On behalf of the convening church, Edmonton Immanuel, Rev. J. VanSpronsen welcomes the delegates, reads Luke 18:35-43 and Galatians 3:1-10, and leads in singing Psalm 16:1,4,5. In prayer, he remembers the following: the vacancies in Calgary; the ministers emeritus of the Classis, Revs. R. Aasman, J. Kalkman, J. Huijgen, W. Slomp, & B. Tiggelaar; the calls made by Coaldale to Candidate Q. Vandermuelen, by Calgary to Rev. J. vanSpronsen, along with his subsequent decline, and presently by Edmonton-Providence to Rev. J. Torenvliet; the tensions in Neerlandia; the work on a new building in Devon; the ongoing work of the Seminary; and the outreach of Mission Edmonton.
The credentials are examined and found to be in order. All primary delegates are present. Rev. VanSpronsen declares classis constituted, and the proposed executive take their places: Rev. J. Peters, chairman; Rev. K. Wieske, vice-chair; Rev. C. Swaving, clerk.
The provisional agenda is adopted, with the addition of a request from the churches at Calgary and Coaldale for pulpit supply. Classis decides that the peremptory examination of candidate Quentin Vandermeulen will be live streamed.
Classis proceeds to the peremptory examination. The required documents are found to be in order, with the exception of a copy of the letter of call and the letter of acceptance. Coaldale undertakes to send these documents digitally.
Candidate Vandermeulen presents his sermon proposal on Luke 19:1-10. Classis enters into closed session to discuss the sermon proposal. The deputies of Regional Synod West, Rev. J. Poppe and Rev. B. Wielenga, who arrived just before the sermon presentation, are welcomed and seated at the table.
Classis decides that the sermon proposal is sufficient, and that the examination can proceed. The deputies of Regional Synod give concurring advice.
Candidate Vandermeulen is examined in OT exegesis, NT exegesis, Knowledge of Scripture. During the first part of these exams, some elementary students from Parkland Immanuel School are welcomed and stay to observe for a time. The chairman reads Psalm 141 and leads in prayer, asking the Lord for a blessing on the food. Classis breaks for lunch.
After a delicious lunch, the examination continues in the areas of Doctrine and Creeds, Church History, Ethics, Church Polity, and Diaconiology. Classis is informed that the digital documents necessary for approving the call have been received from Coaldale.
Classis enters into closed session, and judges the examination to be sufficient. The delegates of Regional Synod West give concurring advice. Classis approbates the call, declaring that the way is open for brother Vandermeulen to be ordained to the ministry as pastor of Coaldale Canadian Reformed Church. In open session, the chairman, with appropriate remarks, informs brother Vandermeulen of the joyful news.
Rev. K. Wieske reads from 2 Corinthians 4:5-7 and leads the assembly in thanksgiving prayer followed by the singing of Psalm 134:3 . Opportunity is given to congratulate brother Vandermeulen. Classis expresses gratitude to the deputies for Regional Synod, for their attendance, participation, and concurring advice. They are dismissed from their duty at Classis.
Edmonton Immanuel church reports that the Classis archives have been inspected and are complete, with the exception of one Taber church visitation report. This lacuna has since been remedied.
The church visitors report on a church visitation to the church at Devon. The chairman leads the assembly in thanksgiving prayer, asking for the Lord's continued blessing upon this church.
Classis receives a report from the archivist. Classis decides that going forward, a copy of all the documents of each classis shall be stored digitally, on a hard drive in a fireproof safe, one in the Edmonton Providence church building, and another in the home of the archivist. Classis mandates the archivist to digitize the existing files in the archives.
Classical pulpit supply is granted to the Church at Calgary. The request of the church at Coaldale for pulpit supply is denied, and Coaldale is given advice on other ways to find pulpit supply during the period during which their new minister is beginning his ministry.
Question period as per Article 44, CO is held. The delegates of each church declare that ministry of the office-bearers is being continued, that the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured, and that there is not any matter in which the consistories need the judgment and help of classis for the proper government of their church.
Edmonton Providence is appointed as convening church for the next Classis on June 11, D.V. The alternate date is September 10. Suggested executive officers: Rev. G. Veurink, chair; Rev. J. Peters, vice-chair; Rev. K. Wieske, clerk.
The church at Calgary is appointed to speak on behalf of classis at brother Vandermeulen's ordination, to take place, the Lord willing, on March 29, 2026.
Personal Question Period is held. With thankfulness, the chairman deems censure according to Article 34, CO to be unnecessary.
The Acts of Classis are read, approved and adopted.
Classis decides that the Press Release will be approved by the executive.
Rev. G. Veurink leads in closing devotions.
On behalf of Classis Alberta (Edmonton Immanuel March 12, 2026),
Rev. K. Wieske, vice chair at that time