When Church of the Atonement was planted in 1947, we were
part of the United Presbyterian Church.
In 1981 we joined the Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church. The ARP is one of the oldest denominations
in North America. Its roots go back to Scotland and
the Protestant Reformation in that land, led by John Knox in 1560.
The terms “Associate” and “Reformed” reflect this history
as our denomination is the result of a union between two groups of churches that
came from Scotland to the Colonies for the sake of religious freedom and the
great opportunities unfolding here. They
came together in 1782.
The older of the two groups were the “Reformed
Presbyterians,” also called covenanters.
They especially were renowned for their strong faith tested in the
terrible sufferings they endured at the hands of the antagonistic British
monarchy from 1660-1689.
The “Associate Presbyterians” were distinguished by their
zeal for proclaiming the free offer of the Gospel of salvation to all people,
and the necessity of repentance and personal faith in Christ. Feel
free to visit the website of the ARP
Church where you can read
a helpful, short history that fills in more detail.
Our church joined the ARP because of its long history of uncompromising
commitment to the authority of the Scripture and to the mission of the
church. It is not so large as other
denominations whose convictions we share, such as the Presbyterian Church in America. We work closely with these sister churches
and esteem their institutions. At the
same time, we find great value in the peaceful camaraderie and fellowship
within the ARP.
