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Presbyterian Church (USA)

Synod of Lincoln Trails

 Celebrate Presbyterian Heritage

Presbyterian Heritage Sunday has been set aside by the General Assembly of the PC(USA) as an annual day to celebrate, reflect upon, and learn more about the long and rich history of the Presbyterian movement in America. It falls on the Sunday closest to May 21, the date of the opening of the first General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America in 1789.

The Presbyterian Historical Society supports Heritage Sunday by preparing bulletin inserts for use by congregations throughout the United States.

2013 Heritage Sunday
Bulletin insert full page
Bulletin insert half page

Communion tokens were a familiar feature of Presbyte­rian worship in past centuries. A day or more be­fore a communion service, the pastor and elders questioned members of their congregation about their beliefs and behavior. Only those who showed adequate knowledge of the faith and were deemed to be living upright lives received tokens that allowed them to take communion. The use of tokens declined in the 19th century. In recent decades many churches have minted tokens as souvenirs for special celebrations and anniversary observances.

Tips for Celebrating Your Presbyterian Heritage

A scene from the play, “The Fathers That Begat Us,” (by Thomas C. Pears) showing Arch Street between Third and Fourth Streets in Philadelphia on the morning of the first General Assembly, May 21, 1789.

FROM: Presbyterian Historical Society "Presbyterians in America: A Timeline"