Second Parish OPC Has Always Been a Missional Discipleship Church
Second Parish Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Portland, ME, founded in 1788 (originally Congregationalist, joining the OPC in 1936), has maintained a Reformed focus under key pastors like Elijah Kellogg (1788-1811), Edward Payson (1807-1827), and later, John H. Skilton (1933-1939), focusing on strict Reformed doctrine, evangelism, and church planting. [1, 2, 3]
Key Pastors and Missional Focus:
- Elijah Kellogg (1788–1811):As the founding pastor, he established a conservative, Reformed foundation in reaction to growing theological liberalism in Portland. He promoted missional work by serving as a missionary to local American Indian tribes and supporting regional church expansion.
- Edward Payson (1807–1827):Known for his intense focus on pastoral ministry and evangelism, his ministry resulted in adding over 700 new members, significantly increasing the church's local witness.
- John H. Skilton (1933–1939):Led the congregation into the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) in 1936, solidifying its commitment to orthodox Reformed doctrine and participating in the Society for the Propagation of the Reformed Faith in New England.
- Other Noted Pastors:Following the split with the PCUSA, pastors including Arthur O. Olson (1940-1947), Calvin A. Busch (1948-1957), and others continued this reformed, preaching-oriented ministry. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Doctrinal Focus:The church emphasizes a "kerygmatic" approach, centering on preaching and Reformed doctrines to train members in the faith.
- Church Planting:The church historically contributed to missionary efforts and aided in starting new churches.
- Leadership Continuity:The church's long history involves transitioning from a local Congregational context to a broader Presbyterian (OPC) identity focused on spreading the gospel. [1, 2, 5]
To Access Corresponding Sources, Click Here
[1] https://www.second-parish.org/our-history
[2] https://www.opc.org/today.html?history_id=587
[3] https://www.mainememory.net/record/14309
[4] https://www.bedfordroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Second-Parish.pdf
[5] https://www.second-parish.org/the-doctrine-of-the-church
- Historical Missional Impact:The church has a legacy of sending out over 30 individuals for gospel ministry and supporting missionaries, including Mary Morrill, who served in China.
- Regional Church Planting:As the only OPC church in Maine for a time, Second Parish has been active in the church planting efforts of the Society for the Propagation of the Reformed Faith in New England.
- Modern Discipleship Focus:The church fosters discipleship through reformed preaching, worship, and adherence to the Westminster Confession of Faith, as detailed on their website's teaching section.
- Community Outreach:The church has traditionally used community-focused events, such as a Harvest Supper, to celebrate its heritage and encourage further outreach in the community. [1, 2, 3, 5, 6]
For Corresponding Sources, click these
[1] https://www.second-parish.org/our-history
[2] https://www.academia.edu/34400903/Second_Parish_Orthodox_Church_of_Portland_Maine_1788_2015
[3] https://www.opc.org/today.html?history_id=587
[4] https://www.opc.org/nh.html?article_id=758
