North America Presbyterianism

evolution of presbyterianism in united states

even before presbyterianism spread immigrants abroad scotland, there divisions in larger presbyterian family. later rejoined separate again. in interpret rueful self-reproach, presbyterians refer divided presbyterian churches split p s .

united states

presbyterianism first officially arrived in colonial america in 1644 establishment of christ s first presbyterian church in hempstead, ny. church organized rev. richard denton.

another notable church established in 1703 first presbytery in philadelphia. in time, presbytery joined 2 more form synod (1717) , evolve presbyterian church in united states of america in 1789. nation s largest presbyterian denomination, presbyterian church (u.s.a.) – pc (usa) – can trace heritage original pcusa, can presbyterian church in america (pca), orthodox presbyterian church (opc), bible presbyterian church (bpc), cumberland presbyterian church (cpc), cumberland presbyterian church in america, evangelical presbyterian church (epc), , evangelical covenant order of presbyterians (eco).

other presbyterian bodies in united states include reformed presbyterian church of north america (rpcna), associate reformed presbyterian church (arp), reformed presbyterian church in united states (rpcus), reformed presbyterian church general assembly, reformed presbyterian church – hanover presbytery, covenant presbyterian church, presbyterian reformed church, westminster presbyterian church in united states, korean american presbyterian church, , free presbyterian church of north america.

first presbyterian church in phoenix, arizona

the territory within 50-mile (80 km) radius of charlotte, north carolina, historically greatest concentration of presbyterianism in southern united states, while identical geographic area around pittsburgh, pennsylvania, contains largest number of presbyterians in entire nation.

the pc (usa), beginning predecessor bodies, has, in common other so-called mainline protestant denominations, experienced significant decline in members in recent years. estimates have placed loss @ half in last forty years.

presbyterian influence, through princeton theology can traced in modern evangelicalism. balmer says that:

evangelicalism itself, believe, quintessentially north american phenomenon, deriving did confluence of pietism, presbyterianism, , vestiges of puritanism. evangelicalism picked peculiar characteristics each strain – warmhearted spirituality pietists (for instance), doctrinal precisionism presbyterians, , individualistic introspection puritans – north american context has profoundly shaped various manifestations of evangelicalism: fundamentalism, neo-evangelicalism, holiness movement, pentecostalism, charismatic movement, , various forms of african-american , hispanic evangelicalism.

in late 1800s, presbyterian missionaries established presence in northern new mexico. provided alternative catholicism, brought area spanish conquistadors , had remained unchanged. area experienced mini reformation, in many converts made presbyterianism, prompting persecution. in cases, converts left towns , villages establish own neighboring villages. arrival of united states area prompted catholic church modernize , make efforts @ winning converts back, many of did return. however, there still stalwart presbyterians , presbyterian churches in area.

canada

rev bruin romkes comingo, 1st presbyterian minister in canada, st. andrew s presbyterian church (lunenburg)

in canada, largest presbyterian denomination – , indeed largest protestant denomination – presbyterian church in canada, formed in 1875 merger of 4 regional groups. in 1925, united church of canada formed majority of presbyterians combining methodist church, canada, , congregational union of canada. sizable minority of canadian presbyterians, in southern ontario throughout entire nation, withdrew, , reconstituted non-concurring continuing presbyterian body. regained use of original name in 1939.