John Calvin By gilfin 1509 John Calvin was born He was born in Noyon, France 1533 Converts to Protestantism. 1536 Arrives in Geneva, begins reform efforts. 1536 Publishes Institutes of the Christian Religion Period: 1537 to 1541 Arrives in Geneva, begins reform efforts. 1541 Returns to Geneva Returns to Geneva; establishes strict church government 1559 Found a academy Founds the Geneva Academy to train pastors and spread Calvinism. 1564 He dies Dies in Geneva