This week in Christian history: first Mother’s Day celebration, Father Damien travels to leper colony

The former Andrews Methodist Church is the International Mother's Day Shrine, pictured April 22, 2008, in Grafton, W.Va., where Mother's Day began 100 years ago. The founder, Anna Jarvis wanted the first Mother's Day service to be held in the former church, where her mother taught Sunday school for more than 20 years.
The former Andrews Methodist Church is the International Mother's Day Shrine, pictured April 22, 2008, in Grafton, W.Va., where Mother's Day began 100 years ago. The founder, Anna Jarvis wanted the first Mother's Day service to be held in the former church, where her mother taught Sunday school for more than 20 years. | AP Images / James J. Lee

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.

Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births and notable deaths.

Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while others might be unknown to many people.

The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week in Christian history. They include the first Mother’s Day celebration, Father Damien traveling to the Hawaiian leper colony, and the birth of Kathryn Kuhlman.

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