Note : In 1981, chapters 56, 57 and 58 were given constitutional status
[cf. M8GA (1980), III, Item 9, p. 118 and M9GA (1981), 9-65, Item 6, p. 137]

58-1. The Communion, or Supper of the Lord, is to be observed frequently; the stated times to be determined by the Session of each congregation, as it may judge most for edification.

DIGEST : The substance of the current PCA text remains remarkably close to that of the 1645 Directory for the Publick Worship of God. The precise wording of the current PCA text dates to the minor changes adopted in 1975 (M3GA, 3-89, p. 97). BCO Constitutional status was affirmed for BCO chapter 58 at the Ninth PCA General Assembly (see the note above).

BACKGROUND AND COMPARISONS :
1. PCA 1973, DfW, 11-6, Adopted text, as printed in the Minutes of General Assembly, p. 159
2. Continuing Presbyterian Church 1973, DfW, 11-6, Proposed text, p. [72]
The Communion, or supper of the Lord, is to be celebrated frequently; the stated times to be determined by the Session of each congregation, as it may judge most for edification.

3. PCUS 1933, DfW, XII, §356
4. PCUS 1929, DfW, XII, §356
The Communion, or Supper of the Lord, is to be celebrated frequently; the stated times to be determined by the Session of each congregation, as it may judge most for edification.

1. PCUS 1927, DfW, XI-1, § 347
2. PCUS 1894, DfW XI-1
The Communion, or Supper of the Lord, is to be celebrated frequently; but how often may be determined by the session of each congregation, as they may judge most for edification.

PCUSA 1797, DfW, VIII-1
The communion, or supper of the Lord, is to be celebrated frequently; but how often, may be determined by the minister and eldership of each congregation, as they may judge most for edification.

The Directory for the Publick Worship of God (1645), "Of the Celebration of the Communion"
The communion, or supper of the Lord, is frequently to be celebrated; but how often, may be considered and determined by the ministers, and other church-governors of each congregation, as they shall find most convenient for the comfort and edification of the people committed to their charge. And when it shall be administered, we judge it convenient to be done after the morning sermon.

OTHER COMPARISONS :
Orthodox Presbyterian Church (2020 edition), DfW, III.A.3, p. 141
The Lord's Supper is to be celebrated frequently, but the frequency may be determined by each session as it may judge most conducive to edification.

COMMENTARY:
Morton H. Smith, Commentary on the Book of Church Order, 6th edition, 2007, p. 439
The question of the frequency of the observance of the Lord's Supper is left to each Session. It should be observed frequently. Roman Catholic theology, with a re-sacrificing of Christ in the mass, led them to observe it hourly in some of their monasteries. In reaction to this, the frequency dropped to once a year in some areas of the Protestant churches. This was based on the fact that the Passover was celebrated only once a year, and it was on this occasion that our Lord instituted the Supper. There are passages in the book of Acts that suggest
the frequent observance of the Supper by the New Testament church. These passages are not explicit, and thus there is a wide variety within the Church regarding how frequently the Supper should be observed.
The most common practice in the Presbyterian Church is quarterly, though there are some churches that now observe it monthly, and others weekly. The danger of too frequent practice is that it becomes too common, and we do not approach the Table with seriousness.