The following article first appeared on rpwitness.org and is reprinted here by permission.
The 193rd meeting of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America convened this morning on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind. Synod opened with worship, including a keynote sermon by the retiring moderator, Elder Tom Fisher (Cambridge, Mass., RPC) on “Shepherd the Flock of God” from 1 Peter 5:1-15.
Pastor Edwin Blackwood (Colo. Springs, Colo., RPC) was elected this year’s moderator. Pastor Andrew Barnes (former assistant clerk) was elected clerk of Synod, and Pastor Drew Poplin was elected assistant clerk.
First-time delegates to the court were introduced.
There was a memorial for servants of the church who have passed away since the last meeting of Synod–three teachers elders (Kenneth G. Smith, Dennis J. Prutow, Kenneth A. McBurney), four ruling elders, and five wives of teaching/ruling elders.
This afternoon, individual presbyteries are meeting, followed by Synod reconvening and hearing reports of the presbyteries.
Below are highlights from the written reports of the presbyteries.
Alleghenies
Kevin Dennis was installed as pastor of Trinity (Burtonsville, Md.) RPC in September. Trinity RPC also marks its 35th year as a congregation.
Ian Gillies was installed as pastor of River Valley (Monaca, Pa.) RPC in November.
This year, the Presbytery of the Alleghenies has mourned the closing of Tusca Area (Beaver, Pa.) RPC, and also the passing of Rev. Ken Smith into glory.
Birmingham, Ala, RPC has been reduced from a mission church to a preaching station.
First (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPC celebrated their 150th anniversary in November with a special service and luncheon and supplied everyone with a magazine that highlighted the history of First RPC.
In January, North Hills (Pittsburgh, Pa.) RPC celebrated Harry and Catherine Metzger’s 25 years of ministry.
Sometime this year, Rimbersburg, Pa., RPC probably will be closing its doors, coinciding with the retirement of Pastor Monger.
Rose Point (New Castle, Pa.) RPC marked its 190th anniversary. A special service was held on Oct. 6.
Atlantic
James Allmond was taken under care of the presbytery as a student of theology at their meeting today.
Hunter Jackson was installed as pastor of Broomall, Pa., RPC in fall 2024.
Walton, N.Y., RPC has created a church plant in Oneonta, N.Y. Under the direction of the Walton session, weekly morning worship services are now being held in Oneonta as well as some Bible studies. Ryan Alsheimer is taking the lead in this work with the help of Elder John Cripps and student Daniel Self.
The White Lake Covenanter Camp is available for congregational retreats and other gatherings along with annual summer camps for elementary age and teen young people. This summer, the kids and teen concurrent camps are to be held July 26–Aug. 1, and the family camp is scheduled for Aug. 1–8, with Ryan Somerville as the main speaker.
Great Lakes–Gulf Presbytery
A petition from the congregation to dissolve Hetherton (Johannesburg, Mich.) RPC after 125 years of worship and service was received by presbytery on Mar. 1. The presbytery granted that petition Mar. 6. The presbytery is currently working through the sale of the property.
The presbytery has authorized organization of Atlanta, Ga., RPC, and the Home Missions Board has granted reducing aid.
Sycamore (Kokomo, Ind.) RPC celebrated 10 years in their building and 30 years as an organized church.
Japan
The Sannomiya Commission manages the monthly evening English services at the Covenanter Center Building (CCB); visitors to the Covenanter Book Room frequently attend these services.
Pastor Kanamori, former pastor at Mukonoso RPC for 23 years, stepped down last year. As a result, the church is without a resident pastor. In response, Pastor Hirata (Kasumigaoka RPC) has taken on the role of cooperating pastor, serving as the moderator of the session. Together with two ruling elders, he forms the church’s session, carrying out pastoral duties.
There are currently 34 students at Kobe Theological Hall, 20 of whom were active during the winter semester. Four are from the RPC, two are attending the RP Church; and 14 are from other evangelical denominations.
Midwest
San Antonio, Tex., RPC was disorganized.
Frank Du of Little Rock, Ark., RP Preaching Station was ordained as a minister within the bounds of the presbytery.
Clarinda, Iowa, RPC has known God’s goodness and faithfulness for 170 years as an organized congregation.
At Black Forest (Colorado Springs, Colo.) RPC’s annual meeting in December, the congregation unanimously voted to affirm Sam McCracken as their full-time pastor.
In Jan., Pastor Ed Blackwood successfully defended his D. Min. dissertation at RPTS and was granted his doctorate degree.
Keith Dewell was installed as pastor of Washington, Iowa, RPC on Jan. 26, 2024. Letters of member-transfer were received and accepted for the Dewell family.
Pacific Coast
Phoenix, Ariz., RPC, formerly reduced to a preaching station and then to a mission church, was reorganized as a full congregation on May 4.
The presbytery is looking into the possibility of adding a second congregation to the Phoenix area in the coming years. Dr. Owen Anderson pastors an independent church, Christ the King Church, which has petitioned the Pacific Coast Presbytery for entry. They have begun the examination process of Dr. Anderson and invited the congregation to attend conferences.
St. Lawrence
Ministry from Christ (Rome, N.Y.) RPC continues at the Oneida Center on Lord’s Day afternoons and in Thursday Bible studies led by Elder Chris.
Pastor Aaron Goerner from Christ (Rome, N.Y.) RPC is mentoring Pastor Martin Monteith (Fulton, N.Y., RPC) through the Resident in Training program.
