On behalf of the convening church Rev. J. Poort welcomed the delegates and called the meeting to order. He read from Ephesians 4:1–6 and requested the singing of Psalm 122:3. In prayer the following matters were mentioned: the vacant churches in our classis; the coming departure of Rev. Jagt; the acceptance of the call of Rev. ten Haaf to Arthur; the completion of the Seminary semester and the ongoing classical examinations and other summer activities; and the completion of General Synod 2025.
The delegates from the church of Guelph Emmanuel examined the credentials and found them to be in good order. Classis was constituted. The officers proposed by the previous classis were appointed: Rev. S. Vandevelde as chairman, Rev. B. Vanderhorst as vice-chairman, and Rev. M. Vanderlinde as clerk. The agenda was adopted.
A letter from the Elora consistory was received for information.
Classis dealt with three appeals in closed session.
Rev. Daniel Holstege of the Wingham PRC, who was invited to this classis as an observer, was given an opportunity to introduce himself to this classis.
A letter was received from the appeals committee indicating that two of the committee members will complete their terms this coming September. Classis directed the clerk to instruct the convening church for the next classis to solicit names from the churches of brothers who are able to serve on this committee.
Reports of church visitations to Arthur, Elora, Fergus Maranatha, Fergus North, Guelph Emmanuel, Guelph Living Word, Orangeville, and Owen Sound were received with thankfulness.
Question period according to Article 44 of the Church Order was held. The churches reported that the ministry of the office-bearers is being continued and the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured. No church asked for advice regarding proper church government.
The church at Fergus North requested an honourable release for Rev. Marc Jagt. Upon presentation of the documentation the honourable release was granted. Opportunity was given to thank Rev. Jagt for his eleven years of service in Fergus North and in Classis Northern Ontario. Rev. Jagt spoke words of appreciation and farewell. Fergus Marantha was appointed to represent Classis Northern Ontario at Rev. Jagt’s farewell service.
The church at Orangeville was appointed to convene the next classis. The suggested date is 17 September 2025 with 17 December 2025 as alternate. Suggested officers are as follows: chairman: Rev. J. Ludwig; vice-chairman: Rev. M. Vanderlinde; clerk: Rev. S. Vandevelde.
Arthur and Fergus North requested the appointment of a counsellor according to Church Order article 45. Rev. S. Vandevelde was appointed as counsellor for Arthur. Rev. J. Poort was appointed as counsellor for Fergus North.
To fill the vacancies left by Rev. Jagt, Rev. J. Poort was appointed as the classical exam coordinator and Rev. M. Vanderlinde was appointed as the examiner of Church Polity.
Personal question period was held. Censure according to article 34 was not deemed necessary. The Acts were adopted and the Press Release was approved.
The chairman requested the singing of Psalm 122:2 and then led in prayer. Classis was then declared closed.
Rev. Bryan Vanderhorst
Vice-chairman at that time