Press Release of Classis Niagara September 16, 2026
On behalf of the convening church, Niagara South, Rev Offringa opened the meeting in a
Christian manner. In prayer he remembered the vacancies at Smithville and Smithville
Hope, the calls by these churches that were declined, the emeritus ministers and the work
they continue to do, Rev Kampen’s trip to South Africa, Rev Shin’s trip to South Korea as a
delegate to the General Assembly of the Kosin Presbyterian Church, Br Todd Linde’s
upcoming ordination, the renovations at Grimsby and thankfulness that Lincoln is willing
to share their building during this time.
Upon the constitution of Classis, Rev Marc Jagt was appointed as chairman, Rev Ruurd
Offringa as vice-chairman, and Rev Rolf den Hollander as clerk.
The agenda was adopted, and the chairman asked each of the churches the Article 44
questions. All churches affirmed that the ministry of the office-bearers is being continued
and that the decision of the major assemblies were being honoured. No church asked for
advice.
A proposal from Attercliffe to amend the Classis regulations to add Smithville (Hope) as
well as to stipulate time limits for permission to speak an edifying word after licensure and
candidacy exams was adopted.
The Classis finances have been inspected and found to be in good order. It was noted that
the financial review should not be called an audit, but an inspection. The Classis archives
have also been inspected and found to be in good order.
Following the Report of Deputies for Contact with Neighbouring Classes, travel expenses
to visit neighbouring classes was approved. It was noted that multiple Classes across the
federation receive the same invitations. The Deputies were tasked with initiating
discussions amongst the other Classical Deputies for Contact with Neighbouring
Classes/Presbyteries about how best to respond to these invitations.
Classis appointed the church of Smithville to convene the next Classis, to be held on 16
December 2026, with 10 March 2026 as alternative date, and suggested officers for that
classis. Various appointments were made, including appointments to Regional Synod East.
After question period, the acts were adopted, the press release approved, and Rev Jagt led
closing devotions and closed classis.
Rev R Offringa
Vice-chair at the time