PCA HISTORICAL CENTER
Archives and Manuscript Repository for the Continuing Presbyterian Church

Manuscript Collections :
Synthetic Collections :
Arthur F. Perkins

Manuscript Collection #076
Box #___

Content Summary:

Span dates: 1930-1936 Size: 0.25 cu. ft. (one box)

Access: This collection is open to researchers.

Preferred citation: Arthur F. Perkins Manuscript Collection, PCA Historical Center, St. Louis, Missouri.

Administrative History: Donated by the Rev. Robert Smallman, pastor of the Bible Presbyterian Church of Merrill, Wisconsin, 30 June 2004.
Arrangement and description by Wayne Sparkman.

Related Collections:

perkins
Rev. Arthur F. Perkins
23 October 1887 - 29 December 1936
Biographical sketch—
[transcript of an obituary in The Merrill Daily Herald, Merrill, Wisconsin, 30 December 1936, pages 1-2.]

Merrill Pastor Passes Away In Madison Hospital
Rev. A.F. Perkins, Pastor Here Since 1931, Dies As Result of a Nervous Breakdown

The Rev. Arthur F. Perkins, Presbyterian pastor here since 1931 and central figure in a controversy with the Winnebago presbytery since which ended in his resignation from the Presbyterian church of the United States and organization of a new church in this city died last night at 8:30 o’clock in the Wisconsin General Hospital at Madison.
His death followed a nervous breakdown precipitated last summer, members of his loyal flock said, by the unfair trial and persecution preceding his resignation.  While he had been in a serious condition his passing occurred unexpectedly.
His wife, Mrs. Marie Heroux Perkins who had been with him constantly during his illness until he was moved from a sanatorium in Missouri to the Madison hospital, was visiting at the home of R.B. Page, trustee of the new church congregation, when she received word of his death.  His son, Dale Perkins, Wausau, and his daughter, Mrs. Paul Nagler, Milton Junction, came here today.
The passing of the Rev. Perkins brought forth expressions of regret and sympathy for the family from all sides.  During his pastorate in this city and particularly during his ecclesiastical trial before the Winnebago Presbytery, Mr. Perkins gained many friends and supporters from among those outside as well as within his own congregation.  The respect and esteem in which he was held knew no denominational bounds.

Funeral On Friday
Mr. Page and other officers of the new Community Presbyterian church which was founded here following the Rev. Perkins’ resignation from the Presbyterian Church of America, undertook to make arrangements for the funeral of their well-beloved spiritual leader.  The rites will be held at 10:30 a.m. next Friday in the American Legion hall, where the Community church has held services since its establishment last summer.
In accordance with ____ of the Rev. Perkins’ last wishes, the Rev. Ernest Tremblay, Wausaukee, will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Charles G____brecht, Waukesha, and the Rev. W.M. Dawson, who has been supplying the pulpit here since the rightful pastor was taken ill.
The body is being removed to this city today by Schram’s and will lie in state at the Schram parlors until the day of the funeral.
The controversy between the Rev. Perkins and the Winnebago presbytery of the church of the United States began several years ago when he assisted in the establishment of a non-denominational bible camp at Crescent Lake.  When he refused to give up his connection with the bible camp he was charged with insubordination and conduct unbecoming a minister.
According to Mr. Page, who acted as ______ official spokesman, those who brought these charges later acted as judge, jury and prosecutor against him at an ecclesiastical trial held at Green Bay in 1935.  The trial court found against Rev. Perkins, and as punishment  imposed a sentence suspending him for two years, stipulating that he would be restored in the eyes of the Presbytery if he repented.


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