Dedication of Rosthern— Branch of Picture Butte NRC

In the spring of 2022, several families approached the consistory of Picture Butte with the request that they would receive support from the consistory if they would settle in the Rosthern Saskatchewan, Canada area (over seven hours northeast of Picture Butte and Lethbridge). This was granted, and several families moved to this area. Providentially, an Anglican church was found for rent which had recently been vacated due to lack of attendees. On July 14, 2023, a special service was held to dedicate this church building and to establish Rosthern as a branch.

Rev. E.C. Adams asked the members of the full church to stand and sing Psalter 334:1,2&4 while the pulpit Bible was opened. Psalm 5 was read followed by Article 29 of the Confession of Faith. Rev E.C. Adams offered prayer asking the Lord for a blessing upon this service and the future of this branch. After singing Psalter 368:1-4 Rev. Adams addressed the consistory of Picture Butte, the mayor of the Town of Rosthern, the families settled in the area hitherto, friends, and a former member of the Anglican congregation, giving a short overview of the events leading up to this occasion.

He addressed the attendees with the history of some of the Pilgrim Fathers who left England and moved to the Netherlands because they were being persecuted for the truth’s sake, led by Rev. John Robinson. They were not happy in the Netherlands, mainly because of the difficulties adapting to the Dutch culture, and on August 5, 1620, they left on the Mayflower for America. Because of commitments made, Rev. Robinson could not go with them but wrote a letter that was to be read once they were on their way. In this letter he emphasized five points: First, he admonished them to daily renew their repentance with God, particularly, for sins known, and generally, for unknown sins—secondly, to lead a godly life—thirdly, not to give offense to neighbors and especially to close associates; they were to be the light upon a hill and the salt of the earth—fourthly, they were not to live for themselves only; unity and the welfare of their neighbors was stressed—and fifthly, they were to honor their leaders and fathers.

Now, Rosthern, we need the blessing and favor of the Lord. It is our desire that the Word of God may be blessed in this place for the coming of His kingdom and the glory of God.

The text for the occasion was taken from Psalm 5:7&8. The theme: David’s steadfast purpose and desire for God’s house, with the following five points:

1. A house of humble thanksgiving

2. A house of spiritual worship

3. A house of profound reverence

4. A house of proclaimed righteousness

5. A house of needed instruction.

1. A house of humble thanksgiving.

In this psalm we read of the exercises of the sweet psalmist of Israel. May those also be experienced in Rosthern this evening and in the future. In the first verses he meditates about his hope early in the morning; there is an urgency, a need. May there be souls with those needs in Rosthern. However, there are other people who do not have these needs or desires, as we read in verses 4-6. They do not need the Lord; they are wicked, and as such they will be abhorred by the Lord.

Then in our text David exclaims: “But as for me.” That is free and sovereign grace! He is filled with wonderment. We hear the same words from Joshua, “But as for me and my house…” There are only two ways, and this must be proclaimed, for we are all traveling to eternity. By the work of the Spirit, we must be placed on that narrow way.

A house of humble thanksgiving—In earlier days most people went to God’s house on the Lord’s Day and during the week. There was respect for God’s Word, His institutions, His day, etc. Young, middle-aged and elderly, for David it was a wonder that he received so many blessings and privileges, so much mercy, but we need to become sinners to experience this. May many be uncovered in this place, for that is indispensable.

2. A house of spiritual worship

This is not to be a house for entertainment or recreation—neither a house where a message is brought that makes one feel good as is done in so many places today. Everything that takes place in God’s house must be warranted by the Scriptures.

We have examples in God’s Word. The sons of Aaron brought strange fire, but they were consumed. David wanted to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem, but he did it in the wrong way. He put it on a cart and according to the command of God the Levites were to carry it. May that be a warning. We need to hear how a poor sinner and a rich Christ come together. That is by a godly fear, worked by the Holy Spirit—not a slavish fear, although it is still a blessing if we have a speaking conscience.

3. A house of profound reverence

Did David build the temple? No. Solomon did, but David speaks in a prophetical way. David looked towards the tabernacle and temple. There was the holy place. David did not enter there; no, that was only for the priests, but he, as well as the people, was filled with holy reverence for the holy place. May this house of prayer also be reverenced. With the dedication of the temple a cloud of glory filled the temple. When we come up to this place of worship, may the Lord fill us with an impression that it is God’s house on every Lord’s Day, on special occasions, feast days, etc., and may we come up with a profound reverence and modesty so that the Spirit be not grieved. What is necessary? Godly sorrow, which is sorely missed in our days. May this house often be a house of tears. Rosthern, may it be heard from this pulpit what takes place in the hearts of the Lord’s people. At this point Psalter 134:1-3 was sung.

4. A house of proclaimed righteousness

“But as for me”—Rosthern, how is it concerning spiritual worship? One of our old fathers once said, “The earth is full of the goodness of God but greatly lacking praise!” There are a people on the earth that become guilty concerning the attributes of God: His purity, His Holiness, His mercy, His righteousness, etc. His righteousness must become theirs, but how?

Every Sunday morning the law is read, and although it is in the part of gratitude in our catechism, still, it is a demanding righteousness. It is absolutely necessary that the uncovering work of the Spirit takes place and that we become THE sinner, for the justice of God must be satisfied. Otherwise, each committed sin must be punished eternally. We will try to justify ourselves, but we need to learn, and the Lord teaches that in those further leadings, that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. We need to come to a saving knowledge of the Son of God! Our problem is that we are TOO good to be saved. May this uncovering work take place in this house for there is much resting outside of Jesus Christ. May that only name be proclaimed here (Acts 4:12).

5. A house of needed instruction

Sometimes our ways may be troublesome and mysterious, also in providential ways. There may be many storms, but blessed are those sheep and those little lambs that live a close life to the Shepherd, those that hear His voice.

Boys and girls—what must you ask the Lord for? This is the place where the Lord gives new hearts to boys and girls. Ask the Lord to bless His Word and to give you a new heart.

Young people—there are many temptations—the devil has but a short time. Beg the Lord to use this house for your conversion.

Fathers and mothers—ask a great God for great things. Pray that the north and south wind may blow upon His garden. Ask for the dew of the Spirit, and may there be floods. We live in serious and solemn times. The judgments of God are hanging low over the earth. The preaching either includes or excludes. Nowadays, people take the Bible and read themselves within while the opposite is true. May this house of instruction be a blessing in the community and this area for the coming of His kingdom and the glory of His name. Psalter 221:1&3 was sung in closing.

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