Considering a faith investigation? First Reformed Presbyterian Church extends an invitation. It is a welcoming community for all. People of all ages are welcome at First Reformed Presbyterian Church. People from diverse backgrounds share faith. They seek to live faithful lives together.
First Reformed Presbyterian Church officially began in July 1895. It has been serving Cambridge ever since. Let’s step back to May 1894. Some members of the First Boston Reformed Presbyterian Church wanted a mission church in Cambridge. They partnered with members of First United Presbyterian Church in Cambridge. They asked the New York Presbytery of the RPCNA to start it.
The presbytery suggested uniting with Boston congregations. The group insisted Cambridge needed its own church. The commission agreed to provide preaching. Services began July 15 in the YWCA hall in Central Square. The group grew slowly. They petitioned the New York Presbytery twice. They asked to organize a congregation. Both times, they were turned down.
Undeterred, they appealed to the Synod. On June 12 1895, the Synod voted nearly unanimously to grant the appeal. On July 9 1895, the commission met. Rev. S. R. Wallace preached. His sermon was titled “The Incomparable Beauty of the Church.” Seventeen people enrolled as communicants. Officers were elected, examined and ordained.
The new congregation kept meeting in the YWCA hall. On December 10, they called Rev Samuel Gormley Shaw to be their first pastor. His salary was 100 dollars per month. He was installed in February 1896. The congregation grew steadily. In May, land was donated on Antrim Street. On September 24, the congregation met in its present location for the first time. That is here at First Reformed Presbyterian Church.
First Reformed Presbyterian Church has supported many ministries. These include overseas missions. Syria, China, Cyprus, Japan and Sudan all benefitted. The church also supported home missions. These missions spread across the U.S. and Canada. The Reformed Presbyterian Home for aged persons also received support. The R.P. Seminary and Geneva College benefitted too.
Over the years, First Reformed Presbyterian Church supported other ministries. These include The Center for Urban Theological Studies and White Lake Covenanter Camp. The Daybreak Crisis Pregnancy Center of Boston also received support.
Today, First Reformed Presbyterian Church maintains Sabbath School classes for all ages. Several midweek fellowship groups also meet. Regular worship happens every Lord’s Day. The congregation has a history of active involvement in annual presbytery summer camps. These camps are held at White Lake NY.
The members of First Reformed Presbyterian Church come from all six inhabited continents. This shows that God’s grace extends to people of every nation. It extends to every kindred and tongue.
First Reformed Presbyterian Church follows a historic Reformation liturgy. This includes prayer and singing of Psalms. Scripture reading and preaching are also central. An offering is taken. The Lord’s Supper is part of the morning service. The praise of God follows a 3000 year old biblical tradition. The Psalms of the Bible are sung. It is sung with the accompaniment of hearts and voices. The singing is a cappella. The church sings in four-part harmony. Usually, the first verse is sung in unison. This helps those unfamiliar with the tune to pick it up easily.
Children are welcome at First Reformed Presbyterian Church. They are taught about worship. They can stay with their parents through the service. A nursery is available if a young child is not comfortable. The Lord’s Supper is celebrated on the first Lord’s Day each month. If you wish to partake, arrive by 10:45 AM. This allows you to meet with an elder. You must confirm you are a baptized Christian. You must be a member in good standing of a Bible-believing church. Members in good standing of other RPCNA congregations can partake.