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The Peace Commission of the Reformed Church in the United States grew out of a liturgical conflict that began at the time that the General Synod of the Reformed Church was organized in 1863. At that time, an overture was brought forward to have "a Liturgy that can be brought into general use throughout the Church." 

The church was split on this matter and discussions were held at the next five triennial meetings of the General Synod. During the sixth triennial meeting, on May 20, 1878, a commission was appointed by the District Synods, to "consider the questions of doctrine and worship now at issue in the Church." The resulting commission became known as "The Peace Commission."

The Peace Commission was organized on November 26, 1879, and the committee met for eight days and thoroughly discussed the matters and points at difference. The commission sent out a report titled, "The Pastoral of the Peace Commission," and finally closed their work with a communion service.

This online exhibit brings to light the work of The Peace Commission which was formally reported at the seventh triennial meeting in 1881. A subsequent Directory of Worship was later adopted by the General Synod in 1884.