This week in Christian history: CS Lewis dies, Geneva embraces Calvinism

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, November 20, 2022

John Donne becomes dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral – Nov. 22, 1621

A portrait of John Donne (1572-1631), English poet and clergyman. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when famed poet John Donne was elected and installed as dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England, holding the position until his death in 1631.

The author of the famous sonnet “Death be not Proud,” Donne had been ordained a priest in the Church of England back in 1615 at the Bishop’s Chapel, which was adjacent to the cathedral.

“As part of his responsibilities for maintaining the daily round of worship services at the Cathedral, Donne was assigned to preach inside the Cathedral at major festivals of the Church Year,” explained the Virtual Donne Project.

“He was also called upon to take part in the rotation of preachers at Paul’s Cross, outside the Cathedral, as well as at special occasions before other congregations.”