On behalf of the convening church of Lincoln, Rev. Marc Jagt welcomed the delegates and opened the meeting in a Christian manner. He remembered several matters in prayer, including the decline of the call extended by Smithville to Dr. Jeff Temple, the call extended by Cornerstone to Rev. Rolf den Hollander as well as the passing into glory of his father, Rev. Willem den Hollander, upon which Cornerstone relieved him of the call, the calls extended to Candidate Todd Linde by Winnipeg-Grace and the Brockville URC, the institution of Smithville Hope, and the hospitalization of Dr. Cornelis Van Dam, who suffered a heart attack the day prior.
When the credentials were examined and found to be in good order, a special welcome was extended to the delegates from Smithville Hope, who were attending for the first time since the institution of the church. Revs. Bouwman, Wynia, and Kampen were seated as advisors.
Upon the constitution of classis, the following officers were appointed: as chairman, Rev. Rolf den Hollander; as vice-chairman, Rev. Zach Vanderploeg, and as clerk, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen. The chairman thanked the convening church of Lincoln for their hospitality to be shown over the duration of the meeting on account of their efforts to accommodate two examinations.
Classis proceeded to the licensure examination of Br. Tyler Witthoeft (as per CO Art. 21). After the necessary documentation was found to be in order, Br. Witthoeft presented a sermon proposal from Matthew 6:25-34 and was subsequently examined in Doctrine and Creeds (sacraments). With thankfulness, Classis judged that Br. Witthoeft had sustained his examination. After he promised not to preach and teach anything contrary to God’s Word as summarized in our confessions, he was granted permission to speak an edifying word in the churches.
The chairman asked each of the churches the questions found in Article 44 of the Church Order. All the churches confirmed that the ministry of the office-bearers is being continued and that the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured. Two churches requested the advice of Classis for the proper government of their church.
Smithville Hope requested pulpit supply and a counsellor. Classis granted pulpit supply once per month and appointed Rev. Bouwman as counselor. One church requested the advice of classis on a case of discipline. In closed session, Classis provided such advice.
Still in closed session, church visit reports to the churches of Attercliffe, Dunnville East, Dunnville West, Grassie, Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara South, Smithville and Spring Creek were received with thankfulness.
After personal question period was used, the chairman gave thanks that censure according to CO Article 34 was not necessary. The Acts of the first session of Classis were read and adopted. The chairman requested those present to sing, led in in prayer, and adjourned Classis Niagara May 20, 2026 until 9:00am on June 17, 2026.
June 17, 2026
On behalf of the convening church of Lincoln, Rev. Jagt welcomed those present and opened the meeting in a Christian manner.
When the credentials were examined and found to be in good order, the officers resumed their places.
A letter was received from Candidate Todd Linde seeking an extension for his permission to speak an edifying word in the churches. Classis granted this request.
Classis proceeded to the preparatory examination of Br. Noah Holtvluwer (as per CO Art. 4.B.1). After the necessary documentation was found to be in order, Br. Holtvluwer presented a sermon proposal from Isaiah 12:1-6, which Classis, in closed session, deemed sufficient. He was then examined in Old Testament exegesis (Jonah 1:1-16), New Testament exegesis (2 Peter 3), and Doctrine and Creeds (Trinity; Death of Christ – Atonement). With thankfulness, Classis judged that Br. Holtvluwer had sustained his examination. After he promised not to preach and teach anything contrary to God’s Word as summarized in our confessions, he was declared eligible for call within the churches for a period of three years.
Rev. Bryce DeZwarte, a fraternal delegate from Classis Ontario East of the URCNA, spoke a word of encouragement and gave a report of the work done at their recent synod. In response, the chairman spoke some personal words of thanksgiving and encouragement.
The church of Niagara South was appointed as the convening church for the next classis on September 16, 2026, with December 16, 2026, as an alternate date. The suggested officers for the next classis are Rev. Marc Jagt as chairman, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen as vice-chairman, and Rev. Rolf den Hollander as clerk.
After personal question period was used, the chairman gave thanks that censure according to CO Article 34 was not necessary. The Acts of the second session of Classis were read and adopted. The press release was read and approved. The chairman led in thanksgiving prayer and then closed the meeting.
Rev. Zach Vanderploeg,
vice-chairman at that time