What We Believe
As followers of Jesus, we come together across all ages to learn from God’s word, worship with joy, care for our neighbors, grow in faith, and work for a more just and peaceful world. We believe God’s grace is meant to be shared—and we’re here to share it with everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Our Presbyterian History
Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him. Calvin did much of his writing from Geneva, Switzerland. The Reformed movement spread to other parts of Europe and the British Isles.
Many of the early Presbyterians in America came from England, Scotland, and Ireland. The first American Presbytery was organized at Philadelphia in 1706. The first General Assembly was held in the same city in 1789. The first Assembly was convened by the Rev. John Witherspoon, the only minister to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Presbyterian denominations in the United States have split and parts have reunited several times since the 18th century. Currently, the largest Presbyterian denomination is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which has its national offices in Louisville, Kentucky. It was formed in 1983 as a result of a reunion between the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. (PCUS), the so-called “southern branch,” and the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (UPCUSA), the so-called “northern branch.” This reunion has been a bright spot of reconciliation and unity in the history of American Presbyterianism.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is governed by its Constitution, the Book of Order, and The Book of Confessions.