Scotch-Irish-L Archives

From: "Edward Stephenson" <>
Subject: [S-I] The Seceders
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:09:05 -0400

Edward Andrews wrote a wonderful note on "Arianism" in the Irish and Scottish Presbyterian Churches. I'd like to ask him to write a bit about the Seceders and compare them to the Ulster Synod. I've read that the Seceder Church was founded in 1779 by four Scottish ministers in reaction to "dry" preaching and the influence of lairds in selecting local ministers. In Ireland, it merged back with the Ulster Synod in 1840. But how, in practice did the Seceders differ from the Ulster Synod members. For example, were they stricter in church discipline and Sabbath keeping?

My great-grandparents were married in the 2nd Presbyterian Church of Cootehill, Co. Cavan in 1848. Second Pres had been a Seceder congregation. I have no family lore about them, but I do know my grandfather was a strict Sabbath-keeper -- no work, no play, just church, Bible study, personal mediation, and family devotions on Sundays.

Ed Stephenson

This thread:

• [S-I] The Seceders by "Edward Stephenson" <>

  • Re: [S-I] The Seceders by "Edward Andrews" <>