On behalf of the convening church Chatham Canadian Reformed Church, Rev. Arjen Vreugdenhil opened the meeting of the delegates with reading Ephesians 4: 1-13 and speaking some appropriate words of meditation. After the singing of Psalm 127:1 & 4, Rev. Vreugdenhil led in prayer remembering the following matters: the continuing vacancy of Cornerstone Canadian Reformed Church, the call received and declined by Rev. Jeff Temple, that Rev. Struik was able to begin his work at Living Hope Canadian Reformed Church of Caledonia and the students presenting themselves for examination.
Classis was then declared constituted with Rev. Tim Van Beek as chairman, Rev. Steve Van Leeuwen as vice-chairman, and Rev. John Van Woudenberg as clerk. After adopting the agenda, the fraternal delegate from the ARP in Windsor, Rev. Jordan Van Amerongen, was seated at the table. Rev. Fred Struik, then, signed the form of subscription.
Classis examined br. Jeffry Uriate and br. David Koeze, both second-year students at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary seeking permission to speak an edifying word in the churches. After judging their sermons to be sufficient, they were examined in doctrine and creeds. Both students sustained their respective exams. After promising not to preach or teach anything contrary to God’s Word as summarized in the Three Forms of Unity, with thankfulness, they were granted permission to speak an edifying word in the churches upon successful completion of their second year of studies at the seminary. This is valid for three years.
Rev. Jordan Van Amerongen extended fraternal greetings to those assembled expressing appreciation for the recent pulpit exchanges and mutual support.
The chairman asked each church the required questions of C.O. 44. Chatham and London Canadian Reformed Churches asked for the advice of Classis.
Chatham Canadian Reformed Church requested concurring advice about a proposal to allow local pulpit exchanges with the Living Hope FRC of Chatham according to the federation’s rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship. Concurring advice was given.
London Canadian Reformed Church requested advice on calling a missionary to do mission work in the city of London. Informal advice was offered by the delegates.
An ADHOC Committee Report was received regarding the finances of Grand Rapids. In order to allow time for further reflection, the committee was asked to resubmit this report to the next meeting of Classis.
The next classis will be convened by Trinity Glanbrook Canadian Reformed Church on May 20 and June 3, 2026 with the suggested officers being Rev. Steve Van Leeuwen serving as chairman, Rev. John Van Woudenberg as vice chairman, and Rev. Arjan Vreugdenhil as clerk.
Opportunity was given for censure and thankfully was not needed. The chairman encouraged the delegates with the reading of 1 Timothy 6:11-16.
The Acts were adopted and Press Release approved. The chairman closed the meeting with prayer after which the delegates sang from Psalm 84: 5, 6.
Submitted by
Rev. Steve Van Leeuwen
Vice Chairman at the time.