The convening church, Cloverdale opened the assembly in christian manner. Willoughby heights reported that all the churches were properly represented as their credentials.
The following officers of classis appointed: K. Janssen as chair. H. Lee as vice chair. A.Plug as
clerk.
Classis was declared constituted.
The chairman warmly welcomed all the delegates and acknowledged the presence of a fraternal
delegate, Rev. A. De Boer, from ARPC in the United States.
Rev. J. Van der Linden from the FRCSA was also welcomed.
As part of the memorabilia, the chairman reflected on the passing of Rev. Moesker and Rev. Bosch. He also gave thanks for the ongoing work of the seminary in Hamilton, expressing
gratitude for the Lord’s blessing on the professors’ health, the seminary’s continued labors, and
the students preparing for ministry.
Candidate Gaillard accepted call to Cloverdale.
According to the Classis regulation, the examination takes priority. The documentation was
found in order.
The meeting therefore proceeded with a sermon examination. Candidate Reese Gaillard
presented his sermon on Psalm 67.
After meeting in closed session, Classis decided to continue the exam.
After giving short testimony on his motivation for seeking ministry, the candidate was examined
by the assigned ministers in the areas of Old Testament, New Testament, Knowledge of
Scripture, Doctrine and Creeds, Church History, Church Polity, Ethics, and Pastoral Theology. The
order of subjects was adjusted so that the examination on Knowledge of Scripture took place
first, as a group of Grade 12 students had been invited to observe this portion. (The students
were excused following the completion of the Old Testament examination.)
Classis judged that Candidate Gaillard had sufficiently sustained the examination, and the
deputies of the Regional Synod concurred with this decision.
We gave thanks to God and sang from Hy 47:4.
The chair asked Candidate Gaillard whether he promised to not preach or teach anything
contrary to the Holy Scriptures as summarized in the Three Forms of Unity. Candidate Gaillard
answered in the affirmative.
The remainder of the agenda was adopted.
The chairman exercised Church Order Article 44. Two churches requested advice, and advice was given.
The next Classis is scheduled for December 11.
Rev. DeBoer from ARPC extended fraternal greetings on behalf of the ARPC. He also shared some mint news in ARPC and also brought some updates regarding the ARPC’s relationships with other denominations in North America and abroad.
The report of the Committee for Financial Aid to Needy Churches was received with gratitude; no
church is requesting aid.
The church visitors submitted reports on their visits. Some questions were asked with regards to
some reports. The chairman gave thanks to church visitors.
The following brothers were appointed, or reappointed, to the Committee for Appeals:
- Primary: Rev. K.Janssen (convenor); J.Kuik; J Viersen
- Alternates: Rev. H.Alkema; C van de Kamp; K Wubs
The following delegates were appointed to Regional Synod West:
- Ministers
- Primary: Rev. D. Vandeburgt; Rev R. Vanderhorst
- Alternate: Rev H. Alkema (primary), Rev. K.Janssen.
- Elders:
- Primary: G. Gunnink; H. Moes
- Alternate: K. Dykstra (primary), R. Gelderman
The executive will adopt the act.
The chairman closed with Prayer and singing of Hymn 8.
The vice chair: Han Lee