Gloucester’s historic First Presbyterian Church has changed its name to “Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church,” and has affiliated with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, to better reflect its mission, “Knowing Christ and making Christ known,” according to a release from the church.

Founded in 1880 and previously affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination, the church voted to join ECO last fall, believing that the newer denomination is an excellent fit for the congregation and its emphasis on missions, a release said. The church was officially released from Presbyterian (USA) in late April after agreeing to pay a settlement which allows the Gloucester church to keep its property, building and assets, the release stated.

The Gloucester church voted to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA) because the denomination’s leadership was promoting different views from the local church’s beliefs about many issues, including...