On behalf of the convening church, Caledonia - Living Hope Canadian Reformed Church, Br. James Koning welcomed the delegates and opened the meeting by reading from 1 Corinthians 16:13-18. He remembered the following matters in prayer: the start of a new academic year at CRTS, the vacancy at Cornerstone, acceptance of the call extended to Br. Fred Struik by Living Hope, and the recent passing of Rev. Chris Bosch and Rev. Jack Moesker.
The credentials were examined and found to be in good order. Classis was declared constituted. The following brothers took their places as executive: as chairman, Rev. Jeff Temple; as vice-chairman, Rev. Timothy vanBeek; and as clerk, Rev. Steve VanLeeuwen.
The agenda was adopted with minor revisions.
Fraternal delegates were recognized and invited to join Classis Ontario West. Following, Classis sang Hymn 52:1,2.
Br. Damon Bosveld presented himself, with the required paperwork, for a preparatory examination. His sermon proposal was discussed and deemed sufficient. He was examined in Old Testament exegesis, New Testament exegesis and 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, Classis deemed him eligible for call for a period of 3 years from the date of Classis.
Fraternal delegates were invited to bring greetings. Classis was heartily encouraged by Br. John Otten, who brought greetings from the Tillsonburg Heritage Reformed Church, and Rev. Kline, who brought greetings from Classis Michigan of the URCNA. Classis also received and read a letter of greeting from Classis Southwestern Ontario of the URCNA.
Question Period ad. Art. 44 CO was held. All the churches indicated that they are continuing the ministry of the office-bearers, as well as honoring the decisions of the broader assemblies.
A proposal from Caledonia-Living Hope regarding the date for the examination of Br. Fred Struik was discussed. It was agreed that Classis Ontario West (September 17th) be reconvened on October 29th to complete the agenda with the peremptory exam of Br. Struik.
A notice of convocation from Regional Synod East was received for information.
The Treasurer’s proposal for the 2026 assessment to cover classical expenses was received and adopted.
The proposed 2026 assessment for the Fund for Needy Churches was received and adopted.
The Audit Report of the financial records of the Fund for Needy Churches was received with thankfulness. Classis discharged the administrating church (Ancaster) for the period covered by the report.
A report from the Inter-Church Relations Committee was received. A letter from Ancaster interacting with the proposals in this report was received and discussed.
The church of Chatham was appointed as the convening church for the next classis on December 10, 2025, with March 4, 2026, as an alternate date. Suggested officers for the next classis are Rev. Timothy VanBeek (chair), Rev. Steven VanLeeuwen (vice-chair), and John VanWoudenberg (clerk).
Delegates for Regional Synod were appointed as follows: Rev. Holtvluwer and Rev. John VanWoudenburg with Rev. Timothy VanBeek and Rev. Jeff Temple as alternates; Bill Doktor and Ron van Andel with Joel van Popta and Ted Schouten as alternates.
Personal question period was held.
With thankfulness, the chairman concluded that the meeting had been conducted in a spirit of harmony and that there was no need for Christian censure (Article 34 CO).
After question period, the acts were read and adopted. The press release was approved. Classis sang Hymn 67:1,2. The chairman led in thanksgiving prayer and Classis Ontario West September 17th was adjourned until October 29th, 2025.
Classis Ontario West (Caledonia) was reconvened on October 29th, 2025.
On behalf of Classis, Rev. Dr. Jeff Temple welcomed the delegates and the guests and opened the meeting by reading Psalm 133. In prayer, he remembered the present examination of Br. Fred Struik and the funeral service of Rev. Wiske. Following, Classis sang from Psalm 133.
The credentials were examined and found to be in good order. Rev. John VanWoudenberg was invited to participate as an advisor.
The following brothers resumed their places as executive: as chairman, Rev. Jeff Temple; as vice-chairman, Rev. Timothy vanBeek; and as clerk, Rev. Steve VanLeeuwen.
The agenda of Classis resumed with the examination of br. Fred Struik.
Br. Fred Struik presented himself, with the required paperwork, for a preemptory examination. His sermon proposal was discussed and deemed sufficient. He was examined in Old Testament exegesis (Judges 11 and Psalm 29), New Testament exegesis (Luke 5:1-26 and Hebrews 11:1-22), Doctrine and Creeds on the Doctrine of Man and Sin, Church History on the Magisterial Reformation, General Scripture Knowledge, Diaconiology, Ethics and the Church Order.
After Br. Fred Struik was informed that he had sustaining the exam, Rev. John Vanwoudenberg concluded the examination with a prayer of thanksgiving, seeking the Lord’s blessing for the ministry of the gospel in Living-Hope Canadian Reformed Church.
Classis proceeded to review the letter of call and appendices. Everything was found to be in good order and the call from Caledonia Living-Hope to Br. Fred Struik was approbated. Ordination will take place, the Lord willing, on November 16, 2025, at Bellstone Christian School at 9:30 am.
Personal question period was held.
With thankfulness, the chairman concluded that the meeting had been conducted in a spirit of harmony and that there was no need for Christian censure (Article 34 CO).
After question period, the acts were read and adopted. The press release was approved. Classis sang Hymn 81:1,2,7. The chairman led in thanksgiving prayer and Classis Ontario West September 17th was concluded.
For Classis Ontario West,
Rev. Timothy vanBeek (vice-chairman at that time)