The Family Conference
July 13th — 17th, 2026
The Presbytery has changed the location of its annual family conference, which will now be held at Bryan College, Dayton, Tennessee, just north of Chattanooga. Please check the college website at www.bryan.edu for virtual tours and campus information. Conference and other meetings will be held Rudd Auditorium which features theater-style seating and room for 850. Conference meals will be prepared and served by Bryan College staff in the Latimer Student Center which seats 350. There are gluten-free options always available and specialty options can be prepared with a minimum of three weeks advance notice. There are also two self-cooking stations in the dining hall. For those that want to stay on campus, there are two dormitory options depending on family size or if one registers as an individual.
One purpose of the conference is to provide an opportunity for people in our congregations and many other friends to build fellowship in preparation for prayer and common labor.
It is also intended that the conference would give instruction in the Reformed faith, stir us up to seek maturity in godliness, and present the need for missionary outreach and for the establishment of new churches across the United States.
There will be an extensive booktable with low prices, representing a choice selection of Reformed and Puritan literature, including a number of items which are now out of print. The emphasis of the booktable will be on spirituality in the tradition of the Scottish Reformation. This is an opportunity to build up a library of the best in classical Reformed theology and experimental religion.
It is desired that such conferences will be a regular means of mutual encouragement. Interested parties from outside the Presbytery are warmly encouraged to attend.
Registration Info
2026 online registration is now open.
The deadline for registering for lodging and/or meals is Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m. CST. After that you may still register for attendance only ($220 family or $120 single).
The deadline for registering for lodging and/or meals is Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m. CST. After that you may still register for attendance only ($220 family or $120 single).
Frequently Asked Questions:
General
1Are there curfew times?
No curfew, per se, but quiet hours in the dorms start at 9:00 p.m. However please be aware that if you are in the hallways before that to be quiet, as young children may be already in bed.
2How does the cafeteria distinguish those who have paid for meals already vs. those purchasing ad hoc meals?
Those staying on campus will be issued card reader badges that give them access to meals and facilities. Those not on the meal plan but eating ad hoc at the cafeteria will pay for each meal separately at the rates of: Breakfast: $5.25/p; Lunch $7.50/p, Supper: $8.00/p (card or cash).
3Where is parking? Any limitations?
There is ample parking on the campus. The only limitation is to park in marked spaces and not in handicapped spaces without a handicapped hangtag.
4What are the Rules and Guidelines to be aware of?
- Please note: Bryan College is a larger facility than we are used to so parents will need to govern their children and teens accordingly.
- No alcohol or firearms are permitted on campus.
- No food and open drinks in carpeted areas.
5Are there students on campus through the summer?
No. We will be the only group on campus except for BC employees.
6Is the whole place walkable?
Yes. Buildings are within a minute 1-5 walk of each other. Sidewalks are generally in flat areas with one slight incline between Rudd Auditorium and the grassy area between Arnold and Woodlee Halls. People can drive to buildings and park as space permits.
7Are there laundry facilities?
There are laundry facilities in each dorm.
Registration
1When will registration open?
TBD, but hopefully in early February. Notice will be circulated to churches and to 2025 attendees.
2Will the registration process be the same?
No, the goal is for both the registration and payment process to be entirely online. In the hopefully rare event this is not possible, provision may be made by contacting the conference secretary. An online process will save a lot of time and effort.
Fees
1What are the fees?
- a) Registration:
- Single: $120
- Family: $220
- b) Lodging:
- Single: $100 with shared room
- Single: $200 with private room
- Couple: $200
- Family: $400
- c) Meal Plan:
- $50/person ages 11 and up*
- $25/person ages 3-10*
- Free: ages 2 and under*
*as of July 13, 2026
NOTE: there is a total fee cap of $800 per nuclear family that is lodging together on campus.
2What are the charges for ad hoc meals (no meal plan) for someone staying off campus or only attending part of the week?
- Breakfast: $5.90/p; Lunch $7.50/p, Supper: $8.00/p
- These must be paid at the cafeteria each time meals are taken by card or cash.
3Why are the fees higher than in previous years?
- The costs for some will be the same or similar.
- While we are very thankful for having been able to use Blue Grass Christian Camp in Lexington, KY since 2015, the lodging on-site was very limited and doing our own food kept costs down.
- Those who stayed off-site had lodging expenses which if taken into account would be similar to the costs at BCC.
Venue
1Where will the conference be held starting in 2026?
- Bryan College in Dayton, TN, 37 miles NE of Chattanooga, TN; www.bryan.edu
- Note that on the Bryan College website we encourage you to take the virtual tours.
- Be aware that Dayton, TN is in the Eastern time zone.
2Why the change?
We had outgrown Blue Grass Christian Camp in Lexington, KY. We were very near the seating maximum in the gym, were way past seating capacity in the dining hall, and we had limited lodging capacity.
Meetings & Space
1What is the general schedule for the week?
See “General Schedule” above.
2Where will the meetings be held?
Rudd Auditorium. We will utilize two floors, the main floor auditorium and the lower level for the book room and meeting room. There is no elevator, but one can enter the lower level directly from the parking lot at the back of the auditorium.
3What is the seating capacity and type of seating?
The capacity totals 800 theater-style seating. There are 50 seats in the balcony, however this area will not be open for seating, only for sound/broadcast personnel.
4Can we bring our own seats?
No. There is not room for additional seating unless one is in a wheelchair. Additional seats will block aisles and emergency egress.
5Is there a cry/nursing room?
Yes, room 201, walking out of the auditorium, it is on the left side of the lobby. We plan to have audio in that room so mothers can hear the sessions.
6Can we bring refreshments or food into the auditorium?
Since the seats are upholstered theater-style seats, please limit food to necessary snacks for children and please use non-spillable containers.
7Where will the book tables be?
Room 109 is in the lower level of the auditorium building.
8Where are there meeting rooms?
In the lower level of the auditorium building. These will be assigned for specific activities particularly after the evening sessions. These are the large activity room and rooms 104 & 105.
Lodging
1What are the on-campus lodging options?
There are two types of dorms available:
- Single room/traditional dorms with two single twin beds with a sink in each room and with men’s and women’s restrooms and showers down the hall. These will be for singles, couples or two people sharing, or a family of 4 or 5 (using air mattresses).
- Suite rooms – configured as above but with a shared bathroom and shower between two rooms. This will be used for families of 5 or 6 and greater (using air mattresses).
2Are blankets, pillows, and towels provided?
No, you will have to bring all your own sheets and blankets or sleeping bags, pillows, towels (both bath towels and hand towels), and toiletries.
3How many rooms are available?
158 single/traditional dorm rooms and 69 two-room suites.
4Are there elevators in all the dorms?
No. Only in Robinson Hall.
5What are the facilities in the dorms beyond the dorm rooms?
- Each dorm has a kitchenette with a full-sized refrigerator and a stove on the first floor.
- Each dorm has small lounges.
6In the virtual tour I see that there are townhouses, will those be available?
No. Only a maximum of 5 will be available and we’ll reserve those for speakers.
7How can single lodgers request a specific roommate?
Single lodgers who plan to room together should also plan to register together. If there is a legitimate reason why you are unable to submit a shared registration, please contact the conference secretary.
8Can single-sex groups obtain the two-room suites (i.e. men’s groups and women’s groups)?
Yes, but priority will be given to families. Up to 4 adults could share a traditional dorm room, two in beds and two on air mattresses.
9Are there hotels nearby?
Yes, Dayton has a number of hotel options. There may be Airbnb-type options available in the area.
10Is there RV or tent camping at Bryan College?
No. There appears to be RV and tent camping facilities in the area.
11What about adult children who want their own room?
They will be charged as a single and will have their own registration fees, lodging fees, and food fees.
Food
1Will we be making our own food as in previous years?
No, the food is all done by Bryan College.
2Are there options for food sensitivities?
Yes. Gluten-free options are always available with no special arrangements. Other options may be available with a minimum of three-week advance notice of NLT June 19, 2026 at the discretion of the BC head chef.
3Can we bring and cook our own food?
Yes, but there are limitations to be observed. As noted, each dorm has a refrigerator and stove, so storage is limited as well as food prep capacity. Those preparing their own food in the dorms need to bring all their own pans, plates, utensils, etc. Also, the Dining Hall does have two limited self-cook stations available.
4Are there seating limitations in the Dining Hall?
Yes. There is seating for 350. If there are more than 350 paying for the meal plan, there will be two shifts. The first 350 to register for the food plan will be seated first and then the rest a half hour later or as seats become available.
5Can we purchase meals ad hoc if we are staying off campus or are at the conference for part of the week?
Yes, please eat with the second group (if we have one). See prices above under “Fees.”
Recreation & Activities
1What are the recreational facilities?
- All outdoor facilities are open: outdoor basketball, pickleball courts, soccer field, softball and baseball fields, sand volleyball courts. There are ping pong and pool tables in the same building as the Dining Hall (Latimer Student Center) on the second floor in the Lion’s Den.
- There is a firepit in the overlook area between the multi-sport courts and Summers Gym.
- There is an indoor basketball arena that will have hours for full-court or half-court play and hours for younger kids.
2Is there a swimming pool?
No. In Dayton there is a free splash pad.
3Where can I hang out in afternoons and in the evening after the last session?
- Each dorm has lounge areas for small groups.
- There are tables and chairs adjacent to the Lion’s Den rec room on the second floor of the Latimer Student Center above the Dining Hall.
- There is an outdoor pavilion in the Triangle (grassy area in the middle of campus).
- There is some seating on the overlook.
4What are the facilities for young kids and children?
5If I am lodging off-campus, can I hang out on campus during the afternoon?
See question #3 above in this section (dorms are not open to non-lodgers).
6What is the cost to rent the rec facilities?
No cost, all facilities are available for our use.
2026 Conference Speakers
Rev. Kenneth Macdonald, Keynote Speaker/Special Guest
Kenneth Macdonald is a retired minister of the FCC. Born in the Isle of Lewis, Scotland and while brought up in a Christian home only came to saving faith at the age of 33. Having come to faith and trained as a carpenter he spent a short time on Mission in Bangladesh and then 5 years as an artisan missionary with the Free Church in South Africa. While there he felt the Lord’s call to the Ministry and returned to Scotland to the Free Church college in Edinburgh. On completion of studies, he was ordained and inducted to Snizort in the Isle of Skye where he served for 12 years and then called to the Isle of Scalpay, Harris where he ministered for 7 years before retiring from the full time ministry.
Since then, apart from preaching regularly in Scotland he has been serving in various places including Australia, Portugal and Canada. He is married with 2 sons, one of which (Rev. Greg Macdonald) is also in the Ministry. He, along with his wife Coleen to whom he has been married to for 54 years, have 12 grandchildren.
Rev. Gavin Beers
Rev. Gavin Beers is a native of Northern Ireland and a graduate of the Free Church Seminary, Inverness, Scotland. Before moving to the United States to become the minister of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) congregation at Burlington, NC, Rev. Beers was the minister of the FCC congregation at Ayr, in the southwest of Scotland. He is married and is the father of six children.
Rev. Brent Evans
Rev. Evans served for eight years as the minister of the FCC congregation in Atlanta, Georgia, and is now the presbytery’s Missionary/Church Planter to Latin America. Rev. Evans came to agree with the Free Church’s doctrines after what he experienced of the preaching and piety that he found in the Free Church in his teen years in the Scottish Highlands, and is grateful for the men of the United States Presbytery who took an interest in him. Rev. Evans is married with four children.
Rev. Jonathan Mattull
Rev. Mattull, minister of the FCC congregation in St. Louis, MO, is married with three children. He has served as pastor of the St. Louis congregation since 2014.
Rev. Robert McCurley
Rev. McCurley is the minister of the FCC congregation in Greenville, SC. He was educated at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and was ordained to the ministry in 1998. He has been the pastor of Greenville Presbyterian Church since 2006. He has also pastored churches in Virginia and Ontario. He is an editor of The Master’s Trumpet. Reverend McCurley is married and has five children.
Rev. Rom Prakashpalan
Rev. Rom Prakashpalan was raised as a Hindu and became an atheist early in life. The Lord called him to faith through hearing the gospel in 2009 (Romans 10:17). Soon after, he felt a call to gospel ministry. In March 2015, he was ordained and installed as a ruling elder at Dallas Reformed Presbyterian Church, and then a teaching elder in July 2020. In May 2024, he moved to Fredericksburg to become the minister for Zion Presbyterian Church. He is married with four children.
Rev. Craig Scott
Rev. Craig Scott was born and raised in Scotland with no Christian upbringing. He was converted as a young man through the reading of the Scriptures and trained for the Gospel ministry at the Reformed Presbyterian Seminary in Glasgow, Scotland. He was ordained as the Minister of First Reformed Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2023, he accepted a call to the FCC and was installed as the Minister of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville, Texas. Rev. Scott is married with four children.
Rev. Logan Shelton
Rev. Shelton is a native of Jacksonville, Alabama, and is a graduate of Auburn University and Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He is married with four children and has served the Auburn-Opelika congregation since 2021.