OVERTURE 21 from Southeast Alabama Presbytery (to AC) – "Develop PCA Logo"	Timeline & Links :
Whereas, Christ has given the keys of the kingdom to His church; and Whereas, there is no visible mechanism that expresses the authority of our church to ourselves and the world; and Whereas, the Presbyterian Church in America is constituted as a visible branch of Christ's Church; and Whereas, the Presbyterian Church is not many churches, but one church with many particular churches; and Whereas, there is no visible mechanism that expresses the unity of our church to ourselves and the world; and Whereas, the First General Assembly received and approved a communication regarding a unified emblem for the PCA, and referred the issue to committee; and Whereas, the Eleventh General Assembly again approved the concept of an emblem and approved guidelines directing the COA (now Administrative Committee) "to develop a distinctive emblem for seals, banners, and logo with the following principles: 1. Continue the direction set by the First General Assembly to have a uniform and distinctive designation for the denomination, its committees, agencies and churches. 2. Express the unity of the denomination in public relations, correspondence, road signs, etc. 3. Respect the confessional position that no representation of deity be made. 4. Permit the concurrent use of a specific logo for the permanent committees and agencies"; and Whereas, the Fourteenth General Assembly, meeting in Philadelphia, did not accept a particular proposal, but did not reject the concept of an emblem; and Whereas, the Seventeenth General Assembly again instructed the COA (now Administrative Committee) "to take up the matter of preparing and proposing a unified emblem for the PCA and report to each General Assembly on this project until such an emblem is adopted; and that the principles approved by the 144xth General Assembly are reaffirmed and to be followed"; and Whereas, the Eighteenth General Assembly rejected the proposed emblem and directed that "the proposed design again be referred to the Administrative Committee with the request that a simpler design be sought in further consultation with professional designers"; and Whereas the Twenty-first General Assembly rejected an overture asking that the Administrative Committee again be asked to develop and emblem on the grounds that the Twentieth General Assembly relieved the Administrative Committee of this responsibility; and Whereas, all past efforts to obtain General Assembly approval for an emblem for the PCA have failed; and Whereas, there is a strong desire by many churches within the PCA to have a visible emblem to unite our church; and Whereas, the PCA has existed for over 32 years without fulfilling the desire of its First General Assembly; Therefore be it resolved that the Southeast Alabama Presbytery overtures the General Assembly of the PCA to direct the Committee of the PCA Historical Center to develop a seal for use within the PCA, consistent with the principles approved by the 14 th General Assembly and to report to each General Assembly until such a seal is adopted or until the committee is relieved of this duty. Adopted by Southeast Alabama Presbytery at the stated meeting on April 25, 2006 Attested by /s/ Henry Lewis Smith.	[logo proposed in 1973; click for larger view]
	*1973 (1st GA) - Text
	*1973 - Proposed logo
	*1976 - Other suggested logos
	*1982 (10th GA) - Text
	*1983 (11th GA) - Text
	*1986 (14th GA) - Text
	*1986 - Proposed logo
	*1989 (17th GA) - Text
	*1990 (18th GA) - Text
	*1993 (21st GA) - Text
	*1993 - Proposed logo

Obviously, part of the motivation for renewed efforts at adopting a logo stems from the desire to be visually distinguishable from other Presbyterian denominations, and in particular, to be distinguished from liberal Presbyterian denominations. Ironically, this isn't just a problem for those in the PCA. In a recent letter from Dr. Larry Brown of the African Bible College, he related a similar complaint:
"...We will never know how many potential visitors pass the church by because they see the PCUSA logo on the sign out front and assume they're straight-down-the-line General Assembly Presbyterians. As a member of the EPC, I find that whenever I tell someone that I'm a Presbyterian, they assume that I'm PCUSA, and pro-abortion....."
So this concern for some means of visual identification has its reasons. A logo is simply a visual aid or sort of shorthand that conveys a corporate identity. But to achieve the level of desired communication, it has to be used consistently and frequently. This is why advertisers make such frequent use of company logos, to reinforce the reference, to establish in the viewer's mind the automatic association between the logo and the name behind it.

A History of General Assembly actions towards a PCA logo or seal:
1973 - First General Assembly
1-72, Committee on Administration report, continued, item (21)
That the matter of a Church emblem or seal be referred to the Christian Education and Publications Committee for study.

1982 - Tenth General Assembly
Personal Resolution #4 from TE Henry Lewis Smith, et al.
Resolved, that the General Assembly's Permanent Committee on Administration be directed to recommend to the next General Assembly a seal, banner and a logo for the Presbyterian Church in America, taking into account our historic Reformed and Presbyterian heritage.
Further resolved, that the Committee explore to see if there are legitimate ways to give some recognition to the historic continuity of the RPCES in our Church, in the numbering of our Assemblies. (It is noted that the final General Assembly, RPCES, was the 160th.)
Finally resolved, that this Committee may solicit and receive suggestions and expert advice, and may erect a sub-committee to carry out this task.
TE Henry Lewis Smith, Evangel Presbytery
TE James D. Hatch, Evangel Presbytery
RE Irving Wicker, Evangel Presbytery
TE Richard Raines, Ascension Presbytery
TE John W.P. Oliver, Central Georgia Presbytery
Referred to the Committee on Administration, §10-96, I, p. 121.
10-96 Report of the Committee of Commissioners on Bills and Overtures
Since no member of the Committee of Commissioners on Bills and Overtures was present, the Stated Clerk presented the report that had been left with him.
I. Business Referred to the Committee
A. Personal Resolution 4 from TEHenry Lewis Smith (§10-12, p. 53)
B. ....
II. Issues Discussed
A. Re: Personal Resolution of TE Henry Lewis Smith, the major issues were:
Adoption of a seal, banner, and logo for the PCA reflecting our Reformed and Presbyterian heritage, and the recognition of the historic continuity of the RPCES in the numbering of future PCA General Assemblies.
B. ....
III. Recommendations
1. That General Assembly take no action
Grounds:
a. Present budget constraints
b. Existence and use at present of a distinctive type style and arrangement.
c. Some committees of General Assembly already have logos in use.
d. The "joining and receiving" action seems not to allow for renumbering PCA General Assemblies.
Referred to the Committee on Adminnistration to studcy and report back to the Eleventh General Assembly.

1983 - Eleventh General Assembly
11-9, B., Overture 17 : From the Presbytery of Pacific Northwest
Whereas, The Reformed Presbyterian Church-Evangelical Synod and the Presbyterian Church in America united on June 14, 1982
Whereas, this substantially enlarged Presbyterian Church in America has much greater potential than the two separate denominations had for furthering the cause of Christ in the world,
Whereas, to develop the full potential of our enlarged denomination to influence the public, the body politic and the media, we need to have a source of immediate and remembered identification in all of our written communications, literature and publications,
Therefore, be it resolved that the General Assembly designate a commission to study the matter and develop a corporate symbol that would provide the identification, so desirable and beneficial, and the General Assembly is hereby petitioned to take such action at the convocation of 1983.
Attest: Robert A. Bonner, Stated Clerk
Already under study 11-50, II, 2, p. 115, see also 11-30, III, 18, p. 81.
11-50 Report of the Committee of Commissioners on Bills and Overture, II. Recommendations, Item 2, p. 115
2. The Assembly took no action regarding Overture 17, (p. 38) but it was noted that this matter is in the hands of the permanent Committee on Administration.
11-30 Committee of Commissioners on Administration, III. Recommendations, Item 18, p. 81
18. In response to Resolution 4 carried over from the Tenth General Assembly, the following two recommendations are made :
A. That the General Assembly direct the COA to develop a distinctive emblem for seals, banners, and logo in accord with the following principles:
1. Continue the direction set by the First General Assembly to have a uniform and distinctive designation for the denomination, its committees, agencies, and churches.
2. Express the unity of the denomination in public relations, correspondence, road signs, etc.
3. Respect the confessional position that no representation of deity shall be made.
4. Permit the concurrent use of a specific logo for the permanent committees and agencies.
Adopted

1984 - [further consideration on the logo, along with a number of other items, was carried over to the 13th General Assembly due to the fact that there were not 2/3 of the Assembly enrollment present.]

1985
13-73 Report of the Committee of Commissioners on Administration, III. Recommendations, Item 19, p. 137
19. That the proposed PCA logo be sent to the presbyteries for their suggestions and advice, which should then be sent to the COA for presentation at the Fourteenth General Assembly.
Adopted

1986
14-4, C. Business Carried Over from Previous General Assemblies, p. 64
[Editor's Summary : 11-30, III, 18, p. 81 and 13-73, III, 19, p. 137 were again tabled and carried over to the Fifteenth General Assembly due to the fact that 2/3 of the Assembly were not present at the Friday session when the Report was presented. Also tabled for the same reason was Overture 21 from Westminster Presbytery:]
Overture 21: From Westminster Presbytery [14-4, B., p. 43]
Be it resolved that the Fourteenth General Assembly not accept the Proposed Logo presented to the Thirteenth General Assembly.
Adopted at the Winter Stated Meeting of Westminster Presbytery, January 18, 1986.
Attest : Larry E. Ball, Stated Clerk

1989
Overture 37 from Delmarva Presbytery, "Development of a PCA Logo" [Minutes, 17-81, II, Item 38, pp. 138-139]
Whereas, the First General Assembly received and approved a communication regarding a unified emblem or logo for the PCA, and referred the issue to a committee; and
Whereas, the 11th General Assembly again approved the concept of a logo and approved the following guidelines concerning a logo:
"That the General Assembly direct the COA to develop a distinctive emblem for seals, banners, and logo in accord with the following principles:
1. Continue the direction set by the First General Assembly to have a uniform and distinctive designation for the denomination, its committees, agencies, and churches.
2. Express the unity of the denomination in public relations, correspondence, road signs, etc.
3. Respect the confessional position that no representation of deity shall be made.
4. Permit the concurrent use of a specific logo for the permanent committees and agencies," and
Whereas the Fourteenth General Assembly, meeting in Philadelphia, did not accept a particular proposal for a logo, but did not reject the concept of a unified logo; and
Whereas there has apparently been no further progress on a logo;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Committee on Administration is instructed to again take up the matter of preparing and proposing a unified logo for the PCA and report to each General Assembly on this project until such a logo is adopted; and that the principles approved by the 14th General Assembly are reaffirmed and are to be followed, and that the following guidelines are to instruct (but not bind) the Committee in carrying out of this assignment:
1. The PCA Messenger is instructed by this Assembly to publish an article at the earliest convenient opportunity outlining the need of the PCA for such a logo, the adopted guidelines of the 14th General Assembly, and invite submissions for this logo to COA by 1/1/90.
2. At the first meeting of the COA after the first of the year the committee is to consider these applications. It may (1) adopt one of these submissions for submission to the General Assembly as its recommendation or (2) may seek outside professional assistance in obtaining a proposed logo.
The committee is instructed and authorized to fulfill any legal requirements concerning a logo.
Adopted at the May 9th, 1989 meeting of Delmarva Presbytery.
Attest : Bruce B. Howes, Stated Clerk.
Recommendation : That Overture 37 be approved as funding is available, and that COA is instructed to make this a priority since this request started with the first GA and has not yet been completed.
Adopted.

1990
18-40. Committee of Commissioners on Administration, III. Recommendations, Item 29, p. 111
That the GA send the proposed logo design down to presbyteries and sessions for information, review and response by January 1, 1991, to the Administrative Committee.
A substitute was moved : That the proposed logo design be referred to the Administrative Committee with the request that a simpler design be sought in further consultation with professional designers.
Adopted.
Appendix C - Administrative Committee Report, Supplemental Report, p. 237
Recommendations:
29. That the proposed logo design for the PCA be submitted to the Assembly and sent down to presbyteries and sessions for information, review, and response by January 1, 1991, to the Administrative Committee (see Attachment 10, p. 327).

1992
Appendix C - Administrative Committee Report to the 20th General Assembly, VIII. Recommendations, Item 29, p. 310
29. That the 20th General Assembly erect an Ad Interim Committee to develop a PCA Logo to be presented to the GA subject to adequate funding "for consultation with professional designers".

1993
20-63. Committee of Commissioners on Administration, V. Responses to Exceptions to Minutes, Item 5, p. 129
5. The AC agrees with general exception 3 that no progress report was given on the PCA Logo. The AC will seek to give a progress report to the 20th General Assembly.

20-63. Committee of Commissioners on Administration, VI. Recommendations, Item 29, p. 135
29. That the 20th General Assembly relieve the AC of its responsibility to develop a PCA logo.
Adopted.
Grounds:
a. An ad interim committee would be too costly and would take a committee slot that could be better used for another purpose.
b. The Administrative Committee does not think that they can adequately fulfill the mandate to develop a logo.

21-56. Committee of Commissioners on Bills and Overtures, III. Recommendations, Item 22, pp. 157-158.
22. that Overture 30, from North Georgia Presbytery be answered in the negative, on the ground that the Twentieth General Assembly relieved the Adminstrative Committee of this responsibility.
Adopted
Overture 30 from North Georgia Presbytery : "PCA Logo Resolution"
Whereas, the First General Assembly received and approved a communication regarding a unified emblem or logo for the PCA, and referred the issue to a committee; and
Whereas, the 11th General Assembly again approved the concept of a logo and approved guidelines directing the COA (now Administrative Committee) "to develop a distinctive emblem for seals, banners, and logo in accord with the following principles:
1. Continue the direction set by the First General Assembly to have a uniform and distinctive designation for the denomination, its committees, agencies and churches.
2. Express the unity of the denomination in public relations, correspondence, road signs, etc.
3. Respect the confessional position that no representation of deity shall be made.
4. Permit the concurrent use of a specific logo for the permanent committees and agencies"; and
Whereas, the Fourteenth General Assembly, meeting in Philadelphia, did not accept a particular proposal for a logo, but did not reject the concept of a unified logo; and
Whereas, the Seventeenth General Assembly again instructed the COA (now AC) "to take up the matter of preparing and proposing a unified logo for the PCA and report to each General Assembly on this project until such a logo is adopted; and that the principles approved by the 14th General Assembly are reaffirmed and are to be followed,"; and
Whereas, the Eighteenth General Assembly rejected a proposed logo and directed that "the proposed logo design be referred to the Administrative Committee with the request that a simpler design be sought in further consultation with professional designers"; and
Whereas, a lack of sufficient funds to engage professional designers has deterred the AC from further progress thus far on a logo development; and
Whereas, all past efforts to obtain General Assembly approval of a PCA logo have failed; and
Whereas, there is a strong desire by many PCA churches to have a logo which provides them with a distinctive denominational identification; and
Whereas, the PCA has existed for 20 years now with no distinctive, common identification for its churches; and
Whereas, the Administrative Committee is broadly representative of the General Assembly, including representatives of the committees and agencies;
Be it Therefore Resolved that the Presbytery of North Georgia overtures the General Assembly of the PCA to direct the Administrative Committee to develop a proposed logo for the PCA, to be submitted prior to the twenty-fifth General Assembly for approval.
Adopted by the North Georgia Presbytery on April 20, 1993.
Attested by : /s/ Bob Valentine, Stated Clerk

©PCA Historical Center, 12330 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO, 2007. All Rights Reserved.