History
For Christ's Crown and Covenant
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
1560 – In the midst of the reformation, led by John Knox in Scotland, the Church of Scotland (presbyterian) was established
1566-1649 – James VI and Charles I reestablished their control over the church and declared:
The King is the head of the church.
Presbyterianism is treason.
Bishops and archbishops can only be appointed by the king.
The courts of the church may only meet when called by the king.
1638 – National Covenant was written
Written in response to the tyranny of Charles I:
Reaffirmed the gospel.
Clearly stated that Christ is king over the state and the church.
Scots promised allegiance to the king in his rule over civil realms.
The king has no authority in the church.
Approved by the Scottish Church and the Scottish Parliament
1641 – 1651 – English Civil War
1643 – Solemn League and Covenant was written.
This Covenant was written to unite Ireland, England, and Scotland.
Signed by the Church of Scotland, many in Ireland, English Parliament, and Westminster Assembly
Opposed King Charles I
Presbyterianism was the divine right of the church.
1649 – King Charles I was executed
Oliver Cromwell took control in England.
Scotland invited Charles II to reign in Scotland only if he affirmed the covenants.
1649 – Charles II reigns as king in Scotland
Before he was crowned, Charles signed both covenants promising to protect presbyterianism.
Immediately upon being crowned king of Scotland he outlawed both covenants.
The King’s reign over the church (Episcopalianism) was imposed on Scotland.
Covenants were condemned as high treason.
Anyone at any time could be asked to swear allegiance to the king acknowledging the King’s absolute supremacy in both spiritual and temporal matters.
Many pastors in the church of Scotland swore allegiance to Charles II and accepted his rule over the church.
The pastors who refused were called “Covenanters” because they held to the covenants.
Covenanter pastors were removed from their parishes
Covenanters worshiped in the fields. These gatherings were called “Conventicles”
Over the course of 20 years 18,000 covenanters were killed for their commitment to the Kingship of Christ.
1743 – Covenanters became known as Reformed Presbyterians
1774 – Reformed Presbyterian’s emigrated to America and set up the first presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America.
The Kingship of Christ was applied in the a American context:
In Scotland, the covenanters fought for the kingship of Christ over the church.In America, the Covenanters fought for the kingship of Christ over the state.
Reaffirmed separation of Church and State.
The King/president/congress rules over the civil realm.
The Elders rule over the spiritual realm.
The State must acknowledge Jesus as King
We reject the notion that government can be secular or irreligious.
Acknowledging Jesus as king includes both
Principle – Stating it in our Constitution
Practice – Patterning our laws after the Biblical moral law
1848 – Geneva College was founded and overseen by the RPCNA Synod.
1880 – Geneva College moved to Beaver Falls, PA, where it remains today.
1896 – The College Hill Church was founded and became known as the College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church.
1925 – The current stone church building was built.
2006 – Pastor Titus was ordained and installed to serve as Pastor at College Hill
2015 – In response to high attendance at worship, the congregation bought another church building in the neighborhood and a good percentage of the congregation began worshiping in the new building for morning worship.
2020 – Those worshiping in the new building became organized as the Hope Community RP Church.
2021 – Pastor Hao was ordained and installed to serve as an Associate Pastor.
2022 – Pastor Jason was ordained and installed to serve as an Associate Pastor.
2022 – College Hill began the River Valley Fellowship, a church planting ministry in the Beaver/Bridgewater, PA area.