June 3, 1872: The first denominational school opens in Battle Creek, Michigan with Goodloe Bell in charge.

Aug. 24, 1874: The first Adventist College, Battle Creek College (above), opens.

Sept. 15, 1874: J. N. Andrews (right) becomes the first foreign missionary when he sails from Boston, Massachusetts to Switzerland.

1886: The first non-Protestant Christian country,  Russia, is entered.

Oct. 17, 1888: General Conference sessions begin in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

July 21, 1889: The National Religious Liberty Association is organized.

1894: The first non-Christian countries entered are West Africa and South Africa.