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Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

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•y j-— /• '&i'-M I N U T E S O F T H ES Y N O DandYEARBOOK<strong>of</strong> theREFORMED PRESBYTERIANC H U R C HO F N O R T HA M E R I C A<strong>1995</strong>


M I N U T E S<strong>of</strong> theONE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIXTHS Y N O D<strong>of</strong> theREFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHOF NORTH AMERICAGeneva CollegeBeaver Falls, PennsylvaniaJune 16-22, <strong>1995</strong>CHURCH HEADQUARTERSMr. Louis D. Hutmire, Treasurer7408 Penn AvenuePittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15208(412)731-1177


MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEROBERT COPELANDModerator <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>-<strong>1995</strong>FRIDAY, JUNE 16, <strong>1995</strong>The One Hundred Sixty-Sixth <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> PresbyterChurch <strong>of</strong> North America met in Alexander Hall on the GenevaCollege campus in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, at 7:30 p.m. onFriday, June 16, <strong>1995</strong>.The Moderator, Christian Adjemian, welcomed the delegates andguests and led the <strong>Synod</strong> in the worship <strong>of</strong> God. <strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm96A and was led in prayer by the Moderator who then read Exodus34:10-28; John 2:13-22 and Hebrews 12:18-29, and preachedGod's Word on the theme 'Our Jealous God'. The worship servicewas concluded with prayer and the singing <strong>of</strong> Psalm 97C.The Moderator constituted the court in prayer.The roll was called and is as follows for all the sessions <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>:


REFORMED PRESBYTERIANCHURCHAdams, Jonathan, GraceAdams, Bruce, SouthfieldAdjemian, Christian, Smiths FallsAyer, Aubrey, OttawaBackensto, Bruce R., Ridgefield ParkBaumgartner, Jack, 2nd IndianapolisBirdsall, Donald, Los AngelesBlackwood, Edwin, Evansville MCBlackwood, Roy, 2nd IndianapolisBoyle, Samuel E.Bump, Larry, Belle CenterCarroll, Charles, GreeleyCarr, David, West LafayetteCarson, David, EastvaleCarson, Norman M.Carson, James D.Chao, CharlesComin, Douglas, WashingtonCopeland, E. ClarkCopeland, Joe, QuinterCopeland, Larry, TopekaCopeland, Robert, College HillCopeland, Chaplain StanCowley, Tony, Elkins ParkCurry, Scott, St. Lawrence DDDowds, Terence E., ShawneeDuffield, A. Wayne, New AlexandriaEdgar, John O.Edgar, Kermit S.Edgar, William J., BroomallElliott, D. HowardEngland, D. Mark, Christ CovenantEpps, Kenneth, MultiracialFaris, Harold, ShawneeFawthrop, Arthur, EndwellFinley, Paul W., WinchesterGanz, Richard L., OttawaGe<strong>org</strong>e, Glen M., GenevaGordon, Drew, Cov. FellowshipHeimburger, Robert, 2nd IndianapolisHemphill, Bruce, Elkins ParkHemphill, Robert L., Westminster, COHemphill, E. RaymondHenning, Robert A., ColumbusHindman, J. Edward, DenisonHowe, Peter, OswegoXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX E XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXX XX X X XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXEXXXXXXXXXXXXEEEEEEEEEEEEEEExxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXEXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX XEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXE XXXEEEXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Hueber, Ge<strong>org</strong>e, RochesterHuston, Joe, TopekaHutmire, Louis D., Cov. FellowshipIamaio, Nicholas, FultonJohnston, Richard, 2nd IndianapolisJoseph, Ralph E., SelmaJoseph, Raymond P., SouthfieldKeddie, Gordon, GraceKlein, Kay, Pacific Coast DDLaMay, Robert, ClarindaLeach, Jonathan B.Leach, CharlesLong, David W., West LafayetteLongBill, West LafayetteMagill, Keith R., Southside IndplsMann, RobertJ., SpringsMann, Wade, LisbonManwaring, Bruce, SyracuseMartin, Melville W.Martin, J. Bruce, HebronMartin, Paul M., PhoenixMastorovich, Michael, ManchesterMcBurney, Wendell F., BloomingtonMcBurney, Scott, WinchesterMcBurney, Kenneth A., AlmonteMcCracken, Robert B., TrinityMcCracken, Andrew, BloomingtonMcCracken, J. Paul, SpringsMcCracken, Tim, FresnoMcCrory, Harold, DenisonMcFarland, Robert H., TopekaMcMahan, Steve, HebronMcMahon, JamesMcMillan, JohnMcMillan, Willard G.McMillan, Robert W.Metzger, Harry, Westminster, ILMitchell, John, Rose PointMohr, David, Alleghenies DDMonger, John, RimersburgMoore, Kelly J.Morrow, Robert, SpartaMorton, Raymond E., SpartaMorton, James, AlmonteMorton, Jack, Finance CommitteeMullinix, Don, MultiracialMINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXE XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXEEEXXXXXXXXXXXXX xxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXEXXXXXXXXXXXXEEEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX EEE XX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHNoell, Alan, StillwaterO'Neill, Jerry F.Olson, Dennis, SeattleParnell, R. Bruce, StillwaterPennington, James C, AlleghenyPino, Hector, Finance CommitteePiper, Donald, SeattlePockras, Philip, Belle CenterPorter, Curtis, ShawneePrutow, DennisJ., SterlingReid, ThomasRoberts, William, BloomingtonRobson, EdRosenberger, H. LeverneRussell, TimothyRussell, Hartley, WaltonScavo, Vince, EastvaleSchep, Andrew, ColumbusSchmidtberger, Robert, Rose PointShoop, Butch, ColumbusShopp, Ge<strong>org</strong>e, Southside IndplsSmith, Peter, Anchor FellowshipSmith, Dean R.Smith, Marshall W., BroomallSmith, John, SharonSmith, Dale, LisbonSmith, Kenneth G., SyracuseSpear, Wayne R., North HillsStegall, Ronald H.Sterrett, C.S., 1st Beaver FallsSterrett, William J.Stewart, Bruce C.Swartz, Walter W., OswegoTweed, John H., 1st Beaver FallsTweed, Robert B.Van Camp, SidneyWatt, Jonathan, College HillWeir, William J., AlleghenyWeir, David, Ridgefield ParkWhite, John H.Willson, David, CollegeHillWilson, J. PaulWilson, NorrisWittke, James F., North HillsWoodson, Averette, GLG DDWorsham, Jay, OrlandoXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX xxxxxxxxxxxxEE XXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxXX XXXXXXXXXXXEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXEEEEE XXXXXXXXEEEEEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXEXXXXX X XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXEXXXXXEXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XX X X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXEXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXEEXXXXXXEXX XXEEEXXXXXXXXXXXXEXEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEXXEXEXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXX XX XXX X XX XXX XXXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEWright, J. RenwickXXXXXXXXXXXXXXWright, Christoper, CambridgeXXXWright, James M., OrlandoXXXXXXXXXXXXXXYork, Barry, SycamoreXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX<strong>Synod</strong> sustained the call <strong>of</strong> the Moderator to meet one day earlierthan was originally scheduled.It was moved, seconded and carried that elder delegates presentwithout certification be seated as delegates.It was moved, seconded and carried that all other elders present beseated as consultative members <strong>of</strong> the court throughout this meeting<strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.The following were introduced as delegates to the <strong>Synod</strong> for thefirst time:Teaching Elders: Charles Carroll, Greeley; Nicholas Iamaio, Fulton;Vince Scavo; Eastvale.Ruling Elders: David Weir, Ridgefield Park; Bruce Manwaring,Syracuse; Drew Gordon, Covenant Fellowship; Ge<strong>org</strong>e Shopp,Southside Indianapolis; David Carr, West Lafayette; Peter Howe,Oswego;Deacons: David Mohr (College Hill), Alleghenies; Scott Curry(Smiths Falls), St. Lawrence; Averette Woodson (Selma), Great Lakes- Gulf; Kay Klein (Seattle), Pacific Coast.Special note was made that, after many years <strong>of</strong> distinguishedservice both to <strong>Synod</strong> and to the congregation he serves, J. DonaldBirdsall is attending his last <strong>Synod</strong> since he is resigning from activeservice as an elder in the Los Angeles Congregation. He and his wife,Evelyn, were accorded a standing ovation by <strong>Synod</strong>.The following fraternal delegates were introduced to the court:Alastair McEwen, <strong>Reformed</strong> Presbytery <strong>of</strong> AustraliaHoward Hart, <strong>Reformed</strong> Church in the United StatesHarold Cunningham, <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> IrelandJack Whytock, Associate <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church.Don and Betty Trease from the Indianapolis churches who areworking in the Far East were introduced to the court.The following <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> the court were elected: Moderator,Robert Copeland; Clerk, Bruce Martin; Assistant Clerk, RaymondMorton.The <strong>Synod</strong> held a memorial service remembering the followingservants <strong>of</strong> the church who had passed away since the last <strong>Synod</strong>:Pastor Waldo Mitchel;Ruling elders: Fred Millican (Cambridge, 3/19/95); Dale Curry(Winchester, 9/2/94), Ralph Jackson (Broomall, 12/22/94); RayCampbell (Rose Point, 3/22/95);Pastor's wife and missionary to Cyprus, Mrs. T.M. (Marjorie)Hutcheson;Missionary to Syria and Cyprus, Mrs. Chester (Ada) Hutcheson.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHMel Martin prepared and read a memorial for Pastor WaldoMitchel which appears in the Appendix. Dean Smith led in thememorial prayer.The report <strong>of</strong> the Clerk <strong>of</strong> the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong> was taken up. Items1-4 were adopted. The report as a whole was approved and is asfollows:REPORT OF THE CLERK OF SYNODThe Clerk <strong>of</strong> the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong> reports that he has, to the best <strong>of</strong> hisknowledge, carried out the duties assigned to him by the <strong>Synod</strong> andresponded to a variety <strong>of</strong> correspondence that has been addressed to him.The 1994 <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> and Yearbook was edited by the Clerk. Themanaging editors <strong>of</strong> Crown and Covenant Publications secured the printerand handled the sale <strong>of</strong> the books. One correction needs to be made onpage 144. The statement beginning on line 18 should read:"While we abhor the sinful abuses <strong>of</strong> a husband's authority andthe abdication <strong>of</strong> his responsibilities within marriage, common sincethe Fall, we deny that his headship is, in and <strong>of</strong> itself, a result <strong>of</strong> sin."Letters were sent to all Boards and Committee Chairmen reminding themthat reports for <strong>Synod</strong> are to be in the hands <strong>of</strong> the Clerk by April 10 andno later than April 25 for inclusion in the Digest. The Docket for the <strong>1995</strong><strong>Synod</strong> has been prepared and is included with the Digest. The Digest hasbeen edited by the Clerk and reproduced and mailed by the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> theStated Clerk. If the plan <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee for the "No-<strong>Synod</strong>" <strong>of</strong> 1996 is adopted, notice is here given that reports should be sentto the Clerk for inclusion in the 1996 Digest by May 27, 1996 and no laterthan June 10, 1996. If the recommendation <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>Committee for the time and place <strong>of</strong> the 1997 <strong>Synod</strong> is adopted, notice ishereby given that reports should be sent to the clerk for inclusion in the1997Digestby May 15, 1997 and no later than May 30, 1997.A number <strong>of</strong> items were approved by the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong> to be sent down tothe sessions in overture. These were mailed in accord with the law and order<strong>of</strong> the church (Book <strong>of</strong> Discipline, Chapter 8, Paragraph 5) in the first twoweeks <strong>of</strong> January, <strong>1995</strong> along with appropriate ballots and return envelopes.An error on my part required that a correction to question #6 be mailed tothe sessions. All ballots should be given to the clerk before the appointment<strong>of</strong> the Committee to Canvass the Overture (BoD, Ch. 8, Para. 6). Amongthe overture questions was a question concerning the re-numbering <strong>of</strong>paragraphs in Chapter 24 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony. If question #5 is approved, asimilar re-numbering will be needed in Chapter 25.A page has been assigned in the Docket for all reports. Although somedid not have a printed report ready to be included in the Digest, a pagenumber is assigned for inclusion <strong>of</strong> these reports at <strong>Synod</strong>. It is intended thata time be set on the agenda for each report. The Clerk should be informed ifno place has been assigned for a particular report.Recommendations:


8 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEI. That the order <strong>of</strong> business and hours <strong>of</strong> meeting stated in the Docket beaccepted as the agenda for this meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.2. That the following be referred to the Nominating Committee:a. Those to whom letters <strong>of</strong> remembrance should be sent (1974<strong>Minutes</strong>, p. 60);b. Those to be elected to fill vacancies on <strong>Synod</strong>'s boards andpermanent committees.3. That the Moderator appoint a committee <strong>of</strong> three to canvass the overture.4. That the matter <strong>of</strong> re-numbering the paragraphs in Chapter 25 <strong>of</strong> theTestimony be referred to the Committee to Canvass the Overture.Respectfully submitted,J. Bruce Martin, ClerkThe seminary students who are serving <strong>Synod</strong> as pages wereintroduced to the court: Keith Black, Brian Coombs, Aaron Goernerand Tom Gray.The report <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee onCommunications was taken up. Items 1 and 2 were adopted. Thereport as a whole was approved and is as follows:COMMITTEE ON THE BUSINESS OF SYNODTwo communications have come to the committee; we are making ourrecommendations on these communications to the <strong>Synod</strong>.Communication 95-1This communication is from two members <strong>of</strong> the Midwest Presbytery andapproved for transfer to <strong>Synod</strong> by the Presbytery. The communication asksfor changes in the Directory for Church Government relative to proceduresfor the election <strong>of</strong> certain servants <strong>of</strong> the denomination.The essence <strong>of</strong> this proposal came to the <strong>Synod</strong> in 1993 and was returnedto the Presbytery on the grounds that too many details <strong>of</strong> the proposal wereunclear. It was amended and brought to the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1994. The JudicialCommittee recommended approval <strong>of</strong> the provisions, but thoserecommendations were rejected by the <strong>Synod</strong>. This communication differs indetail from the preceding communications, but the heart <strong>of</strong> the proposalremains the same.The Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> believes that itis counter-productive to haveessentially the same issue brought up year after year. Nevertheless, thecommunication has been brought to <strong>Synod</strong> through the proper channels.We recommend that this communication be referred to the JudicialCommittee for their recommendation to the <strong>Synod</strong> this year.The ground for this recommendation is that the proposal involvesconstitutional issues, including the question as to whether these proposals, ifadopted, require the sending down <strong>of</strong> an overture.Communication 95-2This communication comes to the <strong>Synod</strong> from the Great Lakes-GulfPresbytery. Itis a petition to reverse the decision <strong>of</strong> the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong>, which


REFORMED PRESBYTERIANCHURCHdecision was that there would be no <strong>Synod</strong> in 1996. This action by the 1994<strong>Synod</strong> rejected the recommendation <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee.This communication now asks that the 1994 decision be set aside in order tohold a meeting <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> in 1996.By unanimous concurrence, the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committeerecommends that the petition be returned to the Great Lakes - GulfPresbytery for the following reasons:a. The petition is correct in stating that there is no provision forsuspending the rules <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. However, the Directory for ChurchGovernment, with reference to the rules <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> states: "It is not to beassumed that they meet every condition, for 'Under extraordinarycircumstances, extraordinary things may be done."' (Chapter 8:1) Theextraordinary circumstance was that unlike procedures for the last fifty yearsor so when <strong>Synod</strong> met during the national conference, <strong>Synod</strong> determined notto do so in 1996. Thus a new and untested situation arose. In meeting theissue, extraordinary action was taken.b. While the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee in 1994 recommended that a<strong>Synod</strong> be held in 1996, we believe that since <strong>Synod</strong> made the decision in1994 not to hold a <strong>Synod</strong> meeting in 1996, we should move ahead. Theconcept <strong>of</strong> omitting a <strong>Synod</strong> in conference years has been suggested for someyears. The plans for not having a meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> in 1996 are outlined inthe report <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee. Since we have come this far,we should enter into the experiment. We will not know whetherit is workableuntilit is tried.c. The petition charges the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee with fixing thetime and place <strong>of</strong> the 1996 <strong>Synod</strong>. The Directory for Church Governmentstates that the time and place <strong>of</strong> the next meeting shall be fixed before theadjournment <strong>of</strong> this <strong>Synod</strong> (Chapter 7:3). While it might be possible to finda place in the next five days, such matters usually require a longer time fornegotiation on such matters as availability, costs, appropriate meeting places,travel from the closest airport, etc. Quick decisions <strong>of</strong>ten do not result inwise decisions. If the committee fails to make a decision before the close <strong>of</strong><strong>Synod</strong>, we would still be in technical violation <strong>of</strong> the Directory.d. The petition does not address the questions posed to the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong>;for example, should the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee find a time and placedifferent from the national conference or try to append the <strong>Synod</strong> to oneend <strong>of</strong> the conference or some other option? <strong>Synod</strong> is likely not to have thechance to vote on the option if the whole matter is left to the Business <strong>of</strong><strong>Synod</strong> Committee.e. The action <strong>of</strong> the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong> was by more than a two-thirds vote(1994 <strong>Minutes</strong>, page 67). That vote was taken on Tuesday afternoon. OnWednesday afternoon the chairman <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> introduced astatement to the court noting that <strong>Synod</strong> had not taken into account variousramifications <strong>of</strong> the decision (1994 <strong>Minutes</strong>, page 98). No member <strong>of</strong> thecourt who had voted in the affirmative called for a reconsideration, although


10 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEthere was plenty <strong>of</strong> time to have done so. Since that time boards andcommittees have been working to comply with <strong>Synod</strong>'s directive.f. The Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee, in planning for not having a <strong>Synod</strong> in1996, has proposed the appointment <strong>of</strong> a Commission to deal with anyemergency situations that might arise. In addition, the Directory for ChurchGovernment allows for special meetings (Chapter 7:3). Therefore ifcircumstances required some action, there would be two courses <strong>of</strong> actionthat could be followed.The report <strong>of</strong> the Arrangements Committee was taken up. Items1-3 were referred to the Nominating Committee. The report as awhole was approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTSBy the time you read this report the Committee on Arrangements willhave taken care <strong>of</strong> arrangements for the meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> in <strong>1995</strong>. The jobdescription <strong>of</strong> the Committee is found in the <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, 1991.Keith Black <strong>of</strong> the College Hill Congregation was appointed to fill avacancy on the Arrangements Committee.The committee met several times in preparation for the meeting <strong>of</strong><strong>Synod</strong>. Special thanks to Geneva College staff, Mr. Jeff Santarsiero, Director<strong>of</strong> Camps and Conferences and Mr. Steve Huggins, Director <strong>of</strong> FoodServices, for their assistance with arrangements at the College. Thecommittee also appreciates the assistance <strong>of</strong> Miss Judy Linhart in preparingfor the meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.The following items are referred to the Nominating Committee toconsider and take appropriate action:1) The terms <strong>of</strong> Cliff Glovier and Herb McCracken expire this year.2) There is no meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> planned for 1996. The terms <strong>of</strong> RobBaumgartner and Keith Black expire in 1996.3) The <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> 1993, page 12 records the recommendation"that there be at least two teaching elders on the Committee onArrangements in order to have,if at all possible, at least two members <strong>of</strong> thecommittee present at <strong>Synod</strong>." It appears this recommendation was not actedupon at the 1993 or 1994 meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> and should be considered atthe <strong>1995</strong> meeting.Respectfully submitted,Rob BaumgartnerKeith BlackCliff Glovier, ChairmanHerb McCrackenFollowing announcements, <strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm 99C and ClarkCopeland led in prayer adjourning the court at 10: 00 p.m.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 11SATURDAY, JUNE 17, <strong>1995</strong>, 8:30 A.M.<strong>Synod</strong> met pursuant to adjournment on Saturday, June 17, <strong>1995</strong>,in Alexander Hall on the campus <strong>of</strong> Geneva College, Beaver Falls,Pennsylvania at 8:30 a.m.<strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm 76A and was led in prayer by Terence Dowds toconstitute the court.Pastor Tim McCracken led <strong>Synod</strong> in the worship <strong>of</strong> God. BruceParnell led in the singing <strong>of</strong> Psalm 3, St. 5. Mr. McCracken led inprayer then preached God's Word from Isaiah 42:1-9. The servicewas concluded with the singing <strong>of</strong> Psalm 71C and the reading <strong>of</strong> theprayer <strong>of</strong> the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 1:8ff.The roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read, corrected andapproved.The Moderator announced the following committee appointments:Nominating Committee Presbytery ReviewRobert Henning*Edwin Blackwood*Jonathan WattDrew GordonBruce Hemphill (2 yr)Ronald StegallTimothy McCracken (2 yr)Walter W. SwartzTony Cowley (1 yr)J. Renwick WrightJoe Copeland (1 yr)JudicialTo Canvass the OvertureRalph Joseph*David Long*William EdgarRobert LaMayRobert MannGe<strong>org</strong>e HueberDonald PiperResolution <strong>of</strong> ThanksPeter SmithDouglas Comin*Larry BumpVincent ScavoTo Review Records <strong>of</strong> PresbyteriesAlleghenies: James Wright, Alan Noell, Charles LeachAtlantic: James Wittke, Curtis Porter, Barry YorkGreat Lakes-Gulf: James Pennington, David Weir, Dennis OlsonMidwest: Robert McCracken, William Long, Wade MannPacific Coast: Gordon Keddie, Aubrey Ayer, Kenneth EppsSt. Lawrence: Edward Hindman, Richard Johnston, Peter SmithJapan Commission: John Monger, Bruce Manwaring, Terence E. DowdsFollowing the announcements, the Moderator led in prayer as<strong>Synod</strong> took recess at 9:30 a.m.


12 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THESATURDAY, JUNE 17, <strong>1995</strong>, 1:30 P.M.<strong>Synod</strong> reconvened at 1:30 p.m. and sang Psalm 145B. BruceStewart led the Court in prayer. In the absence <strong>of</strong> the Moderator,the former Moderator, Christian Adjemian, presided over theafternoon session.The Roll was passed.The <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> the morning session were read and approved.The Reports <strong>of</strong> the Presbyteries <strong>of</strong> the Alleghenies, Atlantic, St.Lawrence, Great Lakes-Gulf, Midwest, Pacific Coast were taken upand approved and are as follows:Presbytery Report given by: Prayer led by:Alleghenies Peter Smith Bruce StewartAtlantic Tony Cowley Bruce Hemphillit. Lawrence Ken McBurney Wade MannPsalm 72C was sung.Great Lakes-Gulf Raymond Morton James WrightWade Mann led in prayer for Laura Adjemian.Midwest Robert Hemphill Paul FinleyPacific Coast Tim McCracken James CarsonREPORT OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE ALLEGHENIESThe Presbytery has, in the past year, held two regular meetings forbusiness (Nov.94 and Apr.95), along with additional meetings for theordination and/or installation <strong>of</strong> pastors. Many <strong>of</strong> our congregationshave made encouraging reports.Vince Scavo was ordained and installed last August as pastor <strong>of</strong> theEastvale Congregation, which currently has a Bible study and churchplanting effort in Boardman, OH.Robert McCracken was installed as pastor <strong>of</strong> the Trinity Church inBeltsville, MD (formerly Adelphi), which just this spring <strong>org</strong>anized amassive mailing and visitation effort with a view to a special Visitors' Serviceon April 9. The Commission which had been overseeing this work since thefall <strong>of</strong> 1993 has been dismissed. The nearby Anchor Fellowshipcontinues its energetic outreach ministries.Robert Schmidtberger was installed last fall as pastor <strong>of</strong> the Rose Pointcongregation, which continues its long-standing radio ministry to thecommunity. All here have been grieved by the recent loss <strong>of</strong> elder RayCampbell following an extended illness.Willard McMillan retires this summer from the ministry at the Genevacongregation, which has extended an <strong>of</strong>fer to the First Beaver Falls andCollege Hill churches to consider a three-way merger with two worshiplocations (College Hill and Patterson). This follows previous bilateral <strong>of</strong>fersfrom the other two congregations, and also comes on the heels <strong>of</strong> a specialworship service for confession <strong>of</strong> sin and faith in light <strong>of</strong> the rancorous


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 13separation <strong>of</strong> Geneva and College Hill congregations nearly a century ago.College Hill continues to hold dual morning worship services when GenevaCollege is in session due to their lack <strong>of</strong> sufficient meeting space. Itsponsored an internship for Lie. Keith Black at First Beaver Falls last summer.The Manchester (New Kensington) Congregation continues to searchfor a pastor, while Covenant Fellowship anticipates the arrival <strong>of</strong> the PastorBruce Hemphill family early this summer. The New Alexandria church hasattempted community outreach via a mailing service and newspaper ads, butalong with the Tusca and Rimersburg congregations has experienced adwindling and aging membership. These report a need for qualified, youngermen for the eldership.The Allegheny Congregation similarly reports a need for younger elders,but is thankful to be able to conduct a Foodshare Program and variousevangelistic Bible studies. Grace Congregation (State College continues tosee a fast-changing and energetic constituency, and North Hills, delightedwith its pastoral ministry from James Wittke, has seen a considerable increasein attendance and new members for two years now.The Presbytery has three students <strong>of</strong> theology under its care: seniorScott Wilkinson, who at the time <strong>of</strong> this writing is contemplating a call fromthe Walton, NY church; part-time student Lie. Keith Black (Deacon, CollegeHill), who has been preaching at various churches throughout the presbytery;and Adam Mastris, a ruling elder serving in a pastoral role at the TrinityChristian Community Fellowship in Larnaca, Cyprus. There are quite a fewretired pastors on our roll, along with those who serve at the <strong>Reformed</strong><strong>Presbyterian</strong> Seminary or Geneva College.Chaplain Kelly Moore, who has served stints in Somalia and Haiti, willmove with his family from Fort Drum, NY to Panama this summer. PastorWilliam Sterrett and family weathered the devastating Kobe (Japan) earthquakein January, and expect to be home for a month <strong>of</strong> furlough/RscR thissummer.Our presbytery looks forward to its second family conference at theLaurelville (PA) Conference grounds this July 17-21, last year's conferencehaving been a tremendous success. Barry Yorkis the speaker.Respectfully submitted,Jonathan M. WattREPORT OF ATLANTIC PRESBYTERYThe Atlantic Presbytery has met twice in the past year: on June 20,1994 in Beaver Falls, PA during <strong>Synod</strong>'s annual meeting and again on April13-14, <strong>1995</strong> at White Lake, NY.We are thankful to our Almighty and Everlasting Father for augmentingour six congregations with three mission churches established to honor Christin the past year: Lancaster, PA (June 20, 1994); Middletown, NY (July 271994); and Hazleton, PA (April I, <strong>1995</strong>).Mr. Thomas Houston served as church planter in Lancaster until hisresignation, effective March 19, <strong>1995</strong>. The temporary governing body is


J4MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEoverseeing the mission church, providing preaching and shepherding <strong>of</strong> thosein attendance. Pastor Tony Cowley leads a Bible study in Lancaster weekly.Mr. Leverne Rosenberger's early work <strong>of</strong> door-to-door recruitment forBible classes has borne pr<strong>of</strong>itable studies yielding the conversion and growth<strong>of</strong> several in Middletown. The mission church has located a suitable worshipfacility in Middletown and began weekly worship services on July 3, 1994.Their eleven communicant and nine baptized members are joined regularly byseveral adherents and visitors. Outreach efforts have included newspaperadvertisements, word-<strong>of</strong>-mouth, Genesis classes utilizing videotapes from theInstitute for Creation Research, and other Bible classes. On February 19,<strong>1995</strong>, the mission church observed the Lord's Supper for the first time. Thepresbytery is grateful to the Lord Jesus for providing His church with men <strong>of</strong>Christian zeal and grace such as Mr. Rosenberger.The Hazleton mission church sprang up in the providence <strong>of</strong> God in partto meet a felt need for Biblical worship on the part <strong>of</strong> two Hazleton areafamilies: the Tony Olivieris and the Jonathan Leaches. The two families,frequently joined by other visitors, began meeting for worship on May 1,1994 in White Haven, PA until a suitable facility was found in downtownHazleton. The Hazleton Commission examined Mr. Olivieri and approvedhim to share the preaching responsibilities with Mr. Leach and visitingpreachers monthly on the weekends Mr. Leach is away with military chaplainduties. The twelve communicant and seven baptized members are joined inworship by several regular visitors, bringing the average weekly worshipassembly to about 25 souls. On May 7, <strong>1995</strong>, the mission church plans toobserve the Lord's Supper for the first time.Five <strong>of</strong> our six congregations receive pastoral care from their ownteaching elders: Broomall, PA; Cambridge, MA; Elkins Park, PA;Ridgefield Park, NJ; and White Lake, NY. Our Coldenham-Newburgh, NYcongregation is without a pastor.The Broomall congregation receives the pastoral ministry <strong>of</strong> Dr. WilliamEdgar. Dr. Edgar continues teaching math full time in a local high school.The congregation has been blessed with an eagerness to serve and work in avariety <strong>of</strong> ministries. There is a continuing desire and burden to reachunconverted family members and friends, and the congregation also takesgreat encouragement from newcomers and regular visitors to services.Afternoon services include regular instruction in the Shorter Catechism, andan evangelistic Bible study recently has been inaugurated. Retired elder RalphJackson, who served the congregation for many years, was received to hisheavenly rest in December 1994.The Cambridge congregation receives the pastoral ministry <strong>of</strong> Mr. JamesKern. The congregation will observe its centennial anniversary in July <strong>1995</strong>with a program featuring Dr. Bruce Stewart, who began his ministry here.The congregation has experienced a somewhat disappointing year, but itsconcern for outreach and growth is undiminished. Charles F. Millicanentered his heavenly rest on March 19, <strong>1995</strong>, having served almost 59 yearsas an elder and 69 years as a deacon.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 15The Coldenham-Newburgh congregation is without a pastor. Statedsupply preacher, Mr. John McMillan, retired to Beaver Falls in June 1994.Special concerns include the cultivation <strong>of</strong> unity among God's people hereunder a pastor (not yet identified) and served by deacons (also not yetidentified).The Elkins Park congregation receives the pastoral ministry <strong>of</strong> Mr. TonyCowley. A number <strong>of</strong> families are moving away in <strong>1995</strong>: the Rev. RobertRoane family moved to Covenant PCA in Houston, TX; Rev. BruceHemphill and family will be moving to Covenant Fellowship, Pittsburgh, PA inJuly; the Wheelers may move to northern Pennsylvania. The congregationhas been focusing on its purpose as a congregation. Fostering fellowship,they had a weekend at the New Jersey shore last summer. Evening servicesinclude monthly communion, monthly Psalm sings, and a bi-weekly Biblestudy (Understanding Biblical Doctrine). Sabbath school was well attendedfrom October to present as Sabbath school followed services and a fellowshipbreak. As <strong>of</strong> October Pastor Cowley withdrew from many outside activities(CUTS and NRA) in order to focus his attention more fully on the work <strong>of</strong>pastoring and outreach. Long time member Howard Dietrich passed away atage 58 in February. Sadly, one <strong>of</strong> his sons had to be excommunicated inApril due to unbelief.The Ridgefield Park congregation receives the pastoral ministry <strong>of</strong> Mr.Bruce Backensto. During 1994 the session led the congregation from havinga board <strong>of</strong> trustees maintain the more temporal concerns <strong>of</strong> the congregationto having a deacon board carry on the diaconal ministry <strong>of</strong> the congregation.They have four deacons now. A major prayer commitment is that the Lordwould add at least five new families to the congregation in <strong>1995</strong>, We havehad to suspend one member due to his abandoning his wife and two children.We are praying for his repentance while realizing that he may need to beexcommunicated. Elder Dr. W. K. Metcalfe was voted elder emeritus andhonored as such in August 1994.The White Lake congregation receives the pastoral ministry <strong>of</strong> Mr. DavidCoon. Mr. Coon also teaches full time in a local elementary school. Thecongregation ministers to its community in special ways through PioneerClubs, youth programs, and weekly Bible study at a drug rehabilitationcenter. We also seek a door-to-door visitation ministry. Pray for ourcommunity as there are those seeking to enable casino gambling.The Atlantic Presbytery maintains the credentials <strong>of</strong> six teaching elderswho currently are not serving as pastors <strong>of</strong> congregations:1. Philip Coon is retired from pastoral ministry and lives in Gettysburg,PA.2. William Cornell serves as a ruling elder on the Broomall RPC sessionand preaches occasionally for congregations in the presbytery. He also assistsin a ministry to fellow pr<strong>of</strong>essional truck drivers.3. Bruce Hemphill serves as a ruling elder on the Elkins Park RPC Sessionand is completing his dissertation for a Ph.D. from Westminster Theological


£6 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THESeminary in Philalelphia. He will take up pastoral ministry at CovenantFellowship RPC in Pittsburgh (Presbytery <strong>of</strong> the Alleghenies) in June <strong>1995</strong>.4. Tom Houston is working in the Lancaster area and going to nursingschool.5. Jonathan Leach serves as Chaplaincy Program Director at WhiteHaven Center, a residential care facility serving some 370 Pennsylvanianswith mental retardation. The Center is operated by the state's Department<strong>of</strong> Public Welfare. He also serves as Chaplain in the Pennsylvania ArmyNational Guard and as a ruling elder on the temporary governing body <strong>of</strong> theHazleton mission church.6. Brian Randazzo is a certified alcohol counselor for the state <strong>of</strong> NewYork. He preaches regularly in a congregation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> Church inAmerica. He was released to accept a call from a congregation <strong>of</strong> the PCA.The following men are students <strong>of</strong> theology under care <strong>of</strong> AtlanticPresbytery1. Mr. Michael Lydon (Broomall RPC);2. Mr. Brian Schwertley, associate pastor-elect <strong>of</strong> the Southfield, MlRPC (Broomall RPC);3. Mr. Scott Rocca (Lancaster RPC Mission Church).Atlantic Presbytery maintains fraternal relations with our brethren theelders <strong>of</strong> the American <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church.Presbytery's Family Camp held at White Lake in conjunction with the St.Lawrence Presbytery features Pastor Arthur Fawthrop <strong>of</strong> the Endwell RPCspeaking on the topic <strong>of</strong> prayer. It will be held August 4-12, <strong>1995</strong>.Officers <strong>of</strong> Atlantic Presbytery are Mr. Richard Weir, Moderator;Jonathan Leach, Clerk; and Bruce Backensto, Treasurer. The Cambridgesession serves as Ad Interim Commission. Our corrected roster is in thehands <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>'s Clerk. Our membership is acccounted for and travelassessment paid in full. Our deacon delegate to this year's meeting <strong>of</strong> synodis Mr. Larry Gladfelter.Rejoice with us, brethren, that the Lord Jesus Christ is reigning in theaffairs <strong>of</strong> men and nations for the covenant blessing <strong>of</strong> His church!Respectfully Submitted,Jonathan B. LeachClerk, Atlantic PresbyteryREPORT OF THE ST. LAWRENCE PRESBYTERYThe St. Lawrence Presbytery has met 7 times since last reporting to<strong>Synod</strong>: June 18,20,21, 1994, during the meetings <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> in Beaver Falls;July 15, 1994, at Fulton, New York; October 4-5, 1994, at Oswego, NewYork; December 2, 1994, at Fulton, New York; and March 28, <strong>1995</strong>, atSmiths Falls, Ontario. The Presbytery now has eleven congregations and onemission station, eight <strong>of</strong> which have pastors. Our membership now stands at783, up from 753 last year.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH [7The work begun in Fulton, New York, by the Oswego congregation hasprogressed well. Nicholas Iamaio was licensed as eligible for a call on June20, 1994. He was ordained and installed as Associate Pastor <strong>of</strong> the Oswegocongregation for the work in Fulton on July 15, 1994. On December 2,1994, the Fulton congregation was <strong>org</strong>anized with 15 communicant and 8baptized members. Nicholas Iamaio was called and installed as their pastorand Roy van Norstrand was installed as ruling elder.The families in the Montreal Mission are now worshipping with theLochiel congregation, which is greatly enjoying the additional people. Biblestudies and other outreach efforts are continuing in Montreal. Elder BrianBrodie continues to minister the Word to the Lochiel congregation. Somerelief may be given later by students from Ottawa Theological Hall.The Ottawa Congregation is rejoicing in the completion <strong>of</strong> its beautifulnew building in time to begin worship there on March 5, <strong>1995</strong>. Thefacilities for Ottawa Theological Hall are also provided in the building,including a small apartment for visiting pr<strong>of</strong>essors. The first classes in thenew building began February 28 with Dr. Roy Blackwood. The Ottawacongregation has begun Bible studies to the east <strong>of</strong> Ottawa with a view toeventually having a new congregation in that area. They have also begunlaying the groundwork for a new work to be started in Toronto. Both <strong>of</strong>these efforts involve students in Ottawa Theological Hall. Pastor RichardGanz has continued to enjoy the opportunities to minister in various placessuch as Russia, the British Isles, Europe, California, Pennsylvania, Florida andin Japan this summer. He was interviewed on over 30 radio stations as aresult <strong>of</strong> his book, Psychobabble. Jan Buchanan is a missionary in Senegal.The Syracuse congregation has been making a study <strong>of</strong> the prospects forthe future direction <strong>of</strong> the congregation and there is considerable interest inthe Chittenango area as a possible location for a new work.The Rochester congregation has experienced some encouragement inrecent months and is hoping to be ready to call a pastor in the near future.Walton has been without a pastor for nearly two years and is looking forwardto the ordination and installation <strong>of</strong> Scott Wilkinson on July 14, <strong>1995</strong>.The Almonte congregation honored John Morton and John Waddell,who completed 50 years <strong>of</strong> service as deacons in November. The Presbyteryvisitation committee recognized the need for some new <strong>of</strong>ficers for thecongregation.The ministry in Smiths Falls has continued to move forward in spite <strong>of</strong>the extra family responsibilities their pastor assumed due to Mrs. Adjemian'scontinued illness. A number <strong>of</strong> that congregation have been involved inmission projects in Haiti and Japan.Lisbon is thankful for involvement <strong>of</strong> some new families contactedthrough small group Bible studies.Endwell is holding Bible studies in Apalachin with people interested inlearning more about the <strong>Reformed</strong> faith.Bill Pihl continues to serve as a reserve chaplain and completed studies inaccounting. He is seeking work in Rochester. Ed Robson is serving on the


jjMINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEfaculty <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Theological Seminary. Charles Leachhas completed his commitment to the Foreign Mission Board and is seeking acall to a congregation. Harold Harrington was received from the Presbytery<strong>of</strong> the Alleghenies on October 4, 1994.It was with regret that the Presbytery found it necessary on June 20,1994, to give Douglas Chamberlain his credentials, with charges attached.The Presbytery now has 7 students under care. Aaron Goerner andBrian Coombs are continuing their studies in the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh. Donald Millar, Andrew Stringer, KiernanStringer, Matthew Kingswood, and Matthew Dyck are studying in OttawaTheological Hall. Brian Coombs and Kiernan Stringer were licensed as eligibleto preach at our spring meeting <strong>of</strong> Presbytery, and the others will be readyfor licensure soon.White Lake Family Camp will be held in conjunction with AtlanticPresbytery on August 4-12, and St. Lawrence Family Camp will beSeptember 1-4. Attendance at St. Lawrence Family Camp last year was250, with over 300 on Sabbath Day.The <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> our Presbytery are Wade Mann, Moderator; KennethMcBurney, Clerk; Everett Wood, Treasurer; Bruce Trexler, AssistantTreasurer; Walter Dix, Associate Treasurer for Canada; Kenneth Smith,Moderator <strong>of</strong> the Ad Interim Commission; Arthur Fawthrop, Moderator <strong>of</strong>the Church Extension Commission; and Walter Swartz, chairman <strong>of</strong> theStudent Oversight Committee.Presbytery requests that Roy Blackwood be heard on behalf <strong>of</strong> OttawaTheological Hall.Kenneth McBurney, ClerkREPORT OF GREAT LAKES-GULF PRESBYTERYThe Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery again testifies to the grace <strong>of</strong> God inour Lord Jesus Christ, Zion's King and Head. He has said, "I will build mychurch" (Mt. 16:18), and we see His faithfulness to that promise in ourmidst. We have seen many and lavish tokens <strong>of</strong> His kindness and love to usin this past year.Our mission church, Evansville RPC in Evansville, IN, continues to dowell. It is much encouraged and quite encouraging to us in the rest <strong>of</strong> thePresbytery. The mission church suffered the loss <strong>of</strong> the Keith Wing family,due to a job transfer. Keith and Claudia had provided invaluable help andleadership. The Wings were the first family present, and the earthly catalystsfor the initiation <strong>of</strong> the mission church. Nonetheless, the Lord has providedother members to replace them, and new on-site leadership will soon bepresent, we believe. We remind <strong>Synod</strong> that other opportunities are beingexplored in Ocoee and Ft. Walton Beach, FL, in Lansing, Ml, and in northernIndiana.With joy, we mention that we met together as a Presbytery on 11November, 1994, to <strong>org</strong>anize the Sycamore Fellowship RPC in Kokomo, IN.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH \9Jesus has been faithful through many trials and delightful times to build thisgroup into a full church. It continues to grow in numbers and spirituality.There have been few changes in personnel in the past year. The RevJerry O'Neill was transferred to the Alleghenies Presbytery on 1 April,<strong>1995</strong>. The Rev Andrew Schep was received from Pacific Coast Presbyteryand was installed as Pastor <strong>of</strong> the Columbus, IN, RPC on 7 May, <strong>1995</strong>.While he is not a new member <strong>of</strong> Presbytery, the Rev Barry York's statuschanged on 11 November, 1994, when he was installed as the pastor <strong>of</strong>Sycamore Fellowship congregation in Kokomo, IN. He had been AssociatePastor at West Lafayette while Sycamore was a mission church. The RevThomas Reid currently serves a Free Church <strong>of</strong> Scotland congregation nearEdmonton, AB, while retaining his and his family's membership atMultiracial, and his ministerial credentials with us.Our "people" statistical report has been generally good. We recordnumerical growth for another year, by the grace <strong>of</strong> our God. The net totalincrease for the Presbytery comes to 49. Church attendance is up by 24,Sabbath School is up by 114, but CYPU membership is down slightly,showing a decrease <strong>of</strong> 9. Generally, we believe that these show continuedcommitment <strong>of</strong> our people. Of our growth, 38 were by baptism and 34 bypr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> faith. Further, 15 <strong>of</strong> our baptized members personallypr<strong>of</strong>essed faith in the Savior. Finances were mixed. While contributions andPastors' compensation were up, so were other expenses. Gifts to RP M st Mand "Other RP Work" were down, as were "Other Income" and end <strong>of</strong> theyear balances.Two congregations are currently vacant: Hetherton and Oakdale. TheRev Milton Harrington continues to serve as Stated Supply at Hetherton,while Oakdale enjoys its arrangement with the Rev Raymond Morton. Dueto growth, three <strong>of</strong> our congregations are still seeking new buildings orexpansion <strong>of</strong> current facilities. These are Columbus, Southside Indianapolis,and West Lafayette. Multiracial began meeting in its new building in April.Construction has begun at 2nd Indianapolis for its new structure.Belle Center saw closer fellowship, new adherents, and propertyimprovements over the past year, although there was a diminished roll.Presbytery's Visitation Committee was very helpful indeed. Please pray formany more encouragements. They have been blessed in the pulpit exchangebetween their pastor and the Rev Pr<strong>of</strong> Norris Wilson <strong>of</strong> Dervock RPC,Northern Presbytery, RPC <strong>of</strong> Ireland. Norris is here at <strong>Synod</strong>.Bloomington's revitalization efforts continue to bring good results. Further,their prayers for resident ruling elders have been answered.Columbus has much ministry and respect in that small city. They havecome through a new experience in getting a new pastor, the Rev AndrewSchep, formerly <strong>of</strong> San Diego. Their first pastor, the Rev Jerry O'Neill, isnow the President <strong>of</strong> the Seminary, as well as the pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> pastoraltheology. Hetherton continues to hold on. They are the only church <strong>of</strong> anysort for hundreds <strong>of</strong> square miles. Please pray for their continued witness forChrist in the northern Michigan woods. Multiracial continues to grow and to


20 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEseek to show how the love <strong>of</strong> Jesus transforms human relationships. Theirnew building has already helped in their labors for the Lord. They are stilllooking to establish a daughter congregation at Ft Walton Beach, in theneighboring county to the East. Oakdale's members continue stronglycommitted to the work <strong>of</strong> our church, as witnessed by their maintained highgiving. Still, they need the prayers <strong>of</strong> the church for their revitalization. Atone time, they were one <strong>of</strong> the largest congregations in our <strong>Synod</strong>. Orlandobegan a new MOPS (Mothers <strong>of</strong> Pre-Schoolers) program that has had anoverwhelming response from the community. Please continue to pray fortheir missionary work in Ocoee, a northwest suburb <strong>of</strong> Orlando. 2ndIndianapolis had a wonderful year in many ways. They have begun building,although there continue to be headaches and difficulties with the high cost <strong>of</strong>the construction. Their presbyterial visitation was quite useful to them.Several <strong>of</strong> their young people have been abroad on short-term missionarytrips. Please pray that their evangelism efforts will increase. Selma continuesto grow, and they are more and more needing help with leadership. Theyhave been doing a good deal <strong>of</strong> property improvement. They, likeMultiracial, have the opportunity to show how Christ heals relationships thathuman sin has marred. Southfield continues to experience God's gracioushand. They hope soon to begin more <strong>org</strong>anized work in the Lansing area.Already a couple <strong>of</strong> families are present, and Lie Brian Schwertley hopes soonto move there with his family to begin working there with the view <strong>of</strong>planting a church. Many <strong>of</strong> their people are heavily involved in the newcomputer and telecommunications technologies. At least one <strong>of</strong> their newerfamilies came in through this medium. Southside Indianapolis' evangelismprogram has seen some success. Their mission work has also included youngpeople going to foreign lands for short periods to tell <strong>of</strong> the Gospel. Wetrust that this sort <strong>of</strong> mission work will continue for years, as they currentlyhave more baptized members than communicant ones. Sparta has somesmall-group Bible studies now going, and prays that the Lord will see fit togive them fruit from their seed planting. Their new building, paid for by abequest, is greatly appreciated. West Lafayette is in process <strong>of</strong> obtaining abuilding in Lafayette. We give thanks to God for this favor He has giventhem. Their outreach to the Purdue University community is reviving. Theyhave now no further <strong>of</strong>ficial oversight <strong>of</strong> Sycamore Fellowship, so theavailable resources can now be directed elsewhere. Westminster continues togrow splendidly, having hit attendance over 100 this year. Their manychildren give much hope for the future. Their visitation was very useful. TheWestminster congregation is now <strong>of</strong>f aid. The congregation and ourPresbytery thank the Home Mission Board for their help and encouragementover the years. A special blessing was money received from the KingdomBuilders' Fund.Strong interest continues in the seminary level training that has been<strong>of</strong>fered in the Indianapolis area. Over twenty <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> menhave eagerly participated as students. Some are men who have been in othercareers for many years, while some are boys still in high school who wonder if


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHthe call <strong>of</strong> God is on them for pastoral work. The anticipated emphasis in thecoming year will be Church History, from the Primitive, Medieval, andReformation eras to the present. Mr John McFarland has gone on from theseclasses to RPTS. He hopes to graduate this coming year.Presbytery has begun a new computer bulletin board service, or BBS.Actually, we share a large portion <strong>of</strong> the Shekinah Firestorm BBS located nearWest Lafayette. The system operator, Mr Tom Sullivan, is a member <strong>of</strong> theWest Lafayette congregation. He has graciously donated his time and spaceon his BBS for Presbytery's use. Much <strong>of</strong> Presbytery's space is open to thepublic. Its phone number is 317/385-0518.Our Young People's work continues under the direction <strong>of</strong> RichardJohnston, John Hanson, Mr and Mrs James Long, and the presbyterial CYPUstaff. Rev Jim Wright will be the conference director at our CovfamikoiConference at Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, TN, from 29 July to 4August, <strong>1995</strong>. The main speaker is to be the Rev Dr Christian Adjemian.Presbytery has met twice since the last meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. The first wason 11 November at Kokomo, IN, to <strong>org</strong>anize the Sycamore Fellowshipcongregation. The other was our stated Spring meeting at Bloomington, IN,on 20-22 April. It was generally a very encouraging and loving time.Dear brethren, we again implore your prayers for us. Satan does notwillingly relinquish his stolen goods. Often, where there is progress forChrist's Crown and Covenant, there is trouble, too. Satan would love to seeus proud <strong>of</strong> "our" accomplishments, for that would bring about ambition,pride, and ultimately discord and disaster. Pray that we will be humble in ourwalk as a presbytery. Pray that we will remain true to our pr<strong>of</strong>essions, ourCovenants, to the Covenant <strong>of</strong> Grace, and to the Head <strong>of</strong> the Covenant, theKing <strong>of</strong> Zion and King <strong>of</strong> Kings, the only Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ.Respectfully submitted for the Great Lakes-GulfPresbytery,Philip H. PockrasAssistant ClerkREPORT OF MIDWEST PRESBYTERYDear Fathers and Brothers,As we reflect on the past year, the Midwest Presbytery is reminded that"the Lord has done great things for us." (Psalm 126:3). God has enabled usto work in a great diversity <strong>of</strong> circumstances and minister to a broadspectrum <strong>of</strong> people.The Presbytery has met three times since the last meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. Thefirst was the annual meeting which was hosted by the Shawnee Congregation.The second was to ordain and install Charles Carroll in the GreeleyCongregation. The third was held here at <strong>Synod</strong>.Presbytery is grateful for the ministry <strong>of</strong> Chaplain Stan Copeland, andespecially for his time assigned to Fort Riley which has enabled him toworship and serve in the Hebron Congregation. Our concern and prayershave been great for the pastors <strong>of</strong> our Presbytery involved in foreign mission2A


22 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEwork. Gene Spear and all those associated with the Japan Mission felt God'sgrace during the earthquake and now face challenging decisions as well asopportunities to preach about the Sovereign Lord. We rejoice with RonStegall in the work <strong>of</strong> God in establishing the foundations <strong>of</strong> the work inCypress and pray with him for God's continued provision for that church asthe Stegall family returns to the United States.Tom Price was sent his credentials upon his request. Tom has beenserving as pastor <strong>of</strong> the Community Church <strong>of</strong> Sherman, NY since 1991.Chaplain Joe Paul requested his credentials to be transferred to the JamesRiver Presbytery <strong>of</strong> the PCA. We pray that God will continue to bless thesemen as they serve in a new area <strong>of</strong> His Kingdom.We are saddened by the deaths <strong>of</strong> Ada Hutcheson, missionary to Syriaand Cyprus and Marjorie Hutcheson, long time missionary to Cyprus. Butwe also praise God for their faithful years <strong>of</strong> service. We also thank God forthe faithful life and ministry <strong>of</strong> Waldo Mitchel who passed away April 28,<strong>1995</strong>.The Aurora congregation reports selling their property in April <strong>of</strong> 1994and paying all the debt owed to <strong>Synod</strong> and Midwest Presbytery. They arepresently seeking a Pastor, since Sidney Van Camp resigned in September.They are presently worshipping in a new facility, located in the heart <strong>of</strong> asoutheast Aurora residential community. The pulpit is being supplied weeklyby four men. Their Sabbath School has had an increase in new attendantsfrom the community. Although they have some money reserves they foreseethat they still lack sufficient funds to pay a pastor after two years.Christ Covenant Church (Lawrence) is thankful for the Lord's blessing asthe Johnson family has united with the congregation. They are also thankfulfor the Lord's blessing on their young people through the continuing work <strong>of</strong>the Jarrows, youth directors. They thank the Lord for the young people whohave made their public pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> faith, and continue to pray that otheryoung people will be led to do so.The <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> Clarinda, lowa, continues itsworship services, Sabbath Bible Classes, and Bible Studies. The Womencontinue their fellowship and Bible Study each month. They have elected twonew <strong>of</strong>ficers since <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> last year, Steve Falk to the Session, and HowardCabeen to the Deacons. Steve and Ruth Falk were blessed with Hannah Ruthon March 9, 1994. Hannah was baptized on April third. They covet yourprayers as they desire witness and growth in the community.The Denison Congregation reports that within the last year, there havebeen three homes established in the congregation. Three <strong>of</strong> their youngpeople have made pr<strong>of</strong>essions <strong>of</strong> faith before the session and thecongregation. The congregation is looking forward to observing its 125thanniversary in i 996. They request prayer for wisdom in adjusting to changesin the congregation and in the community, and how to best represent ourLord as His ambassadors.Some <strong>of</strong> the Greeley folks went to the Genevans' concert in Denver onMarch 15th. Afterward five <strong>of</strong> the Genevans rode bark to C.rppley with


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 23Pastor Charles Carroll to spend the night and check out some <strong>of</strong> thepossibilities for locating in Greely after graduation to help in the work there.The Hebron Congregation thanks God for covenant children who havemade a pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> faith this past fall, and for two RP families who havemoved into their area and the encouragement they give. They are concernedfor the aging <strong>of</strong> their congregation and the need for others to be raised up totake on leadership duties and to take the place <strong>of</strong> those who have gonebefore. They are thankful for Bible studies being held in Manhattan in thehome <strong>of</strong> Mr. sr. Mrs. Rick Baybutt and are praying for greater interest to beshown in these studies.During the Presbytery's meeting at <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1994, it formed aCommission to oversee the work in Midland, Texas. On September 30,1994, the Commission <strong>of</strong>ficially designated Midland as a Mission Church <strong>of</strong>the RPCNA. In January, <strong>1995</strong>, Sid Van Camp accepted the assignment todo further exploratory and establishing work on location for three months.Because <strong>of</strong> the Lord's blessing, that time has been extended. Currently thereare nine households represented in regular worship and Bible Study. Praythat God would bring great fruit to His kingdom through the ministry inMidland.The Minneola Congregation thanks God for His mercies. They aregrateful for the ministry <strong>of</strong> Ron Graham who is active not only in theircongregation but also in the community as well as with the youth <strong>of</strong> thePresbytery.The Quinter congregation rejoices that several have been added to theircommunicant roll recently from the baptized roll, and from othercongregations inside and outside <strong>of</strong> our denomination. Pray for theircommunication with our local and out-<strong>of</strong>-bound members.The Sharon Congregation thanks God for His faithful love and thefaithfulness <strong>of</strong> the congregation in worship and giving. They are currentlywithout a pastor as Bob Schmidtberger moved to Rose Point. They reportactive ministry in Bible Study throughout the week, in Vacation Bible School,and in summer camp. They have issued a call for Ron Good to be theirpastor.July 23, 1994, was a day <strong>of</strong> rejoicing for the Shawnee Congregation asthe congregation celebrated the completion <strong>of</strong> the new educational wing.They pray and trust that the addition will help further God's Kingdom in thispart <strong>of</strong> the His vineyard. They eagerly look forward to having Dr. RobertGodfrey present a series <strong>of</strong> lectures on "The <strong>Reformed</strong> Critique <strong>of</strong> theChurch Growth Movement." The conference will be held in the ShawneeChurch on September 15-17, <strong>1995</strong>.The Springs <strong>Reformed</strong> Church (RPCNA) in Colorado has enjoyed anumber <strong>of</strong> new opportunities for ministry during the past year, which was thesecond year <strong>of</strong> activity in the new building downtown. There are new studiesbeing conducted with uncommitted people. Also a number <strong>of</strong> those alreadybelievers have become active with them. This has resulted in growth inmembership, and a significant rise in their giving. The church's spirit is


24 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEpositive and hopeful. The congregation has now been removed from alldenominational and presbytery aid. Its prospects for the future, as Godblesses the work, are very good.The Sterling Congregation reports that the membership roll started at 76with four loses and three people joining which makes the total 75. The fourloses were three transfers, one death. They have been focusing on improvingtheir worship services this year. Practicing the Psalms the hour beforeworship, especially the new tunes, has been very helpful. Their pastorcontinues to work hard at numerous activities. Besides his sermonpreparation and visitations his time is spent on the radio ministry/ numerouswritings, counseling, speaking at the seminary and youth camps, and activitieswith the college and high school students. One <strong>of</strong> their youth, DenisePrutow, spent the summer sharing the gospel with the non-Christians at theBoardwalk Chapel in Windowed, NJ. The Sterling Congregation will miss thespirit and fellowship <strong>of</strong> Marjorie Hutcheson, long time missionary to Cyprusfor the denomination.1994 brought several changes within the life <strong>of</strong> the StillwaterCongregation. Probably the most notable, as reported last year, was theirmove to the Nazarene Student Center which provides a central location, awarm atmosphere for fellowship, and for worship, better class room spaceand reasonable rent. But location is not everything. A "warm" churchenvironment can be achieved without the Word <strong>of</strong> God impacting lives. Inthis aspect the congregation continues to learn and serve the Lord. Thepeople <strong>of</strong> God are called to be holy, conformed to the character <strong>of</strong> God,being set apart from sin and consecrated for His service. Through manydifferent aspects they strive to be Christ-like.The Topeka Congregation reports that they are outgrowing their 40 yearold building. They are relocating on a 5 acre plot (33rd and Auburn Rd.)where they can construct a new church with an activity center.The Washington Congregation praises God for His evident blessingamong us during the past year. His grace has been apparent in the reception<strong>of</strong> several new members, the renewed commitment <strong>of</strong> a congregational"prodigal," the teaching and fellowship <strong>of</strong> the church, and the growing desireto minister to the lost. The Session was grieved to have to pronounce anexcommunication this year, but we continue in prayer for our formermember and take solace in the fact that the faithful exercise <strong>of</strong> discipline,though painful, is a mark <strong>of</strong> a true church.The Westminster Congregation continues to thank God for His provision<strong>of</strong> young adults, many are sons and daughters <strong>of</strong> the congregation, whodesire to work with the youth <strong>of</strong> their congregation. Pray for wisdom in thedecision about a new building because their worship room is full most Lord'sdays. Also pray for a spirit <strong>of</strong> unity as the Lord has allowed them to ministerto many new people, some <strong>of</strong> which have joined the congregation.Bible Study and outreach continue in Wichita through the faithful work<strong>of</strong> Sam and Sue Wilkey and the encouragement and oversight <strong>of</strong> the WichitaCommittee <strong>of</strong> the Presbytery's Church Extension and Evangelism Committee.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 25There is a real burden for reaching the lost with the message <strong>of</strong> salvationthrough Christ alone, which is evident in the interest among several RomanCatholic families. There also continues to be a strong commitment totraveling to Sterling to hear the preaching <strong>of</strong> God's Word.The Winchester Congregation is thankful to God for His mercies to themthroughout 1994. This was the first full year for pastor, Paul Finley, andthey appreciate his work, along with his wife Elizabeth and five boys.Received into membership during 1994 were ten individuals, including thepastor's family. Three members <strong>of</strong> the congregation passed away during theyear, including active elder Dale Curry. Several families from neighboringcommunities have been worshipping with the congregation, adding abouteighteen children to the Sabbath School classes. Physical improvements tothe church property included replacing a portion <strong>of</strong> the foundation under thechurch building and minor repairs to the parsonage. They pray that God willcontinue to care for them as a congregation spiritually, physically, andfinancially; and that He will continue to use them to spread His Word in theircommunity.All three presbytery conferences are to be held again this year. TheHorse Creek Conference is to be held June 26-30 in northeast Kansas, theHorn Creek Conference is being held August 12-19, and the Crooked CreekConference in eastern lowa is being held July 30-August 3. Presbytery isgrateful for Greg and Jan Adams from the Westminster Congregation whoare serving as presbytery-wide youth workers.We now have three theological students under the care <strong>of</strong> presbytery.Bill Van Sciver, Clerk <strong>of</strong> the Aurora Session, is studying under the direction<strong>of</strong> the presbytery; Tom Zasadny is studying at Covenant Seminary in St.Louis, and Matt Filbert who will be attending RPTS this fall. We thank Godfor these men and pray that God will raise up others as well for the pastoralministry.Respectfully submitted,R. Bruce Parnell, ClerkREPORT OF THE PACIFIC COAST PRESBYTERYDear Fathers and Brothers,With thanksgiving to God for His gracious and sovereign care we reportto the <strong>Synod</strong> something <strong>of</strong> what He by His Spirit continues to do among us.In His all wise providence the Lord has been pleased to preserve fivecongregations in the Pacific Coast Presbytery. During the year two <strong>of</strong> ourpulpits were vacated. Pastor James D. Carson retired as pastor <strong>of</strong> the LosAngeles congregation. He continues his service to God and His Church atWestminster Seminary in Escondido, California. The Presbytery is thankfulthat God has seen fit to have him continue within the bounds and ministry <strong>of</strong>the Presbytery. Pastor Andrew Schep has received the call <strong>of</strong> God and thechurch to pastor the congregation in Columbus, Indiana. His service withinthe Presbytery will continue in the fruit born through his service here.


26 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEThe Los Angeles congregation continues under the leadership <strong>of</strong> theSession and Moderator Glenn McFarland. They are actively seeking theLord's provision <strong>of</strong> a Pastor but being without a pastor has not diminishedtheir service and vision for the ministry <strong>of</strong> God's Word and care. Thebilingual character <strong>of</strong> the congregation continues to mature and grow. Thecongregation held a bilingual congregational conference which was a greatblessing. Pray for the raising up <strong>of</strong> a minister who will fit into the visionalready developed by the congregation under the leadership <strong>of</strong> its elders andthe prompting <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit.The San Diego congregation likewise continues under the leadership <strong>of</strong>the elders and the gracious care <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit. Michael Campbell iscarrying some <strong>of</strong> the pastoral duties and is, under the oversight <strong>of</strong> thePresbytery, preparing for examination by the Presbytery in order that he maysome day serve the denomination in that <strong>of</strong>fice. The Lord has graciouslypreserved his life and it seemed that for a time the Lord had broughtremission from the cancer which was discovered this past year. In recentmonths there has been a return <strong>of</strong> activity in the cancer. He was hoping tobe at this meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> but the cancer has weakened him such that hehas little energy. Join with us in praying that God would be pleased to bringhealing and care for Michael Campbell. Pray also that the Lord would giveendurance and strength to the congregation and elders as they again passthrough this difficult time without an installed pastor. James Carson has beenappointed Moderator by the Ad Interim Commission.The Fresno congregation sees, in the forecast, extreme financialchallenges over the next couple <strong>of</strong> years. Already existing difficulties arecompounded by anticipated loss (because <strong>of</strong> job and situation changes) <strong>of</strong>quite a number <strong>of</strong> adults in <strong>1995</strong>. Fresno needs the Lord's movementamong them to raise up leadership for evangelistic outlook and action. TheFresno congregation is in deperate need to replace their building. This needmagnifies the financial difficulties. But these are where we are driven all themore to seek the care and support <strong>of</strong> our Heavenly Father.The Seattle, and Phoenix congregations enjoy growth under the care <strong>of</strong>the Holy Spirit. We give thanks to God for the leadership <strong>of</strong> elders who haveserved faithfully several years. The women actively participate in the ministry<strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> these congregations and are the source <strong>of</strong> great blessing.Through the congregations there are several methods <strong>of</strong> outreachextending to the broken communities in which each resides. Along withthese, efforts continue to see a ministry center developed in Orange County,California. We rejoice in anticipating the coming <strong>of</strong> John McFarland and hisfamily, Lord willing, as he has confirmed his willingness to serve as a churchplanting pastor there.Join with us in giving thanks to God for the measure <strong>of</strong> health granted usfor we are wholly in His care. Pray that the Holy Spirit will surround us as awall <strong>of</strong> protection against the intrusion <strong>of</strong> the beasts that would wreak havocboth spiritually and physically on His church. Let God be known among usas our "fortress high."


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHDuring this past year the Presbytery had its annual meeting on March 11and 12, <strong>1995</strong> in Los Angeles. We had an excellent family conference inSouthern California and we have plans for a family conference nearBellingham, Washington this summer, July 31 through August 6.Respectfully submitted,The servants <strong>of</strong> Christ in the Pacific Coast PresbyteryPsalm 72A was sung.The Report <strong>of</strong> the Japan Commission was given by WilliamSterrett. The recommendation to establish a Japan Presbytery wastaken up. Motion: that the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> churches in thearea <strong>of</strong> Kobe, Japan, be <strong>org</strong>anized as the Japan Presbytery; that thePresbytery is to include the Higashisuma, Kasumigaoka, Keiyaku andMukonoso congregations along with the Hontamon, Inano and KitaSuzurandai mission stations and that the Moderator, Pastor Takiura,be authorized to convene the new Presbytery. Seconded and passed.Motion that <strong>Synod</strong> authorize the ordained missionary personnelin Japan to have a dual status and to serve as voting members in thenew Presbytery if requested to do so. Seconded. It was moved toentertain a substitute. Seconded and passed. The substitute motionlost. Motion: the reference <strong>of</strong> the original motion be forwarded tothe Foreign Mission Board. Seconded and passed.The report as a whole was approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE JAPAN COMMISSION"May the glory <strong>of</strong> the LORD endure for ever; may the LORD rejoice inhis works- he who looks at the earth, andit trembles, who touches themountains, and they smoke." (Psalm 104:31,32).On January 17, <strong>1995</strong>, the Kobe-Osaka area witnessed an awesomedisplay <strong>of</strong> the Lord's power. The Great Hanshin Earthquake devastatedKobe, leaving nearly 5,500 dead and thousands homeless. We grieve forthose who lost their lives, but we also give thanks to the Lord that no life waslost among the members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church. Somemembers' homes were destroyed, however, and there was some damage tochurch buildings. The Covenanter Bookstore sustained severe damage, andthe building will have to be demolished. The Japan Commission has set up arelief fund to assist in building repair and other relief operations. PastorTakiura has been coordinating the work <strong>of</strong> teams <strong>of</strong> volunteers who havehelped in cleanup and building repair work. In spite <strong>of</strong> many difficulties, theLord has enabled the Commission to meet and carry on its work.At the time <strong>of</strong> this report (March 20, <strong>1995</strong>) Pastors Robert Henningand Bruce Backensto are visiting the Church in Japan representing the ForeignMission Board. They are to be here from March 15 to 28. They havehelped in some building repair work and are assisting discussions on theformation <strong>of</strong> a Japanese Presbytery, the future <strong>of</strong> the Covenanter Bookstore,and other matters.J7


28 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THESince the last meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> the Commission has consisted <strong>of</strong> seventeaching elders (Masunaga, McMillan, Miwa, Sakai, Spear, Sterrett, andTakiura) and four ruling elders (Enomoto, Kato, Komuro, and Nitta). Thereare currently four <strong>org</strong>anized congregations (Higashi Suma, Kasumigaoka,Okamoto Keiyaku, and Mukonoso) and three mission stations (Hontamon,Inano, and Kita Suzurandai) under the oversight <strong>of</strong> the Commission.Following study and discussion in the sessions and congregations, on July11, 1994, the Commission made the decision to take steps toward theformation <strong>of</strong> a Japanese Presbytery. On March 20, <strong>1995</strong>, the Commissiondecided to make the request to the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> that the Japan Presbytery <strong>of</strong>the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church be established. We pray that the entiredenomination may be blessed by the addition <strong>of</strong> this new presbytery.Pastor John McMillan served on the Commission during Pastor Sterrett'sfurlough from June to August, 1994. The Commission expresses itsappreciation for Pastor McMillan's brief period <strong>of</strong> service on the Commission.At the March 13, <strong>1995</strong>, meeting <strong>of</strong> Commission, Pastor ToshioMasunaga announced his intention to retire from the pastorate <strong>of</strong> HigashiSuma at the end <strong>of</strong> August. The Commission gives thanks for PastorMasunaga's 36 years <strong>of</strong> faithful and fruitful ministry.Sumito Sakai was examined and declared eligible to receive a call onNovember 21, 1994. Following that, he received and accepted a call to bethe associate pastor at Higashi Suma Church to serve at Hontamon MissionStation. He was ordained to the gospel ministry on December 11, 1994.We rejoice that God has given Pastor Sakai to His Church in Japan.Lie. Shigeki Komuro's eligibility to preach was renewed for 5 years onMay 9, 1994. He is in the process <strong>of</strong> examination for eligibility for a call.Mr. Komuro continues to preach at a Sabbath afternoon worship service inhis family home in Inano. He also preaches occasionally at other R.P.Churches.Pastor Miwa continues to hold a <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> worship servicein his home for Japanese living in Seoul, Korea. He is supported mainly byprivate contributions which are channeled through the Japan Commission.During the summer <strong>of</strong> 1994, Mr. Hakamada, a student at the <strong>Reformed</strong>Seminary in Kobe, preached in our churches and helped with other activities.Since then he has preached occasionally at Kasumigaoka Church. He is amember <strong>of</strong> an independent church. We pray that the Lord will continue tobless Mr. Hakamada's relationship with the R. P. Church.As reported to last year's <strong>Synod</strong>, Samuel Youn was suspended from thepastorate following a confession <strong>of</strong> immorality. Later in the year, it came tothe attention <strong>of</strong> Commission members that Mr. Youn has denied theconfession and has accused the Commission <strong>of</strong> wrongfully suspending him.Therefore, it was decided that his case should be brought to trial. InNovember a committee was formed to prepare for this, and at the January 9meeting <strong>of</strong> Commission, it was decided to set a trial date by the end <strong>of</strong> themonth. However, due to the earthquake, the Commission has not been ableto proceed with this.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 29At the request <strong>of</strong> the Covenanter Book Store Board <strong>of</strong> Directors, theCommission has appointed a committee to assist in making plans for thefuture <strong>of</strong> the Book Store. The "Blue Print Committee" has been meetingregularly with the Board <strong>of</strong> Directors and studying many phases <strong>of</strong> the BookStore's ministry. The Commission continues to elect a Japaneserepresentative to the Board <strong>of</strong> Directors each year for a three year term. Mr.Ishii, a deacon <strong>of</strong> Higashi Suma Church, was elected to a three year term inMarch. Mrs. Yamaguchi, a deacon <strong>of</strong> Kasumigaoka Church, was elected t<strong>of</strong>ill the final year <strong>of</strong> Mr. Enomoto's term as he is unable to serve on theBoard.A committee is continuing to investigate procedures for revising theReligious Corporation status <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church in Japan.The Psalter Translation Committee continues to make progress inpreparing new Psalm selections to be used in Japanese worship.The Commission is continuing its section by section examination <strong>of</strong> thetranslation <strong>of</strong> the Constitution <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church.The Commission was also responsible for the oversight <strong>of</strong> the followingactivities:1. The annual Young People's Conference was held August 15-17,1994, at Ishibe. The theme was Life.2. The Fall Church Conference was held on September 23, 1994, at theKobe <strong>Reformed</strong> Seminary. Rev. Patrick McElligott <strong>of</strong> WorldwideEvangelization for Christ International gave inspirational talks on FamilyPrayer.3. The Christmas Psalm Program was held on December 24 at theKenmin Kaikan in Kobe. All <strong>of</strong> the congregations participated in reading andsinging "The Life <strong>of</strong> Christ in the Psalms."4. The Young Peoples Prayer Fellowship has continued on the firstSabbath <strong>of</strong> every month under the direction <strong>of</strong> Pastor Sumito Sakai.5. Pastor Takiura was the fraternal delegate to the <strong>Reformed</strong> Church <strong>of</strong>Japan <strong>Synod</strong>. He reported that the <strong>Synod</strong> is considering the relocation <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Reformed</strong> Seminary away from Kobe. He also reported that the <strong>Synod</strong>decided to use the Genevan Psalter in worship in their churches. We areencouraged by this decision for the use <strong>of</strong> the Psalms in worship.6. The Japan Commission continues to participate in the support <strong>of</strong> theReformation Translation Fellowship. Pastor Spear is chairman <strong>of</strong> the JapanRTF Board.Officers <strong>of</strong> the Japan Commission for <strong>1995</strong> are:Moderator: Shigeru TakiuraClerks: Sumito Sakai and William SterrettTreasurer: Yoshio NittaAuditor: Norihide Komuro<strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> the sessions are in the process <strong>of</strong> examination at the time <strong>of</strong>this report.RECOMMENDATION:


30 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEThat the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> formally establish the congregations <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church in Japan as a Presbytery <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong><strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church.Respectfully submittedWilliam J. Sterrett, ClerkRobert Henning led the Court in prayer including a request forGod's blessing on the new Presbytery.Following announcements and the singing <strong>of</strong> Psalm 46C JohnMcMillan led the Court in the prayer <strong>of</strong> adjournment at 4:00 p.m.MONDAY, JUNE 19, <strong>1995</strong>, 8:30 A.M.<strong>Synod</strong> met pursuant to adjournment on Monday, June 19, <strong>1995</strong>,in Skye Lounge <strong>of</strong> the Student Center on the campus <strong>of</strong> GenevaCollege, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania at 8:30 a.m.Ed Blackwood led <strong>Synod</strong> in singing Psalm 5A and Renwick Wrightled in prayer to constitute the court.Pastor Jerry O'Neill led <strong>Synod</strong> in the worship <strong>of</strong> God. <strong>Synod</strong> sangPsalm 45A and Donald Birdsall led in prayer. Butch Shoop readIsaiah 49:1-7 and Jerry O'Neill preached God's Word on the theme,'The Commission <strong>of</strong> the Servant'. The service was concluded inprayer.The roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read and approved.The Moderator was asked to appoint a parliamentarian to replacePhil Pockras for this meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> only. Mr. Pockras iscurrently serving in Ireland on a pulpit exchange. The Moderatorappointed Christian Adjemian.Robert Henning read a letter <strong>of</strong> greeting from Pastor ShigeruTakiura.Charles Dennison, fraternal delegate from the Orthodox<strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church was introduced to the court.The Moderator made a correction to the committees he hadappointed and the correction is included in previous listing.The Moderator read a portion from the book, Letters on ClericalManners and Habits, by Samuel Miller, edited 1852, on thedeportment <strong>of</strong> delegates to church courts.The report <strong>of</strong> the Stated Clerk was taken up. Corrections weremade to the report which was approved and is as follows:


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 31THE REPORT OF THE STATED CLERKDecember 31, 1994Listed below are the denominational statistics compiled from reportssubmitted by the clerks <strong>of</strong> congregations through their clerks <strong>of</strong> presbyteries.Itis noted that we increased by 43 members in 1994. We have hadincreases each year since 1987 totalling 547 members.Communicant MembersBaptized MembersTotal MembersIncreases:By baptismBy pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> faithFrom other R.P. CongregationsFrom other denominationsOtherTotal IncreaseDecreases:DeathsTo other R.P. CongregationsTo other denominationsFinal removalOtherTotal DecreaseMEMBERSHIP12/31/934,0321,6265,6581581201281133755651103856167367Baptized children making public pr<strong>of</strong>ession 51CongregationsMission ChurchesMen under care <strong>of</strong> presbyteriesCertified eligible to preachCertified to receive a callRuling EldersDeaconsMissionariesSabbath School, aver, attend.Sabbath Worship, aver, attend.Young People's Soc. membersBeginning BalancesReceiptsCONGREGATIONS705214430122583,0734,467447CONGREGATIONAL FINANCES12/31/93$ 878,7295,337,68512/31/944,0361,6655,70113611812510124504371191351244646147727195629822573,1794,54742712/31/94$ 936,7625,973,020


32 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEDisbursements:Pastors Salaries sc Comp.R.P. Mission sc MinistryOther R.P. WorksOtherTotal DisbursementsEnding Balances2,180,164286,180297,4412,515,8675,279,652$936,762MISSION CHURCHES ORGANIZEDHazleton, PALancaster, PAMiddletown, NY (Gi ace RPC)Midland, TXFulton, NYCONGREGATIONS ORGANIZEDSycamore (Kokomo, IN)Fulton, NYPresbytery 1993Alleghenies 33Atlantic13Great Lakes/Gulf 26Midwest33Pacific Coast IOSt. Lawrence 12Japan4Totals 131 132MINISTERS INSTALLEDRobert SchmidtbergerBarry YorkNicholas IamaioMINISTERS1994 Pastors35 1313 626 1730 11IO 414 84 362OtherChurchWork8OO4O2014Rose PointSycamoreFultonMINISTERS ORDAINED SC INSTALLED )Nicholas IamaioOswegoVincent ScavoEastvaleCharles CarrollGreeleySumito SakaiHigashisumaMINISTERS RELEASED FROM PASTORAL CHARGERobert SchmidtbergerSharonRobert McCrackenManchesterNicholas IamaioOswegoMINISTER REMOVED BY DEATHHarold Thompson2,413,242267,654361,5082,843,1775,885,581$1,024,2015/01/946/20/947/27/949/30/946/20/9411/11/9412/02/94Retired ( Dther12 22 52 79 63 31 30 129 2711/09/9411/11/9412/02/947/15/948/24/9412/07/9412/11/949/30/9411/01/9412/09/942/3/94


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 33MINISTER SUSPENDEDSamuel YounMINISTERS REMOVED FROM THE ROLLW. Douglas ChamberlainThomas PriceDEATHS OF RULING ELDERSJay WissnerW. Scott MilroyDale CurryRalph JacksonSTATED SUPPLIESMilton HarringtonRenwick WrightSteven WorkCERTIFIED ELIGIBLE TO PREACHKeith BlackScott WilkinsonBrian CoombsKiernan StringerShigeki KomuroCERTIFIED ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A CALLBrian SchwertleyScott WilkinsonFikre MenbereDonald CassellCharles CarrollTHEOLOGICAL STUDENTSKeith BlackScott WilkinsonMichael LydonBrian SchwertleyScott RoccaJack BaumgardnerJohn McFarlandRick SuttonMatt FilbertTom ZasadnyBill VanSciverBrian CoombsMatthew DyckAaron GoernerMathew KingswoodDonald MillarAlleghenyWinchesterWinchesterBroomallHethertonGenevaQuinterAllegheniesAllegheniesAtlanticAtlanticAtlanticGt. Lakes/GulfGt. Lakes/GulfGt. Lakes/GulfMidwestMidwestMidwestSt. LawrenceSt. LawrenceSt. LawrenceSt. LawrenceSt. Lawrence1/31/946/20/9411/9/942/03/945/16/949/02/9412/22/94


34 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEAndrew StringerKiernan StringerShigeki KomuroMINISTERS INSTALLEDRobert McCrackenAndrew SchepRELEASED FROM PASTORALJames CarsonThomas HoustonJerry O'NeillAndrew SchepDEATH OF MINISTERWaldo MitchelADDENDAMINISTER REMOVED FROM THE ROLLJoseph PaulDEATHS OF RULING ELDERSRaymond CampbellCharles F. MillicanSt. LawrenceSt. LawrenceJapanTrinityColumbusCHARGELos AngelesLancasterColumbusSan DiegoRose PointCambridgeRespectfully submitted,Louis D. HutmireStated Clerk1/20/955/7/952/01/953/19/953/31/954/15/954/28/952/07/953/02/953/19/95The report <strong>of</strong> the Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> was taken up. Item 1 wasreferred to the Committee on Finance. Items 2 and 3 were adopted.Item 4 was referred to the Committee on Finance. Item 5 wasreferred to the Nominating Committee. The report as a whole wasapproved and is as follows:1994 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF SYNODTO THE <strong>1995</strong> MEETING OF SYNODThe Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> held three regular meetings since the last meeting<strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. The Winter meeting was held by telephone conference call onFeb. 25, <strong>1995</strong>. The Spring meeting was held on April 22, <strong>1995</strong>, inOttawa, Canada in conjunction with the dedication <strong>of</strong> the new Ottawa R.P.Church building.The members <strong>of</strong> the Board are:Class <strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong>: John P. Edgar, Thomas Fisher, Marcia Siebring1996: Robert L. Hemphill, Stuart Schmidt, Jay Worsham1997: Paul Finley, Louis D. Hutmire, Joseph LamontThe <strong>of</strong>ficers are Thomas Fisher, President, Paul Finley, Vice President andLouis Hutmire, Secretary-Treasurer. The terms <strong>of</strong> John Edgar, Thomas


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 35Fisher and Marcia Siebring expire at this meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. All three personshave served two consecutive terms so according to <strong>Synod</strong>'s rule are noteligible for re-election at this time. All three have served well and we thankthem for their service.Nominations - an addenda to this report will be available at <strong>Synod</strong> whichwill include the Trustees recommendations for nominations to this Board.FinancialThe firm <strong>of</strong> Hillier Collier sc Company was hired to audit our records for1994. This is a new firm from last year but the same man, Dale Hartzel,who has audited our books in the past, is now with Hillier Collier, so in away, we still have the same auditor. The audit report will be distributed at<strong>Synod</strong>. We recommend that the report be received as distributed andprinted in the <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.Again this year the Treasurer's Report is printed in the Digest <strong>of</strong> Reports.Some reports were not available at the time the Digest was printed and willbe distributed at <strong>Synod</strong>. Please review the reports available and ask questionsas the various boards present their reports to <strong>Synod</strong>. We recommend thatthe Treasurer's Report be received for information.InvestmentsThe Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> invest the endowment funds <strong>of</strong> boards, GenevaCollege, R.P. Woman's Association, funds owned by congregations butinvested with the Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, annuity funds and other miscellaneousfunds. These funds are invested in a pool <strong>of</strong> stocks and bonds using PaineWebber as our investment advisor and broker. We also had $1,297,759invested in mortgages as <strong>of</strong> 12/31/94.In 1994 we made loans to the Ottawa Congregation, AuroraCongregation, Shawnee Congregation, the R.P. Seminary, and Bruce Parnell.Some <strong>of</strong> these loans were from our General Investment Funds and some werefrom the Building Loan Funds. In <strong>1995</strong> we have loaned money to theMultiracial Congregation in Pensacola, Florida, Jerry O'Neill and AndrewSchep. Current potential loans include the Topeka, West Lafayette andCovenant Fellowship Congregations.From these investments, we distribute for spending that portion <strong>of</strong>realized gains that when added to the actual dividends and interest results inan income distribution <strong>of</strong> 6% <strong>of</strong> the average market value <strong>of</strong> the pooledinvested funds for the previous twelve quarters. This is a net figure after theUnallocated Denominational Office Expense is deducted. The following chartshows the distribution for the past three years:1992 1993 1994Actual Div. SC Int. Income $437,629 $373,709 $317,438Average Unit Value $10.7876 $11.0760 $10.9008Amount to distribute (6%) $501,097 $520,037 $509,696Annual realized gains $ 173,482 $ 113,143 $204,824Am't Gains needed (line 3-line 1) $63,168 $146,328 $192,258Balance (+/-) to Fund Bal. $110,314 ($33,185) $12,566


36 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THENote th3t while the actual income (line 1) went down during the threeyear period in accordance with the market the actual amount distributed(line 3) stayed about the same. To do this more <strong>of</strong> the realized gains had tobe declared as dividends and distributed as income (as allowed byPennsylvania law). The boards continue to get their income but thereis lessgrowth in the funds thus reducing the future buying power, effectivelyreducing the endowments. The policy <strong>of</strong> distributing 6% is reviewedannually by the Trustees.Building Loan FundThe financial report for the Building Loan Fund, which includes the Sale<strong>of</strong> Church Properties accountis included in the Treasurer's Report. TheBuilding Loan Fund began 1994 with $566,123 invested in mortgages.Three loans were added totalling $81,500 and $122,215 <strong>of</strong> principal wasrepaid, leaving $525,408 invested in mortgages as <strong>of</strong> December 31, 1994.As per <strong>Synod</strong>'s policy, $9,494 was transfered to the Kingdom Builders Fund.The Board has revised the maximum amount available to a congregationto $80,000 (up from $60,000) and the interest rate to congregations hasbeen reduced from 5% to 4%.As we have reported previously, the Trustees have been holding thefunds from the dis<strong>org</strong>anization <strong>of</strong> the Santa Ana congregation for use in aproposed new workin Orange County, California. At the time <strong>of</strong> our springmeeting, the Pacific Coast Presbytery was in the process <strong>of</strong> considering acandidate for the Orange County work. Because that process was ongoing,the Trustees voted to continue holding the funds until ourFall meeting, atwhich time the situation will be reviewed.RPMscMIn 1993 we budgeted to distribute $300,000 but we received$323,398 so thefull amount was distributed and departments received morethan budgeted.In 1994 we budgeted to distribute $310,000 but only received$303,099 so departments only received 98% <strong>of</strong> the budgeted amount.In <strong>1995</strong> we have budgeted to distribute $320,000. We hope todistribute an addendum to this report to <strong>Synod</strong> including a congregation bycongregation report on what actual funds were received in 1994 and whathas been received for RPMscM as <strong>of</strong> May 31, <strong>1995</strong>.Bequests Received in 1994:Margaret Redpath FMB $ 1,315.85Seminary 1,315.85Anna M. Johnston FMB 1,362.50CJS MacLaughlin Undes 102,926.57JD Edgar Memorial Fd. HMB 146,481.00The $102,926.57 <strong>of</strong> the MacLaughlin Fund is UnrestrictedUndesignated but the distribution was determined by <strong>Synod</strong> as follows:Geneva College 51,463.28Pension Board (for Plan "A") 50,000.00R.P. Woman's Association 1,463.28


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 37The J.D. Edgar Memorial Fund is an endowment fund for the HomeMission Board. The income is to be used in establishing new congregations.The only other Unrestricted Undesignated Funds received in 1994 was$621.13 which is investment income from the Kitchen/Patterson Funds.This was not distributed in 1994 so is available for distribution in <strong>1995</strong>. Afinancial report on Unrestricted Undesignated Funds <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> is printed inthe Treasurer's Report.Office BudgetThe Unallocated Denominational Office financial report, includingbudgets, is printed in the Treasurer's Report. The Trustees recommend thatthe 1996 and 1997 budgets be approved.InsuranceThe Trustees continue to carry an accident insurance policy on delegatesto <strong>Synod</strong>, presbyteries and boards and committees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. This policycovers anyone injured while travelling on church business, and is not fullycovered by their own insurance. For further information, please contact theDenominational Treasurer.The Trustees also have insurance on the Seminary property and theDenominational Office building which includes an umbrella liability policy.Health insurance is now the responsibility <strong>of</strong> the Pension Trustees.RECOMMENDATIONS:1. We recommend that the independent Auditor's Report for the yearended December 31, 1994, as prepared by Hillier Collier sc Company bereceived as distributed and printed in the <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.2. We recommend that the 1994 Treasurer's Report as printed in the"Digest <strong>of</strong> Reports" be received for information.3. We recommend that the report on Unrestricted Undesignated Funds<strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, as printed in the "Digest <strong>of</strong> Reports" be received for information.4. We recommend that the Unallocated Denominational Office proposedbudgets for 1996 and 1997 be approved.5. We recommend that Sam Chestnut, Steve McMahan and DennisOlson be elected to the class <strong>of</strong> 1998, and that Stuart Schmidt, MarciaSiebring and Jay Worsham be elected to the class <strong>of</strong> 1999.The report <strong>of</strong> the Graduate Study Fund was taken up. Therecommendations concerning applications for funding for individualswere referred to the Committee on Finance. Items 1-5 wereadopted. Dennis Prutow, Dean Smith and Jonathan Watt expressedgratitude for the help <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> through the Graduate Study Fundfor their graduate study. The report as a whole was approved and isas follows:GRADUATE STUDY FUND COMMITTEEThe present Chair <strong>of</strong> the Committee assumed responsibility following hisappointment effective January 25, <strong>1995</strong>. Thus, this 1994-95 report coversonly the period January 25, <strong>1995</strong>-April 10, <strong>1995</strong>.


38 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THENo new loan applications have been received as <strong>of</strong> this date.The Committee has reviewed its responsibilities in view <strong>of</strong> currentCommittee policies and operating procedures. Several procedural changes arebeing recommended at this time so they may be adopted without the need towait for the approval <strong>of</strong> the next (1997) <strong>Synod</strong>. These follow.1. Recommendation: That the name <strong>of</strong> the Committee be changed from theGraduate Study Fund Committee to the Graduate Study Committee.Rationale. The Graduate Study Fund Committee has no funds over whichit has any authority; the <strong>Synod</strong> has no Graduate Study "Fund" set asidefrom which graduate study loans are made, therefore no "Fund" reallyexists. The proposed Committee name is more accurate.2. Recommendation: That two annual deadlines for accepting loanapplications, September 1 and April 1, replace the present annual May 1deadline. Also, that the words, "<strong>of</strong> the year prior to the calendar yearfor which they are requesting financial aid" be deleted from currentpolicy.Rationale: The present Committee policies (adopted by <strong>Synod</strong>, 1989;see <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, 1989, pp. 120-122) state that, "those applyingfor financial assistance from the Graduate Study Fund should make suchapplication by May 1st <strong>of</strong> the year prior to the calendar year for whichthey are requesting financial aid." Thus, it is now necessary for anapplicant to have submitted a request at least eight months in advance <strong>of</strong>the calendar year during which studies are anticipated. Since most studiesare likely to start in the fall, the probability that a person may have toapply sixteen months in advance <strong>of</strong> the actual need is very real. It is alsounrealistic.Further, two annual deadlines will allow the April 1 deadline to servethose starting their studies either in the summer or the fall <strong>of</strong> the sameyear. The fall deadline will serve those beginning studies in the semesteror quarter following January 1 <strong>of</strong> the next calendar year.This will be consistent with the currently pending recommendation beforethe <strong>Synod</strong> by the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee regarding "Plans for theNo-<strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1996" as it pertains to the Graduate Study FundCommittee and the availability <strong>of</strong> funds for calendar year 1996 "loanapprovals."(Recommendations for procedures to accommodate loans beyond 1996will be brought to the 1997 <strong>Synod</strong> by this Committee.)Thus, this recommendation serves the following purposes: (I) it providesa more realistic planning timetable for the applicant; (2) it is consistentwith the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee recommendation for 1996; and(3) it is more consistent with common practice among student loanprograms for study in higher education.3. Recommendation: That all follow-up responsibility and documentationfollowing approval <strong>of</strong> a loan be the responsibility <strong>of</strong> the DenominationalTreasurer on behalf <strong>of</strong> the Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 39Rationale: Currently, the procedures and responsibility for documentingloan pay-back status and the applicant's satisfaction <strong>of</strong> the conditions inthe original loan agreement are unclear. Further, responsibility formonitoring and documenting the loan status appears at best to be onlycasual, and one that is dependent on continuing communication betweenthe Committee Chair and the Denominational Treasurer.Since the consummation <strong>of</strong> a loan agreement constitutes a legalagreement, it is appropriate that an <strong>of</strong>ficer <strong>of</strong> the lending agency (the<strong>Synod</strong>) fulfill the monitoring responsibility <strong>of</strong> the agency during the life<strong>of</strong> the loan. This will also avoid the probability that any given loan periodcould extend beyond the tenure <strong>of</strong> any Committee member. TheDenominational Treasurer has historically been a more permanentappointment. Also, the Committee Chair has no legal authority to act onbehalf <strong>of</strong> the Trustees in pursuit <strong>of</strong> loan repayment.4. Recommendation: That a formal contract (loan agreement) prepared bythe Graduate Study (Fund) Committee and approved by the Trustees <strong>of</strong><strong>Synod</strong> be signed by the loan recipient and an authorized <strong>of</strong>ficial <strong>of</strong> theDenomination (the Treasurer) prior to the initiation <strong>of</strong> the loan paymentto the applicant.Rationale: A signed and documented loan agreement between the legallyresponsible parties is the only proper way to consummate this type <strong>of</strong>legal agreement. The Treasurer, a relatively permanent and legallyempowered representative <strong>of</strong> the Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> is the mostappropriate denominational <strong>of</strong>ficial to perform this function.5. Recommendation: That only in extraordinary cases will a loan be made toan applicant who also receives funds for the same graduate studyprogram from other RPCNA <strong>Synod</strong> sources, when the funds from theseother sources exceed the amount to be loaned through the GraduateStudy (Fund) Committee.Rationale: All candidates for graduate study should focus their totalrequest for <strong>Synod</strong> assistance through the established <strong>Synod</strong> program [i.e.,the Graduate Study (Fund) Committee]. Since the <strong>Synod</strong> provides amechanism especially designated to assist prospective graduate students,it is inappropriate for other <strong>Synod</strong> funds for which other specificpriorities have been established to also be used for this purpose. This is amatter <strong>of</strong> good stewardship and <strong>of</strong> good accounting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> prioritiesand expenditures.Approval <strong>of</strong> these recommendations will require some changes in existingGraduate Study (Fund) Committee policy. Relevant changes will beimplemented immediately upon approval <strong>of</strong> these recommendations by the<strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> and the resultant revised policy will be presented to the 1997<strong>Synod</strong> for approval.In the event applications for 1996 graduate study programs are receivedbetween the submission date <strong>of</strong> this report and the May 1 Graduate StudyFund Committee deadline for receipt <strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> applications, it is requested


40 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEthat an addendum to this report be accepted by the <strong>Synod</strong> at the time <strong>of</strong> itsJune <strong>1995</strong> meeting.June 19, <strong>1995</strong> - SupplementThe deadline for submitting the Annual Report <strong>of</strong> this Committee to the<strong>Synod</strong> was April 10, <strong>1995</strong>. The annual deadline for accepting graduate studyapplications was May 1, <strong>1995</strong>. Thus, this report is a supplement to theAnnual Report submitted prior to April 10, <strong>1995</strong>.All formal applications received prior to the May 1, <strong>1995</strong>, deadline havebeen processed, carefully reviewed by each member <strong>of</strong> the Committee andrecommended for funding as presented below.New ApplicationsBruce Backensto: $2500/year for 3 years <strong>of</strong> graduate studybeginning in 1996Bruce Martin: $2500 for graduate study in 1996Previously Approved ApplicationDennis Prutow: $500 for support to complete last year <strong>of</strong> graduatestudy in 1996.Respectfully submitted,Wendell McBurney, ChairWendell SpearBruce C. StewartJohn H. WhiteThe preliminary report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on Finance was taken upand received.The report <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Pension Trustees was taken up. Item 1was adopted by more than a two-thirds vote. Item 2 was adopted.Items 3-6 were referred to the Committee on Finance.<strong>Synod</strong> took a 15-minute break at 10:30 a.m.Following the break <strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm 32D.The report <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Pension Trustees was continued. Item7 was adopted. Item 8 was adopted by more than a two-thirds vote.Items 9 and 10 were referred to the Nominating Committee. RayHemphill and Clark Copeland expressed their gratitude for thesupplements received by Plan A participants in the pension program.The report as a whole was approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE PENSION TRUSTEESThe Pension Trustees have met twice since the last meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> onOctober 14-15, 1994, and May 19-20, <strong>1995</strong>. Both meetings were held inthe Pittsburgh area.The <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> the Board, elected at the fall meeting are as follows:Butch Shoop, Chairman; Bruce Lundeen, Vice Chairman; A. Wayne Duffield,Secretary; and Louis D. Hutmire, Treasurer.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 4j[All correspondence should be mailed to the Secretary <strong>of</strong> the Board. A.Wayne Duffield, POB 373, New Alexandria, PA 15670. You may reach theSecretary at (412) 668-7506. or fax information to (412) 668-7252.ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGESThe Board has been going through a period <strong>of</strong> transition in which the work <strong>of</strong>the committees is being emphasized. The newly <strong>org</strong>anized committees <strong>of</strong> theBoard are as follows: Insurance and Benefits, Investments, Supplement Fund,and the Executive Committee. Job descriptions for each <strong>of</strong> these committeeshave been developed and adopted.In line with this new approach and <strong>org</strong>anizational changes,it seems wise tochange the composition <strong>of</strong> the Executive Committee. Instead <strong>of</strong> having theExecutive Committee <strong>of</strong> the Board composed <strong>of</strong> the Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Boardand the Chairman <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> the Committees, as stipulated by the Constitution<strong>of</strong> the Board, the Board has taken action to have the Executive Committeeconsist <strong>of</strong> the Chairman, vice-Chairman, and Secretary, with the Treasurer asa consultant. This change requires a change in the Constitution <strong>of</strong> the Board.Recommendation 1: That section III <strong>of</strong> the Constitution <strong>of</strong> the Boardentitled "Structure," subsection E, be amended to read as follows: "TheExecutive Committee shall be composed <strong>of</strong> the Chairman, Vice-Chairmanand Secretary, with the Treasurer as a consultant. The Executive Committeeshall deal with matters arising between Trustees' meetings that need theattention <strong>of</strong> the Pension Trustees." (A two-thirds vote is required.)REPORTINGThe Board wants to remind the clerks <strong>of</strong> presbyteries and/or clerks <strong>of</strong> adinterim commissions <strong>of</strong> the importance <strong>of</strong> informing the Secretary <strong>of</strong> thePension Trustees <strong>of</strong> action taken by the presbyteries relative to licensures,ordinations, installations, and any changes from active to inactive service.This information is needed for insurance and/or pension purposes.RECOMMENDATION 2: That <strong>Synod</strong> instruct the presbyteries toinclude in the minutes <strong>of</strong> each installation service the date that the teachingelder actually started working in the congregation. This is needed becauseparticipants are enrolled in the pension plan on the first day <strong>of</strong> the monthfollowing the date they actually start working.CONTRIBUTIONSThe Pension Trustees are recommending that Plan B continue to beupgraded by having employers (as defined by Plan B) contribute a minimumcontribution rate <strong>of</strong> $2000 for each participant in 1996 and $2100 in1997. These amounts should be forwarded by the congregational orpresbytery treasurers to the denominational treasurer in quarterly payments,and will be credited to the respective participant's account. It is noted thatin 1994 twenty-three (23) employers contributed more than the minimumcontribution. All employers, including boards <strong>of</strong> the church, are encouragedto contribute over the minimum.It may be observed in this connection that there is some concern aboutthe yearly increase <strong>of</strong> this assessment with respect to the ability <strong>of</strong>


42 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEcongregations to pay this amount. However, the Board believes that theincreases proposed by the Board are necessary to adequately provide for theparticipants in Pension Plan B. The rationale for the above is as follows: 1)The goal <strong>of</strong> 12% <strong>of</strong> compensation, as set forth a number <strong>of</strong> years ago in the"Report on the Upgrading <strong>of</strong> Plan B," will nearly be achieved in 1996, 2) forthe present the Board is recommending an increase in 1997 to $2,100 inrecognition <strong>of</strong> the increased cost <strong>of</strong> living, 3) the Pension Board will be reevaluatingthe appropriateness <strong>of</strong> the current funding levels to determine ifthese levels meet the objectives <strong>of</strong> the program, and 4) the Board recognizesthat pension needs vary according to geographical area.RECOMMENDATION 3: That <strong>Synod</strong> approve and set the minimumcontribution rate <strong>of</strong> $2000 by each employer <strong>of</strong> a participant <strong>of</strong> Plan B for1996 (an increase <strong>of</strong> $200 from <strong>1995</strong>) and $2100 for 1997.ASSESSMENTSThe Trustees are recommending that congregational/presbyterytreasurers forward $16 per communicant member (which is the same as lastyear), based on their communicant membership as <strong>of</strong> the 31st day <strong>of</strong>December, <strong>1995</strong>, to the denominational treasurer's <strong>of</strong>fice. The sameamount applies to 1996. This amount is to be paid in quarterly installments.These amounts are received into the Current Account <strong>of</strong> the PensionTrustees and used to fund the expenses as shown in the Treasurer's Report.RECOMMENDATION 4: That <strong>Synod</strong> set the 1996 pension assessmentfor current pension program funding at $16.00 per communicant member as<strong>of</strong> December 31, <strong>1995</strong>, and that the same pension assessment be set for1996.BENEFITSAs <strong>of</strong> January 1, <strong>1995</strong>, pensions for Plan A participants (those over 54years <strong>of</strong> age on January 1, 1974) are being paid to fourteen (14) couplesand thirteen (13) individuals. Couples receiving a full pension are receiving$360.00 per month and individuals are receiving $300.00 per month. In1994, $105,120 was paid out and it is estimated that $104,820 will bepaid in <strong>1995</strong>.Given the current financial situation, the Pension Trustees are reluctantlynot recommending an increase for the participants in Plan A for 1996.However, the Board is continuing the Plan A Supplement Program, which isproviding some additional funds for Plan A participants. A bulletin insert,"You Can Make the Difference," was sent out to all the congregations inDecember, 1994, urging congregations and individuals to contribute to thePension Plan A Supplement Fund. In 1994, $12,069 was received inresponse to this program. This amount was distributed proportionatelyaccording to the pensioners payment. As <strong>of</strong> March 31, <strong>1995</strong>, an additional$1,820 was received for the Supplement Fund. These funds and anyadditional amounts received for this program will also be distributedproportionately in <strong>1995</strong>. The Board plans on sending out two additionalappeals for this program this year. Congregations will be receiving a letterexplaining this program, bulletin inserts, and the Board hopes to promote this


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 43program through the Covenanter Witness. Congregations are encouraged toinclude the Supplement Program in their annual budgets. The good responseto this program to dateis much appreciated and it is hoped that even morecongregations, individuals, and groups may become involved.The 1994 <strong>Synod</strong> asked the Pension Board "to determine what is anadequate provision for our retired pastors in Plan A, why they believe it isadequate, and how we should go about providing for this." (1994 <strong>Minutes</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, p. 63) This assignment was discussed at the Fall meeting and theBoard instructed the Supplement Fund Committee to survey the participantsin Plan A concerning the adequacy <strong>of</strong> the present pension program, theirfinancial situation, and related matters. The Committee subsequentlydeveloped a form that was then sent to participants in Plan A. Survey formswere sent out to fifteen (15) couples and thirteen (13) singles for a total <strong>of</strong>twenty-eight (28). Twenty-one (21) written responses or 75% have beenreceived to date. It may be noted that even though it was explained that thisinformation was confidential, there was some reluctance to provide the datarequested and in a number <strong>of</strong> cases questions were left unanswered. TheBoard considered a report on the data received atits May meeting. It maybe noted that the average reported annual income for singlesis $18,391 andthe average reported annual income for couplesis $27, 592.The data received seem to support the folluwing conclusions: Asignificant number, perhaps as many as 42%, are finding that the fundsprovided by Pension Plan A are inadequate unless they have resources inaddition to Social Security, 2) funds currently supplied by Pension Plan Aneed to be supplemented in some way, either by the present SupplementProgram or by some other means, and 3) the survey itself does not answerthe question as to whatis an adequate pension or how these additional fundscould be provided. Such information and proposals will have to come fromother sources.It may be further said, that the Board findsit difficult, if not impossible,to come up with a figure that might be considered to be an adequate pensiongiven all <strong>of</strong> the many different variables that are encountered. There are<strong>of</strong>ten extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to, medical costsand care <strong>of</strong> family members. No company or group involved in pensions, asfar as the members <strong>of</strong> the Board have been able to discover, approach theissue <strong>of</strong> pension from the perspective <strong>of</strong> what is an adequate pension. Thebasic approach is more <strong>of</strong> a matter <strong>of</strong> the employer deciding what he can orwill provide and then expecting that the employee will make whateveradditional arrangements may seem to be wise. The problem that is facedhere is somewhat akin to the difficulty that was encountered some years agowhen <strong>Synod</strong> attempted, without much success, to arrive at a salary scale forpastors.Under Plan B, there is one (1) participant receiving a monthly benefitcheck from the treasurer's <strong>of</strong>fice. Annuities are being purchased forindividuals as they retire, from which they will receive monthly checks from


44 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEthe insurance company involved. Financial reports for Plan B are included inthe Treasurer's report.In an effort to give participants in Plan B some idea <strong>of</strong> what their pensionbenefit might be at the time <strong>of</strong> retirement, two (2) exhibits are included atthe end <strong>of</strong> this report. Exhibit A, Part I, shows the amounts that could beexpected to be in one's account at certain selected years to retirement.Exhibit A, Part 2, shows the monthly income that could be expectedprovided that the total amount in one's account would be annuitized. ExhibitA assumes an annual contribution <strong>of</strong> $2,000. Exhibit B, Part I and Part 2,shows the same thing as described above, except that it is assumed that theannual contribution is increased by 5% per year. It should be noted,however, that no decision as <strong>of</strong> yet has been made to increase the annualcontribution <strong>of</strong> 5% per year, but this is a possibility. It should also be notedthat these are projections based on certain assumptions and are in no wayguaranteed. It is hoped that this information will be helpful in your financialplanning.FUNDING THE PENSION PROGRAMSThe 1993 <strong>Synod</strong> adopted what was then a new approach to funding thePension Programs <strong>of</strong> the RPCNA. As noted in the report <strong>of</strong> the 1993Finance Committee, "a study prepared for the Pension Trustees in 1992indicated that a contribution <strong>of</strong> approximately $50,000 per year for 15years to Plan A would maintain the current payments to Plan A participants."It may be further noted that funding for the Pension Programs <strong>of</strong> thedenomination now comes from four sources: 1) employer contributions toPlan B, 2) congregational assessments, 3) unrestricted undesignated funds,and 4) gifts designated for the Plan A Supplement Program. The intent wasto give the Pension Program <strong>of</strong> the denomination a more stable source <strong>of</strong>funding (see 199J <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, p. 96).In accord with this new approach, it is recommended that $50,000 begranted to the Pension Trustees from the unrestricted undesignated funds forthe funding <strong>of</strong> Pension Plan A for 1996 and 1997.Since the 1992 acturial valuation <strong>of</strong> Pension Plan A, another acturial wasjust completely by the Board and carefully considered. The latest acturialreveals that there is an unfunded liability <strong>of</strong> $485,000. If the Board were tocontinue to fund Plan A at the level <strong>of</strong> $50,000 per year, it is projected thatover $76,000 would be needed in 1998. In order to address this problem,the Board has decided to transfer an additional $10,000 from its currentaccount in <strong>1995</strong>, 1996, and 1997 to Pension Plan A. This means that withthe above funding <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> and with the additional funds from the CurrentAccount <strong>of</strong> the Board a total <strong>of</strong> $60,000 will be applied to the unfundedliability <strong>of</strong> Pension Plan A in <strong>1995</strong>, 1996, and 1997.RECOMMENDATION 5: That $50,000 be granted for 1996 andagain for 1997 to the Pension Trustees from the unrestricted undesignatedfunds <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> for the funding <strong>of</strong> Pension Plan A.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 45RECOMMENDATION 6: That <strong>Synod</strong> receive the Audit report <strong>of</strong> PlanB for the year ending December 31, 1994, for information. (This report hasbeen supplied to the Finance Committee.)HEALTH INSURANCEThe matter <strong>of</strong> health insurance is also part <strong>of</strong> the scope <strong>of</strong> the work <strong>of</strong> thePension Trustees. The present state and future <strong>of</strong> the denominational healthinsurance program is a matter <strong>of</strong> some concern. It is noted that a number <strong>of</strong>persons, approximately 25%, are not enrolled in the program with BlueCross and Blue Shield. This makes an already small group even smaller andthere is some concern that this could jeopardize the whole program."Employees" are urged to enroll in the denominational health insuranceprogram. Notification was just recently received that there will be a 13%increase in the present plan effective August 1. The Board is looking atalternative programs.RECOMMENDATION 7: That "employees" be urged to enroll in thedenominational health insurance program.SOCIAL SECURITYIt has come to the attention <strong>of</strong> the Board that a number <strong>of</strong> people haveopted out <strong>of</strong> Social Security. It should be understood that the pension plancannot adequately provide for a young family without the help <strong>of</strong> SocialSecurity. Persons who opt out <strong>of</strong> Social Security will need to purchaseadequate insurance coverage to provide for their family to supplement thebenefits paid by the Pension Plan.SECTION 107The Pension Trustees have designated 100% <strong>of</strong> the pension received byordained elders as Section 107 exclusion for appurtenances, housing utilitiesetc., under the Internal Revenue Code.As stated in previous reports <strong>of</strong> the Pension Trustees, the Board is againrecommending to the congregations, presbyteries, and the boards <strong>of</strong> thechurch, that for teaching elders who are required to file income taxes to theInternal Revenue Service <strong>of</strong> the U.S. Department <strong>of</strong> Treasury and who areparticipants in Plan B, up to 60% <strong>of</strong> their compensation be set aside as aSection 107 exclusion for appurtenances, housing, utilities, etc., underSection 107 <strong>of</strong> the Internal Revenue Code.TAX-SHELTERED ACCOUNTSIn 1994, the Pension Trustees adopted the resolution "that the Boardauthorize employees to participate in the tax sheltered accounts as permittedunder Section 403(b) <strong>of</strong> the Internal Revenue Code: (Pension Trustees<strong>Minutes</strong>, May 6, 1994, p. 3).Persons are eligible for this program if they are an employee <strong>of</strong> aqualified employer, as defined by the IRS in Section 501(c) (3), such as achurch, a religious <strong>org</strong>anization, a private school, college or university, or acharitable institution.Persons are advised to consider this program if they wish to pay lessincome tax, need to increase disposable income, are in a dual income family,are currently investing with after-tax dollars, or need to save for retirement.


46 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEThis program is not part <strong>of</strong> the Pension Program <strong>of</strong> the denomination assuch, butis being set up as an additional option for participants. Interestedpersons should contact Brian L. Roulin, 125 Bungalow Terrace, Syracuse, NY13207-1101. Telephone: (315) 479-7339 (H); (315) 448-8352 (O);(315) 441-6024 (Fax).SEVERANCE PAY PROGRAMPresbyteries and ad interim commissions are reminded thatitis the policy<strong>of</strong> the Pension Board to pay an allowance toward a three (3) monthseverance compensation for teaching elders who are participants in thePension Plan <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. Certain eligibility requirements must be met forteaching elders to qualify for this program. Provided that one does qualify,as determined by the Pension Board, funding for this program should be bycongregation, presbytery and the Pension Trustees in that order. This meansthat the Pension Trustees will only be responsible for a maximum <strong>of</strong> one-third<strong>of</strong> the total <strong>of</strong> the three-month severance pay package. Please see the 1991<strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, pp. 23-25, for the details <strong>of</strong> this program.MOVING ALLOWANCE PROGRAMThe Pension Trustees have been authorized to pay an allowance towardthe Once-in-a-lifetime moving allowance as specified in the statement <strong>of</strong> thisprogram. The amount that will be paid will be an allowance equal to 50% <strong>of</strong>the moving expense, up to a maximum pay out <strong>of</strong> $2,000. Please see the1991 <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, pp. 25-27 and the 1993 <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, p. 58,for the details <strong>of</strong> this program.INVESTMENTSThe Plan B investments as <strong>of</strong> December 31st, 1994, are as follows:1993 1994Common stock $ 715,757 $ 712,533U.S. Gov't Obligations 988,526 821,836Bank Money Market 98,179 152,531Non Gov't Obligations 403,790 365,675$ 2,206,252 $2,052,575The 1994 ending balance is less than the 1993 ending balance due tothe purchase <strong>of</strong> annuities for certain newly-retired persons.The earnings distributed for Plan B at the end <strong>of</strong> 1994 was .0005%.Although thisis not much <strong>of</strong> a gain,itis a competitive figure consideringwhat investments did in 1994.The Board is in the process <strong>of</strong> considering changing the investment advisorand custodian <strong>of</strong> pension funds. There seems to be too much invested inbonds and not enough in stocks, which at least in part, explains why therewas not a greater rate <strong>of</strong> return in 1994. The Board is, therefore, seeking toreviseits investment policies as stated in the "<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church<strong>of</strong> North America Pension Trust Statement <strong>of</strong> Investment Policies and ReturnObjectives," (Pensiun Plan, Exhibit D, pp. 259ff.). The Board is proposingthat the maximum common stock investment <strong>of</strong> the market value <strong>of</strong> theaccount be changed from 50% to 70%.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 47RECOMMENDATION 8: That the following statement under "AssetAllocation" in the document The <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> NorthAmerica Pension Trust Statement <strong>of</strong> Investment Policies and ReturnObjectives, (Pension Plan, Exhibit D, PP. 259ff.), be revised to read:"Because diversification is a prudent way to minimize risk and protectprincipal, the following allocation <strong>of</strong> assets is approved: A maximumcommon stock investment <strong>of</strong> 70% <strong>of</strong> the market value <strong>of</strong> the account and amaximum/minimum investment, at market value, <strong>of</strong> 90%/40% in fixedincome securities (bonds or notes) maturing in one year or longer."BOARD MEMBERSHIPCurrently the Board <strong>of</strong> Pension Trustees has seven (7) members electedby <strong>Synod</strong>. The membership is divided into three (3) classes. The term <strong>of</strong>the members <strong>of</strong> the Class <strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> ends at this meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. Themembers <strong>of</strong> the class <strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> are Bruce Lundeen and Butch Shoop. Due tothe two-term rule <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, Butch Shoop is not eligible for re-election. Mr.Shoop is presently the Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Board and his work and leadershipare much appreciated. Bruce Lundeen is completing his first three (3) yearterm. The Board requests <strong>Synod</strong> to elect Bruce Lundeen and Don McBurneyto three (3) year terms in the Class <strong>of</strong> 1998.The terms <strong>of</strong> Don Lamont, Dean O'Neill, and Everett Wood expire inJune 1996. Due to the two-term rule <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, Everett Wood is not eligiblefor re-election. There is, however some question about the eligibility <strong>of</strong> DonLamont for re-election. Don completed an unexpired term and then waselected to his first full term. If the two-term rule only applies to those whohave been elected to two full consecutive terms, then Don would be eligiblefor re-election. Assuming that this is the case, the Board requests his reelection.Dean O'Neill will be completing his first three (3) year term in1996. The Board requests <strong>Synod</strong> to elect Don Lamont, Dean O'Neill, andShane Shoop in the Class <strong>of</strong> 1999.RECOMMENDATION 9: That synod elect Bruce Lundeen and DonMcBurney in the Class <strong>of</strong> 1998.RECOMMENDATION 10: That synod elect Don Lamont, DeanO'Neill and Shane Shoop in the Class <strong>of</strong> 1999.Respectfully submitted,Don LamontBruce LundeenDean O'NeillBrian RoulinButch ShoopEverett WoodWayne Duffield, SecretaryLou Hutmire, Treasurer


48 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEOOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOOO Q OOOO OOO OOO OOO3- COO fl--ro" OOO OOOO CN O csmCh O^ro'rC Si co CNO to -o~•n co rs s. — m O ro rsLn o^co^O0*10*0' — O — o"ro"rsTfl- LO Ln— CN ©""•fl^rs" oomMNOOM-n 0 lo CO CO o S CSN 0*0- fl- in inOOO OOO OOO ONN OOO OOO 0.0 0 OOO OOO d ro ro OOOOOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOQP P ""« 04 cn ro fl 0> Tt n *0 IV v CO co OOO — — CN >o ^-o r^u-Tro""—~ rvT o~ •n fl-- •o* fl-~ cn cn" —- o" o' oToTco" sC rsT *fl-OOOOOO O O O &• O 5- OOOO OOO OOO ?!OOQ~ o o OOO OOO o 0 o rs o o 0t> >o^ fl;O* O ro O CO LO NON — CO O ro O Ns m cs — co m o r^:csToo-fl^cs| c> irT—" sT cn" fl-" CO­O^LnrCcN 00" 'fl-- o" ^T-^rsTCN%* — CN IN ro ro fl- fl-U1OOO OOO OOO CON s co O OOOOOO OOO OOO 000^— rCcsTco"OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO &8?52? |fl- co Tl — CO O- CN •O O ro O O ro OO­ »ino" °-•o co'-*}-' oC fl-- •n*cT*o o" o" 0" s'ro'co* CNS O— cn ro Ecn cn ro •o fl- m Tl vQ "O s s co oo o 0O O O OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO O O O cu ca, O O O OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOOO O O S °3 0— Lj CO W O *ft O OOO P. p p p p p p p OOO o" Ln o" "p p p 2 s h =o"lo" d3•n o" lo o" in 0" •n o" in O" LO~ 0~ ' CN 8•n d lo vZlcp C C Ccn cn roii in «o ONN CO CO o000 • *» S w U o U-c? o 5


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 49O CS O O ^CO — IO CO n o o


Exhibit BCurrentBalance$5,000$ 10,000$15,000$20,000$25,000$30,000 $35,000$40,000$45,000$50,000$55,000$60,000$65,000$70,000$75,000$80,000$85,000$90,000$95,000$100,000$105,000$ 115,000$120,000Interest RateContributionContributionAnnuityPart 11$7,400$12,700$18,100$23,400$28,800$34,100$39,500$44,800$50,200$55,500$60,900$66,200$71,600$76,900$82,300$87,600$93,000$98,300$103,700$109,000$114,400137300 $119,700$125,100$130,400AssumptionAmountGrowth %Factor2$10,000$15,700$21,4005$19,600$26,700$33,700Pro|eaedYears10$43,700$53,500$63,300Pensionto Retirement15$81,800$95,600$109,400Benefits20$141,000$160,300$179,70025$231,200$258,400$285,500$27,100 $40,700 $73,200 $123,200 $199,000 $312 700$32,900 $47,700 $83,000 $137,000 $218,400 $339,800$38,600 $54,700 $92,800 $150,800 $237,700 $366 900$44,300$50,000$55,800$61,500$67,200$72,900$78,700$84,400$90,100$95,800$101,600$107,300$113,000$118,700$124,500130,200$135,900$141,6007%$2,0005%$7.00$61,700$68,700$75,700$82,800$89,800$96,800$103,800$110,80011 7,800$124,800$131,800$138,900$145,900$152,900$159,900M 66,900$173,900$180,900$102,700$112,500$122,300$ 132,200$142,000$151,900$161,700$171,500$181,400191,200$201,000$210,900$220,700$230,500$240,400$250,200$260,000$269,900$164,600$178,400$192,200$206,000$219,800$233,600$247,300$261,100$274,900$288,700$302,500$316,300$330,100$343,900$357,700$371,500$385,300$399,100$257,100$276,400$295,800$315,100$334,500$353,800$3/3,200$392,500$411,900$431,200$450,600$469,900$489,300$508,600$528,000$54/,300$566,700$586,000$394,100$421,200$448,300$475,500$502,600$529,800$556,900$584,000$611,200$638,300$665,400$692,600$719,700$746,900$774,000$801,100$828,300$855,40030$367,100$405,200$443,200$481,300$519,300$557,400$595,500$633,500$671,600$709,600 '$747,700$785,800$823,800 '$861,900$900,000$938,000$976,100$1,052,200$1,014,100$1,090,300$1,128,300$1,164,400$1,204,400$1,242,50035$569,400$622,800$676,200$729,600$783,000$836,400$889,700$943,100$996,500$1,049,900$1,103,300$1,156,700$1,210,000$1,263,400$1,316,800$1,370,200$1,423,600$1,476,900$1,530,300$1,583,700$1,690,500$1,637,100$1,743,900$1,797,200


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 51O O ro -s, — io DO CS O o ro rs —lfl co cs O o tNOoo o ro O CO IN LO O fl- O cn fl- o co o cn o ro — co o o O coO ror-s —T|- 00 •o rs o oo" co o fl o ro sot 00 CS LOlo ro^Tj-'^o" o" o"O O CS O LO CN O LO »— s fl- — s ro o O ro O fl (N 00 fl-— COr-s ro o O ro O O ro O O ro O o ro o O ro O O ro o O ro olo co — •ooo ^-r-s o cn Ln s o ro fl co O o o co — Tj- sQ«*•" TT Tf"s i-sT rCICO O O O O CO O ao co O co O 00COCO0O00OODOCOCOCOO0CO— o o oor-s o fl ^- cn ro — O ^CONOlfl^'ON-OOsCOXJ o — 00 •O ro — co no ro _Ln co cn O O ro ^ i— io co cs O O ro Is — in co CN no O i~s - 5 #— CN CN cs ro ro o ^- Tt* Tl ITt in O'O'Os rs oo E oS s oaESgOOO oooooopoopoo_ - - - - -OOOOOOOOO


52 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEThe report <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> the Corporators <strong>of</strong> Geneva College wasmade the order <strong>of</strong> the day following the break on Tuesday morning.The report <strong>of</strong> the Home Mission Board was taken up. RobertMcCracken and Leverne Rosenberger were recognized for taking onthe responsibilities <strong>of</strong> new work while being over 60 years <strong>of</strong> age.Item I was adopted. Item 2 was adopted by a rising vote. Item 3was adopted. Item 4 was made the order <strong>of</strong> the day for Wednesdayevening following the reading <strong>of</strong> the minutes. An amendment wasproposed to item 5 and seconded to transpose the word'Presbyteries' with 'the HMB'.Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> joined in small groups to pray for the financialministries <strong>of</strong> the church and concluded the prayer time in singingPsalm 50B.Following the announcements. <strong>Synod</strong> took recess being led inprayer by Steve McMahan.MONDAY, JUNE 19, <strong>1995</strong>, 1:30 P.M.<strong>Synod</strong> reconvened at 1:30 p.m. singing Psalm 84A and being ledin prayer by Robert Hemphill.The roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read and approved.The Moderator read a portion <strong>of</strong> Samuel Miller's book on thesubject <strong>of</strong> prayer.The report <strong>of</strong> the Committee to Revise the Directory For Worshipwas taken up. The Committee asked the <strong>Synod</strong> whether to choose,as a model for a basis on which to proceed, between the committee'sproposal or a revision proposed by Gordon Keddie as printed in theSpring, <strong>1995</strong>, edition <strong>of</strong> Semper Reformanda. It was moved that thisrecommendation be laid on the table to entertain the followingsubstitute: "That the proposed replacement document (Mr. Keddie'sproposal) be regarded as the basis for the writing <strong>of</strong> a new Directoryfor Public Worship." The substitute motion was adopted.<strong>Synod</strong> proceeded to a 30-minute discussion <strong>of</strong> this revision as acommittee <strong>of</strong> the whole.<strong>Synod</strong> took a 15-minute break at 2:45 p.m.Following the break, <strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm 85B.Paul Bakker, fraternal delegate from the Christian <strong>Reformed</strong>Church, was introduced to the court.<strong>Synod</strong> completed its discussion <strong>of</strong> the proposed revision <strong>of</strong> theDirectory For Worship.<strong>Synod</strong> arose from the committee <strong>of</strong> the whole.It was moved, seconded and carried that the Committee to Revisethe Directory For Worship be expanded by three members. Both therevision by <strong>Synod</strong>'s Committee and the revision by Gordon Keddie


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 53appear in the Appendix to the <strong>Minutes</strong>. The Committee was thankedfor its work on the revision noting that <strong>Synod</strong> has asked it to movein a new direction.A special report <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee onCommunication 95-3 was taken up. Item I was adopted by morethan a two-thirds vote. Item 2 was adopted. The report as a wholewas approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE BUSINESS OF SYNOD COMMITTEEON COMMUNICATION 95-3.The Great Lakes Gulf Presbytery paper #95-3 has come to the Business<strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee. The communication is an appeal by the SouthfieldSession to an action <strong>of</strong> the Presbytery. The appeal was presented by theSouthfield Session to the Presbytery on June 17, <strong>1995</strong>, and came to theBusiness <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee on June 19, <strong>1995</strong>.Recommendations:1. That <strong>Synod</strong> receive the paper (which will require a two-thirds votesinceit was received after the May 16, <strong>1995</strong>, deadline).2. That the Moderator appoint a special judicial committee to deal withboth the substance and the legality <strong>of</strong> the appeal and to report back to thismeeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>; and that this committee be composed <strong>of</strong> men who are notmembers <strong>of</strong> either the Atlantic or Great Lakes-Gulf Presbyteries.The Moderator appointed the committee as follows: WillardMcMillan, Chairman, Steve McMahan, Don Piper, Bill Weir andDennis Olson.The report <strong>of</strong> the Home Mission Board was again taken up. Thematter before <strong>Synod</strong> was the proposed amendment to item 5. Theamendment was adopted and item 5 as amended was adopted. Items6 and 7 were adopted. In keeping with item 7, Renwick Wrightaddressed the court. Item 8 was adopted. Items 9 and 10 werereferred to the Nominating Committee.Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> joined in pairs to pray for the worship ministry<strong>of</strong> the church and for the work <strong>of</strong> home missions, and concluded theprayer time in singing Psalm 143B.The <strong>of</strong>fering for RTF received at the Sabbath evening service wasannounced as $1413.79.Following announcements, <strong>Synod</strong> was led in prayer by ButchShoop and took recess at 4:00 p.m.MONDAY, JUNE 19, <strong>1995</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<strong>Synod</strong> reconvened at 7:00 p.m. singing Psalm 108A and being lein prayer by Joe Copeland.


54 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEThe roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read and approved.The Moderator read a portion <strong>of</strong> Samuel Miller's book on thesubject <strong>of</strong> giving careful thought before making speeches in churchcourts.The report <strong>of</strong> the Foreign Mission Board was taken up. Item 1was referred to the Nominating Committee. Item 2 was referred tothe Committee on Finance. Item 3 was referred to the NominatingCommittee. Item 4 was amended and adopted. Item 5 was adoptedand in keeping with this item, Bob Henning and Bruce Backenstoaddressed the court. The report as a whole was approved and is asfollows:FOREIGN MISSION BOARD"Thy Kingdom come!" In that petition we pray "that Satan's kingdommay be destroyed; and that the kingdom <strong>of</strong> grace may be advanced,ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom <strong>of</strong>glory may be hastened." (SC. # 102) Thatis the conscious goal <strong>of</strong> ourForeign Mission program.In God's providence this year, a powerful Earthquake affected our workin Kobe, Japan, and has challenged the lives <strong>of</strong> everyone connected with ourmission there. We give thanks to God that the lives <strong>of</strong> our missionaries and<strong>of</strong> the pastors and members <strong>of</strong> the Japanese churches have been preserved.Many <strong>of</strong> our Japanese brethren suffered the loss <strong>of</strong> homes and materialpossessions, but their lives were spared, and they are in the process <strong>of</strong>rebuilding. The Higashisuma manse required major repairs, as did themanse at Kasumigaoka. The Keiyaku church served as sanctuary to bothrefugees and workers, and has been the center <strong>of</strong> much service to those inneed. The Foreign Mission Board expresses great appreciation for theoutpouring <strong>of</strong> love and concern for our Japanese brethren in this crisis in thegenerous contributions to the Japan Relief Fund. Well over $15,000 wasreceived.The Covenanter Book Store was severely damaged and has beendemolished at government expense. Earnest study is now going on as towhether to rebuild on this site, and if so, what kind <strong>of</strong> buildingis feasible,and how it might be financed. The bookstore property is owned by the<strong>Synod</strong>, but decisions, quite obviously, must be reached in cooperation withthe Japanese Board <strong>of</strong> Directors <strong>of</strong> the Bookstore, and the JapaneseCommission's "Blue Print Committee", which has been appointed by theCommission to advise regarding the management and future <strong>of</strong> theBookstore. The distribution <strong>of</strong> books was halted for a time, and many bookswere damaged, but Shirley Wright, who found immediate sanctuary with theSterretts, is continuing to function now from an apartment across the streetfrom the Bookstore.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 55Last summer, John and Marion McMillan gave valuable and muchappreciated service to the work at Kita Suzurandi as they filled-in for theSterretts who were home on furlough. We express our sincere thanks tothem for their willingness to serve.A significant blessing to the Lord's work in Japan has been the ordination<strong>of</strong> a new pastor, Sumito Sakai, who completed his Seminary work, and whohas been installed now as Pastor at Hontamon. He brings fresh vigor to ourlabors there. Pastor Masanaga, at Higashisuma, has announced plans toretire.Two members <strong>of</strong> the Foreign Board, Bob Henning and Bruce Backensto,visited the field in March, seeking to improve our understanding andoversight <strong>of</strong> our mission work there, and we are asking <strong>Synod</strong> for time for abrief report.The Board continues to seek an ordained teaching elder to accept the callto serve the Lord in this needy area <strong>of</strong> our world. The number <strong>of</strong> Christiansin this nation still stands at less than 1% <strong>of</strong> the population, so those withouthope are in the millions. Pray with us that God will raise up one <strong>of</strong> Hisservants to strengthen this vital work.The other major mission commitment <strong>of</strong> our Church is in the island <strong>of</strong>Cyprus. The establishment <strong>of</strong> an indigenous (RP) church in Larnaca, theTrinity Christian Community Fellowship, has been a source <strong>of</strong> greatencouragement, and we again acknowledge the valuable contribution <strong>of</strong> theStegalls to the realization <strong>of</strong> this accomplishment. Ron and Kathy and familyare planning to return home this summer to stay, so the Board has beenendeavoring to assist the Cypriot church in securing a new pastor. This infantfellowship is continuing to depend on the financial help <strong>of</strong> the American andIrish R.P. churches, but is seeking to move toward self-support status as soonas possible.Foreign mission work is also being carried on by <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>sserving with other agencies in many parts <strong>of</strong> the world. These areas includethe Middle East, Africa, China, Russia, and Nepal. Limited financial supportis given by our Board, along with counsel and much prayer, for thesespecialized ministries.We would call your attention to the fact that this year marks the 100thanniversary <strong>of</strong> the beginning <strong>of</strong> RPCNA mission work in China. We arehappy that the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee has arranged a specialconvocation commemorating this event at this <strong>Synod</strong> meeting. We humblyremember the years <strong>of</strong> faithful work by our missionaries and rejoice that fruitborn from that work is continuing, and that even under severe persecutionthe gospel is advancing today in China with dramatic power. We acknowlegethe wonderful contribution <strong>of</strong> the work <strong>of</strong> the Reformation TranslationFellowship to the past and future propogation <strong>of</strong> the true church <strong>of</strong> Christ inChina.Up-to-date information on our current foreign mission program isprovided by our Executive Secretary through the Prayer Phone (812) 378-


56 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE4192, which is available each weekend. Also News concerning our Missionsis circulated through the monthly NEWSLETTER which is sent tocongregations, and many individuals both in the U.S. and overseas. Wethank those congregations which have enhanced their vision and support <strong>of</strong>missions and missionary personnel through participation in the CongregationalMissionary Sponsorship Program, and through other programs expressingmissionary concern. Your interestis much appreciated.We acknowledge God's faithfulness and the generosity <strong>of</strong> God's people inthe past in funding our Mission program, and we are trusting God to supplyour needs in the future, but the Board is facing a severe financial crisis.Deficits in the past have been met through certain major Bequests and withmonies returned from the sale <strong>of</strong> properties in Cyprus. Both <strong>of</strong> theseresources have now been virtually exhausted. In addition, in 1994approximately $15,000 <strong>of</strong> our unrestricted endowment was sold to balanceour Budget, and meeting our <strong>1995</strong> Budget will require the sale <strong>of</strong> thebalance <strong>of</strong> those unrestricted funds, plus additional gift money. Pray with usthat God will provide for our needs as He has promised, and make us wisestewards <strong>of</strong> the resources He supplies.Let's continue to work and pray that Christ's Kingdom would come andHis will be done on earth asitis done in heaven!RECOMMENDATIONS:1. That since the term <strong>of</strong> Robert McCracken expires at this meeting, therestructured Class <strong>of</strong> 1999 consisting <strong>of</strong> two members, should be filled bythe <strong>Synod</strong>. The Bd. nominates Jonathan Watt, Joe Copeland, and FikreMenbere for this Class. (Mr. McCracken is not eligible for re-election).The terms <strong>of</strong> Bruce Backensto, Marjorie Cox, and Robert Heimburgerexpire next year. (Mr. Heimburger is not eligible for re-election). TheBoard nominates the incumbents, Bruce Backensto and Marjorie Cox, andalso Jim Wittke, t<strong>of</strong>ill the two-member Class <strong>of</strong> 2000.2. That the Board be granted $60,000 from RPMscM to help meet its 1996Budget <strong>of</strong> approximately $316,000. Also for 1997 we request$65,000 for our anticipated budget <strong>of</strong> $314,000.3. That Bob Henning be appointed for one year as Executive Secretary.4. That <strong>Synod</strong> confirm the decision <strong>of</strong> the FMB to begin immediately topublicize the need for a pastor-missionary for Japan in anticipation <strong>of</strong>Gene Spear's approaching retirement with the understanding that before areplacement is appointed, the finances must be in order. (NOTE: Thismotion comes in response to a request from the Japan Commission to thiseffect, and is in accord with the Board's desire to maintain two pastoralmissionaries on the field in Kobe.)5. That <strong>Synod</strong> grant Bob Henning and Bruce Backensto a combined total <strong>of</strong>10 minutes to report on their visit to Japan last March.The report <strong>of</strong> the Joint Commission on Chaplains and MilitaryPersonnel was taken up. Item 1 was adopted. In keeping with this


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 57item, Chaplains Kelly Moore and Jonathan Leach were recognized andgiven an ovation by the members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. Item 2 and 3 wereadopted. Item 4 was referred to the Nominating Committee. Item 5was referred to the Committee on Finance. The report as a wholewas approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE REPRESENTATIVESTO THE PRESBYTERIAN AND REFORMED JOINT COMMISSIONON CHAPLAINS AND MILITARY PERSONNELWe praise God for His blessing on the lives and ministry <strong>of</strong> ourmissionaries to the uniformed services this year, and for His guidance insecuring a new Executive Director to coordinate the Commission's ministry tothe chaplains. Our <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> chaplains continue to benefit fromour membership in the Joint Commission and our affiliation with the NAECommission on Chaplains.CHAPLAINSOur roster <strong>of</strong> chaplains has declined this year, with two active dutychaplains (Copeland and Moore), one National Guard (Leach) and oneReserve (Pihl). Stan Copeland is completing a period <strong>of</strong> graduate study inMarriage and Family Life Counseling at Kansas State University, and will bestationed at Fort Leavenworth, KS as Family Life Chaplain. Kelly Moore hascompleted his tour <strong>of</strong> duty at Fort Drum, NY and this summer will betransferred to the Southern Command, in Panama, for his next assignment.CH Joe Paul was at his request transferred to the <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church inAmerica. He has completed his training for hospital chaplaincy and willreport at the end <strong>of</strong> July to the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. As <strong>of</strong>the end <strong>of</strong> 1994, the chaplain forces endorsed by the Joint Commission forfour denominations include sixty-seven on Active Duty and sixty-nine in theNational Guard and Reserves, plus fifty-one in other categories (Civil AirPatrol, hospitals, police, prison, etc.), for a total <strong>of</strong> 187 chaplains.NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTORAfter a search <strong>of</strong> several years' duration, the Lord has provided a newExecutive Director to succeed Bill Leonard. CH (COL) David Peterson <strong>of</strong> thePCA has recently retired from Active Duty, and is well known and widelyrespected not only in the Chaplain corps but in US military circles generally.Beginning July 1, <strong>1995</strong>, COL Peterson will become the Executive Director <strong>of</strong>the Joint Commission and Coordinator <strong>of</strong> Chaplain Ministries for the<strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church in America. To aid in the transition, Bill Leonard willcontinue as Associate Executive Director until December 31, 1996.The costs <strong>of</strong> carrying out the work <strong>of</strong> the Commission will increasesignificantly, as we have cautioned for several years. The annual expenses willgo from about $43,000 to $110,000. At this point, the Commission doesnot plan to increase the dues paid by the member denominations or theassessment paid by each chaplain, but will rely on voluntary contributionsfrom all available sources. The Director <strong>of</strong> Development for the PCA's


58 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEMission to North America (MNA) will work closely with COL Peterson indeveloping and running the fund-raising program. Administrative supportwill continue to be provided from the MNA <strong>of</strong>fice in Atlanta.COMMISSIONThe annual meeting <strong>of</strong> the Commission is normally in early March. Thisyear, because <strong>of</strong> the urgency <strong>of</strong> appointing the new Executive Director, theCommission met in Atlanta on December 9, 1994. For the first time sincethe RPCNA joined the Commission, all three <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>commissioners were able to be present. The term <strong>of</strong> Jonathan Leach expireswith this meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, and that <strong>of</strong> Dennis Prutow with the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong>1996, and their successors should be chosen. Both are eligible forreelection.Robert Copeland was elected Secretary <strong>of</strong> the Commission. TheChairman is Rev. John M. MacGregor (RET) <strong>of</strong> the PCA, and the Vice-Chairmanis Rev. William Warren (Reserve CH) <strong>of</strong> the OPC.RECOMMENDATIONSI. That the Chaplains present at <strong>Synod</strong> be recognized.2. That <strong>Synod</strong> pray, and encourage our congregations and members to prayfaithfully, for the needs <strong>of</strong> our chaplains and their families, and for ourmembers who serve in the uniformed services.3. That <strong>Synod</strong> encourage individuals and congregations, and especially thosewith ties to military families or ministries to military bases, to considerfinancial support for the Joint Commission beyond the modest dues whichthe <strong>Synod</strong> pays.4. That because <strong>of</strong> the plan for next year's <strong>Synod</strong>, two representatives beelected to the Commission, as the Class <strong>of</strong> 1998 and 1999 respectively.Jonathan Leach is nominated for the Class <strong>of</strong> 1998 and Dennis Prutow forthe Class <strong>of</strong> 1999.5. That the Commission's dues and costs for 1996 and 1997 (approx.$1,200 per year) be paid.Respectfully submitted,Robert CopelandJonathan LeachDennis PrutowIn keeping with item 2 <strong>of</strong> the previous report, Dennis Prutow led<strong>Synod</strong> in prayer for the chaplains.The report <strong>of</strong> the Reformation Translation Fellowship was takenup. The Reverend Peter DeJong and his wife were introduced to thecourt. Dr. Charles Chao, Executive Director <strong>of</strong> the RTF was given10 minutes to address the court. The report as a whole was receivedand appears in the Appendix.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 5?The report <strong>of</strong> the committee on Revitalization <strong>of</strong> DecliningCongregations was taken up. Item 1 was adopted. The report as awhole was approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ONREVITALIZATION OF DECLINING CONGREGATIONSDear Fathers and Brethren,The Committee does not have the report for you that we hoped to have.The task before us is immense, considering the complexity <strong>of</strong> the need, whereit exists. The committee intended to meet during the year, but our progressdid not seem to warrant such a meeting as yet. The major issue before us isthat the help we propose to give to congregations must be given from the<strong>Synod</strong> through the Presbyteries. And this means that the Presbyteries willneed to approve <strong>of</strong>, and help our determination <strong>of</strong>, which congregationswithin their boundaries are needing, (not to mention desiring), our help.The goal <strong>of</strong> our committee's work, therefore, is to formulate someguidelines to the Presbyteries which they will then implement in the cases <strong>of</strong>churches which are in need. We are, in this report, setting before the <strong>Synod</strong>the committee's tentative plan <strong>of</strong> action, seeking <strong>Synod</strong>'s counsel and/orcorrection, to prepare the way for a full-fledged report to be given to the1997 <strong>Synod</strong>.What follows, then, are the steps we hope to take:I. Adoption and circulation <strong>of</strong> a basic questionnaire regardingcongregational health, for response by all denominational Sessions. Wewould ask the <strong>Synod</strong> to instruct its Sessions to respond to the questionnairefaithfully.II. From the questionnaires, identification <strong>of</strong> two congregations (fromseparate Presbyteries) for pilot revitalization work during the <strong>1995</strong>-1997years.ill. Written permission sought from each <strong>of</strong> the relevant Presbyteriesinvolved, as well as from the two Sessions themselves, for these churches tobecome active in the revitalization programs proposed.IV. Initiation <strong>of</strong> the committee pilot program, and begun by phone ormail to the churches, for initial steps to be taken by the congregations.V. Committee visits to each <strong>of</strong> the churches for encouragement,accountability, instruction, and further planning.VI. Continuing follow-up <strong>of</strong> these congregations in their efforts towardseeking renewal from the Lord.VII. Reports prepared as follows:A. Congregations to their respective Presbyteries;B. Presbyteries to <strong>Synod</strong>'s Revitalization Committee, conveyingrelevant information;C. <strong>Synod</strong>'s Committee to these Presbyteries;D. <strong>Synod</strong>'s Committee to the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1997, this report to presentas fully as possible its findings, together with guidelines to the Presbyteriesfor implementation to other needy congregations within their bounds.


60 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THECommittee Recommendations:A. That the <strong>Synod</strong> give general approval <strong>of</strong> the Committee's plansoutlined in Items l-IV above in the body <strong>of</strong> the report.Respectfully submitted,Robert LaMayJohn SmithHarry MetzgerJames WrightRenwick Wright, ConsultantPaul McCracken, Chr.The subject <strong>of</strong> world missions was set before <strong>Synod</strong> for the eveningprayer emphasis. Small groups assembled to pray and concluded theprayer time with the singing <strong>of</strong> Psalm 110.Following the announcements. <strong>Synod</strong> recognized Dr. Bruce C.Stewart for his service at the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> TheologicalSeminary over the past 22 years. He and his wife, Roselyn, weregiven a standing ovation. Wayne Spear reminisced about Dr.Stewart's life and service, and Renwick Wright and Harry Metzger ledin prayer for the Stewarts. A reception was held for the Stewartsfollowing adjournment.<strong>Synod</strong> adjourned at 9:25 p.m. being led in prayer by JonathanLeach.TUESDAY, JUNE 20, <strong>1995</strong>, 8:30 A.M.<strong>Synod</strong> met pursuant to adjournment on Tuesday, June 20, <strong>1995</strong>,at 8:30 a.m. in Skye Lounge <strong>of</strong> the Student Center on the GenevaCollege campus, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.Bill Weir led <strong>Synod</strong> in the singing <strong>of</strong> Psalm 90B and the court wasconstituted in prayer by James Pennington.Dennis Prutow was in charge <strong>of</strong> the devotional service. <strong>Synod</strong>sang Psalm 83C, stanzas 1,3,4. Mr. Prutow led in prayer, readIsaiah 50:4-9 and preached God's Word on the theme, 'TheCommitment <strong>of</strong> the Suffering Servant'. The devotional service wasconcluded with prayer and the singing <strong>of</strong> Psalm 40C.The roll was passed.Scott McBurney a ruling elder in the Winchester Congregation wasintroduced to the court as a delegate for the first time. JimMcMahon was introduced to the court as a ruling elder in the SpartaCongregation coming to <strong>Synod</strong> in that capacity for the first time.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read and approved.The Moderator read again from the book by Samuel Miller on thedeportment <strong>of</strong> delegates to church courts.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHThe report <strong>of</strong> the Church History Committee was taken up. Item1 was referred to the Nominating Committee. Items 2 and 3 wereadopted. Item 4 was referred to the Committee on Finance. Thereport as a whole was approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE CHURCH HISTORY COMMITTEEDear Fathers and Brethren:The Church History Committee would respectfully report:The major purpose for the creation <strong>of</strong> our committee by the 1994<strong>Synod</strong> was to encourage the collection, preservation, and use <strong>of</strong> historicalmaterial relating to the denomination.The committee has conferred by correspondence and telephone calls,had one partial meeting in the spring, and all <strong>of</strong> us met just before thismeeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. Members <strong>of</strong> the committee have met with Gerald Moran,Librarian <strong>of</strong> McCartney Library, Geneva College, with Rachel Ge<strong>org</strong>e, theSeminary Librarian, and with Louis Hutmire, the Stated Clerk, andfamiliarized ourselves with the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> historical materials forwhich they have responsibility.We have discussed a number <strong>of</strong> ways by which our assignment could becarried out.Official records are presently in the possession <strong>of</strong> the Stated Clerk andare available for public use. Both the Seminary and Geneva College havewide-ranging collections <strong>of</strong> books dealing with <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> historyand bound files <strong>of</strong> its periodicals, and are glad to have this material used.Attention needs to be given to archival material, such as: correspondenceand papers dealing with activities <strong>of</strong> the denomination; letters and diariesrelevant to its history; unpublished histories <strong>of</strong> congregations and materialsthat reflect their life and history; photographs; and memorabilia.Some possibilities for the collection, preservation, and cataloguing <strong>of</strong>such materials seem to be developing but arestill in the exploratory stage. Asthese possibilities materialize, which we hope will be soon, the committee willpublicize them through the Covenanter Witness.The committee was also asked to plan a suitable commemoration in1998 <strong>of</strong> the bicentennial <strong>of</strong> the establishment <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> Presbytery inAmerica. We have begun to talk about possibilities and will be glad tocooperate with the proposal made in the report <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>Committee.Recommendations:1. That David A. Weir, whose term expires in 1996, be chosen to succeedhimself for a full term <strong>of</strong> six years.2. That <strong>Synod</strong> renew its encouragement to congregations and individuals tocooperate with the work <strong>of</strong> the committee.3. That congregations be encouraged to deposit their <strong>of</strong>ficial records not nowin regular use with the Stated Clerk.6_L


62 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE4. That for the next two years the committee be granted up to $3500 eachyear from the Miscellaneous Fund for its work.Thomas ReidDavid A. WeirDavid M. Carson, Ch.The report <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee was taken up.Items 1-3 were adopted. Item 4 was adopted by more than a twothirdsvote. The committee was thanked for its work. The report asa whole was approved and is as follows:BUSINESS OF SYNOD COMMITTEEThe BUSINESS OF SYNOD COMMITTEE met at the <strong>Reformed</strong><strong>Presbyterian</strong> Theological Seminary on October 12-14, 1994, and again onMarch 15-17, <strong>1995</strong>. The committee plans to meet on the afternoon <strong>of</strong> June16 at Geneva College to act on communications received. The deadline forreceiving communications this year is May 16.The two members <strong>of</strong> the committee appointed at the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong> wereunable to serve, leaving the committee with four members plus the Clerk <strong>of</strong>the <strong>Synod</strong>. Jay Worsham, the chairman <strong>of</strong> the Finance Committee, attendedboth meetings at the invitation <strong>of</strong> our committee.Because the committee feels strongly about the <strong>Synod</strong> engaging inworship in its deliberations, the committee also spent a considerable part <strong>of</strong>the first evening in the sharing <strong>of</strong> the Word <strong>of</strong> God, prayer and praise. Prayerand praise were common during the sessions <strong>of</strong> the committee.Decisions <strong>of</strong> the committee are as follows:The <strong>Synod</strong> always retains the authority to rescind or deny the decisions<strong>of</strong> its committees. In the light <strong>of</strong> the decision <strong>of</strong> the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong> not to havea <strong>Synod</strong> meeting in 1996, it became necessary for the committee toimplement some actions prior to this meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. Several <strong>of</strong> these havealready been carried out.Time <strong>of</strong> the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>Because <strong>of</strong> a conflict in the schedule at Geneva, and recognizing that wehad few options, the Moderator <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, concurred with therecommendation <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee that he call the <strong>Synod</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> to start one day earlier than had been decided at the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong>1994. The <strong>Synod</strong> will therefore meet from Friday night, June 16 at 7:30p.m., and adjourn on Thursday afternoon or evening, June 22 as determinedby the Clerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. Geneva College has given us some financial incentivesbecause <strong>of</strong> their oversight. The committee has scheduled some free time onSaturday afternoon and evening; Rob Baumgartner will be announcingavailable activities. All <strong>of</strong> these items will be included in the Clerk's report foraction by the <strong>Synod</strong>.The rate <strong>of</strong> $0.25 per mile was approved by the <strong>Synod</strong> one year ago formileage re-imbursement for those who drive. Other travel re-imbursements


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 63will remain the same as listed on page 129 <strong>of</strong> the 199J <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.Andrew McCracken has been appointed the Travel Agent for the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>1995</strong>.Plans for the "No-<strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1996".1. Digest for 1996The Clerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> will prepare a document similar to the usual "Digest"that will be sent to each session no later than June 30, 1996. The purpose <strong>of</strong>the "Digest" will be to give information to the sessions <strong>of</strong> the church, but willnot contain any recommendations. All reports will be acted on by the <strong>Synod</strong><strong>of</strong> 1997 and will be printed in the 1997 <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. The "Digest" willinclude:1. reports <strong>of</strong> the Presbyteries and the Japan Commission2. reports <strong>of</strong> the Boardsa. Corporators <strong>of</strong> Geneva College,b. Board <strong>of</strong> Education and Publication,c. Board <strong>of</strong> Foreign Missionsd. Board <strong>of</strong> Home Missionse. Board <strong>of</strong> Pension Trusteesf. Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees <strong>of</strong> the Theological Seminaryg. Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>3. reports <strong>of</strong> Permanent Committeesa. Graduate Study Fund Committeeb. Interchurch Committeec. Joint Committee on Chaplains4. report <strong>of</strong> the Stated Clerk5. Treasurer's report for calendar year <strong>1995</strong>6. Statistical reports and roster7. report <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Home2. Nominating Committee at the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>The Committee on Nominations will draw up nominations for <strong>Synod</strong>'selections for <strong>1995</strong>-1996 and for 1996-1997. The recommendations for<strong>1995</strong>-1996 will be voted and reported; then the election for 1996-1997will be voted on. All elections for the two years will be printed in the <strong>1995</strong><strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. Those elected to the class <strong>of</strong> 1996 will begin their serviceon July 1, 1996.3. All boards are to report as follows:1. report as usual to the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> and include, so far as possible,projections for the following two years;2. note members whose terms expire in <strong>1995</strong> and which are eligible forreelection3. note members whose terms expire in 1996 and which are eligible forreelection4. present a financial request for calendar year 1996;5. present a financial request for calendar year 1997.


64 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE4. Filling <strong>of</strong> vacanciesThe Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee is recommending a clarification to theDirectory <strong>of</strong> Church Government for the filling <strong>of</strong> vacancies on boards andpermanent committees. Whatever policy is determined by the <strong>Synod</strong> will befollowed in subsequent years.5. CommissionThat to take care <strong>of</strong> any possible emergencies that may arise, the <strong>Synod</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> appoint a Commission. The membership <strong>of</strong> the Commission wouldconsist <strong>of</strong> the Moderator <strong>of</strong> the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong> (Christian Adjemian); theModerator <strong>of</strong> the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>; the Clerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> and three personsnominated by the Nominating Committee. The Commission would servebetween the <strong>Synod</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> and 1997. The Moderator <strong>of</strong> the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>will serve as the chairman <strong>of</strong> the Commission. It would act on any matterwhich could not be postponed until the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1997. Therefore the firstresponsibility <strong>of</strong> the Commission would be to determine if the matter were anemergency or could in fact be held over until the 1997 <strong>Synod</strong>. All actions <strong>of</strong>the Commission would be immediately reported to each session <strong>of</strong> thedenomination. It should also be noted that our present rules allow for thecalling <strong>of</strong> a special meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> if circumstances warrant.6. Finance Committee1. The Finance Committee will be charged with making recommendationsto the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> for the financial goals for two years, calendar years1996 and 1997. The Committee will also need to make recommendations tothe <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> regarding the distribution <strong>of</strong> the funds for those years.2. The financial reports for the calendar years <strong>1995</strong> and 1996 will begiven to the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1997 with a recommendation to the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1997as to what ought to be printed in the <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> for that year.7. Committee ReportsCommittees appointed in <strong>1995</strong> that would normally report in 1996 willbe asked to report to the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1997.8. Graduate Study FundSince financial needs may not be known long in advance, the GraduateStudy Fund Committee will report as usual to the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> that willcontain the recommendations <strong>of</strong> grants for the calendar year 1996; theCommittee will be given authority to approve the grants without the vote <strong>of</strong>the <strong>Synod</strong> for the calendar year 1997; and will report all activity to the<strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1997 with recommendations for grants in 1998.9. ElectionsIf any Board or agency is aware <strong>of</strong> elections that would normally be madeby the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1996, preparations for the election should be made for the<strong>Synod</strong> <strong>1995</strong>; if this is not feasible, then the Board will bring to the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>1995</strong> its plan for covering the situation, such as the extension <strong>of</strong> the term forone year. All such arrangements should gain the approval <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> in<strong>1995</strong>.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 65RECOMMENDATION U THAT THE ABOVE 9 ITEMS HAVING TO DOWITH NOT HAVING A SYNOD IN 1996 BE ADOPTED.Worship at the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>Friday p.m. Retiring Moderator's MessageChristian AdjemianSat. a.m. The Call <strong>of</strong> the Servant, Isa 42:1-9 Tim McCrackenMon. a.m. Commission <strong>of</strong> the Servant, Isa 49:1 -13 Jerry O'NeillTues a.m. Commitment <strong>of</strong> the Servant, Isa 50:4-11 Dennis PrutowWed a.m. Career <strong>of</strong> the Servant, Isa 52:13-53:9 James WittkeThu a.m. Conquering Servant, Isa 53:10-12 Richard GanzThu close Call to His Servants Wayne SpearSince <strong>1995</strong> is the centennial <strong>of</strong> the first <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>missionaries in China, the committee asked the Foreign Mission Board toarrange for the Lord's Day evening program taking into account thissignificant anniversary. The evening <strong>of</strong>fering will go entirely to the work <strong>of</strong>the Reformation Translation Fellowship.The Committee asked Rev. David Long and Rev. Barry York to conductthe evening prayer time at <strong>Synod</strong> and also the daily prayer times at the close<strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> the sessions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>.These plans will come to the <strong>Synod</strong> for action in the Clerk's report.Time and place <strong>of</strong> the 1997 <strong>Synod</strong>.The Clerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> investigated the following six sites in the Kansas Cityarea: Park College, Mid-America Nazarene College, Sterling College, KansasUniversity, William Jewell College and Heartland <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Center. Therecommendation <strong>of</strong> the Clerk, adopted by the Committee is that <strong>Synod</strong> meetat William Jewell College, July 12-18, 1997. William Jewell College is inLiberty, MO, 18 miles from the Kansas City Airport (KCI). The anticipatedcosts for six days will be about $ 150.00 per person at 1994 prices; adjustedmodestly for price increases between now and then. All facilities except thegymnasium are air-conditioned. William Jewell College houses the personallibrary <strong>of</strong> Charles Haddon Spurgeon.RECOMMENDATION 1\ THAT THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE 1997SYNOD AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, BE ADOPTED.Time and Place <strong>of</strong> the 1998 <strong>Synod</strong>An item came to the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee from the AtlanticPresbytery asking "that the 1998 meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> be held in Philadelphia,PA and a service <strong>of</strong> thanksgiving to our Sovereign Lord be held <strong>Synod</strong>Sabbath for 200 years <strong>of</strong> ministry as a denomination in North America."Early correspondence raised some questions about the wisdom <strong>of</strong> holdingsuch a celebration in Philadelphia because thereis no known "site" where acelebration could be held. In addition, questions <strong>of</strong> travel and housing costsentered the picture.It is also noted that 1998 is the 150th anniversary <strong>of</strong> the founding <strong>of</strong>Geneva College and the chairman <strong>of</strong> this Committee has been in touch with


66 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEDr. John H. White. The decision was made NOT to hold <strong>Synod</strong> inPhiladelphia in 1998, but to plan for <strong>Synod</strong> at Geneva College. It is planned,however, that a suitable celebration be held commemorating 200 years <strong>of</strong>our ministry as a denomination during <strong>Synod</strong> that year. If this is approved,the committee plans to ask Wayne Spear to join the committee alreadyplanning such a program only for the purpose <strong>of</strong> planning the program.Geneva College will also be asked to arrange a program. No date has been setfor the meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> in 1998.RECOMMENDATION 3: THAT THE SYNOD ADOPT THE GENERALPLAN OUTLINED ABOVE FOR THE 1998 SYNOD AND AUTHORIZETHE BUSINESS OF SYNOD COMMITTEE TO PROCEED WITH PLANS.Review <strong>of</strong> the evaluations <strong>of</strong> members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.Thirty-eight evaluations were turned in and tabulated by Harry Metzger.The Committee appreciates the high response <strong>of</strong> the members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.Some concerns expressed in the evaluations are that too many reports arenot in the Digest and hence too many are read on the floor; too many havenot read and studied the reports before getting to <strong>Synod</strong>; some felt thatsome changes might well be made with reference to the fraternal delegates.Some changes suggested have already been made. Where appropriate, copies<strong>of</strong> the report have been made available to other committees (and <strong>of</strong> courseare available by request <strong>of</strong> any member <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>). Mr. Metzger pointed outthat the greatest diversity <strong>of</strong> responses came on the question as to whether<strong>Synod</strong> is adequately "equipping the elders" to do their task. Norecommendations.The Work <strong>of</strong> the Clerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>The Clerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> is an ex-<strong>of</strong>ficio member <strong>of</strong> the Committee, whichmakesit possible to correlate the work <strong>of</strong> the committee with the agenda forthe <strong>Synod</strong>. <strong>Synod</strong> voted last year to make funds available for the purchase <strong>of</strong>computer equipment for the clerk, along with necessary s<strong>of</strong>tware. The Clerkappreciates the computer which has made the work much easier. TheCommittee was pleased to note that the <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> for 1994 wereready for distribution by mid-October, the earliest date for some years. Norecommendations.Proposal for the filling <strong>of</strong> vacancieson boards and permanent committeesDirectory for Church Government, Chapter 7, Section 10"The work <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> shall be carried on through boards, permanentcommittees and commissions (see chap. 6, par 16), which shall make a fullreport <strong>of</strong> their work at each meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. Membership <strong>of</strong> these agenciesshall primarily consist <strong>of</strong> ordained <strong>of</strong>ficers, and shall work according to theinstructions <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. Permanent boards and committees shall be so<strong>org</strong>anized that the terms <strong>of</strong> only a minor portion <strong>of</strong> their membership expireeach year. In most cases, the term shall be for three years, one-third <strong>of</strong> themembers being elected each year. Except as approved by <strong>Synod</strong> as essential


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 67to continue, members <strong>of</strong> boards and committees are limited to twoconsecutive terms. Vacancies may be filled by tlie Moderator, Clerk andAssistant Clerk. "RECOMMENDATION 4 THAT THE SYNOD ADD THE UNDERLINEDWORDS ABOVE TO THE DIRECTORY FOR CHURCH GOVERNMENT,CHAPTER 7, SECTION 10.Vacancies on the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> CommitteeThe terms <strong>of</strong> Harry Metzger and Kenneth Smith expire in <strong>1995</strong>; bothare eligible for reelection. The terms <strong>of</strong> James Carson and Raymond Mortonexpire in 1996; both are eligible for reelection. Because neither <strong>of</strong> the menelected in 1994 was able to serve, the committee strongly recommends there-election <strong>of</strong> the present members for the purpose <strong>of</strong> continuity.Vacancies in the class <strong>of</strong> 1997: 2 to be electedClass <strong>of</strong> 1998: Recommend H. Metzger and K. SmithClass <strong>of</strong> 1999: Recommend R. Morton and J. CarsonThis will automatically be referred to the Committee on Nominations.The Finance CommitteeThe presence <strong>of</strong> Jay Worsham <strong>of</strong> the Finance Committee was veryvaluable. Mr. Hutmire sat in on some our sessions as well. Among otherfindings arising from the discussion was the realization <strong>of</strong> the difficult,if notimpossible, task <strong>of</strong> the Finance Committee because <strong>of</strong> the large turnover <strong>of</strong>its members and the potentially high proportion <strong>of</strong> the committee with nopreceding exposure to the work <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> andits agencies. While notmaking any recommendations now, we believe the structure <strong>of</strong> the FinanceCommitteeis a matter for serious reconsideration. No recommendations.Meeting with Representatives <strong>of</strong> AgenciesThe Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee was obligated to bring together therepresentatives <strong>of</strong> the major participating agencies in RPMscM for aconsultation. The time for that meeting was set for March 17, <strong>1995</strong>, from8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Representatives <strong>of</strong> the four major financialparticipants in RPMscM were present; in addition, Sandra Johns sat in onbehalf <strong>of</strong> the Woman's Association.The presentations and discussions <strong>of</strong> the day were extremely valuable andhelpful and we sense a growing desire for a team effort in the work <strong>of</strong> thedenomination. The reality is, however, that the financial needs for the work<strong>of</strong> the agencies appear to surpass the available funds. Some <strong>of</strong> the discussioncentered around ways in which there might be some readjustments for thenext year or two.Undoubtedly the major point raised in this meeting was the need foradditional men for ministry. This is seen in the manpower needs <strong>of</strong> theForeign Mission Board, the Home Mission Board, vacant pastorates, and thesmall number <strong>of</strong> RPCNA students at the Seminary in Pittsburgh. While theneed for finances is great, the need for menis greater yet. May we join


68 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEtogether in praying the Lord <strong>of</strong> the harvest that he would send laborers intothe field.Out <strong>of</strong> that meeting and subsequent consideration by the committee, itwas agreed to ask the representatives <strong>of</strong> the agencies to meet with theFinance Committee at <strong>Synod</strong> at the call <strong>of</strong> the Finance Committee. Members<strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee will attend if possible. All <strong>of</strong> therepresentatives will meet at one time and the purpose will be for the memberagencies to work out among themselves a consensus on how the availablemoney in RPMscM should be distributed to meet the goal <strong>of</strong> the health,growth and multiplication <strong>of</strong> congregations. The Finance Committee will takeseriously the consensus, but will have the freedom to alter those results intheir recommendations to <strong>Synod</strong> if they deem wise. We desire to show in atangible way the unity <strong>of</strong> the work, rather than the sense <strong>of</strong> competitionamong the boards.The results <strong>of</strong> this process will be reported to the <strong>Synod</strong> by the FinanceCommittee. Our committee has no further recommendations beyond thisplan which has been implemented and supported by the chairman <strong>of</strong> theFinance Committee.Other ItemsThe committee has an "unfinished business" list. Among the items: aconsideration <strong>of</strong> the structure <strong>of</strong> the Finance Committee; work on strategyfor use by the respective boards for the attainment <strong>of</strong> our goals (seeCommunication 94-3 referred to this committee); consideration <strong>of</strong> a <strong>Synod</strong>Registrar to take the place <strong>of</strong> the Arrangements Committee, and continuingwork on unfinished items <strong>of</strong> this report.Respectfully submitted,James D. Carson, ChairmanBruce Martin, ex <strong>of</strong>ficio as Clerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>Harry MetzgerRaymond MortonKenneth G. SmithThe report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on Amendments to Chapters 24 and25 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony (93-5) was taken up. The recommendation wasadopted. The report as a whole was approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTSTO CHAPTERS 24 AND 25 OF THE TESTIMONYYour committee would respectfully report that, in compliance with thedirective <strong>of</strong> the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong>, we have been ready to act as a "clearinghouse" for position papers on the proposed Amendments to Chapters 24and 25 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony. To date, the committee has received nocommunications, and therefore has not met. Also,it was the understanding<strong>of</strong> this committee, that <strong>Synod</strong> did not direct the committee to prepareposition papers itself.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 69Recommendation: That the committee be dismissed.Respectfully submitted,James M. Wright, ChairmanWilliam EdgarGodfrey FranklinThomas ReidEdmund SchislerThe report <strong>of</strong> the Committee to Revise the Book <strong>of</strong> Discipline wastaken up. Item 1 was referred back to the committee. The report asa whole was approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO REVISE THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINEDear Brothers:The Committee to Revise the Book <strong>of</strong> Discipline (BOD) respectfullyreports that we have begun the work that the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1994 assigned to us.We have been doing much correspondence among ourselves, and mettogether for the first time on 24 March, <strong>1995</strong>, at the First RPC in BeaverFalls, PA. The meeting was quite fruitful. We put together what we believeto be a general outline <strong>of</strong> our work. We have already been doing"comparative anatomy", with different members studying the disciplineguides <strong>of</strong> different related denominations. The preliminary findings havebeen quite useful.Your committee requests some information from <strong>Synod</strong> members andother interested parties. We would like to know if <strong>Synod</strong> wants us topropose deep changes or merely a tightening up. In other words, does<strong>Synod</strong> wish a full version upgrade, or doesit want the current one debugged?Further, we want to have any suggestions or observations that you or othersmight have that would help the committee in doing the revision. Particularlyhelpful might be personal experiences in discipline cases, patterns observed inapplying church discipline, bibliographical suggestions, and Scripture studieson church discipline. Please send any such to the committee secretary after 1September:Philip H. PockrasPOB 365Belle Center, OH 43310-0365Phone-513 464 6851Email- phil.pockras.@f915.nl 10.z1.fidonet.<strong>org</strong>The phone number will work for fax or a modem data transfer, but youmust call by voice first so that Phil can set up his computer to receive.We thought that <strong>Synod</strong> might be interested in a preliminary bibliographyfor personal study. Here are some good places to go:Associate <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America, Book <strong>of</strong> Discipline,Philadelphia: Associate <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Publication, 1883.Berghoef, Gerard and Lester De Koster, The Elders' Handbook, pp 121 -135, Grand Rapids: Christian's Library Press, 1979.*


70 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEBuzzard, Lynn R. and Thomas S. Brandon, Jr., Church Discipline and theCourts, Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1987.*Dabney, Robert Louis, Discussions, vol II, pp 312-392, Carlisle, PA:Banner <strong>of</strong> Truth Trust, (1891) 1982.*Ge<strong>org</strong>e, Robert John, Lectures in Pastoral Theology, vol II, pp 189-238,New York: Christian Nation Publishing Co., 1914.Kuiper, R. B., 777*? Glorious Body <strong>of</strong> Christ, pp 297-312, Carlisle, PA:Banner <strong>of</strong> Truth Trust (1966) 1983.*<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America, Book <strong>of</strong> Discipline,Philadelphia: Christian Statesman, 1876.Thornwell, James Henley, Collected Writings, vol IV, pp 297-375,Carlisle, PA: Banner <strong>of</strong> Truth Trust, (1875) 1986.*United <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America, Subordinate Standards <strong>of</strong>the United <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America, pp 631-660, Pittsburgh:United <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Education, 1903., The Confessional Statement and the Book <strong>of</strong> Government andWorship, pp 113-135, Pittsburgh: United <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Publicationand Bible School Work, 1926.Those items marked with an asterisk are in print. The others are probablyavailable from the Seminary Library for the asking.Please keep us in prayer. After all, your committee is dealing with one <strong>of</strong>the marks <strong>of</strong> the true church. This is a far more important matter than manymight think. We are acutely aware <strong>of</strong> our need for wisdom.Finally, the committee already has a recommendation. After study, itseems to the committee that chapter 8 <strong>of</strong> the BOD, "Petitions, Memorials,and Overtures", has virtually no connection with discipline, but very much todo with church order and government. Furthermore, we noted with interestthat "memorials" are not even mentioned in the body <strong>of</strong> the chapter, letalone defined or delineated. Therefore, we make the followingrecommendation:1. (REFERRED) That chapter 8 <strong>of</strong> the current Book <strong>of</strong> Discipline betransferred to the Directory for Church Government as a suggested chapter 9<strong>of</strong> the Directory for Church Government entitled "Petitions and Overtures".Respectfully submitted,Dennis OlsonRobert H. McFarland, ChairmanPhilip I. Pockras, SecretaryRobert B. TweedRichard B. WeirThe report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on the Ministry and Role <strong>of</strong> Deacons(94-2) was taken up. Item 1 was lost. It was moved and secondedto postpone the report indefinitely.<strong>Synod</strong> took a fifteen-minute break at 10:30 a.m.<strong>Synod</strong> took up its business following the break singing Psalm 96B.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 7±The order <strong>of</strong> the day, the report <strong>of</strong> the Corporators <strong>of</strong> GenevaCollege was taken up. Item 2 was adopted. In keeping with thisitem. Dr. John H. White, President <strong>of</strong> Geneva College, addressed thecourt and answered questions from the court. Item 1 was adopted.The report as a whole was approved and is as follows with the report<strong>of</strong> the Trustees <strong>of</strong> Geneva College to the Board <strong>of</strong> Corporators:ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CORPORATORSThe Board <strong>of</strong> Corporators wishes to acknowledge God's faithful care anddirection to Geneva College. We rejoice in His continuing blessings in the life<strong>of</strong>all who are involved in helping Geneva t<strong>of</strong>ulfill its mission.The Board met forits regular meeting on June 16, <strong>1995</strong>, at GenevaCollege. Dr. John H. White, President <strong>of</strong> the College, presented a report onactivities that marked the school year as positive and exciting.Dr. White highlighted a number <strong>of</strong> items related to the ongoing activitiesat Geneva. The Mission Statement is firmly in place andis focusing thecampus on developing servant leaders who will reform and transform societyfor the honor <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ. Thereis a genuine sense <strong>of</strong> unity for the entirecollege community as they labor together to accomplish their mission.Enrollment reached its highest level ever <strong>of</strong> 1,770. Several graduateprograms being <strong>of</strong>fered are doing well, one in Psychology, and one in HigherEducation. The latteris currently only for staff members <strong>of</strong> the Coalition forChristian Outreach. Another program under consideration is inOrganizational Leadership, and will be implemented if funding can besecured. The faculty continue to present papers showing an integration <strong>of</strong>faith and learning in their discipline. New faculty appointments are anothersource <strong>of</strong> encouragement. The Lord has provided people who are wellqualified, and sympathetic with Geneva's commitment to the <strong>Reformed</strong> faithas well asits stated mission.The Board discussed the termination <strong>of</strong> Mr. David Lichius after herevealed he had become a member <strong>of</strong> the Roman Catholic Church. We areconfident that the Administration's handling <strong>of</strong> the matteris consistent withthe college bylaw that requires faculty to be a member <strong>of</strong> an EvangelicalProtestant Church. We also discussed the attempt <strong>of</strong> the college to assist theCenter for Urban Studies in a matching gift program with the Foundation forNew Era Philanthropy. John Edgar legal counsel for the college, was presentand reviewed this issue with the Board. We appreciated the open and honestdialogue and are confidentitis being dealt with in a prudent fashion.The Corporators are kept informed about activities and events at thecollege through a monthly news report from Dr. White and the schoolnewspaper. These give helpful information which keep the Board current onthings happening at the college.The following persons were elected by the Corporators:To the Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees - class <strong>of</strong> 1999


72 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THERepresenting the RPCNA:Gwen Elliott, Thomas Fisher, Barry Rosales,Bonnie Weir, Dennis Wing, Joe WorshamRepresenting the Alumni Association:Virginia Badger, Kenneth CreasemanNominated by the Trustees:Yvonne Allison, William ThomasTo the Board <strong>of</strong> Corporators - class <strong>of</strong> 1999Jonathan Adams, Samuel Spear, Richard WoodsOfficers <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Corporators:ChairpersonWilliam WeirVice Chairperson Douglas CarsonSecretaryRobert BaumgartnerTreasurerWilliam JosephRecommendations:1. That the Report <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees be received.2. That the President <strong>of</strong> Geneva College, Dr. John H. White, be heard by<strong>Synod</strong>.Respectfully submitted,Robert BaumgartnerREPORT OF THE GENEVA COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEESTO THE BOARD OF CORPORATORSMay 19, <strong>1995</strong>Geneva College has undergone many changes in the past year in<strong>org</strong>anizational structure, personnel, programs and paradigms, all <strong>of</strong> whichconvey a sense <strong>of</strong> creative progress. At the same time, both at the personaland institutional level, there has been deepened understanding andcommitment to the historic <strong>Reformed</strong> faith as applied to the whole field <strong>of</strong>education. The Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees is grateful to God for His abundantblessing as we report on some <strong>of</strong> the highlights <strong>of</strong> the last year.ACADEMIC/ADMINISTRATIVE AREASSeveral changes in internal structure have occurred or are underconsideration. These include the movement <strong>of</strong> Campus Ministry to the BibleDepartment and the combining <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> Vice Presidents for StudentDevelopment and Enrollment Management under a Vice President forStudent Services. Such a move would be part <strong>of</strong> a larger effort toconsolidate all areas having to do directly with student welfare.Also under consideration and in various stages <strong>of</strong> progress are three newgraduate level programs. One is the MA in Ministry program beingdeveloped in conjunction with the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> TheologicalSeminary, with the earliest target starting date being January, 1996. Asecond program would <strong>of</strong>fer an MS in Organizational Leadership, while athird would help in the fulfillment <strong>of</strong> the Law School vision by <strong>of</strong>fering a


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 73post-graduate program which would focus on some area <strong>of</strong> Christianperspective <strong>of</strong> jurisprudence.The Center for Law and Public Policy shows continued growth both innumbers and impact under the leadership <strong>of</strong> Brad Jacob, Director <strong>of</strong>Operations. At its April meeting the Board approved a final version <strong>of</strong> astatement <strong>of</strong> Affirmations, Commitments and Mission for the Center.With campus visitation completed in the Fall <strong>of</strong> 1994, the Collegeadministration expects word on its application for ABET accreditation thisSummer.New faculty and staff appointments for the 1994-95 academic yearinclude: Mrs. Lori Galley as Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Business Administration,Dr. Seong-Hwoon Kim as Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Electrical Engineering, MissJackie Myers as Associate Director <strong>of</strong> Athletics, Associate Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>Physical Education and Head Women's Basketball Coach, Dr. PhilippaThomson-Bailey as Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> English, and Dr. Fred Walters asAssistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Biology. A successful search has been completed in theEducation Department resulting in the appointment <strong>of</strong> Miss Essie Johnson asAssistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Education, to be effective in the Fall <strong>of</strong> 1996, as wellas Mr. Gary Vander Plaats as Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Accounting.Three faculty resignations took place during the past academic year.Bruce Miller retired in December from the Math Department. Retiring at theend <strong>of</strong> the 1994-95 year are Mary Cleland from the Library and JohnMitchell from the Business Department.BUSINESS/DEVELOPMENT RELATED AREASThe operating budget adopted for 1994-95 showed general fundrevenues <strong>of</strong> $20,969,500 and general fund expenditures <strong>of</strong> $20,846,500.In spite <strong>of</strong> careful budget preparation and prudent expenditures there is ananticipated deficit in the 1994-95 budget. Causes have been researched andseveral steps have been proposed or taken to alleviate the problem and toprevent future occurrences <strong>of</strong> similar difficulties.A number <strong>of</strong> campus improvements continue including the installation <strong>of</strong>initial conduit to handle the Internet connection, Phase II <strong>of</strong> the revision <strong>of</strong>the campus electrical distribution system, installation <strong>of</strong> new windows inMemorial Hall and new lights in Reeves Stadium, renovation andimprovements <strong>of</strong> Patterson House, the Bookstore, the Athletic Office andsome classrooms.At the January and April meetings, a Master Plan for CampusDevelopment was presented to the Board with suggestions for both short andlong term improvements. A major factor in this development is the rerouting<strong>of</strong> Route 18. Progress continues on this project with a decisionpossible in August.In order to facilitate many <strong>of</strong> these anticipated improvements, the Boardhas authorized a five-year Capital Campaign titled "Keeping Faith with theFuture" with a goal <strong>of</strong> $20,000,000 to be run in connection with the 150thanniversary <strong>of</strong> the College. The revenues from the campaign are to be


74 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEexpended to Planned Gifts, Endowment, CUTS, the Annual Fund, and fivecampus capital projects. Trustees Kenneth Creaseman and Jeanne McKelveyare co-chairs for the Campaign.The values <strong>of</strong> the College property and endowment fund are:1993 1994(Audit <strong>of</strong> 5/31/93) (Audit <strong>of</strong> 5/31/94)Land $ 1,621,689 $ 1,628,286Buildings and Improvements * 6,267,673 7,233,920Equipment and Furnishings * 1.621.896 2.397.341$9,511,258 $11,259,547Market Value <strong>of</strong> Endowment $16,871,681 $16,063,194Size <strong>of</strong> Campus (114 acres) (114 acres)* At cost less accumulated depreciation.STUDENT RELATED AREASEnrollment for 1994-<strong>1995</strong> first semester totaled 1732 and secondsemester 1686, including main campus, Degree Completion Program, CUTS,and other <strong>of</strong>f campus programs.Tim Russell, who has been serving as Financial Aid Director, has beenappointed as College Chaplain as part <strong>of</strong> the restructuring in Campus Ministryand Student Development. Mr. Steven Bell has been hired as the newFinancial Aid Director.Trustee scholarships were awarded this year to the following students:Tara Byler, Jonathan Dunlap, Robert Jacob, Heather Nutter, Jerilyn Pezzuti,Christina Stegall, and Bryan Verbrugge.Charges to resident students in the <strong>1995</strong>-1996 academic year have beenset at $10,000 for tuition and $4,400 for room and board.The <strong>1995</strong> Commencement exercises were held on Saturday, May 13,<strong>1995</strong>, in Reeves Stadium with the commencement address being given byDr. John Perkins, Founder <strong>of</strong> The John M. Perkins Foundation forReconciliation and Development and Founder <strong>of</strong> Harambee Center.Baccalaureate services were held on Friday evening May 12, with Thomas A.Tarrants, III, Pastor <strong>of</strong> Christ Our Shepherd Church, being the speaker. 526candidates were awarded degrees. Of these, 182 were from the DegreeCompletion Program and 47 from CUTS, awarded in a separate ceremony.479 received bachelor's degrees, 26 received associate degrees, and 21received the MA in Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Psychology. In addition the followinghonorary degrees were conferred:Dr. John Perkins-Doctor <strong>of</strong> DivinityMrs. Henry Chalfant-Doctor <strong>of</strong> Public ServiceMr. Frank Brock-Doctor <strong>of</strong> Humane LettersBOARD RELATED AREASBoard Officers for 1994-95 have been Joseph Lamont, Chairman, BruceStewart, Vice-Chairman, and Joyce Lynn, Secretary. Meetings <strong>of</strong> the Board


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 75were held on October 20 and 21, 1994, January 26 and 27, <strong>1995</strong>, andApril 27 and 28, <strong>1995</strong>. New trustees joining the Board in October wereGwen Elliott, David Murdoch, Jerry O'Neill and Ken A. Smith. WilbertRichardson and David Viehman, members <strong>of</strong> CUTS Board joined in January,implementing the Bylaw amendment establishing linkage between the twoBoards. (Clarence Farmer and Joseph Lamont represent Geneva's Board asmembers <strong>of</strong> CUTS Board.)Officers for the coming year, to take effect in October <strong>1995</strong> are:Chairman-Joseph LamontVice-Chairman-Bruce StewartSecretary-Joyce LynnThe terms <strong>of</strong> the following trustees expire this year and their successorsshould be chosen:Representing the Church: Gwen Elliott, Thomas Fisher, John Tweed, KeithWing and Joseph WorshamRepresenting the Alumni: Virginia Badger and Kenneth CreasemanTrustee Nominated: Yvonne Allison and William ThomasBruce Stewart has been appointed to represent the College before<strong>Synod</strong>'s Finance Committee. The request from <strong>Synod</strong> is for our appropriateshare <strong>of</strong> its Mission and Ministry budget and for $50,000 from the CecilMacLaughlin Trust.In connection with your report to the <strong>Synod</strong>, we would respectfullyrequest that Dr. Jack White be granted the opportunity to address the <strong>Synod</strong>on behalf <strong>of</strong> Geneva College.Respectfully submitted,Joseph Lamont, ChairmanJoyce Lynn, SecretaryThe report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on the Ministry and Role <strong>of</strong> Deacons(94-2) was taken up again. The motion to postpone the reportindefinitely was adopted by more than a two-thirds vote and thecommittee was thanked for its work.The Moderator read again from the book by Samuel Miller on theresponding to succeeding or failing to win a point in church courts.The report <strong>of</strong> the Committee to Canvass the Overture was takenup. The committee reported that 67 sessions submitted ballots; 262elders voted. Three sessions recorded only the session vote and notthe vote <strong>of</strong> each elder so the committee included these votes in thesessional votes but not in the polling <strong>of</strong> the elders. The Committeealso noted that two ballots were not technically in the hands <strong>of</strong> theClerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> by the deadline, but believed they were included inthe spirit <strong>of</strong> the law and included those votes in the tally. The resultsare as follows:


76 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE#1. Do you approve the addition <strong>of</strong> the following paragraph to Chapter24 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony?15. While we abhor the sinful abuses <strong>of</strong> a husband's authorityand the abdication <strong>of</strong> his responsibilities within marriage,common since the Fall, we deny that his headship is, in and <strong>of</strong>itself, a result <strong>of</strong> sin. Gen. 2:18; I Cor. 11:3-10; Eph. 5:23;1 Tim. 2:11-13.Sessional vote: 60 yes; 1 tie. Elder vote: 219 yes. The item isadopted.#2. Do you approve the addition <strong>of</strong> the following paragraph to replacepresent paragraph It 14 <strong>of</strong> Chapter 24 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony?14. We deny that the submission in the Lord <strong>of</strong> a wife to herhusband contradicts the equality, in value and dignity, <strong>of</strong> herperson to his. Gen. 1:27; Gal. 3:28.Sessional vote: 56 yes; 1 tie. Elder vote: 207 yes. The item isadopted.#3. Do you approve the following renumbering <strong>of</strong> paragraphs toChapter 24 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony?"That as a result <strong>of</strong> the above decisions, . . . current paragraphs#15 to #33 would be renumbered #16-#34 accordingly.'Sessional vote: 57 yes; 2 ties. Elder vote: 213 yes. The item isadopted.#4. Do you approve the following addition to paragraph #8 <strong>of</strong> Chapter25 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony?"In paragraph #8, add this sentence after the first sentence:The <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> elder is restricted in Scripture to men. I Tim.2:12; 3:2; Titus 1:6."Sessional vote: 64 yes; 1 tie. Elder vote: 236 yes. The item isadopted.#5. Do you approve the addition <strong>of</strong> the following paragraph to Chapter25 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony?"After paragraph #12, add new paragraph #13: 13. Wedeny that the exclusion <strong>of</strong> women from the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> elder canbe said to result in the frustration <strong>of</strong> one's divine vocation orthe neglect <strong>of</strong> one's spiritual gifts for ministry. I Cor. 12:14-26."Sessional vote: 57 yes; 2 tie. Elder vote: 208 yes. The item isadopted.The committee recommended that as a result <strong>of</strong> this decision, currentparagraphs 13-18 be re-numbered 14-19. This item was approved by morethan a two-thirds vote.#6. Do you approve changes in the ordination queries which wouldresult in the following? (All three parts are to be voted as a unit.)


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 77a. Query #8 to read, "As an expression <strong>of</strong> your commitmentto live a holy and exemplary life, do you promise 'not to begiven to much wine,' and to show yourself a model <strong>of</strong>sobriety, restraint, and sound judgment in all areas <strong>of</strong> life?"b. New Query #9 to read: " That you may faithfully performall the duties <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fice to which you have been called, doyou promise to seek the guidance <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit, and inHis strength to promote the purity, peace, unity, andprogress <strong>of</strong> the church . . . (then continue with theremainder <strong>of</strong> present Query #8 applying to different <strong>of</strong>fices...)?c. Present Query #9 would become new Query #10.Sessional vote: 39 yes; 3 tie. Elder vote: 152 yes. The itemisdefeated.The report as a whole was approved and the Moderator declaredovertures 1 -5 to be the law and order <strong>of</strong> the church.Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> again joined together in small groups to prayconcerning the matters addressed in the morning session andconcluded the prayer time by singing Psalm 133A.Following the announcements <strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm 65A and tookrecess in prayer by Aubrey Ayer.TUESDAY, JUNE 20, <strong>1995</strong>, 1:30 P.M.<strong>Synod</strong> reconvened at 1:30 p.m. singing Psalm 39A and being ledin prayer by Wayne Duffield.The roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read and approved.The following motion was adopted: "That because <strong>of</strong> theimportance <strong>of</strong> having clear and consistent standards for countingballots for overtures, the matter <strong>of</strong> tie overture votes within asession be referred to the parliamentarians, to bring arecommendation to this <strong>Synod</strong>."The Reverend Paul Bakker, a CRC pastor in Cleveland, Ohio,brought fraternal greetings from the Christian <strong>Reformed</strong> Church.The Reverend Howard Hart, Pastor <strong>of</strong> St. John's <strong>Reformed</strong>Church, Lincoln, Nebraska, brought fraternal greetings from the<strong>Reformed</strong> Church in the United States.The report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on Psalm Translation was taken up.Four members <strong>of</strong> the committee addressed the court concerning thework <strong>of</strong> psalm translation: Clark Copeland, Norris Wilson, NormanCarson and Alastair McEwen. The committee recommendedpersonnel to be added to the committee and the recommendation wasreferred to the Nominating Committee.


781 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEThe report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on Psalm Music was taken up and theformer Moderator took the chair so that Robert Copeland couldpresent the report.<strong>Synod</strong> took a fifteen-minute break at 2:55.<strong>Synod</strong> resumed its work singing Psalm 51F and being led in prayerby Christian Adjemian.Item 1 <strong>of</strong> the report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on Psalm Music wasdefeated. Items 2 and 3 were adopted.Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> stood together in small groups to prayconcerning the matters addressed in the afternoon session andconcluded the prayer time by singing Psalm 39B.Following the announcements, David Carson led in prayer as <strong>Synod</strong>took recess at 4:00 p.m.TUESDAY, JUNE 20, <strong>1995</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<strong>Synod</strong> reconvened at 7:00 p.m. singing Psalm 44A and being ledin prayer by Rich Johnston.The roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read and approved.The Moderator read again from the book by Samuel Miller on thetreatment <strong>of</strong> the more experienced members <strong>of</strong> church courts.<strong>Synod</strong> devoted the evening session to its work <strong>of</strong> wrestling withGod in prayer to receive His blessing. David Long and Barry Yorkled in this work as follows:Psalm 148Prayer by Dave Long for God's blessing on the evening.Testimony on prayer from Renwick Wright.Prayers <strong>of</strong> confession St praise.Psalm 126A, St. 1,2Small group prayer for laborers to go into the harvest.Psalm 126A St. 3,4Testimony on prayer from Ken SmithPrayer for churchesPsalm 48BSmall group prayer for the worldPsalm 100CTestimony on prayer from Jim CarsonPrayer for the Finance Committee led by Christian Adjemian.Prayer for specific concerns <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>'s members led by JohnTweed.Psalm 86A, St. 1Following the announcements. <strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm 4A, St 1-4,8,and adjourned at 9:05 p.m. being led in prayer by Bill Long.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 79WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, <strong>1995</strong>, 8:30 A.M.<strong>Synod</strong> met pursuant to adjournment on Wednesday, June 21,<strong>1995</strong>, at 8:30 a.m. in Skye Lounge <strong>of</strong> the Student Center on theGeneva College campus, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.Robert McCracken led <strong>Synod</strong> in the singing <strong>of</strong> Psalm 30A and thecourt was constituted in prayer by James McMahon.James Wittke was in charge <strong>of</strong> the devotional service. <strong>Synod</strong> sangPsalm 5ID, stanzas 1,3,4. Mr. Wittke led in prayer, read Isaiah52:13-53:8 and preached God's Word on the theme, 'The Career <strong>of</strong>the Servant'. <strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm 22H and concluded the devotionalservice with prayer.The roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read and approved.Since two sets <strong>of</strong> elections have been approved in the approval <strong>of</strong>the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee report the first preparation forelections was set to be held following the break this morning and thefirst set <strong>of</strong> elections to beheld following the reading <strong>of</strong> the minutes inthe afternoon session today.The Moderator read again from Samuel Miller's book, this timeon the subject <strong>of</strong> debates in ecclesiastical courts.The report <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Education and Publication was takenup. Item 1 was adopted and in keeping with this item JamesPennington and Drew and Lynne Gordon addressed the court. Items2-4 were referred to the Nominating Committee. Item 5 was referredto the Committee on Finance. The report as a whole was approvedand is as follows:REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND PUBLICATIONWe are thankful to God for His unmerited favor toward the work <strong>of</strong> thisBoard during the past year. Itis gratifying to see a primary goal <strong>of</strong> Crownand Covenant publications - the proliferation <strong>of</strong> the Psalms for singing - reacha new plateau in sales, and the Covenanter Witness having a unique ministryto <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>s in encouraging evangelism among our membersfortifying <strong>Synod</strong>'s focus on the "health, growth and multiplication <strong>of</strong>congregations". We also praise God for Jim Pennington's improved healthover the winter after he suffered a bleeding ulcer last September. Jimexpressed at our March Board meeting his thankfulness that God had indeedspared his life. This experience has caused him to reflect again on God'scontinuing good providence in his life.YOUTH MINISTRIESJim's work, as a quarter-time employee <strong>of</strong> the Board, has concentratedon planning for the 1996 International Conference. The administration staff


80 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEis almost completed and has begun meeting. A change in policyrecommended by the conference staff to the Board has been approved and isas follows:High school young people, those entering grades nine through twelve,will be housed at the conference separate from their parents.Youth <strong>of</strong> middle school age will be housed in the same suite with theirparents who will be responsible for them during the sleeping hours. This willnot preclude a network <strong>of</strong> counselors. In fact,it will make it necessary toincrease the amount <strong>of</strong> planned time that will be a part <strong>of</strong> the youthprogram.Any young person, who has not yet graduated from high school and isattending the conference without a parent must have an adult who isattending the conference agree to sponsor him/her and to act in place <strong>of</strong> theparent while at the conference.As a part <strong>of</strong> maintaining order at the conference, any disruptive highschool youth will be required to sleep in the same suite with either his/herparent or sponsor.The reason is two-fold. All rooms at Calvin consist <strong>of</strong> two-room suiteswith connecting bathroom and Calvin has <strong>of</strong>fered a reduced rate for familyunits. Secondly, we have had difficulty during past conferences in controllingthe behavior <strong>of</strong> junior high school and high school age youth when housedseparately.A youth conference designed to facilitate program planning for collegeand high school programs for the 1996 International Conference is scheduledfor July I - 4, <strong>1995</strong> at Southside Indianapolis RP Church. One adult youthworker and up to four youth from each presbytery will meet to make plansfor the high school and college conference programs.Because <strong>of</strong> the increased work load during the conference year for theprogram coordinator, Jim Pennington, an arrangement has been worked outthat will relieve him <strong>of</strong> some preaching and pastoral duties for the AlleghenyCongregation and the cost will be borne by the Board out <strong>of</strong> funds generatedby the International Conference.The Board has been working for two years on a statement <strong>of</strong> philosophyfor denominational conferences and at our March <strong>1995</strong> meeting adopted thefollowing statement.Denominational conferences <strong>of</strong> the RPCNA are designed to:encourage godly and faithful livingteach and defend the Scriptures, and the subordinate standards <strong>of</strong>the Churchtrain against false religion and man-centered worshippray and work toward the recognition <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ as MediatorialKing over the nationsdevelop biblical unity and fellowship with other Christiansworship and prayhave fun and recreationcall people to consecration


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHConferences will provide appropriate forums for:teaching and trainingdeveloping youth leadershipdiscussion <strong>of</strong> issues pertinent to the interests <strong>of</strong> the Kingdom <strong>of</strong>Christ todayhighlight denominational ministriesIt is the responsibility <strong>of</strong> the <strong>org</strong>anizing Board (i.e. E sc P) to assure thatthese principles and purposes are respected.A list <strong>of</strong> speakers, seminar leaders, discussion leaders, and teachers fordenominational conferences is to be presented to the Board for priorapproval. This list must be submitted to the Board at the latest regularlyscheduled meeting preceding the announced conference date. Boardreview and approval <strong>of</strong> all forums or seminars must also proceed in thesame manner.CROWN AND COVENANTPUBLICATIONSThe primary focus <strong>of</strong> Crown and Covenant is to publish books, tapes andother media that instruct people in the <strong>Reformed</strong> faith, <strong>Reformed</strong> worship,and <strong>Reformed</strong> evangelism. Pro<strong>of</strong> that the over 200 publications in ourcatalog are meeting the need is evidenced by the growth <strong>of</strong> sales over the lastseveral years. Since 1987, sales have increased by over 250 percent.The use <strong>of</strong> psalms in worship and daily life was a key to the Reformation,and it has been a key to the continued presence <strong>of</strong> the RP Church in NorthAmerica. It is a precious gift we have to share with others. If the truths that<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>s hold dear are going to enlighten other believers andeven unbelievers, someone must be in the vanguard to prepare the way. Lastyear Crown and Covenant Publications sold over 8600 complete Psalters,and over 7000 <strong>of</strong> those went to people outside the RPCNA. Many <strong>of</strong> thesecongregations are learning about psalmody and exclusive psalmody for thefirst time.Here are some recent examples:- A PCA congregation whose pastor oncewasn't interested in psalm singing is planning to order 800 Psalters. Amessianic Jewish church in the Netherlands, and a Baptist church in Mainephoned to inquire about Psalters.Crown and Covenant publications is on this vast mission field bringingpeople along in the faith and to an understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>Reformed</strong> truths andRPCNA doctrines. We believe such influence is critical to the growth <strong>of</strong> ourdenomination in carrying out the Great Commission. <strong>Reformed</strong><strong>Presbyterian</strong>s, by purchasing our products and by supporting RPMscM, arefellow participants in this mission.We would report to the <strong>Synod</strong> that because <strong>of</strong> the number <strong>of</strong> sales <strong>of</strong> theBook <strong>of</strong> Psalms for Singing,it will be necessary to deficit spend in <strong>1995</strong> t<strong>of</strong>inance the reprinting. However, we anticipate that continuing sales will payback the deficit in 1996.JM


82 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THECOVENANTER WITNESSThe Covenanter Witness continues to be used by all the ministries <strong>of</strong> thedenomination as a source <strong>of</strong> timely information about the RPCNA. Whenpeople want to send a message to the entire denomination, when people areinterested in finding out that a congregation is looking to extend its work to anearby location, or when mission congregations are interested in becoming"tied in" to the denomination, they <strong>of</strong>ten go to the Witness as the instrumentto accomplish their task.We are encouraged that a high percentage <strong>of</strong> RP's have found theWitness valuable as nearly 2000 households have remained loyal insubscribing. The Witness, therefore touches nearly every household in theRPCNA. We are also encouraged that most <strong>of</strong> the newer congregations haveshown enthusiastic support by subscribing to the Witness.Our year long focus on "Reaching Out" has been a direct application <strong>of</strong><strong>Synod</strong>'s emphasis on the "health, growth, and multiplication <strong>of</strong>congregations." It has covered different facets <strong>of</strong> outreach, evangelism,assimilation and discipleship.COST CUTTINGWe continue to be concerned about being able to finance the work <strong>of</strong>this Board. Since 1987, the EscP Board's share <strong>of</strong> the RPMscM has beenreduced from $ 142,000 to $80,000. We have done as much as we can toreduce costs by reducing staff, cutting production costs, using up ourinvested funds, and increasing our income by increased sales. This March,the Board decided to reduce the number <strong>of</strong> meetings to one per year inorder to save travel funds. Instead we will hold a fall meeting by conferencecall.We have concerns about the wisdom <strong>of</strong> this move as we think it isimportant to meet face to face to encourage our staff and properly overseethe activities <strong>of</strong> the Board's work. The absence <strong>of</strong> Youth Ministries, Crownand Covenant Publications, or the Covenanter Witness is not something thatwe believe the denomination wishes to do. However, the Board will have tomake additional reductions in program if the RPMscM funding remains thesame in 1996.RECOMMENDATIONS:1. That <strong>Synod</strong> hear from James Pennington for 10 minutes and from Drewand Lynne Gordon for 10 minutes.2. That the Nominating Committee consider the names <strong>of</strong> Paul Finley, andIngrid Birdsall for the Class <strong>of</strong> 1998 to replace Wendell Spear whoseterm expires.3. That the following persons be considered for reelection for a second termto the EscP Board:Class <strong>of</strong> 1998: Christian Adjemian, Norman Carson.Class <strong>of</strong> 1999: Andrew McCracken, Erma Prutow, David Willson.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 834. That <strong>Synod</strong> approve the reappointments <strong>of</strong> Drew and Lynne Gordon tothe positions <strong>of</strong> Directors <strong>of</strong> Publications for a three year term beginningJanuary 1: 1997.5. The <strong>Synod</strong> grant $90,000 in 1996 and $90,000 in 1997 from theRPMscM to the Board <strong>of</strong> Education and Publication.The report <strong>of</strong> the Trustees <strong>of</strong> the Theological Seminary was takenup. Items 1 and 2 were adopted. In keeping with these items. <strong>Synod</strong>was led in prayer by Walter Swartz and proceeded to the vote onthese pr<strong>of</strong>essors. Item 3 was referred to the Committee on Finance.Items 4 and 5 were referred to the Nominating Committee. Item 6was adopted.<strong>Synod</strong> took a fifteen-minute recess at 10:30 a.m.<strong>Synod</strong> returned from the break singing Psalm 31A and being ledin prayer by the Moderator.The order <strong>of</strong> the day, the preparation for elections was taken up.The Nominating Committee presented its nominations andnominations were received from the floor.The <strong>of</strong>fering for <strong>Synod</strong> was taken in the amount <strong>of</strong> $720.25 andRobert Tweed led in prayer.<strong>Synod</strong> returned to consideration <strong>of</strong> the report <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong>Trustees <strong>of</strong> the Theological Seminary. In keeping with item 6 <strong>of</strong> thereport, Jerry O'Neill, President <strong>of</strong> the Theological Seminary,addressed the court. The seminary election results were announcedwith both pr<strong>of</strong>essors being re-elected by a clear majority. Thefollowing motion was adopted: That <strong>Synod</strong> recognize Pr<strong>of</strong>essorRachel Ge<strong>org</strong>e with a letter <strong>of</strong> appreciation from the Moderator inrecognition <strong>of</strong> loving, faithful, kind and pr<strong>of</strong>essional service to theSeminary, denomination and thankful students both past and present,and that <strong>Synod</strong> present Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Rachel Ge<strong>org</strong>e a bouquet <strong>of</strong> flowersalong with the letter <strong>of</strong> appreciation as a tangible sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>'sappreciation at the Seminary's first chapel service <strong>of</strong> the <strong>1995</strong> fallsemester. The report as a whole was approved and is as follows:THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESTHE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYINTRODUCTIONOne <strong>of</strong> the primary responsibilities <strong>of</strong> a father is to teach his childrenpreparing them to honor God by remembering His mighty deeds believingHis wonderful promises and keeping His perfect commandments. Similarlyone <strong>of</strong> the primary responsibilities <strong>of</strong> the churchis to prepare others to teachso that people in other places and following generations will become children<strong>of</strong> God and walk in a manner worthy <strong>of</strong> the privilege. The Seminary fulfillsthis great duty on our behalf to a very large extent and is therefore deserving<strong>of</strong> our support in prayer labor and resources. In addition the Seminary is a


84 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEvery cost-effective means <strong>of</strong> both home and foreign missions as not onlyindividuals but teachers are equipped with the Gospel, the <strong>Reformed</strong> faithand RPCNA distinctives.TRANSITIONDr. Stewart completed his service as President and Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> PastoralTheology on June 1st, having served the Seminary with great distinction since1973. Some <strong>of</strong> the more outstanding blessings <strong>of</strong> God on his work for usinclude authorization from the Commonwealth <strong>of</strong> Pennsylvania to grant theMaster <strong>of</strong> Divinity degree (1977), hosting Pastors' Refresher Courses (1979,1985, 1991), the complete recataloguing <strong>of</strong> the library (1983), beginningregular evening classes (1984), celebration <strong>of</strong> the 175th Anniversary <strong>of</strong> theSeminary (1985); dedication <strong>of</strong> the Rare Books Room (1986); <strong>org</strong>anization<strong>of</strong> The President's Council (1986), hosting the <strong>Reformed</strong> MissionsConsultation (1987); beginning "block" one day classes (1990); the increasein number <strong>of</strong> black students and the founding <strong>of</strong> the Center for UrbanBiblical Ministry (CUBM) at RPTS (1990); the installation <strong>of</strong> a fullycomputerized catalog for the library (1992); beginning classes in computeruse for research and language study (1993); full accreditation <strong>of</strong> theSeminary by ATS (1994); increase in student enrollment from 19 (1973-74) to 98 (1994-<strong>1995</strong>), increase in gift income from about $5,000annually (1970s) to about $50,000 annually (1980s) to $135,000 in1994. We are thankful to God for His blessing to us in and through Bruceand ask our fellow delegates to join us Monday evening, June 19 at 9PM fora special tribute to Dr. sc Mrs. Stewart. Please join us also on Friday,October 6th at 6:30PM in Alexander Hall for Dr. Stewart's RecognitionDinner. The Board voted to confer the title <strong>of</strong> President- and Pr<strong>of</strong>essor-Emeritus upon Dr. Stewart.Jerry O'Neill was elected President at our last synod and is now settled inPittsburgh and fully involved in the work and life <strong>of</strong> the Seminary. Jerryassumed the responsibilities <strong>of</strong> President on June 1st and is to be inauguratedon Friday, September 15th. Please join us in this celebration. We arethankful to God for providing us with a man <strong>of</strong> such faith, zeal, diligence,leadership and integrity, and look forward to the Lord's blessings on His giftto us in Jerry.FACULTY AND STAFFDr. Stewart completed his course and broke the tape in full strength andstride. His double load included teaching courses in Pastoral Theology andoverseeing the entire work <strong>of</strong> the Seminary. His administrative duties areconsiderable, including development, recruiting, purchasing, building scgrounds and the oversight <strong>of</strong> daily operations.Dr. Stewart serves in many ways beyond the Seminary and always withthe good <strong>of</strong> the Seminary very much in mind. He serves on the North HillsSession and as chairman <strong>of</strong> their Worship Committee. He serves on the Board<strong>of</strong> CUBM, as Vice-Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees <strong>of</strong> Geneva College andas Chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>' s Committee to Revise the Directory for Worship. He


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 85participated in the Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Reformed</strong> Seminary Presidents to consider<strong>Reformed</strong> Theological Education in Russia last June in connection with theBiennial Meeting <strong>of</strong> ATS. He takes advantage <strong>of</strong> many opportunities topreach which <strong>of</strong>ten include opportunities to present the work <strong>of</strong> theSeminary. Dr. Stewart will continue to assist Jerry O'Neill as Jerry grows intohis new responsibilities.Dr. Spear continues his faithful service as Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> SystematicTheology and Homiletics as well as Dean <strong>of</strong> Faculty. He serves as Clerk <strong>of</strong>Session in the North Hills congregation. In the Alleghenies Presbytery, heserved as Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Trinity Commission and as Program Director <strong>of</strong>Presbytery's Summer Conference at Laurelville. He and his wife, Mary, areserving together as the committee for Dr. Stewart's Recognition Dinner.Dr. Russell serves as Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Church History and as Registrar. We areparticularly thankful for his expertise and diligence in working with the federalDepartment <strong>of</strong> Education in reducing fines from over $100,000 to $3,000.Dr. Russell serves on the College Hill Session.Pr<strong>of</strong> Lowe completed the first year <strong>of</strong> his seven year term as Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>Old Testament Studies. He is very well received by his students. Please praywith us for him as he labors to satisfy the demands <strong>of</strong> his WestminsterSeminary committee so that his doctoral dissertation would be acceptedbefore the January 1996 deadline.Dr. Robson completed his three-year term as Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> NewTestament Studies. He also serves as Dean <strong>of</strong> Men. He teaches a class in theuse <strong>of</strong> the computer in research and requires its use in the study <strong>of</strong> NewTestament Greek. He enjoys his teaching and his students acknowledge greatbenefits from his classes. He has <strong>org</strong>anized work days and projects with thestudents for the good maintenance <strong>of</strong> the building. Dr. Robson teaches aweekly Bible study in his home, encouraging the participation <strong>of</strong> Seminarystudents. He also preaches regularly for the Rochester, NY congregation.Pr<strong>of</strong>. Ge<strong>org</strong>e renders outstanding service as our Librarian. She oversawthe development <strong>of</strong> the computer network and the computerized catalog.Rachel recently made arrangements to have a 1646 edition <strong>of</strong> Gillespie'sAaron's Rod Blossoming placed in our Rare Books Room.Pr<strong>of</strong>. Pennington teaches two classes and a seminar on missions which,though they do not involve many students, are enthusiastically received bythe participants. These courses fulfill a very important part <strong>of</strong> our commissionby leading us in bringing the whole Gospel to the whole world.Each <strong>of</strong> the Pr<strong>of</strong>essors participates in the daily chapel preaching rotation.Pr<strong>of</strong>s. Ge<strong>org</strong>e and Russell have indicated their desire to retire as <strong>of</strong> May 31,1996. The Board is carefully considering how to honor these requests andstill maintain the excellent provisions made by these two faithful servants.The Board elected Thomas Reid to serve as Seminary Librarian for athree (3) year term beginning on 1 June 1996.Mrs. Carol Edgar is serving very capably as our Secretary-Receptionist.Mrs. Karen Pie serves as Assistant Librarian and Mrs. Donna Wilson helpsboth in the <strong>of</strong>fice and in the library. Sophie Sekowski continues her excellent


86 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEwork in the kitchen and housekeeping. Aaron and Heidi Goerner are servingvery well as caretakers. Tom Reid continues to help our library in many andsignificant ways, including as a consultant. We also note with thanksgiving thework <strong>of</strong> the President's Council in advising the President and the Board.Guest lecturers this year included Maurice Doss, John Koelling, DaleMcLane, Harry Metzger, Dennis Prutow, Peter Smith, Jonathan Watt, AndreWeisbrod and James Wittke.STUDENTS103 students were served in the 1994-<strong>1995</strong> academic year. Thisincluded the following candidates: 47 M.Div, 9 Diploma, 1 Training inMinistry. 37 individuals were Special Students and 9 were auditors. The fallquarter included 20 Afro-American students and 12 women students with72 evening students and 45 daytime students. Denominational representation(fall quarter, 1994) included 7 <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>s, 4 from the OPC, 13from the PCA and 24 from Baptist churches. Prospects for Summer Greekand fall enrollment are very good.Our full accreditation by ATS is attracting more students and we hopethat the M.A. in Biblical Ministry now under development will do the same.We plan to participate in the video being prepared by RPMscM and hope thiswill serve to attract more students.Commencement was held on May 19 with five men receiving the M.Div.degree and six students receiving Certificates <strong>of</strong> Achievement. Dr. Stewartgave the Commencement Address according to the request <strong>of</strong> the students.Our own Scott Wilkinson was among the M.Div. graduates. Scott hasaccepted a call to our Walton, NY congregation. Pray for Scott as he looksforward to serving in the Walton congregation and St. Lawrence Presbytery.Brian Coombs was the first recipient <strong>of</strong> the Bruce C. Stewart Middler Awardestablished by the Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees to recognize the second year studentwho "best demonstrates academic excellence in his studies and pastoralconcern in his personal relationships" as discerned by the faculty. The awardconsists <strong>of</strong> the interest on the principal <strong>of</strong> an endowment contributed for thisexpress purpose. This endowment was contributed largely by present andformer members <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees and The President' s Council.LIBRARYOur total volumes are 39,645 with 35,321 total catalogued volumesand 4,414 bound volumes <strong>of</strong> periodicals. The grand total represents anincrease <strong>of</strong> 2,180 volumes this year, including 212 new rare books andnumerous out-<strong>of</strong>-print items needed in our collection. Increases in non-bookmaterials such as computer s<strong>of</strong>tware, CD-ROMs, tapes and videos, weremodest. Services to our library continue to be expensive, though we are ableto reduce these costs by providing services ourselves. Providing these servicesis very time consuming, however. The computer equipment is a tremendoushelp in the work <strong>of</strong> the library. The use statistics reflect an increase inenrollment as well as more reading being done by current students than bystudents in previous years.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 87COURSE DEVELOPMENTSee our new <strong>1995</strong>-1997 catalog for a listing <strong>of</strong> courses and a generaldescription <strong>of</strong> the work <strong>of</strong> the Seminary. Copies will be available at <strong>Synod</strong>,and we encourage you to make them widely available to all those interestedin preparing men for the pastoral ministry. Evening courses continue to bevery popular and further development <strong>of</strong> these is being considered. Distanceeducation continues to be very desirable as it would make the assets <strong>of</strong> theSeminary available to our congregations and to other institutions. CUBM ison a much sounder footing and is now <strong>of</strong>fering two classes in a SummerSemester. We continue to pursue the development <strong>of</strong> an M.A. in BiblicalMinistry from Geneva College to be <strong>of</strong>fered at the Seminary involving currentcourses taught by our pr<strong>of</strong>essors.PROCEDURESIn response to ATS notations, the Faculty Manual is being updated and aPolicy for Sabbatical Leaves was drawn up and approved by the Faculty. ThisPolicy is a goal that is very important to the fruitfulness <strong>of</strong> our faculty and theequipping <strong>of</strong> our students. However, its implementation waits upon greaterfinancial resources. Student evaluations <strong>of</strong> faculty teaching were processedduring the winter quarter and indicate broad and enthusiastic appreciation forour pr<strong>of</strong>essors and their work. A number <strong>of</strong> new financial procedures arenow in place that further improve our financial operations, including thepursuit <strong>of</strong> a reconciliation <strong>of</strong> method between our auditors and our treasurer.THE BOARDThe Board appointed Darrel Powell and John Mitchell to finish theunexpired terms <strong>of</strong> David Carson and Gordon Keddie, both in the class <strong>of</strong>1997. We heartily thank Mr. Carson and Mr. Keddie for their service to theSeminary. Our current <strong>of</strong>ficers are President, Bill Edgar, Vice-President, DonPiper and Secretary, Kit Swartz. We meet in the fall and spring each year withcommittees meeting as the work requires. Our standing committees includeExecutive, Finance, Long Range Planning and Nominating with each Boardmember serving on one or two <strong>of</strong> them.FACILITIESWe enjoyed a special gift this year <strong>of</strong> a week <strong>of</strong> labor by nine studentsfrom Sterling College. They shampooed rugs, washed windows, pulled weeds,raked leaves and redecorated one <strong>of</strong> the second floor bedrooms including thereplacement <strong>of</strong> an entire wall. This room will be a good location for acomputer classroom. Other maintenance this year included repainting theback hall and staircase, bricking up two basement windows and twicereplacing leaking pipes in the second floor bathroom with follow-up repairs t<strong>of</strong>loor and ceiling. A very nice multi-function rebuilt copier was purchased toreplace one that gave poor copies and unreliable service. An eight year oldwasher and the library air conditioner were also replaced. A FAX line isinstalled in our library at (412) 731-4834 to enable communication withother libraries. You may send FAXes to the Seminary at any time.


88 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEFINANCESDue to the significant financial pressures on the Seminary, as on allinstitutions <strong>of</strong> higher learning, various means are being employed to maintaingood work. We exhausted our unrestricted endowment and ended the yearwith only a $4,500 deficit. Unexpected expenses and unfulfilled receiptscreated a much more difficult financial situation than anticipated in ourbudget. Still, we thank God for his blessing in the increase in gift incomeagain this year.Salaries and major budgetary items are maintained only at current levels.We are moving to an HMO for health coverage with the hope <strong>of</strong> a morecost-effective provision. Tuition is significantly increased again this fall from$105 per quarter to $140 per quarter (a 33 1/3 % increase). This stillleaves our tuition lower than other seminaries and financial aid is available tomeet pressing needs. Our new President, Jerry O'Neill, will devoteconsiderable time and energy to fund raising and it is hoped that ouraccredited status and the proposed M.A. degree in Biblical Ministry will drawmore students and tuition revenue. Our efforts to collect about $32,000 inunpaid loans from former students continues to enjoy only very modestsuccess. CUBM pays $200 per month for use <strong>of</strong> the Seminary building as <strong>of</strong>January <strong>1995</strong>. We are exploring the idea <strong>of</strong> a major endowment drive as ameans <strong>of</strong> provision for the work <strong>of</strong> the Seminary. The development <strong>of</strong>"distance education" may also bring increased revenues. We are asking forsignificant financial help from the <strong>Synod</strong> now that we have depleted ourunrestricted endowment as previously directed by the <strong>Synod</strong>. We hope thatthe <strong>Synod</strong> will again recognize the critical role played by the Seminary intraining men to equip the saints for the health, growth and multiplication <strong>of</strong>congregations. The mission begins with men, the men must be fully equipped(Lk.9:1f; 10:If; see Eph.4:If; 2Tim.2:2) and the Seminary has anindispensable role in that equipping. We hope that <strong>Synod</strong> will consider that,though very expensive, the work <strong>of</strong> the Seminary is cost-effective in that itslabors are multiplied many times over asit trains those who teach others. Wealso hope that synod will make sure that those pr<strong>of</strong>essors commissioned by<strong>Synod</strong> are honorably provided for.PUBLIC RELATIONSSpecial news releases regarding our accreditation were sent to ChristianityToday and World magazines. Nearly 500 prospective students received amailing from us and Dr. Stewart contacted 340 <strong>of</strong> these by phone as well.Many <strong>of</strong> these also received further personal contact from the Seminary. Thiseffort contributed largely to the enrollment <strong>of</strong> about 40 new students and aroster <strong>of</strong> more than 80 other strong prospects. Newsletters, requests forprayer and invitations to contribute were mailed out again this year.SEMPER REFORMANDAWe are still considering a greater involvement with the publication <strong>of</strong>Semper Reformanda, however the magazine's independence may be moreserviceable to its mission.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 89RECOMMENDATIONS1. That Edward A. Robson be nominated for re-election to the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> New Testament Studies for a seven year term to begin June1, 1996.2. That James Pennington be nominated for re-election to the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Missions for a two-year term to begin July 1, <strong>1995</strong>.3. That the Seminary be granted $130,000 from RPMscM for each <strong>of</strong> theyears 1996 and 1997.4. That <strong>Synod</strong> elect two members to the class <strong>of</strong> 2001. Willard McMillan,Dennis Prutow and Robert Tweed (incumbent) are nominated by theBoard.5. That <strong>Synod</strong> elect two members to the class <strong>of</strong> 2002. Rich Johnston, PeterSmith and Walter Swartz (incumbent) are nominated by the Board.6. That Jerry O'Neill be heard for 10 minutes on behalf <strong>of</strong> the Seminary.Respectfully submitted,Walter (Kit) Swartz, SecretaryEd Robson addressed <strong>Synod</strong>, thanking <strong>Synod</strong> for the call andaccepting the Position as Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> New Testament Studies.Roy Blackwood addressed the court on behalf <strong>of</strong> OttawaTheological Hall.The report <strong>of</strong> the Parliamentarians on tie sessional overture voteswas taken up. The recommendation was laid on the table toentertain a the following substitute: That <strong>Synod</strong> declare that when asession reports a tie vote on an overture, its vote is not countedwhen determining whether two-thirds <strong>of</strong> the sessions have approvedthe overture. The substitute was adopted.<strong>Synod</strong> spent time in prayer as members joined together in smallgroups, and concluded this time singing Psalm 72A.Following the announcements, <strong>Synod</strong> was led in prayer by BruceManwaring as <strong>Synod</strong> took recess at 12:20 p.m.WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, <strong>1995</strong>, 1:30 P.M.<strong>Synod</strong> reconvened at 1:30 p.m. singing Psalm 128A and beingled in prayer by Kelly Moore.The roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read and approved.The order <strong>of</strong> the day, the <strong>1995</strong> elections to fill vacancies on<strong>Synod</strong>'s boards and committees was taken up. The ballots weredistributed and Bruce Hemphill led in prayer before delegates markedtheir ballots.Three reports from the Woman's Association were taken up: Thereport <strong>of</strong> the Administrator <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Home,given by William Weir; the report <strong>of</strong> the Executive Director <strong>of</strong> the


90 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEWoman's Association, given in her absence by Sandra Johns,President <strong>of</strong> the Woman's Association, and; the report <strong>of</strong> the Boardto Address Disability Concerns, given by Roy McDonald. Therequest for funds was referred to the Committee on Finance. Thereports were received and appear in the Appendix.The report <strong>of</strong> the National Reform Association was taken up,received and appears in the Appendix.The report <strong>of</strong> the Temperance Committee was taken up. It wasnoted that the report that was distributed appears to be the report <strong>of</strong>only the chairman <strong>of</strong> the Committee. Jonathan Adams, the onlymember <strong>of</strong> the committee present at <strong>Synod</strong> was given permission toread a report he had prepared in conflict with the report <strong>of</strong> thechairman. The status <strong>of</strong> these reports was brought into question.<strong>Synod</strong> took a fifteen-minute break at 2:50 p.m.<strong>Synod</strong> returned from the break singing Psalm 32A and being ledin prayer by the Moderator.The Moderator, after conferring with the parliamentarians, ruledthat since both reports from members <strong>of</strong> the Temperance Committeeare from single members <strong>of</strong> the committee, these reports should bereferred back to the committee.It was moved, seconded and carried that the TemperanceCommittee be discontinued.The report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on Understanding the Times wastaken up, adopted and is as follows:REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON UNDERSTANDING THE TIMESDear Fathers and Brethren:After the report on "Understanding the Times" to the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong> wasadopted, the moderator remarked quietly, "There was no reference in thereport to Canada." The comment was well taken. This year there are twoCanadians on the committee, and the chairman asked one <strong>of</strong> them, AubreyAyer, to write the report for the committee. My thanks to him for hisservice.On the Canadian coat <strong>of</strong> arms is the motto in Latin which translates"from sea to sea."It came about when the Fathers <strong>of</strong> the Confederation werediscussing a name for the nation they were anticipating. They felt that"Kingdom <strong>of</strong> Canada" would <strong>of</strong>fend the Americans. Sir Leonard Tilley thensuggested "Dominion <strong>of</strong> Canada," based on his reading from Psalm 72 thatvery morning <strong>of</strong> the words, "He shall have dominion from sea to sea . . "However, there does not seem to be much evidence that Canadian politiciansthen or now recognize the sovereignty <strong>of</strong> God over the nations.The British North American colonies were forced together by such thingsas fear <strong>of</strong> Fenian attacks from the U. S. A., worsening trade relations withthe Americans, pressure from Britain and promises <strong>of</strong> a transcontinentalrailway. Even the French Canadians felt there was more protection forlanguage and culture in such a union than there would be in the U. S. A.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9±In recent years Canada has allowed abortion and, more recently, has alsoallowed euthanasia. In the highly-publicized assisted suicide <strong>of</strong> Sue Rodriguez,the friend who was with her at the time <strong>of</strong> her death was a well-knownMember <strong>of</strong> Parliament and self-proclaimed homosexual.In the last federal election, although the Liberals won, the politicallandscape was drastically altered. Older established parties such as theProgressive Conservatives and New Democratic Party were almost wiped out,and were replaced by two new parties. One <strong>of</strong> these, the Bloc Quebecois, iscommitted to taking Quebec out <strong>of</strong> the confederation, while the other, theReform Party, is more conservative than the Progressive Conservatives. Insome ways the Reform Party seems to be in favour <strong>of</strong> fiscal responsibility andmorality (the leader claims to be a Christian). However, he has said thatalthough he is against abortion,if the majority <strong>of</strong> his constituents favour it, hewill vote for it.Of concern to Christians in the spring <strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> is Bill C-41, which,among other things, would include the term "sexual orientation" for the firsttime ever in a federal statute. Christians are concerned that this inclusionwould pave the way for a fundamental change to the Canadian Human RightsAct resulting in the granting <strong>of</strong> far-reaching rights and privileges to gays,lesbians and bisexuals.As dangerous and threatening to Christians as Bill C-41 is, it is not theone which is causing concern in most Canadians. A far greater number areconcerned about having legislation passed which would require registration <strong>of</strong>firearms. As unchristian, if not antiChristian, as our government is, eventhose who pr<strong>of</strong>ess to be Christians seem much more ready to criticize theirleaders than to pray for them. Canadians as well as Americans seem to f<strong>org</strong>etthat "the powers that be are ordained <strong>of</strong> God," even when we may notapprove <strong>of</strong> them.Aubrey AyerAndrew ShepDavid CarsonThe report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on Finance was taken up. Items 1and 2 were referred to the Nominating Committee. Item 3 wasadopted and the Independent Auditor's Report is printed followingthe report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on Finance. Items 4 and 5 wereadopted.The Nominating Committee reported the results <strong>of</strong> the electionsheld earlier in the afternoon session.David Long led <strong>Synod</strong> in prayer for the matters addressed in thissession <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>'s business.John Morrow, fraternal delegate from the American <strong>Presbyterian</strong>Church was introduced to the court.Following the announcements, <strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm 69E was led inprayer by Dennis Olson and took recess at 4:05 p.m.


92 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEWEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, <strong>1995</strong>, 7:00 P.M.<strong>Synod</strong> reconvened at 7:00 p.m. singing Psalm 93A and being ledin prayer by Ron Stegall.The roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read, corrected andapproved.The Moderator noted some background information on SamuelMiller, from whose book he has read from time to time during thismeeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. He read from this book again on the subject <strong>of</strong>the expectations <strong>of</strong> delegates.Greetings were brought from fraternal delegates.The Reverend John Morrow Pastor <strong>of</strong> the Westminster,Maryland, APC, brought greetings from the American <strong>Presbyterian</strong>Church.The Reverend Jack Whytock, Pastor <strong>of</strong> the Mt. Zion ARP,Moncton, New Brunswick, brought greetings from the Associate<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church.The Reverend Charles Dennison, Pastor <strong>of</strong> the Sewickley,Pennsylvania, OPC, brought greetings from the Orthodox<strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church. John McMillan who represented our <strong>Synod</strong> tothe OPC General Assembly reported on his visit.The Reverend Alastair McEwen, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Old TestamentStudies at the <strong>Reformed</strong> Theological College <strong>of</strong> Geelong, broughtgreetings from the <strong>Reformed</strong> Presbytery <strong>of</strong> Australia.Mr. McEwen made two presentations: He presented theModerator a bottle <strong>of</strong> the Australian delicacy, Vegemite; moreseriously he presented to the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> TheologicalSeminary a copy <strong>of</strong> the 1646 edition <strong>of</strong> Aaron's Rod Blossoming, byGe<strong>org</strong>e Gillespie.The Reverend Harold Cunningham, Pastor <strong>of</strong> the ShaftsburySquare RP Congregation, brought greetings from the <strong>Reformed</strong><strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> Ireland. Jerry O'Neill who represented our<strong>Synod</strong> to the RPI <strong>Synod</strong> reported on his visit.The Reverend Ronald Stegall who has recently returned to NorthAmerica after a three-year term in Larnaca, Cyprus, brought greetingsfrom the Trinity Christian Community Fellowship.It was noted that, James Clark, Clerk <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> Scotland sent a brief letter <strong>of</strong>greeting to our <strong>Synod</strong> on behalf <strong>of</strong> that body.The report <strong>of</strong> the Interchurch Committee was taken up. Item 1was referred to the Nominating Committee. Items 2 and 3 wereadopted. The following motion was adopted: that because the NewGeneva Study Bible includes a statement in its notes on Colossians


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 93that repudiates the Puritan Principle <strong>of</strong> Worship, the InterchurchCommittee be instructed to ask the editors to delete this statement infuture editions.<strong>Synod</strong> prepared for the elections that would normally have beenheld in 1996. The Nominating Committee presented nominationsand further nominations were received from the floor.Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> joined in pairs to pray for churches withwhom we have fraternal relations and concluded this time singingPsalm 66A, stanzas 1-3.Following the announcements, <strong>Synod</strong> adjourned at 9:00 p.m. inprayer by Larry Bump.THURSDAY, JUNE 22, <strong>1995</strong>, 8:30 A.M.<strong>Synod</strong> met pursuant to adjournment on Thursday, June 22,<strong>1995</strong>, at 8:30 a.m. in Skye Lounge <strong>of</strong> the Student Center on theGeneva College campus, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.Larry Copeland led <strong>Synod</strong> in the singing <strong>of</strong> Psalm 134A and thecourt was constituted in prayer by Bruce MartinRichard Ganz was in charge <strong>of</strong> the devotional service. <strong>Synod</strong> sangPsalm 22C, and Mr. Ganz led in prayer, read Isaiah 52:13-53:12 andpreached God's Word on the theme, 'The Conquering Servant'.<strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm 98A, stanzas 1-4,7, and concluded the devotionalservice with prayer.The roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read and approved.The Moderator again read a passage from Samuel Miller's book,this time on calling delegates to uphold the glory <strong>of</strong> Christ so thatthe activities <strong>of</strong> ecclesiastical courts will be amiable.The Moderator noted the agenda items remaining.The order <strong>of</strong> the day was set to consider the report <strong>of</strong> theCommittee to Consider Paper #95-3 following the elections.The 1996 elections to fill vacancies on <strong>Synod</strong>'s boards andcommittees were held. The ballots were distributed and JoeCopeland led in prayer before the delegates marked their ballots.The report <strong>of</strong> the Special Judicial Committee to Deal with Paper#95-3 was taken up. Item 1 was discussed at length."New Song", Geneva College's traveling ambassadors, sang aportion <strong>of</strong> Psalm 98.<strong>Synod</strong> took a 15 minute break at 10:30 a.m.<strong>Synod</strong> returned from the break singing Psalm 111B.<strong>Synod</strong> continued consideration <strong>of</strong> the report <strong>of</strong> the SpecialJudicial Committee to Deal with Paper #95-3, Item 1. It wasmoved, seconded and passed that the item be amended to concludefollowing the word, 'Presbytery'. The item was adopted as amended.


94 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEItem 2 was adopted. Item 3 was amended and adopted as amended.Items 4 and 5 were adopted. The report as a whole was approved asis as follows:REPORT OF THE SPECIAL JUDICIAL COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THEMODERATOR TO DEAL WITH PAPER 95-3Paper 95-3 SynopsisThe paper is from the Southfield Session and is addressed to Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery. The Presbytery considered the paper at its meetings at<strong>Synod</strong> on June 17, and determined to pass it on to <strong>Synod</strong> withoutendorsement and with the recommendation that <strong>Synod</strong> return the paper tothe Southfield session.The paper requests that the Presbytery "show just cause whyit hasrefused to follow ordination procedures according to the Book <strong>of</strong> ChurchGovernment <strong>of</strong> the RPCNA" and "that failing this, the Great Lakes-GulfPresbytery be directed by the <strong>Synod</strong> to proceed immediately to theordination and installation <strong>of</strong> Lie. Brian Schwertley as Associate Pastor <strong>of</strong> theSouthfield congregation."Factual BackgroundMr. Schwertley received his theological education under the care <strong>of</strong> theAtlantic Presbytery. He was certified as eligible to receive a call. TheSouthfield congregation called him to the position <strong>of</strong> Associate Pastor for thespecial task <strong>of</strong> church planting in Lansing, Michigan. The call was sent to theAd Interim Commission <strong>of</strong> Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery which deemed it tobe a regular gospel call and transferred it to the Atlantic Presbytery. It waspresented to Mr. Schwertley who accepted the call.At a special meeting <strong>of</strong> Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery on November 11,1994, the pastor-elect was examined for ordination. His sermon wassustained by a 2/3 majority. His examination in personal godliness wassimilarly sustained. His exam in soundness in the faith and commitment tothe RPCNA Testimony had to be interrupted because <strong>of</strong> time constraints.(The meeting had been called previously for another purpose.) It wasdecided to complete the final examination at the next regular meeting <strong>of</strong> thePresbytery. This was done on April 20-22, <strong>1995</strong>, and the candidate's finalexam was sustained by a 2/3 majority. According to the Directory forChurch Government, E., 3., c, Mr. Schwertley had completed therequirements for ordination and installation.At that point in the meeting on April 20-22 the Presbytery went intoexecutive session following which they took this action:That Presbytery counsel the Southfield congregation toenter into a twelve-month training period with Brian Schwertleyafter he arrives in Michigan; and that at the end <strong>of</strong> this timeSouthfield Session would report back to Presbytery on hisprogress with the anticipation <strong>of</strong> his ordination shortlythereafter; and that Presbytery apply to the Home Mission


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ?5Board for $5,000 <strong>of</strong> Exploratory Development Funds and thePresbytery give $2,000 from its New Works Funds for the firsttwelve months Brian is in Michigan.The Southfield congregation declined the counsel <strong>of</strong> Presbytery andpetitioned it on June 5 to show cause why the presbytery had not proceededwith the ordination <strong>of</strong> Mr. Schwertley. The presbytery has referred thatpaper to <strong>Synod</strong> for action.In an explanatory statement from the Great Lakes-Gulf Presbyteryaccompanying the paper from the Southfield Session it is recognized that Mr.Schwertley had been sustained in his licensure exam on Evidence <strong>of</strong> Pastoraland Evangelistic Gifts in Atlantic Presbytery. However, the Great Lakes-GulfPresbytery notes that "the examination, ordination and installation <strong>of</strong> ateaching elder belongs to the Presbytery alone" and that it was justified inpostponing the ordination because <strong>of</strong> "concerns related to Mr. Schwertley'sabilities to minister effectively to people."JudgmentIt is the judgment <strong>of</strong> this committee that the Great Lakes-Gulf Presbyteryhad the right to give their counsel to the Southfield congregation but woulderr if it failed to proceed with the ordination and installation <strong>of</strong> Mr.Schwertley for the reasons given since he has met all the requirements in theBook <strong>of</strong> Church Government. The Presbytery, on September 14, had theright to decline to forward the call to Mr. Schwertley on the basis <strong>of</strong> theDirectory for Church Government, D., 6., c, (3): "A conviction on thepresbytery's part that establishing the relationship would not be wise."However, once the call was forwarded by Great Lakes - Gulf Presbytery,received, forwarded and presented by the Atlantic Ad Interim Commission,accepted, and Mr. Schwertley's examinations for ordination sustained, it wasnot proper to fail to proceed on the basis <strong>of</strong> "concerns" about Mr.Schwertley's abilities. The interruption <strong>of</strong> the ordination process at this latestage would require more serious and more clearly defined reasons.The Committee is also concerned about the harsh tone <strong>of</strong> language usedin the Southfield communication to its presbytery.Recommendations1. That <strong>Synod</strong> return Paper 95-3 and the accompanying communicationto the Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery;2. That <strong>Synod</strong> encourage the Southfield congregation to work with thePresbytery in a spirit <strong>of</strong> conciliation and cooperation that the church plantingeffort in Lansing might go forward with God's blessing;3. That <strong>Synod</strong> admonish the Southfield Session to temper its expressions<strong>of</strong> concern so as not to cause <strong>of</strong>fense by the use <strong>of</strong> inflammatory language;4. That <strong>Synod</strong> commit itself to pray for the Southfield congregation, theGreat Lakes-Gulf Presbytery, Mr. Schwertley and the Lansing church-plantingministry;5. That <strong>Synod</strong> confirm the propriety <strong>of</strong> the Ad Interim Commissions <strong>of</strong>all presbyteries notifying members <strong>of</strong> the presbytery in each case that a call


96 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEhas been received so that the members might have opportunity to raiseobjections or concerns.Respectfully submitted,Steven McMahanDennis OlsonWilliam WeirWillard McMillan, Chr.(Note: the Moderator excused Donald Piper from this assignment due to aconflicting responsibility.)The report <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>'s Travel Agent was taken up, approved andis follows:REPORT OF SYNOD'S TRAVEL AGENTI would like to express my thanks to the presbytery travel agents for theirwilling help both in collecting and computing vouchers and to those attending<strong>Synod</strong> for the efforts in cutting travel costs.The total travel expense for the meeting <strong>of</strong> the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> was$28,172.30 as 93 individuals participated in the Travel Fund, includingdelegates, deacon delegates and pages.Respectfully submitted,Andy McCrackenThe report <strong>of</strong> the Committee <strong>of</strong> Finance was taken up again.Items 6-18 were adopted. The report as whole was approved and isas follows with the Independent Auditor's Report:REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCEThe Committee on Finance has met 4 times during the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> andhas endeavored to respond to all matters which have been referred to it.Deacon delegates from 4 presbyteries have assisted in the work <strong>of</strong> theCommittee, and we have appreciated the valuable counsel which they haveprovided. We again ask that deacon delegates be selected well in advance <strong>of</strong>the 1997 <strong>Synod</strong>, and, if possible, for terms greater than one year, and thattheir names be forwarded to both the Clerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> and the Chairman <strong>of</strong>the Committee on Finance, Mr. Jay Worsham. We appreciate theunderstanding and encouragement given to us by the RPMscM participantsand the prayerful support <strong>of</strong> the members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.Over the past five years the <strong>Synod</strong> has made many difficult decisions toimprove the financial management <strong>of</strong> denominational assets. By policyboards are no longer permitted to deficit spend, and have had to coverexcess expenditures with Unrestricted Undesignated funds. By policy onlywhat is actually received in RPMscM is distributed. It used to be that theentire RPM&M budget was distributed regardless <strong>of</strong> revenue, with any deficitmade up by other Undesignated Unrestricted funds. Even with thesechanges, we continue to face a serious shortfall on a denominational level.This "crisis" has caused us to work together more than ever before LastMarch representatives <strong>of</strong> the Boards <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> met together with theBOSCom and the chairman <strong>of</strong> the Finance Committee to plan how they


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHcould work together more effectively. Last Saturday (June 17) the FinanceCommittee followed the suggestion <strong>of</strong> the BOSCom and met with therepresentatives <strong>of</strong> the Boards together from 3:30 PM until 1 1:00 PM in anattempt to work out a consensus on how the available money in RPMSCMshould be distributed to help meet the goal <strong>of</strong> "healthy, growing, multiplyingcongregations". The meeting demonstrated once again the critical urgency <strong>of</strong>establishing a serious long range strategic planning process.Some <strong>of</strong> the factors affecting recommendations for RPMscMdistributions:A significant financial crisis has occurred at the Seminary. Afterrunning a deficit averaging $71,000 per year for the last five years, fora total <strong>of</strong> over $350,000, and after spending all <strong>of</strong> its UnrestrictedFunds to cover the deficit, the Seminary has run out funds and faces amajor shortfall in <strong>1995</strong> and future years. In 1992 and 1993 the<strong>Synod</strong> shifted its funding emphasis which resulted in a significantreduction in RPMscM funding for the Seminary. Subsequently, the<strong>Synod</strong> elected new faculty and endorsed the Seminary's plans to expandits efforts. The Seminary could not bring its expenses into line with itsincome and consequently the current crisis has come about.The Seminary is now asking that <strong>Synod</strong> grant it a significantly greateramount from RPMscM for 1996 and 1997 than it has been granted inrecent years. The President <strong>of</strong> the Seminary has committed himself tobalancing the budget by the end <strong>of</strong> 1997 and significantly reducing itsreliance on RPMscM for future years. The Seminary is aware that it isasking other ministries <strong>of</strong> the church to forego some <strong>of</strong> their efforts inorder to help it.Given these circumstances and commitments, the Finance Committeeis recommending that the <strong>Synod</strong> shift funding to help the Seminary forthe next two years.The Finance Committee commends the EscP Board for its diligent costcontainment efforts over the last several years. Any reductions in itsRPMscM distribution would mean the elimination <strong>of</strong> entire areas <strong>of</strong>ministry, which we do not believe would be in the best interest <strong>of</strong> theministry <strong>of</strong> the church.The FMB is forecasting a deficit <strong>of</strong> $75,000 by the end <strong>of</strong> 1997,which could be greater if its fundraising efforts are not as successful asprojected or if its RPMscM funding is reduced. The funds in Japanfrom the sale <strong>of</strong> the Mukonoso property are available to cover thisdeficit, if needed. The Finance Committee believes that expendingthese funds derived from capital assets for current operating expenses isnot a wise decision, unless absolutely necessary. The FMB is committedto having the funding in place before appointing a replacement forGene Spear. We believe that they should receive most <strong>of</strong> their requestin order to preserve their capital assets to reinvest in Japan.Geneva College recognizes the <strong>Synod</strong>'s financial difficulties andconsequently has only requested the $50,000 from the MacLaughlinfl


98 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THETrust income (Unrestricted Undesignated funds) which it has beenreceiving over the last few years.The Pension Trustees continue to fund their work throughcongregational assessments, employer contributions and $50,000 fromthe MacLaughlin Trust income (Undesignated Unrestricted funds) andtherefore do not require RPMscM funds.The Woman's Association, although in need <strong>of</strong> help to cover theexpenses <strong>of</strong> RP residents who are not able to pay their entire costs, haveother sources more readily available to them than other Boards <strong>of</strong> theChurch.The HMB has projected its expenses and income to fulfill itscommitment to existing new works and to respond to at least eightrequests for aid for new works by 2000. It is able to draw down itsTime to Plant Fund, to which congregations and individuals havecontributed over the last several years, to make up for the loss <strong>of</strong>RPMscM funds in 1996 and 1997. However, it cannot sustain areduction in RPMscM funding after 1997 without diminishing thechurch planting efforts <strong>of</strong> the Presbyteries. Of course, it can decide notto fund a Presbytery's request for aid if the funds are not available.The Miscellaneous Fund pays the expenses <strong>of</strong> all the committees <strong>of</strong><strong>Synod</strong>, the expenses <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> meetings and <strong>of</strong>ficers, fraternal delegateexpenses and the Graduate Study Committee. RPMscM and the travelassessment pays these expenses. Since no <strong>Synod</strong> is scheduled for 1996,the funds collected from the travel assessment will be used to covermost <strong>of</strong> the expenses <strong>of</strong> the Miscellaneous Fund for 1996. In 1997RPMscM will be needed again to fund these expenses. During this time<strong>of</strong> sacrifice by the various ministries <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>, <strong>Synod</strong> should be verycautious about appropriating funds for programs that are paid out <strong>of</strong>the Miscellaneous Fund.The dues and costs <strong>of</strong> the Commission on Chaplains and MilitaryPersonnel are paid by the Miscellaneous Fund and are not required to besubmitted for approval.The Finance Committee is greatly encouraged with the progress over thelast two years toward receiving direction on balancing the various ministries<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>. We urge the <strong>Synod</strong> to take more steps in this direction Oneapproach would be to appoint a standing committee to bringrecommendations to <strong>Synod</strong> on how to balance the needs <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>'sBoards and ministries and to propose strategic plans for the <strong>Synod</strong> Thiscommittee could also help the Boards evaluate their effectiveness in reachingtheir goals and using their funds.Recommendations1. That since the terms <strong>of</strong> Keith Magill and John Morton expire at thismeeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, and since they are not eligible for re-election, that thefollowing persons be nominated for the Committee on Finance for theclass <strong>of</strong> 1998: David Mohr, Kay Klein and William Roberts


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 992. That since the terms <strong>of</strong> Jay Worsham and Alaisdar Graham expire in1996, that the following persons be nominated for the Committee onFinance for the class <strong>of</strong> 1999: Jay Worsham, Keith Magill, and MichaelMastorovich Jr.3. That the Financial Statements for the Year ended December 31, 1994,and the Independent Auditor's Report as prepared by Hillier Collier scCompany be accepted as distributed and printed in the <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Synod</strong>.4. That the Audit report for Pension Plan B for the year ended December31,1994, be received for information.5. That the financial reports <strong>of</strong> the Unallocated Denominational OfficeExpense be received and that the 1996 and 1997 budgets be adopted.(See page 939 <strong>of</strong> the <strong>1995</strong> Financial Reports <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>'s Boards andCommittees.)6. That <strong>Synod</strong> set the congregational assessment for <strong>Synod</strong>'s Travel Fund at$8 per communicant member for 1996 based on membership as <strong>of</strong>December 31, <strong>1995</strong>, and $8 per communicant member for 1997 basedon membership as <strong>of</strong> December 31, 1996, as reported to the StatedClerk.7. That <strong>Synod</strong> set the congregational assessment for the Pension FundCurrent Account at $16.00 per communicant member for 1996 basedon membership as <strong>of</strong> December 31, <strong>1995</strong>, and $16.00 percommunicant member for 1997 based on membership as <strong>of</strong> December31,1996, as reported to the Stated Clerk.8. That <strong>Synod</strong> set the minimum contribution rate at $2,000 for 1996 and$2,100 for 1997 for the employer <strong>of</strong> each participant in Pension Plan B.9. That $50,000 from the income <strong>of</strong> the MacLaughlin Trust (UnrestrictedUndesignated Funds) be granted to the Pension Trustees for the funding<strong>of</strong> Pension Plan A in each <strong>of</strong> 1996 and 1997.10. That up to $50,000 from the income <strong>of</strong> the MacLaughlin Trust(Unrestricted Undesignated Funds) be granted to Geneva College in each<strong>of</strong> 1996 and 1997.11. That <strong>Synod</strong> approve distribution <strong>of</strong> up to $320,000 from RPMscM in1996 (all <strong>of</strong> which must come from contributed funds) as follows:For 1996AGENCIES 1996Education sc PublicationForeign Mission BoardGeneva CollegeHome Mission BoardPension TrusteesSeminaryWoman's AssociationMiscellaneous FundTotalsREQUESTED$90,000$60,000$0$60,000$0$ 130,000$30,000$30,000$400,000RPMSCM$90,000$50,000$0$40,000$0$130,000$8,000$2,000$320,000


100 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE12. That <strong>Synod</strong> approve distribution <strong>of</strong> up to $320,000 from RPMscM in1997 (all <strong>of</strong> which must come from contributed funds) as follows:For 1997AGENCIES 1997 REQUESTED RPMscMEducation sc Publication $90,000 $90,000Foreign Mission Board $65,000 $40,000Geneva College $0 $0Home Mission Board $60,000 $30,000Pension Trustees $0 $0Seminary $130,000 $120,000Woman's Association $30,000 $10,000Miscellaneous Fund $30.000 $30,000Totals $400,000 $320,00013. That due to the present and projected financial difficulties anycontributions to RPMscM in 1996 above $320,000 be retained fordistribution by the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1997.14. That beginning January 1, 1996 <strong>Synod</strong> set its rate for mileagereimbursement at $0.04 per mile less than the approved IRS mileagerate.15. That the Committee on Church History be granted up to $500 in 1996and up to $500 in 1997 for its expenses from <strong>Synod</strong>'s MiscellaneousFund.16. That the Graduate Study Committee request for funds for newapplications be denied and that the request for $500 for a previouslyapproved application be granted. The applications for new funds may beresubmitted at a later date.17. That <strong>Synod</strong> approve $1,000 for the Disability Board, to be paid fromthe Miscellaneous Fund in 1996.18. That following the adoption <strong>of</strong> this report, <strong>Synod</strong> rise for prayer to givethanks to God for His provision during the past year and to pray forcontinued financial blessings on this branch <strong>of</strong> His church, as led byDeacons Kay Klein and David Mohr.Respectfully submitted,David Mohr, AllegheniesAverette Woodson, Great Lakes-GulfKay Klein, Pacific CoastScott Curry, St. LawrenceKeith MagillJohn MortonHector PinoAndy Curran, absentAlaisdar Graham, absentJay Worsham, Chairman


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1011H I L L I E RC O L L I E RIndependent Audjiors' ReportTrustees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong><strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North AmericaPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaWe have audited the accompanying balance sheet <strong>of</strong> the Trustees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong>North America (the "Trustees") as <strong>of</strong> December 31, 1994, and the related statements <strong>of</strong> support and revenue, expenses,capital additions, and changes in fund balances for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility <strong>of</strong>the management <strong>of</strong> the Tmstees. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on ouraudit. The 1993 financialstatements were audited by other auditors whose report dated May 11, 1994, expressed anunqualified opinion, with the exception <strong>of</strong> the matter discussed in the last paragraph.We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we planand perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financialstatements are free <strong>of</strong> materialmisstatement. An audit includes examining, on a lest basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in thefinancial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant esUmates made bymanagement, as well as evaluating the overall financialstatement presentation. We believe that our audit provides areasonable basis for our opinion.In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, except for the madescribed in the following paragraph, the financialposition <strong>of</strong> the Trustees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>Church <strong>of</strong> North America as <strong>of</strong> December 31, 1994, and the results <strong>of</strong> its operations for the year then ended in conformitywith generally accepted accounting principles.As described in Note 6 lo the financial statements, comprehensive actuarial reports and valuations are not available ftwo pension plans maintained by the Trustees. Accordingly, the infonnation necessary lo provide the disclosures specifiedby Statements <strong>of</strong> Financial Accounting Standards Numbers 87 and 88 has not been determined and such disclosures havenot been made. Additionally, pension benefits incuned under Pension Plan "A" have been charged lo expense when paidrather than determining pension expense using an acceptable actuarial cost method. We believe that omission <strong>of</strong> thedisclosure <strong>of</strong> the foregoing information and failure to determine pension expense using accepted actuarial cost methods aredepartures from generally accepted accounting pnnciples.HILLIER COLLIER & COMPANY JPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaApnlll, <strong>1995</strong>Hillier Collier c- CompanyCertified Public Aecoinitiiins •Z.ii.unfit .md Business PA IbOCi Advisors


Jrustees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Reforrned <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America^l .MP^rTn05 "' °PF-RATINr' NON- EXPENDABLE FUNKSUNRESTRICTED PROPERTY k ANNUITYUNi?ExrGr: DESIG" EQUIPMENT ENDOW- AND LIFE TOTALNATED NATED RESTRICTED FUND MENT INCOME CUSTODIAN FUNDSASSETSCash and investments $ - $973,461 $25,846 $- $4,257 576 $1 655 1 SS $1817771 t n t>a 7*0Accounts and notes receivable - 59,130 - _»t,«/,:>/o >if6i5f, bi,$1,812,331 $ 8,724,369Contributions receivable - 35,592 - - -59,130Accrued investment income " 35,592reC6iVable " 5'337 224 - 52,636 15 902 1906S 07,aaBequests receivable - 26,424 - . ' '°65 93'164Deferred student aid receivable " 26,424(Net <strong>of</strong> allowance for uncollectibleaccounts <strong>of</strong> $32,500) - 112,548Inventories - 68,439 - 112,548Building loans receivable - 513,982 - . " 68,439Property and equipment - net - - - 151,247 - . lif'o82Other assets - 54,629 - . . " " VAtlIOIAL I $1,849,542 $26,070 $151.247 $4^0271 $1J67X057 SIJBSU?* t9^24BALANCE SHEETDecember 31t J993


LIABILITIES, DEFERRED RESTRICTED AMOUNTS AND FUND BALANCESThe accompanying notes are an integral part <strong>of</strong> the financial statements.$238,35324,1912,095,2049,9842,367,7321,265,0731,913,4404,293,2796,206,719$9,839,524m•n01mD"V70mi/


Trustees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Refgrmed <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North AmericaBALANCE SHEETDecember 31, 1992Cash and investments $( 37,474)Accounts and notes receivableContributions receivableAccrued investment incomereceivableBequests receivableDeferred student aid receivable(Net <strong>of</strong> allowance for uncollectibleaccounts <strong>of</strong> $32,500)InventoriesBuilding loans receivableProperty and equipment - netOther assets -TOTALEXPENDABLE FUNDS - - OPERATINGUNRESTRICTED PROPERTY KUNDESIG­ DESIG­EQUIPMENTNATED NATED RESTRICTED FUND$ 829,45766,39232,8579,37631,511ASSETS$ 47,687 $NON - EXPENDABLE FUNDSANNUITYENDOW- AND LIFE TOTALMENT INCOME CUSTODIAN FUNDS$4,418,271 $1,613,330 $1,816,440 $8,687,71166,39232,857250 105,352 59,297 17,709 1 8,72031,511124,373124,37380,56980,569581,113581,113164,572164,57250,84650,846*• 37,474) $1,806,494 $ 47,937 $ 164,572 $4,477,568 $1,631,039 $1,835,160 $ 9,925,296


The accompanying notes are an integral part <strong>of</strong> the financialstatements.Accounts payable andLIABILITIES, DEEJRRED RESTRICTED AMOUNTS AND Fimn ra^akitp^accrued expenses $50,000 $59,695 $ - $ . $16 492 $116 055 $37 833 $280 07-5Pension contributions payable - 21,640 - ' ' ' lo,u" * •i/.VSS $280,075Payable to denomination- ' " " - 21,640related <strong>org</strong>anizations - . „-,.,„„Revocable trusts " " " 274-322 1,787,343 2,061,665" - - 9,984 9,984lotal Liabilities 50,000 81^335 ~ ! 'M92 39^7 1,835,760 2,37^4~Deferred restricted amounts - . 47,937 - . 1/240,662 . ,,288;599Fund balances (deficits):Unrestricted:n'T316" A - 1'725'159 - 164,572 - . ,889 7,,Undesignated ( 87 4741 l,BBy,/JlRestricted " " " " - ( 87,474)Totaj fund balances'- : : V*61,076 - . 4,461,076{deficits) L 87,474) 1,725,159 - 164,572 4,461,076 -: : 6,263,333TOTAL $( 37,474) ,$1,806,494 $ 47,937 $164,572 $ 4,477,568 $1,631,039 $1,835,160 $9,925,296


Jmstees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North AmericaSTATEMENT OF SUPPORT AND REVENUE, EXPENSES,CAPITAL ADDITIONS, AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCESFor the Year Ended December 31, 1993EXPENDABLE FUNDS - - OPERATING PROPERTY s NONEXPENDABLEUNRESTRICTED EQUIPMENT ENDOWMENT TOTALUNDESIGNATED DESIGNATED RESTRICTED FUND FUND FUNDSSUPPORT AND REVENUE "^^ ^ ^ ty^25R-P-M-SM- $ - $323,498 $ - $ . $ . $323498Other contributions - 172,198 - . 17?'IPSBequests 114,744 4,997 - . . ui'lV[Investment income 117,703 199,299 8,174 - . 325176Sales <strong>of</strong> publications, etc. - 69,382 - . . 69382Tuition, fees and assessments - 266,928 - . . 266928Net gain on investment transactions - 157,914 (84) - . 157870Rental income - 22,130 - . 22'130Other income - 261,148 - - . ?ai'i4BTOTAL 232,447 1,477,494 ~T090 1 1 TtiSOtTEXPENSES i,/m,imSalaries and wages 61,694 590,285 - . Am 070Prions - 253,455 - . . 253455Presbytery aid - 172,646 - . . 172 646Maintenance and supplies 6,075 23,108 - . 29183Postage 1,049 12,211 - . . , 3'260Furniture and equipment - 6,547 - . . 6547Publications and books 168 73,912 - . 74080Travel 6,483 62,536 - . . 69'019Field - 4,,552 - . . \\%\


h •% • ''074 3,


TOTALFUNDS290,435191,595176,323463,19579,969246,03817,34841,210151,3391,657,452589,714239,283160,12527,90912,5872,20159,69678,26182,45332,849T^tees <strong>of</strong>the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America_ ?T^EME^r0T^UPPORTAND RfcyKNTTT-TTYreKKPrCAPII AL ADDITIONST^NITCHANC^rnNJTmiD KAI AN^FSFor the Year Ended December 31,1992EXPENDABLE FUNDS- OPERATINGUNRESTRICTEDUNDESIGNATED DESIGNATED RESTRICTEDSUPPORT AND REVENUER. P.M.SM. $ 290,435 $ - $ -Other contributionsBequests 124,744Investment income 1 1 5,01 3Sales <strong>of</strong> publications, etc.Tuition, fees and assessmentsNet gain on investment transactionsRental incomeOther incomeTOTALEXPENSESSalaries and wages60,661PensionsPresbytery aidMaintenance and supplies7,706Postage974Furniture and equipmentPublications and books157Travel6,101FieldUtilities 1,124162,595 29,00028,022 23,557340,219 7,96379,969246,03817,074 27441,210- 142,623 8,716239,757 1,348,185 69,510529,053239,283160,12520,20311,6132,20159,53972,16082,45331,725PROPERTY HEQUIPMENTFUNDNONEXPENDABLEENDOWMENTFUND


52,4921 7,35729,94011,61916,01164,612178,81926,0441,681,972( 24,520)69,0236,266,767HospitalizationSocial securityInsuranceProperty taxesOther board expensesGrantsMiscellaneousDepreciationTOTAL6,1704,6411,774--50,00025,705165,01346,32212,71628,16611,61916,01114,612147,6591,485,460Excess (Deficiency) <strong>of</strong> Support andRevenue Over Expenses BeforeCapital Additions, Etc.74,744 ( 137,275)CAPITAL ADDITIONSNet pin on investment transactionsContributionsTRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDSFrom undesignated for designatedactivities ( 129,371) 129,371From unrestricted and undesignated forequipment and building acquisitions ( 14,102)From restricted and endowmentto unrestricted designated88,824Fund Balances (Deficits)at Beginning <strong>of</strong> Year ( 32,847) 1,658,341Fund Balances (Deficits)at End <strong>of</strong> Year $( 87,474) $ 1,725,1595,4555,455( 45,609)29,49126,04426,04464,055 ( 26,044)14,102176,514$ 47,937 $ 164,57269,023( 43,215)4,435,268$4,461,076The accompanying notes are an integral part <strong>of</strong> the financial statements.$6,311,270


ll0Notes to Financial StatementsMINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THENOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESGeneral - The financialstatements <strong>of</strong> the Trustees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong><strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America (the "Trustees"), a nonpr<strong>of</strong>it corporation<strong>org</strong>anized in Pennsylvania, have been prepared on the accrual basis <strong>of</strong> accounting.Basis <strong>of</strong> Presentation - The <strong>Synod</strong> is the highest court in the denomination knownas the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America. The Trustees hold titleto property and are responsible to the <strong>Synod</strong> for managing and reporting on thefinancial condition <strong>of</strong> the denomination. The financialactivities are accomplishedthrough various boards and committees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>. Congregations anddomestic and foreign missions are sanctioned by the <strong>Synod</strong> through such boardsand six regional Presbyteries. The accompanying financialstatements include theassets, liabilities, fund balances and financialactivities <strong>of</strong> the Trustees and <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Synod</strong>'s various boards and committees.Although sanctioned by the <strong>Synod</strong>, congregations and mission churches (domesticand foreign) <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America do not havefinancial accountability to the Trustees. Accordingly, the assets, liabilities, fundbalances and financial activities <strong>of</strong> such <strong>org</strong>anizations are not included in theaccompanying financialstatements, although the missions and congregations andin foreign mission fields. Periodically, certain <strong>of</strong> these assets, to which theTrustees hold tide, are sold. Proceeds from the sale <strong>of</strong> such assets are recorded atthe time <strong>of</strong> disposition. Further, funds disbursed in support <strong>of</strong> domestic andforeign mission fields are charged to expense in the accompanying financialstatements.Funds - The accounts <strong>of</strong> the Trustees are classified for accounting purposes int<strong>of</strong>unds, established according to their nature and purpose. These accounts (orindividual funds) have been grouped in the accompanying financialstatements inaccordance with certain characteristics as explained below.Expendable Funds - operating, consisting <strong>of</strong> the following:Undesignated funds, representing expendable unrestricted funds which areavailable, at the discretion <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>, for support <strong>of</strong> any operations,functions or other matters.Designated funds, representing expendable unrestricted funds which have beendesignated by the <strong>Synod</strong>, through the establishment <strong>of</strong> various boards, forinvestment in and support <strong>of</strong> a particular purpose or program. Revenuesearned from investment <strong>of</strong> such funds also are designated for use.Restricted funds which have been designated by donors, grantors or odieroutside parties for support <strong>of</strong> particular purposes.Property and equipment fund, representing the carrying value <strong>of</strong> real estate,fixtures and equipment, substantially all <strong>of</strong> which are designated by the <strong>Synod</strong> foruse as a theological seminary.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHNonexpendable funds, consisting <strong>of</strong> the following:UiEndowment funds (including term endowments) that are subject to restrictions<strong>of</strong> gift instruments or <strong>of</strong> other means <strong>of</strong> conveyance requiring in perpetuity, oruntil the occurrence <strong>of</strong> some remote event, that the principal be invested andonly the income used.Annuity and life income funds that are subject to agreements whereby assetsare made available to the Trustees on the condition that the Trustees be boundto pay to the donor or other designated person or <strong>org</strong>anization a stipulatedamount or the income earned <strong>of</strong> fund assets for a period <strong>of</strong> time specified inthe agreements. The balances in such funds are reported as deferred restrictedamounts and any excesses <strong>of</strong> income over required disbursements are generallyreported as unrestricted income. Under the terms <strong>of</strong> certain agreements,denomination-related <strong>org</strong>anizations have directed die Trustees to reinvestincome earned on fund assets to which they are otherwise entided to receive.The total amount <strong>of</strong> such income reinvested is reported as payable todenomination-related <strong>org</strong>anizadons.Custodian funds represent funds received by the Trustees from congregations,Presbyteries, and other denomination-related <strong>org</strong>anizadons which are investedfor the benefit <strong>of</strong>, and are returnable upon request to, such sources. Suchfunds are reported as either payable to denomination-related <strong>org</strong>anizations oras revocable trusts.Expendable Operating Restricted Resources - Operating funds which have beenrestricted by the donor, grantor or other outside party for particular operatingpurposes are deemed to be earned and reported as revenues <strong>of</strong> expendableoperating restricted funds to the extent the Trustees have incurred expenditures incompliance with the specific restrictions. Amounts received but not yet earnedare reported as deferred restricted amounts.Property and Equipment Land, buildings and improvements, and furniture,fixtures and equipment are carried at cost or estimated fair value at the date <strong>of</strong>gift. Proceeds from the sale <strong>of</strong> fixedassets are transferred to expendable operatingunrestricted funds. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives <strong>of</strong> therespective assets on a straight-line basis.Cash and Investments - The cash and investment amounts for all funds <strong>of</strong> theTrustees are commingled and are allocated for financialreporting purposes basedon assets (other than cash and investments), liabilities and fund balance.Investments are recorded at the lower <strong>of</strong> cost (or fair market value at the date <strong>of</strong>gift) or market. Net realized gain or loss on the disposition <strong>of</strong> investments is thedifference between the proceeds received and the average cost <strong>of</strong> investmentssold.Substantially all investments are pooled and allocation <strong>of</strong> income (ordinarilyincome and gains and losses upon sale or other disposition <strong>of</strong> investments) to thevarious funds is accomplished using the market value unit method. Substantiallyall ordinary income from investments <strong>of</strong> endowment funds is restricted forsupport <strong>of</strong> particular purposes. These purposes are usually broad enough to beencompassed widiin one <strong>of</strong> the designated boards <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>.


112 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEOther Matters - Inventories (principally religious publications) are carlower <strong>of</strong> average cost or market.Contributions received during early January from congregations and individualsare recorded as receivables when such amounts relate to the prior year's budget.Such contributions are recorded as expendable operating funds, unrestricted.Advances made to eligible seminary students for payment <strong>of</strong> tuition, summertraining fees and living expenses (deferred student aid receivable) are recorded asa deferred charge and are amortized to expense, usually over a period <strong>of</strong> fiveyears from the date that the graduate seminarian begins service for the <strong>Synod</strong>.Repayment <strong>of</strong> advances must be made onlyif the student or graduate does notprovide service to the <strong>Synod</strong>. An allowance for uncollectible student aid has beenestablished for potentially uncollectible amounts.NOTE 2 - CASH AND INVESTMENTSThe market values <strong>of</strong> cash and investments by fund group are as follows atDecember 31, I 994 and 1993:Market Values -December 31,Expendable funds Fund - operating: Group 1994 1993Unrestricted - undesignated $ 647 $Unrestricted - designated 897,676 1,084,400Restricted 29,113 28,791Nonexpendable funds:Endowment 4,369,033 4,742,784Annuity andlife income 1,744,578 1843 782Custodian 1,871 J920 2|oi8!870Toul $8,912,967 $9,718,627Cash and investments at December 31, 1994 and 1993 are comprised <strong>of</strong> thefollowing:'994 1993Carrying Market Carrying MarketValue_ Value Value ValueCash in bank $ 66,204 $ 66,204 $ 158,382 $ 158,382PaineWebbercash fund 356,876 356,876 711,688 711,688U.S. Governmentobligations 1,870,430 1,617,477 1,870,430 1,869,227U.S. Governmentagency securities 1,275,269 1,177,700 1,304,418 1359 232Corporate common ' 'CoSSe 3'284'"9 3'"4'637 2'633'408 3'5,8'2«Gene^mortgages 62V94 6H'83? 95°'3°8 W"receivable 1,085,236 1,085,236 1,095,735 1095 735Total $8,560,928 $8,912,967 $8^24J69 $9^627


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHGeneral mortgages receivable are due over periods from one to twenty-one yearsand bear annual interest ranging from 5% to 10%. The aggregate annualMaturities <strong>of</strong> general mortgages receivable at December 31,1994 are as follows:Year EndingAmount<strong>1995</strong> $ 67,5901996 58,6501997 51,8801998 48,6901999 51,1602000 and beyond 807,266Total $1,085,236The general mortgages receivable at December 31,1994 and 1993 are due fromthe following groups:1994 1993Congregations <strong>of</strong> tiiedenomination $ 514,285 $ 407,972Ministers <strong>of</strong> the denomination 394,795 485,065Members <strong>of</strong> the denomination 83,798 87,560Commercial 92,358 I15J38Total $1,085,236 $1,095,735The following summarizes the changes in relationships between carrying values andmarket values <strong>of</strong> cash and investments for the years ended December 31 1994and 1993:Unrealized AppreciationH3Carrying Market (Depreciation)Value Value 1994 1993December 31, 1994 $8,560,928 $8,912,967 $352,039 $December 31, 1993 $8,724,369 $9,718,627 994,258 994,258January I, 1993 $8,687,71 I $9,720,178 - 1,032,467Increase (decrease) in unrealizedappreciation for the year $(642,219) $ (38,209)Realized net gain for the year $ 222,097 $ 95,430During the years ended December 31,1994 and 1993, the average annual yieldon investments excluding realized net gains (calculated by dividing total dividends,interest, and net rental income earned on investments during the year by theaverage <strong>of</strong> the beginning <strong>of</strong> the year and end <strong>of</strong> the year carrying value <strong>of</strong>investments, excluding cash in bank) was 5.7% and 6.5%, respectively, and theannual total return (calculated by dividing total dividends, interest, net rentalincome and realized net gains earned on investments during the year by theaverage <strong>of</strong> the beginning <strong>of</strong> the year and end <strong>of</strong> the year carrying value <strong>of</strong>investments, excluding cash in bank) was 8.3% and 7.6%, respectively.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHUlExpendable Funds Annuity and CustodianDeferred Life Income Funds Funds -Restricted Payables Deferred PayablesDeductions:Funds expended (14,884) (11,980) (122,466) (84,430)Transfer to unrestricteddesignated(15,073) -_ ;Balances at December 31,1993 26,070 313,313 1,239,003 1,831,396Additions:Investment income $ 7,880 $ 18,295 $116,988 $84,948Net gains on investmenttransactions 31 290 1,912 2,636Contributions 20,193 16,134Transfer 5,000Deductions:Funds expended (5,345) (18,768) (120,107) (121,112)Transfer (500) : (5,000) :Balances at December 31,1994 $ 28,136 $338,323 $1,232,796 $1,814,002NOTE 6 - PENSION PLANSThere are two pension plans (Plan "A" and Plan "B") which were adoptedeffective January I, 1974 and together cover all ministers, missionaries andemployees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>. The provisions <strong>of</strong> Plan "B" were restated effectiveJanuary 1, 1984 and January 1, 1989.Plan "A" Plan "A" is a noncontributory defined benefit plan and coversbasically ministers, missionaries and employees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> who were age 55 orover on January 1, 1974, the date <strong>of</strong> adoption <strong>of</strong> the plan. The normalretirement benefit for 1994 was $300 per month for single employees and $360for married employees. A monthly benefit <strong>of</strong> $300 is continued to the survivor.A minimum <strong>of</strong> 30 years <strong>of</strong> service is required to be eligible for the full normalretirement benefit. Total pension expense for the years ended December 1994and 1993 was $105,120 and $111,225, respectively. This plan is selfadministeredand pension benefits, which are charged to pension expense, aresubstantially all paid from ordinary investment income, proceeds <strong>of</strong> sales <strong>of</strong> certaininvestments or funds transferred from the Pension Board.Current comprehensive actuarial reports and valuations are not available for Plan"A". Accordingly, the information necessary to provide the disclosures requiredby Statements <strong>of</strong> Financial Accounting Standards 87 and 88 has not beendetermined. Under Plan "A", the Trustees charge pension benefits to expense asincurred and credit investment income and net gain on investment transactions torevenue. Generally accepted accounting principles require that pension expensebe determined using an acceptable actuarial cost method. Plan "A" wassubstantially curtailed as <strong>of</strong> December 31, 1994 and 1993, as there were noparticipants still actively employed by the Trustees and, as such, use <strong>of</strong> anacceptable actuarial cost method would have resulted in insignificant expenses for


116 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEthe years then ended. Use <strong>of</strong> actuarially determined costs as <strong>of</strong> the most recentvaluation (January 1, 1987) for Plan "A" would have resulted in an increase inpension liability and a decrease in the unrestricted-designated fund balance <strong>of</strong>approximately $225,000. Investments with a cost <strong>of</strong> approximately $1 35,000and market value <strong>of</strong> approximately $ 1 41,000 at December 31,1994, includedin the financialstatements <strong>of</strong> the Trustees, are available to satisfy a portion <strong>of</strong> thePlan "A" pension liability. A 9% assumed rate <strong>of</strong> return was used in determiningthe present value <strong>of</strong> accumulated vested benefits. There are no nonvestedaccumulated benefits.Plan "B" Plan "B" is a defined contribution plan and covers substantially allministers, missionaries and employees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> who are not covered underPlan "A". Total pension expense for the years ended December 31, 1994 and1993 was $159,096 and $142,220, respectively, which includes amortization<strong>of</strong> past service cost over an average period <strong>of</strong> approximately 25 years, and isrecorded under restricted-designated. The Trustees' policy is to fund pensioncosts accrued. Plan "B" is administered and the funds are invested by the PensionTrustees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America.The estimated amount <strong>of</strong> vested benefits as <strong>of</strong> December 31, 1994 is less thanthe amount <strong>of</strong> the net assets <strong>of</strong> Plan "B".Comprehensive actuarial reports and valuations are not available for Plan "B".Accordingly, the information necessary to provide the disclosures required byStatements <strong>of</strong> Financial Accounting Standards 87 and 88 has material effect onthe accompany financialstatements.NOTE 7 - CONTINGENT ASSETSAt December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1993, respectively, approximately$99,000 and $149,000 <strong>of</strong> cash (based on the prevailing exchange rates) wereheld in blocked accounts in Cyprus. Because <strong>of</strong> the restrictions imposed on theseassets and the uncertainty with regard to their realization, they are not recordedby the Trustees until funds are recovered. Approximately $36,400 and$52,300 were received in 1994 and 1993, respectively.NOTE 8 - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NOTICEDuring April 1994, the Seminary received notice from the U.S. Department <strong>of</strong>Education requesting that $38,600 be reimbursed to lending institutions and$28,245 be reimbursed to the U.S. Department <strong>of</strong> Education as a result <strong>of</strong>findings in an audit <strong>of</strong> the Title IV Student Financial Assistance Programs for thesix-year period Ended June 30, 1991.As a result <strong>of</strong> the Seminary's response to this notice, the Seminary received noticeduring October 1994, that it was relieved <strong>of</strong> both potential liabilities.NOTE 9 - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISKThe Trustees maintains its cash balances in one financial institution located inPittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The balances are insured by the Federal DepositInsurance Corporation up to $100,000. At December 31, 1994, the Trustee'suninsured cash balances total $21,367.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHLLZIn keeping with item 18 <strong>of</strong> the previous report. Deacon delegatesKay Klein and David Mohr led <strong>Synod</strong> in prayer for the financialministry <strong>of</strong> the church.The Committee on Finance was thanked for its work by astanding ovation from <strong>Synod</strong>.<strong>Synod</strong> voted to re-convene for the afternoon session at 1:00p.m.Following a season <strong>of</strong> prayer and announcements, <strong>Synod</strong> sangPsalm 31G, stanza 10, and was led in prayer <strong>of</strong> recess by KennethEpps, remembering the concerns mentioned in the morning session,and took recess at 12:15 p.m.THURSDAY, JUNE 22, <strong>1995</strong>, 1:00 P.M.<strong>Synod</strong> reconvened at 1:00 p.m. singing Psalm 113A and beingled in prayer by Ken Smith.The roll was passed.The minutes <strong>of</strong> the previous session were read and approved.The Moderator noted that a student employee <strong>of</strong> Geneva Collegehas been <strong>of</strong>fended by some members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> who are said to havespoken harshly to her.The report <strong>of</strong> the Home Mission Board was taken up again. Item4 was amended and adopted. The report as a whole was approvedand is as follows:REPORT OF THE HOME MISSION BOARDResponsibilities <strong>of</strong> the Home Mission BoardIn order to contribute to the denominational priority which is the"health, growth and multiplication <strong>of</strong> congregations", the specific mandategiven to the Board <strong>of</strong> Home Missions by the <strong>Synod</strong> is:to facilitate the establishment <strong>of</strong> new RPCNA congregationsin North America by providing Counsel, Encouragement,Resources and Training to its Presbyteries.In addition, the <strong>Synod</strong> has charged the Home Mission Board with theresponsibility:to help develop the outworking <strong>of</strong> Biblical evangelism in thelife <strong>of</strong> the church.The HMB has diligently gone about its work this year principally throughthe work <strong>of</strong> the Representatives from each <strong>of</strong> the 6 Presbyteries with the veryimportant help <strong>of</strong> Mrs. Eileen Falk <strong>of</strong> the Women's <strong>Synod</strong>ical and ex-<strong>of</strong>ficiomember Treasurer Louis Hutmire.1994 Year <strong>of</strong> Praise1994 was a year <strong>of</strong> special praise to God. By the end <strong>of</strong> the calendaryear there wprp 9 npw mission churches that had been planted since 1988,


118 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEthe inauguration <strong>of</strong> the "Time to Plant" program. We praise Him also fothe renewed emphasis and commitment to growth and new works thatispermeating our denomination. The Covenanter Witness article <strong>of</strong> January<strong>1995</strong> gives more <strong>of</strong> the details. The nine new works are: Stillwater, OK,Pensacola, FL, Waldorf, MD, Kokomo, IN, Evansville, IN, Fulton, NY,Lancaster, PA, Middletown, NY, and Midland, TX. Our numerical "faith"goal was "7 More by '94". We are thankful that the Lord <strong>of</strong> the Harvest isnot limited by our faith nor by our numbers! Since we truly believe Jesuswhen He taught that, "No one comes to Me unless the Father draws him"(John 6:44), we know thatall <strong>of</strong> thisis His doing. Join with us in giving Himall the praise for this progress in His Kingdom work.Since <strong>Synod</strong> last year Kokomo, IN and Fulton, NY have both becomeFully Organized Congregations, having progressed through the MissionChurch stage to the point <strong>of</strong> electing their own elders and calling their ownpastor.Present Situation as <strong>of</strong> April <strong>1995</strong>Hazleton, PA was <strong>org</strong>anized as a mission church on April 1 by AtlanticPresbytery. Sid Van Camp has just been appointed <strong>org</strong>anizing pastor inMidland, TX. All <strong>of</strong> the cities where <strong>org</strong>anizing pastors are on site have nowbeen <strong>org</strong>anized as mission churches. There have been two mission churcheswhich did not appoint an <strong>org</strong>anizing pastor, a situation which the HMB doesnot usually recommend. Normally the work is <strong>org</strong>anized as a mission churchafter the arrival <strong>of</strong> the <strong>org</strong>anizing pastor. The mission church in Lancaster,PA has lost its church planter but the Presbytery is hoping to find areplacement very soon. This means that there are presently two missionchurches without <strong>org</strong>anizing pastors - Lancaster, PA and Hazleton, PA. ThePresbyteries are actively looking for church planters for these two works.Exploratory development workis well along in the following areas:- Lansing, Ml (Southfield Session) Licentiate Brian Schwertleyintends to move there shortly.- Orange, CA (Orange Commission <strong>of</strong> Pacific CoastPresbytery) - They continue to look for an <strong>org</strong>anizing pastor.Thereis some exploratory development ministry underway in thefollowing areas:- Wichita, KS (Midwest Presbytery) - Bible study- Montreal, Quebec (Smiths Falls RPC Session)The prayer and initial contacting stage <strong>of</strong> exploratory development isunderway in the following areas:- North Central area <strong>of</strong> Indiana (Great Lakes-Gulf Presbytery) -contacts are being made in the Goshen, Elkhart, South Bendarea.- Eastern area <strong>of</strong> Ottawa, Ontario (Ottawa Session) - Biblestudy- Toronto, Ontario (Ottawa Session)- Chittenango, NY (Syracuse Session)


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH- Utica, NY (Oswega Session)- Iron County (Southfield Session) - Roger Adams, pastorFrom these facts two things are clear. We need more church planters.We are ready to move forward into new fields.Goals for <strong>1995</strong>-2000By God's abundant grace the goals established in 1988 have been met.Where do we go from here?We believe that in order to multiply ministries extensively and effectivelyover the long term, the responsibility for the ministry must be pressed downas much as possible to its basic level - individuals, families and congregations.During the next six years we believe the emphases in Home Missions shouldbe on multiplying congregations, on evangelism and on strengthening newercongregations. One aspect <strong>of</strong> this would be to motivate, encourage and traincongregations who are willing to plant daughter churches in their area. Wehave identified 13 congregations who may have the potential to parent adaughter work. We are contemplating a "Daughtering Conference", maybein 1996, to bring together those who are willing to believe God for this kind<strong>of</strong> Kingdom growth.Our theme and proposed numerical goal is:"Helping Presbyteries Plant and Multiply Congregations8 New Mission Churches by 2000"comprised <strong>of</strong> at least:I new mission church in each Presbytery4 new mission churches which are daughter congregations1 Ethnic (cross-cultural) mission churchOf great importance is that we want to see God develop and deepen theheart for outreach, disciplemaking and church planting in a vast number <strong>of</strong>lay people and pastors across the denomination which will result incongregations being eager to do what Syracuse did with Oswego, whatOswego did with Fulton, what Second Indianapolis did with SouthsideIndianapolis, what Ottawa did with Smiths Falls, what Trinity did withAnchor and what West Lafayette did with Kokomo - develop and send outfrom themselves a daughter congregation in their own area.Evangelism ExplosionPersonal evangelism in every congregation is a key element to fulfillingthis vision. Therefore, the HMB continues to urge people to attendevangelism training opportunities.Scholarships for Evangelism Explosion continue to be available throughthe HMB. We urge all congregations to take advantage <strong>of</strong> this excellent tool.If you are interested, please contact your Presbytery HMB Representative f<strong>org</strong>uidelines and an application form.H9


120 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEWe also want to give a clear word <strong>of</strong> appreciation and encouragement tothe Covenanter Witness for the series <strong>of</strong> articles on evangelism beingpublished this year. It is a great help in this area <strong>of</strong> need.Church Planter TrainingWe held the 4th Church Planter's Conference last February in westernNew York state. Mr. LeRoy Eims was the featured speaker. Mrs. VirginiaEims led two sessions for the women. We also used our own men andwomen to lead workshops and other sessions. Seven <strong>of</strong> the eleven churchplanter couples were able to attend. Training is very important and theBoard continues to be committed to providing excellent training for the menwho are in new works.Evaluating Potential Church PlantersIn the last two years we have lost four church planters from new worksinto which the HMB and Presbyteries had invested tens <strong>of</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong>dollars and untold hours <strong>of</strong> labor. These were 4 out <strong>of</strong> 14 church planterswho are/were in aid receiving works - an alarmingly high 28%! This hashighlighted a need which we have known for a long time. There is a need tohave some specialized evaluation <strong>of</strong> potential church planters before theymove to a new work. We need to do the best we can to insure that they aregifted and thoroughly prepared in every way possible for this specializedcalling. We need to be as sure as we can that we are not asking these menand their families to do something for which God has not enabled them.To this end the HMB is investigating several established evaluationprocesses which could help Presbyteries with this specialized evaluation. Weare <strong>of</strong>fering this help to Presbyteries who are willing to receive it.Specifically, we are asking that men being considered for immediateplacement as a church planter to volunteer to work through this evaluationprocess with us in conjunction with their Presbytery. The first few evaluationswill be for all <strong>of</strong> us to gain experience with the process. Later, if it proves tobe a valuable tool, the HMB may require it as a condition for receiving aid.We trust you can see the need for something like this.For the record, the Foreign Mission Board has done this with itsmissionary candidates for many years.We believe that this kind <strong>of</strong> oversight is urged upon us in such Scripturesas Proverbs 27:23-27.Assessing Progress in New WorksBeginning immediately, the Board is requiring new works to use two newprogress assessment tools to help them evaluate their progress in the ministry.Each year, with their request for aid, a statistics report will need to besubmitted. This report is being developed now and will be available shortlyso new works can know what statistics they need to be recording this comingyear. In addition, by the Fall <strong>of</strong> the 3rd year <strong>of</strong> reducing aid, the HMB mustreceive an evaluation from the Presbytery <strong>of</strong> the continuing viability <strong>of</strong> the


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHnew work. Continuation <strong>of</strong> reducing aid depends on the outcome <strong>of</strong> thisevaluation.The Lord admonishes us to evaluate our progress in such Scriptures asEphesians 5:15-17.Study <strong>of</strong> the "Time to Plant" ProgramThe HMB Representative from the Presbytery <strong>of</strong> the Alleghenies, Dr.Dean Smith, has done his D.Min. research project on the Time to Plantprogram, initiated in 1988. He studied certain aspects <strong>of</strong> our churchplanting efforts to determine if we have become more effective in serving theLord according to certain criteria. One <strong>of</strong> the conclusions is that we mustcontinue to emphasize evangelism in the new works. Each presbyteryrepresentative has a copy <strong>of</strong> Dean's dissertation which is available for review.You may also speak with him directly about his findings.Working Together with the Other Boards <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>Over the past two years there has been significant progress in the effortto coordinate and focus the entire <strong>Synod</strong>'s efforts toward common goals.Last year one Presbytery forwarded a paper to <strong>Synod</strong> with its endorsementcalling for the establishment <strong>of</strong> a "Strategic Planning Committee". This wasgiven to the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> committee (now respectfully referred to asBOSCom). Also, the BOSCom desired to have representatives <strong>of</strong> the majorboards <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> work together to "hash out" a unified financial request to<strong>Synod</strong>'s Finance Committee. The HMB has tried to cooperate fully withthese developments. BOSCom has laid out a process for this year's <strong>Synod</strong>which will attempt to develop such a unified financial request to <strong>Synod</strong>. Wewill eagerly participate in this very important development in the life <strong>of</strong> thisdenomination.FinancesIn light <strong>of</strong> the current financial pressures at the <strong>Synod</strong> level, the HMB hasendeavored to trim costs and reduce budgets wherever possible thus enablingus to present a lower request to RPMscM than we had anticipated earlier.Total HMB aid budgeted for new works in <strong>1995</strong> in all the Presbyteries is$157,000.Exploratory Developments FundsAs was announced last year, PET funds have now been terminated. Anew line item in the HMB budget entitled "Exploratory Development" hasbeen added. Funds continue to be available on an as-needed basis to thePresbyteries in order to help with some <strong>of</strong> the costs <strong>of</strong> exploring a new field.These funds are for work on the field before the church planter arrives.Time to Plant FundIn order for the Home Mission Board to help Presbyteries fund newworks, money is received not only from endowment funds and RPMscM, butalso from the Time to Plant Fund. The source <strong>of</strong> income for the Time toPlant Fund is contributions to home missions from congregations andindividuals who believe in this ministry.IU


122 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEA very significant development we are beginning to see is that several <strong>of</strong>our new works are tithing on their local contributions (i.e. giving 10%) tothe higher courts. Part <strong>of</strong> this tithe is going to RPMscM. In some cases Vz<strong>of</strong> that tithe is being given to Home Missions. In this additional way, theinvestment <strong>of</strong> the denomination is returning dividends. New works arewanting to demonstrate that they understand that they are part <strong>of</strong> the greaterBody (I Corinthians 12). For this development we give much thanks.Kingdom Builders' FundNo new grants have been made since last <strong>Synod</strong> and no new substantialresources have come into the fund. Multiracial Pensacola's application hasbeen received by the KBF Committee and is in the process <strong>of</strong> beingevaluated.Pastor's PastorDr. Renwick Wright has been traveling through the church this past yearresponding to invitations from congregations and Presbyteries, chiefly tominister to pastors. We trust that this new ministry is contributing to thehealth and growth <strong>of</strong> congregations. We encourage congregations in thePresbytery who have not had Dr. Wright with them to invite him as acommunion assistant or for other ministries that will allow him to come forseveral days to your congregation. While he is there, he is available to talkwith you and help you think through your current questions and situations.Mrs. Wright is traveling with Dr. Wright and is eager to be a blessing topastors' wives. So we urge you to invite the Wrights to your congregation.We are asking <strong>Synod</strong> to affirm the Board's appointment <strong>of</strong> Dr. Wright tocontinue, as he is able, this important ministry for <strong>1995</strong>-97.Presbytery Home Mission CommitteeThe Board has urged each Presbytery to appoint an <strong>of</strong>ficial "HomeMissions Committee" to coordinate the efforts <strong>of</strong> church extension in itsPresbytery and to work with its Home Mission Board representative, asneeded, in coordinating denominational support for that Presbytery's homemission work. We anticipate that the actual functioning <strong>of</strong> the HomeMissions Committee will vary from one Presbytery to another but our hope isthat in every Presbytery the "Home Missions Committee" will provide aconduit through which its Home Mission Board Representative can work.Process <strong>of</strong> Church PlantingWe are in the process <strong>of</strong> putting together an article for the CovenanterWitness and a pamphlet which will attempt to explain the general process <strong>of</strong>church planting which the HMB is promoting. We hope this will be a usefulguide for Presbyteries and congregations as they go about this work. Itshould be available by <strong>Synod</strong> time.Our Greatest Roadblock to ProgressWe continue to need quality men to become church planters. Right nowthere are 2 places where church planters are needed - Lancaster andHazleton. There are also at least 8 congregations who are searching for a


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH [23pastor. The opportunities remain abundant. Money has not yet limited us.What has limited us is quality men for the ministry. So the Board continuesto call upon the church to obey our Lord in a concentrated way when Hecommanded us to:Pray therefore the Lord <strong>of</strong> the harvest, that He would send workers intoHis harvest.Matthew 9:38We urge the <strong>Synod</strong> to continue doing this. There are many indicationsthat He is beginning to answer our prayers. There are some new names thatare already on the horizon. There are several young men who are lookingtowards the pastorate in the years ahead. The Board has begun compiling alist <strong>of</strong> men available for ministry who are actively preparing for the pastorateor who may be interested in being a teaching elder someday. We are usingthis as a prayer and information guide. If you have names to add to the list,please let your Presbytery Representative know.The Importance <strong>of</strong> your Presbytery RepresentativeAs should be clear from this report, each Presbytery's Representative onthe HMB is the vital link <strong>of</strong> communication and action between yourPresbytery and the denominational work <strong>of</strong> church extension. He alsobecomes a vital link between the Presbyteries as he shares insights,experiences and information with the other Presbytery Representatives. Heneeds to be very familiar with the work in his Presbytery as well as with themeans <strong>of</strong> support available to his Presbytery from the HMB. The Board isthankful for the each and every one <strong>of</strong> the Representatives serving. We askthe Presbyteries to continue appointing men who will be the most qualified inyour Presbytery for this work.RECOMMENDATIONS1. That <strong>Synod</strong> give praise to God for what He has done in the last 7 years <strong>of</strong>church planting.2. That <strong>Synod</strong> remind the church to obey Christ's command to earnestly andfaithfully pray that the Lord <strong>of</strong> the harvest will send out more qualified<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> laborers into His harvest.3. That the members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> set aside at least one meal time during <strong>Synod</strong>to fast and pray for this critical need.4. That <strong>Synod</strong> adopt the new goals <strong>of</strong> 8 New Mission churches by 2000 andan emphasis on 'daughtering' congregations.5. That <strong>Synod</strong> encourage the HMB to work with Presbyteries in thedevelopment <strong>of</strong> an evaluation process which will enhance the appointment<strong>of</strong> qualified men to be church planters.6. That <strong>Synod</strong> affirm the Board's appointment <strong>of</strong> Dr. Wright to continue, ashe is able, the ministry <strong>of</strong> a Pastor's Pastor for <strong>1995</strong>-97.7. That the <strong>Synod</strong> hear from Dr. Renwick Wright concerning the Pastor'sPastor program for 5 minutes.8. That the <strong>Synod</strong> urge congregations to utilize the Pastor's Pastor programduring the coming year.


124 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE9. That <strong>Synod</strong> grant $65,000 from RPMkM to the Home Mission Boardfor 1996 and $65,000 for 1997.The order <strong>of</strong> the day at 2:00 p.m. was made the report <strong>of</strong> theparliamentarians.The Foreign Mission Board brought the followingrecommendation which was adopted: The Foreign Mission Boardrecommends that our ordained missionaries serving in Japan requestthe transfer <strong>of</strong> their ministerial credentials to the Japan Presbyterywhile serving in Japan.The report <strong>of</strong> the Interchurch Committee was again taken up.David Weir reported that his father, Richard Weir, visited the KoreanAmerican <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church yesterday and noted that they sendtheir greetings to us. A motion was introduced amended andadopted as follows: "That the <strong>Synod</strong> direct the InterchurchCommittee to investigate the report that has come to us regardingthe action <strong>of</strong> the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Christian <strong>Reformed</strong> Church withrespect to women in the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> elder." The report as a whole wasapproved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE INTERCHURCH COMMITTEEThe Interchurch Committee met once during the year. This was beforethe North American <strong>Presbyterian</strong> and <strong>Reformed</strong> Council meeting inPhiladelphia, October 31, and November 1, 1994.At the NAPARC meeting the committee voted in favor <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong>Church in the U.S. becoming members <strong>of</strong> NAPARC. NAPARC voted toreceive the RCUS as a member <strong>of</strong> the Council. The member denominations<strong>of</strong> NAPARC need to approve this action and we recommend that <strong>Synod</strong>approve this action.Ray Morton was approved to attend the Reconciliation Conference inJanuary in Chicago. Mr. Morton reported a good spirit in the meetingbetween members <strong>of</strong> the NAE and the National Black EvangelicalAssociation. Dialogueis to continue.An invitation has been received to join the International Conference <strong>of</strong><strong>Reformed</strong> Churches. In accordance with <strong>Synod</strong>'s approval last year to jointhe Conference steps are being taken to become members. The next meeting<strong>of</strong> the ICRCis to be held in Korea in 1997.The committee held a lengthy discussion as to the general principles forreceiving denominations into fraternal relationships. How manydenominations should be received? What general principles should be set forfraternal relationships. It seems that when congregations split fromdenominations that they want to be a separate denomination rather than seeka denomination to join. We are committed to promoting Biblical unionrather than continual proliferation <strong>of</strong> denominations.Jerry O'Neill is to represent the RPCNA at the Irish <strong>Synod</strong> and ifpossible meet with the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> Scottish R. P. Church.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH [25Since the committee has the plan <strong>of</strong> sending delegates every other yearto denominations with which we have fraternal relations, we will be sendingdelegates only to the Korean Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Churches, the<strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church in America, and the Free Church <strong>of</strong> Scotland annualmeetings. Since the Orthodox <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church General Assembly willmeet at Geneva College, we plan to send a delegate to their meeting thisyear.We appreciate the mutual exchange <strong>of</strong> delegates as they help us tobecome acquainted with the actions <strong>of</strong> denominations with which we havefraternal relations.Recommendations:I. That, since Christopher Wright has completed two terms, Terence Dowds,Gordon Keddie and David Weir be nominated for the class <strong>of</strong> 1998, andJim Kern, Andrew Schep and John White be nominated for the class <strong>of</strong>1999.2. That <strong>Synod</strong> approve the <strong>Reformed</strong> Church in the U.S. to become amember <strong>of</strong> NAPARC.3. That <strong>Synod</strong> ask teaching and ruling elders who are traveling to Australia,Cyprus, Ireland, Japan and Scotland to inform this committee in orderthat they might be appointed to represent our denomination.Respectfully submitted,Andrew Schep, Chairman.A special motion was adopted: that <strong>Synod</strong> ask the Moderatorand Clerk to write a letter <strong>of</strong> apology to the student employee forthe <strong>of</strong>fense given by some <strong>of</strong> our brothers.The following special motion was adopted in view <strong>of</strong> the comingretirement <strong>of</strong> Dr. William Russell from the pr<strong>of</strong>essorship <strong>of</strong> ChurchHistory at RPTS: That the Moderator write a letter <strong>of</strong> appreciationto Dr. Russell on behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> and that at <strong>Synod</strong> expense, theModerator <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> and his wife take Dr. Russell and his wife out todinner.The parliamentarians brought two motions on rulings for tievotes. Item 1 was lost. Item 2 was adopted by more than a twothirdsvote. The recommendations are as follows:REPORT OF THE PARLIAMENTARIANS1. (Defeated) We recommend that the following change in the Book <strong>of</strong>Discipline be sent down in overture:We propose a new #7 in Chapter 8:In the tabulation by <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the votes <strong>of</strong> Sessions on anoverture, the Sessions reporting a tie vote are not to becounted in the total number <strong>of</strong> Sessions.2. We recommend that the following changes in the Directory forChurch Government be approved


126 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEIn Chapter 3: ID4K; IID4j; and IHD4k, add the word"not" to the sentence. "Blank ballots shall not be counted indetermining the total number <strong>of</strong> votes cast."In each case add the following sentence:"A ballot marked "No", indicating that the person desiresnot to vote for any candidate, should be counted indetermining the total number <strong>of</strong> votes cast."By more than a two-thirds vote <strong>Synod</strong> adopted the followingmotion: That the following statement be made paragraph 22 <strong>of</strong>Chapter 8 in the Directory for Church Government. "In thetabulation by <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the votes <strong>of</strong> Sessions on an overture, theSessions reporting a tie vote are not to be counted in the totalnumber <strong>of</strong> Sessions."It was moved and seconded that the overture sent down to thesessions by the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1993 be re-submitted to the Committee toCanvass the Overture. The motion was referred to theparliamentarians to consider its status.The report <strong>of</strong> the representative to the National Association <strong>of</strong>Evangelicals was taken up received and appears in the Appendix.The report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on a Declaration <strong>of</strong> the Relationship<strong>of</strong> RP Churches was taken up. Item 1 was considered accomplished.Items 2-4 were adopted. The report as a whole was approved and isas follows:REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RELATIONSHIPS WITH REFORMEDPRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES IN SCOTLAND, IRELAND, AUSTRALIA,NORTH AMERICA AND CYPRUS.Dear Fathers and Brethren:"Behold how good a thingitis and how becoming well when those thatbrethren are delight in unity to dwell."Four years ago, this <strong>Synod</strong>, prompted by a request made by the fraternaldelegates from the Australian Church, appointed a Committee to work:"with representatives from the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Churches<strong>of</strong> Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and North America, to draw upa declaration expressing our present relationship and astatement <strong>of</strong> procedure expressing the regular working out <strong>of</strong>this relationship".Last year you requested this committee "to include the Trinity ChristianCommunity Fellowship <strong>of</strong> Cyprus as the fifth church . . . ". We are happy toinclude the Cyprus Church and have forwarded to Cyprus a copy <strong>of</strong> theattached statement. We understand that an elder from the Cyprus (Trinity)Church may be with us in this <strong>Synod</strong> and look forward to hearing from themthrough him about this.Last year this Committee recommended:


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH"That the matter <strong>of</strong> the RPCNA appointing delegates on aregular basis to the <strong>Synod</strong>s <strong>of</strong> Ireland, Scotland, and Australiabe referred to the Interchurch Committee".<strong>Synod</strong> referred our recommendation back to us asking us to bring furtherrecommendation to the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. We are again recommending in moredetail, that <strong>Synod</strong> go on record as favoring the frequent appointment <strong>of</strong>delegates to these other <strong>Synod</strong>s and Presbyteries (including, now the TrinityChurch in Cyprus and the Japan Church as they become a Presbytery), andthat this North American <strong>Synod</strong> determine that such appointments be madeby the Interchurch Correspondence and Study Committee just as <strong>of</strong>ten asfinancial and other considerations will allow. "Other considerations" wouldcall for Elders and Pastors <strong>of</strong> the RPCNA who are traveling to these countriesfor business or other reasons to be available and willing to be appointed torepresent us there. We would request that the dates and places <strong>of</strong> the annualmeetings <strong>of</strong> the Presbyteries or <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> these other branches <strong>of</strong> the Churchbe published each year in our <strong>Minutes</strong>. We would also request that theBusiness <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee, or whoever is arranging the schedule <strong>of</strong><strong>Synod</strong>, plan to have some representative from another branch <strong>of</strong> this churchspeaking to us each year if possible. We believe we have much to learn fromother branches <strong>of</strong> this Church and that actions such as these would draw ustogether for the regular working out <strong>of</strong> our stated relationship.You should remember that this statement was firstdrafted by the R. P.Church <strong>of</strong> Australia, then edited by men in Scotland and by you during our1993 <strong>Synod</strong>. The statement as attached here has already been approved bythe R. P. Church <strong>of</strong> Australia. There are editorial changes made by men inIreland and Scotland since you last saw it so we are asking that you vote againto approve this version. We are requesting that this <strong>Synod</strong> hear from NorrisWilson representing the R. P. Church <strong>of</strong> Ireland, Alastair McEwenrepresenting Australia and Adam Mastris, representing Cyprus on the subject<strong>of</strong> this Statement <strong>of</strong> Relationships. We would remind you again that this isjust an informal Declaration <strong>of</strong> Relationships, not a Testimony, which wouldneed to be more carefully worded and perhaps even "sent down inoverture".Respectfully submitted,Bob McCrackenRoy Blackwood, ConvenorRECOMMENDATIONS:I. That <strong>Synod</strong> hear from each <strong>of</strong> the three men representing their respectivechurches and this Statement <strong>of</strong> Relationships; Norris Wilson representingthe R. P. Church <strong>of</strong> Ireland, Alastair McEwen representing the R. P.Church <strong>of</strong> Australia, and Adam Mastris representing the R P. Church <strong>of</strong>Cyprus, five minutes each.2. That <strong>Synod</strong> approve the attached, edited version <strong>of</strong> the Statement <strong>of</strong>Relationships.3. That <strong>Synod</strong> go on record as favoring the frequent appointment <strong>of</strong>delegates to the meetings <strong>of</strong> the annual <strong>Synod</strong> or Presbytery <strong>of</strong> the otherHZ


128 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEbranches <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church, and direct theInterchurch Correspondence and Study Committee to make suchappointments just as <strong>of</strong>ten as financial and other considerations will allow.4. That <strong>Synod</strong> reappoint this Committee.A DECLARATION OF RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE R. P. CHURCHESOF SCOTLAND, IRELAND, NORTH AMERICA, AUSTRALIA ANDCYPRUS AND A STATEMENT OF PROCEDURE FOR THE WORKINGOUT OF THIS RELATIONSHIP"GOD OUR FATHER" in heaven, thank You for rescuing us from thepenalty <strong>of</strong> our sins and saving us through the work <strong>of</strong> Your Son for us and inus, and for the power <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit convincing us <strong>of</strong> our need <strong>of</strong> holinessand turning our hearts to Your ways."Thank You for the faith You have given us together to recognize theinfallibility and accept the authority <strong>of</strong> Your written Word and theunderstanding <strong>of</strong> its teaching as set out in the Westminster Confession <strong>of</strong>Faith and in the Larger and Shorter Catechisms."Thank You for the encouragement You have given us to worship Youaccording to Your Word alone, and for the love <strong>of</strong> Christ You have given usto seek Him to be honoured as Lord in all human relationships."We covenant ourselves by Your grace to encourage Your people to be <strong>of</strong>one mind and to work together with those <strong>of</strong> like faith to bring greaterhonour to You through closer co-operation and confession."AS REFORMED PRESBYTERIANS in Scotland, Ireland, North America,Australia and Cyprus we testify to God's grace preserving a testimonycommon to us and the New Testament church and rejoice together in specialfellowship He has given us deriving from a common historical bond with thecovenanting cause <strong>of</strong> Scotland, England and Ireland."We commit ourselves to one another's welfare in Christ and to working formore faithful and complete confessional unity among us according to theScriptures."Out <strong>of</strong> love for the whole church <strong>of</strong> God we propose to prepare, declareand uphold common statements <strong>of</strong> the truth which express the things webelieve together and to invite faithful Christians to join us in this task."TO THE WORLD we present a call to believe in Christ as the only Savior <strong>of</strong>the world and the one King over all. We commit ourselves to employingtogether the resources God gives us in a global effort at bringing the goodnews to every land. In order to facilitate these joint tasks we shall endeavor,at least once every year from now until Christ returns, to bring words <strong>of</strong>encouragement to one another, to confess our failings to one another, and tostate together God's immediate purpose for us as a part <strong>of</strong> His covenantedpeople."


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 129The report <strong>of</strong> the Judicial Committee was taken up. TheCommittee had only one item before it. The recommendation wasadopted and is as follows:REPORT OF THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEEPaper 95-1—Changes in the procedure for election by <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> certainservants <strong>of</strong> the denomination. (Digest page 820.)Recommendation: <strong>Synod</strong> decline the request made in this paper.Rationale:From a strictly constitutional viewpoint, there appears to be no reason whythe proposed change in the method <strong>of</strong> election could not be done if <strong>Synod</strong>so desires. We do have, however, some practical reasons why the changescalled for are unwise.1. The paper is not essentially different from the proposal turned downby the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong> and we see no reason to overturn that decision.2. Unlike a congregation which can call another meeting if a stalemateoccurs, the <strong>Synod</strong> does not have this luxury. If a stalemate would exist, theaffected board or institution would be forced to wait until the next <strong>Synod</strong>and maybe beyond. This would likely create an impossible situation.William EdgarRobert MannPeter SmithDonald PiperRalph Joseph, Chr.The report <strong>of</strong> the Nominating Committee was taken up. TheCommittee reported on appointments and the results <strong>of</strong> the elections.The report as a whole was approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEEBoard <strong>of</strong> Corporators <strong>of</strong> Geneva CollegeClass <strong>of</strong> '00: Paul PattersonBoard <strong>of</strong> Education sc Publication:Class <strong>of</strong> '98: Christian Adjemian, Ingrid Birdsall, Norman CarsonClass <strong>of</strong> '99: Andrew McCracken, Erma Prutow, David WillsonDirectors <strong>of</strong> Publications(term to begin 1/1/97): Drew and LynneGordonBoard <strong>of</strong> Foreign MissionsClass <strong>of</strong> '99: Fikre Menbere, Jonathan Watt, Marjorie CoxClass <strong>of</strong> '00: Bruce BackenstoFMB Executive Secretary (2 year term): Robert HenningBoard <strong>of</strong> Home MissionsClass <strong>of</strong> '99: Marcia ElliottBoard <strong>of</strong> Pension TrusteesClass <strong>of</strong> '98: Bruce Lundeen, Don McBurneyClass <strong>of</strong> '99: Don Lamont, Dean O'Neill, Shane Shoop


130 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THETrustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>Class <strong>of</strong> '98: Sam Chestnut, Steve McMahan, Dennis OlsonClass <strong>of</strong> '99: John P. Edgar, Stuart Schmidt, Jay WorshamBoard <strong>of</strong> Trustees <strong>of</strong> Theological SeminaryClass <strong>of</strong> '01: Dennis Prutow; Robert TweedClass <strong>of</strong> '02: Richard Johnston, Walter SwartzCommittee on ArrangementsClass <strong>of</strong> '97: Robert McFarland, Dennis WingClass <strong>of</strong> '98: David Carson, Jack LathomBusiness <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> CommitteeT<strong>of</strong>ill '97 unexpired terms: Robert Copeland, Drew GordonClass <strong>of</strong> '98: Harry Metzger, Kenneth SmithClass <strong>of</strong> '99: James Carson, Raymond MortonCommittee on FinanceClass <strong>of</strong> '98: David Mohr, William RobertsClass <strong>of</strong> '99: Keith Magill, Jay WorshamInterchurch CommitteeClass <strong>of</strong> '98: Gordon Keddie, Bruce StewartClass <strong>of</strong> '99: Andrew Schep, John WhiteJoint Commission on ChaplainsClass <strong>of</strong> '98: Jonathan LeachClass <strong>of</strong> '99: Dennis PrutowPsalm Translation Committee: Brian Coombs, Richard WeirCommittee to Revise the Directory for Worship: Gordon Keddie, AlanNoell, Andrew SchepCommittee on Understanding the TimesClass <strong>of</strong> '97: Andrew SchepClass <strong>of</strong> '98: Aubrey AyerClass <strong>of</strong> '99: David CarsonParliamentariansClass <strong>of</strong> '02: Christian AdjemianChurch HistoryClass <strong>of</strong> '02: David WeirSpecial Interim Commission for <strong>Synod</strong> (to join with the Moderators <strong>of</strong> the1994 and <strong>1995</strong> [Chr] <strong>Synod</strong>s and the <strong>1995</strong> Clerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>):Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Committee on FinanceChairman <strong>of</strong> the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> CommitteeAndrew McCrackenLetters to whom Letters <strong>of</strong> remembrance are to be sent:To:From:Ron GrahamBruce HemphillWylie CaskeyMel MartinWilliam CornellGordon KeddieHarold HarringtonEd RobsonMilton HarringtonRay JosephToshio MasunagaBruce Backensto


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHPaul MathewsJerry O'NeillJ.E. McElroy]. Paul McCrackenStan CopelandRay HemphillGene SpearJonathan WattShigeru TakiuraBob McCrackenS. Bruce Willson Bruce Stev/artSumito SakaiBob HenningJim KernLeverne RosenbergerRay McCrackenBob McFarlandPhil MartinTony CowleyMarion McFarlandClarkCopelandBill PihlPaul MartinGodfrey FranklinRalph JosephGlenn McFarlandJohn O. EdgarDavid CoonBill EdgarSidney VanCampRobert HemphillThe report <strong>of</strong> the Committee on Psalm Music was taken up. TheClerk assumed the chair for the consideration <strong>of</strong> this report. Thematter before <strong>Synod</strong> was a fifteen-minute discussion. The Chairmanproposed that in view <strong>of</strong> earlier discusion and the pressures <strong>of</strong> time,the discussion not be held. The report as a whole, at therecommendation <strong>of</strong> the chairman, was referred to the Committee.The report <strong>of</strong> the Presbytery Review Committee was taken up.The recommendation was adopted. The report as a whole wasapproved and is as follows:STATE OF THE CHURCH REPORTby the Presbytery Review CommitteeReview <strong>of</strong> PresbyteriesThe Lord continues to bless us in our presbyteries. He has given usgifted people laboring diligently in the work <strong>of</strong> service. We enjoy the work <strong>of</strong>vigorous pastors and we pray for some who are afflicted with serious illness intheir own body or in the members <strong>of</strong> their households. Others are dealingwith particularly difficult spiritual assaults and we must continue to pray forand labor with them in these.We enjoy many opportunities for ministry in old and new places as wesee older works growing and new works being established. Many <strong>of</strong> theseopportunities are answers far beyond our prayers and plans. Some works arenot growing and we continue to pray and labor that greater blessing would beextended to these congregations also. The Lord is answering our constantprayer for new pastors as evidenced in nearly 20 men under care as students<strong>of</strong> theology. We must pray for the wide spread need for more ruling elders.We rejoice in a new presbytery as the Japan Commission was <strong>org</strong>anized assuch at this <strong>Synod</strong>.One strong pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> spiritual health in our congregations is theconfirmation <strong>of</strong> the covenant <strong>of</strong> grace in the hearts <strong>of</strong> our covenant youngpeople as evidenced in their public pr<strong>of</strong>essions <strong>of</strong> faith and directIU


132 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEparticipation in the covenant <strong>of</strong> church membership. Another evidence (andmeans) <strong>of</strong> spiritual health is a number <strong>of</strong> reports <strong>of</strong> the careful, patient andpersevering exercise <strong>of</strong> church discipline. The Lord has blessed some <strong>of</strong> thesesituations with the gift <strong>of</strong> repentance and reconciliation.We thank God for many significant additions and improvements in thefacilities <strong>of</strong> our congregations as these are important tools for the work. Wealso remember those yet in need <strong>of</strong> such provisions.We rejoice in new and renewed efforts with young people in ourcongregations and on our nearby campuses. We rejoice in increasing effortsin substantial and comprehensive teaching programs to equip God's peoplefor greater service. And we rejoice in the wise use <strong>of</strong> the gifts <strong>of</strong>technologies for more effective teaching and general communication.In summary, we rejoice in these many provisions from our gracious Lordand earnestly pray for His help in the substantial challenges <strong>of</strong> service that Hecalls us to in the coming year.Home and World MissionsWe rejoice in the way the Lord has blessed in the outreach/mission <strong>of</strong> thechurch over the past year. At home we praise the Lord for nine new missionchurches planted since 1988, the "Time to Plant". We are challenged by thevision <strong>of</strong> eight new mission churches by the year 2000.Abroad we rejoice in the formation <strong>of</strong> the Japan Presbytery, the first fullyear <strong>of</strong> Trinity Christian Community Fellowship, the indigenous RP church inLarnaca, Cyprus and the stirring challenge by Jonathan Chao for participationin the great harvest the Lord is bringing in China. We also rejoice in the work<strong>of</strong> the Reformation Translation Fellowship as well as the many other<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>s doing work in many other parts <strong>of</strong> the world.We are thankful to God for the work <strong>of</strong> our four chaplains who serve theLord in the mission field <strong>of</strong> the armed services both at home and abroad, inpeace and in war.We are greatly challenged by the church's mission and witness to thenations in which we live. We confess our sins <strong>of</strong> commission and omission inthe breakdown <strong>of</strong> family life and the fragmentation, alienation andbrokenness that is so pervasive in our society today. We are constantlychallenged by the need to live out the gospel <strong>of</strong> hope in the face <strong>of</strong> despairand to model reconciliation and live out the redemption we have in Christ tothe needy world in which we live.EducationPresbytery reports make it plain that education in the truth is muchemphasized in our denomination. There is heavy emphasis on the preaching<strong>of</strong> the Word. It is being taught in small group Bible studies. It is beingtaught in our Sabbath Schools and our Covenanter Young People's groups. Itis being taught in our summer camps. Our people are strongly encouragedto dig into the Word by themselves. Sessions are urged not only to reassessand improve their Christian education, but to stimulate those under their careto make full use <strong>of</strong> these programs.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 133Although <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Theological Seminary faces severefinancial concerns, they continue to train men for the pastorate. OttawaTheological Hall thanks God for their new building and reports 19 meninvolved there in the study <strong>of</strong> God and His Word. Great Lakes-GulfPresbytery continues to <strong>of</strong>fer seminary level classes at Second Indianapolis RPfor students in central Indiana.It is also apparent that our people are not availing themselves to the full<strong>of</strong> these excellent opportunities. Sessions and congregations are encouragedto pray for our theological institutions and to send men to be trained for thepastorate.Financial/AdministrativeWe see a significant increase in congregational giving including inproviding for their pastors and in giving to RP works. Many congregationsare worshipping in new buildings, or enjoying building improvements or newadditions.We are concerned that congregational giving to RP Missions and Ministryfund is down. Some congregations are experiencing financial loss as membersare transferred out <strong>of</strong> bounds. Denominational income is not keeping upwith inflation and Boards and institutions are severely challenged due tolimited finances available.We give thanks that no RP's lost their lives in Japan's earthquake despitedestruction <strong>of</strong> homes and possessions. The Foreign Mission Board and thenew Japan presbytery face the challenge <strong>of</strong> rebuilding homes and theCovenanter Book Store in Japan.With the RP International Conference meeting July 26 to August 2,1996, at Calvin College, <strong>Synod</strong> will not meet in 1996. A plan was adoptedby <strong>Synod</strong> for not meeting next year, including appointing a commission todeal with critical matters which cannot wait until the 1997 <strong>Synod</strong>.Worship and Subordinate StandardsTwo <strong>of</strong> the international members <strong>of</strong> the Psalm Translation Committeereported to the <strong>Synod</strong>. The committee has translated about 50 psalms todate, including all verses <strong>of</strong> Psalm 119. These psalms are now being set toprose. The Psalm Music committee is working, on collecting tunes to use forthese and other psalm settings.We strive to be faithful, to be "always reforming." Changes to thetestimony clarifying the role and service <strong>of</strong> women in the church wereapproved by the overture sent down to the sessions. The proposed changeto ordination Query #8 did not pass in overture. Committees to revise ourBook <strong>of</strong> Discipline and Directory for Worship reported and are continuingtheir work.<strong>Synod</strong>'s continuing instructionsPray faithfully for our chaplains and their families and for members whoserve in the uniformed services, and consider financial support for the JointCommission on Chaplains.


134 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THECongregations are encouraged to deposit with the Stated Clerk, Mr. LouHutmire, their <strong>of</strong>ficial historical records.Elders who are traveling to Australia, Cyprus, Ireland, Japan, andScotland are to inform the Interchurch Committee so they might beappointed to represent our denomination.Pray for, support, and send men to the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>Theological Seminary.Obey Christ's command to pray earnestly and faithfully that the Lord <strong>of</strong>the harvest will send out more qualified RP laborers into His harvest.Recommendation: That the name <strong>of</strong> this committee be changed to State <strong>of</strong>the Church Committee.The report <strong>of</strong> the Assistant Clerk <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> on Records <strong>of</strong>Presbyteries was taken up approved and is as follows:RECORDS OF PRESBYTERIES REPORTThe Assistant Clerk would respectfully report that the <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> all thePresbyteries and the Japan Commission under the care <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America were read and approved.Nothing was found contrary to the law and order <strong>of</strong> the church except someminor matters which were indicated to the appropriate presbyteries. Amongthese minor matters are: minutes not signed by either the Moderator and/orthe Clerk <strong>of</strong> the meeting; a column <strong>of</strong> figures that do not add up; and somespelling and editorially errors.The Assistant Clerk believes that the following two items should bebrought to the notice <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>:a. in the Midwest Presbytery <strong>Minutes</strong> the Presbytery allowed a contract forpreaching at Quinter R.P. Church for 12 months even though the preacherinvolved is not a member <strong>of</strong> the R.P. Church;b. in the St. Lawrence Presbytery <strong>Minutes</strong> the Report <strong>of</strong> the Lisbon-Chamberlain Commission adopted by the Presbytery is not included in the<strong>Minutes</strong>.Respectfully submitted,Raymond E. Morton, Assistant Clerk<strong>Synod</strong> took a five-minute break at 3:00 p.m.<strong>Synod</strong> re-convened and took up the report <strong>of</strong> theparliamentarians on the question referred to them. The ruling <strong>of</strong> theparliamentarians was that the motion is out <strong>of</strong> order for thefollowing reasons:1. Actions <strong>of</strong> one <strong>Synod</strong> are not binding on another <strong>Synod</strong>.2. <strong>Synod</strong> cannot impose upon a previous <strong>Synod</strong> an interpretation <strong>of</strong> tievotes on overtures inaugurated in the present <strong>Synod</strong>.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 135However, no specific rules applying to this situation can be found in theConstitution.A motion to re-consider the overture tally <strong>of</strong> the 1994 <strong>Synod</strong>and to declare the expression <strong>of</strong> the overture to be the law and order<strong>of</strong> the church was presented.The motion was ruled out <strong>of</strong> order by the parliamentarians. Theruling <strong>of</strong> the parliamentarians was brought into question. <strong>Synod</strong>sustained the ruling <strong>of</strong> the parliamentarians.By more than a two-thirds vote, the following motion wasconsidered by the <strong>Synod</strong>:Whereas we believe that the abstinence clause <strong>of</strong> ordination query #8 isnot part <strong>of</strong> the New Testament description <strong>of</strong> the characteristics <strong>of</strong> elders andgoes beyond the testimony <strong>of</strong> the church,and whereas a number <strong>of</strong> synods have voted to change this abstinenceclause to bringit into conformity with the Word <strong>of</strong> God,and whereas a majority <strong>of</strong> elders has repeatedly voted to change thisclause, while a minority <strong>of</strong> sessions has resisted reformation <strong>of</strong> ordinationquery #8,be it resolved by the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>1995</strong> that ecclesiastical discipline andexclusion from <strong>of</strong>fice be suspended for all who take exception to theabstinence clause <strong>of</strong> Query #8 for conscience's sake, provided that theycommit themselves to Christian sobriety and love for the brethren and thepeace <strong>of</strong> the church.James Carson led the court in prayer.The resolution was adopted.Bruce Parnell, Roy Blackwood, Don Birdsall, Andy McCrackenand Sam Boyle asked that their dissents to this action be recorded.The time was extended to complete the agenda.It was moved and seconded that the special resolution regardingthe suspension <strong>of</strong> discipline and exclusion from <strong>of</strong>fice be reconsideredand that we proceed to a vote without debate. The question wasdivided. <strong>Synod</strong> agreed to reconsider the resolution. <strong>Synod</strong> agreed todebate the resolution. After debate, the resolution was againadopted.Robert McCracken, Tim McCracken, Barry York, Mel Martin,Ken McBurney, Wade Mann, Harold McCrory John Smith, JackBaumgrtner, Scott McBurney, Ray Morton, Robert McMillan, JohnEdgar, Curtis Porter, Harold Faris, John Mitchell Jay Worsham, JerryO'Neill, Jim Wright and Bruce Adams recorded their dissents to thisaction. The dissents recorded before re-consideration were declaredto continue to stand.The chairman <strong>of</strong> the Committee to revise the Directory ForWorship brought the following recommendation which was approvedand is as follows:


136 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEREPORT OF THE COMMITTEETO REVISE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIPThat Sessions as well as individual members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> study the proposedreplacement "Directory for the Public Worship <strong>of</strong> God" written by GordonKeddie and send suggested changes to :The Committee to Revise the Directory for Worshipc/o Dr. Bruce C. Stewart7959 Remington DrivePittsburgh, PA 15237Proposed changes to this replacement Directory should be sent beforeOctober 1, 1996 to enable the Committee to bring a revised Directory tothe 1997 <strong>Synod</strong>.Both this replacement Directory and the Revised Directory are printed inthe Appendix to the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Minutes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.The report <strong>of</strong> the Resolution <strong>of</strong> Thanks Committee was taken up,approved and is as follows:RESOLUTION OF THANKS"Praise the Lord! Praise the name <strong>of</strong> the Lord; Praise Him, O servants <strong>of</strong>the Lord, you who stand in the house <strong>of</strong> the Lord, in the courts <strong>of</strong> the house<strong>of</strong> our God! Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; Sing praises to His name,forit is lovely. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His ownpossession." (Psalm 135:1-4)We, the 166th <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the RPCNA, who stand in the courts <strong>of</strong> thehouse <strong>of</strong> our God, give thanks and praise through Jesus Christ to the Lord <strong>of</strong>Glory, whose blessings have abounded to His unworthy servants throughoutthis past week <strong>of</strong> deliberations. We would like first <strong>of</strong> all to thank the Lordour God for drawing us to himself, and for fitting us for this <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> serviceinto which He has called us. We confess that without His help we are nothing,and all <strong>of</strong> our efforts are futile.We would also like to thank Him for giving us the members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>who have worked so hard behind the scenes to take care <strong>of</strong> the matters whichthe court itself could not deal with effectively or efficiently. The gifts andgrace which have been bestowed on these people are evident in the smooth,relatively snag-free background in which the court has proceeded todeliberate.We thank God for the Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Committee. Through their giftsand diligence, the basic needs <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>, as well as a certain level <strong>of</strong>decision making, has been taken out <strong>of</strong> the hands <strong>of</strong> the general court, sothat we could devote more <strong>of</strong> our time and energies to the business at hand,the deliberations over this branch <strong>of</strong> the house <strong>of</strong> God.We thank Him for the Arrangements committee, for dealing with thedetails which are <strong>of</strong>ten taken for granted, and taking care <strong>of</strong> the basic needs<strong>of</strong> our physical bodies. The difficulty <strong>of</strong> this task is well known to themembers <strong>of</strong> this court (which is why we all assiduously avoid nomination),


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 137and the dedication and devotion <strong>of</strong> the committee is deeply appreciated. Wealso wish to thank our Lord for Cliff Glovier for all the help he has beenbefore, during, and surely after this 166th meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.We thank God for the Moderator, Dr. Robert M. Copeland, for hisguiding hand and level head, for his daily reminders <strong>of</strong> the proper behaviorsin the courts <strong>of</strong> our LORD. We thank God for working through ourModerator to restrain the emotions that would dishonor us before ourbrothers and our Lord, and harm the witness <strong>of</strong> the Church, the Bride <strong>of</strong>Christ.We praise God for the clerks, Bruce Martin and Ray Morton, for theconcentration and dedication that they have put forth during the past week.Though the position <strong>of</strong> Moderator is sometimes viewed as the <strong>of</strong>fice mostnecessary to the smooth operation <strong>of</strong> the church court, we all know thatit isthe clerk. The hand that wields the pen (or keyboard) holds the reins, sinceif it is not written down it never happened. We appreciate the humble,dedicated way that these men have undertaken their task. May they neverstep down.We thank God for the men who have led us in devotions and prayerevery day throughout the week. We thank the Lord for providing men <strong>of</strong>this caliber to the church, for Her health and edification. We thank the Lordfor giving these men a measure <strong>of</strong> the wisdom and caring spirit that He has.May we all remember to take the teachings and the prayer requests we havereceived back home for the building up <strong>of</strong> the church.We would like to thank God as well for the employees <strong>of</strong> GenevaCollege, who have taken care <strong>of</strong> our needs over the past week, <strong>of</strong>ten goingbeyond what was needed. In all things, a caring, loving atmosphere has beenmade available for the meeting <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>.We thank God for the humble and willing service <strong>of</strong> Keith Black, BrianCoombs, Aaron Goerner, and Tom Gray, the pages for this meeting. Maythey learn to serve the church through the serving <strong>of</strong> her court.We thank God for Judy Linhart's tireless work 'behind the scenes' as shehelped numerous committees and individuals with the production <strong>of</strong> theirreports and assisted in preparation <strong>of</strong> the travel fund checks.We thank God for His provision <strong>of</strong> wisdom (and humility) to theParliamentarians, who have helped keep us straight on the finer points <strong>of</strong>procedure.And finally, we thank our God for all <strong>of</strong> the other committees servingthe <strong>Synod</strong> this year, and those continuing in the service <strong>of</strong> the Lord's church.May the Great God continue to supply His servants with the strength andwisdom to carry on in the tasks that they bear.Respectfully submitted,Larry BumpDoug Comin, ChairmanVince Scavo


138 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEThe Moderator was given a rising vote <strong>of</strong> thanks by the members<strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> for a job well done under difficult circumstances at times.The minutes were read and approved.<strong>Synod</strong> took recess at 5:10 p.m. for supper to re-convene at 6:00p.m. The Moderator led in prayer <strong>of</strong> recess.THURSDAY, JUNE 22, <strong>1995</strong>, 6:00 P.M.<strong>Synod</strong> reconvened at 6:00 p.m. for the concluding worshipservice. Jim Wright led in the singing <strong>of</strong> Psalm 36B and Ray Mortonled in prayer.The roll was set out on a table for delegates to mark followingadjournment.Wayne Spear was in charge <strong>of</strong> the closing devotional service.<strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm 118C. Mr. Spear led in prayer, read John 12:20-26 and preached God's Word on the theme, "The Call to HisServants." The devotional service was concluded with the singing <strong>of</strong>Psalm 126A.Following announcements, <strong>Synod</strong> sang Psalm I33A andadjourned at 7:00 p.m. The Moderator led in the prayer <strong>of</strong>adjournment and declared <strong>Synod</strong> to be adjourned to meet July 12-18, 1997, at William Jewell College, Liberty Missouri, at 7:30 p.m.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 139APPENDIXMEMORIAL FOR REV. H. WALDO MITCHELThe Rev. H. Waldo Mitchel was born July 23, 1906, in Winchester, Ks.His parents were William W. and Anna Coulter Dill Mitchel. He had onesister and two brothers. One brother died at an early age. He grew up inthe Winchester area, attending grade school and high school there. He joinedthe Winchester R.P. Church as a boy <strong>of</strong> 12 in 1918. When he was 13 yearsold he was stricken with "polio" and had to use crutches for a number <strong>of</strong>years. Then after an operation he was able to walk without the crutches butalways with some limitations.After finishing High School, Waldo went to Highland College there inKansas, for two years. He then went to Geneva College, in Beaver Falls, Pa.for the rest <strong>of</strong> his college career, graduating in the Class <strong>of</strong> 1928 with a B.A.Degree.Waldo entered the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa.that Fall (1928). He was under the care <strong>of</strong> Kansas Presbytery. He waslicensed to preach the Gospel May 21,1930, and a year later graduatedfrom the Seminary and was ordained and installed in the Stafford R.P.Church, Stafford, Ks. June 6,1931.He served in several congregations over the next 46 years <strong>of</strong> his activeministry. He was married to Esther Sanderson June 15, 1932, after he hadbeen in Stafford a year. Later they moved from Stafford (released Nov.8,1937) to Sparta, IL, where they served from Nov. 30, 1937, to Oct. 17,1945. Then they moved to Blanchard, IA, where they served from Nov.12, 1945, to Jan. 15, 1952. Their next field <strong>of</strong> service was the Lake RenoCongregation, near Glenwood, MN, where they served from May 2, 1952,through Mar. 5, 1957. They then moved to Walton, N.Y. where theyserved from Mar. 29, 1957, through Feb. 12, 1972. At that time theymoved to Cambridge, MA, and were there from Apr. 28, 1972, throughNov. 30, 1977.The time had come for Waldo to retire from the active pastorate and heand Esther moved to Topeka, KS where he continued to preach in variouscongregations in the area for about 10 years.Now we need to go back and say that after their marriage in June, 1932,there were four children born to them over the years. Marjorie Ann Russell,Jean McFarland, Paul and Robert Mitchel completed the family. There arealso 10 grandchildren.They were all very special to Waldo and Esther.Other items <strong>of</strong> interest in his life: Waldo served as Assistant Clerk <strong>of</strong><strong>Synod</strong> from 1953 through 1960. He received an honorary degree fromGeneva College in 1963. He was moderator <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> in 1968. He editedthe Religious news page <strong>of</strong> the Covenanter Witness 1960-63. He served wellon several Boards and Committees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> and <strong>of</strong> the various Presbyterieswhere they lived. After retirment he was elected a Ruling Elder <strong>of</strong> the


140 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THETopeka Congregation which position he held for 10 years. Then he andEsther moved to the R.P. Home in Pittsburgh, PA in August, 1992.Waldo was a quiet man, very conscientious, a good student <strong>of</strong> the Word<strong>of</strong> God and an earnest preacher. He was a good pastor <strong>of</strong> the flock. Heloved his family. He was a faithful servant <strong>of</strong> the Lord and <strong>of</strong> His Church.Waldo died April 28, <strong>1995</strong>. He is missed by family and friends, but werejoice with him as he has entered into the joy <strong>of</strong> His Lord and has receivedthe promised blessing given a faithful servant by a loving Heavenly Father."Precious in the sight <strong>of</strong> the Lord is the death <strong>of</strong> His saints."REPORT OF THE REFORMATION TRANSLATIONFELLOWSHIPDear Fathers and Brothers,I Corinthians 16:9 states "for a wide door for effective service hasopened to me, and there are many adversaries." It has been 100 years sincethe first RPCNA missionaries were sent to China. The R.T.F. was anoutgrowth <strong>of</strong> those efforts. As we look at what is happening today, we cansay that despite the hindrances and opposition which exist, the Lord hasopened a wide door for the Reformation Translation Fellowship to serve inthe growth <strong>of</strong> God's Kingdom. We rejoice at the opportunities for ministryamong the Chinese which the Lord has given to us.During 1994, Dr. Charles Chao had the opportunity to return to hisnative land and be involved in theological training <strong>of</strong> itinerant evangelists <strong>of</strong>the House Church in China. Materials translated and published by the R.T.F.assisted him in this work. We trust that God will allow us to continue to sendR.T.F. into mainland China and will open up further opportunities for Dr.Chao to minister personally in this way. The possibility <strong>of</strong> publishing R.T.F.materials in mainland China is being investigated. This would allow them tobe produced at a much lower cost. Dr. Chao continues his faithful labors <strong>of</strong>translation and publication, presently working on an expansion <strong>of</strong> TheDictionary <strong>of</strong> Theological Terms. We are thankful for his continued goodhealth and labors for the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> God. As Board President, Dr. RobertHeimburger works tirelessly at promoting the ministry <strong>of</strong> the R.T.F. andcommunicating what is currently happening with the R.T.F.More reformed writings continue to be translated and published inChinese. Last year saw the publication in Chinese <strong>of</strong> The Glorious Body <strong>of</strong>Christ by R. B. Kuiper. The History <strong>of</strong> Christianity, Behind a FrowningProvidence by John J. Murray, The Experience That Counts by JonathanEdwards, The Art <strong>of</strong> Christian Living by Ralph Heynen, and Christianity andWestern Culture by Albert Greene, Jr. Funds have been set aside for theupcoming printing <strong>of</strong> the next edition <strong>of</strong> The Dictionary <strong>of</strong> TheologicalTerms. The Chinese Community Church <strong>of</strong> Indianapolis has begun a lendinglibrary using R.T.F. books. Our prayer is that this effort will make R.T.F.books better known to Chinese readers in North America.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHThe R.T.F. is thankful for the faithful support <strong>of</strong> many individuals,congregations, and especially the Foreign Mission Board <strong>of</strong> the RPCNA. Weknow that the prayers <strong>of</strong> many on behalf <strong>of</strong> the R.T.F. are vital to its workand ministry. The work <strong>of</strong> the R.T.F. is becoming more widely known invarious <strong>Reformed</strong> circles and the number <strong>of</strong> non-RP congregations andindividuals supporting the ministry financially is increasing. A number <strong>of</strong>congregations participated in the Remember China Day emphasis, for whichwe are thankful. Norman Carson, Beverly Carson, and Thomas Reid wereadded as new members <strong>of</strong> the American Board. S. Bruce Willson andWilliam Metcalfe were made directors emeritus at our 1994 meeting. Weare currently investigating the possibility <strong>of</strong> forming a Canadian Board, as oursupport and interest from Canada has been increasing.Many have helped to keep the overhead costs <strong>of</strong> the R.T.F. extremelylow (approximately 5% for 1994). We are grateful to the Bloomington, IN,RPC for providing free <strong>of</strong>fice space andits members in providing assistancewith various mailings. We are also grateful to Robb Tweddell for his vitalsupport in providing the mailing labels at nominal cost. We are also thankfulfor the efforts <strong>of</strong> Laurence Curry for auditing the books without charge.I try to keep a supply <strong>of</strong> R.T.F. books and pamphlets on hand inBloomington. Please be aware <strong>of</strong> the Chinese readers who may be in yourareas <strong>of</strong> ministry and the resources available through the R.T.F. I also havecopies available <strong>of</strong> Dr. Chao's autobiography Out <strong>of</strong> the Tiger's Mouth.Recommendation: That Dr. Charles Chao be given 10 minutes toaddress the court.Respectfully submitted,William L. RobertsHIREFORMED PRESBYTERIANHOMEREPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATORThe Home's scope <strong>of</strong> services took on a different picture as we addedmore personal services in the Residential Unit. The results <strong>of</strong> a surveyindicated that our market called for such a change. Following planning, policyapproval and financial analysis, we began <strong>of</strong>fering more personal care inOctober 1994. Members <strong>of</strong> the Home Administration met with residents toexplain how the charging system for the different levels <strong>of</strong> personal care areto be handled beginning January <strong>1995</strong>. The Home continues to provideindependent retirement living and 24-hour nursing care with a staff/residentratio that far surpasses the minimum hours required by federal and stateregulations.During 1994, the Home implemented an alternate residential paymentplan (Plan B) which does not have a Refundable Life Use Fee (RLUF).Residents who choose Plan B pay a higher monthly rate. We alsoimplemented a discounted rate for a second person in a residential room.


142 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEInformation about the plans are available and may be secured by writing tothe Home.The Home <strong>of</strong>fers rehabilitation services which help individuals deal withthe aging process and setbacks which come with strokes and injuries. Inaddition to our staff, we utilize pr<strong>of</strong>essional therapists for physical therapy,occupational therapy and speech therapy.In 1994, our average occupancy rate for the Nursing Unit was 95%.This is a healthy rate. The average occupancy rate for theResidential/Personal Care Unit for the same period was 75%. We anticipatethis rate improving with our new personal care services.In 1994 our loss from operations was $336,903. This loss was met bynon-operating revenues consisting <strong>of</strong> donations, bequests from the estates <strong>of</strong>Helen Goetz and Grace Farster, investment income and contributions fromthe <strong>Synod</strong>. When non-operating revenues were applied to the deficit, we hada net gain <strong>of</strong> $29,353.In April, the Home paid a retrospective bill for worker's compensation <strong>of</strong>$146,800. We were forced to use invested funds to meet this extraordinaryexpense, however, we anticipate a refund <strong>of</strong> most <strong>of</strong> that figure when allrecords close for the 1992-1993 policy year. At mid year, the Homecontracted for a new worker's compensation insurance policy which willresult in significant savings for the Home. At the same time the Home hired acompany to handle worker's claims and instituted an employee safetycommittee. These three steps have already proven beneficial, reducing claimsand insurance premiums.The major capitalized purchases for the year were eleven (11) electrichospital beds, six (6) patient lifts and computer s<strong>of</strong>tware. The new patientlifts have a significant design and functional improvement which will enhanceemployee safety and resident comfort during transfers. The s<strong>of</strong>tware willimprove reporting to regulatory agencies and allow for more efficient recordkeeping within the Home.In mid November, we learned that our mortgage with the PennsylvaniaNursing Home Loan Agency was sold to a private company. In midDecember, the company accepted our <strong>of</strong>fer to satisfy our remainingobligation <strong>of</strong> $403,000 with one final payment <strong>of</strong> $240,000. This means asavings to the Home <strong>of</strong> $163,000 (because we avoid paying interest for thenext nine years and we negotiated a 17% discount <strong>of</strong>f the remainingprincipal). We continue our monthly payments to Integra MortgageCompany on the large building mortgage. We are thankful that our interestfor this loan is currently 3.53%. This has saved us considerable interestexpense.The Home continues to provide a tax shelter annuity pension programfor its employees, and in 1994 we made an adjustment in the amount <strong>of</strong>contributions to the pension program for employees who have beenemployed longer than nineteen years. The Home continues to provide healthinsurance to employees who are scheduled to work at least 32 hours perweek.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 143One year ago we spoke about a new reimbursement system from theDepartment <strong>of</strong> Public Welfare for those on the medical assistance program.After much advocacy work from <strong>org</strong>anizations representing providers,including our PANPHA group (Pennsylvania Association <strong>of</strong> Non Pr<strong>of</strong>itHomes for the Aging), this new system was not approved because there weretoo many portions <strong>of</strong> the system which proved to be inequitable to homessuch as ours and did not allow proper reimbursement for costs. We expectthat there will be other proposals presented through the State governmentregulatory process to reimburse nursing homes based on patient acuity levels.Until then we continue to be reimbursed on an allowable per diem costsubject to a ceiling.The ministry <strong>of</strong> the Home continues to be greatly blessed by the faithfulwork <strong>of</strong> many employees. Without our dedicated staff the work <strong>of</strong> the Homewould not happen. The key personnel remain the same: Dr. Fred Martin asMedical Director, Faith Martin as Executive Director <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong><strong>Presbyterian</strong> Woman's Association, Marjorie Russell as Director <strong>of</strong> Nursing,Sandy Finnegan as Support Services Director, Mae Subasic and KathyThompson job sharing the Nursing Administration Supervisor's position, RitaWest as Nursing Unit Manager, Sylvia Lynn as Dietary Supervisor, JoanMcBurney as Social Services Counselor, Mindy Cable as Activities Director,Lisa Weinstein as Volunteer Coordinator, Steve Whewell as Supervisor <strong>of</strong>Properties, Carol Walsh as Supervisor <strong>of</strong> laundry, and Betty Lynch asSupervisor <strong>of</strong> Housekeeping. After twenty-nine years <strong>of</strong> service to theHome, Betty Lynch retired as Housekeeping Supervisor (February <strong>1995</strong>),and Janet Walsh has taken over the reins <strong>of</strong> this department. In addition tothe people mentioned, every employee <strong>of</strong> the Home plays an important dailyrole in providing loving and pr<strong>of</strong>essional care to the residents.We rejoice that God has continued to provide for the many needs <strong>of</strong> theHome. Consider for a moment some <strong>of</strong> these needs: spiritual care <strong>of</strong>residents, financial resources, dedicated and pr<strong>of</strong>essional staff, people Hesends us to care for, safety <strong>of</strong> residents and staff-just to name a few. This listdoes not include the regulatory and economic factors over which we havevery little control. Pray that our Lord will continue to give the Board andstaff keen minds and kind hearts as we faithfully carry out the mission <strong>of</strong> theHome.Respectfully submitted,William J. Weir,AdministratorREPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORIn 1993, the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Home applied to the Pitcairn-Crabbe Foundation for a grant "to fund a study which will address the longrange issues facing the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Home and ending with thespecific question regarding the feasibility (and desirability) <strong>of</strong> expansion". Thegrant was awarded in July <strong>of</strong> 1993.


144 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEAs a result <strong>of</strong> this study, the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Home has:1. added one more level <strong>of</strong> care (personal care) and2. is actively pursuing the possibility <strong>of</strong> expansion.The proposed expansion would take two forms.1. The first would be developing the present site with additionalconstruction and new services.2. The second would be the purchase <strong>of</strong> suburban property (in BeaverCounty) for the purpose <strong>of</strong> developing an independent living centerwith some personal care services.Survey: Early in 1994, we hired consultants (T sc R Associates) to conduct asurvey <strong>of</strong> our residents, residents' families and prospective residents. Thissurvey sought to assess the satisfaction level among the residents and theirfamilies and to examine the decision making process which led to theirchoosing the RP Home. Prospective residents were asked about theirimpressions <strong>of</strong> the RP Home and what they would look for in a long termcare institution.The survey revealed a keen appreciation <strong>of</strong> the Home and its servicesfrom our current residents and families. Prospective residents (oldermembers <strong>of</strong> the RPCNA) also expressed a positive view <strong>of</strong> the RP Home, butmade clear their strong desire to remain in their homes until they neededpersonal care or nursing. Surprisingly, prospective residents said that, oncethey needed assistance, finding a nursing home that <strong>of</strong>fered good care in aChristian atmosphere was more important than staying within 200 miles <strong>of</strong>their home and family.Board Retreat: In February 1994, the Board <strong>of</strong> Directors held a retreat tostudy Assisted Living. Assisted living is a new concept in long term care or avery old concept for those who remember aged people's homes operated byreligious <strong>org</strong>anizations one hundred years ago. It is a style <strong>of</strong> elder care whichuses a social-rather than a hospital-model. Assisted Living programs deliverhighly individualized care, even skilled nursing care if necessary, to residentsin private rooms or apartments without moving them to a special floor ordesignated section. Because <strong>of</strong> Pennsylvania's boarding home regulations,only a modified form <strong>of</strong> assisted living could be put into practice in the RPHome. However, many <strong>of</strong> the principles could be implemented through ourpersonal care program.Decision to Add New Level <strong>of</strong> Care: As a result <strong>of</strong> the survey and study <strong>of</strong>assisted living, we determined that our greatest need as an <strong>org</strong>anization was todevelop our residential unit into a place where frail elderly persons couldreceive personal care. In the Fall <strong>of</strong> 1994 we began <strong>of</strong>fering personal care inour Residential Unit.Refundable Life Use Fee: We learned from the survey that many potentialresidents are "put <strong>of</strong>f by the thought <strong>of</strong> paying an entrance fee and wouldrather pay a higher monthly charge. We now <strong>of</strong>fer both types <strong>of</strong> payment.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 145Community Relations: Community relations will become increasinglyimportant as the Home finds its niche in the evolving climate <strong>of</strong> health carereform. Much <strong>of</strong> what will be done for the elderly will be in the area <strong>of</strong>"community based services." The Home must be an active participant in thelife <strong>of</strong> the community. We believe that this is an essential part <strong>of</strong> our missionto serve others for the sake <strong>of</strong> Christ. Believing the mission <strong>of</strong> the RP Homeincludes a commitment to serving people in difficult circumstances andremaining a force for good in a troubled neighborhood, we have takenseveral steps to be a part <strong>of</strong> the solution.Under the oversight <strong>of</strong> the mayor's <strong>of</strong>fice, three task forces have beenformed to address issues <strong>of</strong> safety in the Perry Hilltop. These have beenplaced under the direction <strong>of</strong> the Perry Hilltop Citizen's Council. OurAdministrator has joined that <strong>org</strong>anization and has been participating in theirmeetings. Our Executive Director has been attending the Perry SouthCOP/Neighborhood Task Force. The latter is an occasion for the Pittsburghpolice and neighbors to exchange information and cooperate in combatingproblems.Participation by the Home in the neighborhood groups has been verybeneficial. In both cases, our attendance has sent a strong signal to theneighborhood that we care about conditions and are available to participatein solutions.We have also made contact with the mayor's <strong>of</strong>fice, making them aware<strong>of</strong> our safety needs. Two members <strong>of</strong> the mayor's staff attended one <strong>of</strong> ourboard meetings. Their response has been positive, and one member <strong>of</strong> themayor's staff has remained in weekly contact with the Home, <strong>of</strong>feringassistance on various issues, the most helpful being the attempt to find vacantproperty to use for auxiliary parking.Expansion: The popularity <strong>of</strong> the personal care program has promptedresearch into expansion <strong>of</strong> the RP Home with regard to this service. At thistime we are looking to develop an independent living and personal carecenter in Beaver County.Development <strong>of</strong> New Services in Pittsburgh: Equal attention is being paidto developing the Pittsburgh operation <strong>of</strong> the RP Home. The need forprotected parking for residents, visitors and employees remains a priorityalong with improving the worship facilities. Other program services which weare considering <strong>of</strong>fering in Pittsburgh are:the opening <strong>of</strong> a child day care center,physician <strong>of</strong>fices,out patient physical therapy,adult day care center andcommunity transportation services.Expansion <strong>of</strong> our nursing unit always remains a possibility, however,economic and political pressures are a definite impediment at this time.Respectfully submitted,Faith M. Martin, Executive Director


146 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEBOARD TO ADDRESS DISABILITY CONCERNSReport to <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North AmericaThe Apostle Paul admonishes the Philippian Church to "do nothing fromselfishness or empty conceit, but with humility <strong>of</strong> mind let each <strong>of</strong> you regardone another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for yourown personal interests, but also for the interests <strong>of</strong> others." With thischallenge in mind, our Board has spent the past year seeking ways to servethe interests <strong>of</strong> the physically and mentally challenged in our Church family,working mainly through the Advocates appointed in each Presbytery. OurAdvocates are highly qualified as resource persons for needs that might arisefrom individuals, their families or congregations.We have been greatly encouraged by the reports <strong>of</strong> the Advocates. Mosthave kept in touch with each congregation in the Presbytery, either by phoneor letter, encouraging and suppporting and updating our survey <strong>of</strong> disabledpersons.While the Board members work on such basics as policy, by-laws andbudgets, fund raising and newsletters, the Advocates are doing the personalministry. You will be interested in how they are being used and theirsuggestions for a deeper involvement on the part <strong>of</strong> each congregation. Hereare some <strong>of</strong> their comments:"I requested the name <strong>of</strong> one primary person to be acontact for communication in each congregation. There was apositive response from the local church representatives forassisting the disabled.""Disability Etiquette, a brochure on interacting with thedisabled, is most helpful in approaching people. I have sentapplicable material to each congregation."The need in our Presbytery is for people to be moresensitive to including families with disabled children in the socialinteraction. And the families with these children need to bemore open to instruct others how to care for their children togive them a break."Congregations seem to be most supportive and eager toaccomodate and <strong>of</strong>fer help where needed. A need I observe isspecial classes and programs <strong>of</strong> specific interest for the disabled.Training in counseling for key individuals would be helpful..."One question several advocates asked is "What is the scope<strong>of</strong> our involvement in the broad term "disabled"? Perhapsparameters could be outlined for this particular Board as to thetypes <strong>of</strong> disabilities or handicaps covered. I have been askednumerous questions regarding a variety <strong>of</strong> health issues."In response to this final question our Board is working out guidelines andclarification <strong>of</strong> their area <strong>of</strong> ministry. Likewise our Finance Committee issetting guidelines for use <strong>of</strong> the monies collected by the fund raising efforts.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 147We do not want to be top-heavy with expenses for running the Board, but atthe same time costs <strong>of</strong> postage, phone calls, and travel are realities. We hopeto keep the advocates up-to-date on services available through subscriptionsto bulletins and magazines.Goals for the coming year are to be able to provide scholarships toChristian special needs camps as matching funds with congregations; to hold aseminar at the national conference in 1996 for advocates and othersinterested in the disability ministry; to put helpful literature in eachcongregation as resource material. We rejoice that the Calvin CollegeCampus is so handicap-friendly.The Board to Address Disability Concerns would respectfully request agrant <strong>of</strong> $2,000 to help meet the expenses <strong>of</strong> our <strong>1995</strong>-96 budget.Respectfully submitted,Lynn McCracken, PresidentNATIONAL REFORMASSOCIATIONREPORT TO THE R.P.C.N.A. SYNODFROM ANDREW SANDLIN, PRESIDENTDear Brethren - After a difficult period in 1994 occassioned by theabrupt resignation <strong>of</strong> our full-time executive director, the NRA is pulling out<strong>of</strong> its difficulties and expects a bright future. We must applaud Rev. TonyCowley for his work at the helm <strong>of</strong> the Good Ship NRA during thetumultous waters <strong>of</strong> 1994 -he did an outstanding job for which we are deeplygrateful. Presently we are working toward solidifying our theological andfinancial base, key themes <strong>of</strong> our board meeting scheduled for Oct.21 atState College. Thereafter we want to generate local chapters (several groupshave already expressed interest); to upgrade the CHRISTIAN STATESMAN,whose tardy publication schedule has been almost rectified as <strong>of</strong> this writing;and to <strong>of</strong>fer intelligent, energetic speakers assisting those committed to theLordship <strong>of</strong> Christ over the nations. Of course, we have many other plans ifwe can procure the funding. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Jack Perry,noted Pennsylvania Christian politician, is our new executive director; and weare confident that his experience and expertise will be <strong>of</strong> great value to ourwork.We wish especially to assure our brothers and sisters in the RPCNA that,while the president, vice-president (Rev. Bill Einwechter), and executivedirector are not members <strong>of</strong> your august denomination, we share with youthe devotion to the Crown Rights <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ and the application <strong>of</strong> Hiswork in the political sphere. Each <strong>of</strong> us has worked tirelessly for Christian civilgovernment, and will continue to do so.We covet your sustained support.Yours for the imperial reign <strong>of</strong> ChristAndrew Sandlin, President


148 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THETHE REPORT OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN MEMBERS OF THENATIONAL REFORM ASSOCIATION... TO THE SYNOD OF THEREFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICAPsalm 33Romans 13.We as a denomination, have from the beginning proclaimed the Crownrights <strong>of</strong> Jesus over all. That message is needed today more than ever before.It has been the purpose <strong>of</strong> the NATIONAL REFORM ASSOCIATIONto remind a troubled world <strong>of</strong> this great truth, and the promise <strong>of</strong> blessingsto that nation and people whose God is the Lord.(Ps.33)The NRA has had a difficult year. There are many forces opposing thefurtherance <strong>of</strong> Christ's message and claims <strong>of</strong> sovereignty over all. But one <strong>of</strong>the problems is the apathy on the part <strong>of</strong> Christians today. We are all busy...busy in our own little world, our own local needs and problems ..so busy thatwe fail to see the bigger over-arching need to proclaim to the nation and tothe world the Crown Rights <strong>of</strong> our Living Christ. We need to work long andhard in our own areas but we must also proclaim the larger message... callingthe nation to Christ. We need to be involved in Christian politics in ourcommunity, our cities, our state, and our nation. The NRA is trying to getthis message out in our day. We are encouraging local chapters in variousparts <strong>of</strong> the country to share in this work.This past year there has been a number <strong>of</strong> changes in the leadership <strong>of</strong>the NRA. Rev. Andrew Sandlin, <strong>of</strong> Painesville, OH. was elected President. Atthat time he was a pastor in near-by Ohio. He has since moved to Murphys,Calif, and is a part <strong>of</strong> the staff <strong>of</strong> the Chalcedon Report. He is a regularcontributor to the CHRISTIAN STATESMAN. After his move he asked Dr.Jack Perry, MD, <strong>of</strong> McElhattan, PA to direct the work in the East. Dr. Perryhad been elected vice-president. He was later elected Executive Director andRev.William Einwechter, <strong>of</strong> Birdsboro, Pa. was elected vice-president.Dr.Perry is working on several ideas to try to stimulate renewed interest inthe NRA. Dr Perry made an unsuccessful run for the Governorship here inPennsylvania, running as an acknowledged Christian candidate on a very,very meager budget and made a reputable showing. He learned a lot in thatexperience and is sharing that knowledge with the <strong>org</strong>anization.Niles S. Campbell was elected Editor <strong>of</strong> the CHRISTIAN STATESMAN.He brings a lot <strong>of</strong> training and experience to the job. The CHRISTIANSTATESMAN had fallen behind in its schedule but is gradually getting backon schedule. Currently Mr. Campbell and others are working on a new designfor the CHRISTIAN STATESMAN. We trust it will continue to presenttimely and challenging articles to stimulate us to greater service to ourSovereign Lord in behalf <strong>of</strong> our nation in our day.We covet your prayers. We seek your continued support and ideas.Members <strong>of</strong> the Covenanter Church have been the main support <strong>of</strong> this<strong>org</strong>anization through the years ... now over 125 years ... and still continueto be our main source <strong>of</strong> income. We are grateful for this and we trust the


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 149Lord will give His blessing to the church and to this work for many years tocome.Respectfully submitted, in OurLord's ServiceMelville W. Martin, TreasurerOfficers....Rev. Andrew Sandlin, President1385 Roaring Camp RoadMurphys, CA. 95247Dr. Jack Perry, Exective DirectorP.O. Box 239McElhattan, PA 17748-0239Rev. William Einwechter, Vice-PresidentR.D.#I Box 228ABirdsboro, PA 19508Dr. John B. Schaefer, Secretary149 Dillon St.Beaver Falls, PA 15010Rev. Melville W. Martin, TreasurerDr. William Gould, Assistant TreasurerRPCNA members <strong>of</strong> the BoardDr. Roy AdamsRev. Bruce BackenstoRev. Douglas CominDr. William J.EdgarDr. William GouldRev. Thomas HoustonDr.Marion L.McFarlandDr.Maribel McKelvyRev. Melville W.MartinRev. Philip H.PockrasDr. John B.SchaeferMr. Dan StineMr. Randy Harris


150 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEREPORT OF THE COMMITTEETO REVISE THE DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIPIn response to a paper from the Ohio-Illinois Presbytery, the 1990<strong>Synod</strong> instructed your Committee to revise the Directory for Worship. Thethrust <strong>of</strong> the paper as well as the discussion on the floor <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> pointed usin the direction <strong>of</strong> using the present Directory as a basis for making currentapplication <strong>of</strong> the Biblical principles <strong>of</strong> worship.The Committee presented a proposed revision to the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1991.Both in correspondence and in discussion on the floor <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, there wasconcurrence that we should not merely update the wording <strong>of</strong> the document,but also incorporate a tone which would more positively express thereverence and joy and thanksgiving <strong>of</strong> our approach as we respond to ourGod's gracious call to worship. The <strong>Synod</strong> approved this approach, and theCommittee was asked to bring in another Revision <strong>of</strong> the Directory. Wewere also asked to include an explanation <strong>of</strong> what constitutes worship andnon-worship situations or activities in the use <strong>of</strong> the Psalms; since decisions <strong>of</strong>the 1972 <strong>Synod</strong> relate to these distinctions, it was recommended that weincorporate material which was approved by that <strong>Synod</strong>.Subsequent revisions were brought to both the 1993 and 1994 <strong>Synod</strong>s.We have followed the precedent <strong>of</strong> the Committee to Revise the Form <strong>of</strong>Church Government in making the proposed Directory for Worship a manual<strong>of</strong> definitions, procedures and guidelines for families and congregations intheir family and corporate worship. The proposed Directory upholds thedoctrinal position <strong>of</strong> the Church regarding worship, but relegates theargumentation <strong>of</strong> that doctrine to the Westminster Standards and ourTestimony.The initial revision <strong>of</strong> the Directory <strong>of</strong> Worship must be approved by atwo-thirds vote <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong>, and by overture to the sessions <strong>of</strong> the Church.When approved, the revised Directory is to be received as a subordinatestandard declaring the law and order <strong>of</strong> the Church. Following its adoption,the Directory may be amended by any <strong>Synod</strong> by a two-thirds majority vote.If, however, <strong>Synod</strong> considers that the item before it should have theconsideration and discussion <strong>of</strong> the sessions, it can by a simple majority votedecide to use the procedure <strong>of</strong> sending proposed amendments down inoverture. Such amendments must be adopted by a two-thirds vote <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Synod</strong> before they can be sent down in overture to the Sessions.At the 1993 <strong>Synod</strong> there was opportunity for discussion and forrecommendations to the Committee. In 1994, pressure <strong>of</strong> other businessprevented discussion <strong>of</strong> the Revision which was brought to that <strong>Synod</strong>.Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> were asked to send additional recommendations to thecommittee. Four Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> responded: two suggested severalchanges to the 1994 Revision; two suggested a different approach flowingfrom the historical Westminster Directory for Worship.While we know that the Church would like to have the new Directory ForWorship available, and while your Committee would like to complete this taskas soon as possible, we want to have a document which will clearly inform the


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHChurch <strong>of</strong> the Twenty-first Century in a way which will be in harmony withwhat God commands in His Word. We feel that the Revision presented in1994 is a great improvement on the present Directory; there still may beportions which <strong>Synod</strong> may want to amend. (This proposed Revision isreproduced in the <strong>1995</strong> Docket and Digest <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>. The only change thatwas made in the 1994 Revision was the deletion <strong>of</strong> "and the state" fromChapter 1, paragraph I, line 2.)We also were sent a proposed Replacement for the entire Directorywhich is based on the historical Westminster Directory for Worship. Whileyour Committee may not approve <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> it, we acknowledge that it hasmuch to commend it. (This proposed replacement has been printed in theSpring <strong>1995</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> Semper Reformanda, and we arranged with theeditors to make copies available for all <strong>of</strong> the delegates <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>.)Recognizing that synod will not be meeting in 1996, we recommend that<strong>Synod</strong> decide to choose one <strong>of</strong> two options for action at this meeting <strong>of</strong><strong>Synod</strong>:(1) Proceed to discuss and adopt the 1994 proposed revision withpossible amendments.(2) Proceed to discuss and adopt the proposed substitute Replacementdocument with possible amendments.We recommend the following procedure:1. That following the precedent in handling the Revision <strong>of</strong> theTestimony and the Revision <strong>of</strong> the Form <strong>of</strong> Church Government, that 15minutes be allotted for floor discussion and debate on each chapter <strong>of</strong> theproposed Directory for Worship, and that individual speakers be limited tothree minutes. No amendments shall be allowed from the floor. Eachchapter will be voted on in its entirety; approval requires a two-thirds vote.2. That failure to achieve a two thirds vote on any chapter will have theeffect <strong>of</strong> returning that chapter to the Committee for revision in light <strong>of</strong> thefloor discussion.3. That when each chapter has received the necessary two-thirds vote <strong>of</strong>the <strong>Synod</strong>, the entire Directory for Worship be submitted to the Sessions inoverture, and that the Sessions be asked to vote on each chapter separately,thereby allowing Sessions, if in disagreement with a portion <strong>of</strong> the Directory,to vote in favor <strong>of</strong> chapters with which they stand in agreement.4. That any chapter not approved in overture be returned to theCommittee for revision and resubmission to the <strong>Synod</strong> and the Sessions.5. That the revised Directory for Worship replace the present Directoryfor Worship only upon approval <strong>of</strong> all the chapters and the declaration by<strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> their adoption.Respectfully submitted,Robert CopelandRaymond JosephJerry MilroyWilliam RussellBruce Stewart, ChairmanIU


152 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE(This revision <strong>of</strong> the Directory for Worship, prepared by <strong>Synod</strong>'scommittee, is printed here for information. The replacement revisionprepared by Gordon Keddie has been approved by <strong>Synod</strong> as the documentfrom which to begin the revision <strong>of</strong> the Directory for Worship and thatreplacement follows immediately after the Committee's proposed revision.)PROPOSED REVISIONTHE DIRECTORY FOR THE WORSHIPOF GODThe biblical and doctrinal bases for the Directory for Worshin the Westminster Confession <strong>of</strong> Faith and the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>Testimony, Chapters 20-22 and 25-29, and corresponding sections <strong>of</strong> thesubordinate standards.Chapter 1: THE ESSENCE OF WORSHIP. 1. "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. "(Shorter Catechism, A. 1). Congregational worship is the highest joy,privilege and duty redeemed man can <strong>of</strong>fer to glorify and enjoy the TriuneGod, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Worshipis to be <strong>of</strong>fered in harmony withthe Scriptural principal that only whatis warranted in Scripture (WCF 1:6) isproperin the worship <strong>of</strong> God. The purpose <strong>of</strong> the Directory for Worship isto guide God's people in giving glory to God as they gather together asfamilies and congregations. This Directorywill help God's people throughtheir worship to acknowledge their commitment to Christ, to grow spiritually,to encourage one another, and to serve Him in the Church and before theworld.2. The covenanted worshipping institutions recognized in Godare (in addition to the individual), the family and the church. Individuals andfamilies should faithfully participate in the regularly appointed public worshipon the Lord's Day.Individual Worship3. Individual worship consists <strong>of</strong> praise, prayer, Scripture reading andmeditation, and should be engaged in regularly each day. Such individualworshipis essential to growth in grace and to the promotion <strong>of</strong> holiness <strong>of</strong>life and character.Family Worship4. Family worshipis the daily gathering <strong>of</strong> the household for the purpose<strong>of</strong> praise, Scripture reading and prayer. Devotional material may help betterto understand the Word. This serviceis a distinguishing mark <strong>of</strong> a Christianhome, andis essential to the development <strong>of</strong> family religion. The head <strong>of</strong> thefamilyis responsible for this important service andall available members <strong>of</strong>the household should be present and may be invited to take some part.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1535 . Family religion should recognize that God is Lord <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> life. Thiswill include thanksgiving for God's provisions, and prayer for His blessings onall <strong>of</strong> the activities <strong>of</strong> the family.777!? Church at Worship6. Divine worship must be in spirit and in truth. Worshipers who enterthe house <strong>of</strong> God come into the presence <strong>of</strong> Him who is infinite and eternal.From the Call to Worship to the Benediction, the public and corporateworship <strong>of</strong> God should proclaim the church as one body united in expressingher joy, adoration and praise <strong>of</strong> God the Father, God the Son and God theHoly Spirit.7. From the resurrection <strong>of</strong> Christ, God appointed the first day <strong>of</strong> theweek, the Christian Sabbath, the Lord's Day, to be devoted to His worship.The session may designate additional times for public worship, for prayer,repentance, thanksgiving, and public covenanting.8. Sanctification <strong>of</strong> the Day requires preparation beforehand and diligentattendance upon the ordinances <strong>of</strong> public worship, unless providentiallyhindered. The Lord's Day may be further observed by personal Bible readingand study, instructing and catechizing the children in the home, familyworship, and visiting the sick.9. No unchangeable order <strong>of</strong> corporate worship should be established bythe church, but the following elements are ScripturaUy authorized: call toworship, praise, corporate confession <strong>of</strong> faith, prayer, the presentation <strong>of</strong><strong>of</strong>ferings, the reading <strong>of</strong> Scripture, preaching the Word, the sacraments andthe benediction.10. The public worship <strong>of</strong> Almighty God should be conducted in dignityand reasonable comfort. Though a dedicated building is not necessary, theworshipping congregation should maintain suitable facilities which contributetoward the worship <strong>of</strong> our holy God.Chapter 2: THE PARTS OF PUBLIC WORSHIP1. The Scriptures do not prescribe an order <strong>of</strong> worship. The following isa suggested order for congregational Sabbath-morning worship: call toworship; singing <strong>of</strong> a Psalm; prayer <strong>of</strong> adoration; the reading <strong>of</strong> a Psalm andits explanation; singing the Psalm; receiving <strong>of</strong> tithes and <strong>of</strong>ferings; reading <strong>of</strong>Scripture; preaching the Word; prayer; singing a Psalm; and the Benediction.The order <strong>of</strong> these parts may be varied, and every public worship serviceneed not include all these elements. Small-group, family, and individualworship will be simpler.Welcome and announcements2. The pastor or the one presiding may appropriately welcome thecongregation to worship, in the name <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ.


154 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE3. A printed bulletin giving the order <strong>of</strong> service is helpful, especially forvisitors, and may include announcements <strong>of</strong> congregational activities andother information <strong>of</strong> general interest. The congregation should learn todepend on the bulletin, so that verbal announcements from the pulpit can bekept to a minimum. Such verbal announcements as are necessary should bemade before the beginning <strong>of</strong> worship.Call to Worship4. As the service begins, the congregation is called to worship formally.This may be done explicitly by the reading <strong>of</strong> Scripture calling on God'speople to worship Him or giving reasons for worship. Many Scripturepassages are well-suited to this purpose. The congregation may be asked tojoin in the call to worship as a unison or responsive reading.The Singing <strong>of</strong> Praise5 . The singing <strong>of</strong> praise is an ordinance <strong>of</strong> worship and is expressed inwords set to music. The Psalms <strong>of</strong> the Bible, by reason <strong>of</strong> their excellence andtheir Divine inspiration and appointment, are to be sung in the worship <strong>of</strong>God, to the exclusion <strong>of</strong> all songs and hymns <strong>of</strong> human composition. Theyare to be sung without the accompaniment <strong>of</strong> instruments, inasmuch as theseare not authorized in the New Testament.6. All the people are under obligation to praise God and to singthoughtfully, reverently, and fervently, with grace in the heart. Thecongregation may be helped toward more glorious praise by instruction insinging and the reading <strong>of</strong> music, and by practice on new or unfamiliar tunes.Such instruction, however, should be outside the service <strong>of</strong> worship.7. Those who lead the singing in public worship should if possible bemembers <strong>of</strong> the congregation, and in any case must be persons <strong>of</strong> recognizedChristian character. The precentor may use a pitch pipe, tuning fork, orother instrument to obtain accurate pitch, but this should be inconspicuous.8. The oversight <strong>of</strong> the singing <strong>of</strong> praise in the congregation belongs tothe session. A choir may be formed to help lead in praise if the congregationwishes this and has sufficient vocal resources. Singing must not be left to thechoir, although under the guidance <strong>of</strong> session, for specific purposes, or inunusual circumstances, the choir may sing by itself. Congregational singingmust always be the rule.Psalm Explanation9. The Psalms have a depth <strong>of</strong> meaning and beauty which cannot be fullyappreciated without careful study. Since we sing the Psalms in worshipexclusively, it is most important that our people understand what they aresinging. Therefore there is value in explaining a Psalm or portion <strong>of</strong> a Psalmbefore singing it, and for this the pastor should make careful preparation


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 155Before singing any Psalm it is desirable to say a few words pointing out itstheme or why it has been chosen. This is especially important with lessfamiliar or more difficult Psalms. The pastor and congregation should not fallinto the habit <strong>of</strong> using only certain favorite Psalms.Responses <strong>of</strong> God's People10. The pastor or others may present a report on some special work <strong>of</strong>the church, a personal testimony <strong>of</strong> God's grace, or other material which willedify the congregation and glorify God. The congregation may be asked tojoin in a corporate affirmation <strong>of</strong> faith, such as the Covenant <strong>of</strong> ChurchMembership or the Apostles' Creed.Prayer11. Prayer is an ordinance <strong>of</strong> public worship in which ordinarily oneperson leads the worshipers and speaks for them to God. It is to be <strong>of</strong>feredwith careful preparation in the name <strong>of</strong> Christ, with the utmost reverence inthought, language and manner, and with that deep humility which becomessinners in approaching the presence <strong>of</strong> the Holy God.12. The number <strong>of</strong> prayers should be determined by the nature andpurpose <strong>of</strong> the service. A second service is usually less formal than that <strong>of</strong> themorning, and a different order may be followed. The following types <strong>of</strong>prayer are usually to be included in a Sabbath-morning service: The openingprayer should recognize the presence and power <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit for thepreparation <strong>of</strong> the hearts <strong>of</strong> the people, and for guidance and blessing inevery part <strong>of</strong> the service.The intercessory prayer should be carefully planned. It should becomprehensive, but not prolonged, and should include adoration,thanksgiving, confession and petition for ourselves and others. It should beadapted to the circumstances and needs <strong>of</strong> the worshipers. The petitions andintercession may include requests for our own congregation, and our churchand all her representatives; for the Church <strong>of</strong> God in her many branches andfor the extension <strong>of</strong> the Kingdom throughout the world; for our communityand nation with those who are in places <strong>of</strong> authority and trust; for every classand condition <strong>of</strong> men and for the nations <strong>of</strong> the earth; and for the universalacknowledgment <strong>of</strong> Christ as Savior and King.The prayer following the sermon properly asks God to impress the truthon the hearts <strong>of</strong> the hearers, and to accept graciously the worship that hasbeen <strong>of</strong>fered.13. Scripture does not command any particular posture for prayer, butdoes give examples <strong>of</strong> postures that are suitable signs <strong>of</strong> reverence. Thecondition for acceptable prayer is a reverent, humble attitude in the heart.14. When persons other than the pastor are asked to pray in any worshipservice, they should be given time for thoughtful preparation. The


156 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEcongregation may all join in the Lord's Prayer, and may give their assent by acorporate "Amen" at the close <strong>of</strong> any prayer.77?e Offering15. God requires His people to give a portion <strong>of</strong> their substance to Him;and this should be done cheerfully, regularly, and as He has prospered them.Every member <strong>of</strong> the church should participate in this act <strong>of</strong> worship, andshould adopt some definite system or proportion in giving, based on the titheas a minimum. The receiving <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fering may be preceded or followed bya brief prayer. It may be appropriate that a deacon do this.16. To prepare them for this worship, ministers, elders and the financial<strong>of</strong>ficers should instruct the people concerning the duty <strong>of</strong> giving and theprogram <strong>of</strong> the church. They should teach the children that they have arightful part in the life and work <strong>of</strong> the church and a responsibility for itssupport. The individual's first obligation is to his own congregation, and tothe entire work <strong>of</strong> the church as carefully planned by the Presbytery and<strong>Synod</strong>. In addition to this, he may contribute to such other Kingdom work asthe church or his own spiritual interest suggests. The approval <strong>of</strong> the sessionis required before a special <strong>of</strong>fering for an object not connected with the<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church may be announced or received by thecongregation or by any <strong>of</strong> its <strong>org</strong>anizations. Session may wish to give thecongregation guidelines for their personal giving, beyond the tithe, to otherChristian and charitable work.Reading the Scriptures17. The reading <strong>of</strong> the Word <strong>of</strong> God is a necessary part <strong>of</strong> publicworship, and should have a place in every service. Readings from both theOld and New Testament should be encouraged. The Scripture passagesshould be carefully read so that their meaning may be conveyed to thehearers, who should regard the reading <strong>of</strong> the Scriptures as God's message tothem. It may be helpful to read in unison or responsively.The Sermon18. The sermon is based upon a passage or passages <strong>of</strong> Scripture,unfolding the truth taught and applying it to the hearts and consciences <strong>of</strong>the hearers, including the children. Its purpose is to convict and convertsinners, to lead them to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, to build themup in the most holy faith, and to fill them with zeal for the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> Godon earth, that they may glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The minister isordained to bear witness for the whole truth as it is in Jesus Christ and againstall error, wrong and injustice, without respect <strong>of</strong> persons.19. The minister is to prepare for preaching by much study <strong>of</strong> the Word<strong>of</strong> God and prayer. He should read widely and keep abreast <strong>of</strong> the social anddoctrinal issues and the scholarship <strong>of</strong> the times. His message should be


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 157adapted both in content and delivery to his audience. He should seek the aid<strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit that he may declare the whole counsel <strong>of</strong> God.20. The worshipers in the fact and manner <strong>of</strong> their attention have a partin preaching. They should attend upon it "with diligence, preparation, andprayer, receive it with faith and love, lay it up in their hearts, and practiceitin their lives" (Shorter Catechism, A. 90). A sermon outline, either printedor emphasized as part <strong>of</strong> the sermon during its delivery, may help thecongregation follow and remember the sermon. Individuals who wish tointerject "Amen" or other spontaneous signs <strong>of</strong> approval during the sermonshould have this freedom if it does not become disruptive.21. The pastor or someone authorized by the session may at some pointin the service give a message especially suited to children.22. The sacraments are a part <strong>of</strong> the public worship. See Chapter 3 .777i? Benediction23. The public worship should be concluded with a benediction,pronounced upon the people by an ordained elder. The common form is:"The grace <strong>of</strong> the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love <strong>of</strong> God, and thecommunion <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen" (II Cor. 13:14).Scripture supplies several suitable benedictions (for example, Heb. 13:20-21,I Cor. 1:3; Eph. 6:23-24; II Thes. 3:16).24. The people should wait quietly and reverently to receive thebenediction. The bestowal <strong>of</strong> the blessing <strong>of</strong> God the Father, Son and HolySpirit upon the people is a high and holy duty and privilege <strong>of</strong> an ordainedelder. The benediction is a pronouncement, not a closing prayer. It shouldnot become a mere formality for dismissing the congregation. Worshipersmay either look at the one pronouncing the benediction or bow their headsin reverent submission to God.Chapter 3: THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTSI. The sacraments <strong>of</strong> the church under the New Covenant are Baptismand the Lord's Supper. These are to be administered according to Christ'sappointment, and only by teaching elders <strong>of</strong> the church or by othersauthorized by the church to meet extraordinary circumstances. They arenormally to be administered in the regular place <strong>of</strong> worship and in connectionwith a service <strong>of</strong> worship.Baptism2. Since baptism symbolizes entrance into Christ and His people, aperson is to be baptized only once. Its symbol is water, which, having beenset apart by prayer for sacramental use, may be applied by sprinkling orpouring though immersion is acceptable.


158 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE3. Baptism is to be administered to those who make a credible pr<strong>of</strong>ession<strong>of</strong> their faith in Christ, and to their children. The Sacrament should bepreceded by an explanation <strong>of</strong> its meaning and purpose. It is appropriate thatarrangements be made so that covenant children who are present can see thesacrament. Those who are to be baptized should come forward and standduring the administration <strong>of</strong> the Sacrament. Adults who are to be baptizedshall assent to the Covenant <strong>of</strong> Church Membership.4. Parents who present their children for baptism renew the Covenant <strong>of</strong>Church Membership and assent to the Covenant <strong>of</strong> Baptism in relation totheir child. A believing parent who is not a member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong><strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church may come forward with the other and give assent to thisCovenant so far as he/she is willing. An unbelieving parent should beencouraged to be present and to accompany the believing parent inpresenting the child, but unbelievers should not be encouraged to give assentto this Covenant. If this Covenant has been reviewed recently in thecongregation, parents may give assent by answering the following question:"Do you publicly renew your pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> faith in Christand acknowledge your acceptance <strong>of</strong> the Covenant <strong>of</strong> ChurchMembership?"The parents shall take the Covenant <strong>of</strong> Baptism in relation to their child:I) Do you believe this child is a possession <strong>of</strong> Godentrusted to your care?2) In this light, do you promise to provide for his/hertemporal well-being, to teach him/her to love God and HisWord, the Bible, and to provide him/her with a God-centerededucation?3) Do you promise to teach him/her <strong>of</strong> his/her sinfulnature, <strong>of</strong> the plan <strong>of</strong> salvation which centers in Jesus Christ,and his/her own personal need <strong>of</strong> a relationship with Christ?4) To the end that he/she may grow in the Christian life,do you promise to pray for him/her, and to train him/her toread the Bible, to pray, to keep the Lord's Day and tounderstand the nature <strong>of</strong> the church, the value <strong>of</strong> its worshipand fellowship, and his/her need to seek communicantmembership in the church?5) Do you promise to lead him/her, by your example andparental discipline exercised in love, to seek first the Kingdom<strong>of</strong> God and His righteousness in all the relationships <strong>of</strong> life?6) Do you make these promises in the presence <strong>of</strong> God, inhumble reliance upon His grace, as you desire to give youraccount with joy at the Last Great Day?5. The congregation may rise. The teaching elder shall consecrate thesacramental element with prayer, using these or similar words:


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 159"Bless so much <strong>of</strong> this water as shall be used upon thisoccasion, which we now, in the name <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ, the Kingand Head <strong>of</strong> the Church, set apart from a common to asacramental use. "Without closing his prayer, the teaching elder shall sprinkle or pour thewater on the head <strong>of</strong> each person to be baptized, saying, "[Full name], Ibaptize you in the name <strong>of</strong> the Father, and <strong>of</strong> the Son, and <strong>of</strong> the HolySpirit." After the last baptism, he shall add, "one God, over all, blessedforever. Amen." He shall conclude the prayer, or invite an assisting elder todo so.The congregation may also be asked, "Do you, the members <strong>of</strong> thiscongregation, receive this person/child into your fellowship and promise topray with him/her and to help and encourage the parents as they bringhim/her up in the Christian life?"6. The minister and the clerk <strong>of</strong> session should keep an accurate record<strong>of</strong> all persons baptized, with the date, and in the case <strong>of</strong> a child, with thenames <strong>of</strong> the parents and the date <strong>of</strong> birth. A certificate <strong>of</strong> baptism should begiven to the person baptized.The Lord's Supper7. Since the sacrament <strong>of</strong> the Lord's Supper symbolizes the believers'abiding in Christ, feeding spiritually on Him, and continuing loyalty to Hischurch,it is to be observed frequently, as <strong>of</strong>ten as the Session determines, inkeeping with the reverence commanded in I Cor. 11. Its symbols are breadand the cup.8. a. The Lord's Supper is to be administered only to those who havebeen baptized, and are communicant members in good standing in some truebranch <strong>of</strong> the visible church.b. No person should be admitted to the Lord's Supper whose manner <strong>of</strong>life is notably inconsistent with his Christian pr<strong>of</strong>ession or who is unknown tothe session in charge <strong>of</strong> the Table.c. Every session must guard the purity <strong>of</strong> the Sacrament by exercisingdiligent and continual oversight <strong>of</strong> those under its care, never assuming thatchurch membership alone is sufficient basis for admission to the Sacrament.Those who seek to commune but are not under care <strong>of</strong> the session must beexamined.9. It is the privilege and duty <strong>of</strong> every member to observe the Lord'sSupper regularly and with careful preparation. The people should be notifiedat least a week in advance <strong>of</strong> the celebration <strong>of</strong> the Sacrament. The Sessionmay provide for one or more services <strong>of</strong> preparation, at times convenient forthe congregation, including the preceding Lord's Day. The Covenant <strong>of</strong>Church Membership may be explained at some time during the services <strong>of</strong>preparation or at the sacramental service.


160 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE10. All services connected with the Lord's Supper, should present theLord Jesus and His redeeming love. The psalms, the scripture, and thesermon should center on Christ and His death on the cross, and on theblessings which flow from His atonement.11. The people should be reminded <strong>of</strong> the duty <strong>of</strong> self-examination andwarned against partaking <strong>of</strong> the supper unworthily. Passages <strong>of</strong> warning andinvitation should be read from the Scriptures. If a corporate confession <strong>of</strong> sinand an assurance <strong>of</strong> pardon have not been part <strong>of</strong> the preaching service, theymay be made here. During the singing <strong>of</strong> an appropriate psalm, such as thetwenty-fourth or one hundred sixteenth, the people may move to tables or toa suitable section <strong>of</strong> the auditorium,if custom and convenience so indicate.12. The teaching elder should stand near the table bearing the elements.When all is ready, he shall pray, thanking and praising God for His Son andfor the redemption which He has purchased and applied to His people; andcontinue by using these or similar words:"Sanctify, O Lord, so much <strong>of</strong> these elements as shall beused upon this occasion, which we now set apart from acommon to a sacramental use, in the name and by theauthority <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ, the King and Head <strong>of</strong> the Church.Amen. "He shall then take the bread and break it, saying:"For in the night in which he was betrayed, the Lord Jesustook bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to hisdisciples, saying, This is my body given for you, do this inremembrance <strong>of</strong> me. "(Here the bread may be distributed.)Taking the cup, he shall say:"In the same way, he took the cup, gave thanks and<strong>of</strong>fered it to them, saying, This is my blood <strong>of</strong> the covenant,which is poured out for many for the remission <strong>of</strong> sins. Drinkfrom it, all <strong>of</strong> you. "(Here the cup may be distributed.)"For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, youproclaim the Lord's death until he comes."13. The elders who preside and who distribute the elements should beserved after the congregation. After all have communed, a brief addressemphasizing the strength, blessing and joy <strong>of</strong> God's people may be given byan elder. Before the benediction, the service may be concluded with a prayer<strong>of</strong> thanksgiving and a suitable psalm such as the seventy-second or the onehundred third.14. Since the portions <strong>of</strong> the elements not used in the sacrament are notset apart for sacramental use, they may be disposed <strong>of</strong> in accordance with the


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH!6J_judgment <strong>of</strong> the session, so long as nothingis done which would diminish thesignificance <strong>of</strong> the sacrament in the eyes <strong>of</strong> the congregation.15. Following the communion, special sermons to stimulate thecongregation to more definite obedience to Christ are appropriate.Chapter 4: SPECIAL ORDINANCES1. In addition to the elements <strong>of</strong> public worship described in Chapters 2and 3, the Scripture also establishes fasting, thanksgiving and covenanting asacts <strong>of</strong> worship. While these acts <strong>of</strong> worship may be observed voluntarily,they are to be observed by the body when the <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> the church deemthem to be especially appropriate or necessary.Fasting2. Special days <strong>of</strong> fasting, humiliation and prayer are always appropriate,and particularly so when God's judgments are evident in the land. It isappropriate that such a day be observed in connection with servicespreparatory to the Lord's Supper. Days designated by <strong>Synod</strong> for this purposeshould be observed. A fast day is properly observed by a public service <strong>of</strong>worship. Psalms <strong>of</strong> penitence should be sung, and prayers <strong>of</strong> confession <strong>of</strong> sinand petitions for pardon should be <strong>of</strong>fered. Abstinence from food and fromordinary pleasures and occupations may serve to center attention upon thedeeper and more serious things involved in the occasion.Thanksgiving3. Christians should be thankful at all times, and there are occasionswhen a special season <strong>of</strong> thanksgiving should be observed. The annual call fora day <strong>of</strong> national thanksgiving should be followed by each congregation. Asuitable service <strong>of</strong> public worship should be conducted at which the peoplerecount God's blessings, sing His praises, and thank Him for the multitude <strong>of</strong>His tender mercies to our nation and to ourselves. An opportunity may begiven for the people to show their gratitude by making a contribution tosome benevolent cause.Covenanting4. It is the duty <strong>of</strong> Christians to pr<strong>of</strong>ess publicly the content <strong>of</strong> faith as itapplies to the particular needs <strong>of</strong> each age and situation. Such publicpr<strong>of</strong>ession, otherwise called covenanting, should be made formally by thechurches and other institutions as well as informally by each believeraccording to his ability.Chapter 5: OTHER CORPORATE MINISTRIES1. In addition to its stated worship services and special ordinances, thecongregation may <strong>of</strong>ten be involved in other collective activities where theapplication <strong>of</strong> the rules <strong>of</strong> worship is unclear. The Regulative Principle <strong>of</strong>worship applies in those situations in which God's people are called by God's


162 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEordained leaders to be present and to participate in worship. When the<strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> the church call upon the members <strong>of</strong> the church to assemble toworship, they may not introduce into the worship any element which Godhas not commanded in His Word. To do so would infringe upon the libertywhich Christ gives His people from the doctrines and commandments olmen.It follows that in situations in which the church has not called the peopleto gather for worship, as in musical concerts and social gatherings or atfuneral services or weddings, the regulative principle does not apply. It is insuch gatherings that religious music other than the Psalms has its properplace. In such gatherings it is not improper for the Psalms to be sung withinstrumental accompaniment, provided they are not used irreverently.The Funeral Service2. Bringing comfort at the time <strong>of</strong> death is the distinct ministry <strong>of</strong> thepeople <strong>of</strong> God. Such ministry is deeply needed and appreciated, and theteaching elder particularly is to be ready to give help. He should goimmediately to be with the family to listen to them, to share the comfort <strong>of</strong>God's Word, to pray with and for them, to assure them <strong>of</strong> the support <strong>of</strong>God's people, and to be available to help with funeral arrangements3. While it is neither unscriptural nor inappropriate to have the funeralservice in the home or in a funeral establishment, there are seriousconsiderations for having the service in the church building: this is whereGod's people meet, where the Word <strong>of</strong> God is proclaimed, where theblessings <strong>of</strong> worship have been experienced and where it is natural to seekGod's strength and comfort in a funeral service in which the wholecongregation can participate. While it is well to keep good rapport with thefuneral director, it should be remembered that the pastor determines thecontent and form <strong>of</strong> the funeral service. He will want to consult the familyregarding the participation <strong>of</strong> other ministers. There should be nocompromise with secret orders or other non-Christian <strong>org</strong>anizations. If calledto <strong>of</strong>ficiate where such <strong>org</strong>anizations desire to perform their ritual, the pastorshould keep his service distinctly separate.4. The funeral <strong>of</strong> a Christian is a service where we mourn the loss <strong>of</strong> aloved one and yet rejoice in the hope <strong>of</strong> eternal life through Jesus Christ. TheScriptures are to have a prominent place. The singing <strong>of</strong> suitable Psalms ismost appropriate. The prayers should be well considered and shouldcommend the bereaved to the comfort <strong>of</strong> God's grace. The address shouldbe timely, and without undue praise <strong>of</strong> the dead. It should set forth Christand His salvation as the basis <strong>of</strong> comfort to the bereaved and counsel to theliving. Remember that God in His grace <strong>of</strong>ten uses such times when people'shearts are tender. It is fitting that the family be consulted before the serviceregarding appropriate Scripture readings, Psalms, and information for theobituary.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1635. At the grave the minister may use words such as these: "We committhe body to the grave in the hope <strong>of</strong> a glorious resurrection through faith inHim who is the resurrection and the life." Suitable Scripture may be read,such as I Corinthians 15:53-58, followed by a brief prayer and thebenediction.6 The congregation may arrange for food and lodging for visiting lovedones. Where the bereaved person may be aged and alone, there may be needfor additional ways <strong>of</strong> support. Attention to the bereaved should not endwith the funeral, for <strong>of</strong>ten the most difficult times come afterward. Visitsfrom the pastor, the elders or Christian friends are most welcome. Thebereaved should be remembered in prayer at worship services and othermeetings <strong>of</strong> the congregation.777e Marriage Ceremony7. Marriage is an ordinance <strong>of</strong> God, adapted to the nature <strong>of</strong> mankind,and designed for the welfare and happiness <strong>of</strong> men and women. It is theunion <strong>of</strong> one man and one woman, who covenant to live together and toperform faithfully the duties <strong>of</strong> husband and wife. It is not a sacrament, norpeculiar to the Christian church, but it is the duty <strong>of</strong> the church to require itsmembers to conform to the laws <strong>of</strong> God with respect to marriage. Christiansshould marry only in the Lord and their marriage should be solemnized by anordained minister <strong>of</strong> the Gospel. The state authorizes both ministers and civilmagistrates to perform the ceremony. Ministers should be careful to complywith the regulations <strong>of</strong> the state where the marriage is to take place.8. The minister should make certain that a marriage license has beensecured. The church forbids the marriage <strong>of</strong> persons who are within thedegrees <strong>of</strong> consanguinity or affinity prohibited by the Word <strong>of</strong> God, and <strong>of</strong> aperson who has been divorced on unscriptural grounds or has been the guiltyparty in a Scriptural divorce (Testimony, Chapter 24). A marriage shouldnot take place on the Sabbath, except in extraordinary circumstances. ASabbath wedding ceremony should not be accompanied by a gala celebration.9. A marriage should be a happy occasion. The minister should bring toit a spirit <strong>of</strong> dignity and wholesome pleasure. Careful preparation should bemade so that each occasion may have its own attractiveness.The ceremony may be performed in various ways. While the bride andgroom may decide to frame their own vows and make suggestions regardingthe content <strong>of</strong> the marriage ceremony, the final decision as to what may besaid should be left up to the minister. To indicate significant parts andpossible content <strong>of</strong> the ceremony, the following is suggested as a guide:a. When the parties are present before the minister, he may say,"We are gathered in the presence <strong>of</strong> God and <strong>of</strong> thiscompany, to join this man and this woman in marriage. This isa Divine institution and an honorable estate, and is to be


164 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEentered into soberly and reverently, in the fear <strong>of</strong> God, and inaccordance with His law."b. Prayer should be <strong>of</strong>fered asking God's blessing on the union about tothe effected. Selected portions <strong>of</strong> Scripture may be read, and a very briefaddress may be given. An assisting minister may be asked to take any <strong>of</strong> theseparts <strong>of</strong> the service.c. The minister shall next ask the parties to join their right hands and giveassent to the marriage vows:"Do you (man's name) take (woman's name), whose handyou hold in yours, to be your lawfully wedded wife, and do youpromise before God, and in the presence <strong>of</strong> these witnesses,that you will be to her a true, a faithful and a loving husband aslong as you both shall live?"The man shall answer, "I do."The minister shall then address the woman:"Do you (woman's name) take (man's name), who holdsyour hand in his, to be your lawfully wedded husband; and doyou promise before God and these witnesses that you will be tohim a true, a faithful, and a loving wife, as long as you bothshall live?"The woman shall answer, "I do. "d. If rings are used, the minister shall say to the man:"What pledge do you give <strong>of</strong> these your marriage vows?"The man shall present the ring to the minister, who shall instruct him toplace it on the finger <strong>of</strong> his bride.The minister shall then say to the woman:"What pledge do you give <strong>of</strong> your marriage vows?"The woman will present the ring to the minister, who shall instruct herto place it on the finger <strong>of</strong> her bridegroom.Then the minister may say,"In token <strong>of</strong> your marriage vows, you do give and receivethese rings. May they be to both <strong>of</strong> you a symbol <strong>of</strong> the value,the constancy and the purity <strong>of</strong> your wedded love, and a seal<strong>of</strong> the solemn vows which you have made to one anotherbefore God."e. A prayer shall be <strong>of</strong>fered for the blessing <strong>of</strong> God upon the new family.f. The minister shall then pronounce the relation constituted:"By virtue <strong>of</strong> the authority vested in me as a minister <strong>of</strong> theGospel, and in accordance with the laws <strong>of</strong> God <strong>of</strong> thisCommonwealth, I pronounce you husband and wife. Whattherefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."g. The ceremony shall be concluded with the benediction.10. The minister should make it clear to the bride and groom and theirfamilies that nothing inconsistent with the Biblical view <strong>of</strong> marriage should beplanned for the reception following the marriage ceremony.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 16511. A marriage certificate should be filled out at once, signed by theminister and by the <strong>of</strong>ficial witnesses, and presented to the newly marriedcouple.If the marriage license has a form to be returned to the issuing <strong>of</strong>fice, itshould be filled out promptly and with care. The minister should keep arecord <strong>of</strong> all marriages performed by him with the names, the date and theplace. Notice should be sent to the local newspaper, and if either party is amember <strong>of</strong> the church, notice should be sent to the church paper.Mid-Week Fellowship12. Mid-week meetings for fellowship should be held by eachcongregation, and every member should try to participate. These activitiesmay include small groups for accountability, study, prayer, encouragement <strong>of</strong>gifts and talents, and social fulfillment. They should all be under the generaloversight <strong>of</strong> the session.13. Special meetings for prayer may be called when special needs oremergencies arise. Sessions and other leaders <strong>of</strong> the church should holdfrequent meetings for prayer and conference to seek wisdom and guidancefor the duties pertaining to their <strong>of</strong>fice. When no preaching service is held onthe Sabbath, a congregational prayer meeting should be arranged by thesession.Other Church Activities14. The session may authorize other congregational activities or<strong>org</strong>anizations such as morning or evening church school, youth meetings,vacation Bible school, and men's and women's fellowships. Family and youthconferences may be arranged at the congregational as well as presbyterial andsynodical levels.


166 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THETHE DIRECTORY FORTHE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF GOD:Proposed as a Replacement for the<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Directory <strong>of</strong> 1945Gordon J. Keddie(State College, PA)INTRODUCTIONThe following draft arose from the conviction that replacement <strong>of</strong>1945 Directory, rather than revision, would better serve the need <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church. The <strong>Synod</strong>'s Committee worked hardtoward the former goal, and made some real advances. They could not, inmy opinion, quite escape the limitations <strong>of</strong> an original document that wasmore a manual <strong>of</strong> piecemeal helpful hints for worship, and a lot <strong>of</strong> otherthings beside, than a focussed <strong>of</strong>fering <strong>of</strong> spiritual counsel for the publicworship <strong>of</strong> God.It seemed to me that a possible answer to this problem lay in the direction<strong>of</strong> a new Directory for the Public Worship <strong>of</strong> God in the tradition <strong>of</strong>Westminster and presenting the most basic general outlines for the form andcontent <strong>of</strong> public worship, while affirming the positive principles <strong>of</strong> the RPChurch clearly, yet allowing the widest flexibility for implementation in thecongregations.There is nothing original in this draft. It leans very heavily on the work <strong>of</strong>the <strong>Synod</strong> Committee and incorporates as much <strong>of</strong> their material, and that <strong>of</strong>the 1945 Directory, as seems appropriate to the concept I have just outlined.Material has also been drawn from the 1645 Directory prepared by theWestminster Assembly, the contemporary OPC Directory <strong>of</strong> Worship, andthe <strong>Reformed</strong> Book <strong>of</strong> Common Order produced by the National ChurchAssociation <strong>of</strong> the Church <strong>of</strong> Scotland in 1977, itself somewhat <strong>of</strong> a modernversion <strong>of</strong> the 1562 Book <strong>of</strong> Common Order from John Knox's day.The resultant draft is presented herewith. You will notice certain fairlydramatic differences from our 1945 Directory, some <strong>of</strong> these directly from<strong>Synod</strong>'s Committee, and others entirely my fault. The Committee removedthe "sacramental acts" language from the form <strong>of</strong> the Lord's Supper, and alsoexcised sections on Women's Missionary Societies, Sabbath Schools and theVisitation <strong>of</strong> the Sick, thereby achieving a much crisper focus on matters todo with worship.I have, if anything, intensified the Committee's emphasis by insertingmaterials on public prayer and preaching, as well as much fuller models forthe sacraments, marriage ceremonies and funerals. These will hopefullysupply helpful templates upon which young pastors especially can build, asthey address the precise needs <strong>of</strong> their own ministries. I have modified theCovenant <strong>of</strong> Baptism, by reducing it to a manageable two queries from theformer seven. I have also removed the section on Covenanting that formerlyappeared in the chapter on Special Ordinances, partly because all services


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 167include elements <strong>of</strong> covenanting, as now defined in the Testimony, andspecial services focussing on specific corporate confession <strong>of</strong> faith are alwaysoptions for any court <strong>of</strong> the church to appoint as it sees fit.My hope, as I present this private venture, is that it will prove useful as abasis for fruitful discussion in our church <strong>of</strong> what ought, or ought not, to beincluded in a Directory for Public Worship. The focus is deliberately uponthe more spiritual aspects <strong>of</strong> our conduct <strong>of</strong> worship, rather than thetechnical delimitation <strong>of</strong> everything that may or may not be included inparticular services. In the last analysis, we must conscientiously express andapply the biblical principles <strong>of</strong> worship in ways that honour the Lord andbless all who come to his presence in public worship.


168 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE(The following replacement revision for the Directory for Worship, prepared byGordon Keddie, has been approved by the <strong>1995</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> as the document fromwhich to work on revising the Directory for Worship.)THE DIRECTORYFOR THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF GODPrefaceThe <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> North America believes that it isthe teaching <strong>of</strong> the Word <strong>of</strong> God that "the acceptable way <strong>of</strong> worshipping thetrue God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own revealed will,that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices <strong>of</strong>men, or the suggestions <strong>of</strong> Satan, under any visible representation, or anyother way not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures." (WCF, 21.1) This is theregulative principle <strong>of</strong> Scripture as it applies to the worship <strong>of</strong> God(Testimony, 21. 1-2). This Directory accordingly seeks to express faithfullyour confessional commitment to the Bible as the sole and sufficient authorityfor the church's theology and practice <strong>of</strong> worship. It is designed to guideGod's people in giving glory to God as they gather together to praise God intheir congregations and families and so to be a help to them to lift theirhearts and lives to Christ, to grow in His grace, to serve Him in the Churchand before the world, and to encourage one another in the corporateexercise <strong>of</strong> devotion to God.The foundational <strong>Presbyterian</strong> directory for worship is The Directory forthe Publick Worship <strong>of</strong> God <strong>of</strong> the Westminster Assembly, completed in1645. That excellent document <strong>of</strong>fers both sound doctrinal instruction andgodly spiritual advice, in that it sets out the various Scriptural elements <strong>of</strong>worship and also provides models for their faithful exercise, by means <strong>of</strong>suggested forms for the call to worship, prayer before and after the sermon,the administering <strong>of</strong> the sacraments, and such ancillary matters as theconducting <strong>of</strong> weddings and public fasts. The Westminster divines werecareful to emphasize, however, that in their Directory,care hath been to hold forth such things as are <strong>of</strong> divine institution inevery ordinance; and other things we have endeavoured to set forthaccording to the rules <strong>of</strong> Christian prudence, agreeable to the generalrules <strong>of</strong> the word <strong>of</strong> God; our meaning therein being only, that thegeneral heads, the sense and scope <strong>of</strong> the prayers, and other parts <strong>of</strong>publick worship, being known to all, there may be a consent <strong>of</strong> allthe churches in those things that contain the substance <strong>of</strong> the serviceand worship <strong>of</strong> God; and the ministers may be hereby directed, intheir administrations, to keep like soundness in doctrine and prayer,and may, if need be, have some help and furniture, and yet so asthey become not hereby slothful and negligent in stirring up the gifts<strong>of</strong> Christ in them; but that each one, by meditation, by taking heed


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1_69to himself, and the flock <strong>of</strong> God committed to him, and by wiseobserving the ways <strong>of</strong> Divine Providence, may be careful to furnishhis heart and tongue with further materials <strong>of</strong> prayer andexhortation, as shall be needful upon all occasions.They did not conceive <strong>of</strong> their Directory as a mere rule-book prescribing afixed order and form <strong>of</strong> words for services <strong>of</strong> public worship, but rather ascollocation <strong>of</strong> practical spiritual counsels building upon and applying thefundamental doctrine as formulated in The Confession <strong>of</strong> Faith, chapters 20-22, and 25-29, and accordingly commended to the church as fullyconsistent with the regulative principle <strong>of</strong> Scripture.It is in this spirit that the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church sends out her newDirectory for the Public Worship <strong>of</strong> God. At the threshold <strong>of</strong> the twentyfirstcentury, we look back with thankfulness to the legacy <strong>of</strong> the Apostlesand the Reformers, and build upon the biblical heritage <strong>of</strong> our fathers in thefaith. We also look forward with anticipation to the blessing <strong>of</strong> God in all thedays he gives to us and our descendants before the coming <strong>of</strong> the Lord JesusChrist at the end <strong>of</strong> the age.Chapter ITHE HEART OF WORSHIPI. True worship is the faithful response <strong>of</strong> God's people to the worthiness<strong>of</strong> God to receive all glory and honor. Worship is the expression <strong>of</strong> thebeliever's love for, dependence upon, and joy in the Triune God, Father, Sonand Holy Spirit, as revealed in the Scriptures. Worship is acceptable to Godonly as it is <strong>of</strong>fered from the depth <strong>of</strong> our being in the name <strong>of</strong> the LordJesus Christ, the only Mediator between God and man. Those who worshipHim must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).2. The worship <strong>of</strong> God is essential to spiritual life and growth, and shouldbe engaged in regularly and reverently, both privately, in our homes, andpublicly, in the assemblies <strong>of</strong> the church.3. In private worship, as individuals and in families, we recommend thesinging <strong>of</strong> a Psalm, the reading <strong>of</strong> a passage <strong>of</strong> Scripture, and a season <strong>of</strong>prayer. Family worship ought to be cultivated as a vital focal point andmeeting place for the family members every day, setting the tone anddirection for living life in covenant with the Lord in the home.4. In public worship, we are called by the church to assemble ourselvestogether (Hebrews 10:25). God commands his particular blessing in theseappointed times <strong>of</strong> corporate worship. From the resurrection <strong>of</strong> our Lord,the first day <strong>of</strong> the week, the Lord's Day, has been set aside as the ChristianSabbath, to be kept holy as- the day for the church's worship and the


170 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEChristian's rest from his regular work. In addition to the Sabbath, the churchmay designate additional times for public worship, for prayer, repentance,fasting and thanksgiving.5. When we gather for public worship, we ought first to have preparedour hearts for coming into the presence <strong>of</strong> our God and Savior.Furthermore, we ought all to come and join in with a joyous willingness, notabsenting ourselves either through contempt or negligence, or on account <strong>of</strong>family activities or other Christian meetings. In normal circumstances,neither personal devotions nor family worship at home are to be regarded asproper substitutes for public worship in a congregation <strong>of</strong> a true church <strong>of</strong>Jesus Christ. In addition to attending the stated services <strong>of</strong> public worship,the Lord's Day may be fruitfully observed by personal Bible reading andstudy, meditation and prayer, spiritual fellowship, instructing and catechizingthe children in the home, and visiting the sick.Chapter 2THE PRACTICE OF WORSHIP1. The Scriptures do not prescribe a fixed order <strong>of</strong> worship, but sothat all things may be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40), it isdesirable that the exercises <strong>of</strong> worship be conducted in a thoughtful, dignifiedand edifying manner. The following pattern is suggested: a call to worshiptogether with a prayer invoking the Lord's blessing; the singing <strong>of</strong> a Psalm; anOld Testament reading (perhaps the explanation <strong>of</strong> a Psalm); singing a Psalm;the receiving <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fering followed by a prayer <strong>of</strong> intercession; singing aPsalm; a New Testament reading; the preaching <strong>of</strong> the Word; prayer; singinga Psalm; and the Benediction.2. Whatever the precise order <strong>of</strong> the service, there are certain invariableelements <strong>of</strong> worship that are essential to its being scriptural public worship.These are congregational praise, pastoral prayer, and the reading, preachingand hearing <strong>of</strong> the Word <strong>of</strong> God. On specified occasions, the sacraments <strong>of</strong>Baptism and the Lord's Supper will be included. The receiving <strong>of</strong> tithes and<strong>of</strong>ferings will <strong>of</strong>ten be incorporated in the service. Announcements should bemade prior to the service and kept to a minimum so as not to obtrude uponthe worship <strong>of</strong> God.Call to Worship and Invocation3. The worshippers should enter the assembly reverently, taking theirseats with quiet expectancy, looking to the Lord for his blessing upon theservice.4. The minister, or presiding elder, after calling the congregation to theworshipping <strong>of</strong> the great name <strong>of</strong> God, perhaps using the apostolic salutation,"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,"should then begin with a prayer <strong>of</strong> invocation which:


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH\T\_(a) Reverently acknowledges the incomprehensible greatness, goodness, andmajesty <strong>of</strong> the Lord.(b) Solemnly confesses our unworthiness by nature to approach Him and ourutter inability <strong>of</strong> ourselves to do so.(c) Humbly seeks his pardon, assistance, and acceptance.(d) Blesses him for the unspeakable gift <strong>of</strong> his Son Jesus, the only Savior <strong>of</strong>sinners.(e) Joyfully claims all the promises <strong>of</strong> his covenant <strong>of</strong> grace.(f) Expectantly applies for his blessing upon the praise, prayer, and proclamation<strong>of</strong> the Word that day.(g) All in the name <strong>of</strong> the only mediator between God and man, the Lord JesusChrist.5. After the worship has begun, everyone should give his or herundivided attention. The worshippers should not read anything other thanthat which the minister is reading or citing. They should also abstain fromwhispering, comments, conversation, greetings, sleeping, and other behaviordisruptive to the minister and congregation, and a hindrance to their ownfaithful service to the Lord. Infants that are unduly restless should be takenout and pacified, or, where possible, placed in the nursery.The Singing <strong>of</strong> Praise6. The heartfelt singing <strong>of</strong> praise is an essential element <strong>of</strong> public worship.The Psalms <strong>of</strong> the Bible, because <strong>of</strong> positive biblical warrant, their inherentexcellence, and their divine inspiration, are to be sung in the public worship<strong>of</strong> God, to the exclusion <strong>of</strong> all songs or hymns <strong>of</strong> human composition. Theyare to be sung without the accompaniment <strong>of</strong> instruments, since these are notauthorized for New Testament worship. Psalm versions used in the praise <strong>of</strong>God ought to be accurate in their rendering <strong>of</strong> the original Scripture text, setto appropriate music, and be those which are approved by the church.Psalms, or portions <strong>of</strong> Psalms, should be chosen for the coherence <strong>of</strong> theircontent and their appropriateness to the theme <strong>of</strong> the worship. The use <strong>of</strong>fragments <strong>of</strong> Psalms as choruses, <strong>of</strong>ten with repetition after repetition, is tobe avoided.7. We are all under obligation to praise God and to sing thoughtfully,reverently, and enthusiastically, with grace in the heart. Careful attentionshould be paid to the music and to the leading <strong>of</strong> the precentor, that thepraise might resound with an attractiveness reflective <strong>of</strong> the glory <strong>of</strong> God andthe beauty <strong>of</strong> holiness. Congregations should not fall into the habit <strong>of</strong> usingonly certain favorite Psalms. All <strong>of</strong> the Psalms are to be used in the church's


172 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEpraise, but the worship <strong>of</strong> God's house ought not to be the occasion <strong>of</strong>instruction and practice in new and unfamiliar versions.8. Those who lead the singing in public worship should ordinarily bemembers <strong>of</strong> the congregation, and in any case must be persons <strong>of</strong> recognizedChristian character. A choir may be formed to help lead the praise, butsinging must not be left to the choir. Congregational singing ought always tobe the rule.Psalm Explanation9. The Psalms have a depth <strong>of</strong> meaning and beauty which will repay themost careful study. It is vitally important that we understand what we aresinging. Therefore it will be helpful if the minister explains one <strong>of</strong> the Psalmsto be sung, before singing it, and, with the other singings, draws attention ina few words to the theme <strong>of</strong> the praise and the reason for its being chosen.This is especially desirable because the Psalms look forward, <strong>of</strong>ten throughexplicit symbols and prophecies, to Christ and the New Testament era.Prayer10. Prayer is an essential element <strong>of</strong> public worship in which theworshippers are led to the throne <strong>of</strong> grace. Prayer is to be <strong>of</strong>fered in thename <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ, with the utmost reverence in thought, language, andmanner, and with the deep humility appropriate to sinners approaching thepresence <strong>of</strong> the Holy God. Although led by the minister or an elder, itbecomes the prayer <strong>of</strong> the whole assembly as the Lord's people participate bygiving earnest attention to the content <strong>of</strong> the prayer and adding, from thedepths <strong>of</strong> their hearts, their enthusiastic concurrence with its petitions.11. The number <strong>of</strong> prayers will be determined by the nature and purpose<strong>of</strong> the service. Ordinarily, there will be a prayer <strong>of</strong> invocation at thebeginning, a prayer <strong>of</strong> intercession prior to the sermon, and a prayer <strong>of</strong>thanksgiving after the sermon or the sacraments.12. The prayer <strong>of</strong> invocation has already been mentioned in connectionwith the call to worship. It is appropriate that the first act <strong>of</strong> worship beprayer that expresses adoration for the Lord as the One who is worthy to bepraised, and petitions him to be present with his people, by the Holy Spirit,as they seek to draw near to him, to prepare their hearts, and guide and blessthem in every part <strong>of</strong> the worship <strong>of</strong> God.13. The prayer <strong>of</strong> intercession precedes the preaching <strong>of</strong> the word andshould be comprehensive without being excessively prolonged. It shouldinclude the following:


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 173(a) Adoration <strong>of</strong> the majesty <strong>of</strong> God, as the giver <strong>of</strong>life and <strong>of</strong> every goodand perfect gift, and, most especially, <strong>of</strong> the gift <strong>of</strong> his Son, the Lord JesusChrist, the Savior <strong>of</strong> sinners.(b) Confession <strong>of</strong> our great sinfulness, because <strong>of</strong> both original sin (thehuman condition by nature) and actual sin (the practical unbelief <strong>of</strong> ouractual transgressions <strong>of</strong> God's will), <strong>of</strong> the justice <strong>of</strong> God's condemnation <strong>of</strong>sinners such as we are, and <strong>of</strong> our unworthiness <strong>of</strong> the least <strong>of</strong> his blessings.(c) Thanksgiving for the provision <strong>of</strong> the Lord Jesus Christ as the Mediatorwho gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for sin and the sovereign grace bywhich He has sought and saved his people, and continues, by the gospel, tocall all men everywhere to repent and believe in Him that they might haveeternal life.(d) Supplication for sanctification by his Spirit: the mortification <strong>of</strong> sindwelling in us; the enlivening <strong>of</strong> our souls with the life <strong>of</strong> God in Christ; graceto equip us for our life and witness before God and in the world; strengthagainst temptations; the godly use <strong>of</strong> both blessings and trials; andperseverance in the faith throughout our lives.(e) Intercession for the spread <strong>of</strong> the gospel and the kingdom <strong>of</strong> Christ to allthe nations <strong>of</strong> the world: for conversion <strong>of</strong> the Jews, the fullness <strong>of</strong> theGentiles, the fall <strong>of</strong> Antichrist, and the hastening <strong>of</strong> the second coming <strong>of</strong> ourLord; for the flourishing <strong>of</strong> the church at home and abroad; and for the relieffrom oppression <strong>of</strong> persecuted believers; and for civil governments, that theywould rule with justice in the fear <strong>of</strong> the Lord.(f) Specific petitions for the people <strong>of</strong> the congregation and the community:for the sick and distressed; for the challenges <strong>of</strong> the coming week; for thegrowth <strong>of</strong> the fellowship and the reaching <strong>of</strong> the lost; and, in thankfulness,for the manifest blessings <strong>of</strong> the day and the promises for the future.(g) Blessing the Lord for the Lord's Day and the joy and privilege <strong>of</strong>gathering for worship; and praying for the demonstration and power <strong>of</strong> theHoly Spirit in the preaching <strong>of</strong> the Word, to the end that Christ may be s<strong>of</strong>ormed in us, and live in us, that all our thoughts might be brought intocaptivity to the obedience <strong>of</strong> Christ, and our hearts established in every goodword and work forever.14. The prayer <strong>of</strong> thanksgiving follows the preaching <strong>of</strong> the Word, or theadministration <strong>of</strong> the Sacraments, and gives thanks to God for his goodnesstoward us, together with the prayer that He impress the truth on the hearts<strong>of</strong> all present and accept graciously the worship that has been <strong>of</strong>fered.15. Although the Scriptures do not explicitly command particular posturesin prayer, the positive warrant <strong>of</strong> Scriptural example reveals kneeling and


174 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEstanding as the postures adopted for prayer, expressive as they are <strong>of</strong> a spirit<strong>of</strong> reverence and devotion.16. When men other than the minister are called upon to engage in publicprayer in any service <strong>of</strong> worship, they should be given time for thoughtfulpreparation.17. Congregations may join together in the corporate use <strong>of</strong> the Lord'sPrayer on occasion, but the reading or recitation <strong>of</strong> written prayers isgenerally not to be encouraged.The Offering18. The receiving <strong>of</strong> tithes and <strong>of</strong>ferings may be included in the order <strong>of</strong>service, since we are commanded to set aside our <strong>of</strong>ferings on the first day <strong>of</strong>the week, which is the day appointed for public worship (I Cor. 16:2). Godcalls his people to return a portion <strong>of</strong> their substance to Him; cheerfully,systematically, and as He has prospered them. In general, the Christian'sgiving to the Lord's work should be through the church <strong>of</strong> which he is amember, without restrictive designation to specific aims, unless called for bythe session. The receiving <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fering may be preceded or followed by abrief prayer in which God's provision is joyfully recorded and the giftscommitted solemnly to the work <strong>of</strong> Christ's kingdom and the blessing <strong>of</strong> theLord. If the <strong>of</strong>fering is not received during the service itself, a collection boxfor <strong>of</strong>ferings may be placed near the door <strong>of</strong> the worship area.Reading the Scriptures19. The reading <strong>of</strong> the Word <strong>of</strong> God in public worship is an essentialelement <strong>of</strong> worship and a primary means appointed by God for the buildingup <strong>of</strong> his people. In it, we acknowledge our dependence upon the Lord andour submission to Him.20. All the canonical books <strong>of</strong> the Old and New Testament (but none <strong>of</strong>those which are commonly called Apocrypha) shall be publicly read in thelanguage <strong>of</strong> the people, from the best translation, distinctly, so that everyonemay hear and understand.21. The length <strong>of</strong> the passage(s) to be read, is left to the wisdom <strong>of</strong> theminister, but we recommend that a passage from each Testament be read inthe service, perhaps in a consecutive manner, so as to read the whole <strong>of</strong>Scripture in the course <strong>of</strong> time.22. When the minister who reads judges it necessary to expound any part<strong>of</strong> what is read, this should not be done until the reading <strong>of</strong> the passage iscompleted. Care is to be taken about the time, so that neither the preaching,or any other aspect <strong>of</strong> the service, is either rendered tedious or is improperlycurtailed.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1_7523. Those who can read ought to have Bibles <strong>of</strong> their own and carry themto worship services, prayer meetings, and small group meetings. They arealso expected to read the Scriptures privately.Preaching the Word <strong>of</strong> God24. The preaching <strong>of</strong> the Word is an essential element <strong>of</strong> public worship.Sinceitis the power <strong>of</strong> God unto salvation and one <strong>of</strong> the greatest works <strong>of</strong>the ministry <strong>of</strong> the gospel,it should done in such a way the workman neednot be ashamed, but may save both himself and those who hear him. Theminister is to prepare for the preaching by much study <strong>of</strong> the Word <strong>of</strong> Godand prayer. He should seek the aid <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit that he may declare thewhole counsel <strong>of</strong> God. He should read widely and keep abreast <strong>of</strong> thescholarship and the social and doctrinal issues <strong>of</strong> the times. His messagesshould be adapted to his audience, both in content and delivery.25. Sermons will be either expository or topical. Expository preachintake up a whole book <strong>of</strong> the Bible, or perhaps a chapter or a Psalm. Topicalpreaching considers a text <strong>of</strong> Scripture, because <strong>of</strong>its particular doctrinal orpractical teaching, or because it speaks clearly to the events andcircumstances <strong>of</strong> the occasion. In any case, the explicit teaching <strong>of</strong> the Bible,the Word <strong>of</strong> God written, and the clear proclamation <strong>of</strong> Christ, the Word <strong>of</strong>God incarnate, must invariably be the constant focus <strong>of</strong>all faithful preaching.26. The servant <strong>of</strong> Christ, whatever his method <strong>of</strong> sermon preparation ostyle <strong>of</strong> preaching,is to perform his whole ministry:(a) Diligently, not doing the work <strong>of</strong> the Lord negligently, as a workneed not be ashamed, correctly handling the word <strong>of</strong> truth (2 Tim. 2:15).(b) Plainly, so that the simplest may understand; delivering the trutthe enticing words <strong>of</strong> human wisdom, but in demonstration <strong>of</strong> the Spirit and<strong>of</strong> power, in case the cross <strong>of</strong> Christ be made <strong>of</strong> no effect (1 Corinthians2:4; 1:17); also abstaining from an unpr<strong>of</strong>itable use <strong>of</strong> unknown tongues,strange phrases, and cadences <strong>of</strong> sounds or words; and sparingly citingquotations from ecclesiastical or other human writers, ancient or modern,however elegant.(c) Faithfully, for the honor <strong>of</strong> Christ, the conversion, edification,salvation <strong>of</strong> the people, and not his own gain or glory; keeping nothing backthat may promote these goals, giving to everyone what he or she needs tohear, and having impartial respect to everyone, without neglecting the mostvulnerable, or sparing the most influential, in their sins.(d) Wisely, framing all his teaching, exhortations, and especially hisrepro<strong>of</strong>s, in such a manner as may be most likely to be effective; showingalldue respect to each individual's person and place, and not mixing his ownpassion and bitterness.


176 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE(e) Lovingly, that the people may see his ministry springing from a genuinelove for the Lord and a deep desire to do them good.(f) Solemnly, as appropriate to the Word <strong>of</strong> God; avoiding the kind <strong>of</strong>gestures, tone <strong>of</strong> voice, and expressions, that give opportunity for people todespise him and his ministry.(g) As taught by God, and convinced in his own heart, that all that heteaches is the truth <strong>of</strong> Christ; and living before the congregation, as anexample to them; earnestly, both in private and public, recommending hislabors to the blessing <strong>of</strong> God, and watchfully looking to himself, and to theflock <strong>of</strong> which the Lord has made him an overseer. In this way, the truth willbe faithfully preserved, many people converted to Christ and built up in theChristian faith and life, and he himself will receive many encouragements inhis ministry in this life, and afterward a crown <strong>of</strong> glory in the world to come.27. The worshippers in the fact and manner <strong>of</strong> their attention have a partin the preaching <strong>of</strong> the Word. They should listen with "diligence,preparation, and prayer, receive it with faith and love, lay it up in theirhearts, and practiceit in their lives" (Shorter Catechism, A. 90).The Benediction28. Public worship should be concluded with a solemn blessing upon thepeople by the one who has preached the Word. The common form is "Thegrace <strong>of</strong> the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love <strong>of</strong> God, and the communion <strong>of</strong>the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen" (2 Cor. 13:14). Scripture suppliesseveral suitable benedictions (for example, Heb. 13:20-21, 1 Cor. 1:3, Eph.6:23-24, 2 Thess. 3:16; Num. 6:24-26).29. The benediction is a pronouncement, not a prayer <strong>of</strong> adjournment,and should never become a mere formality for dismissing the congregation.The bestowing <strong>of</strong> the blessing <strong>of</strong> God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is ahigh and holy privilege for those who pronounce it in God's name and thosewho receiveit as faithful worshippers <strong>of</strong> God. Accordingly, the congregationshould wait quietly and reverently to receive the benediction.Chapter 3The Administration <strong>of</strong> the SacramentsI. The sacraments ordained by the Lord Jesus Christ in the NewTestament are two in number: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. They are tobe administered according to Christ's appointment, and only by ministers <strong>of</strong>Christ, who are called to be stewards <strong>of</strong> the mysteries <strong>of</strong> God. They arenormally to be administered in the house <strong>of</strong> worship and in connection withthe public worship <strong>of</strong> the church. Nevertheless, if a Session judges that veryunusual circumstances obtain in a particular instance, the sacraments may be


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 177administered elsewhere; but, in any event, the church must be represented inthe service.Baptism2. Baptism marks admission into the visible church and symbolizesingrafting into Christ. It is therefore not to be repeated. The water <strong>of</strong>baptism is properly applied by sprinkling or pouring.3. Baptism is to be administered to those who make a credible pr<strong>of</strong>ession<strong>of</strong> faith in Christ and to their children. The baptism <strong>of</strong> infant covenantchildren is not to be unnecessarily delayed. Notice <strong>of</strong> intention to present achild for baptism must be given to the session by a parent who is a believer.The baptism <strong>of</strong> adults must follow their public pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> faith in Christand assent to the Covenant <strong>of</strong> Church Membership.4. In the administration <strong>of</strong> baptism, the minister should follow the patterndescribed in the following sections, although he may employ differentlanguage, using his own liberty and godly wisdom, as the edification <strong>of</strong> thepeople shall require.4.1 Before administering baptism, instruction should be given as to theinstitution, nature, use and ends <strong>of</strong> the sacrament:"Baptism is a sacrament ordained by our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a sign andseal <strong>of</strong> the inclusion <strong>of</strong> the person who is baptized in the covenant <strong>of</strong> grace.Teaching that we and our children are conceived and born in sin, it witnessesand seals to us the remission <strong>of</strong> sins and the bestowal <strong>of</strong> all the gifts <strong>of</strong>salvation through union with Christ. Baptism with water signifies and sealscleansing from sin by the blood and Spirit <strong>of</strong> Christ, together with our deathto sin and our resurrection to newness <strong>of</strong> life by virtue <strong>of</strong> the death andresurrection <strong>of</strong> Christ. Since these gifts <strong>of</strong> salvation are the gracious provision<strong>of</strong> the triune God, who is pleased to claim us as His very own, we arebaptized into the name <strong>of</strong> the Father and <strong>of</strong> the Son and <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit.Since baptized persons are called upon to assume the obligations <strong>of</strong> thecovenant, baptism summons us to renounce the world and the flesh and towalk humbly with our God in devotion to His commandments."When an infant is to be baptized, the minister shall give instruction as to theground <strong>of</strong> infant baptism:"Although our young children do not yet understand these things, they arenevertheless to be baptized. For the promise <strong>of</strong> the covenant is made tobelievers and to their seed, as God declared to Abraham, 'And I will establishMy covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in theirgenerations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and yourdescendants after you' (Genesis 17:7). Under the New Testament, no less


178 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEthan in the Old, the seed <strong>of</strong> the faithful, born within the church, have, byvirtue <strong>of</strong> their birth, an interest in the covenant and a right to the seal <strong>of</strong> itand to the outward privileges <strong>of</strong> the church. For the covenant <strong>of</strong> grace is thesame in substance under both administrations, and the grace <strong>of</strong> God for theconsolation <strong>of</strong> believers is even more fully revealed in the New Testamentera. Moreover, our Savior admitted little children into His presence,embracing and blessing them, and saying, 'Of such is the kingdom <strong>of</strong> God'(Mk. 10:14). So the children <strong>of</strong> the covenant are by baptism distinguishedfrom the world and solemnly received into the visible church. They arebaptized because they are already, by birth, children <strong>of</strong> the covenant in theline <strong>of</strong> the generations <strong>of</strong> the people <strong>of</strong> God and members <strong>of</strong> the covenantcommunity, the church."When an adult is to be baptized, the minister shall give instruction as to thedistinctive basis <strong>of</strong> adult baptism:"Although the children <strong>of</strong> believers are to be baptized as members <strong>of</strong> thecovenant, the baptism <strong>of</strong> adults must await their own pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> faith inChrist. Having come to years <strong>of</strong> discretion, they become the heirs <strong>of</strong>salvation and are admitted as members <strong>of</strong> the visible church by way <strong>of</strong>personal belief in Christ as Savior and Lord. So our Lord Jesus Christcommanded His church to 'make disciples <strong>of</strong> all nations, baptizing them inthe name <strong>of</strong> the Father and <strong>of</strong> the Son and <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit' (Matt.28:20)."The minister is also to admonish the congregation to look back to their ownbaptism; to repent <strong>of</strong> their sins against their covenant with God; to stir uptheir faith; to improve and make the right use <strong>of</strong> their baptism and <strong>of</strong> thecovenant which it sealed between God and their souls.4.2 The parents <strong>of</strong> the child presented for baptism reaffirm the Covenant<strong>of</strong> Church Membership for themselves and assent to the Covenant <strong>of</strong> Baptismin relation to their child. If one believing parent is not a member <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church, he or she may come forward with the onewho is a member and may give assent to the Covenant <strong>of</strong> Baptism so far ashe or she is willing. If one <strong>of</strong> the parents is not a pr<strong>of</strong>essing Christian, thatparent is encouraged to be present and to accompany the believing parent inpresenting the child, but should not be expected or encouraged to give assentto this Covenant.Christian parents, members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church, mayreaffirm their Covenant <strong>of</strong> Church Membership by assenting to the followingquestion:"Do you publicly renew your pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> faith in Christand acknowledge your acceptance <strong>of</strong> the Covenant <strong>of</strong> ChurchMembership?"


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 179These parents shall then assent to the Covenant <strong>of</strong> Baptism in relation to theirchild:(a) "Do you believe your child to be a gift <strong>of</strong> God and, although a lostsinner by nature and subject to condemnation, is holy in Christ, and as amember <strong>of</strong> his church ought to be baptized?"(b) "Do you promise to instruct your child in the principles <strong>of</strong> our holy faithas revealed in the Scriptures <strong>of</strong> the Old and New Testaments, and assummarized in the Confession <strong>of</strong> Faith, Testimony, and Catechisms <strong>of</strong> thischurch; and do you promise to pray with and for your child, to set anexample <strong>of</strong> personal godliness before him/her, and to endeavor by all themeans that God has appointed to bring him/her up in the nurture andadmonition <strong>of</strong> the Lord?"The congregation may also be asked:"Do you, the members <strong>of</strong> this congregation, receive thisperson/child into your fellowship and promise to pray withhim/her and to help and encourage the parents as they seek tobring him/her up in the Christian life?"4.3 The congregation shall rise and after prayer for the presence andblessing <strong>of</strong> the triune God that the grace signified and sealed by holy baptismmay be abundantly realized, the minister, calling the person by name, shallpour or sprinkle the water on the head <strong>of</strong> the person, or persons, beingbaptized and say:"I baptize you into the name <strong>of</strong> the Father, and <strong>of</strong> the Son,and <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit,"adding, if he so pleases, the Aaronic benediction:"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His faceshine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up Hiscountenance upon you, and give you peace." (Num. 6:24)The minister should then conclude in prayer, or may invite an assistingminister or elder to do so.4.4 The Session should keep an accurate record <strong>of</strong> all persons baptized,with the date, and, in the case <strong>of</strong> a child, with the names <strong>of</strong> the parents andthe date <strong>of</strong> birth. A certificate <strong>of</strong> baptism should be provided for eachperson baptized.The Lord's Supper5. The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is given to the church as aperpetual remembrance <strong>of</strong> the sacrifice <strong>of</strong> Christ in his death. It signifies thesealing <strong>of</strong> the benefits <strong>of</strong> that death to true believers, their spiritual


180 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEnourishment and growth, and their commitment to faithful discipleship inChrist. It is also given to be a covenant and pledge <strong>of</strong> their communion withhim, and with each other, as members <strong>of</strong> his body, the church.6. The Lord's Supper is to be observed frequently, as determined by theSession, in keeping with the reverence enjoined in 1 Cor. II. It should beadministered following the preaching <strong>of</strong> the Word. The symbols <strong>of</strong> theLord's Supper are bread and wine.7. Only those who have been baptized and are communicant members ingood standing are to be admitted to the Lord's Table. Persons whose manner<strong>of</strong> life is notably inconsistent with their Christian pr<strong>of</strong>ession or who areunknown to the Session in charge <strong>of</strong> the Table, are not to be admitted. TheSession should attend to the faithful administration <strong>of</strong> the sacrament andexercise diligent and continual oversight <strong>of</strong> those under its care. Those whodesire to commune but are not under the care <strong>of</strong> the Session are to beinterviewed as to their personal commitment to Christ, their churchmembership and their baptism.8. It is the privilege and duty <strong>of</strong> every member to observe the Lord'sSupper regularly and with careful preparation. The congregation should benotified at least a week in advance <strong>of</strong> the celebration <strong>of</strong> the Supper. TheSession may appoint one or more preparatory services, at times convenientfor the congregation. Such "communion seasons" are appropriately occasionsfor guest ministers to assist in the preaching <strong>of</strong> the Word. The Covenant <strong>of</strong>Church Membership should be read and be explained at one <strong>of</strong> thepreparatory services.9. Before the administration <strong>of</strong> the Lord's Supper, the minister shouldread the Scriptural basis for the sacrament from one <strong>of</strong> the Gospels or from1 Cor. II. He should follow the general pattern described in the followingsections, although he may employ different language, using his own libertyand godly wisdom as the edification <strong>of</strong> the congregation shall require.9.1 The minister shall give instruction as to the institution and nature <strong>of</strong>the Lord's Supper, drawing attention to the words <strong>of</strong> institution in 1 Cor.11:23-26."The Lord's Supper is an ordinance instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ.Until his coming again,it is to be observed in perpetual remembrance <strong>of</strong> thesacrifice <strong>of</strong> Himself in His death. The physical elements, representing thebroken body and the shed blood <strong>of</strong> the Savior, are received by true believersas signs and seals <strong>of</strong> all the benefits <strong>of</strong> His sacrifice upon the cross. Theysignify and seal remission <strong>of</strong> sins and nourishment and growth in Christ, andare a bond and pledge <strong>of</strong> the communion <strong>of</strong> believers with Him and witheach other as members <strong>of</strong> his mystical body, the church. As signs and seals<strong>of</strong> the covenant <strong>of</strong> grace, they not only declare that God is faithful and true


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHto fulfil the promises <strong>of</strong> the covenant, but they also summon us to all theduties <strong>of</strong> the children <strong>of</strong> God and call us to renewed consecration in gratitudefor His salvation."9.2 The minister should then declare who may come to the Lord's Tableand who are excluded, according to the Word <strong>of</strong> God, drawing attention tothe words <strong>of</strong> warning and invitation in 1 Corinthians 11:27ff."It is the duty <strong>of</strong> the church to warn those who do not love the Lord JesusChrist or who are in other ways secretly or openly living pr<strong>of</strong>ane, scandalous,and impenitent lives before God, that they not approach the Table <strong>of</strong> theLord and so partake unworthily, not discerning the Lord's body, and so eatand drink condemnation to themselves. The Lord's Supper is for repentantand believing sinners, who, after due self-examination, come confessing Christas their Savior. The warning is not designed to keep the humble and contriteaway from the Table <strong>of</strong> the Lord, as if the Supper were for those who aresomehow free from sin. On the contrary, we who are invited to partake <strong>of</strong>the symbols <strong>of</strong> Christ's broken body and shed blood, come as guilty andpolluted sinners without hope apart from the grace <strong>of</strong> God in Christ. Incommuning, we confess our dependence for pardon and cleansing upon theperfect sacrifice <strong>of</strong> Christ, basing our hope <strong>of</strong> eternal life upon His perfectobedience and righteousness, and humbly resolving to deny ourselves, crucifyour old natures, and follow Christ as becomes those who bear His name. Letus therefore, in accordance with the admonition <strong>of</strong> the apostle Paul, examineour minds and hearts to the end that we may partake to the glory <strong>of</strong> Godand to our growth in the grace <strong>of</strong> Christ."10. During the singing <strong>of</strong> an appropriate Psalm (Pss. 24 and 116 areespecially suitable), the people should be invited to come to the Supper,either to tables or to a suitable part <strong>of</strong> the auditorium, as custom andconvenience would indicate.10.1 When the communicants are seated, the minister should pray,thanking and praising God for the gift <strong>of</strong> His Son, Jesus Christ, and theredemption which He has purchased and applied to His people, andsanctifying and blessing the elements <strong>of</strong> bread and wine set before him,having first, in a few words, shown that those elements, otherwise common,are now set apart and sanctified to this holy use, by the word <strong>of</strong> institutionand prayer:(a) Humbly and heartily acknowledging how great our sins and miseries are,and how great our unworthiness <strong>of</strong> the least <strong>of</strong> God's mercies, especiallyredemption in Christ, the means <strong>of</strong> grace, and this sacrament now beingobserved.(b) Exultantly and enthusiastically pr<strong>of</strong>essing that there is no other nameunder heaven by which we can be saved, but the name <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ, byHM


182 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEwhom alone we have received liberty and life, have access to the throne <strong>of</strong>grace, are admitted to eat and drink at His own Table, and are sealed up byHis Spirit to an assurance <strong>of</strong> happiness and eternal life.(c) Earnestly entreating God, the Father <strong>of</strong> mercies, to be present with us inour celebration <strong>of</strong> the Supper, working effectually in us by the Holy Spirit,and so sanctifying the elements both <strong>of</strong> bread and wine, and blessing His ownordinance, that we would receive by faith the body and blood <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ,crucified for us.(d) Further praying to Him that has loved us and given Himself for us, thatwe might so feed upon Him, that He may be one with us, and we one withHim; that He may live in us, and we in Him.10.2 After prayer and thanksgiving, the minister shall take the bread and,having broken it, giveit to the people saying,"The Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night in which he wasbetrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brokeit and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you;do this in remembrance <strong>of</strong> Me.'"The bread may then be distributed, first to the communicants, and then tothe minister(s) and elder(s).10.3 Having given the bread, the minister shall take the cup and give it tothe people saying,"In the same manner He also took the cup after supper,saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as<strong>of</strong>ten as you drink it, in remembrance <strong>of</strong> Me.' For as <strong>of</strong>ten asyou eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord'sdeath till He comes."The cup may then be distributed, first to the communicants, and then to theminister(s) and elder(s).11. After all have communed, a brief address may be given at the Table,by the ministering elder, emphasizing the grace <strong>of</strong> God in Jesus Christ heldforth in the sacrament, and "exhorting them to continue in the faith" (Ac.14:22). The service may be concluded with a Prayer <strong>of</strong> Thanksgiving, thereceiving <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ferings for the Mercy Fund (or some other benevolentpurpose), a suitable Psalm (such as Pss. 72 and 103), and the Benediction.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 183Special OrdinancesFastingChapter 41. Special days <strong>of</strong> fasting, humiliation, and prayer are particularlyappropriate when God's judgments are evident in the land or when corporatesin in church or nation provoke Him and invite his judgments. It isappropriate that such a day be observed in connection with servicespreparatory to the Lord's Supper or on days designated by Sessions,Presbyteries, and <strong>Synod</strong>s for this purpose.2. A fast day is properly marked by a service <strong>of</strong> public worship. Psalms <strong>of</strong>penitence should be sung, and prayers <strong>of</strong> confession <strong>of</strong> sin and petitions forpardon should be <strong>of</strong>fered.3. Fasting involves total abstinence, not only from all food (except whereinjurious to a person's health), but also from all worldly labor, conversations,and thoughts for the duration <strong>of</strong> the fast, so as to center attention upon thedeeper and more serious things involved in the occasion.4. Besides general fasts enjoined by the civil authority, there may be timeswhen congregations keep days <strong>of</strong> fasting, as appointed by the Session onparticularly appropriate occasions, and also when families and individuals, fortheir own reasons, give themselves to prayer and fasting for a season.Thanksgiving5. Christians should be thankful at all times, but there are occasions whena special season <strong>of</strong> corporate thanksgiving should be observed. This may be inresponse to particular blessings <strong>of</strong> God in the life <strong>of</strong> the congregation, the call<strong>of</strong> the civil authority for a day <strong>of</strong> national thanksgiving, or in thanksgiving forthe harvest each year.6. On such occasions, a suitable service <strong>of</strong> public worship should beconducted at which the people recount God's blessings, sing His praises,thank Him for His mercies to our nation and ourselves, call upon Him inprayer for both Church and Nation, and are exhorted from the Word <strong>of</strong> Godupon the theme <strong>of</strong> gratitude to God. Opportunity may be given for thepeople to express that gratitude by making a contribution to some benevolentcause.


184 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEChapter 5The Solemnization <strong>of</strong> MarriageI. Marriage is a creation ordinance <strong>of</strong> God, adapted to the nature <strong>of</strong>human beings and their societies, and designed for the welfare and happiness<strong>of</strong> men and women, the procreation <strong>of</strong> legitimate issue, and, in the case <strong>of</strong>the church, a holy seed in the line <strong>of</strong> the generations <strong>of</strong> God's covenantpeople. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman, who covenantto live together and to perform faithfully the duties <strong>of</strong> husband and wife.2. Marriage is neither a sacrament nor something peculiar to Christians orthe church, but is common to mankind and <strong>of</strong> public interest in every societyand nation. Nevertheless, because those who covenant to be married are tomarry in the Lord, and have special need <strong>of</strong> instruction from the Word <strong>of</strong>God when they enter into the marriage relationship, we believe it isimportant that marriage be solemnized by a minister <strong>of</strong> the gospel, so that hemay counsel them and pray for the blessing <strong>of</strong> God upon them in their lifetogether. The state recognizes the role <strong>of</strong> ministers in solemnizing marriages.They should therefore be careful to comply with the appropriate civilregulations <strong>of</strong> the state or province within which the marriage is to take place,making certain beforehand that the proper marriage license has been secured,and, afterward, taking care to complete the marriage license, return anyrequired certificate to the issuing <strong>of</strong>fice, and keep a record <strong>of</strong> the marriagewith the church.3. The parties to the marriage are to be <strong>of</strong> years <strong>of</strong> discretion, fit to maketheir own choice and, upon good grounds, to give their mutual consent. Thechurch forbids the marriage <strong>of</strong> persons who are within degrees <strong>of</strong>consanguinity or affinity prohibited by the Word <strong>of</strong> God, and <strong>of</strong> a personwho has been divorced on unscriptural grounds or has been the guilty partyin a Scriptural divorce (Testimony, 24:4,5). Christians should marry only inthe Lord and their marriage should be solemnized by an ordained minister <strong>of</strong>the gospel.4. The marriage ceremony may appropriately be celebrated in the placeappointed for public worship, before a competent number <strong>of</strong> crediblewitnesses, at some convenient hour <strong>of</strong> the day, at any time <strong>of</strong> the year,except on the Lord's Day and days <strong>of</strong> humiliation and fasting.5. A marriage should be a joyous, festive occasion. The bride and groommay desire to frame their own vows and make suggestions regarding thecontent <strong>of</strong> the ceremony. Nevertheless, the final decision about the contentand conduct <strong>of</strong> the ceremony shall be at the discretion <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>ficiatingminister(s). We suggest the following suggested general pattern:


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1855.1 Introduction. When the parties to the marriage are before theminister, he may say,"We are gathered in the presence <strong>of</strong> God and <strong>of</strong> thiscompany, to join this man and this woman in holy estate <strong>of</strong>marriage.Marriage was instituted by God from the beginning. God said, "It is notgood that the man should be alone; I will make him a help suitable for him"(Gen. 2:18). God then created woman <strong>of</strong> Man's own substance andbrought her to him.The Lord Jesus Christ honored marriage by his presence at the wedding inCana <strong>of</strong> Galilee, and confirmed it as a divine ordinance and a union not to besevered, when he declared, "What therefore God has joined together, let noman put asunder" (Mt. 19:6).Furthermore, the apostle Paul set forth the sacred nature <strong>of</strong> the marriagerelationship when, in Eph. 5:22-33, he compared it by analogy to thespiritual union between Christ and his church.The purpose <strong>of</strong> marriage, then, is the enrichment <strong>of</strong> the lives <strong>of</strong> thoseentering into this relationship, the nurture <strong>of</strong> a new generation, and theextension <strong>of</strong> Christ's church, to the glory <strong>of</strong> our covenant God."5.2 Prayer. The minister should then pray for a blessing upon the unionabout to be effected.5.3 The reading <strong>of</strong> Scripture. Appropriate passages <strong>of</strong> Scripture may beread, such as Gen. 2:18-24; Mt. 19:3-6; Pr. 31; Is. 32:2; 1 Jn. 4:12-21;Eph. 5; and 1 Cor. 13.5.4 Charge to the couple. The minister may then give a brief address,out <strong>of</strong> the Scripture, showing the institution, use, and goals <strong>of</strong> marriage. Heshould exhort them to study the word <strong>of</strong> God that they may learn to live byfaith and be content in the midst <strong>of</strong> all the cares and challenges <strong>of</strong> marriage.He should also urge them to pray with and for one another, to watch overand encourage one another to love and good works, and to live together asthe heirs <strong>of</strong> the grace <strong>of</strong> life.5.5 Giving away <strong>of</strong> the bride. The minister may then ask "Who gives thiswoman to be married to this man?" and her parent(s) will answer, "l/wedo."5.6 Exchange <strong>of</strong> vows.(a) The minister shall next ask the parties to join their right hands and giveassent to the marriage vows.


186 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THETo the man, he shall say:"Do you [man's name] take [woman's name] to be yourlawfully wedded wife, and do you promise before God, and inthe presence <strong>of</strong> these witnesses, that you will be to her afaithful and loving husband, in sickness and in health, in plentyand in want, in joy and in sorrow, as long as you both shalllive?" [The man shall answer: "I do."]To the woman, he shall say:"Do you [woman's name] take [man's name] to be yourlawfully wedded husband, and do you promise before God, andin the presence <strong>of</strong> these witnesses, that you will be to him afaithful and loving wife, in sickness and in health, in plenty andin want, in joy and in sorrow, as long as you both shall live?"[The woman shall answer: "I do."](b) The bride and groom may then face one another and repeat their vowsto one another.The man will say:"I [man's name] take you [woman's name] to be mylawfully wedded wife, and I promise before God, and in thepresence <strong>of</strong> these witnesses, that I will be to you a faithful andloving husband, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want,in joy and in sorrow, as long as we both shall live."The woman will say:"I [woman's name] take you [man's name] to be mylawfully wedded husband, and I promise before God, and inthe presence <strong>of</strong> these witnesses, that I will be to you a faithfuland loving wife, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want,in joy and in sorrow, as long as we both shall live."5.7 Exchange <strong>of</strong> rings. If there is an exchange <strong>of</strong> rings, the minister shallsay to the bride and groom:"What pledge do you give <strong>of</strong> this, your marriage covenant?"The groom, or the bride, or both, may answer:"This/these ring/rings",and then proceed to place their respective rings on the finger <strong>of</strong> the other.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1875.8 Prayer and pronouncement as man and wife. A prayer shall be<strong>of</strong>fered for the blessing <strong>of</strong> God upon the bride and groom and the ministershall, before the congregation, pronounce them to be husband and wife,according to God's ordinance:"By virtue <strong>of</strong> the authority vesting in me as a minister <strong>of</strong> theGospel, and in accordance with the laws <strong>of</strong> God and thiscommonwealth, I now pronounce you husband and wife.The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His faceshine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up Hiscountenance upon you, and give you peace."Chapter 6The Burial <strong>of</strong> the Dead1. Christian burial should be simple and without any unnecessaryceremony or display. The funeral may be held in the home, in a funeralestablishment or in the church building, and be private or more or lesspublic, as the family may desire. The <strong>of</strong>ficiating minister should seek to makethe funeral an occasion <strong>of</strong> praise to God, <strong>of</strong> comfort to the bereaved, and <strong>of</strong>challenge to the unbelieving. It is the responsibility <strong>of</strong> the minister todetermine the form and content <strong>of</strong> the service, according to the Word <strong>of</strong>God and the order <strong>of</strong> the church. The funeral should not be held on theLord's Day, except in cases <strong>of</strong> extreme necessity.2. Christian burial must be kept distinctly separate from all non-Christianrites. Accordingly, there should be no compromise with secret orders, suchas the Freemasons, or other non-Christian <strong>org</strong>anizations.3. The funeral <strong>of</strong> a Christian is both the occasion <strong>of</strong> mourning the loss <strong>of</strong>a loved one and the affirmation <strong>of</strong> the hope <strong>of</strong> eternal life through JesusChrist for all who believe in Him. The Scriptures are to have a prominentplace. The singing <strong>of</strong> suitable Psalms is most appropriate. Prayers should beweighty and winsome, commending the bereaved to the consolation <strong>of</strong> theGospel and the God <strong>of</strong> all comfort. The address should be timely and exaltChrist and His salvation as the basis <strong>of</strong> comfort to the bereaved and counselto the living, and be without undue praise <strong>of</strong> the dead.4. The minister will consult the family <strong>of</strong> the deceased regardingappropriate Scripture readings, Psalms and the involvement <strong>of</strong> otherministers. The final decision shall be at the discretion <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>ficiatingminister(s). We suggest the following general pattern.4.1 Introduction. The minister shall say:"We are gathered together in the presence <strong>of</strong> God toremember His sovereignty in death as in life and to seek His


188 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEWord for our hearts. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and thelife. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (Jn.11:25-26).The minister shall then lead the people in prayer. A Psalm (or Psalms) maybe sung (Psalm 121 is very appropriate.).4.2 The Reading <strong>of</strong> Scripture. Appropriate Scripture passages should beread. The following may be found most suitable:(a) Words <strong>of</strong> comfort and contemplation: Pss. 23; 39:4-13; 90; 103:13-18; and 130.(b) Words <strong>of</strong> salvation: Jn. 3:16-17; 10:9-11, 27-30; 14:1-11; Rm. 5:1-I 1; and 8:1-11.(c) Words <strong>of</strong> the godly life: Prov. 4:18; Mai. 3:16-18; Heb. 10:23-25; Mt.25:34-40.(d) Words <strong>of</strong> resurrection and eternal life: Ps. 73:23-26; 1 Cor. 15:20-28;35-58; Rev. 21:1-4, 22-27; and 22:1-7.4.3 The Sermon. The minister should give a brief address from anappropriate text <strong>of</strong> Scripture.4.4 The funeral may be concluded with the singing <strong>of</strong> a Psalm, and withprayer by the minister.5. At the grave, the minister may read a suitable Scripture, such as 1 Cor.15:53-58, and use the following or similar words:"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be thename <strong>of</strong> the Lord.Forasmuch asit has pleased God, in His wise providence, to takeout <strong>of</strong> this world the soul <strong>of</strong> [name <strong>of</strong> the deceased], we thereforecommit his/her body to the ground, looking for the resurrection <strong>of</strong>the dead, and the life <strong>of</strong> the world to come, through our Lord JesusChrist, at whose coming in glory the earth and the sea shall give uptheir dead; and the mortal bodies <strong>of</strong> those who sleep in Him shall bechanged, and made like unto His own glorious body, according tothe mighty work by which He is able to subdue all things to Himself.I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, 'Write, "Blessed are thedead who die in the Lord from now on."' 'Yes,' says the Spirit,'that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.'"'The minister should then conclude with a brief prayer and the benediction.Drafted by Gordon J. Keddie,January, <strong>1995</strong>.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 189REPORT OF THE REPRESENTATIVE TO THENATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS CONVENTIONThe Convention <strong>of</strong> the National Association <strong>of</strong> Evangelicals heLouisville, Kentucky in March was a special convention. Dr. Billy Melvin whohad been the Executive Director for 28 years was retiring March 31, <strong>1995</strong>and Dr. Don Argue was installed as his successor. There was both the spirit<strong>of</strong> looking back to the growth and development <strong>of</strong> the NAE and lookingforward to the future.The theme <strong>of</strong> the convention, One Faith, One Witness, One Hope:Celebrating Our Unity in Jesus Christ, was a time <strong>of</strong> commitment to fellowChristians with an emphasis on cooperation without compromise. Dr. Melvinin delivering his final annual report stated, "We must rise to the challengethat is now ours as~together-we serve Jesus Christ in new ways that willhonor Him and be faithful to God's Word, the Bible."The plenary addresses emphasized the "call for more than just tolerationand graciousness on the part <strong>of</strong> evangelicals, but a total obliteration <strong>of</strong> thosethings which separate races." Dr. Morris Chapman noted that revival"cannot be worked up, it must be prayed down." He illustrated hisstatement by recalling that the famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards, "Sinnersin the Hands <strong>of</strong> an Angry God," was first delivered after three days <strong>of</strong> fastingand prayer by Edwards. It was a challenge to break down the barriers <strong>of</strong>races and join in a unity <strong>of</strong> desire for revival.Two resolutions were adopted in the business sessions: "Compassion forImmigrants and Refugees" and "U.S. Foreign Aid and HumanitarianAssistance."One <strong>of</strong> the things which I have experienced as a great blessing at theconventions has been the prayer times with three or four others followingplenary or business sessions. What unity there is in praying to God with newChristian acquaintances. May we pray that the Lord will encourage us to"Celebrate Our Unity in Jesus Christ" and pray for world-wide revival.Respectfully submitted,Bob Henning


190 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE


DIRECTORYOF THER E F O R M E D PRESBYTERIANC H U R C HOF N O R T HA M E R I C A


192 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEINSTITUTIONSDIRECTORY OF THEREFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHOF NORTH AMERICAGeneva CollegeBeaver Falls, PA 15010.Phone: 412-846-5100President: John H. White, D.Min.<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Home2344 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15214.Phone: 412-321-4139Administrator: William J. Weir<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Theological Seminary7418 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208.Phone:412-731-8690 f ^ W ^President: Rev. Jerry F. O'Neill ffr\ ' ^'OFFICES<strong>Synod</strong>'s Board <strong>of</strong> TrusteesSecretary-Treasurer: Louis D. Hutmire7408 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208.Phone: 412-731-1177Fax: 412-731-8861Board <strong>of</strong> Education and PublicationCoordinator <strong>of</strong> Youth Ministries: James C. PenningtonManaging Editors <strong>of</strong> Crown and Covenant Publications: Drew and LynneGordon7408 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208.Phone: 412-241-0436Fax: 412-731-8861National Reform AssociationP.O. Box 97086, Pittsburgh, PA 15229-0086President: Rev. Andrew Sandlin, 1385 Roaring Camp Road, Murphys, CA95247Exective Director: Dr. Jack Perry, P.O. Box 239, McElhattan, PA 17748-0239. Phone: 412-331-4081Reformation Translation Fellowship302 E. First Street, Bloomington, IN 47401.Phone: 812-339-1922


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 193OFFICERS OF SYNODModerator: Robert Copeland, Ph.D., 3111 Fifth Ave, Beaver Fall15010. Phone: 412-847-2759.Clerk: Pastor J. Bruce Martin, 1328 Goodin Drive, Clay Center, KS 67432.Phone: 913-632-5861 (<strong>of</strong>fice) or 632-2458 (home).Assistant Clerk: Raymond E. Morton, 411 N. Vine St., Sparta, IL 62286.Phone:618-443-3419.Treasurer: Louis D. Hutmire, 7408 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208.Phone: 412-731 -1177 or 241 -8088 (home).BOARDS OF SYNODBoard <strong>of</strong> Corporators <strong>of</strong> Geneva CollegeMembers Chosen by <strong>Synod</strong>Term ExpiresPaul Patterson 1996William Joseph 1997Doug Comin 1998Beginning 7/1/96: Paul Patterson 2000Members Chosen by the Corporators Term ExpiresHerbert McCracken, Maribel McKelvy, M.D., Dennis Wing 1996Robert McKissick, M.D., Jerry O'Neill, Nancy Vincze 1997Robert Baumgartner, Douglas Carson, William Weir 1998Jonathan Adams, Samuel Spear, Richard Woods 1999Members Chosen by Presbyteries Term ExpiresDonald Mullinnix, Great Lakes-Gulf 1996Timothy McCracken, Pacific Coast; Albert Miller, Alleghenies 1997Ge<strong>org</strong>e Hueber, St. Lawrence; Robert H. McFarland, Midwest;Bonnie Weir, Atlantic 1998Chairman: William Weir, 2404 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15214.Phone: 412-231-3452Board <strong>of</strong> Education and PublicationMembersTerm ExpiresAndy McCracken, Erma Prutow, David Willson 1996Phil Beard, Joseph Comanda, Karen Moberg 1997Christian Adjemian, Norman Carson, Ingrid Birdsall 1998Beginning 7/1/96: Andy McCracken, Erma Prutow, David Willson 1999Chairman: Norman M. Carson, Ph.D. [Beverly], 616 Fifth Avenue,Patterson Heights, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Phone: 412-846-3469


194 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEBoard <strong>of</strong> Foreign MissionsMembersTerm ExpiresBruce Backensto, Robert Heimburger, Marjorie Cox, 1996Robert Mann, Sandra Johns 1997Aubrey Ayer, David Long 1998Fikre Menbere, Jonathan Watt 1999Beginning 7/1/96: Bruce Backensto, Marjorie Cox, 2000Executive Secretary: Robert Henning, 3711 Premier Drive, Columbus, IN47203. Phone: 812-378-4190.Prayer phone: 812-378-4192.Board <strong>of</strong> Home MissionsMembersTerm ExpiresDean Smith; Alleghenies, John W. McGrath, Jr., St. Lawrence;Mrs. Eileen Falk 1996Keith Magill, Great Lakes-Gulf; Mark England, Midwest; 1997Richard Weir, Atlantic; Tim McCracken, Pacific Coast 1998Beginning 7/1/96: Marcia Elliott 1999President: Keith R. Magill [Becky], 6878 Hillcrest Court, Indianapolis, IN46227. Phone:317-783-9547.Board <strong>of</strong> Pension Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>MembersTerm ExpiresDon Lamont, Dean O'Neill, Everett Wood 1996A. Wayne Duffield, Brian Roulin 1997Bruce Lundeen, Don McBurney 1998Beginning 7/1/96: Don Lamont, Dean O'Neill, Shane Shoop 1999Secretary: A. Wayne Duffield, P.O. Box 373, New Alexandria, PA 15670.Phone: 412-668-7506.Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees <strong>of</strong> Geneva CollegeTrustees Emeriti: Wendell F. McBurney, Ph.D., Kenneth G. Smith, D.D.Members <strong>of</strong> the R.P. Church Term ExpiresRoy Blackwood, Ph.D., Joseph Lamont, Jr., William O. Martin, M.D., H.Edmund Schisler, 1996Robert Baumgartner, Gayle Copeland, John P. Edgar, Donald Reed, Bruce C.Stewart, D.D. 1997Joyce Lynn, ). Paul McCracken, Jerry O'Neill, Kenneth A. Smith, 1998Gwen Elliott, Thomas Fisher, Barry Rosales, Bonnie Weir, Dennis Wing,Joseph Worsham 1999Members Representing the AlumniClarence Farmer \99bWalter Helsing, Don Sheffield 1997Virginia Badger, Kenneth W. Creasman, 1999


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 195Members Certified by the Board <strong>of</strong> TrusteesRaymond Damadian, Ge<strong>org</strong>e Henning 1996Dennis Bakke, David Murdock 1997Andrew Marcinko, Jean McKelvey 1998Yvonne Forston Allison, William Thomas 1999President: Joseph Lamont, Jr., 4233 N.E. 75th Street, Seattle, WA 98115.Phone: 206-524-2052Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>MembersTerm ExpiresRobert Hemphill, Stuart Schmidt, Jay Worsham 1996Paul Finley, Louis D. Hutmire, Joseph Lamont, Jr. 1997Sam Chestnut, Steve McMahan, Dennis Olson 1998Beginning 7/1/96: John P. Edgar, Stuart Schmidt, Jay Worsham 1999Secretary-Treasurer: Louis D. Hutmire,7408 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA15208.Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees <strong>of</strong> the Theological SeminaryMembersTerm ExpiresWalter W. Swartz, James M. Wright 1996David M. Carson, Ph.D., Gordon Keddie 1997Donald Piper, William Edgar, Ph. D. 1998Alan Noell, Ph.D., Richard Weir, Ph.D. 1999Kenneth Epps, Paul Kilpatrick 2000Dennis Prutow, Robert Tweed, Ph.D., 2001Beginning 7/1/96: Walter W. Swartz, Richard Johnston 2002President:PERMANENT COMMITTEES OF SYNODCommittee on ArrangementsMembersTerm ExpiresRob Baumgartner, Keith Black 1996Robert McFarland, Dennis Wing 1997Beginning 7/1/96: David Carson, Jack Lathom 1998Chairman:Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> CommitteeJames D. Carson, D.D., Ray Morton 1996Robert Copeland, Drew Gordon 1997Harry Meuger, Kenneth G. Smith, D.D. 1998J. Bruce Martin Ex <strong>of</strong>ficioBeginning 7/1/96: James D. Carson, D.D., Ray Morton 1999Chairman: Harry Meuger, 215 E. Lakeside, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. Phone:708-367-1034.


196 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEChurch History CommitteeMembersTerm ExpiresDavid Weir 1996Tom Reid 1998David Carson 2000Beginning 7/1/96: David Weir 2002Committee on FinanceMembersTerm ExpiresJay Worsham, Alaisdar Graham 1996Andy Curran, Hector Pino 1997David Mohr, William Roberts 1998Beginning 7/1/96: Keith Magill, Jay Worsham 1999Chairman: Jay Worsham, 266 Mileham Dr., Orlando, FL, 32835. Phone:407-293-3508.Graduate Study FundCommittee MembersTerm ExpiresJerry O'Neill, President <strong>of</strong> the SeminaryJohn H. White, D. Min., President <strong>of</strong> Geneva College, President <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Education and PublicationChairman: Wendell McBurney, 11750 Greenfield Road, ZionsviUe, IN46077. Phone: 317-873-5000 1997Interchurch CommitteeMembersTerm ExpiresAndrew Schep, John H. White, D. Min. 1996Robert Henning, Robert Mann 1997Gordon Keddie, Bruce C. Stewrt, D.D. 1998Beginning 7/1/96: Andrew Schep, John H. White, D. Min. 1999Secretary: Robert A Henning, 371 1 Premier Dr., Columbus, IN 47203.Phone: 812-378-4190.Nominating CommitteeMembersTerm ExpiresBruce Hemphill, Timothy McCracken 1997Chairman: Bruce Hemphill, 935 Limecrest Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221Phone: 412-244-0605.ParliamentariansMembersTerm ExpiresPhilip Pockras <strong>1995</strong>Bruce C. Stewart 1998Robert Schmidtberger 2000Beginning 7/1/96: Christian Adjemian 2002


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 197Representatives to the <strong>Presbyterian</strong> and <strong>Reformed</strong> JointCommission on Chaplains and Military PersonnelMembersTerm ExpiresDennis Prutow 1996Robert Copeland, Ph.D. 1997Jonathan Leach 1998Beginning 7/1/96: Dennis Prutow 1999Committee on Understanding the TimesMembersTerm ExpiresAndrew Schep 1997Aubrey Ayer 1998David Carson 1999CHURCHES WITH WHOM WE HAVEFRATERNAL RELATIONS<strong>Reformed</strong> Presbytery <strong>of</strong> AustraliaAlastair McEwen8 Wimmera StreetBelmontVictoria, Australia 3216<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> IrelandRev. Andrew Stewart, Clerk27 Portstewart RoadPortrushCo. Antrim, BT56 8EH Northern IrelandPhone: 011-44-1265-823794<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> ScotlandRev. James Stewart, Clerk4 Burnbrae AvenueGlasgow, G61 8ESScotlandPhone: 011-44-041-942-5056Trinity Christian Community FellowshipAdam MastrisP.O. Box 420Larnaca, CyprusPhone: 011-357-4-658068; Fax: 011-357-4-628124American <strong>Presbyterian</strong> ChurchRev. John M. Morrow2152 Deer Park RoadFinksburg, MD 21048Phone: 410-526-6323


198 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEAssociate <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> ChurchRev. Donald Beard, Principal Clerk3132 Grace Hill RoadColumbia, SC 29204Phone: 803-232-8297Christian <strong>Reformed</strong> ChurchDavid H. Englehard, General Secretary2850 Kalamazoo Ave., S.E.Grand Rapids, Ml 49560Phone: 616-246-0744Free Church in Scotland, <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> North AmericaEwen MacdougallValley Field P.O.Prince Edward IslandKorean American <strong>Presbyterian</strong> ChurchMyung Doh Kim, Stated Clerk1901 w. 66th St.Gardena, CA 90247Phone: 310-327-4063Orthodox <strong>Presbyterian</strong> ChurchRev. Donald J. Duff, Stated Clerk607 N Easton Road, Bldg. E, Box PWillow Grove, PA 19090-0920<strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church in AmericaRev. Paul Gilchrist, Stated Clerk1852 Century PL, Suite 202Atlanta, GA 30345<strong>Reformed</strong> Church in the U.S.Rev. Frank Walker, Stated Clerk927 E. Graceway Dr.Napoleon, OH 43545Phone: 419-599-2266FORM OF BEQUEST"I do bequeath to the Trustees <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong>Church <strong>of</strong> North America the following:If one wishes, he may specify where he desires the bequest to go. In making out awill,it is advisable to get legal advice.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 199ROSTER OF PRESBYTERY OF THE ALLEGHENIESModeratorClerkModerator, Ad Interim CommissionYoung People's SecretaryChm., Church Extension sc EvangelismBruce StewartRobert SchmidtbergerJerry O'NeillJames WittkeDean SmithAllegheny-2453 Perrysville Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214. Phone: 412-322-6166.Pastor: James C. Pennington [Ruth], 2916 Gilmore Avenue, Pittsburgh,PA 15235. Phone:412-243-9035. Installed 1993.Clerk: William J. Weir, 2404 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15214.Phone: 412-231-3452.Elders: Melville Martin, Charles McBurney, W. Kenneth Sanderson.Treasurer: J. Alan Wissner, 125 Watkins Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202.Phone: 412-766-2359S.S. Supt.: Charles McBurney, 2344 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, PA15214. Phone: 412-321-1173Anchor Fellowship Mission Church~P.O Box 1347, Wladorf, MD20604. Phone: 301-932-9209.Pastor: Peter Smith [Vicki], 11324-E Snow Owl Place, Waldorf, MD20603. Phone 301-870-6827.Treasurer: Darcy Boley, 1319 Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, MD 20677.Phone: 301-609-8470.College Hill-3217 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Phone: 412-843-4840.Pastor: Jonathan M. Watt, Ph. D. [June], 510 32nd Street, Beaver Falls,PA 15010. Phone: 412-846-5486. Installed 1992.Clerk: Don Wilson, R.D. #2, Box 2078, Wampum, PA 16157. Phone:412-535-7288Elders: Douglas Carson, Robert Copeland, Ph.D., Donnie Hicks, PaulKilpatrick, Ph.D., Rick Mason, William H. Russell, Ph.D., John Stahl,Ph.D., David WillsonElders Emeriti: J. Lawrence Coon, D.D.S., Norman M. Carson, Ph.D.,Stewart M. Lee, Ph.D., Robert McConaughy, Roy M. McDonald, StanleyR. Reyle, Ph.D., Raymond RhodesTreasurer: Jonathan Wallace, 3520 Sixth Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.Phone: 412-847-0175C.E. Chairman: John Stahl, 3217 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PAPhone: 412-843-4840


200 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THECovenant Fellowship-Swissvale and Hill Avenues, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.Phone: 412-371-6118.Pastor: Bruce Hemphill, 935 Limecrest Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.Phone:412-244-0605. Installed <strong>1995</strong>.Clerk: Louis D. Hutmire, 2100 Royal Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.Phone: 412-241-8088 (Send mail to 7408 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA15208).Elders: Christian Hallstein, Drew Gordon, Keith Kusbit, Duncan Lowe,James Partridge, Ian WelshTreasurer: Janine Gould, 107 Henderson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15235.Phone: 412-243-4471Eastvale-504 Second Avenue, Eastvale, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Phone:412-847-2080Pastor: Vince Scavo [Elizabeth], 502 Second Avenue, Eastvale, BeaverFalls, PA 15010. Phone: 412-847-7341. Installed 1994.Clerk: Roy M. Adams, Ph.D., 316 Elmwood Blvd., S.R. 168, Darlington,PA 16115. Phone: 412-827-2044.Elders: David M. Carson, Ph.D., Paul R. Coast (inactive), Kermit Edgar,John Kerr (inactive), Gerald Richeal, John SchaefferTreasurer: Marjorie Lathom, 955 Eastwood Road, Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-846-0135S.S. Supt.: Judy Garvin, 2855 River Road, Ellwood City, PA 16117First Beaver Falls-209 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Phone-412-843-2413.Pastor: John Tweed (Alta), 207 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-846-3157.Clerk: Charles Sterrett, 161 Birnesser Drive, Beaver Falls, PA 15010Phone: 412-846-2097.Elders: Joseph M. Caskey, Russell Ketterer, Paul K. Patterson, Ralph Rohm(inactive), Paul Wissner (inactive)Treasurer: Robert N. Fenchel, 511 Eighth Avenue, Patterson Heights,Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Phone: 412-846-2741S.S. Supt.: Sandra Johns, 1920 Wade Street Ext., Aliquippa, PA 15001Phone: 412-378-4018Geneva-3015 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Phone- 412-846-6877Pastor: Vacant.Clerk: Glen M. Ge<strong>org</strong>e, 759 Oakridge Dr., Youngstown, OH 44512.Elders: Robert M. Hemphill, Willard G. McMillan D.D., [Shirley] JMerrill Robb, LH.D., C. Raymond Smith.Treasurer: Glen M. Ge<strong>org</strong>e, 759 Oakridge Dr., Ypungstown, OH 44512.Director <strong>of</strong> C.E.: Kay Casuccio, 3226 6th Avenue, Beaver Falls PA15010. Phone: 412-843-6562


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 201Grace <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church-370 Airport Road, State College, PA 16801.Phone: 814-237-2637.Pastor: Gordon J. Keddie, [Jane], 2440 Lexington Circle, State College,PA 16801. Phone: 814-234-2653. Installed 1987Clerk: Jonathan D. Adams, c/o church.Elders:Treasurer: Cyrus Beisel, P.O. Box 5892, Belleville, PA 17004. Phone:717-935-5335Manchester-204 Manchester Hill, New Kensington, PA 15068. Phone:412- 3 39-15 51. partial fcpp/& £#%, jL\i\ i^& #02, &>y z<strong>of</strong>Pastor: Vacant. J&kn Jhtttpr $»u,i/j«n?,/M / ^ t ^ AktaficMi, /Clerk: Albert Miller, 417 Charles Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068. rftPhone 412-339-2593/5&7oElders: Michael MastorovichTreasurer: Walter Rutkowski, 1412 Dallas Ave., Natrona Heights, PA15065. Phone: 412-224-4064New Alexandria-214 Church Street, New Alexandria, PA 15670.Pastor: A. Wayne Duffield, [Nancy], P.O. Box 373, 212 Church Street,New Alexandria, PA 15670. Phone: 412-668-7506. Installed 1985Clerk: John J. Vincze, R.D.#3, Box 65, New Alexandria, PA 15670.Phone: 412-668-7580Elders: Clair S. Clawson.Treasurer: James S. Pierce, R.D.#3, Box 53, New Alexandria, PA 15670.Phone: 412-668-2457.S.S. Supt.: Betty Clawson, New Alexandria, PA 15670. Phone: 412-668-8177.North Hills-606 Thompson Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Phone:412-486-1167.Pastor: James F. Wittke, 133 CarriageHill Road, Glenshaw, PA, 15116.Phone: 412-487-1381. Installed 1993Clerk: Wayne R. Spear, Ph.D. 3940 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia, PA15044. 412-443-3591.Elders: Fredric Martin, M.D., Bruce C. Stewart D.D.,Treasurer: Donald Wenkhous, 5799 McMorran Rd., Gibsonia, PA 15044.Phone: 412-Chm. <strong>of</strong> C.E.: Wayne R. Spear, Ph.D. [Mary], 3940 Bakerstown Road,Gibsonia, PA 15044. Phone: 412-443-3591Rimersburg-Box 419, North Main Street, Rimersburg, PA 16248. Pho814-473-3510.Pastor: John Monger, [Donna] R.D. 2, Box 63B, Rimersburg, PA 16248.Phone: 814-473-3670. Installed 1990


202 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEClerk: Richard B. Horner, P.O. Box 73, Rimersburg, PA 16248. Phone:814-473-3476Elders: Thomas Armagost, Merle Rankin, Richard HornerTreasurer: Mrs. Carie Engro, R.D.#1, Rimersburg, PA 16248. Phone:814-473-6499Rose Point-R.D.iB, Box 490, New Castle, PA 16101Pastor: Robert Schmidtberger [Louise], RD #4, Box 490, New Castle, PA16101. Phone 412-924-9519; 412-924-2527.Clerk: Clarence Wilson, R.DJ2, Box 175, Portersville, PA 16051. Phone:412-924-2237Elders: Roy Bessell, Floyd Stevenson, Clarence Wilson, John Mitchell.Treasurer: John M. Mitchell, R.D. 2, Box 231, Volant, PA 16156.Phone: 412-530-2305Trinity-Pastor: Robert B. McCracken, [Lynn] 4406 Franklin Terrace, Beltsville, MD20705. Phone: 301-937-5965.Elders: Brad Stewart.Treasurer: Harry Nagel, Jr., 5555 Caithness Ct., Fairfax, VA 22032.Phone: 703-425-5257.Tusca Area-Corner <strong>of</strong> Darlington and Chapel Roads, Brighton Twp., Bo526, Beaver, PA 15009. Phone: 412-495-6811Pastor: Kenneth H<strong>of</strong>fman, [Janice], 385 6th Street, Beaver, PA 15009.Phone: 412-774-5798. Installed 1982Clerk: Fred Nahas, 416 Jefferson St., Vanport, PA 15009. Phone: Jl^Elders: A. Dale Carothers, James R. DobbsMr^tOTreasurer: Glen Detwiler, 870 Canal Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Phone:412-774-3280Chairman <strong>of</strong> C.E.: Mrs. John Weinacht, 4265 Tuscarawas Rd., Beaver,PA 15009. Phone: 412-495-7057Ministers Serving at Geneva CollegeTimothy Russell [Kathe], 3005 Fourth Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.Phone: 4l2-83i33*S9-Dean R. Smith [Nancy], 3606 Sixth Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Phone-412-846-9694John H. White [Norma], D.Min., 3320 Fourth Ave. Beaver Falls, PA15010.Ministers Serving The R. P. SeminaryG. Duncan Lowe [Carol], 2513 Holly Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Phone-412-731-5768.Jerry F. O'Neill [Ann], 46 Ridgecrest Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235Phone: 412-824-1456.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 203Wayne R. Spear, Ph.D. [Mary], 3940 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia, PA15044. Phone: 412-443-3591Ministers Serving On The Mission FieldChaplain Kelly J. Moore [Judy], 3168 Anabel Ave., Evans Mills, NY13637. Phone: 315-629-4726.William J. Sterrett [Pitsa], 1-4-10, Izumi-Dai, Kita-ku, Kobe 651-11,Japan. Phone: 01 1-81-78-592-6519.Ministers RetiredJoseph M. Caskey [Bernice], 422, Seventh Ave., Patterson Heights, BeaverFalls, PA 15010. Phone: 412-846-0159David M. Carson, Ph.D. [Margaret], 3606 College Avenue, Beaver Falls,PA 15010. Phone: 412-843-2061Norman M. Carson, Ph.D. [Beverly], 616 Fifth Avenue, Patterson Heights,Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Phone: 412-846-3469E. Clark Copeland [Ethyl], Th.D., D.D., 10840 Highpoint, Pittsburgh, PA15235. Phone: 412-731-1734John O. Edgar, D.D. [Ida], 3221 Fifth Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.Phone: 412-Kermit S. Edgar, D.D. [Martha], 3004 Fifth Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-846-0134Robert R. Fullerton [Barbara], P.O. Box 1160, Welaka, FL 32193.Melville W. Martin [Marian], 107 Ridgewood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA15229. Phone:412-931-2603.John M. McMillan [Marian], 121 New Galilee Road, Darlington, PA16115. Phone: 412-827-8134.Willard G. McMillan, D.D. [Shirley], 1329 Book Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-846-1041.Charles S. Sterrett, 161 Birnesser Drive, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.Phone:412-846-2097.Bruce C. Stewart, D.D. [Roselyn], 7959 Remington Drive, Pittsburgh, PA15237. Phone: 412-366-5028.J. Paul Wilson [Peg], 3009 Fifth Ave. #215, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.Phone: 412-843-7797.J. Renwick Wright, D.D. [Maureen], 416 30th St., Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-847-1396.Ministers without pastoratesDaniel H. Kepple [Debbie], R.D. #2 Box 205, New Alexandria, PA15670. Phone: 412-668-8133Frank C. Schutz [Leslie], 316 Mayfield Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15214.Phone: 412-231-6359.


204 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEROSTER OF ATLANTIC PRESBYTERYModerator Richard B. WeirClerkTreasurerAd Interim CommissionJonathan LeachBruce R. BackenstoCambridge SessionBroomall-25 Lawrence Road, Broomall, PA 19008. Phone: 610-353-1371.Pastor: William J. Edgar, Ph.D. [Gretchen], 332 Riverview Avenue, DrexelHill, PA 19026. Phone: 610-623-0117. Installed 1981.Clerk: Marshall W. Smith [Jean], P.O. Box 251, Edgemont, PA 19028.Phone:610-647-4342.Elders: R. David Ashleigh [Sarah], William H. Cornell, Ge<strong>org</strong>e W. Jackson.Treasurer: Joseph Comanda [Jan], 629 Tennis Ave., Ardsley, PA 19038.Phone: 215-884-7685.S.S. Supt.: Mrs. Joseph (Jan) Comanda, 629 Tennis Ave., Ardsley, PA19038.Cambridge-53 Antrim St., Cambridge, MA 02139 (all mail to 106Antrim Street). Phone: 617-864-3185.Pastor: James Paul Kern [Nan], 612 Columbus Ave., #8, Boston, MA02118. Phone:617-262-0518.Clerk: Christopher Wright, Ph. D. [Carol], 32 Glen Ave., Arlington, MA02174. Phone:617-641-9820.Treasurer: Mrs. Janet Millican, 410 Woburn St., Lexington, MA 02173.Phone:617-862-0597.C.E. Chairman: Christopher Wright, Ph. D. [Carol], 32 Glen Ave.,Arlington, MA 02174. Phone: 617-641-9820.Coldenham-Newburgh-467 Coldenham, Walden, NY 12586. Phone-914-564-3924.Pastor: Vacant.Clerk: Phillip Shafer [Lesesne], 394 Lake Osiris Road, Waldon, NY12586. Phone: 914-778-5088.Elders: Donald Crawford [Jane], Charles Shafer, Michael Tabon [Beth].Treasurer: Donald Crawford [Jane], 1032 Hoagerburgh Road, Wallkill, NY12589. Phone:914-895-3891.S.S. Supt.: Mike Tabon [Beth], 16 Courtney Ave., Newburgh NY12550. Phone: 914-562-9052.Elkins Park-Cypress and Cadwalader Avenues, Elkins Park, PA 19027Phone:215-887-9188.Pastor: Tony Cowley [Natalie], 8344 Cadwalader Ave., Elkins Park, PA19027. Phone: 215-635-0680. Installed 1990.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 205Clerk: Richard McMillan [Linda], 405 Victoria Drive, Montgomeryville,PA 18936. Phone: 215-362-0179.Elders:Treasurer: Robert McClay [Clara], 72 Plumtree Rd., Levittown, PA19056. Phone: 215-943-2605.S.S. Supt.: noneGrace Mission Church-East Main and Orchard Streets, Middletown, NY10940. (All mail to 12 Brandner Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940)Church Planter: Leverne Rosenberger [Trudy], 12 Brandner Avenue,Middletown, NY 10940. Phone: 914-341-0778.Treasurer: Mrs. Michael (Judy) Klussman, 1578 New Road,Mountaindale, NY 12763.Hazleton Mission Church-145 w. Broad Street, Hazleton, PA 18201 (Allmail to 953 Norman Street, Weatherly, PA 18255).Church Planting Team: Jonathan B. Leach [Katie], 953 Norman Street,Weatherly, PA 18255.Anthony Olivieri [Kathy], R.R. #1, Box I 12, Zion Grove, PA 17985.Phone: 717-384-3884.Treasurer: Anthony Olivieri [Kathy], R.R. #1, Box 112, Zion Grove, PA17985. Phone: 717-384-3884.Lancaster Mission Church-Lancaster YMCA, Prince Street, Lancaster, P17602. Phone 717-295-7006. (All mail sent to Tony Cowley [Natalie],8344 Cadwalader Ave., Elkins Park, PA 19027.)Temporary Governing Body: Tony Cowley, Chariman; David Ashleigh,Marshall Smith.Contact Person: Scott Rocca. Phone 717-393-3038.Treasurer: Joe Comanda, 629 Tennis Ave., Ardsley, PA 19038. Phone:215-884-7685Ridgefield Park-310 Main St., Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660. Phone: 201-440-5993.Pastor: Bruce R. Backensto [Kim], 17 Post St., Haledon, NJ 07508.Phone: 201-956-1889. Installed 1989.Clerk: Richard B. Weir, Ph.D. [Jean], 262 Pondfield Road West,Bronxville, NY 10708. Phone: 914-753-7741.Elders: Glen A. Chin [Jewel], David A. Weir [Bonnie], Ph. D. ElderEmeritus: W. K. Metcalfe, L.S.D. [Ruth].Treasurer: Miss Mary Jane Park, 2 Godfrey Rd., Upper Montclair, NJ07043. Phone: 201-744-3179.S.S. Supt.: Richard B. Weir, Ph.D., 262 Pondfield Road West, Bronxville,NY 10708. Phone: 914-753-7741.


206 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEWhite Lake-Rt.17B and Mattison Rd. (P.O. Box 208), White Lake, NY12786. Phone: 914-583-5222.Pastor: David C. Coon [Cathy], P.O. Box 208, White Lake, NY 12786.Phone: 914-583-7082. Installed 1980.Clerk: John Nelson [Marie], 1639 Briggs Hwy. Ext., Ellenville, NY12428. Phone:914-647-7170.Elders: Mike KlussmanTreasurer: Judy Klussman, 1578 New Rd. Mountaindale, NY 12763.S.S. Supt.: Pat Cocot, 401 Hamilton Road, Monticello, NY 12701.Phone: 302-368-9293.Ministers Without PastoratesPhilip L. Coon, 1365 Biglerville Rd., Gettysburg, PA 17325. Phone: 717-337-2397.William H. Cornell, 2 Kayak Court, Newark, DE 19702. Phone: 302-368-9293.Tom Houston [Jeanne], 14 Picnic Woods Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Phone:717-627-4479.Jonathan B. Leach [Katie], 953 Norman St., Weatherly, PA, 18255.Phone: 717-427-8988 (h), 717-443-4283 (w).ROSTER OF GREAT LAKES-GULF PRESBYTERYModerator James WrightClerkAssistant ClerkTreasurerAssistant TreasurerModerator, Ad Interim CommissionConference DirectorYouth DirectorsRaymond MortonPhilip Pockras/Andrew McCrackenLaurence CurryWilliam RobertsHarry MeugerJames WrightRich Johnston and John HansonBelle Center-(Rt.273 and Center), Box 365, Belle Center, OH 43310.Pastor: Philip Pockras [Judy], 403 N. Elizabeth Street, Box 365, BelleCenter, OH 43310. Phone: 513-464-6851 (Voice, data sc fax).Installed 1985. E-mail: phil.pockras@f915.n110.zl.fidonet.<strong>org</strong>Clerk: Larry Bump [Gloria], 120 N. Springhill Street, Bellefontaine, OH43311. Phone: 513-593-3559 (voice, data SC fax). E-mail:Iarry.bump@f915.nl 10.zl.fidonet.<strong>org</strong>Elders: Wilbur Keys [Margaret], J.M. Rutherford [Geneva]Treasurer: Paul McDonald [Jocele], 6404 T.R.55, Bellefontaine, OH43311. Phone: 513-593-1190S.S. Supt.: Janet Conrad, 1664 CR. 15, Rt. 1, Waynesfield, OH 45896.Phone:419-568-8613.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 207Bloomington-302 East First Street, Bloomington, IN 47401. Phone: 812-339-1922 sc 812-339-2034.Pastor: William Roberts [Rachel], 570 S. Kirby Rd., Bloomington, IN47403. Phone: 812-825-6543. Installed 1983Associate Pastor for Evangelism: Andrew McCracken [Susan] 3920 S.Kennedy Drive, Bloomington, IN 47401. Phone: 812-333-8763.Installed 1992Clerk: Wendell McBurney [Jean], 11750 Greenfield Road, ZionsviUe, IN46077. Phone: 317-873-5000Elders: Rich Holdeman [Amy], 1043 S. Mitchell, Bloomington, IN47401. Phone: 812-334-7899Treasurer: Laurence Curry [Jean], 107 North Johnson Avenue,Bloomington, IN 47401. Phone: 812-339-9258C.E. Chairman: Carl Wells, 702 1/2 W. Commerce St., Brownston, IN47220. Phone: 812-358-5604.Columbus-2310 Chestnut Street, Columbus, IN 47201. Phone: 812-378-3003Pastor: Andrew Schep [Joanna], 1502 Lawton, Columbus, IN 47201.Phone: 812-379-9890. Installed <strong>1995</strong>Associate Pastor: Robert A. Henning [Ruth], 3711 Premier Drive,Columbus, IN 47203-9657. Phone wfe-378-4190.Clerk: Brent Wells [Marilyn], 315 Union"Street, Hope, IN 47246. Phone:812-546-5968Elders: Edmund Schisler [Lynn], Butch Shoop [Paula]Treasurer: Shane Shoop [Lisa], 2929 Streamside Drive, Columbus, IN47203. Phone: 812-372-0598S.S. Supt.: Jeff Jones [Kathy], 3042 Beech Drive, Columbus, IN 47203.Phone:812-372-2285.Evansville Mission Church-2615 W. Franklin St., Evansville, IN 47712Phone: 812-424-7386.Organizing Pastor: Edwin Blackwood [Nancy], 2901 Igleheart, Evansville,IN 47712. Phone:812-422-7325. E-mail: RPRevEdB@A0L.COMClerk <strong>of</strong> the Governing Body: Send to church address.Treasurer: Stuart Fraley [Patti], 7800 Washington Ave., Evansville In47715. Phone: 812-471-5745. E-mail: StuFraley@AOL.COMHetherton-Johannesburg, Ml 49751.Stated Supply: Milton Harrington [Cordelia], Box 294, Rose City, Ml48654. Phone: 517-685-2707.Clerk: Ed Roby [Shirley], P.O. Box 586 Roby Road, Johannesburg, Ml49751. Phone: 517-786-2383.Treasurer: Cordelia Harrington, Box 294, Rose City, Ml 48654.S.S. Supt.: Mrs. Sonya Hoy [John], Johannesburg, Ml 49751. Phone:517-732-9604.


208 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEMultiracial-615 North "W" Street, Pensacola, FL 32505. Phone: 904-469-9018. Fax:904-432-5361.Pastor: Godfrey Franklin, Ph.D. [Kay], 5625 St. Adamnan St.,Pennsacola, FL 32503-7916. Phone:904-478-6552. Installed 1991.Clerk: Kenneth Epps [Lornetta], 4560 Bohemia Drive, Pennsacola, FL32504-8560. Phone: 904-478-2805; Day Phone: 904-432-7229.Elders: Thomas Reid [Genevieve], Don Mullinnix [Mary], 1614 GuildhallCourt, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Phone 317-872-0586.Oakdale-Oakdale, IL 62268. Phone: 618-329-5283.Pastor: Vacant.Clerk: Todd Patton, P.O. Box 9254, Springfield, IL 62704. Phone: 217-793-0316.Elders: Preston Carson [Frances]; Dale Musselman [Maxine]Treasurer: William Auld [Eileen], 1500 Swanwick Rd., Oakdale, IL62268. Phone: 618-329-5528.S.S. Supt.: Todd Patton, Apt 8, 3516 South Park Ave., Springfield, IL62704. Phone: 217-793-0316.Orlando-324 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801. Phone: 407-843-4361.Pastor: James M. Wright [Judy], 9813 White Road, Ocoee, FL 34761.Phone: 407-291-2300. Installed 1970.Associate Pastor for Outreach: D. Raymond McCracken [Mary],4390C Lake Underhill Rd., Orlando, FL 38203. Phone: 407-896-0784. Installed 1993.Clerk: Joe Thompson, 24 Magnolia Street, Ocoee, FL 32818. Phone:407-877-3530.Elders: Ed Forest, Tom Forest, Jay Worsham, Joe Worsham.Treasurer: Philip Errion, 1591 Colvso Dr., Winter Garden, FL 34787.Phone: 407-877-1082.S.S. Supt.: Mrs. Ren Tacey, 2620 Conway Gardens Road, Orlando, FL32806. Phone: 407-898-5130; and Robert Terry, 2047 Howell BranchRoad, Maitland, Fl 32751. Phone: 407-648-0877.Second lndianapolis-4800 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208.Phone: 317-255-7557.Pastor: Roy Blackwood, Jr., Ph.D. [Margie], 1175 Princeton Place,ZionsviUe, IN 46077. Phone: 317-873-4775. Installed 1966. Fax-317-873-0228.Associate Pastor: Richard Johnston [Beckie], 4800 N. Michigan Road,Indianapolis, IN 46208. Phone:317-255-7557. Installed 1993.Clerk: Russ Pulliam [Ruth], Indianapolis News, 307 N. Pennsylvania,Indianapolis, IN 46206-0145. Phone: 317-633-9121.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 209Elders: Jack Baumgardner [Karen], Donald Cassell, Jr. [Choi-Ha], DeanFilson [Pam], Don Fulk [Ellen], Bob Heimburger [Betty], Karl Stoicheff[Joan], Ken Thompson [Ann]Treasurer: Ram Rao, 8721 Ginnylock Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46256.Phone: 317-841-3024.S.S. Supt.: Linda Swigart, 108 E. Pleasant Run Road, Indianapolis, IN .Phone: 317-788-1016.Selma-625 Jeff Davis Avenue, Selma, AL 36701-5576. Phone: 334-875-7692.Pastor: Ralph E. Joseph [Sandy] 625 Jeff Davis Avenue, Selma, AL36701-5576. Phone: 334-872-2715. Installed 1992Clerk: Ge<strong>org</strong>e Evans [Jeannie], 328 Kingsley Drive, Selma, AL 36701.Phone: 334-875-1583.Elders: Samuel Austin, Joseph Evans (Inactive)Treasurer: Ruth J. Brooks, 810 Minter Avenue, Selma, AL 36701. Phone:334-875-1583.S.S. Supt.: Wanda McCall [Charles], 208 Ruth St., Selma, AL 36701.Phone: 334-875-1016.Youth Sponsors: Greg St Aretha Woodson, 995 Randolph Circle, Selma,AL 36701. Phone: 334-875-6478.Southfield-26550 Evergreen Road, Southfield, Ml 48076. Phone: 810-356-3932.Pastor: Raymond P. Joseph [Alice], 26580 Evergreen Road. Southfield,Ml 48076. Phone: 810-356-3932. Fax: 810-356-5170. E-mail:sfldcov@aol.com. Installed 1987.Clerk: Bruce Adams, D.O. [Charlotte], 29011 Merrick, Warren, Ml48092. Phone: 810-751-3270.Elders: James Curtis [Colleen], Jon Hughes [Wendy], Ralph Shell [Jessie],J. Raymond Stevenson [Ruth]Treasurer: Wendy Hughes [Jon], 4495 Harold, Troy, Ml 48098. Phone:810-680-1959.S.S. Supt.: Arnold Jagt [Ann], 447 Miller Road, Rochester, Ml 48307.Phone: 810-650-9896.Southside Indianapolis-Office: 6878 Hillcrest Court, Indianapolis, IN46227-7731. Phone: 317-783-9547. Fax: 317-783-7400.Church: 6969 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46217. Phone: 317-787-1211.Pastor: Keith R. Magill [Becky], 6878 Hillcrest Court, Indianapolis, IN46227. Phone: 317-783-9547. Installed 1980.Clerk: James Bishop [Peg], 6611 Marble Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46237.Phone: 317-783-0128.Elders: Don Prichard [Stephanie], William Sheldrake [Priscilla], Ge<strong>org</strong>eShopp [Bonnie], Jerry Porter [Sharon].


210 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THETreasurer: Mark Hart [Susanne], 6440 Crimson Circle East Drive,Indianapolis, IN 46227. Phone: 317-787-7531.S.S. Supt.: Mrs. Stephanie Prichard [Don], 3224 Corey Drive,Indianapolis, IN 46227. Phone: 317-888-4977.Sparta-605 North Market Street, Sparta, IL 62286. Phone: 618-443-4435.Pastor: Raymond E. Morton [Heather], 411 N. Vine St., Sparta, IL62286. Phone: 618-443-3419. Installed 1989.Director <strong>of</strong> Outreach: James McMahon [Laura], 516 N. Maple, Sparta,IL 62282. Phone: 618-443-4691Clerk: Robert Morrow [Shirley], 414 N. Vine St., Sparta, IL 62286.Phone: 618-443-3133.Elders: Robert Finley [Jeanne], James McMahon [Laura], Samuel Morrow.Treasurer: Laura McMahon [James], 516 N. Maple, Sparta, IL 62282.Phone: 618-443-4691.S.S. Supt.: noneSycamore Fellowship Mission Church-Pastor: Barry York [Miriam], 1104 W. Walnut, Kokomo, IN 46901.Phone: 317-457-6682.Clerk: Greg Fisher [Pam], 917 S. Armstrong St., Kokomo, IN 46901.Phone: 317-868-9774.Elders: Tom Dinkledine [Susan], Paul Faris.Treasurers: Tom and Susan Dinkledine, 11330 W. 100 S., Russiaville, IN46979. Phone:317-566-3602.West Lafayette-545 Hayes Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906. Phone:317-743-4368.Pastor: David W. Long [Jenny], 401 Brookfield Dr., Lafayette, IN 47905.Phone: 317-448-9075. Installed 1984.Clerk: William L. Long [Lois], 1228 Meadowbrook Drive, Lafayette, IN47905. Phone: 317-447-8112.Elders: Dan Webb [Joanne], David Carr [Karen]Financial Secretary: Janet Wagner [Buck], 3029 Pokagon Drive,Lafayette, IN 47905. Phone: 317-477-7377.S.S. Supt.:Westminster-16670 Easton Ave. Prairie View, IL 60069. (Send mail topastor's address.)Pastor: Harry Metzger [Catherine], 215 E. Lakeside, Vernon Hills, IL60061. Phone:708-367-1034. Installed 1990.Clerk: Robert Koch [Pam], 103 Hamilton Place, Vernon Hills, IL 60061.Phone: 708-367-9188.Elders: Fikre Menbere [Ritva].


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 211Treasurer: Bruce Lundeen [Pat], 19687 W. Hawthorne, Mundelein, IL60060. Phone: 708-949-6814.S.S. Supt.: Catherine Metzger [Harry], 215 E. Lakeside, Vernon Hills, IL60061. Phone: 708-367-1034.Retired MinisterPaul E. Faris, R.R. I, Box 248, Bringhurst, IN 46913. Phone: 219-967-4855.Ministers Without PastoratesGarland Kincaid [Uree], Box 66, Lizton, IN 46149-0066. Phone: 317-892-3829.M. L. McFarland, D. Min. [Shirley], 1832 N. Ogemaw Trail, West Branch,Mt 48661. Phone 517-873-3930.James McMahon [Laura], 516 N. Maple, Sparta, IL 62286. Phone: 618-443-4691.Robert W. Morrow [Shirley], 414 N. Vine, Sparta, IL 62286. Phone:618-443-3133.Edward Pitts [Nora], 9182 6th Ave. W., Dallas GA 30132. Phone: 404-445-9687.Tom Reid [Genevieve], 279 Ridgewood Terrace, St. Albert, Alberta,Canada T8N 0E9. Phone: 403-459-2130.Inactive MinisterR. Paul Mathews [Janet], 587 E Circle Dr., Rose City, Ml 48654. Phone:517-685-3187.ROSTER OF MIDWEST PRESBYTERYModerator Paul FinleyClerkR. Bruce ParnellAssistant ClerkRon GrahamTreasurerDennis Wing,6104 Hallet, Shawnee, KS 66216. Phone: 913-268-9612.Ad Interim Commission ModeratorRobert L. Hemphilllowa Conference SecretaryRob JarrardEastern Conference SecretaryJ. Edward HindmanWestern Conference SecretaryRonald L. GrahamYouth LeadersGreg sc Janis AdamsAurora-16738 E. Miff Ave., Aurora, CO 80013. Phone: 303-360-8763.Pastor: Vacant.


212 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEClerk: William Van Sciver [Vicki], 15180 E. Montview Blvd., Aurora, CO8001 1. Phone: 303-367-8796.Elders:Treasurer: Eric Martinez, [Shannon], 16222 E. 17th PI., Unit #C,Aurora, CO 80011. Phone: 303-363-8067.S.S.Supt./C.E. Chr.: William Van Sciver [Vicki], 707 Uvalda St.,Aurora, CO 8001 1. Phone: 303-367-8796.Youth leaders: Eric sc Shannon Martinez, 16222 E. 17th PL, Unit ffC,Aurora, CO 80011. Phone: 303-363-8067.Christ Covenant Church-2312 Harvard, Lawrence, Kansas. Phone: 913-842-5797.Pastor: Mark England, 729 Ash, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone: 913-832-2896. Installed 1993.Clerk: Philip Beard [Eileen], 735 Illinois, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone:913-842-9262.Elders: Carl Mathews [Sharon], Jerrold S. Milroy [Saundy]Treasurer: Saundy Milroy [Jerrold], 14103 West 62nd Terrace, Shawnee,KS 66216. Phone: 913-631 -9380.S.S.Supt/CE.Chr: Carl Mathews [Sharon], 818 Missouri, Lawrence, KS66044. Phone: 913-843-7537.Youth directors: James and Tamara Jarrow, 925 Vermont, Lawrence, KS66044. Phone:913-749-3478.Clarinda--R.3, Box 52A, Clarinda, IA 51632. Phone: 712-542-3257.Pastor: Robert LaMay [Kay], Box 108, (519 Tarkio) Clarinda, IA 51632.Phone: 712-542-3851. E-mail: RobLam1@AOL.COM. Installed1993.Clerk: Steve Falk [Ruth], R.R. 4, Box 116, Clarinda, IA 51632. Phone:712-542-2486.Elders: Steve Falk.Treasurer: Mrs. Rudy (Helen) Falk, R.R. 4, Box 118A, Clarinda, IA51632. Phone: 712-542-2486.S.S. Supt./C.E. Chr.: Steve SC Ruth Falk, R.R. 4, Clarinda, IA 51632.Phone: 712-542-2697.Denison-P.O. Box 76, Denison, KS 66419-0076. Phone: 913-935-2348.Pastor: ]. Edward Hindman [Cindy], P.O. Box 76, Denison, KS 66419-0076. Phone: 913-935-2394. Installed 1977.Clerk: Lloyd J. Copeland, 17344 W Road, Mayetta, KS 66509-8657Phone:913-935-2428.Elders: Dale Blackwood, James D. Braum, Harold McCrory, Harlan Phillips,Merlin Wing.Treasurer: Allen Caskey [Mary Ann], 18675 K-16 Hwy, Holton, KS66436-8451. Phone: 913-935-2222.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 213S.S. Supt.: Mary Ann Caskey [Allen], 18675 K-16 Hwy, Holton, KS66436-8451. Phone: 913-935-2222.Greeley-1501 Tenth Ave., Greeley, CO 80631. Phone: 970-352-1912.Pastor: Charles Carroll, 1505 Tenth Ave., Greeley, CO 80631. Phone:970-352-1912.Clerk: Philip Kennedy, P.O. Box 16, Pierce, CO 80650. Phone: 303-834-2223.Elders: Bruce Cummings.Elder Emeritus: Edwin R. Keys.Treasurer: Marcia Siebring, 3810 W. 12th St., Greeley, CO 80634.Phone: 970-353-0426.S.S. Supt.: None.Hebron-1328 Goodin Dr., R. 3, Clay Center, KS 67432-2248. Phone:913-632-5861.Pastor: J. J£cu€e"1*iartin QouSSneJ, 813 Crawford, Clay Center, KS67432. Phone: 913-632-2458. E-mail: JBruMar@AOL.COM.Installed 1976.Clerk: Harold Milligan [Margaret], 1214 Hackberry Rd., Clay Center, KS67432. Phone:913-632-2009.Elders: Steven McMahan [Sheryl]Elders Emeriti: Russell James [Betty], Ray MilliganTreasurer: Mrs. Russell (Betty) James, 2224 N. Highway 15, Clay Center,KS 67432. Phone: 913-632-5016.C.E.Chairman: Harold Milligan [Margaret], 1214 Hackberry Rd., ClayCenter, KS 67432. Phone: 913-632-2009.Midland Mission Church-Meeting place: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bluebird Lane,Midland, TX.Office: 3100 North A Street, Rohill Building, Suite 110, Midland, TX79705.Pastor-Sidney W. VanCamp [Judy], 2433 Whitmore Blvd., #83,Midland, TX 79705. Phone: 915-570-1008Minneola-(Locust and Maple) Box 197, Minneola, KS 67865-0197.Phone: 316-885-4346.Pastor: Ron Graham [Gay], (208 E. Ash) Box 197, Minneola, KS 67865-0197. Phone: 316-885-4538. Installed 1985.Clerk: Wayne D. Curry [Anita], Box 2, Minneola, KS 67865-0002.Phone: 316-885-4553.Elders: Reed Hindman [Carol], Archie McKissick [Ruth]Treasurer: Robert McKissick M.D. [Sharon], Box 380, Minneola, KS67865-0360. Phone: 316-885-4820.


214 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEQuinter-721 Gove St., Box 280, Quinter, KS 67752. Phone: 913-754-3406.Stated Supply: Steven Work [Jeannie], 711 Gove St., Quinter, KS67752. Phone:913-754-3406.Moderator: Joe Copeland (Edie), 703 Fort St., Hays, KS 67601. Phone:913-625-5863.Clerk: Waldo McBurney [Vernice], (518 Park St.) P.O. Box 277,Quinter, KS 67752. Phone: 913-754-3534.Elders: Max E. Mann [Fran]Treasurer: Sam Chestnut [Norma], Box 122, Morland, KS 67650. Phone:913-627-3175.S.S. Supt.: Fran Mann, [Max], Box 24A, Quinter, KS 67752. Phone:913-754-3925.Sharon-R.R.2, Morning Sun, IA 52640. Phone: 319-394-3382.Pastor: Ronald V. Good [Virginia], 825 S. lowa, Washington, IA 52353.Phone: 319-653-3313.Clerk: John W. Smith [Roselea], 11573 Northview Dr., Burlington, IA52601-8611. Phone: 319-754-8720.Elders: Paul McElhinney [Evelyn], James Pilling [Sharon]Treasurer: Kim Robb [Chris], R.R. #2, Morning Sun, IA 52640. Phone:319-868-7852.S.S. Supt.: Keith McElhinney [Debbie], Morning Sun, IA 52640. Phone:319-868-7611.Shawnee-(6835 Pflumm Rd.) P.O. Box 3427, Shawnee, KS 66203.Phone:913-631-1991.Pastor: Terence E. Dowds, [Barbara], 11315 W. 73rd St., Shawnee, KS66203. Phone:913-962-1822. Installed 1993.Clerk: Curtis Porter [Sandy], 6929 Stearns, Shawnee, KS 66203. Phone:913-631-2913.Elders: Wilbur Copeland [Arvilla], Harold Faris [Margaret], Dennis Wing[Debbie], R. Paul Wright, M.D. [Gretta],Elder Emeritus: Clyde RedpathTreasurer: Richard M. Hemphill [Nancy], 4902 Belinder Ave., ShawneeMission, KS 66205. Phone: 913-236-9574.S.S. Supt.: Dennis Wing [Debbie], 6104 Hallet, Shawnee, KS 66216.Phone: 913-268-9612 CJi'nei & 0lLCOYi.tO/Y\Youth Leaders: Dennis and Debbie Wing, 6104 Hallet, Shawnee KS66216. Phone: 913-268-9612.Springs <strong>Reformed</strong> Church (RPCNA)-229 S. Weber, Colorado SpringCO 80903. Phone: 719-577-9225.Pastor: J. Paul McCracken [Frances], 617 Salano Dr. Colorado SpringsCO 80906. Phone: 719-471-2417. Installed 1986.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 215Clerk: Robert J. Mann [Ruth], 430 Kinnikinnik Dr., Colorado Springs, CO80906. Phone: 719-635-8628.Treasurer: Mrs. Robert (Ruth) Mann, 430 Kinnikinnik Dr., ColoradoSprings, CO 80906. Phone: 719-635-8628.C.E. Chairman: Mrs. Robert (Ruth) Mann, 430 Kinnikinnik Dr., ColoradoSprings, CO 80906. Phone: 719-635-8628.Sterling-412 N. 8th St., Sterling, KS 67579. Pastor's Study: 316-278-2919; Church Phone: 316-278-3507.Pastor: Dennis ]. Prutow [Erma], 510 N. Broadway, Sterling, KS 67579.Phone: 316-278-2905. Installed 1988.Clerk: John Wilkey [Phyllis], 1960 State Road 14, Sterling, KS 67579-8824. Phone: 316-278-3182.Elders: James Humphreys [Mary], Don Reed [Linda], John Wilkey [Phyllis]Treasurer: James R. McCrory [Clelia], 316 N. 10th, Sterling, KS 67579.Phone: 316-278-2897.C.E. Chairman: Dennis J. Prutow [Erma], 510 N. Broadway, Sterling, KS67579. Phone: 316-278-2905.Stillwater-Office Phone:405-377-1689. P.O. Box 531, Stillwater, OK,74076-0531. Meeting place: 723 W. University (Nazarene StudentCenter), Stillwater, OK.Pastor: R. Bruce Parnell [Vicky], 1101 S. Duncan, Stillwater, OK 74074.Phone:405-372-4910. E-mail: RBParnell@AOL.COM. Installed 1991.Clerk: Alan Noell [Liz], 2137 Admiral, Stillwater, OK 74074. Phone:405-377-0634.Elders:Treasurer: Jeff Spitler [Melody], Route 4, Box 16, Stillwater, OK 74074.Phone: 405-372-4479.Topeka-2121 Fairlawn Rd., Topeka, KS 66614. Phone: 913-272-1940.Pastor: Robert H. McFarland [Ge<strong>org</strong>ia], 5460 S.W. 53rd St., Topeka, KS66610. Phone: 913-862-1835. Installed 1987.Clerk: Darrel Powell, [Janice], 7520 S.W. 33rd St., Topeka, KS 66614.Phone:913-478-3759.Elders: Larry Copeland [Karen], Philip Duguid [Eleanor], Joseph Huston,M.D., [Nita], T. Richard Hutcheson, William McFarland, Darrell Parnell,Ph.D. [Esther], Darrel Powell [Janice]Treasurer: Duzel Yates [Marjorie], 4355 Twilight Dr., Topeka, KS 66614.Phone:913-273-4012.S.S. Supt: Ed Dean [Denise], 8620 Marple, Topeka, KS 66617. Phone:913-484-3388.Youth Leaders: Darrell SC Esther Parnell, 1600 Jewell, Topeka, KS66604. Phone: 913-233-6926.


Ordained Men Without PastoratesWilliam A. Blackwood [Lynda], 957 14th Street, Marion, IA 52302.Phone: 319-377-2146.Samuel E. Boyle, D.D. [Orlena], The Meadows Apartments #102, 11938W. 77th St., Lenexa, KS 66216. Phone: 913-631-1614.216 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEWashington-500 S. Ave. "D", Washington, IA 52353. Phone: 319-653-3101.Pastor: Douglas Comin, [Amy], 413 W. 8th St., Washington, IA 52353.Phone:319-653-2530. E-mail: RPRev@AOL.COM. Installed 1992.Clerk: Ge<strong>org</strong>e F. Masson, Jr. [Kathryn], P.O. Box 532, Washington, IA52353. Phone: 319-653-4352.Elders: Ralph Howell [Henrietta], Donald Wilson [Julia], Dr. Michael Todd[Lana].Treasurer: Gary Todd [Karen], 1242 Ridge Road, Columbus Junction, IA52738. Phone: 319-728-2702.S.S. Supt.: Nancy Skubal [Greg], 2280 Willow Ave., Ainsworth, IA52201. Phone: 319-657-2315.Westminster-4455 W. 112th Ave., Westminster, CO 80030. Phone:303-469-0761.Pastor: Robert L. Hemphill [Cheryl], 3781 W. 90th Way, Westminster,CO 80030. Phone: 303-650-5945. Installed 1991.Clerk: Greg Adams [Janis], 3550 Ames St., Denver, CO 80212. Phone:303-420-5076.Elders: Richard Mueller [Susan]Treasurer: Robert Buck, 3754 Canterbury, Broomfield, CO 80020.Phone: 303-469-9982.C.E. Chairman: Greg Adams [Janis], 3550 Ames St., Denver, CO80212. Phone: 303-420-5076.Winchester-R.l, Box A-1, Winchester, KS 66097. Phone: 913-774-4Pastor: Paul W. Finley, RR #1, Box A-1, Winchester, KS 66097. Installed1993.Clerk: Jay O'Neill [Cindy], Rt. 1, Box 34B, Winchester, KS 66097.Phone:913-774-8791.Elders: D. Howard Elliott, D.D. [Winifred], David Huston [Joy], ScottMcBurney, [Donna].Treasurer: Eileen Filbert [Ed], Valley Falls, KS . Phone: 913-C.E. Chm.: Paul W. Finley, RR #1, Box A-1, Winchester, KS 66097.Ordained Men on the Mission FieldChaplain Stan Copeland [Marilyn], 1520 University Dr., Manhattan, KS66502. Phone: 913-537-9347.Gene W. Spear, Th.M., D.D. [Ruth], 26-5, 3 Chome, Hommachi,Mukonoso, Amagaski 661 Japan .


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 217R. Wylie Caskey, D.D. [Grace], R. 1, Box 8A, Winchester, KS 66097.Phone: 913-774-8481.D. Howard Elliott, D.D. [Winifred], 405 Delaware, Winchester, KS 66097.Phone:913-774-8643.E. Raymond Hemphill, D.D. [Jennie], 1070 Iris, Broomfield, CO 80020.Phone: 303-469-6384.T. Richard Hutcheson, 2745 S.W. Villa West #2101, Topeka, KS 66614.Phone:913-272-6107.June E. McElroy [Jennie], 330 South Corona, Denver, CO 80209. Phone:303-777-7248.Jerrold S. Milroy [Saundy], 14103 West 62nd Terrace, Shawnee, KS66216. Phone:913-631-9380.Robert More, Jr., Ph.D. [Ruth], P.O. Box 117, Waddington, NY 13694.Phone: 315-388-4630.Ronald H. Stegall [Kathy], 721 Mississippi, Lawrence, KS 66044. Phone:913-Robert B. Tweed [Elaine], 209 4th St., Winchester, KS, 66097. Phone:913-774-4478.S. Bruce Willson, D.D., 3732 Tres Lomas Place, Tucson, AZ 87549.Phone: 602-749-3846.Martin J. Wilsey [Barbara], 170 Garnet St., Broomfield, CO 80020.Phone: 303-465-3907.ROSTER OF PACIFIC COAST PRESBYTERYModerator James D. CarsonClerkAssistant ClerkTreasurerAssistant TreasurerYoung People's SecretaryModerator <strong>of</strong> Ad Interim CommissionPaul M. MartinHoward HuizingDennis OlsonJoseph LamontDonald LamontPaul M. MartinFresno-380 N. Maple Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702. Phone: 209-251-4176.Pastor: Timothy McCracken [Lori], 4614 E. Grant Avenue, Fresno, CA93702. Phone: 209-456-9554. Installed 1988.Clerk: Danny Gathright [Kathy], 1073 N. Filbert, Clovis, CA 93611.Phone: 209-298-5902.Elders: William Copeland [Willa], Donald Gouge [Jeanne], Lewis Keys[Lorena]Treasurer: Lois Copeland, 3905 Adler, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: 209-292-7408.


Ministers Without PastoratesJames D. Carson [Dorothy], 1759 Larkhaven Glen, Escondido, CA 92026.Phone: 619-747-2410.Charles Chao, D.D. [Pearl], 1358 Calle Rosamaria, San Dimas, CA 91773Phone: 818-331-7470.Philip W. Martin [Jean], 4332 N. Longview, Apt. 2, Phoenix, AZ 85014Phone: 602-264-0253.218 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THELos Angeles-3557 Fletcher Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90065. Phone: 213-255-8757. «l«- U>3' [ , . . . nn #-,.;,Pastor: Vacant. ^Prr^^Pk*-- UlW^t/H ^6fDClerk: Bennett Broadway [Judy], 675 Ecken Road,El Cajon, CA 92020.Phone: 619-442-9014.Elders:Treasurer: Jaime Green [Mark], 8701 Vanguard PL, Lakeside, CA92040. Phone: 619-443-1049.Seattle-6554 20th Avenue, N.E., Seattle, WA 981 15. Phone: 206-522-3187.Pastor: Donald Piper [Boni], 1915 N.E. 68th Street, Seattle, WA 98115.Phone: 206-525-2884. Installed 1977.Clerk: Joseph Lamont, Jr. [Beth], 4233 N.E. 75th Street, Seattle, WA98115. Phone:206-524-2052.Elders: Dennis Olson [Karen], Paul Perkins [Pat], Darik Taniguchi []o]Elders Emeritus: John B. Lamont [Mary]Treasurer: Jim Klein, 1407 NE Brockman Place, Seattle, WA 98125.Phone: 206-440-9073


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 219Glenn E. McFarland [Jean], 326 Craig Drive, Orange, CA 92669. Phone:714-771-7565.Robert W. McMillan [Nadzieja], 215 N. Wynne St., Apt. 12, Colville, WA99114. Phone: 509-684-8455.Donald Weilersbacher [Sandy], 3832 Loma Alta Drive, San Diego, CA92115. Phone:619-582-0867.Moderator Wade MannClerkTreasurerROSTER OF ST. LAWRENCE PRESBYTERYKenneth A. McBurneyEverett WoodRR3 Box 2042, Lafayette, NY 13084Kenneth G. SmithArthur FawthropWalter Wm. SwartzAd Interim CommissionChurch Extension CommissionStudent Oversight CommitteeCommission to Oversee Camps:St. Lawrence Family CampWebster Fields, Aubrey E. AyerWhite Lake CampGreg Moberg, Ge<strong>org</strong>e HueberOtuwa Theological Hall-466 Woodland Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario,Canada.Mailing address: P.O. Box 23139, Ottawa Ontario, Canada K2A 4E2.Phone: 613-596-5566.Almonte-273 Almonte Street, Almonte, Ontario, Canada KOA 1A0.Phone: 613-256-2816Pastor: Kenneth A. McBurney [Virginia], 350 Almonte Street, Box 122,Almonte, Ontario, KOA IA0, Canada. Phone: 613-256-1749. Installed1976Clerk: Thomas Burns, R.R. #1, Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 3P1,Canada. Phone: 613-257-1924Elders: James L. MortonTreasurer: John R. Morton, Box 562, Almonte, Ontario, KOA 1A0,Canada. Phone: 613-256-1904S.S. Supt.: Clarence Bowes, R.R. #1, Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 3P1,Canada. Phone: 613-257-4529Endwell-Pastor: Arthur Fawthrop [Ellen], 419 W. Franklin St., Endicott, NY13760. Phone: 607-748-0924. Installed 1993.Clerk: Karl Meeker (Provisional), 23 Liberty St., Walton, NY 13856.Phone: 607-865-4654.Elders: Donald McBurney, Wendell Spear (Provisional)


Ottawa-466 Woodland Ave. (Box 23139), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2A4E2. Phone: 613-596-5566.Pastor: Richard L. Ganz, Ph.D. [Nancy], P.O. Box 23139, Ottawa,Ontario, K2A 4E2, Canada. Phone: 613-257-1650; Fax: 613-257-4900. Installed 1981.Clerk: Aubrey E. Ayer, 2202 - 1025 Richmond Road, Ottawa, Ontario,K2B 8G8, Canada. Phone: 613-721-0308.220 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THETreasurer: Bob Macaulay, 40 Seminary Ave., Binghamton, NY 13905.Phone:607-722-7317.Fulton-Pastor: Nicholas Iamaio [Kathleen], R.D.#5, Oswego, NY 13126.Phone: 315-343-1976. Installed 1994.Clerk: Roy vanNorstrand, c/o R.R. 5, Box 129, Fulton, NY 13069.Phone: 315-593-1464.Treasurer: Mrs. Aaron Howard. Phone: 315-598-9621.Lisbon-Cemetery and Tuck Roads, Lisbon, NY 13658.Pastor: Wade Mann [Barbara], Box 88, Main St., Lisbon, NY 13658.Phone:315-393-9041. Installed 1991.Clerk: Dale Smith, Lisbon, NY 13658. Phone: 315-393-2988.Elders: Webster Fields, Donald SmithTreasurer: Mrs. Webster [Edna] Fields, Box 191, Ogdensburg, NY13669. Phone: 315-393-2749.S.S. Supt.: Lowell Smith, Dezell Road, Lisbon, NY 13658. Phone: 315-393-5789.Lochiel-Pastor: Vacant-Moderator: Wade Mann (See Lisbon)Clerk: Brian Brodie, R.R.#3, Dalkeith, Ontario, KOB IE0, Canada. Phone:613-874-2989Elders: (Provisional) James L. Morton, Dale SmithTreasurer: Mrs. William Brodie, R.R.#3, Dalkeith, Ontario, KOB IE0,Canada. Phone: 613-874-2651Oswego-71 W. Bridge Street, Oswego, NY 13126. Phone:.315-343-71 12. Fax: 315-343-9609.Pastor: Walter Wm. Swartz [Karen] 119 East Third Street, Oswego, NY13126. Phone: 315-343-0581. Installed 1980Clerk: Ge<strong>org</strong>e Hueber (Provisional), R.R. 2, Box 482, Oswego, NY13126. Phone: 315-343-4820.Elders: John W. McGrath, Peter E. Howe.Treasurer: Andrew Curran, Jr., R.D. I, Box 16 Morningside Drive,Hannibal, NY 13074. Phone: 315-564-6656.Youth Director: Peter E. Howe.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 221Elders: Alaisdar GrahamTreasurer: David Ayer, 1 13 Thistledown Court, Nepean, Ontario, K2J1J5, Canada. Phone: 613-825-6281.Rochester Fellowship-Pastor: Vacant. Interim Moderator: Ge<strong>org</strong>e Hueber (See Oswego).Clerk: Gregory O. Moberg, 84 Inglewood Drive, Rochester, NY 14619.Phone: 716-328-1069.Provisional Elders: Gene Huggins, William H. Pihl, Roy W. van NorstrandTreasurer: Gregory O. Moberg, 84 Inglewood Drive, Rochester, NY14619. Phone: 716-328-1069.Smiths Falls-79 McGill Street North, Smiths Falls, Ontario, K7A 2K1,Canada. Phone:613-284-8385.Pastor: Christian Adjemian, Ph.D. [Laura], R.R. 5. Perth, Ontario K7H3C7, Canada. Phone: 613-264-0262. Installed 1988.Clerk: John F. Coombs, M.D., R.R. #1, Fallbrook, Ontario KOG 1A0,Canada. Phone: 613-267-6949.Treasurer: Walter Dix, R.R. 1, Perth, Ontario K7H 3C3, Canada. Phone:613-267-1708.Syracuse-2517 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205-1525. Phone: 315-476-5618.Pastor: Kenneth G. Smith [Floy], 312 Goodrich Ave., Syracuse, NY13210. Phone:315-476-3417. Installed 1993Clerk: Marvin Achilles, 6 Midway Lane, Baldwinsville, NY 13027. Phone:315-635-9556.Elders: Gene Huggins, Bruce Manwaring, Robert Pinkerton, John RamseyTreasurer: Tammy Terpening, 4417 Bellflower Circle, Syracuse, NY13215. Phone: 315-492-9354.Walton-East and Bruce Streets, Walton, NY 13856. Phone: 607-865-6481.Pastor: Scott Wilkinson, 115 Townsend Street, Walton, NY 13856.Phone: 607-865-5640. Installed <strong>1995</strong>.Clerk: Jack McCready, R.D.#2, Walton, NY 13856. Phone: 607-865-5966.Elders: Bruce Henderson, Karl Meeker, Hartley Russell, Wendell SpearElders Emeriti: Ralph Henderson, Robert RussellTreasurer: Renwick Russell, R.D. #2, Box A193, Walton, NY 13856.Phone:607-865-4018.Montreal Mission-Contact Person: Philip Choiniere-Shields, 551Quebec H4L 2T5. Phone: 514-748-8641.Buchanan, St. Laurent,


222 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEMinister Serving with the R.P. SeminaryEdward A. Robson, Ph. D. [Gretchen], 5370 Richland Rd., Gibsonia, PA15044. Phone: 412-444-6705.Ministers Without PastoratesHarold B. Harrington [Ena], R.D. I. Box 29, New Albany, PA 18833.Phone: 717-363-2637.Charles Leach [Susan], Rt. #1, Box 217, Canaan, NH 03741. Phone:603-523-7259.William H. Pihl [Beverly], 152 Post Avenue, Rochester, NY 14619. Phone:716-436-0738.Robert Rice [Vivian], 6249 Country Lane, Homer, NY 13077. Phone:607-749-7692.ROSTER OF JAPAN PRESBYTERYModerator Shigeru TakiuraClerkTreasurerAuditorYoung People's SecretarySumito Sakai, W. J. SterrettYoshio NittaNorihide KomuroSumito SakaiHigashisuma-4-2-26 Oote-cho, Suma-Ku, Kobe 654, Japan.Pastor: Toshio Masunaga [Eiko], Installed 1959. Phone: 078-731-5702,From USA: 011-81-78-731-5702.Clerk: Shozo Hagiwara [Setsuko], 7-18-21 Seiwadai, Kita-ku, Kobe 651-11, Japan. Phone: 078-593-2065, From USA: 011-81-78-593-2065.Elders: Akira Funahashi, Yoshio Nitta, Setsuo Sakai.Treasurer: Fumiko Nitta [Yoshio], 5-4-5, Katayama-cho, Nagata-ku, Kobe653, Japan. Phone: 078-691-9039, From USA: 011-81-78-691-9039.S.S. Superintendent: Yoshio Nitta [Fumiko], 4-71-33, Katayama-cho,Nagata-ku, Kobe 653, Japan. Phone: 078-691-9039, From USA: 011-81-78-691-9039.Youth Leader: Takashi Sato.Hontamon Mission Station-3-4-16 Hontamon, Tarumi-ku, Kobe 655,Japan. Phone: 078-784-2299; from U.S.A.: 011-81-78-784-2299.Pastor: Sumito Sakai [Reiko].Clerk: Sumito Sakai. Under Higashisuma Session.Elders: (Provisional): Setsuo Sakai [Tomoko]Treasurer: Tomoko Sakai, 6-25-7 Hontamon, Tarumi-ku, Kobe 655,Japan. Phone: 078-781-2888; From USA: 011-81-78-781-2888.Inano Mission~c/o Lie. Shigeki Komuro, 3-71-2 Inano-cho, ItamJapan. Phone: 0727-72-4718; From USA: 011-81-727-72-4718.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 223Kasumigaoka-6-8-10, Kasumigaoka, Tarumi-Ku, Kobe 655, Japan.Pastor: Vacant.Clerk: Hideichi Kojima [Kiyomi], 2-1-2-606 Izumidai, Kita-ku, Kobe 651-11 Japan. Phone: 078-591-4775, From USA: 01 1-81-78-591-4775.Elders: Kiyoshi Kojima, Kozo Kato.Treasurer: Hideichi Kojima [Kiyomi], 2-1-2-606 Izumidai, Kita-ku, Kobe651-11 Japan. Phone: 078-591-4775, From USA: 011-81-78-591-4775.S.S. Supt.: Kozo Kato [Yoshiko], 1-4-15, Midorigaoka Higashi, Miki 673-05 Japan. Phone: 07948-5-0592, From USA: 01 1-81-79-485-0592.Keiyaku, Okamoto-6-17-31, Motoyama Kita-Machi, Higashinada-Ku,Kobe 658, Japan.Pastor: Shigeru Takiura [Masako]. 6-17-31, Motoyama Kita-Machi,Higashinada-Ku, Kobe 658, Japan. Installed 1977. Phone: 078-452-5310, From USA: 011-81-78-452-5310.Clerk: Hirokazu Enomoto [Chie], Okamoto Century Mansion 316, 4-9-30Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658, Japan. Phone: 078-431-2613,From USA: 01 1-81-78-431-2613.Treasurer: Hajime Nakamura [Hiroko], 15-10-31 Kusunoki-cho, Ashiya659, Japan. Phone: 0797-31-9368, From USA: 011-81-797-31-9368.Kita-Suzurandai (Mission Station)--1-4-10, Izumi-dai, Kita-Ku, Kobe651-1 1, Japan.Pastor: William J. Sterrett [Pitsa]. Phone: 078-592-6519, From USA:011-81-78-592-6519.Clerk: Yoshio Nitta [Fumiko], 5-4-5, Katayama-cho, Nagata-ku, Kobe653, Japan. Phone: 078-691-9039, From USA: 011-81-78-691-9039.Elder (Provisional): Yoshio Nitta [Fumiko].Mukonoso-3-26-5, Mukonoso, Amagasaki 661, Japan.Pastor: Gene Spear [Ruth], 3-26-5, Honmachi, Mukonoso Amagasaki661, Japan. Phone: 06-432-5343, From USA: 011-81-6-432-5343.Installed 1991.Clerk: Norihide Komuro [Shigeko], 3-71-2 Inano-cho, Itami 664, Japan.Phone: 0727-72-4718, From USA: 011-81-727-72-4718.Treasurer: Reiko Fukuya, 4-12-4, Mukonoso, Amagasaki 661, Japan.Phone: 06-433-0192, From USA: 011-81-6-433-0192.Minister without pastorate:Nobuo Miwa [Fumiko], Tongbu-lchon, 2-812 Samik Apt., Tongbu-lchon,Yongsan-Ku, Korea.


224 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEROSTER OF FOREIGN MISSIONARIESCharles Chao, D.D.[Pearl], (On loan to the Reformation TranslationFellowship) 1358 Calle Rosamaria St., San Dimas, CA 91773. Phone: 818-331-7470.Gene Spear [Ruth], 3-26-5, Honmachi, Mukonoso Amagasaki 661, Japan.Phone: 81-6-432-5343, from USA: 011-81-6-432-5343.William Sterrett [Pitsa], 1-4-10, Izumi-Dai, Kita-ku, Kobe 651-11, Japan.Phone: 81-78-592-6519, from USA: 011-81-78-592-6519.Shirley Wright, Kobe Port P.O. Box 822, Kobe, Japan 651-01. Phone: 011-81-78-242-7003.SALARY SCHEDULE-FOREIGN MISSIONARIES-1996Basic: Ordained $23,179Non-Ordained $ 18,543Increment:Ordained: $600 per year up to five years.Non-ordained $480 per year up to fiveyears.An adjustmentis made each month according to the cost-<strong>of</strong>-living index.Salaries are paid monthly.Fringe Benefits: Hospitalization Insurance, Denominational Pension, in lieu <strong>of</strong>S.S. Schooling provided for children through high school.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 225WOMEN'S SYNODICAL OFFICERSPresident: Beth Lamont, 4233 N.E. 75th St., Seattle, WA 98115Phone: 206-524-2052.Vice President: Cindy Hindman, P.O. Box 76, Denison, KS 66419-0076.Phone: 913-935-2394.Recording Secretary: Kay Cassuccio, 3226 6th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-846-3409.Corresponding Secretary: Jo Taniguchi, 3515 E. 64th Court, Spokane,WA 99223. Phone: 509-448-2023.Treasurer: Marcia Siebring, 3810 W. 12th St. Dr., Greeley, CO 80630.Phone: 303-353-0426.Assistant Treasurer: Esther Kennedy, P.O. Box 16, Pierce, CO 80650.Phone: 303-834-2223.COORDINATORSMissions: Carolyn Clarke, 32 Sharon Crt., Pittsburgh, PA 1423412-244-9564.Literature: Vicky Parnell, 1101 S. Duncan, Stillwater, OK 74074. Phone:405-372-4910.Christian Living: Jocele McDonald, 6404 T.R. 55, Bellefontaine, OH43311. Phone: 513-593-1190.Sanctity <strong>of</strong> life: Gayle Copeland, P.O. Box 181, Winchester, KS 66097.Phone: 913-774-2232.Historian/Librarian: June Miller, R.D. 1, Box 272, Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-846-1468.Editor: Eleanor Duguid, Rt. 1, Box 66, Ozakie, KS 66070. Phone: 913-876-2189.Home Mission Board Representative: Eileen Falk, Route 1, Box 272,Cutler, IN 46920. Phone: 317-566-2536.Beginning 7/1/96: Marcia Elliott, 1215 10th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631.Phone: 303-353-1583.Foreign Mission Board Representative: Sandra Johns, 1920 Wade St.,Ext., Aliquippa, PA 15001. Phone: 412-378-4018.Political Responsibility: Jeanette Nagel, 5555 Caithness Ct., Fairfax, VA22032. Phone: 703-425-5257.


226 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEWOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL OF THE ALLEGHENIESPresident: Katharine Plowmaker, 1005 Hollywood Dr., Beaver FA15010. Phone: 412-843-3093.1st Vice President: Kay Casuccio, 3226-6th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-847-643.2nd Vice President: Janine Gould, 107 Henderson St., Pittsburgh, PA15235. Phone: 412-243-4471.Recording Secretary: Ruth Hall, 3248 Camberly Dr., Gibsonia, PA15044. Phone:Corresponding Secretary: Martha Russell, 3321 Fifth Ave., Beaver Falls,PA 15010. Phone: 412-846-0979.Treasurer: Bernice Caskey, 2818 Fifth Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.Phone: 412-847-2543.Assistant Treasurer: Joan Markey, 616-16th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-843-0628.Political Responsibility Coord.: Jane Warden, RD1 Ge<strong>org</strong>etown Rd.,Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Phone: 412-846-2903.COORDINATORSMission: Norma White, 3320-4th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Phone:412-846-1453.Christian Living: Alleyne Baumgartner, 1816-20th Ave. Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-948-3092.Sanctity <strong>of</strong> Life: Chris DeNardo, 912 1/2 Broadway, Mckees Rocks, PA15136. Phone: 412-771-8316.Literature: Alice Sterrett, 2828 4th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.Phone: 412-843-1186.Historian: Eunice Posset, 2604 Steffin Hill, Beaver FAIIs, PA 15010.Phone: 412-843-7721.LOCAL FELLOWSHIPSAllegheny: Esther Mitchel, 2344 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15214.Phone: 412-321-1173.College Hill Highlanders: Frances McDonald, 3609 6th Ave., BeaverFalls, PA 15010. Phone: 412-843-1893.Eastvale/Ethyl Copeland: Martha Edgar, 3004 Fifth Ave., Beaver Falls,PA 15010. Phone: 412-846-0134.First Beaver Falls: Alberta Cory, 271 Braun Road, Beaver FAIIs, PA15010. Phone: 412-843-3293Geneva/Lillian McCracken: Ida Edgar, 3221-5th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA15010. Phone: 412-846-7176.New Alexandria: Nancy Vincze, RD 3, Box 65, New Alexandria, PA15670. Phone: 412-668-7580.North Hills-Emma Elliott: Mary M. Spear, 3940 Bakerstown Rd.,Gibsonia, PA 15044. Phone: 412-443-3591.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 227Rose Point-Mary jane: June Miller, 101 Old Blackhawk Rd., Beaver Falls,PA 15010. Phone: 412-846-1468Tusca Area Ladies: Betty Weinacht, 4265 Tuscarawas Rd., Beaver, PA15009. Phone: 412-495-7057.Other Contact Persons:Covenant Fellowship: Beth Henriquez, 401 Highland Ave., Turtle Creek,PA 15145. Phone: 412-824-3697.Manchester: Church, 204 Manchester Hill, New Kensington, PA 15068.Rimersburg: Donna Monger, 3670 Rd. Box 63B, Rimersburg, PA 16248.Phone: 814-473-3670.State College: Jane Keddie, 2440 Lexington Circle, State College, PA16801. Phone: 814-234-2653.Anchor Fellowship: Vicki Smith, 11324E Snow Owl PL, Waldorf, MD20603. Phone: 301-870-6827.First Beaver Falls: Alberta Cory, 271 Braun Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.Phone: 412-843-3293


228 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEGREAT LAKES GULF PRESBYTERIALPresident: Phyllis Tacey, 2620 Conway Gardens Road, Orlando, FL32806. Phone: 407-898-51301st Vice President: Fulfilling Duties <strong>of</strong> the Nominating Committee...Phoebe WMF (Bloomington)2nd Vice President: Ellen Moore, 232 Penridge Lane, West Lafayette, IN47907. Phone: (317)449-4368.Recording Secretary: Lena Dixson, 130 S. Kirby Rd., Bloomington, IN47303. Phone: 812-825-2837.Corresponding Secretary: Clara Worsham, 9763 White Rd., Ocoee, FL34761. Phone: 407-293-1557.Treasurer: Judy Pockras, P.O. Box 365, Belle Center, OH 43310.Phone: 513-464-6851.COORDINATORSMissions: Eileen Auld, 1500 Swanwick Rd., Oakdale, IL 62268. Phone:618-329-5528.Literature: Martha Mclntyre, 9556 Schupbach Rd., Coulterville, IL62237. Phone: 618-443-3502.Historian/Librarian: Judy Pockras, PO Box 365, Belle Center, OH43310-9655. Phone: 513-464-6851.Sanctity <strong>of</strong> Life: Gladys Dill, 370 Lakeview St., Orlando, FL 32804.Phone: 407-648-1940.Christian Living: Alice Bowes, 7817 Dunham Rd., Downers Grove, IL60516.Political Responsibility: Judy Wright, 9813 White RD., Ocoee, FL34761. Phone: 407-291-2300LOCAL FELLOWSHIPSBelle Center: Margaret Keys, 21725 Co. Rd. 115, Belle Center, OH43310. Phone: 513-464-4151Oakdale: Margaret Patton, 247 W. Belleville, Nashville, IL 62263. Phone:618-327-8140.Orlando: Louise Turmenne, 340 Granada Dr., Winter Park, FL 32789-3425. Phone: 407-628-1725Phoebe: Ruth Dixson, 4160 East Bethel Lane, Bloomington, IN 47408.Phone: 812-332-0778Selma: Lauvenia Brown, 2007 Third Avenue Circle, Selma, AL 36701.Phone: 205-872-0643Sparta: Mildred Halliday, Three Cherry Lane, Sparta, IL 62286. Phone:618-443-4413.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 229MIDWEST PRESBYTERIAL - EASTERN DIVISIONPresident: Alice Pilling, 13178-250th St., Mediapolis, IA 52640. Phone:319-394-3577Vice President: Patti HoweCor. Secretary: Ola Lambert, Box 238, 219 NE 1st St., Morning Sun, IA52640. Phone: 319-868-4101Rec. Secretary: Betty Harsh, Route 2, Box 162, Morning Sun, IA 52640.Phone: 319-868-7935.Treasurer: Lila Megchelsen, 3216 Old White Way, Ainsworth, IA 52201.COORDINATORSMissions: Eleanor Cummings, 25825-160th Ave., Morning Sun, IA52640. Phone: 319-868-7715Sanctity <strong>of</strong> Life: Arlene McDonald, 25957 Garland St., Morning Sun, IA52640. Phone: 319-868-4235Christian Living: Lillian Gregory, PO Box 13110 N Kearney, MorningSun, IA 52640. Phone: 319-868-7762.Literature: Eleanor BairdPolitical Responsibility: Amy CominHistorian: Martha Moore, 108 Orchard Lane, Columbus Junction, IA52738. Phone: 319-728-3202.LOCAL FELLOWSHIPSSharon: Ola Lambert, Box 238, 219 NE 1st St., Morning Sun, IA52640. Phone: 319-868-4101.Washington: Judy Wilson, 10321 West Ave., Columbus Junction, IA52738. Phone: 319-728-2081.


230 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEMIDWEST PRESBYTERIAL - WESTERN DIVISIONPresident: Sue Wilkey, 1936 Mentor, Wichita, KS 67213. Phone: 316-264-4816.1st Vice President: Martha Hutcheson, 5435 Outlook, Mission , KS66202. Phone: 913-236-87922nd Vice President: Mary Jane Ward, 711 Mahaffie St., Olathe, KS66061. Phone: 913-764-3047Recording Secretary: JoAnne Martin, 813 Crawford, Clay Center, KS67432. Phone:913-632-2458.Corresponding Secretary: Kay LaMay, 519 West Tarkio, Clarinda, IA51632. Phone: 712-542-3851Treasurer: Ge<strong>org</strong>ia McFarland, 5460 S.W. 53rd St., Topeka, KS 66610.Phone: 913-862-1835.Assistant Treasurer: Sheryl McMahan, 1807 Pogue Rd., Clay Center, KS67432. Phone: 913-632-3043.COORDINATORSMissions: Louise Moore, 509 Parkhill Terrace, Lawrence, KS 66406.Phone: 913-843-3477.Sanctity <strong>of</strong> life: Rose O'Neill, RR1 Box A-2, Winchester, KS 66097.Phone: 913-774-7545.Political Resposibility: Mary Ann Caskey, PO Box 126, Denison, KS66419. Phone: 913-935-2222.Literature: Jennie Hemphill, 1070 Iris St., Broomfield, CO 80020.Phone: 303-469-6384.Christian Living: Winifred Elliot, Rt. 1 Box 2A, Winchester, KS 66097.Phone: 913-774-8643.Historian/Librarian: Eleanor Phillips, 16091-190th Rd., Mayetta, KS66509-8605. Phone: 913-935-2263.LOCAL FELLOWSHIPS:Aurora—inactiveClarinda: Helen Falk, Rt. 4, Box 1I8A, Clarinda, IA 51632. Phone:712-542-2697.Colorado Springs-inactiveDenison: Mary Bell Keys, 14567-222nd Rd., Holton, KS 66436. Phone:913-364-2396.Greeley: Phyllis Evans, 3006 W. 12th St. Rd., Greeley, CO 80631.Phone: 303-352-1728.Hebron: Margaret Milligan, 1214 Hackberry Rd., Clay Center, KS 67432.Phone: 913-632-2009.Lawrence-inactive:Minneola: Carol Hindman, Rt 1 Box 9, Minneola, KS 67865. Phone:316-885-4755.Quinter Sylvia: Fran Mann, R.R. 3, Box 24A, Quinter, KS 67752.Phone: 913-754-3925.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 231Shawnee Covenanter Daughters: Martha Hutcheson, 5435 Outlook Dr.,Mission, KS 66202-1419. Phone: 913-236-8792.Shawnee Missionary Guild: Betty Weimer, 2421 W 49th, ShawneeMission, KS 66205. Phone: 913-236-5214Sterling: Margaret Reed, Rt. 2, Box 24, Sterling, KS 67579. Phone:316-278-2699.Stillwater-informal: Liz Noell, 2137 W. Admiral, Stillwater, OK 74074.Phone: 405-377-0634.Topeka: Roberta McFarland, 2709 Boswell, Topeka, KS 66611. Phone:913-233-3985.Westminster—inactiveWinchester: Hazel Sass, Box 32, Winchester, KS 66097. Phone: 913-774-2801.PACIFIC COAST PRESBYTERIALPresident: Priscilla Luther Heft, Rockland PL, LaCanada, CA 91011.Phone: 818-957-0427.Vice President: Lori McCracken, 4614 E. Grant, Fresno, CA 93102.Phone: 209-456-9552.Recording Secretary: Kathy Gathright, 1073 N Filbert Ave., Clovis, CA9361 1-8129.Corresponding Secretary: Lorena Keys, 1042 Ezie Ave., Clovis, CA93611-2020. Phone: 209-323-0273.Treasurer: Willa Copeland, 2382 N Bethel Ave., Sanger, CA 93657.Phone: 209-266-9018.COORDINATORSMissions: Oreta Taverne, R.P. Home, 2344 Perrysville Ave. Pittsburgh,PA 15214.Sanctity <strong>of</strong> life: Dorothy Carson, 1759 Larkhaven Geln, Escondido, CA92026. Phone: 619-747-2410.Literature: Dorothy Patton, 315 S. 'C St., Tustin, CA 92680. Phone:714-544-4893.Current Issues: Evelyn Birdsall, 965 Brental Rd., Pasadena, CA 91105.Phone: 213-256-3060.Thank<strong>of</strong>fering: Ingrid Birdsall, 537 S. Euclid Ave. #2, Pasadena, CA91101. Phone: 818-793-9322.LOCAL FELLOWSHIPSFresno: Gayle Copeland, 470 N. Larken, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone:209-251-8847.Los Angeles: Fern Kerr, 505 So. Griffith Park Dr., Burbank, Ca 91506.Phone: 818-843-3097.Seattle: Nancy Cunningham, 14427 54th PI W., Edmonds, WA 98020.Phone: 206-745-3770.


232 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEST. LAWRENCE - ATLANTIC PRESBYTERIALPresident: Jackie Spear, 162 North St., Walton, NY 13856. Phone:607-865-5269.Vice President: Beth Tabon, 16 Courtney Ave., Newburgh, NY 12550.Phone: 914-562-9052.Recording Secretary: Becky Johnson, 95 Maple St., Walden, NY 12586.Phone: 914-778-2965.Corresponding Secretary: Jean Smith, Box 251, Edgemont, PA 19028.Phone: 215-647-4342.Treasurer: Shirley Smith, R.R.2, Lisbon, NY 13658. Phone: 315-393-2988.Assistant Treasurer: Mary Jane Park, 2 Godfrey Rd. Upper Montclair, NY07043. Phone: 201-744-3179.COORDINATORSMissions: Kathy Gladfelter, Box 261, Edgemont, PA 19028. Phone:610-647-4308.Literature: Kim Backensto, 17 Post St., Haledon, NJ 07508. Phone:201-956-1889.Sanctity <strong>of</strong> Life: Jane Crawford, 1032 Hoagburgh Rd., Wallkill, NY12589. Phone: 914-895-3891.Political Responsibility: Linda Lydon, 27 Lawrence Rd. , Broomall, PA19008. Phone: 610-356-9442.Christian Living: Barbara Mann, Box 88, Lisbon, NY 13658. Phone:315-393-9041.Historian: Jane Crawford, Rt.I, Box 78, Wallkill, NY 12589. Phone:914-895-3891.LOCAL FELLOWSHIPSAlmonte: Joyce Lowry, 316 Bridge St. , Almonte, Ont, Canada KOA1AO. Phone: 613-256-2005.Broomall: Jean Smith, Box 251, Edgemont, PA 19028. Phone: 215-647-4342.Coldenhan-Newburgh: Rebecca Johnson, 95 Maple St., Walden NY12586. Phone: 914-778-2965.Elkins Park: Laila O'Connor, 1764 Femdale Ave., Abingon, PA 19001.Phone: 215-657-7950.Endwell: Gail Macaulay, 40 Seminary Ave., Binghanton, NY 14619.Phone: 607-722-7317.Lisbon: Barbara Mann, Box 86, 97 Main, Lisbon, NY 13658. Phone-3150393-9041.Oswego: Terrill Curran, Morningside Dr., Hannibal, NY. Phone: 315-564-6656.Ottawa: Sylvia Avery, 50 Sherbrooke, Ottawa, Ont. Canada K1Y 1R7.Ridgefield Park: Midge Whitehead, 39-15 Berdan Ave., Fairlawn, NJ07410. Phone: 201-791-0858.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 233Walton: Mary Meeker, 23 Liberty St., Walton, NY 13856, Phone: 607-865-4654.White Lake: Dorothea Millen, 1311 Horseshoe Lk.Rd., Swan Lake, NY12783. Phone: 914-583-4469.Other Contact Persons:Cambridge: Janet Millican, 410 Woburn St., Lexington, MA 02173.Phone: 617-862-0597.Fulton: Kathy Iamaio, RD#5 Box 231, Oswego, NY 13126. Phone:315-343-1976.Hazleton: Katy Leach, 953 Norman St., Weatherby, PA 18255. Phone:717-427-8988.Lancaster: Jean Snyder, 6 Echo Valley Dr., Ephrata, PA 17522. Phone:717-859-1630.Lochiel: Gwen Brodie, R.R.3, Dalkeith, Ont. Canada K0B1E0. Phone:613-874-2989.Middletown: Gertrude Rosenberger, 12 Brandner Ave., Middletown, NY10940. Phone:914-341-0778.Montreal: Mrs. Philip Choiniere-Shields, 140 Hillcrest Ave., Ville St. Piere,Quebec, Canada H85 1J4. Phone: 514-484-0670Rochester: Mrs. Wm. Pihl, 152 Post Ave., Rochester, NY 14619.Phone: 716-436-0738.Smiths Falls: Laura Adjemian, R.R.5, Perth. Ontario, CANADA K7H3CF. Phone: 613-264-0262.Syracuse: Vi Ramsey, 4782 Royal Meadow Dr., Liverpool, NY 13088.Phone: 315-451-4645.


234 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEWOMEN'S SYNODICAL MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIPOF THE RPCNA.STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTSCOMBINED FUNDSJanuary 1 to December 31, 1994BALANCEDISBURSE-BALANCE1/1/1994 RECEIPTS INTEREST MENTS 12/31/1994Contingent Fund $910 95 $ 499 00 $67 23 $ 1,472.13Life & Memorial Fund 1,61187 300 00 118 96 —Thank Offering Fund - 23,308 73Special Projects Fund 1,226.02 3,495 00 90 48Designated Funds -- 10,168 00$3,748 84 $37,770 73 $276.6723,308.733,852.0010.168 00$38,800.86$ 5052,03083—959 50-$2,995.38RECEIPTSAlleghenies PresbyterialGreat Lakes Gulf PresbyterialIowa PresbyterialMidwest PresbyterialPacific Coast PresbyterialSt. Lawrence-Atlantic PresbyterialDISBURSEMENTSContingent FundN.A.E. Delegate ExpenseW.S.M.F. Officers' and Committees' ExpenseW.S.M.F. Executives' Travel ExpenseInsurance - BondConvention expense net <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>feringOffice SuppliesN.A.E. MembershipThank Offering FundSpecial Projects FundMissionary Newsletter expenseChurch plantingCypmsJapan travelAir mailing Covenanter Witness$ 150.0023.61892.88100.0078.32177.3250.00500.001,000.001,000.001,000.00352.00$11,510.707,542.003,033.0010,775.702,124.002.785.33$37,770.73$ 1,472.1323,308.733,852.00


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 235Designated FundsHome MissionsForeign MissionsGeneva CollegeRef. Pres. Theological SeminaryNational Reform AssociationRefonnation Translation FellowshipRefonned <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Home1,565.002,324.001,087.001,733.00782.001,547.001.130.0010.168.00$38,800.86Marcia L. SiebringTreasurer


236 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEBaptIncreaseTotal TotalChild By FromMembers Members Comm. Bapt Pr<strong>of</strong>. By Pr<strong>of</strong>. RP i OtherFrom Total12/31/93 12/31/94 Memb. Memb. Faith Bapl Faith Ch.Denom. OtherlncreaseALLEGHENIESAllegheny 53 452College Hill 260 2696 6 4 6 1Covenant Fellowship 220 1752 1 1iastvals i 64 642First B«avtsr Falls * 67 « 66Qm&ti 90 , * ?5Grace (State College) 68Manchester 87New Alexandria 64North Hills s 74Rlmersb«rg * 53tose PointU4Trinity (D.C.j 54Tusca Area 57MISSION CHURCHAnchor Fellowship 19Presbytery's Roll 0Totals, Alleghenies 1,344818344795312329552401,28542195124555681416234., 56 .:4988133415945374519101440211023435162193402210142520122• .,sto258833...33213141 3172 62181400, 10" 0» **


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 237DecreaseTo RPTo Other FinalDeaths Churches Demon Removal42*2S22=;. A12532#=' 'i:1518121252402141r 22183170TotalOther Decrease111 8512.:•:.,: 21 31420•; "" 5^ 0i253302 139Average AttendanceElder* Deacons Worship Sab.Sch.2187664322S=; 435-•246815456334325353702951204035687560236743752340261,6024140100201535 f " 555 746 3017 645 625452328618CYPU Parsonage3152597NYNYYNNYYYYY...JNNN816152141'/ 2715 14,


238 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEBapt.IncreaseTotal TotalChild By From FromMember* "teniben Comm. Bapt. Pr<strong>of</strong>. By Pr<strong>of</strong>. RP Other Total12/31/93 12/31/94 *!emb. •4emb. Faith Bapt Faith Ch.Denom. OtherlncreaseGREAT LAKES-GULFBelle Center 375Bloomington 7415 2 1 1Columbus11 141 6 2 4Hetherton3 *MultlraciaKPensecola)1 ffrssOakdaleOrlandoSecond Indpls.SelmaSOOtilfieldSouttislde Indpls.SpartaWest LafayetteWestminsterMISSION CHURCHESEvansvilleSycamore FellowshipPresbytery's RollMIDWESTAuroraChrist CovenantClarindaDenison SS %Greeley .,


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 239DecreaseTo RPTo Other FinalDeathsChurches Demon Removal2 168* '\;=li •': 2• I83 11 1•Li =1144212677534210TotalOther Decrease2417236821882000127s;32289Average AttendanceElders Deacons Worship Sab.Sch.3452537104:i 66> 3>6214712733279433247096122916862104175185291027730::5o;;43 1,132224654619=16=5619022591802290603545922CYPU4425425613788'arsonageYYNy= : =NteYNNYYNY:NN; = : N;::;N76: 122§- 2Iff'II 1317112....,,,.->v.8112174K3= * 322-2221218111522« 4 21, .-•.V2210671C 14v. 1; 3641011140432!a;3080152a3,.« 337a 7$ 1911033|s^373222:m s43236**• s2461, 345424 3055 4825 1882 6024 t445 4033 2828 2070 3996 71 =51 5185 5028 2694 5958 3571 #,67.#?|i=§~y°$959719612a•:• 7615? 225869104NNN YYNYYYYNYNN- ;"*mY8


240 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEBapt.IncreaseTotal TotalChild By FromMembers Members Comm. Bapt. Pr<strong>of</strong>. By Pr<strong>of</strong>. RP i OtherFromTotal12/31/93 12/31/94 Memb. Memb. Faith Bapl Faith Ch.Denom. < DtherlncreasePACIFIC COASTFresnoLos Angeles789967103537814254342 186Phoerrlx:;54:: mm : . W ' -im 11111=fe«;: ;• r 1 9Sari Diego --= 35= : 36 •'M =:i ii ;:.= !•: k'mk;fSeattle= .=: 86 ==r as k:Mi ••••23 a;M •kM " *. -27Presbytery's Roll 1 i 10Totals, Pacific Coast 353 355 267 88 1 12 20 2 3 0 37ST. LAWRENCEAlmonteEndwellLisbonLochielOswegoOttawa :;|||RochesterSmith FallsSyracuseWaltonMISSION CHURCH'.FjSSort ,;,.„:=;.=Presbytery's RollTotals,St.Lawrence6427541485lk. 13517941827902753642651'&• 15W 66-ti156. . • 83 7318931367526197 129 68:•.


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 241DecreaseTo RPTo Other Final TotalDeathsChurches Demon Removal Other Decrease11415 'v69 71515\^>-;^i:123192068035Average AttendanceElders Deacons Worship Sab.Sch.56335224 49 4610 571 55 2541 103 65 s!4818 210 186CYPU Parsonage2111023YNNN :Y211522 73=>• 74 5Wv|£>\i445:::14- =045351701310032312J;215614 37 2722(8441628* 17. 165 &m>~W4 ..*5&k 1252207516654 170 100•' 7 59='s=i=:45-2S:.=': 1551013;=:=7;=:194YNYY ,NNNNYYN236 17523832730 682 5135853250641*-.,6 48 152 26 71 182126106510:8YYYY011 32' C:1i07121319 89 145 662536Y51214illV-15 4015 526 4217 21, 9 7kk-t: Il36'::: :=1737 118 1320 1 337 119 1357071015:1551222124207iqk3139288980kMk:23=:-fife45 4541 746 461682571km;:=22«272861229853 1060 61818 359 22143 1,132 92254 959 71918 210 186, 30 682 513216 4,402 3,1799 145 66225 4,547 3,245972188104::=:.;;::23.:=:84782;:58;: k $::391 3436 5427 39


242 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEBalance Sup. AidTotal Pastor's Total1/1/94 Presbytery Contributions Other Receipts CompensationiALLEGHENIESAllegheny 4596,11732,734College Hill8,78651,414Cov. Fellowship 242Eastvale19,3661st Beaver Falls 'k 2,771Geneva f,3,806Grace (State College) 62Manchester4,325New Alexandria 8,454North Hills2,955Rimersburg505 "Rose Point ^ i? 12,590Trinity(D.C) 992Tusca Area1,546MISSION CHURCHAnchor FellowshipPresbytery's RollTotals, Alleghenies5,76972,628ATLANTICBroomallCambridgeColdenham-Newbur44,5464,2548,609Elkins Park / 3,208Ridgefield Park :; * 7,392White Lake2,468MISSION CHURCHESLancasterGrace (Middletown)Hazelton0Presbytery's Roll4,00021,40025,40020,000v.W*>28,06759,170160,612133,47540,13058,027 :;68,39360,71456,61317,72957,38136,970' 72,405 ,44,46834,686•41,733942,506114,98049,46546,86445,716* 40,11645,62011,04611,9807,913= 1,4735,6268,2651,6934,77917,33944,125•% •23657398,1395,1672,0001 1,0444,99848,160,»35,3683,54765,287160,612141,38841,60363,65376,65862,40761,39235,068101,50636,97072,64144,46838,68663,7061,066,045140,14751,46557,90850,71488,27645,62046,41443,59413,31930,50025,10045,62426,25524,47436,56428,11717,71717,06331,36439,887420,13266,73332,8007,927. 30,26456,464'26,30040,77320,121Totals.Atlantic 70,477 48,067 365,787 110,284 524,138 281,422


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 243OtherTotal Balance Other Pastor'sRPMNM RPWorta Other Disburs. 12/31/94 Assets Salary '952,40014,64015,5344,160;! 4,000, =• 5,263 T2303,0003,3858,513 :;3,78611,0357,4551 '5,026 •


244 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEBalance Sup. AidTotal Pastor's Total1/1/94 Presbytery Contributions Other Receipts CompensationIGREAT LAKES-GULFBelle Center 14,8724,954 34,080 26,443Bloomington 72 1,25013,000 95,416 61,691Columbus8,025236 112,222 46,893Hetherton10,8532,002 15,612 9,124MutriractaKPemacoO 529 18,827r 66,650 iOakdateOrlandoSecond Indpls.SelmaSouthfieldSouthside Indpls. ySpartaWest LafayetteWestminster8,27116,80359,1935,50753,8215,00056,9153,24510,704MISSION CHURCHESIvansvltle 1,535Sycamorefeilowsttp 1,612Pretf>yt«ry*s RoilTotals,Gr.Lk.Gulf256,9576,09422,00015,52129,12681,166111,98613,61047,82322,857124,246215,02934,61489,225167,89527,71280,11688,04250,909 s32,808-=:;63,692 1,217,1646,6066,600122,05813,2232,1753,24878,6922981,5103,826840: I- 29,463/130,846337,08747,83791,397171,143106,40480,41495,64676,73549,169259,265 1 ,540,1212flpS06,7(3646,464105,97223,97843,74254,780! 31,52541,02648,96938,21432,OM645,635MIDWESTAuroraChrist CovenantClarindaDefifeonGreeleyHebronMinneolaQuinterSharonShawneeSpringsSterlingStillwaterTopekaWashingtonWestminsterWinchesterMISSION CHURO-Midland,Tx.Presbytery's RollTotals,Mldwest11,8861,7881,5856,6312,1382,19056214,7526,27112.34,0347,66287,17312,7402,0)710,301191,7332,0002,00023,40027,40032,22847,48024,43341,57826,709s 47,70527,48034,05954,352167,27664,32864,29031,264100,01674,29560,9296S.662964,084115,00010,20312,8013,0716,5228,609 :29,53916,93111,41880,70817,59410,72851318,6134,0433,533149,22857,68337,23444,64933,231,: S6,314|57,01950,99065,770247,98483,92275,018 J55,177118,62978,33864,46265,662349,826 11,341,31028,38927,98027,71625,04119,630J25,42727,48318,57820,96936,20335,433. 33,751:36,86441,58836,56336,59931,564509,782


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 245OtherTotal Balance Other Pastor'sRPMacM RP Works Other Dlsburs. 12/31/94 Assets Salary - '953,640 1,8341,050 4,2137,600 4,144^ == •:= 1,360 ; ^ 9003,4398,0006,8641,000''If: 10,20811,253'I*::: ' 5211,2003,4705,52827,36041,2537,40537,44594,31499,89018>789- V 1,265 :• 32,998:=:= ;=-=62pl3 =\i.==lJ5-5,0329,2152,7469,5476,7183,4726,3715,53415,49672,818245,96220,92819,045198,39294,24531,35538,46725,970132,314368,01348,65282,542171,143129,76379,95296,44011,5071,17420,3577,6764,86611,76415,33528,2674,69262,6765,00033,5563,7079,91024,80635,2135,450033,000;! 16,580410,39018,05510,00096,85620,68317,86526,98069,00040,1509,12428,0506,70046,4641 15,47225,396•? 43,80057,600if 32,00044,26952,540: 2,366784:=-< 1=:62,755•:::3,416;;:2,16666,90832,48812,513796,25376,48447,527,571,5511,7863,254225,52725,76224,549739,209- 40,56034,000672,1053,750!= 2,000 :2,5006,33150060510,000:1 15,0004,9306,000 *10017,000:..k:k-> 2,353:6,6252,9464,8881,5944,2744,6444,4001,5043,2008,02813,955w 3,348•-' 4,8756046,4186,398: 2,1002,00076,2841 7,0497,58319,1208,78019,08225,90632,85527,889170,77738,75238,62411,34942,73919,64122,784',,w,m107,61953,66736,89350,43535,55455,24055,39355,23866,886235,93582,463•. 8&2S4-48,917107,74562,60263,83664,03243,4955,8041,926845(185)3,2642,18810,5045,15512,0501,46125,79813,92298,05728,476> 2,64311,93118,70538,69424,31744,4695,02110,00026,20512,05025,18051,00010,63561,39445,21210,00010,42228,50020,00026,25026,50022,00030,55038,00637,63334,75138,90043,30037,54239,32526,04077,69475,176603,057 1,265,709267,334393,304449,297


246 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEBalance Sup. AidTotal Pastor's Total1/1/94 Presbytery Contributions Other Receipts CompensationPACIFIC COASTFresnoLos AngelesPheonlx : ,:;'\San DiegoSeattlePresbytery's RollTotals, Pac.Coast47,5263,087: 3,2168,50049,979112,3081,1111504,000S&fy&'A5,26144,52983,334* 35,694' 28,92066,710259,18711,56016,6571,4604,8191,65236,14856,089101,10237,30437,739: 68,36|:300,59631,54444,57428,15234,048,42,764181,082ST. LAWRENCEAlmonteEndwellLisbontochtelOswegoOttawaRochesterSmith FallsSyracuse6,46713,3968,6182,8012,895i ;; 106,59615,9843,98021,71712,351Wait<strong>of</strong>lMISSION CHURCHfutton;Presbytery's Roll , .'•:•=, 0Totals, St. Lawrence 1 94,80539,7386,000 24,27538,294'?W0'kfk&?4 •;" 8,60310,21012,50028,71091,391159,18718,31861,900134,35065,2138,186"649,4555,4812,857625,765239,7694563,6811,3162,758\v '" 1120,686 '•'•282,08945,21933,13238,2948,609117,156398,956;18,77475,7911 35,66667,971960,25419,20234,28928,56057,12041,464:37,00531,711=; 13,000:262,351JAPANHighashlsumaKasumigaokaKeiyakuMukonosouMISSION STATIONSHontumonKita SuzurandaiCommission RollTotal Japan2,41001,1633,53021,5239,22837,854PRESBYTERY TOTALSAlleghenies 72,628Atlantic70,477Great Lakes-Gulf 256,957Midwest ,.:=:....=•-. 191,733Pacific Coast 112,308St, Lawrence 194.805Total Home Field 898,908Japan Commission 37,854GRAND TOTAL 936,76286,31445,26336,987I. | 25,185k=18,062


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 247OtherTotal Balance Other Pastor'sRPMetM RP Works Other Disburs. 12/31/94 Assets Salary • '9580012,3454,38617,5312,8078,5099201924,00216,43021,87332,9988,4429,401-•&*/+) jJJS95,24757,02498,42637,514:43,641: 73,685310,29046,5915,7633,0062,59844,656102,61440,678164,6652,59812,000219,94131,54428,28444,100103,9284,2157033714057078250024311,320!1,3843,8192,7681,61 159527,3735,0391,1288,5691 1,48012,03615,4448,6047,2525,99835,484358,01714,34925,65186,54343,70442,68046,36437,7946,998120,047405,30215,97771,468141,05467,1249,0061649,1184,4124100,25018,7818,30316,32913,1981,35214,05710,12635021,48282,20932,36819,20234,44528,56060,00041,46437,00538,15630,7601,53214,5326,15445,200:29,99374,418602,578969,340185,719161,944334,79216,4292,0912,83620,76211,2279,43829,47284,78647,13636,69231,9523,93801,458646160,93060,14812,542228,00042,00019,63624,1823606,8735,4597,23910,34614,1 1238,9658,379028,58983,597225,02453,386461,62085,81862,34917,33262,75577,69417,53129,993267,6540267,65470,18329,80466,90875,17616,430:•:. 74,418===.490,050 ,042,714172,395 500,953796,253 ,571,551603,057 1,265,70995,247602,578310,290969,340332,919 2,759,580 5,660,55728,589 83,597 225,024361,508 2,843,177 5,885,581 195,95993,662225,527267,334102,614185,719,110,337336,098739,209393,304219,941161,944424,317215,942672,105449,297103,928334,792970,815 2,960,833 2,200,38153,386 461,620 85,818,024,201 3,422,453 2,286,199


248 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEINDEXAAbortion 91Adjournment 10, 30, 60, 78, 93, 138AllgeheniesCommittee to revise Records <strong>of</strong> 11Deacon Delegate 100Report<strong>of</strong> 12Roster 199Statistics 236, 242Alleghenies, Women's Presbyterial, Roster 226Allowance, MovingAllowance, TravelAmendments to Chapters 24 and 25 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony. 68, 75American <strong>Presbyterian</strong> ChurchFraternal Delegate 91, 92Address 197Appendix 139-189Items to appear in 7, 53, 58, 90, 126, 136Arrangements, Committee onReport<strong>of</strong> 10Roster 195AssessmentsPension 99Travel 99Assistant ClerkAddress 193Election 6Report on Records <strong>of</strong> Presbyteries 134Associate <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> ChurchAddress 198Fraternal Delegate 6, 92Atlantic PresbyteryCommittee to revise Records <strong>of</strong> 11Report <strong>of</strong> 13Roster 204Statistics 236, 242Auditor's report 101-116Australia, see <strong>Reformed</strong> Presbytery <strong>of</strong> AustraliaBBequest, Form <strong>of</strong> 196Boards <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, Reports <strong>of</strong>Corporators <strong>of</strong> Geneva College 7)


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 249Education and Publication 79Foreign Missions 54Home Missions 117Pension Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> 40Trustees <strong>of</strong> Geneva College 72Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> 34Trustees <strong>of</strong> the Theological Seminary 83Book <strong>of</strong> Discipline, Committee to Revise theReport 69Building Loan Fund 36Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, Committee on theReport on Communications 8, 53Report<strong>of</strong> 62Request for 127Roster 195CCanvass the Overture, Committee toAppointment 11Report 75Christian <strong>Reformed</strong> Church 124Address 198Fraternal Delegate 52, 77Church History CommitteeReport 61Roster 194ClerkAddress 193Assignments 124Election 6Report<strong>of</strong> 7Commission, Special Interim 65, 230Committee Reports, Committees <strong>of</strong> the DayCanvass the Overture 75Finance 96Judicial 129Nominations 129Presbytery Review 131Records <strong>of</strong> Presbyteries 134Resolution <strong>of</strong> Thanks 136Travel Fund Representative 96Committee Reports, StandingArrangments 10Business <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> 62On Communications 8, 53Church History 61


250 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEGraduate Study Fund 37Interchurch 124Joint Commission on Chaplains 57Temperance 90Committee Reports, Temporary; see Unfinished BusinessCommittees Appointed by the Moderator 11Communications93-5 concerning Amendments to Chapters 24 H 25 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony. 6894-2 concerning the clarification <strong>of</strong> the relationship betweenthe session and deacon board 70, 7594-3 concerning strategic planning 6895-1 concerning the procedure for electing certain servants<strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> 8, 12995-2 concerning holding <strong>Synod</strong> in 1996 895-3 concerning an appeal from the Southfield Session 53, 93, 94Constitution <strong>of</strong> the Court in prayer 2, 11, 30, 60, 79, 93Constitution <strong>of</strong> the RPCNA 29, 135Changes in 66, 75-77, 125, 126Consultative members seated 6Coordinator <strong>of</strong> Youth Ministries 79, 192Corporators <strong>of</strong> Geneva College, Board <strong>of</strong>Report <strong>of</strong> 71Roster 193Covenanter Witness 79, 82Items promoted in 42,61, 118, 120, 122Crown and Covenant Publications 79, 82Address 192CUBM 84, 87, 88CUTS 15, 74, 75Cyprus, see Trinity Christian Community FellowshipDDeaths 6Delegates to <strong>Synod</strong> thefirst time 6, 60Devotional Services 2, 11, 30, 60, 79, 93, 138Overall devotional listing 65Directory <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church 192Directory for Worship, Committee to revise the 52, 136Proposed revision 152, 166Discipline, Committee to Revise the Book <strong>of</strong> 69Dissents recorded 135EEditors, Managing, Covenanter Witness, Address 192Education anf Publication, Board <strong>of</strong>Office Address 192


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 251Report <strong>of</strong> 79Roster 192Elder delegates without certificate seated 6ElectionsBoard and Committee vacancies filled 79, 83, 89, 91, 93By the Board <strong>of</strong> Corporators <strong>of</strong> Geneva College 72Seminary Faculty 83<strong>Synod</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficers 6FFinance, Committee on 91, I 17Preliminary report <strong>of</strong> 40Referrals to 34, 40, 54, 57, 61, 79, 83, 90Report<strong>of</strong> 96Roster 196Foreign MissionariesRoster 224Salary Schedule 224Foreign Missions, Board <strong>of</strong>Referral to 27Report <strong>of</strong> 54Roster 194Fraternal Delegates 6, 30, 52, 191, 92Free Church Of Scotland, North American <strong>Synod</strong>, Address 198Friday 2-10GGeneva CollegeAddress 192Report <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Corporators 71Report <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees 72Roster <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Corporators 193Roster <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees 194Graduate Study Committee 64, 98, 100Report <strong>of</strong> 37Roster 196Great Lakes-Gulf PresbyteryCommittee to Review Records <strong>of</strong> 11Communications from 8, 53Report<strong>of</strong> 18Roster 206Statistics 238,244Great Lakes-Gulf, Women's Presbyterial <strong>of</strong> the, Roster 228HHome. See <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Home


252 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEHome Missions, Board <strong>of</strong> 52Report<strong>of</strong> 117Roster 194Institutions <strong>of</strong> the Denomination 192Interchurch CommitteeReferrals to 92, 124Report<strong>of</strong> 124Roster 196International Conference 79, 80, 133International Conference on <strong>Reformed</strong> Churches 124InvestmentsPensions 41Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> 35Ireland, see <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> Ireland]Japan Commission/PresbyteryCommittee to Review the records <strong>of</strong> 11Presbytery established 27Report 27Roster 222Statistics 240, 246Joint Commission on ChaplainsReport<strong>of</strong> 57Roster 197Judicial CommitteeAppointment 11Assignments 8Report 131Judicial Committee, Special, to deal with Communication #95-3Appointment 11Assignment 8Report 94KKeynote Address 2Korean American <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church 124Address 198LLetters <strong>of</strong> Remembrance 130MManaging Editors <strong>of</strong> Crown and Covenant Publications 7, 192


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 253Memorial Service 6Midwest PresbyteryCommittee to Review Records <strong>of</strong> 11Communication from 8Report 21Roster 211Statistics 238, 244Midwest, Women's Presbyterial <strong>of</strong> the, Eastern Division Roster 229Midwest, Women's Presbyterial <strong>of</strong> the, Western Division Roster 230MinistersDeaths 6General statistics on 32Ministry and Role <strong>of</strong> Deacons, Committee on 70, 75<strong>Minutes</strong>Printing 1994 7Reading forapproval.. 11,12, 30, 52, 54, 60, 77, 78, 79, 89, 92, 93, 117, 138Mission and Ministry, see RPMeiMMissionaries, Roster <strong>of</strong> Foreign 224ModeratorAddress 193Appointments 11Assignments 8, 125Election 6Retiring , 2Sustaining the call <strong>of</strong> the 6Monday 30-60NNational Association <strong>of</strong> Evangelicals (NAE) 126, 189National Reform Association 90Address 192Report 147New Song 93Nominating CommitteeAppointment 11Referrals 10, 34, 40, 54, 57, 61, 67, 79, 83Report 129Roster 196North American <strong>Presbyterian</strong> and <strong>Reformed</strong> Council (NAPaRC)... 124, 125OOfferingsFor RTF 53, 65For <strong>Synod</strong> 83Officers <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>


254 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEAddresses 192Elections 6Order <strong>of</strong> the Day 52, 93, 124Orientation BreakfastOrthodox <strong>Presbyterian</strong> ChurchAddress 198Fraternal Delegate 30, 92Ottawa Theological Hall 89Address 219Overture, Committee to Canvass theAppointment 11Report 75PPacific Coast PresbyteryCommittee to Review Records <strong>of</strong> 11Deacon Delegate 100Report 25Roster 217Statistics 240, 246Pacific Coast, Women's Presbyterial <strong>of</strong> the, Roster 231Pages 8Papers (See Communications)ParliamentariansAssignments 77, 126Replacement 30Reports 89,90, 125, 134, 135Roster 196Pension Trustees, Board <strong>of</strong>Assessments 99Funding 98Report 40Roster 194PrayerAdjournment 10, 30, 60 78, 93, 138Constitution <strong>of</strong> the Court 2, 11, 30,60, 79,93Devotions 2, 11, 30, 60, 79, 93, 138Memorial 7Recess/Reconvene 11, 12, 52, 77, 78, 89, 91, 92, 117, 138Seasons <strong>of</strong> 52, 60, 77, 78, 89, 91, 93, 117Specific Concerns 58, 89, 93, 117, 128<strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church in AmericaAddress 198PresbyteriesReports . 12-30


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 255Rosters 199-223Statistics 236-247Presbytery Review CommitteeAppointment 11Report 131President <strong>of</strong> Geneva College 71President <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Theological Seminary 83Psalm Music Committee Report 78, 131Psalm Translation Committee Report 77Publication, See Education and Publication, Board <strong>of</strong>RRecognition, Special 6, 52, 60, 83Records <strong>of</strong> PresbyteriesAppointment <strong>of</strong> Committees to Review the 11Report 134Reformation Translation Fellowship (RTF) 58Address 192Offering for 53, 65Report<strong>of</strong> 140<strong>Reformed</strong> Church in the U.S.Address '98Admission vote to NAPaRC 124, 125Fraternal Delegate 6, 77<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> IrelandAddress 197Fraternal Delegate 6, 92<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> ScotlandAddress '97Greetings 92<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> HomeAddress '92Administrator's Report 141Disabilities Advisory Board Report 146Woman's Association Report 143<strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Theological Seminary, Address 192<strong>Reformed</strong> Presbytery <strong>of</strong> AustraliaAddress '95Fraternal Delegate 6, 92Relationships with RP Churches, Committee onReportI26Resolution <strong>of</strong> Thanks CommitteeAppointment''Report '36Resolution, Special '35Revise the Book <strong>of</strong> Discipline, Committee to 69


256 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THERevise the Directory for Worship, Committee toProposed Revision 152Replacement Revision 166Report '36, 150Revitalization <strong>of</strong> Declining Congregations, Report 59Roll 3-6RPMscM 36, 67, 86, 96-100SSaturday 11-30Scotland, see <strong>Reformed</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> ScotlandScotland, Free Church <strong>of</strong>, Address 198Seminary, Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees <strong>of</strong> the TheologicalReport 83Roster 195St. Lawrence PresbyteryCommittee to Review Records <strong>of</strong> 11Deacon Delegate 100Report 16Roster 219Statistics 240, 246St. Lawrence-Atlantic, Women's Presbyterial <strong>of</strong> the, Roster 232Stated ClerkAddress (Treasurer) 192Report 31<strong>Synod</strong>ical Missionary Fellowship, Women'sRepresentation on Mission Boards 225Roster 225Statement <strong>of</strong> Receipts and Disbursements 234TTemperance CommitteeDiscontinued 90Theological Seminary, Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees <strong>of</strong> theReport 83Roster 195Thursday 93-138Time and Place <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong> Meetings<strong>1995</strong> 621996 8,621997 651998 65Travel Agent, Report <strong>of</strong> 96Treasurer, Denominational, Address 192, 193Trinity Christian Community FellowshipAddress 197


REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 257Fraternal Delegate 92Trustees <strong>of</strong> Geneva College, Board <strong>of</strong>Report 72Roster 194Trustees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Synod</strong>, Board <strong>of</strong>Address 193Report 34Roster 195Trustees <strong>of</strong> the Theological Seminary, Board <strong>of</strong>Report 83Roster 195Tuesday 60-78UUnderstanding the TimesReport 90Roster 197Unfinished Business Committee ReportsAmendments to Chapters 24 and 25 <strong>of</strong> the Testimony 68Declaration <strong>of</strong> Relationships with RP Churches 126Ministry and Role <strong>of</strong> Deacons (94-2) 70, 75Psalm Music 131Psalm Translation 77Revise the Book <strong>of</strong> Discipline. 69Revise the Directory for Worship 136, 150Revitalization <strong>of</strong> Declining Congregations 59WWednesday 79-93Woman's Association 89Report 143Women's <strong>Synod</strong>ical Missionary Fellowship 225Worship, Committee to Revise the Directory for 136, 150YYouth Ministries, Coordinator <strong>of</strong> 79, 192

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