1814day.year

Daniel H. Wells

(1814 - 1891)

American religious leader and politician, 3rd Mayor of Salt Lake City

American religious leader and politician 3rd Mayor of Salt Lake City
American Mormon leader and politician who served as the third Mayor of Salt Lake City.
Daniel H. Wells (1814–1891) was a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the third Mayor of Salt Lake City. He converted to Mormonism in 1840 and participated in the migration to Utah under Brigham Young. Wells served as First Counselor to the church's First Presidency, overseeing temporal affairs of the community. From 1866 to 1876, he led civic improvements in Salt Lake City, including infrastructure and public services. He also organized local militias during the Utah War, demonstrating leadership in times of crisis. Wells's contributions shaped both the religious and civic foundations of early Utah society.
1814 Daniel H. Wells Mayor of Salt Lake City
1854day.year

William Alexander Smith

(1854 - 1914)

Scottish religious leader, founded the Boys' Brigade

Scottish religious leader founded the Boys' Brigade
Scottish Methodist minister who founded the Boys' Brigade, pioneering youth organization combining Christianity and character-building activities.
Born in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, in 1854, William Alexander Smith was ordained as a Methodist minister. Concerned by the lack of wholesome outlets for young working-class men, he established the Boys' Brigade in Glasgow in 1883. The organization blended military-style discipline with Christian teaching to promote moral and physical development. Under his leadership, the Boys' Brigade expanded rapidly across the UK and overseas, setting a model for modern scouting movements. Smith's vision emphasized leadership, community service, and personal responsibility, shaping generations of youth. He remained active in ministry and youth work until his death in 1914, securing his reputation as a pioneer in youth development. His legacy endures in thousands of Boys' Brigade companies worldwide.
1854 William Alexander Smith Boys' Brigade
1917day.year

Augustine Harris

(1917 - 2007)

English bishop

English bishop
English Roman Catholic bishop who served as Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool and Bishop of Middlesbrough.
Augustine Harris was an English Roman Catholic bishop known for his dedicated pastoral leadership. Born in Bootle in 1917, he was ordained in 1942 after completing theological studies. He served as Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool from 1967 to 1976, supporting parish growth and community outreach. In 1976, he was appointed Bishop of Middlesbrough, focusing on Catholic education and social services. Harris championed interfaith dialogue and the expansion of church-run schools. After retiring in 1992, he continued to write and lecture on theological and ethical issues.
1917 Augustine Harris
1940day.year

Arthur Blessitt

(1940 - 2025)

American Christian preacher

American Christian preacher
Arthur Blessitt was an American Christian preacher famed for his decades-long global walk carrying a cross.
Born on October 27, 1940, Arthur Blessitt embarked on his first long-distance cross walk in 1969, carrying a 12-foot wooden cross as a symbol of faith. Over more than 50 years, he traveled through every continent, spreading messages of hope and reconciliation in churches, public squares, and even war zones. Blessitt recorded his journeys in books and films, offering personal reflections on faith and humanity. He founded the Life in Jesus Daily Ministries, supporting missionary work around the world. His record-breaking walk earned recognition in the Guinness World Records and inspired countless believers.
1940 Arthur Blessitt