We are the remnant of those that hold to the whole of the Covenanted work of Reformation as attained in Scotland between the years 1638 and 1649.
We trace our spiritual lineage through the Covenanters who fought against both ecclesiastical and civil tyranny. It is a line including such men as George and Patrick Gillespie, Samuel Rutherfurd, John Brown (of Wamphray), Robert M’Ward, Richard Cameron, Donald Cargill, William Guthrie and James Renwick, men who contended earnestly for the faith once delivered.
At the Revolution establishment, in 1690, our spiritual forefathers refused to join with the usurped Church of Scotland in their latitudinarian basis of union. The remaining three ministers did join this establishment and, thus, they were left without public gospel ordinances. However, they continued to meet in societies (i.e., fellow-ship meetings) to worship according to the dictates of sanctified conscience.
The United Societies (as they were known in Scotland) were left without preaching, sacraments or government from 1690 until 1706. In 1706, Mr. John M’Millan, a minister of the Church of Scotland, acceded to the Societies and remained the only ordained minister among them until 1743. In 1743, Mr. Thomas Nairn, an ordained minister of the Secession Church, dissatisfied with the way in which the Seceders had renewed the Covenants (i.e., National and Solemn League), acceded to the Societies.
Thus, in 1743, the Reformed Presbytery was organized. This root grew into the Reformed Presbyterian churches that are found throughout various parts of the world.
Philippines
