This week in Christian history: Roger Williams’ book burned, CEF founder dies

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, August 04, 2024

Johannes Megapolensis arrives in America – Aug. 4, 1642

A 19th century illustration of the church overseen by Johannes Megapolensis (1603-1670), a Dutch preacher known for his mission work in what is now New York. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Johannes Megapolensis, a Dutch preacher known for his mission work in what is now New York, arrived in colonial America.

Moving with his family to what was then called New Amsterdam because of it being controlled by the Dutch, Megapolensis is believed to be the first Protestant missionary to Native Americans.

“Having learned what he called the ‘heavy language of the Mohawks,’ he preached fluently in it, received many converts into the church, and soon exerted a visible influence in restraining the immoralities of frontier life,” recounted Famous Americans.

“In 1664 he was one of the Dutch commissioners that prepared the terms of surrender to the English, and it is probable that the rights of the Dutch Reformed church were preserved through his influence.”