History of the RPCNA

Our name and our roots

RPCNA stands for the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. “Reformed” connects us to the Protestant Reformation and its return to the authority of Scripture. “Presbyterian” describes government by elders, serving together in congregations, presbyteries, and Synod.

Our denomination’s history belongs within the larger story of Christ’s church. Learning its history can help explain what visitors encounter in our worship and why our church uses the Westminster standards and the RP Testimony.

Read more: The RPCNA’s explanation of its name and convictions.

The Scottish Covenanters

Scotland adopted a Reformed confession in 1560. The covenants of 1638 and 1643 shaped a tradition of resisting royal control of the church. Persecuted believers gathered outdoors and in small societies, maintaining that Christ alone is head of his church.

Taking root in North America

Scottish and Irish immigrants carried their convictions across the Atlantic. They brought habits of Psalm singing, catechism study, and gathering for worship. The denomination identifies 1743 as the year of its first North American congregation.

A Reformed Presbytery was established in Philadelphia on May 18, 1798. This is the organizational milestone remembered in the RPCNA’s 225th-anniversary commemoration in 2023. It helps distinguish the denomination’s formal organization from its earlier congregational roots.

Sources: RPCNA convictions and history; The Reformed Presbyterian Witness’s anniversary account.

Faith and public witness

In America, Covenanters challenged slavery and questioned a constitution that did not acknowledge Christ’s authority. Political participation became a divisive issue, contributing to the 1833 separation between “Old Lights” and “New Lights.” The RPCNA continues the Old Light branch.

This history includes both courage and painful disagreement. Historical accounts describe the decisions of their own time; consult the RP Testimony for the church’s present teaching.

For the Scottish background and early American debates, see Bill Edgar’s fuller history.

Learning and Christian education

Christian education is another part of this story. Geneva College opened in Northwood, Ohio, in 1848 and moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, in 1880. Founded and governed by the RPCNA, it connects learning across academic disciplines with Christian faith.

Preparing people for ministry continues through the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Its stated mission centers on educating students in Scripture, equipping pastors, and preparing others to serve Christ’s kingdom within the historic Reformed faith.

Explore Geneva’s history and heritage and RPTS.

History at a glance

1. 1560

   Scottish Reformation

   Scotland adopts a Reformed confession.

2. 1638 · 1643

   The covenants

   The National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant shape the Covenanter story.

3. 1743

   North American roots

   The first North American Reformed Presbyterian congregation is organized.

4. 1798

   A presbytery established

   The denomination’s organizational anniversary dates to May 18 in Philadelphia.

5. 1848 · 1880

   Geneva College

   The college opens in Ohio and later moves to Pennsylvania.

A living heritage

The RPCNA continues to confess Scripture as its highest authority, with the Westminster Confession, catechisms, and Testimony serving as subordinate standards. Its worship emphasizes the reading and preaching of Scripture and the singing of biblical Psalms without instrumental accompaniment.

At Christ the King, we invite you to explore this heritage by opening the Bible, studying the church’s confession, and joining us for worship. You do not need to know the history before you come.