The Presbyterian Church has a rich and exciting history

Early Christian Church - The Presbyterian church, like all Christian churches, traces its roots back to the early church in Jerusalem. Many people consider modern Presbyterianism to be a rebirth of the early church of the New Testament.

Martin Luther - The Protestant Reformation moved forward in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany.  Luther fought against pretensions of authority by the Pope and called for direct authority from God.

John Calvin - John Calvin, called the father of Presbyterianism, converted to Protestantism in 1533. He interpreted the Bible as the revelation of God, emphasizing theology, worship, education, thrift, ethical behavior, and representative government for his followers.  From his home city, Geneva, Calvin's ideas spread throughout Europe.

John Knox - The Scottish Protestant John Knox fled persecution in his homeland and studied with Calvin in Geneva. He returned in 1559 and established Presbyterianism in Scotland.

Westminster Assembly - In England, the "Westminster Assembly" of 151 Presbyterians worked steadily between 1643 and 1649 to write the doctrinal guides. Presbyterians now recognize these as some of their basic texts.

American Revolution - Presbyterians escaped persecution in Europe and settled in America. There were so many Presbyterians in America that some British people called the American Revolution the "Presbyterian Revolt." At least 14 signers of the Declaration of Independence were Presbyterians (including clergyman John Witherspoon).

Presbyterianism in the U.S. - The first presbytery in America was established in Philadelphia in 1706. During the 1800's, disagreement over slavery and evangelism broke the church into northern and southern branches.  The two branches reunited in 1983 to form the Presbyterian Church (USA).

The Lamp on the lectern is symbolic of the word of God in which we find truth, inspiration, knowledge, and good works to shine before men.

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalms 119:105

The Ship represents the church, bearing through violent storms men of many places, who desire to inhabit the city of the good kingdom. The main part of the ship is the nave and comes from navis, meaning ship. The modified Patee Cross, the staff that supports the sails of the ship, is representative of Him who is the church's support and guide as it sails the seas of life. Appropriately, the ship appears on the pulpit.