The Presbyterians

This addition to the Denominations in America series surveys the history of the Presbyterian Church in America and includes a biographical dictionary of its most influential figures. The reference traces the origins of Presbyterianism in Europe and discusses its growth and development in America from the colonial period to the present day. The result is a comprehensive historical survey of the Presbyterian Church and its leaders in the United States. The volume is divided into two parts. Part One is a narrative history of the Presbyterian tradition in America. It contains six chapters on the European origins of Presbyterianism, the growth of Presbyterianism in colonial America, the characteristics of Presbyterianism in the Northern and Southern states during the 19th century, and the development of Presbyterianism in America during the 20th century. The second part of the book presents alphabetically arranged biographical profiles of Presbyterian leaders throughout American history. Included are sketches of traditional clergymen, as well as profiles of figures from government, business, and education who were instrumental in shaping the Presbyterian tradition. The chronology, bibliographic essay, and index aim to make this work a useful source for all those interested in religion and American history.