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the Protestant denomination adhering to the views of John Calvin

the Protestant denomination adhering to the views of John Calvin

In the United States. This sect owes its origin to the numerous members of the Presbyterian Churches of Scotland and Ireland who moved to the American colonies for greater freedom. The first Presbytery was formed at Philadelphia about the year 1705, largely through the labors of Francis Makemie. In 1716 the first Synod was held, with about twenty-five churches represented. In 1729 the Westminster Confession and Catechisms were formally adopted. In 1741 a schism on educational questions took place, but was healed in 1758. The first General Assembly met in 1789, and the Confession and Catechisms were again adopted, with some slight changes. In 1811 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was formed by members who had seceded from the parent church. A still greater schism arose in 1838 between the conservative and the progressive wings of the denomination. These reunited in 1871, at which time the total membership was about 435,000. From both these bodies the Southern members withdrew, and formed separate organizations, which, however, united in 1864. The parent church, since the reunion of 1871, has made rapid progress, and by its devotion to education and missions has raised a high standard for its clergy and membership. In recent years much controversy has been aroused by the trial of Dr. Briggs for heresy. Number of members in 1890, 788,000.