Baptism of Jesus of the River in Jordan has been deemed the earliest place of worship. This site was found following UNESCO-sponsored excavations. Al-Maghtas was visited by Pope John Paul II in March 2000, and he said: "In my mind I see Jesus coming to the waters of the river Jordan not far from here to be baptized by John the Baptist". The Muslim conquest put an end to the Byzantine buildings on the east bank of the Jordan River, the later reverence took place just across the river in the West Bank at Qasr el Yahud. The baptism of Jesus is generally
John Clarke (Baptist minister) more for his fellow man than he received." The First Baptist Church of Newport, a grammar school, and a merchant Liberty ship, the SS John Clarke, are named for Clarke. The science building at the University of Rhode Island was dedicated in his honor in 1963. A plaque on the wall of the Newport Historical Society reads: Erected by the Newport Medical Society December 1885 To John Clarke, Physician 1609–1676 Founder of Newport And of the Civil Polity of Rhode Island John Clarke was the fifth of seven known children born to Thomas and Rose Clarke, all born or baptized