John Calvin
1509-1564
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HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has approximately 2.4 million members, 11,100 congregations and 14,000 ordained and active ministers. Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him. Calvin did much of his writing from Geneva, Switzerland. From there, the Reformed movement spread to other parts of Europe and the British Isles. Many of the early Presbyterians in America came from England, Scotland and Ireland. The first American Presbytery was organized at Philadelphia in 1706. The first General Assembly was held in the same city in 1789. The first Assembly was convened by the Rev. John Witherspoon, the only minister to sign the Declaration of Independence.
I'm confused. You are a PCUSA church. Why do I see all these "other" Presbyterian churches?
The Presbyterian church in the United States has split and parts have reunited several times. Currently the largest group is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which has its national offices in Louisville, Ky. It was formed in 1983 as a result of reunion between the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. (PCUS), the so-called "southern branch," and the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (UPCUSA), the so-called "northern branch." Other Presbyterian churches in the United States include: the Presbyterian Church in America, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
(See the complete history of the Presbytrian Church here)
(See a brief history of the Presbyterian Church in the United States here)
What does the seal of the Presbyterian Church (USA) mean to you? What symbols can you find in it?
Answer here
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THE HISTORY OF SEVEN OAKS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Quick History
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Chartered October 23, 1966
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First services held at Seven Oaks Elementary Cafeteria
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Rev. Herb Bailey--first Pastor
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Named after the surrounding area--Seven Oaks
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First service in Fellowship Hall August 10, 1969
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Pre-School/Kindergarten established 1969
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Computers first used in church office--1985
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Sanctuary built and Dedicated to Glory of God in December 1987
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Called our first female Pastor--July 1993
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The BLUE hymnal replaced the RED hymnal--1993
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Balcony completed in Sanctuary --1994
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The Schulmerich Campanile Bell System donated by Asman family-- May 2001
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Fiberglass steeple replaced with aluminum 2006
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As of 2006, there have been more than 125 wedding ceremonies and 1000 baptisms
On October 23, 1966 at 3:45 in the afternoon, the Organizational Service for Seven Oaks was held. It was an exciting day with many things happening during that momentous first service! In addition to the Doxology, three hymns and a sermon, the assembled also witnessed: a baptism, the organization of the new church, selection of a name, election and installation of elders and deacons, purchase of a manse, calling of a Pastor....among others! What a wonderfully busy and blessed day!
Many years and much growth later, Seven Oaks still is "busy" doing the Lord's work!
Previous Pastors
Herbert Bailey
November 6, 1966 - June 7, 1981
Aston Edward Ayers, Jr.
January 15, 1984 - November 31, 1989
Thomas L. Are, Jr.
September 2, 1990 – July 7, 1996
Kim S. Olson
(Associate)
July 18, 1993 – July 7, 1998
Matthew W. Covington
September 21, 1997 – January 10, 2003
Sherrolyn Gail Weed
(Associate)
August 6, 2000 – May 30, 2004
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