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July 30 Today in OPC History

Presbytery of Wisconsin

2021

 

On this day in 1936, the first meeting of the Presbytery of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan was convened at the home of the Reverend A.F. Perkins in Merrill, Wisconsin. Rev. Perkins led a devotional service, which was followed by a season of prayer. Two OPC ministers were present, and one ruling elder—Mr. H.W. Hillegas. Rev. Perkins read a letter from the Home Missions and Church Extension Committee of the General Assembly appointing him as the convener of the Presbytery of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Both Rev. Perkins and Rev. Wm. Kielhorn were nominated for the office of moderator, and the vote was tied 1 to 1. Mr. Hillegas broke the tie, and Rev. Perkins was elected. At the meeting, the Rev. John Davies presented himself for membership in the new Presbytery, and was received and enrolled. The Rev. John DeWaard of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin also requested membership in the new Presbytery, and he also was received and enrolled. Merrill Community Presbyterian Church was then received as the first congregation of the new Presbytery; their ruling elder, Mr. Evers, was enrolled as a presbyter, and their call to Rev. Perkins was approved. The terms of the call were an annual salary of $1200 with the free use of a manse, and four weeks vacation each year. At this point in the meeting, Rev. Kielhorn was appointed vice moderator for the purpose of taking the chair and placing the call into the hands of Rev. Perkins, the moderator. Later in the meeting a committee of two was appointed to prepare a statement for the press concerning the establishment of the new Presbytery and her initial actions. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm.

Picture: John DeWaard

 

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