Lisbon RPC

Location: Lisbon, N.Y.

Presbytery: St. Lawrence

Organization: Sept. 23, 1840

Membership: 32 communicant, 27 baptized

Pastor: Steven Rockhill

Web Site: lisbonrpc.port5.com

Our Beginning

The families of John Smith, William Coleman, and William Glass settled in Lisbon, N.Y., after emigrating from Ireland. These are familiar names in the Lisbon community, and they were the forefathers of the Lisbon RPC. In 1823, a “society” was formed in the home of John Smith.

Beginning in 1829, several ministers and licentiates came to preach and minister to the people in Lisbon. In 1830, a provisional session was organized to receive members and perform baptisms. The Rev. James Stewart of Argyle, N.Y., came to Lisbon in 1832 to organize the congregation by electing and ordaining elders. Unknown to the faithful in Lisbon at the time, however, was the fact that Rev. Stewart had been under suspension by the Northern Presbytery. This effectively nullified the organization of the congregation as well as the election and ordination of elders.

Rev. Stewart had been suspended related to his “publicly affirming a position that was contrary to church doctrine.” Rev. Stewart was a New Light advocate. Within a year after the denominational split (Old Light/New Light in 1833 ), a member of the Lisbon RPC received a letter from a friend in New York City with a tract enclosed advocating the Old Light position. This raised quite a stir, and the congregation became divided over the issue. This led to a split in the congregation, with the Old Light remnant losing the church building.

Many of the people were fully persuaded that they had been wronged and were eager for an opportunity to join with the “true church.” This opportunity came in September 1840. The Rev. John Fisher of York, N.Y., accompanied by an elder from the Rochester congregation, came to Lisbon. On Sept. 23, 1840, the Lisbon RPC was organized (this time officially), and elders and deacons were elected.

The current church building was built in 1844 .

Our Ministry

Many members of the congregation are scattered in different directions from the church in this rural community. Our practice has been to have fellowship meals followed by an afternoon service two Lord’s Days per month. These times have helped the scattered sheep stay connected. Also, this year small-group Bible studies are meeting in different areas. These studies are not only for the members of the congregation but reach out to family, friends, and neighbors.

In the past, the congregation has made use of the town’s homecoming celebration to spread the news about the church by entering a float in the parade and passing out flyers. They have also sponsored a children’s story hour at the local library and are very active in supporting the local food pantry. Aside from the Bible studies, the most fruitful means of evangelism in a rural area is through building relationships with those in the community.

Last fall, a monthly youth group was started to encourage the growth in grace of the youth and to provide another opportunity for fellowship.

The congregation works closely with a local Orthodox Presbyterian Church on a vacation Bible school program, combined youth group meetings, a Thanksgiving Eve worship service, and a Reformation Celebration.

Fun Facts

• Four families in the congregation trace their roots to forefather John Smith.

• Elder Dale Smith, 83, is the oldest member of the congregation. The youngest member is his granddaughter, Caleigh Smith, 1.

• The Lisbon RPC was one of the first congregations in the RPCNA to have deacons (elected in 1840).

Prayer Requests

• Pray for the ministry and outreach of the small-group Bible studies.

• Pray for the junior and senior high youth of the congregation who are going through a church information study.