The Reformed Presbyterian Church had its origins in the seventeenth century, when a minority of Presbyterians wished to adhere more strictly to the Covenants of 1638 and 1642. However it was not until the mid-eighteenth century that congregations were formed with their own ordained ministers.

The earliest records begin mainly in the mid-nineteenth century, apart from some early nineteenth century sessions minuted for Cullybackey, Co Antrim and Drumolg, Co Londonderry. Some of the records have been copied by the Public Record Office for Northern Ireland (MIC/IC and CR/5).