1918-1919 Academic Catalog

CEDARVILLE THEOLOGICAL SEMINAR.Y HISTORICAL SKETCH 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 ex– isted, to outline a plan for the inspection of the Presbytery. On the following day the committee reported the need of such an institution and presented an outline of the plan. The Pres– bytery considered the articles of the constitution and, with some amendments, adopted them. The Seminary was to be located in Philadelphia. The Rev. Samuel B. v\Tylie, of Philadelphia, was unanimously elected Professor of Theology, and Revs. Gibson, Black, and McLeod, superintendents for the first year of its organization. The superintendents met with the Professor of Theology in Phila– delphia in May, 1809, to organize the Seminary and make all necessary arrangements. No students had presented them– selves. A committee, appointed for this purpose, reported that the ame~ded 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 Semin– ary be removed from Philadelphia to Walkill, but the oppo– sition of Mr. Wylie was so decided that it was thought best to continue its seat in Philadelphia. The Board of Superin– tendents was instructed to meet with the professor in Phila– delphia, in 1810, and to exert themselves in behalf of the institution. Mr. Gibson having declined to serve as a super– intendens Rev. Gilbert McMaster was appointed in his stea.d, and the ;::,eminary was organized May 25, 1810. 41