On behalf of the convening church of Refuge, Rev. R. Visscher opened the meeting in a Christian manner. Colossians 1:15:23 was read, after which the assembly sang Hymn 52:1, 2. Rev. R. Visscher led in prayer. The following memorabilia were noted: Hongdi Chen accepting the call to the Chinese Reformed Church, Rev. James Visscher (emeritus minister of Langley) and his continued work, as well as Rev. Reese Gaillard and his wife recently receiving their second child from the Lord. With thankfulness, Classis noted Pastor Babar Masih’s continued recovery following a successful surgery as well as Rev.Doug Vandeburgt’s adjustment to resuming work within the work in the Langley congregation following his stroke earlier in the year. The work of the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary was also remembered at the start of a new academic year. Finally, Rev.Visscher noted that Tony Zheng, who came from our classis, sustained his peremptory examination to serve in London, Ontario.
The delegates of the convening church of the previous classis (Langley) examined the credentials and reported that all churches were properly represented at classis. A number of instructions were received from the churches, including potential Regional Synod delegates.
The chairman warmly welcomed all the delegates and guests, and emeritus minister Rev. J. Visscher was seated as an advisor (C.O. Article 44).
As per the suggestion of the previous classis, Rev. H. Alkema was appointed chairman, Rev. T. Bredenhof as vice-chairman, and Rev. K. Janssen as clerk.
Classis was declared constituted.
The agenda for the meeting was adopted.
A letter was received from the Committee on Ecumenical Relations requesting Classis to inform CER of contacts with churches for which CER also has a mandate. Classis instructed Rev.Plug (deputy for coordinating ecclesiastical contacts) to send a response updating the CER on contacts with the OPC, RPC-C, URCNA, and the RCN.
Cloverdale requested Classis to have examiners submit assignments early enough to provide Candidate Hongdi Chen sufficient preparation time since English is his third language. After discussion, Classis instructed the exam coordinators to ensure assignments be given six weeks ahead of the examination to take into consideration the language barrier.
Church visitation reports were distributed and read, and opportunity was given for questions. The reports were received with thankfulness.
Willoughby Heights requested advice from Classis regarding a pastoral matter. Classis went into closed session to discuss the matter and advice was given to delegates from Willoughby Heights.
The report of the Committee for Financial Aid to Needy Churches was received with gratitude; no church is requesting aid.
In accordance with C.O. 44, the chairman asked whether the ministry of the office–bearers is being continued, whether the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured, and whether there was any matter in which the consistories need the judgment and help of classis for the proper government of their church. All churches responded with “yes, yes, no”.
The following appointments were made by classis:
Convening of next classis: by Smithers, on December 3, 2026 (if cancelled: April 1, 2027) at 9:00am.
Suggested officers for the next classis: Chair: provided by Surrey-Maranatha, Vice-chair: provided by Willoughby Heights, Clerk: provided by Cloverdale.
Committee for Examinations: Coordinators: Rev. H. Alkema and Rev. K. Janssen.
Church visitors: Convenor: Rev. K. Janssen
Archiving Church: Smithers.
Inspection of Archives: Houston.
Treasurer: Br. J. Kuik of Cloverdale (jkuik@shaw.ca).
Review of Classis Finances: Cloverdale.
Committee for Financial Aid to Needy Churches: convenor: Br. H. Leyenhorst, Br. J. Lengkeek, Br. G. Vanderwoerd
Deputy for preaching arrangements for vacant churches: Rev. R. Visscher.
Deputy for Coordinating Ecclesiastical Contacts: Rev. A. Plug.
Counsellors: There are currently no vacant churches in CPW
Classis appointed the following delegates to Regional Synod West 2026:
Ministers: Rev. H. Alkema (Smithers); Rev. A. Plug (Langley); First alternate, Rev. K. Janssen (Willoughby); Second Alternate, Rev. R. Vanderhorst (Smithers);
Elders: Br. P. Bandstra (Smithers); Br. G. van der Woerd (Houston); First alternate, Br. R. Jacobi (Willoughby Heights); Second Alternate, Br. C. Schouten (Langley).
Opportunity was given for personal questions but was not used. Censure as per C.O. Article 34 was not deemed necessary.
The acts were adopted. The press release of classis was read and approved. The chairman closed classis in a Christian manner, remembering the needs of the churches within classis, of the federation, and the needs of the world in his prayer. Following prayer, the assembly sang Hymn 8 and classis was declared closed.
Rev. Taylor Bredenhof
Vice-chair of CPW September 23, 2026.