Press Release of Classis Niagara (Grassie) convened on September 17 2025.
On behalf of the convening church of Grassie, Rev. John Louwerse opened the meeting in a Christian manner. In prayer he remembered several items, including the acceptance of the call from the church of Dunnville West by brother Joshua Schouten, the continuing vacancy of the church of Smithville, the recent engagement of Rev. Zachary VanderPloeg, the decline of a call from Elora by Rev. Roelf denHollander, the installation of Rev. Marc Jagt as minister in the Church of Lincoln, the passing away of the mother of Rev. Rodney Vermeulen, and the sabbatical given to Rev. Ruurd Offringa.
Upon the constitution of classis, the following were appointed to serve, as chairman: Rev. Z. VanderPloeg, as vice-chairman: Rev. J. Louwerse, and as clerk: Rev D. Shin.
After the adoption of the agenda, the chairman read the form of subscription, which was signed by Rev. M. Jagt who recently was installed as pastor and teacher of the Vineyard Church in Lincoln.
Classis proceeded to the peremptory examination of brother Joshua Schouten. After ensuring that the proper documentation had been submitted, the brother presented his sermon proposal on Philippians 4:4-7 which Classis, in closed session, judged sufficient to continue with the examination. Then he was examined in the areas of Old Testament, New Testament, Doctrine and Creeds, Church History, Scripture Knowledge, Ethics, Diaconiology, and Church Polity. With thankfulness, Classis judged that Joshua Schouten had sustained his peremptory examination and the deputies of Regional Synod East concurred with this decision. In open session the chairman informed the brother that he had sustained his examination.
Upon review of the pertinent documents, Classis officially approved the call from Dunnville West to brother Schouten. Classis appointed the church of Dunnville East to represent classis at the ordination of brother Schouten on October 5,
2025.
Rev. Jopie vande Linden from the Free Reformed Churches of South Africa was given the opportunity to pass on greetings and words of encouragement.
The chairman asked each of the churches the questions from Article 44 of the Church Order, with each of the churches answering in turn.
The following reports were received with thankfulness: the treasurer’s report, the audit report for the books of the treasurer from the Church of Grassie, and the audit report for the archives from the Church of Dunnville East.
A report of the Deputies for Contact with Neighbouring Classes/Presbyteries was received and discussed. It was sent back to the deputies for further refinement.
Classis appointed the Church of Grimsby as the convening church of the next
Classis to be held on December 17, 2025, with March 11, 2026 as the alternate date. Suggestions for the officers of the next Classis were also made. Classis also made several appointments as per Classis regulations.
The following brothers were appointed as delegates to Regional Synod in Attercliffe, November 19, 2025: Revs. Marc Jagt and Rodney Vermeulen as primary delegates and Revs. John Louwerse and Daniel Shin as alternate delegates. Elders Eric Nordeman and Brian Van Andel as primary delegates and elders Neil Devries and Will Dykema as alternate delegates.
The following brothers were reappointed as deputies for Contact with Neighbouring Classes/Presbyteries: brs. Bill Heemskerk and Ken Jager.
Personal question period was not made use of. The chairman judged with thankfulness that censure according to article 34 was not necessary. The Acts of Classis were read and adopted. The press release was read and approved. The chairman led in in prayer, requested those present to sing, and then closed the meeting.
Rev. J.D. Louwerse
vice-chairman at that time.