As America celebrates its 250th birthday this year, ByFaith is launching a series of articles to inform and educate readers about early American Presbyterianism. This series will focus on people, events, issues, and places that played a foundational role in influencing the Presbyterian Church in the Colonial era and the years following.

We are defining “the early years” as the period in America before 1812, when Princeton Seminary started. The series is not intended to be exhaustive or comprehensive; rather, it is intended to provide readers with an overview and introduction to this formative period. Though the series authors have academic backgrounds, the series was written for a broad audience who may not be familiar with the history of American Presbyterianism.

ByFaith has invited several historians and scholars to contribute to this series. Though most are part of the Presbyterian Church in America, we’ve also invited some scholars from other Presbyterian and Reformed denominations to contribute who have demonstrated expertise in this period of the church’s history.

The series will cover key leaders like Francis Makemie, Samuel Davies, and John Witherspoon, who greatly influenced the formation and direction of Presbyterianism in the new country. Contributors will also examine formative moments like the Adopting Act, the Old Side-New Side controversy, and the Plan of Union. Important questions will be addressed concerning the role of Presbyterians in the battle for America’s independence and the experience of African Americans as it pertains to the life of the church during this era. 

We hope this series will be both educational and edifying. Our goal is that readers will discover or rediscover important people and moments that gave shape to the church. As well, we hope readers are encouraged by the faith of those who served Christ’s church during these years.