The Shenandoah Valley has historically been home to a Confederate History Conference, known as the Davis Conference, close to the July 4th holiday.
SVRPC will be hosting its own first annual Jefferson Davis Conference July 2-3, 2021 at the Machen Retreat Center, in scenic Highland County, Virginia.
Topics will include:
- Southern Presbyterian Theology, or The Bible Alone as the standard for the Worship & Government of the Church;
- Theology North & South, or the opposite ante-bellum political philosophies of the Union versus the Confederacy; and
- Confederate Biography, or a study in the Christian’s call to duty from the life of General Robert E. Lee.
God willing, the conference will kick off around 2 pm on Friday, July 2nd, and will conclude around 8 pm on Saturday, July 3rd.
Speakers include:
- Rev. Jeff Black of Grace Presbyterian Church in Daleville, Virginia;
- Rev. Adam Brink of Shenandoah Valley Reformed Presbyterian Church in Mt. Crawford, Virginia; and
- Rev. Todd Ruddell of Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church in Wylie, Texas.
Overnight lodging costs are as follows:
- Cabins: $15 per person per overnight (maximum of $60 per family per night); and
- Tent Camping / RV: $10 per person per overnight (only three RV spots with hookup).
Due to the Machen Retreat Center’s affiliation with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (“OPC”), members of the OPC will receive a $5 per person per overnight discount on all lodging options.
Meals will be provided; donations are accepted for meals, but not required. For those with dietary restrictions, please feel free to bring your own meals, as a kitchen will be available for your use.
Tentative schedule is as follows:
Friday, July 2nd:
- 2-4 pm, arrival, set up lodging, and fellowship;
- 4 pm, first lecture;
- 5:30 pm, supper;
- 7:30 pm, second lecture; and
- 9 pm, campfire / Psalm sing / fellowship.
Saturday, July 3rd:
- 8 am, breakfast;
- 9:30 am, third lecture;
- 10:45 am, fourth lecture;
- 12 pm, lunch;
- Remainder of afternoon: open / fellowship / activities (please see Machen website for ideas on afternoon activities);
- 4:00 pm, fifth lecture;
- 5:30 pm, supper;
- 7 pm, sixth and final lecture.
For any who wish to stay for the Sabbath, July 4th, Shenandoah Valley RPC will hold public worship service at the Machen Retreat Center at 10 am (with Todd Ruddell preaching the Word to us), and will enjoy a fellowship meal at the Machen Center after worship, and leave that afternoon (God willing, by 3 pm).
For those remaining in the Harrisonburg area, a time of fellowship will continue at Rev. Brink’s home after departure from the facility. Rev. Brink’s home is on the way from the Machen Center toward Harrisonburg, Virginia.
RSVP for lodging and/or meals to pastor@svrpc.org by Wednesday, June 23rd.
Day visitors are welcome, but if you have not given an RSVP for meals, please bring your own food.
