without some knowledge of Calvinism. Sources used wikipedia Great Leaders of the Christian Church edited by Woodbridge Christianity Today What is calvinism? by John Piper Note The wikipedia site has a fantastic amount of information about John and Calvanism.

Thomas Becket is one of the most famous men in English History. Henry11 asked, ‘Who will rid me of this traitor?’ Four of his knights took at his word and went to Canterbury Cathedral and in front of the high altar murdered Thomas. Henry 11 and Thomas had been friends. Henry 11 had appointed him to be his royal chancellor. He performed his duties very capably and became the king’s trusted servant and friend. On the death of of Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury Henry11 appointed Thomas his successor. He believed Thomas would serve the state as well as the church. On appointment Thomas changed his allegiance and his life style. He abandoned his worldly materialistic ways and became a saintly soul living a disciplined , pious and austere life. He steadfastly resisted all efforts to impose the royal will on the church. Discord developed over how the church and state dealt with clerics convicted of crimes. Following a quarrel Thomas, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was forced into exile in France (1164-1170). On his return to England in 1170 he met with his death. Henry11 when he heard the news was distraught - what he had said in anger he now regretted. Henry was forced to do penance because there was such an outpouring of rage from the public Thomas was sainted in 1173 and became the most popular saint in English History. His Legacy is enormous. In the ‘Canterbury Tales’ by Chaucer a group of pilgrims are on their way to worship at his shrine. (Read Legacy) Sources used Great Leaders of the Christian Church - Woodbridge contribution from Robert G. Clouse wipedia BBC History

Edward the Confessor was a king who later became recognized as a saint He lived in the eleventh century . He died shortly before the Battle of Hasting between King Harold, his successor and William 1, William the conqueror. There are differences of opinion as to whether he was a weak or a strong king. Confessor reflects his reputation as a saint who did not suffer martyrdom. Wikipedia uses the work ’ nickname ’ to reflect the traditional image of him as unworldly and pious. He did reign for 24 years It is said because he was unable to fulfill a vow to go to Rome that he built a monastery. The monastery we call Westminster Abbey. He re-established the Abbey of Westminster on a site of a church built 400 years earlier. It was the first Norman Romanesque church in England. Building began in 1042 and consecrated on 28th December 1065. Edward unfortunately was too ill to attend the ceremony and died the following week - 5th January 1066. Edward was buried at Westminster Abbey. His body was exhumed a number of times and was finally given a centerpiece, in a magnificent tomb, in the new thirteenth century ( present day )Abbey. Edward can be seen on the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Edward the Confessor was for many years the patron saint of England until Saint George, during the time of the Crusades, replaced him. HIs feast day is 13th October. Westminster Abbey was finally completed in 1090 some 25 years after his death. In 1245, during the reign of Henry111, it was demolished and replaced by today’s present building.

Looking for information about Desmond Tutu I found a list of Champions of Human Rights - 9 champions with a picture of each and some basic information about them which I thought could be useful for Key Stage 2/3 work. These sheets were created under Youth for Human Rights. There are Free resource kits available in many languages. Mahatma Gandhi Cesar Chavez Eleanor Roosevelt Nelson Mandela Dr. Martin Luther King (See separate entry) Desmond Tutu Oscar Arias Sanchez Muhammad Yunus Jose Ramos-Horta I have added Father Trevor Huddlestone (See separate entry) Plus information about anti-apartheid in South Africa

John the Baptist was a cousin of Jesus. He baptised Jesus in the River Jordan. All 4 of the gospels look at the life of John the Baptist - notes used from Luke His parents were Zachariah, a priest, his mother was called Elizabeth. Zachariah was chosen to burn incense in the temple. While in the temple the angel Gabriel appears to tell him that, although he and his wife are quite old, they are going to become parents, and he is told the baby is to be called John… He does not believe and is struck dumb and can only communicate by writing on a slate. Luke ch 1 v 5-22 Elizabeth becomes pregnant and the baby kicks for the first time when Mary, the future mother of Jesus, visits her. Luke ch 1 v 39-56 After John is born his parents take the baby to be circumcised. Zachariah picks up the slate to write ‘John’ and his voice is restored. Luke ch 1 v 57-79 We now move forward approximately 30 years. John, dressed in camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, is baptising people in the River Jordan calling on them to repent of their sins, saying he is the foreunner of the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit. Luke ch 3 v 1-18 Jesus goes to be baptised by John. John reluctantly baptises saying he is unworthy. A dove appears and a voice says You are my son whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Luke ch 3 v 21/2 John later tells his disciples to follow Jesus, the long awaited Messiah. John speaks out against Herod Antipas’ illegal marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife and is imprisoned Luke ch 3 v 19-20 Herod holds a party and after seeing. his wife’s daughter Salome dance offers the daughter anything she wants. After speaking with her mother she asks for the head of John on a plate. Reluctantly he agrees, Luke ch 9 v 7-9 I tell you among those born of women, there is no one greater than John. Jesus Luke ch 7 v 27 Sources used The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander The Nativity (Life) of John the Baptist New Living Translation Bible - John the Baptist notes

There are many articles written about the Hebrew word ‘Yahweh/Jehovah’ which in English translates into LORD. I have chosen 3 ( one twice). I found the article by Danielle Bernock particularly interesting. I have repeated the first double page in bolder print .She includes Biblical references. She looks at many of the other words which can be related to God in the scriptures and obviously includes Jesus who is given various wonderful names in both the O.T. and N.T… There are 6-9 definitions for Yahweh/Jehovah . The second set showing 16 names includes pronunciation. . The third set gives both pronunciation plus Biblical verses and references. I hope these prove useful. Source Wikipedia

Henry Townsend (1815-1886) was an Anglican missionary in Nigeria. He was ordained in 1842 and he then set off for Sierra Leone. After working there for only a few months he was transferred to the Yoruba Mission. He celebrated Christmas Day, 1843, in Badagry sharing the Gospel with Thomas Birch Freeman in who was the first European to enter Abeokuta. From 1846-67 -twenty- one years - he based his mission in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Working with Samuel Crowther, a Yoruba Anglican priest, He wrote several hymns in Yoruba and helped in the compilation of Crowther’s Yoruba primer. In 1858 he published a Yoruba newspaper - it was the first bilingual paper in Nigeria. Paper finished in 1866 but is said to have stated off the print media in Nigeria. From 1971-2 Henry and his wife were co-principals of CMS Female Institution Lagos, Nigeria. Henry retired in 1876. He died 10 years later in 1886.

Gideon was an American Presbyterian clergyman, evangelist, educator and missionary to the Cherokee and Creek nations He was born of Scots-Irish descent in Augusta County, Virginia. He was orphaned at the age of 11 and moved to live with relatives in Tennessee in 1787. As a youth he studied at Martin Academy in Washington County, Tennessee. He worked at a sawmill and as a surveyor to obtain an education . In 1792 he received his preacher’s license and 2 years later he was ordained by the Abingdon Presbytery of Virginia. In the 1790s he began his ministerial career as a pastor by founding the New Providence Church in Maryville.For the next 20 years he worked there and was known as a powerful and evangelizing public speaker.came In the early 19th century he raised funds to establish schools for Cherokee children. He became a cultural missionary to the Cherokees (1803-9). and founded 2 schools.Together the schools had an enrollment of about 100 students- mostly bicultural Cherokee-American boys. All his lessons were in English with material on culture and practices of Anglo-American society. (Unfortunately both schools were closed when his reputation was severely damaged due to a scandal related to alcohol.) He moved to Middle Tennessee where he served as an itinerant preacher and headed Harpeth Academy (1811-13). He founded 5 congregations in the area. Over the next 15 years he established new congregations and churches in Tennessee and Kentucky and was very successful as a fund raiser. Blackburn Seminary, in Carlinville, was named after him, in recognition of his life’s labours, in 1859. He was also active with the Kentucky Temperance Society, Gideon died just 4 days short of his 66th birthday. Source Wikipedia

Christopher was born Basil Butler in Reading, Berkshire. He was a convert from the C of E to the Roman Catholic Church, a bishop, scholar and a Benedictine monk. He became the 7th Abbot bishop of Downside Abbey (1946-66), Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation and an auxiliary bishop of Westminster (1966). It was in his capacity as Abbot President (1961-66) of the English Benedictine Congregation and as an outstanding scripture scholar, that Christopher was called to Rome to participate in Vatican 11 (1962-65). He was one of maybe 24 (men who made the Council’ contributing, often in fluent Latin, to many of council’s documents. Christopher was a prolific writer. a bibliography of his books, articles and reviews running to some 337 titles. He was a popular guest on BBC’s radio programmes. Brief information included about Vatican11 Source Wikipedia

William was a C. of E. priest. He was the author of the trilogy The Life, the Walk and the Triumph o f Faith which was highly thought of by evangelicals. In 1736 he was ordained a deacon: in 1738 he was ordained a priest. In 1741 he was appointed chaplain to the Lord Mayor of London, Daniel Lambert which gave him the opportunity to preach in St. Paul’ s Cathedral. In about 1748 he underwent an evangelical conversion and he became a lecturer. This gave him the opportunity to preach evangelical doctrine to large crowds despite the opposition of the church hierarchy. In 1750 he was appointed assistant morning preacher at St. George’s Hanover Square in the West End of London. In 1751 he accepted, for a short time, the professorship of Gresham Professor of Astronomy . His biographer, William Bromley Cadogan, said in this role William attempted to prove that God was best acquainted with his own works and had given the best account of them in his own words. In 1766 following a dispute over his election he became Rector of St. Andrew by the Wardrobe. Nearly 30 years later, 26th July 1795, he was buried in his church. He was a notable Hebrew scholar and between 1747-9 he published a volume revision of Mario di Calasio’s Hebrew dictionary and concordance.

Philip was born in London and became a Congregationalist minister, educator, author and hymn writer. He was the last of Daniek Doddridge’s (died 1715) 20 children. His mother died when he was only 8; his father died 4 years later. Downes became his guardian who squandered Philip’s inheritance. Samuel Clarke of St. Albans took him on and treated him like a son and encouraged his call to the ministry. They remained lifelong friends. ( Years later, he led Samuel’s funeral and gave this tribute To him under God I owe even myself and all my opportunities of public usefulness in the church.) His mother, before he could read, taught him th history of the Bible from chimney tiles on of their sitting room. In his youth he was educated first by a tutor then boarded at a private school in London. In 1712 he attended Kingston-upon -Thames grammar school With independent religious leanings in 1719 he chose, with Samuel’s support to enter the Dissenting academy at Kibworth in Leicestershire. In 1723 he was chosen by a general meeting of Nonconformist ministers to conduct the academy (1723-1751). He initiated a Youth’s Scheme In 1729 he was invited to be the pastor of an independent congregation in Northampton. His sermons were mainly practical in character. In the 1730s and 1740s he continued his academic and pastoral work and developed close relations with numerous early revivalists and independents, through extensive visits and correspondence. This enabled him to establish and maintain a circle of influential independent religious thinkers and writers. He was both an author and hymnist. The Rise and progress of Religion in the Soul was translated into 7 languages. It is said that this work best illustrates his religious genius. Charles Spurgeon called it *that holy book * (See Works) He wrote over 400 hymns. Most of them were written as summaries of his sermons and to help his congregation express their response to the truths they were being taught. * O God of Bethel, by whose hand * continues to be used across the English speaking world. In 1736 both Aberdeen universities gave him a Doctor of Divinity degree. Phillip’s health had never been good and it finally broke down in 1751. He had sailed to Lisbon in September and he died of tuberculosis on 26th October. He was buried in the British Cemetery in Lisbon, where his grave and tomb may still be seen. Philip worked towards a united Nonconformist body that would have a wide appeal, retaining highly cultured elements without alienating those less educated. By Grace he succeeded in his mission. Source Wikipedia

Robert E. Nicholas was a twentieth century Saint Nicholas. He was a successful businessman who used his wealth to help others .Combining wealth and consecration he generously donated funds, usually anonymously to churches, philanthropic activities and mission agencies. He contributed money towards the building of Wheaton College. In 1967 the library was named after him. In V. Raymond Edman’s book They found the Secret, chapter fourteen entitled ‘The Satisfying Life’ we find that God had an appointment with Him. (See and read pages 122-125 ). R.E., as he was called, found his Model ‘T’ would only go in one direction! He missed a train and ended up going back to a church he had tried to avoid! He had to hear the wonderful sermon by Dr, W. B. Riley about the Second Coming of Christ. He began to learn that ’ our disappointments are God’s appointments.’ When he returned home his wife immediately noticed a change. In a few words he gave his testimony. Together they knelt in prayer and she also realised the fullness of the Holy Spirit. For 10 years he was president of the building and loan association. He helped to such a degree, during the depression, that they pulled though without a single default.

Alfred Howard Carter, better known as Howard Carter, was a pioneer in the Pentecostal Christian faith. Howard was born in Birmingham, England. He took over England’s first Pentecostal Bible School. In 1913 an organization known as the Crown Mission began in the city. He became the leader of the group. 1916 he became involved in a a second Pentecostal work and had to quit his regular work to maintain leadership of the two churches. WW1. In 1916 as a minister he should have been exempt from military service but he was not a minister of a recognized denomination. Refusing to enter the military he spent 2 years in Wormwood Scrubbs prison. While there he focused on the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit. His book Questions and Answers on Spiritual Gifts came later. Released from prison he returned to Birmingham to pioneer a church called the People’s Hall Later, in London with 5 other Pentecostals, the young Howard interpreted a message in tongues. *Gather my people from the North, South , East and West and build for me. That night he received £2,500 from a business man - who had not paid his tithe- this launched him into a worldwide apostolic ministry. In 1921 he temporarily took over the leadership of Hampstead Bible School - he stayed for 27 years. Under his leadership they purchased a nearby house and 2 more Bible schools were opened. )) On 1st February 1924 he was 1 of 13 who signed the founding documents of the Assemblies of God. He served on the General Council as vice-chairman 1929-34 and as chairman 1934-45. On 18th December 1831 Howard prayed for a companion. On the same day Lester Sumrall had a vision of multitudes going to hell if he did not help them. In 1934 Howard was invited to minister at 2 camp meetings in the USA. This developed into a world tour of 60,000 miles. In the USA he met 17 year old Lester Sumrall. They caught up with each other in Australia several years later Together they did the world tour, which included China, visiting many of Howard’s former Bible school students. The tour ended with Howard suffering with malaria on a bed in Amsterdam. Chronicled in ‘When Time Flew By’ by Lester Sumrall. In 1948 Howard handed the Hampstead Bible School over to George Newsholme. In 1952 at the 3rd World Pentecostal Conference in London, Wesley Steelberg, the Superintendent, died unexpectedly. In 1955 Howard married Ruth, the widow of Steelberg. They embarked on a 2 year world tour. From 1965-7 They helped Howard’s John at the Bible School in Kenley, South London. Ruth’s health began to wane and they moved to Springfield, Missouri. They ministered together until Howard, aged 80, died on 22nd January, 1971 The memorial service was held in London. Lester, unable to attend due due to a snowstorm, said *Howard had faith in me and launched me out on God. *a man of great personality, genius, faith and the Spirit * Sources HC Mentors L S wikipedia

Saint Gregory is best remembered for looking at some English slaves at the Forum in Rome, in the sixth century, and referring to them as angles. He became a prefect of Rome when he was only 30. He decided to become a monk and had his family home changed into a monastery. Later he became Abbot of St.Andrew’s monastery - his former home. When he saw the slaves he decided that he wanted to go on a mission to England to convert them to Christianity. The Pope Pelaguis II refused his request. Twenty years later, when Gregory became Pope, he sent St, Augustine to fulfill his dream. I have included a brief history, some information from Wikipdedia, pictures and a brief crossword and word search with answers

The simple youth from the hills may have seemed most unlikely material for an evangelist, but he probably won more people to Christ than anyone else in southern Ethiopia - during the time of tremendous persecution. The missionaries who had been forced out of the country in 1937 were allowed back into Ethiopia in 1942and feared what they would find. They had left a small 'community' of just 48 Christians. They were amazed to find it had multiplied to 10,000. Among them they found Wandaro - his body covered with scars but his face wreathed in a smile. Wandaro, the evangelist, whose father had been a witch doctor, had been made an 'example of' by the authorities .He had been flogged, in public, by 5 men continuously for 3 hours with a hippo hide whip. For several days they feared he would die but thanks to the prayer of family and friends he eventually recovered. He was imprisoned for a year. He was such a model prisoner that the guards left him in charge when they went off duty. For 55 years Wandaro preached the Christian message. 8,000 people, each carrying a flower in appreciation, attended his funeral in 1991.

William Carey is regarded by many as the founder of the modern missionary movement and as one of the most important church missionaries in world history. He believed in going to the heathen not waiting for God to do it. 'Expect Great Things- Attempt Great Things.' He began life as a cobbler. After he was converted he taught himself New Testament Greek. He spent 50 years as a pastor/minister. He founded the Baptist Missionary Society. He spent 40 whole years in India, not having a furlough. He was responsible for the Bible being translated into all the major languages of the Indian subcontinent and many dialects and wrote a number of books. In 1818 William Carey and the Marshmans founded Scrampore college - today it offers theological and liberal arts education for some 2,500 students. The powerful, and now famous book , 'An Enquiry into the obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of Heathens' - along with many others, can be found, in full, on the internet. I have found several pieces of useful information. There is a chronology of his life, a short, readable, history of his life, plus a short crossword and word search. A 'typical day' reveals he must have used at least SIX different languages on that one day!! There is a vast amount of information about William Carey on the internet. God's extraordinary 'plodder' changed the course of history.

Saint Columbo was an Irish priest, who following a dispute in Ireland , moved with 12 friends to the small Isle of Iona off the west coast of Scotland. Iona’s place in history was secured in 563 AD when Saint Colombo arrived with his 12 followers, built a church and established a monastic community. The monks spent their day in pray, teaching, writing - transcribing and illustrating beautiful books, and cultivating the land or fishing. Saint Columbo became the Abbot of Iona and surrounding isles. His wish was that Iona would become a centre of Learning. Hundreds of years later it is still a centre of Christianity. It has an influence far out of all proportion for its size in Scotland, England and mainland Europe. It is a place of pilgrimage, 130,00 come each year. Kings of Scotland, Ireland and Norway are buried there. The original building has gone but by the side of the Abbey entrance a small roof chamber is claimed to be the site of the saint’s tomb. The Lochness monster even gets a mention. Sources -wikipedia and * The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander

Saint Ninian ( known by 9 other names). Indisputable evidence that he was successful with the conversion of the Celts to Christianity is the numerous churches dedicated to him in parts of Scotland and northern England ‘* Probably ’ 'tradition ’ variations’ will be used often in this text since very little is actually known about him. The Venerable Bede in his 8th century Ecclesiastical History of the English People is our earliest source. Bede said that he named his episcopal see after Saint Martin of Tours. ( other accounts suggest he met the French patron on return to Scotland). He implies that Saint Ninian began the conversion of the Picts based on accounts of the period which may not be be entirely trustworthy. He was born in Galloway, Scotland. By tradition his father, probably gave his son to the Romans for good behaviour as was the custom then. He was therefore educated in Rome. There he decided to return to Scotland to teach Christianity. The Pope made him Bishop of the Southern Picts. For this reason he is known as the Apostle to the Southern Picts. He made his headquarters at Whithorn. Saint Ninian was the first bishop of Galloway. In 396 he built a church called Ad Candidam Casam or ’ at the white house. He dedicated the house to Saint Martin on the hearing of the saint’s death. In medieval times his tomb in the church at Whithorn was a great place of pilgrimage. Variations assert that he left Scotland for Ireland and died there in 432. Aeired in the 12th century wrote A life of Saint Ninian. He attributes 10 miracles to saint Ninian, 6 of them during the saint’s lifetime If you go to Whithorn today you can see the place where Saint Ninian had his monastery and the cave. Saint Ninian was The Apostle to the Southern Picts. Sources used - wikipedia BBC News Biography of undiscovered Scotland The Church’s Year* by Charles Alexander