Presbyterianism has a rich legacy in American history. The Presbyterian church was founded in Scotland by John Knox (d. 1572), a disciple of John Calvin. Along with the Dutch Reformed and New England Puritans, the Presbyterians brought Reformed theology to the New World. Scottish and Irish immigrants introduced Presbyterianism to the American colonies in the 18th century, and the first presbytery was established in Philadelphia in 1706. (A presbytery is a governing body of ministers in a particular district.)
Several prominent American statesmen were Presbyterian, including John Witherspoon (1723–1794), the only active clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence. Witherspoon was president of the College of New Jersey (the Presbyterian institution later known as Princeton), where he taught many future political leaders, including James Madison. Presbyterians also played an important role in the American War for Independence, helping to fuel the war with their anti-monarchical spirit.
Division into Four Churches
More @ The Abbeville Institute
No comments:
Post a Comment