Our story begins in 1888. It starts with a group of Presbyterians. Most came from Nova Scotia. They wanted to create a church. This became Newton Presbyterian Church.
Newton Presbyterian Church has grown since then. It is now a multicultural group. The church first met in Boston. In the 1940s Newton Presbyterian Church moved. Its new location was 75 Vernon Street Newton MA.
Newton Presbyterian Church is part of the Presbyterian Church. It is part of the PCUSA. This connection dates back to the 1800s. The PCUSA is part of the Reformed Tradition. John Calvin developed this tradition in the 1600s. He was in Geneva Switzerland.
The PCUSA has a constitution. It includes the Book of Order. It also includes the Book of Confessions. The Book of Order explains church organization. It details connections within the denomination. The Book of Confessions is a collection of writings. These writings describe beliefs about God. They also cover the Church.
In 1967 the United Presbyterian Church offered a confession. This was the Confession of 1967. It focused on the need to reconcile the world to God. It addressed relationships between men and women. It also addressed poverty nuclear war and race relations.
In 2016 the Presbyterian Church adopted the Belhar Confession. This confession addresses racial reconciliation. It summarizes beliefs about this need. It speaks to the need through Christ’s power.
Newton Presbyterian Church faced a split in January 2017. Some members disagreed with the PCUSA. They could not accept LGBT members’ rights. These rights included Christian marriage. They also included serving in ordained roles.
The Presbytery of Boston appointed an Administrative Commission. The commission decided that those staying in the PCUSA were the true church. These members should keep the property. Other members formed Newton Covenant Church. They sought ownership of the building. This led to a long legal battle.
In February 2018 the District Court made a ruling. Newton Presbyterian Church could return to the building. All legal claims were settled on June 18 2018. Newton Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of Boston became the legal owners.
The split was painful. Leaders and members of Newton Presbyterian Church still seek reconciliation with Newton Covenant Church members. The leaders of Newton Presbyterian Church decided to serve God and their neighbors.
Today Newton Presbyterian Church is growing. It features clear biblical teaching. It embraces its Presbyterian heritage. Its social justice ministry shares Christ’s love.
Some members wanted a church with a sharper focus. They wanted a focus on mission and scripture. They wanted less focus on politics. In January some members voted to leave. They voted to join a growing evangelical denomination. They put up a new sign. It proclaimed the new name Newton Covenant Church.
The Presbyterian Church sued to regain control. This lawsuit aimed to return the building to Presbyterian members. These members represented the true church. The lawsuit accused the breakaway faction of removing the church sign. It said they hijacked the website. They also seized bank accounts.
Newton Presbyterian Church was established by immigrants. They began worshiping in 1846. They sought to lift high the uniqueness of Christ. This was in a place where Unitarianism was thriving. The services kept growing. More people wanted to hear Scotch preaching.
In conclusion Newton Presbyterian Church has a rich history. It involves faith struggles and a commitment to social justice. It continues to serve its community today.