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The Synodical Education Committee

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The Synodical Education Committee

5 minuten leestijd Arcering uitzetten

In reviewing the work of the Synodical Education Committee, we must turn back in time to the Synod of 1976. In his opening comments, Rev. A.M. Den Boer took note of the fact that since the previous Synod, schools had been opened in Chilliwack, Norwich and Franklin Lakes. These were in addition to the school of Grand Rapids, which had existed since 1908. Other congregations were also indicating an interest in establishing schools, and in the Synod’s discussions a request was made “to appoint a committee to investigate the possibility of organizing a school program of our own.” As a result a committee was appointed to work towards the development of books and/or other materials to be used in our schools. Rev. J.C. Weststrate was appointed as chairman, and in this way the committee came into existence.

A series of meetings were held, and in the summer of 1977 the committee met with the school principals, realizing the necessity of functioning together in order to provide good materials acceptable in the instruction of our children. An excellent working arrangement has developed, and the principals and their staffs have been very active in their efforts for the common purpose of furnishing teachers with the proper tools compatible with our beliefs. Contact was also made with the Netherlands in order to benefit where possible from their years of experience. However, it was continually experienced and acknowledged that the Lord who gives wisdom must be the source of our wisdom, whether as committee, school boards, principals or teachers. It would only be with His blessing that all endeavors would be of true value.

At the opening of the Synod in 1980, Rev. W.C. Lamain spoke of the additional schools which had been opened — Lethbridge/Fort Macleod and Kalamazoo — and of the intended opening that fall of the school in Rock Valley/Sioux Center. This enlargement of school activity in our congregations necessitated greater cooperation so that our schools were not left to function as separate entities, but, sharing their experiences and resources, could serve each other in many ways. Since that time the schools of Corsica, St. Catharines, and Sheboygan have also opened their doors. The principals and the committee continued to meet together each summer, maintaining contact during the school year.

As the benefits of meeting together as principals was realized, the proposal was made that a conference be held to include also as many teachers as possible, with a program arranged to cover a wide variety of educational subject matter and school policies. The first principal-teacher conference was held in Kalamazoo in 1981, at which time they were privileged to have Rev. A. Vergunst with them. His vast experience in the field of education was evident in the addresses to the conference. The benefits of having teachers meet together were such that a continuation of these conferences was agreed upon and they have become a biannual event. In the alternate years only the principals meet together. Conference sites have been rotated among the various school locations in order to better acquaint those in attendance with the facilities of the other areas.

After Rev. Weststrate returned to the Netherlands, Rev. Den Boer joined the Synodical Education Committee, and after his departure, Rev. C. Vogelaar and Rev. J.R. Beeke have become part of this committee. An organization known as the Netherlands Reformed Christian Educational Association (NRCEA) now functions in conjunction with the Synodical Education Committee, with a variety of sub-committees in all phases of Christian education

As we view the developments which have taken place throughout the past years, also in the instructional materials suitable for our use, we must exclaim, “What hath God wrought!” Education, with God’s Holy Word as a foundation, cannot be valued enough, but with it we as congregations must beg the Lord that He might crown it with His blessing. Our principals, our teachers and also our students are constantly confronted with the values which the world offers, but Paul advised Timothy, and also future generations of teachers and students, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” May that be in evidence also among us. ?


The Synodical Education Committee’s involvement with an appointed College Investigatory Committee will be covered in a separate report by the latter committee, the Lord willing. As of this writing we are encouraged to be able to state that a few college-level courses ranging from ½ to ½ credits will be offered this summer for the first time in conjunction with the Teachers’s Conference at Norwich, Ontario. These include courses primarily of benefit to teachers, but are open to all interested high school graduates. The three courses to be offered this summer include:

Learning and Teaching Reformed Doctrine

(1½ credits; August 11-19, 1987; Rev. J.R. Beeke)

Child and Covenant

(½ credit; August 15, 17-18; 1987; Rev C. Vogelaar)

Teaching Students from a Christian Perspective

(½ credit; August 11-14, 1987; Principal J.W. Beeke)

None of the course hours overlap, so it would be possible to enroll in one, two, or all three course offerings. Additional details will be forthcoming in future issues of the Banner of Truth, but we desired to inform especially our teachers immediately of these opportunities in order to facilitate summer planning. We recognize that these are small beginnings at best, but may the Lord crown these efforts with His blessing, providing wisdom to the instructors, and profit to the students.

College Committee


Garret J. Moerdyk serves as elder in the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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Bekijk de hele uitgave van woensdag 1 april 1987

The Banner of Truth | 28 Pagina's

The Synodical Education Committee

Bekijk de hele uitgave van woensdag 1 april 1987

The Banner of Truth | 28 Pagina's