Minutes of Classis East Spring 2022 Meeting (Summary)

The prayer service was held in Norwich, Ontario, on June 14. Rev. E. Hakvoort used Numbers 24:5-7 as the text for this service with the focus on verse 5: “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!” He spoke about the Church as fruit of the work of God’s Spirit. The points for the sermon included: 1) The origin of the Church; 2) The life of the Church; 3) The growth of the Church; 4) The King of the Church. May the Lord bless His precious Word in our sad days.

Article 1 – Opening

On behalf of the calling church of NRC Norwich, Rev. E. Hakvoort opened the meeting by welcoming the delegates and visitors. He then requested the singing of Psalter 415:7&10, followed with the reading of Scripture from Hosea 2:10-23. A number of noteworthy anniversaries and events were also remembered. After offering prayer, Rev Hakvoort spoke some applicable words pertaining to verse 14, “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.” It was the hearty wish of Rev. Hakvoort that we may have a good and profitable meeting together.

Article 2 – Credentials

The credentials of the delegates were submitted and approved. The consistories of NRC Brant County and NRC St. Catharines declined to send delegates.

Article 3 – Moderamen

The following officers were approved to serve at the meeting:

Chairman – Rev. E. Hakvoort (by rotation)

Vice Chairman – Rev. C. Vogelaar (by rotation)

Clerk – Elder. J. Van Brugge (by vote)

Treasurer – Deacon C. Van Ravenwaay (Norwich consistory)

Article 4 – Minutes

The minutes of the Classis meetings of April 10, 2019, and July 31, 2019, were approved and signed.

Article 5 – Correspondence

The following correspondence was received:

1) Letter from NRC Grand Rapids–Beckwith requesting Classis to meet as Synod is planning to meet in January 2023.

2) Letter from Elder Walter Verhey stating that he does not wish to continue as permanent clerk of the Classis. Therefore, in future meetings, voting for clerk will be needed each time. A letter of appreciation will be sent to Elder Verhey for doing this for the past nineteen years.

3) In the absence of visitors, the letter from NRC Brant County was read stating that they will not be sending delegates to the Classis as they fear there will be repercussions in the denomination due to the Classis meeting being held by zoom.

4) In the absence of visitors, a letter from NRC St. Catharines was read regarding the planned Classis meeting. The reply sent by the calling church clarifying a number of comments was also read. St. Catharines also did not wish to attend the meeting.

The Classis was disappointed with their decisions.

Article 6 – Reports

Church Visitation – A schedule to conduct church visitation was proposed and agreed upon.

Classis Youth Conference – Elder R. Fallowfield provided a short verbal report on behalf of this committee. Elder R. Fallowfield and Elder J. Van Vliet desire to step down from the committee. It was approved that Elder G. Ten Hove and Elder S. Van Brugge will continue this work along with Deacon Corné Vogelaar.

Article 7 – Points for Discussion / Instruction Included:

Advice was given regarding an appeal case.

• It was agreed to forward to Synod a request to update the booklet “Most Important Decrees made by NRC.”

• A request to commence a denominational website will not be forwarded to Synod as each consistory has the authority to make its own digital library for its own members to use. •

• It was agreed to request Synod to consider amending the geographical lines of the Classes, allowing Canada to have its own Classis to avoid the border concerns.

• NRC Norwich was approved to institute the branch which has been meeting in Courtland. There are approximately four hundred members living in that area who have been faithfully attending there.

• The Classis agreed to request Synod to give consideration to adding biblical references to the article of the late Rev. A. Vergunst, “The Distinctive Theological Identity of the Netherlands Reformed Congregations.”

Article 8 – Election of delegates to the Synod

The delegates and alternates to the Synod were chosen. Classis approved requesting an earlier date for the Synod from the calling church to avoid possible winter weather.

Article 9 – Moderatorships

There is no change to those agreed upon in the April 10, 2019, and July 31, 2019, meetings.

Article 10 – Customary questions

There were no customary questions by the delegates.

Article 11 – Appointment of calling church and location

St. Catharines is requested to be the calling church and location for the next Classis meeting.

Article 12 – Closing

Chairman Rev. E. Hakvoort requested the Vice Chairman to close the meeting. Rev. C. Vogelaar extended his appreciation for the good meeting that was held and the help given to the chairman. Church life needs to go on, and it is good that we could have this meeting in a peaceful manner today. He encouraged the congregations to stay by the old truth, but he also urged the congregations and office bearers to stand together in unity in these serious times. In these times it is important that we lay our needs before the Lord in prayer, and may the Spirit of Pentecost be experienced by many in our congregations. Rev. C. Vogelaar asked the Classis to sing Psalter 194:5&6. He then closed the meeting with prayer.

Rev E. Hakvoort, Chairman

Elder J. Van Brugge, Clerk

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