Bishop Purcell debates Alexander Campbell

In January, Bishop Purcell publicly debates Alexander Campbell, the founder of the Disciples of Christ, at a Baptist church on Sycamore Street. This debate marks the first time an American bishop engages in a debate with a Protestant clergyman. The event brought great excitement to the city, and the Catholic and Protestant newspapers quoted the debates in full. Bishop Purcell showed that the Catholic faith was intellectually rigorous and secured himself a place as a leading defender of the faith.