Rev. Tony Roukema, on behalf of the Convening Church Ebenezer Canadian Reformed Church in Burlington, welcomed the classis delegates and called the meeting to order and opened the meeting in a Christian manner. After examination of the credentials, Rev. Tony Roukema reported that all credentials for the delegates are properly sent, and all primary delegates are seated. Rev. Tony Roukema declared Classis Central Ontario constituted. The appointed officers take their place: Rev. Mark Stewart (Fellowship) as chairman, Br. Ivan Tiggelaar, (Elder delegate, Ebenezer Church) as vice-chair, and Rev. Greg Davidson (Blessings) as clerk. The agenda was adopted with a few adjustments.
Memorabilia: The chairman noted the following matters of memorabilia: the promotion to glory of Rev. G. Wieske and the shocking death of Rev Dathan and Katrina Pleiter’s son Asher.
Signing Subscription Form: After it is read aloud by the Chairman, Rev. Kevin Wattel signed the Form of Subscription.
Classis then proceeded to the examination of Rev. Bryn MacPhail with a view to him being declared eligible for call within the Canadian Reformed Churches. The documents required for the examination were reviewed, declared to be in good order, and the examination began.
Rev. Bryn MacPhail delivered his sermon proposal on Genesis 22: 1-14. In closed session, the sermon proposal and the two additional sermons were discussed, and Classis decided that Rev. MacPhail had sustained the sermon portion of the examination. The deputies of Regional Synod East gave concurring advice. In open session, Rev. MacPhail was informed of this decision, and the rest of the examination proceeded, with Rev. Ian Wildeboer examining in Old Testament exegesis, Rev. Tony Roukema examining in New Testament exegesis, Rev. Mark Stewart in Bible knowledge, Rev. Jake Torenvliet in doctrine and creeds, Rev. Hilmer Jagersma in ecclesiology (including both church history and polity), Rev. Darren Feenstra in ethics, Rev. Gerrit Bruintjes in public/pastoral ministry, and Rev. Clarence VanderVelde in personal life (in closed session). In closed session, classis discussed the examination and decided that Rev. MacPhail had sustained the examination. The deputies of Regional Synod East gave concurring advice. In open session, Rev. Bryn MacPhail was informed of the decision, and that he is eligible to be called as a Minister of the Word in the Canadian Reformed Churches. The Chairman asked Rev. MacPhail whether he promised to not preach anything contrary to the Word of God as summarized in the confessions, and Rev. MacPhail answered in the affirmative. Rev. Clarence VanderVelde led in a prayer of thanksgiving, Classis sang, and opportunity was given to congratulate Rev. Bryn MacPhail.
Classis dealt with a proposal from the ad hoc committee appointed by Classis Central Ontario September 12, 2025 to amend the Regulations to handle approval of occasional pulpit supply from ministers in non-sister churches. The proposal was amended and approved.
The chairman asked the questions from article 44 of the Church Order. All the churches indicated that the ministry of the office-bearers is being continued, and the decisions of the broader assemblies are being honored. Four churches made use of the opportunity to ask classis for advice regarding the proper government of the church.
The retirement of Rev. John van Popta as alternate from the Appeals Committee is accepted. Br. John Jager is appointed to this Committee; Leo Kampen remains an alternate.
Classis made the following appointments for the next Classis:
A. The convening church for the next Classis will be Burlington Fellowship and hosted at Burlington – Fellowship.
B. The suggested officers for the next Classis:
a. Chairman: G. Davidson
b. Vice-chairman: Elder delegate from Burlington Fellowship
c. Clerk: T. Roukema
Next Classis Central Ontario is scheduled for December 12, 2025. Alternate date is March 13, 2026.
Question period was made use of.
Christian censure according to Art. 34 C.O.: with thankfulness the chairman observes that censure was unnecessary.
Adoption of Acts and Approval of Press Release: The Acts are read and adopted. The Press Release approved by the moderamen via email.
Rev. Mark Stewart closed the meeting in prayer.
On behalf of Classis Central Ontario:
Ivan Tiggelaar (vice-chairman at that time)