On behalf of the convening church, Providence Canadian Reformed Church in Hamilton, ON, Rev. Jeff Temple opened with Psalm 133. In prayer, he remembered the vacancy of Cornerstone (Hamilton), of the newly formed church in Caledonia, and of Grace (Kerwood), which, the Lord willing, will receive their new minister, Rev. VanLeeuwen in July; he gave thanks for the conclusion of a year at CRTS, and prayed for the retired faculty, the Revs. VanDam, Visscher, and DeVisser; and he asked for a blessing on the students to be examined in this meeting.
The credentials were found to be in good order, and Classis was constituted. The executive officers took place: Rev. VanWoudenberg as chairman, Rev. Vreugdenhil as vice-chair, and Rev. Holtvluwer as clerk.
Four theological students presented themselves, with the required paperwork, to be examined for permission to speak an edifying word (art. 21 CO). Their sermon proposals were discussed and deemed sufficient. They were each examined in doctrine and creeds. After sustaining these exams and promising not to preach or teach anything contrary to the Word of God as confessed in the Three Forms of Unity, the following brothers were granted permission to speak an edifying word for three years: Jonatan Boon, Klaas Cho, Jerrell Lemos, and Marco van Renssen.
The chairman asked the questions set out in article 44 CO. All the churches answered that the ministry of the office-bearers is being maintained and that the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured. Upon their request, the Caledonia church received Rev. VanWoudenberg as their counsellor per article 45 CO.
An overture from Trinity (Glanbrook) was discussed, to establish an appeals committee in Classis Ontario West. The task of this committee is to help appellants bring their cases to the classis, and to ensure that all relevant materials are available to the assembly. An ad-hoc committee was appointed to finalize the proposal, to report back to the next classis.
The classis received the documents required (per art. 9 CO) for the acceptance of Rev. Steve VanLeeuwen from Calgary CanRC to Kerwood. Classis approved the installation of Rev. VanLeeuwen in Kerwood with gratefulness.
Adam Werkman, who intends to pursue further theological studies, requested an extension of his permission to speak an edifying word for a period of one year. This extension was granted.
The report of the inspection of the classical archives was received. With thankfulness, classis received encouraging reports from the church visitors.
Grace Canadian Reformed Church of Kerwood was appointed to convene the next classis. The date for this assembly was set as September 11. The suggested officers for the next classis are: Rev. A. Vreugdenhil as chair, Rev. P. Holtvlüwer as vice-chair, and Rev. K. Kok as clerk.
After a personal question period, the chairman observed with thankfulness that nothing censurable was said or done in the meeting. The Acts and the Press Release, to this point, were read and approved. Classis is scheduled to be reconvened on June 5. 2024. The meeting was adjourned with singing and thanksgiving.
The classis was reconvened on June 5 and opened in the name of the Lord. Several alternates had taken the place of the primi delegates.
Two brothers, Jacob Baijal and Tony Zheng, who have completed their studies at CRTS presented themselves, with the required paperwork, for preparatory examinations (art. 4.B.1 CO). The sermon proposal of brother Jacob Baijal was evaluated and found to be sufficient. He was then examined in Old and New Testament exegesis, and in Doctrines and Creeds. Classis determined that br. Baijal had sustained his examination. After he promised not to preach or teach anything contrary to the Word of God as confessed in the Three Forms of Unity, Classis granted him a certificate of candidacy for the ministry, lasting for a three-year period.
The sermon proposal of brother Tony Zheng was found insufficient to continue the examination; he did not sustain his preparatory exam at this time.
Rev. Peter Vellenga addressed the classis on behalf of Classis Ontario Southwest of the United Reformed Churches. The chairman led the assembly in prayer for these sister churches.
With thankfulness the classis received the treasurer’s report and the auditor’s report. Rev. VanBeek reported on the work of the Lighthouse collaboration, and specifically the London church, in their growing relationship with a group of Congolese Christian immigrants.
After the personal question period the chairman determined once again that nothing censurable was said or done. The remainder of the Acts and the Press Release were adopted. The chairman closed the meeting in prayer.
For the classis,
Rev. A. Vreugdenhil, vice-chairman eo tempore.