Monday, October 5, 2026

6:30 p.m.

St. Thomas More Utopia Room

Presented by David Garvin

Thomas More was an English lawyer, humanist, author, statesman, and Catholic martyr, best known for his 1516 work Utopia, a political satire envisioning an ideal society. Rising to become Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, he opposed the king’s break from the Catholic Church, resigning in 1532 and refusing to swear the Oath of Supremacy. A champion of conscience and Renaissance humanism, he was executed in 1535. Canonized in 1935, he is remembered as a model of integrity and moral courage.

We will explore the Tudor period of English history with an emphasis on St Thomas More’s involvement with Henry VIII and Henry’s Catholic faith. We’ll cover what Tudor England was like and what drove Henry VIII to break with the Roman Catholic Church, especially after he and Thomas More jointly wrote a book defending the Catholic religion, which prompted the Pope to confer on Henry VIII the title “Defender of the Faith”.   A title the English monarchy still retains today

This presentation will be given by David Garvin, who holds advanced degrees in English history and who has taught history at the college level for over 40 years. David also holds a major in archaeology and has participated in two archaeological digs. Please join us at the Utopia Room on October 5 at 630 p.m.  Cheese and wine will be provided.