Reformed Church

(Reformed Dutch Church). This denomination originated in Holland, and its first synod was held in Antwerp in 1563. Emigrauts from Holland brought its teachings to this country and a church was organized as early as 1619 in New Amsterdam. The denomination grew slowly, owing partly to persecutions from the English, but about 1737 felt strong enough to ask for a separate organization from the parent church in Holland. This was finally effected in 1772 through the agency of Dr. John H. Livings ton, and in 1792 the new organization was completed. At that tine there were 136 churches and fifty ministers. The constitution then adopted was revised in 1842, and again in 1874. The denomination in 18g0 numbered 310,000 communicants, living largely in the Middle States, and some parts of the: West. Reformed Episcopal. ‘This church separated from the Protestant Episcopal in December, 1873, on the ground that the parent church was drifting from evangelism and the true principles of the church. The Rev. G. D. Cummins, D. D., a istant bishop of the diocese of Kentucky, was the leader of the movement. In 1890 this church had 8,500 communicants.