164
Pope Anicetus consecrated
Anicetus became the bishop of Rome, traditionally dated to November 21, 164. He is remembered for his interactions with Polycarp of Smyrna regarding the dating of Easter. His pontificate lasted until about 175.
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235
Pope Anterus consecrated
Anterus was consecrated as bishop of Rome on November 21, 235, succeeding Pontian. His reign was brief, lasting only about a month before his martyrdom under Emperor Maximinus Thrax. He was buried in the Catacomb of Callixtus.
1274
Second Council of Lyon concluded
The Second Council of Lyon, which had been convened by Pope Gregory X, concluded on November 21, 1274. It achieved a temporary reunion with the Eastern Orthodox Church and addressed reforms. The council also discussed plans for a new crusade.
1620
Mayflower Compact signed
On November 21, 1620 (November 11 Old Style), the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower signed the Mayflower Compact, establishing a civil body politic. This document, though secular, was rooted in Puritan covenant theology. It laid a foundation for self-governance in the Plymouth Colony.
1789
First Roman Catholic bishop in U.S. appointed
John Carroll was appointed the first Roman Catholic bishop in the United States on November 21, 1789. He was named Bishop of Baltimore, and his diocese covered the entire nation at the time. Carroll later became the first American archbishop.
1877
Thomas Edison announces phonograph
On November 21, 1877, Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph, which later had a profound impact on religious music and preaching. It enabled the recording and dissemination of hymns and sermons. This technology transformed how religious content was shared.
1916
First National Catholic War Council established
The National Catholic War Council was founded on November 21, 1916, by the U.S. Catholic bishops. It coordinated Catholic efforts during World War I. It later evolved into the National Catholic Welfare Council and eventually the USCCB.
1964
Third session of Vatican II closes
The third session of the Second Vatican Council closed on November 21, 1964. During this session, the council promulgated the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, and the decree on ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio. These documents significantly shaped modern Catholic ecclesiology and interfaith relations.
1995
Dayton Peace Agreement signed
The Dayton Peace Agreement was initialed on November 21, 1995, ending the Bosnian War. Religious leaders from Catholic, Orthodox, and Muslim communities had been involved in peace efforts. The agreement included provisions for religious freedom and the return of refugees.