Overture 04-57. On Approving the Transfer of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Fairfield, Ohio, from the Presbytery of Miami to the Presbytery of Cincinnati—From the Synod of the Covenant.

The Synod of the Covenant respectfully overtures the 216th General Assembly (2004) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to approve the transfer of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Fairfield, Ohio, from the Presbytery of Miami to the Presbytery of Cincinnati, effective August 1, 2004; and to approve the transfer of the City of Fairfield, Ohio (Butler County), from the bounds of the Presbytery of Miami to the bounds of the Presbytery of Cincinnati.

Rationale

Financial Implications: Per capita apportionment for 2004 would be prorated between the two presbyteries (seven months in Miami and five months in Cincinnati). The congregation’s loan with the Presbytery of Miami will be paid in full before the completion of the transfer.

In 1989, the Presbytery of Miami and the Presbytery of Cincinnati entered into a partnership to establish a new church development in Fairfield, Ohio—a community on the border between the two presbyteries. Both presbyteries provided human and financial support in the establishment of the congregation, calling of the organizing pastor, and building of the facilities. During this time, it was mutually agreed that for the first ten years as a congregation, Trinity would be a part of the Presbytery of Miami. After the first ten years, the congregation then would have the choice to remain in the Presbytery of Miami or transfer to the Presbytery of Cincinnati. Trinity Presbyterian Church was organized as a new congregation in January 1991. On August 24, 2003, at a properly called meeting, the congregation voted to initiate the transfer to the Presbytery of Cincinnati.

At separate stated meetings held on September 9, 2003, the Presbytery of Miami and the Presbytery of Cincinnati each voted to approve the request of the congregation of Trinity Presbyterian Church that the church be transferred from the Presbytery of Miami to the Presbytery of Cincinnati.