1741 - Murray, John, founder of the Universalist denomination in America was born in England.
1770 - Murray emigrated to America where, after traveling as a Universalist preacher for four years in New Jersey, New York, and New England, he settled in Gloucester, Mass. He continued his preaching there and in nearby centers.
1775 - General Washington announced Murray's appointment as chaplain to the Rhode Island troops.
1788 - Judith Sargent Stevens married John Murray in Salem, Massachusetts.
1793 - He served as pastor of the newly organized Independent Church of Christ at Gloucester until he was called to the pastorate of the Universalist Society of Boston.