1917-1918 Academic Catalog

CEDARVILLE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY HISTORICAL SK ETCH The Theological Seminary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church (General Synod) of North America is one of the oldest institutions for the professional training of young men for the gospel ministry in the United States. At a meeting of the Reformed Presbytery of North America, held in John Thompson's home, Conococheague, in October, 1807, a committee, consisting of the Reverends Gibson, Wylie, and McLeod was appointed to inquire into the necessity for establishing a theological seminary and, if such necessity existed, to outline a plan for the inspection of the Presbytery. On the following day the committee re– ported the need of such an institution and presented an out– line of the plan. The Presbytery considered the articles of the constitution and, with some amendments, adopted them. The Seminary was to be located in Philadelphia. The Rev. Samuel B. Wylie, of Philadelphia, was unanimously elected Professor of Theology, and Revs. Gibson, Black, and McLeod, superintendents for the first year of its organiza– tion. The superintendents met with the Professor of Theol– ogy in Philadelphia in May, 1809, to organize the Seminary and make all necessary arrangements. No students had pre– sented themselves. A committee, appointed for this purpose, reported that the amended draft of the constitution had not been published, and that they had not made an appeal to the church in general for pecuniary aid. The suggestion was made that the Seminary be removed from Philadelphia to Walkill, but the opposition of Mr. Wylie was so decided that it was thought best to continue its seat in Philadelphia. The Board of Superintendents was instructed to meet with the professor in Philadelphia, in 1810, and to exert them– selves in behalf of the institution. Mr. Gibson having de- - 44 -