--- title: "History of the RPCNA" description: "Explore RPCNA history, from the Scottish Covenanters to North America, with a linked table of contents, historical timeline, and sources for further study." canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/" source: "https://christchurchreformed.com/history-of-the-rpcna/" --- OUR REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE # History of the RPCNA From the Scottish Covenanters to a church family in North America: a brief introduction to the people, convictions, and milestones that shaped our denomination. A brief overview · With a timeline and further reading On this page - [Our name and our roots](https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/#our-name) - [The Scottish Covenanters](https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/#covenanters) - [Taking root in North America](https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/#north-america) - [Faith and public witness](https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/#public-witness) - [Learning and Christian education](https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/#education) - [History at a glance](https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/#timeline) - [A living heritage](https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/#living-heritage) - [Read the fuller history](https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/#further-reading)[← Resource library](https://ctkrp.org/resources/) BEGIN WITH THE NAME ## 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](https://reformedpresbyterian.org/convictions). SCOTLAND ## 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. A CHURCH TAKES ROOT ## 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](https://reformedpresbyterian.org/convictions); [The Reformed Presbyterian Witness’s anniversary account](https://rpwitness.org/article/happy-big-birthday-rpcna). CONVICTION AND CONSCIENCE ## 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](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/) for the church’s present teaching. For the Scottish background and early American debates, see [Bill Edgar’s fuller history](https://christchurchreformed.com/history-of-the-rpcna/). PASSING ON THE FAITH ## 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](https://www.geneva.edu/about-geneva/identity/history-heritage) and [RPTS](https://rpts.edu/). KEY MILESTONES ## History at a glance - 1560 ### Scottish Reformation Scotland adopts a Reformed confession. - 1638 · 1643 ### The covenants The National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant shape the Covenanter story. - 1743 ### North American roots The first North American Reformed Presbyterian congregation is organized. - 1798 ### A presbytery established The denomination’s organizational anniversary dates to May 18 in Philadelphia. - 1848 · 1880 ### Geneva College The college opens in Ohio and later moves to Pennsylvania. HERE AT CHRIST THE KING ## 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. [Read the RP Testimony →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/)[Explore the Confession →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/)[Plan a visit →](https://ctkrp.org/visit/) GO DEEPER ## Read the fuller history Bill Edgar presented his history covering 1528–2004 at the Reformed Presbyterian International Conference in July 2004. Christ Church Reformed hosts the address, including fuller accounts of worship, education, missions, and debates within the church. [Read Bill Edgar’s history ↗](https://christchurchreformed.com/history-of-the-rpcna/) This page is an original introductory overview, with sources linked throughout. Edgar’s address reflects its 2004 setting. For additional historical material, visit the [RPCNA’s history resources and archive links](https://reformedpresbyterian.org/convictions). [↑ Back to contents](https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/#history-contents) Original source: [History of the RPCNA — original document](https://christchurchreformed.com/history-of-the-rpcna/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/