This month, PHS celebrated the legacies of Presbyterian women on social media and in an article about Alberta Ma Kline in the Presbyterian News Service, provided historical context for two overtures being presented at the upcoming General Assembly meeting (with more to come!), and introduced readers to Josie Carey, Fred Rogers' creative collaborator.
Now, at the end of March, prepare to welcome April's showers and wait with bated breath to see the seeds we've sown poke fresh green heads from the soil.
This Month in Presbyterian History
In March 1933, a group huddled together to watch a cornerstone laying. In early March 1962, a university in San Germán, Puerto Rico, celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding. March 1970 saw the integration of the American Presbyterian Congo Mission (APCM) and the Église Presbyterienne au Congo, or the Presbyterian Church of the Congo.
Early Responses to Survey on PC(USA) Anti-racism Work
Many responses mentioned that inspiration to engage in anti-racism work came from the Black Lives Matter Movement and other protest movements of the last decade — some responses simply referencing “Ferguson” or “George Floyd.”
'The Children's Corner' with Josie Carey and Fred Rogers
March 20 is Mister Rogers' Day. This year, PHS celebrated by introducing you to his dear friend and creative collaborator, Josie Carey, with whom he ran the television program "The Children's Corner" on WQED from 1954 to 1961.
Ahead of the 227th General Assembly in June, PHS aims to contextualize items of business being presented. Here we turn to the overture calling on the Church to reject Christian nationalism, including by amending the Form of Government, acknowledging that American Presbyterians’ identities as patriots and believers have been entangled for more than a century. That entanglement becomes apparent partly through how Presbyterians use flags.
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Let's zip back in time to see how folks celebrated the Bicentennial of 1976 with the help of the Religious News Service Photograph Collection.
The press release for this photo reads:
"Against the backdrop of Independence Hall -- where the United States was born -- and the Philadelphia skyline, religious leaders take part in an Interfaith Bicentennial Service on the nation's 200th birthday (top photo). Participating in the service were, standing at center, left to right: Archbishop Iakovos, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Americas; Dr. Dorothy Height, first vice-president of the National Council of Churches; Dr. John C. Setler, chairman of the Metropolitan Christian Council of Philadelphia; the Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder and national president of PUSH (People United to Save Humanity); Rabbi Morris V. Dembowitz, president of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia; Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop Martin N. Lohmuller of Philadelphia; Dr. Cynthia Wedel, a president of the World Council of Churches; and Roman Catholic Cardinal John Krol of Philadelphia.
Later, when President Ford appeared in Philadelphia to deliver a bicentennial address, two prelates were on hand to offer prayers. Here, Cardinal Rizzo of Philadelphia, actor Charlton Heston, Gov. Milton J. Shapp of Pennsylvania and Archbishop Iakovos bow their heads in prayer."
Happening at Carpenters' Hall in Independence National Historical Park on April 9, "From Ireland to Independence" will feature a panel discussion about author Courtney McKinney-Whitaker's new book, Charles Thomson: Irish Emigrant, American Founder, and the historic connection between Ireland and the United States. The evening will feature appetizers and refreshments, a short historical scene featuring Founding Father Charles Thomson and artifacts on display from Charles Thomson's estate courtesy of Harriton House. And PHS will be there, tabling! We hope to see you the evening of April 9!
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