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.

 

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

The churches at Calgary and Providence remain vacant; The retired ministers, Revs. Aasman, Huijgen, Kalkman, Slomp, Tiggelaar, in their different circumstances; and the Neerlandia church and her members.

The credentials were examined by the convening church and found to be in good order, and Classis was declared constituted.

The following executive officers were appointed and took their place: Rev. G. Veurink as Chairman, Rev. J. Peters as Vice-Chairman, and Rev. K. Wieske as Clerk.

Classis Alberta has welcomed one minister since the last meeting: Rev. Q. Vandermeulen. The Form of Subscription was read aloud, and Rev. Vandermeulen subscribed to it.

In accordance with Article 44 of the Church Order, the Chairman asked the churches whether the ministry of office-bearers is being continued, whether the decisions of major assemblies are being honoured, and whether there is any matter in which the consistories need the judgment and help of Classis for the proper government of their church.

8 churches answered, "Yes, yes and no." 4 churches indicated they would be appealing a decision of GS 2025.

Concurring advice was given to one church in a matter of discipline. A church was given the opportunity to explain their answer to the above questions, and the churches had an opportunity to interact with the explanation.

Edmonton Providence, Calgary, and Neerlandia (conditionally) requested pulpit supply. Rev. Veurink will update the pulpit supply schedule.

Classis has appointed Calgary to inform the Committee on Ecumenical Relations of the contact that the churches in Classis Alberta have with other Reformed churches.

In closed restricted session, Classis discussed Neerlandia Council's request for approbation of their decision to dismiss Rev. Emadjeu according to Article 11 of the Church Order. Classis decided to approbate Neerlandia Council's decision to dismiss Rev. F. Emadjeu. The deputies of Regional Synod gave concurring advice. The Chair addressed Rev. Emadjeu and the body, and led in prayer.

The convening church for next Classis is Hope Canadian Reformed Church at Neerlandia, and the date is set for September 17, 2026, with an alternate date of December 10, 2026.

The suggested officers for the next Classis are Rev. C. Kos as Chairman, Rev. G. Veurink as Vice-Chairman, and Rev. J. Peters as Clerk.

Personal question period was not made use of. Brother censure was exercised (Art. 34, CO). The Acts of Classis and Press Release were adopted.

Rev. G. Veurink requested the singing of Hymn 63:6,7,8 and Rev. K. Wieske closed in prayer.

For Classis Alberta, Rev. J. Peters, Vice-Chairman at the time

Since Rev. Faustin Emadjeu and the council/consistory of the Canadian Reformed Church at Neerlandia, AB, have both been responsible for the strife and contention in this congregation, Rev. Emadjeu has been granted honourable release and is therefore available for call. For preaching availability and other inquiries, you are invited to contact him at femadjeu@protonmail.com or text him at 343 997 7211.

The credentials of all the delegates were found to be in good order; all the churches were properly represented by their primary delegates. Classis was constituted. The following officers, as suggested by the last classis were appointed to serve the meeting: Rev. Clarence Vandervelde as chairman, Br. Job Schenkel as vice-chairman and Rev. Ian Wildeboer as clerk.

The agenda was adopted. In memorabilia the following items were noted:

-The interns Nathan Korten (Mercy Church) and Zac Bonera (Fellowship) 

-The health of Dr. Cornelius Vandam after his heart attack, surgery and recuperation

-The health of Rev. John VanPopta

-The purchase of Mercy Church’s building and manse

-The call from Edmonton Providence and subsequent decline of that call by Rev. Jake Torenvliet 

-The passage of Bill C-9 passed the Senate was noted with concern due to its potential implications for our churches and Christian organizations in the years ahead.

The Form for Subscription was read aloud by the chairman and then signed by Rev. Bryn McPhail.

The classis moved into closed session for the reporting, discussion and prayer of each of the following church visits: Bethel Canadian Reformed Church, Blessings Christian Church, Fellowship Canadian Reformed Church, Jubilee Canadian Reformed Church, Mercy and Redemption Canadian Reformed Church and Unity Canadian Reformed Church. These reports were received with thankfulness.

The classis continued in open session. 

All churches affirmed that the ministry of the office-bearers is being continued and that the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured per Article 44 CO. Additionally, no churches had any matters which required the help of classis.

A letter was received from Bethel-Toronto seeking concurring advice regarding preaching access according to CO Art. 50. Classis gave concurring advice. 

A letter was received from the Committee on Ecumenical Relations regarding ecumenical relations within this classis. A response with information will be sent.   

Hamilton Blessings/Streetlight will convene the September 2026 classis. The following officers are suggested: Rev. Ian Wildeboer as chairman, the elder delegate from Blessings/Streetlight as vice-chairman and Rev. Gerrit Bruintjes as clerk. 

Next Classis is recommended to convene on September 18, 2026. Alternate date is Dec. 11, 2026.

An opportunity was given for questions.

Censure according to Art 34 CO was deemed not necessary. 

The Acts of Classis were adopted. The Press release was read and approved. The chairman invited the delegates to sing Hy 52:1,2 after which he led in prayer and adjourned the meeting.

For Classis, Job Schenkel