The Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America is a conservative Protestant denomination with congregations in the United States, Canada, and Japan.
The denomination has its roots in the Covenanters of 18th century Scotland, who resisted the attempts of the British monarch to impose Anglican religious beliefs on them.
Driven out of Scotland, thousands of Covenanters fled to Ireland in the late 1700s, then sought sanctuary in North America during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Joined by Scottish Covenanters, these immigrants were the founders of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America.
The first Reformed Presbyterian congregation was established in Pennsylvania in 1738, but the first Presbytery was organized by Irish and Scottish Reformed Presbyterian ministers in 1774. At that time, there were two concentrations of Reformed Presbyterians, in eastern Pennsylvania and northern South Carolina, but there were scattered congregations in Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina.
Although most Reformed Presbyterians fought for independence during the American Revolution, the denomination held the United States Constitution to be immoral as it contained no recognition of Christ as King, and deemed participation in government to be immoral. Members did not vote or participate in jury duty, and refused to take oaths of allegiance to the government; thus, foreign-born members of the Church could not become citizens, and could not make use of the Homestead Act.
Not everyone agreed with the Church's strict positions, and there were four separations between the late 1700s and the late 1800s.
In 1782, most of the Church merged with the Associate Presbyterian Church to form the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
In 1833, the Church was split into Old Light and New Light groups who were divided by the revivalism of the Second Great Awakening. The New Lights organized the Reformed Presbyterian Church, General Synod, which eventually merged with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church to form the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod, which itself joined with the Presbyterian Church in America in 1982.
A smaller group led by David Steele left in 1840 to form the Reformed Presbytery, which continues as a small group today.
Just over ten percent of the Church left in 1891 over a dispute relating to political activity and holding government offices. Most of the departing congregations and members joined with the United Presbyterian Church.
In 1964, the restrictions on political or government activities were removed.
During the American Civil War, the denomination took a stand against slavery and supported the North. This led to a sharp decline in membership among the Church's congregations in the South, as most of its members moved to Illinois, Indiana, or Ohio.
During the Civil War and the years following, membership in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America rose considerably, particularly in the East and Midwest. In the late 1800s, several members moved West and established congregations on the West Coast, especially in the Seattle, Washing area.
Its membership declined considerably due to the schisms mentioned above. Additionally, few new congregations were developed between the 1920s and the 1970s. Since 1980, it has seen some growth. Today, there are RPCNA congregations in twenty-eight US states and three Canadian provinces, as well as a Japanese presbytery, and a mission congregation in Cyprus. Additionally, the denomination has close relationships with its sister denominations in Austalia, Ireland, Scotland, and South Sudan.
The Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America holds strongly to the inerrancy of the Bible, the sovereignty of God, and the kingship of Jesus Christ in every area of the believer's life.
The RPCNA has held to the Westminster Confession since the 17th century, keeping the original text, but states its objections in its official Testimony, which is printed side-by-side with the Confession.
Historically, the distinctives of the RPCNA were largely political. Since these were amended in 1964, its doctrines are similar to that of other Reformed bodies.
Its use of a capella singing of the Psalms only sets it apart from most other Christian denominations, and may be its chief distinctive today.
Elders in the RPCNA are male, although women are permitted to serve as deacons.
Originally, the RPCNA practiced closed communion, but in recent decades the Lord's Supper is served to communicants who are members of other denominations considered to be Bible-believing, although non-members are subjected to an interview prior to partaking.
The RPCNA is a member of the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council.
Recommended Resources
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
The RPCNA is a conservative denomination with congregations throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. Documents describing, in some detail, the worship service of the denomination, its beliefs, constitution, and its history, are available for download from its official site. Included also are details of its organizational structure, including a directory of local congregations, agencies, and activities, as well as contact data.
http://www.reformedpresbyterian.org/
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North Hills
Organized in the late 1700s, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania congregation is affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Its origins and history are told, along with a statement of its future plans, its beliefs and practices, Christian education programs, a calendar of events, office hours, and administrative contacts. Audio sermons, video presentations, published articles, and press releases are posted, and its schedules are included.
http://www.rpcnh.net/
Reformed Presbyterian History Archives
Sponsored by the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, the purpose of the Archives is to solicit, collect, arrange, describe, preserve, and make available a record of the origins and development, programs, ministries, and liturgical practices of the denomination, including photographs, artifacts, personal papers, and memorabilia of ministers and missionaries of the RPCNA, much of which may be viewed here.
http://www.rparchives.org/
An explanation of the name, as well as a history of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, is set forth, including its theology, worship practices, and constitution. A full history of the denomination is available for downloading. Other resources include a directory of member congregations and ministries, including an interactive map and sorting into presbyteries. Affiliated agencies, schools, camps, and conferences are included.
https://rpsynod.com/
Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church
In 1834, the congregation was organized as a member of the Western Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Its history is published to the site, including period photographs and a list of pastors who have served the church. General information about the denomination, congregation, and leadership are featured, and an overview of its ministries, schedules, and upcoming events are included, along with audio sermons.
http://reformed.com/
