Reformed Church. Independent Synods

Synod of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States (1822-1837). The Synod of 1821 began in controversy being a "convention" synod with the membership consisting of representatives of congregations rather than the more usual "General" synod with delegates elected by various classes. Contention continued during the meetings particularly over the establishment of the seminary and the outlawing of the independent schools and private instruction. As a result of this action, congregations began to withdraw from the Synod. A meeting of five ministers took place in Maxatawny Township on April 24, 1822 during which the Synod of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States was organized. By 1836 this Synod consisted of 55 clergy and 80 congregations. In 1832 the independent synod entered into fraternal relations with the General Synod by which copies of minutes were exchanged. Many of the problems which led to the establishment of the independent synod, establishment of the seminary, use of the German exclusively, no establishment of Sunday Schools, had died away, paving the way for reunion of the two bodies. At the synod of September 18, 1836 the independent synod voted in favor of union which was finalized at the Synod of 1837. Synod of the German Reformed Church of Ohio and Adjacent States (1846-1853). Also known as the Herbruck Synod after the founder, Rev. Peter Herbruck, this independent synod began with the separation of the Columbiana Classis from the Ohio Synod in 1846 over the excesses of the "new measures" of mourner's bench and perceived departure from the rituals and symbols of the Reformed Church. After eight years of independence, in 1852 this synod re-united with the Columbiana Classis, Ohio Synod. The Columbiana Classis was dissolved in 1854 and formed the nucleous of the new St. John's Classis of the Ohio Synod. Independent (Stiely) Synod (1841-?) Isaac F. Stiely (1800-1869) was ordained by the Synod of Pennsylvania and Adjacent States in 1827. When that Synod re-united with the General Synod in 1837, he and congregation also re-united until 1841 when the subject of monetary support of the seminary and other educational institutions of the church was proposed by General Synod. Stiely again withdrew and together with several other congregations formed the Independent Synod. This group did remain separated long, all but Stiely reuniting with the General Synod. Stiely remained independent until 1860 when he too rejoined the General Synod.