On behalf of the convening Church of Hamilton-Cornerstone, Elder Art Witten opened the meeting of the delegates with reading Acts 15:22-29 and speaking some appropriate words of meditation upon it. After the singing of Psalm 125:1-2, br. Witten led in prayer. Classis was then declared constituted with Rev. Kenneth Kok as chairman, Rev. John VanWoudenberg as vice-chairman, and Rev. Arjen Vreugdenhil as clerk.
Classis examined br. Noah Holtvlűwer, a second year student at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary seeking permission to speak an edifying word in the churches. After judging his sermon sufficient to proceed with the exam, he was examined in doctrine and creeds. This was also judged sufficient. After promising not to preach or teach anything contrary to God’s Word as summarized in the Three Forms of Unity, he was granted permission to speak an edifying word in the churches upon successful completion of his second year of studies at the seminary. This is valid for three years.
The chairman asked each church the required questions of C.O. 44.
Trinity Canadian Reformed Church of Glanbrook asked for concurring advice to proceed with the institution of another Canadian Reformed Church in Caledonia, scheduled for April 28, 2024. With thankfulness to our Lord, concurring advice was given.
Trinity Canadian Reformed Church of Glanbrook submitted a proposal to institute an appeals committee in Classis Ontario West. Since many Churches had not discussed the proposal, classis decided to put the matter on the agenda of the next classis.
Trinity Canadian Reformed Church of Glanbrook submitted a proposal to modify the regulations around cancellation of classis. This proposal was adopted.
Classis was informed that the proposal due from Providence Canadian Reformed Church re. classical inter-church relations committee could not be completed on time and will be completed for the next classis.
A Church Visitation report of a visit to the Church at Grand Rapids was received with thankfulness.
The next classis will be convened by Hamilton-Providence on May 22 and June 5, 2024, with Rev. John VanWoudenberg serving as chairman, Rev. Arjen Vreugdenhil as vice- chairman, and Rev. Peter Holtvlűwer as clerk.
After the Acts were adopted and the Press Release approved, Psalm 125:4 was sung and the chairman led in closing prayer.