Established in 1903, First Presbyterian Trenton was one of the founding churches that formed the EPC 44 years ago….Despite this long and historic connection, the congregation reached a point where they were no longer in “theological alignment” with the EPC.

Concerned by “theological progressive leaning” within the EPC, one of the largest churches in Midwest Presbytery voted in June to leave the denomination. First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, Mich., has since voted to affiliate with the Presbyterian Church in America.

In a statement submitted to the Stated Clerk of Midwest Presbytery, the 500-member church expressed its growing concern with the leadership and direction of the EPC that seems to be pursuing cultural relevance and social justice rather than the Gospel:

“For the last several years FPT has become a more confessionally-minded church,” the statement noted. “Concurrently, FPT has observed the EPC moving in the opposite direction. Moreover, FPT has sensed a change in the presbyterial structure of the EPC, specifically becoming a more top down, leadership driven organization. The latter has made it more difficult to address specific theological concerns. Our differences with the EPC make it more difficult to serve alongside other churches in the Midwest Presbytery, and our continued affiliation weakens our Biblical witness to the world around us.”

Established in 1903, First Presbyterian Trenton was one of the founding churches that formed the EPC 44 years ago. The Rev. Calvin Gray, a teaching elder at FPT, served as the first moderator of the EPC. Despite this long and historic connection, the congregation reached a point where they were no longer in “theological alignment” with the EPC. The departure was amicable and was not contested by Midwest Presbytery.

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