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History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, 1871-1920
In History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America 1871-1920, learn:
~ How the persecuted Cameronian remnant of the Church of Scotland held to Second Reformation orthodoxy in the new United States, spread westwards in lay-led Societies, and established their own institutions of governance, education, and social welfare.
~ How the Reformed Presbyterian (Covenanter) Church denounced the American Constitution for its protection of race-based slavery and also for its godlessness, endured much unpopularity, but nevertheless affected American society deeply.
~ How in 1871 the Covenanter Church in an America drenched in sin signed a covenant with six commitments, and then quarreled bitterly in 1891 over conflicting applications of two of them, and, by 1920, shrinking in size, lost interest in its covenant.
~ 1871–1920, hundreds of Covenanter preachers, teachers, and doctors took the Gospel of peace to freedmen in Selma, Alabama; Chinese and Jewish immigrants; Comanche tribesmen; Syrian Alawite villagers; peasants in South China; and others.
~ How the persecuted Cameronian remnant of the Church of Scotland held to Second Reformation orthodoxy in the new United States, spread westwards in lay-led Societies, and established their own institutions of governance, education, and social welfare.
~ How the Reformed Presbyterian (Covenanter) Church denounced the American Constitution for its protection of race-based slavery and also for its godlessness, endured much unpopularity, but nevertheless affected American society deeply.
~ How in 1871 the Covenanter Church in an America drenched in sin signed a covenant with six commitments, and then quarreled bitterly in 1891 over conflicting applications of two of them, and, by 1920, shrinking in size, lost interest in its covenant.
~ 1871–1920, hundreds of Covenanter preachers, teachers, and doctors took the Gospel of peace to freedmen in Selma, Alabama; Chinese and Jewish immigrants; Comanche tribesmen; Syrian Alawite villagers; peasants in South China; and others.
- GenresHistoryChurch History
232 pages, Hardcover
Published July 25, 2019
8 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 27, 2019
An enjoyable and informative read on the history of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. A small, confessional, and reformed branch of the church, that despite it's small size, had larger than usual influence socially. This period focuses particularly on foreign missions to Syria, China, and domestic missionary activities. After reading the book, you are left with a feeling of how hard the church worked to accomplish so much. The character of the missions often included danger to the missionaries, and a particular care for the most needy segments of society. The church was responsible for building schools, and hospitals in order to care for the poor, and show the love of Christ.
April 30, 2025
A very well-told story of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. I found the structure of the book helpful, as it mirrored and analysed the committments of the 1871 Covenant. Particular points which were thought-provoking: (i) the tension between pursuing Church unity and Church distinctives, and (ii) the evident drive for home and foreign missions. I'm looking forward to moving on to volume 2.
January 23, 2020
Although I have become familiar with the history of the Reformation, I admit that I am not well-read on the history of the reformed church in my very own North America. This book by Crown & Covenant Publications is here to help.
From Scotland to America
Written by Pastor, teacher, writer, and recent interim president of Geneva College, William J. Edgar Ph.D. is uniquely qualified to write this book. His roots, experience, and gifts make for a compelling read.
In no more than 200 pages, the bulk of this book is dedicated to showcasing the history of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America from 1871-1920. We begin from Scotland to America and end by looking outward from a focus on foreign missions.
Familiar events help set the context, such as when the British army surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown in 1781 when the Reformed Presbytery concluded that there was no reason to continue political dissent. Therefore, the Reformed Presbytery (RP) and the Associate Presbytery (AP), which had fought over political dissent in Scotland, merged in 1782 to crate the Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church.
Looking Forward
In two chapters near the end of the book, the topics of local and foreign missions arise. I found these to be quite interesting as the gospel was sent to Canada, Syria, and China. It is a testament to the importance of missions in and through America. And while not at all perfect, it has a priority.
Of particular interest to me as a worship leader was when Edgar wrote on the topic of singing. Covenanter congregational singing is something I have been recently introduced to, and it was fascinating to see how they formed their method and traditions.
Of course, the full text of the Covenant of 1871 is included as well as a robust index, notes, and bibliography sections. This helps make this book an excellent reference tool for any church historian or enthusiast.
Our Church History
Although I am a Southern Baptist, I found this book to be enlightening and meaningful to my own faith. First, it showed me how Christians in America had to think through many issues of the times - including slavery and war. Second, it showed me the importance of doctrine and how what we hold to dictates and defines our faith. Finally, it showed me the faithfulness of our God, who despite our mistakes and theological differences, remains faithful to his church in every era.
I was provided a free copy of History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America 1871-1920 but was not required to write a positive review.
From Scotland to America
Written by Pastor, teacher, writer, and recent interim president of Geneva College, William J. Edgar Ph.D. is uniquely qualified to write this book. His roots, experience, and gifts make for a compelling read.
In no more than 200 pages, the bulk of this book is dedicated to showcasing the history of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America from 1871-1920. We begin from Scotland to America and end by looking outward from a focus on foreign missions.
Familiar events help set the context, such as when the British army surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown in 1781 when the Reformed Presbytery concluded that there was no reason to continue political dissent. Therefore, the Reformed Presbytery (RP) and the Associate Presbytery (AP), which had fought over political dissent in Scotland, merged in 1782 to crate the Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church.
Looking Forward
In two chapters near the end of the book, the topics of local and foreign missions arise. I found these to be quite interesting as the gospel was sent to Canada, Syria, and China. It is a testament to the importance of missions in and through America. And while not at all perfect, it has a priority.
Of particular interest to me as a worship leader was when Edgar wrote on the topic of singing. Covenanter congregational singing is something I have been recently introduced to, and it was fascinating to see how they formed their method and traditions.
Of course, the full text of the Covenant of 1871 is included as well as a robust index, notes, and bibliography sections. This helps make this book an excellent reference tool for any church historian or enthusiast.
Our Church History
Although I am a Southern Baptist, I found this book to be enlightening and meaningful to my own faith. First, it showed me how Christians in America had to think through many issues of the times - including slavery and war. Second, it showed me the importance of doctrine and how what we hold to dictates and defines our faith. Finally, it showed me the faithfulness of our God, who despite our mistakes and theological differences, remains faithful to his church in every era.
I was provided a free copy of History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America 1871-1920 but was not required to write a positive review.
September 23, 2019
This is an excellent book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! In fact, I read the entire book over the course of one weekend. I obtained my copy directly from Crown & Covenant Publications.
The "History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America 1871-1920: Living by its Covenant of 1871" is very well written and easy to read. If you have an interest in Reformed Presbyterian or Covenanter history this book is for you!
The first chapter provides a synopsis of the Reformation in Scotland, the Covenanter struggles, and their migration to Ireland and America. The rest of the book addresses the history of the Covenanters in America, beginning with the Reformed Presbytery.
It was amazing to read this book and see how the RPCNA fit into American history. But more importantly, it was beautiful to read how God has preserved this small branch of His church throughout many generations. I look forward to reading volume two when it is released!
The "History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America 1871-1920: Living by its Covenant of 1871" is very well written and easy to read. If you have an interest in Reformed Presbyterian or Covenanter history this book is for you!
The first chapter provides a synopsis of the Reformation in Scotland, the Covenanter struggles, and their migration to Ireland and America. The rest of the book addresses the history of the Covenanters in America, beginning with the Reformed Presbytery.
It was amazing to read this book and see how the RPCNA fit into American history. But more importantly, it was beautiful to read how God has preserved this small branch of His church throughout many generations. I look forward to reading volume two when it is released!
Read
September 23, 2019Very interesting book. It clarified a lot of questions I had while research my Reformed Presbyterian Ancestors during this time period and included a large number of interesting anecdotes.
Want to read
March 22, 2021I want to read this book
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews