This week in Christian history: Tragedy at Charles Spurgeon event; 'Bishop of bling’ suspended

Princeton founded — Oct. 22, 1746

This week marks the anniversary of when Princeton University, originally known as the College of New Jersey, was granted its charter by Acting Gov. John Hamilton.

Princeton was launched by a group of four Presbyterian ministers, who sought to expand education access for believers amid the religious revival of the First Great Awakening.

Despite the sectarian background of the institution, Princeton accepted students of "every Religious Denomination" and gradually became more secular in its overall focus.

"Though our great Intention was to erect a seminary for educating Ministers of the Gospel," one of the founders wrote, as quoted on the Princeton University website, "we hope it will be useful in other learned professions — Ornaments of the State as Well as the Church. Therefore we propose to make the plan of Education as extensive as our Circumstances will permit."