America Churches History

 §1619. Lutheran 

Founder: Martin Luther 

First Church Founded: Nearby Tinicum Island 

Significant Dates: In 1648, Lutheran Congregation was formed In 1748, the first synod of the country started in Pennsylvania.

 §1638. Baptist 

Founder: Thomas Helwys established in London in 1612 

First Church Founded: 1639 Providence, Rhode Island 

Significant Dates: First Great Awakening 1730s-1740s 

USCCB Document: The Southern Baptist Convention-Catholic Conversations discussed issues such as the environment, poverty, racism, life, and sickness, disability, and healing. The last conversation which began in 1995, discussed issues regarding scripture and salvation.

§ 1656. Quakers 

Founder: George Fox, came to America in 1656 

First Church Founded: (unknown)

Significant Dates:2002 (Friends United Meeting celebrates 100 years of presence in East Africa by holding triennial sessions in Kenya, the first Triennials held outside of the United States) 

USCCB Document: In an article discussing religious freedom, the USCCB mentions how General George Washington was very respective of this and refused to let the Quakers fight due to their beliefs.

§ 1736. Methodist 

The United Methodist Church 

Founder: John and Charles Wesley 

First Church Founded: Dallas, Texas 

Significant Dates: In 1968, the first Methodist Church was built in Dallas, Texas 

USCCB Document: The United Methodist-Catholic Dialogue was established in 1966. It has discussed a wide range of issues from education and ordained ministry to the Eucharist.

§ 1789. Episcopal 

Founder: King Henry VII 

First Church Founded: Jamestown, Virginia 

Significant Dates: 1976, Women are allowed to be ordained 

1785, The first general convention of the Episcopal Church is held 

USCCB Document: The Catholic and Episcopalian Church have the same views on same-sex marriage and listen to the Anglican church for their opinion 

Vatican II/Papal Encyclical: On April 17,2003, the Church published a papal encyclical titles "Ecclesia de Eucharist" to the dismay of the Episcopalians because they felt that the Catholic church was intentionally leaving them out of this sacrament. Pope John Paul II wrote it on 4/17/03

§ 1861.  Presbyterian 

Founder: John Calvin 

First Church Founded: South Hampton Long Island Significant Dates: In 1789, the first general assembly of Presbyterian Church met in America 

USCCB: "Women in Church"' article discussing the Catholic and Presbyterian view of women's role in the church

§ 1863. Seventh Day Adventist 

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 

Founder: Joseph Bates, James Springer White, Ellen White, and J.N. Andrews, founded in 1840s upstate New York 

First Church Founded: upstate New York 

Significant Dates: Church named in 1860, 

October 22, 1844 was the first day the believed would be Jesus' second coming 

USCCB Documents: Supreme Court Document on Amici Curiae.

§ 1878. Salvation Army 

THE SALYATION ARMY 

Founder: William and Catherine Booth 

- Started in England in 1865, came to America in 1878 

First Church Founded: New York 

Significant Dates: Named in 1876,

1859 first woman teaching by Mrs. Booth's pamphlet, 

1860 Mrs. Booth's public address 

USCCB Document: Supreme Court Document on Amici Curiae

§ 1920. Latter-Day Saints 

Founder: Joseph Smith, founded in the US in western New York on April 6,1830 

First Church Founded: Salt Lake City, Utah 

Significant Dates: Joseph Smith's First Vision: Spring 1820, 

Moroni Visits Joseph Smith:21-22 September 1823 

USCCB Document: An article expressing how Catholic Bishops support of Mormons against Prop 8 (against gay marriage) 

§ 1965. Calvary Chapel 

Founder: Chuck Smith 

First Church Founded: Costa Mesa, California 

Significant Dates: In 1982, John Wimber and Calvary Chapel leadership agreed to part. 

USCCB Documents: Supreme Court Document on Amici Curiae

§ 1970. Jehovah's Witness 

Founder: Bible Study Group Students (Leader Charles Taze Russell) 

First Church Founded: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

Significant Dates: Founded at end of 19th century, Hold Christ's Death Memorial around Easter 

USCCB Document: An article mentioning the oppression of Catholics and Jehovah's Witnesses in Cuba.

§ 1980. Saddleback 

Founder: Rick Warren 

- Originated in the US ,founded in 1980 

First Church Founded: Lake Forest, California 

Significant Dates: First Church Service: 3/30/1980 

USCCB Document: The Article "'Not Just Good, But Beautiful" highlights the similar view of the Catholic and Saddleback churches by citing essays written by Rick Warren.