May 22 Today in OPC History

On this date in 1947, the 14th General Assembly convened in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin at Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The outgoing moderator was the Rev. Dr. Ned B. Stonehouse. The Sheboygan Press reported that “A worship service to be conducted by the Rev. Ned B. Stonehouse, Ph.D. retiring moderator, will open the assembly program at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Mr. Stonehouse is professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.” Stonehouse preached on Hebrews 4:16. Following the sermon he administered the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, assisted by the Rev. Lawrence Eyres and the Rev. J. Lyle Shaw, and several ruling elders. When nominations were opened for moderator, the Rev. John Galbraith was nominated, as was the Rev. John Murray and one other man. Professor Murray asked the Assembly to remove his name from consideration, and his request was granted. Rev. Galbraith was elected and served as moderator for the first time.

At this Assembly matters involving the ordination of Dr. Gordon Clark were actively discussed. Clark was a commissioner from the Presbytery of Ohio and took part in deliberations. During a debate during the Foreign Missions Committee report, Clark was especially vocal. The Presbyterian Guardian reported as follows:

The debate continued until Saturday afternoon, practically two full days. During its course, Mr. Hamilton made an extended exposition of his views on the effects of sin and regeneration on the intellect, and another of his view of the universal offer of the gospel. The Rev. Arthur W. Kuschke made a long speech in opposition to Mr. Hamilton's views on the former subject. Dr. Gordon H. Clark spoke at length on the general subject of theories of knowledge. At one point the Hebrew text of Ezekiel 33:11 was on the blackboard, and its precise meaning was discussed.

On Sunday, May 25, the Commissioners worshiped at Calvary OPC. The Rev. Dr. John Skilton preached during the morning service. A quintet from the Old Stockbridge Church in Gresham, Wisconsin sang “My Anchor Holds” with Mrs. John Davies accompanying. During the Sunday School hour, the Rev. R. Heber McIlwaine spoke on Shintoism and the effects of the Second World War on Japan. In the evening service the Rev. Dr. Edward J. Young preached.

Commissioners to the Assembly stayed with church families from the area. One commissioner was notorious for cigar smoking, and none of the families were eager to host him. Finally, the family of Austin Voskuil agreed to have this commissioner in their home. Another commissioner was also assigned to the Voskuils, but the cigar smoke was so overwhelming that the second commissioner left for alternate accommodations.