The Congregation

A name adopted by leaders of the Protestant party in Scotland who in December 1557 entered into a “Band” which bound the signatories to strive for “the most blessed Word of God and his congregation . . . unto which holy word and congregation we do join us.” Cautious though they were initially, this covenanting together of the “Congregation (of the Lord)” was a major factor in that build-up that gained momentum with John Knox's return in 1559, and was climaxed when in 1560 the Scottish Reformation became a reality.