Church History- Art Clark
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class examined the origins and development of the Restoration Movement in the United States, focusing on key figures who sought to align church organization with New Testament teachings. Beginning with James O'Kelly’s departure from the Methodist Episcopal system in 1793, the teacher described how O'Kelly, along with Abner Jones and Elias Smith, established independent Christian churches that rejected creedal labels and hierarchical authority. Their early fellowship evolved into the Christian Connection, a network that allowed congregations to share resources while maintaining local autonomy. The narrative then turned to Barton Stone, whose 1796 Presbyterian ministry at Cane Ridge, Kentucky, sparked a massive revival that highlighted the need for biblical baptism and church structure. After disbanding the Springfield Presbytery in 1804, Stone’s followers adopted a restorationist approach, emphasizing believer’s baptism by immersion as taught in the New Testament. Over the next century, these groups merged with other congregations, ultimately leading to the formation of the United Church of Christ in 1957—a body that the teacher noted had moved beyond its restorationist roots. Throughout, the teacher emphasized that continual return to Scripture is essential for faithful church practice.