United Reformed Churches in North America
Independent Churches' 1995 Meeting Minutes
United Reformed Churches in North America
Independent Churches' 1995 Meeting MinutesThis meeting was called by the consistories of the Trinity Reformed Church of Lethbridge, Alberta, of the Orthodox Reformed Church of Wellandport, Ontario and of the Beverly Christian Reformed Church Independent of Wyoming, Michigan.
Rev. E. J. Knott called for the singing of Psalter Hymnal 398:1-4, read Ephesians 4:1-17 and lead in prayer.
The following are appointed to serve as officers:
| Chairman – | Rev. E. J. Knott |
| Vice-Chairman – | Rev. J. Tuininga |
| Clerk – | Rev. A. Besteman |
Roll call reveals the following churches represented
| Agassiz, B.C. – | Evergreen Covenant Reformed Church |
| Alberton, ON – | Independent C.R.C. of Ancaster |
| Allendale, MI – | Independent Reformed Church |
| Alto, MI – | Kettle Lake I.RC. |
| Aylmer, ON – | Aylmer Independent Christian Ref. Church |
| Balmoral, ON – | Covenant Reformed Church |
| Borculo, MI – | Faith Independent Reformed Church |
| Byron Center MI – | Trinity Reformed Bible Church |
| Calgary, AB – | Bethel Independent C.R.C. |
| Cape Coral, FL – | Trinity Ref. Church of Cape Coral |
| Clinton, ON – | Grace Orthodox Reformed Church |
| Delavan, WI – | Orthodox Reformed Church |
| Dunnville, ON – | Grace Reformed Church |
| Eastmanville, MI – | Eastmanville Reformed Bible Church |
| Edmonton, AB – | The Orthodox Reformed Church |
| Grand Rapids, MI – | Christian Reformation Church |
| Grand Rapids, MI – | Seventh Reformed Church |
| Guthrie, ON – | Grace Orthodox Reformed Church |
| Hamilton, ON – | Hamilton Ind. Christian Ref. Church |
| Hudsonville, MI – | Cornerstone |
| Jenison, MI – | Bethel Independent Reformed Church |
| Kalamazoo, MI – | Free Christian Reformed Church |
| Lansing, IL – | Oak Glen Covenant Community Ref. Church |
| Lethbridge, AB – | Trinity Reformed Church |
| London, ON – | Independent Christian Reformed Church |
| Lynwood, IL – | Lynwood Christian Ref. Church Independent |
| Neerlandia, AB – | Emmanuel Reformed Church |
| Orange City, IA – | Redeemer Alliance Reformed Church |
| Pompton Plains, NJ – | Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church |
| Sanborn, IA – | Cornerstone Orthodox Reformed Church |
| Sheffield, ON – | Independent Reformed Church |
| Smithers, BC – | Bethel Reformed Church |
| St. Catharines, ON – | Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church |
| St. Catharines, ON – | Trinity Orthodox Reformed Church |
| Telkwa, BC – | The Reformed Church |
| Toronto, ON – | Covenant Reformed Church |
| Toronto, ON – | Orthodox Christian Reformed Church |
| Wellandport, ON – | Orthodox Reformed Church |
| Winnipeg, MB – | Independent Reformed Church |
| Woodstock, ON – | Independent Reformed Church |
| Wyoming, MI – | Beverly Christian Ref. Church Independent |
| Wyoming, ON – | Covenant Christian Church |
The Chairman reads the five resolutions drawn up by the convening consistories and permits general discussion.
The first resolution is moved:
That the undersigned, or otherwise designated congregations determine, on the basis of a majority vote of each consistory/council to form a provisional federation of churches.
Adopted Unanimously.
The second resolution is moved:
That this federation be based on the Three Forms of Unity (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort) and the proposed Church Order which is in the process of being revised and completed and a copy of which will be included in the agenda for the alliance meeting.
A. Motion is made and adopted to amend the second resolution by deleting all the words beginning with "and the proposed Church Order . . ." and replacing them with the words "and the Church Order of 1934 with the understanding that work will continue on a church order for the federation."
B. Motion is made and adopted to amend the second resolution to read "That this federation be based on God's Holy Word as confessed in the Three Forms of Unity."
C. The second resolution is adopted as follows:
That this federation be based on God's Holy Word as confessed in the Three Forms of Unity and the Church Order of 1934 with the understanding that work will continue on a church order for the federation.
The third resolution is moved:
That until a permanent organization is effected, the Regional Fellowships continue to function as de facto classes.
A. Motion is made to amend by dropping the words "continue to function as de facto classes" and substitute the words "continue to be used".
B. Motion is made and adopted to take no action on resolution 3.
The fourth resolution is moved:
That Independent Reformed congregations not represented at this meeting and other congregations committed to the basis, be invited to join this provisional federation and the ultimate permanent organization.
Adopted.
The fifth resolution is moved:
That the three consistories/councils (Lethbridge, Wellandport. Wyoming, MI) calling this meeting be commissioned to call a second meeting within six months for the purpose of effecting a permanent ecclesiastical organization (incorporated). the final adoption of a Church Order, and the determination of a structure according to which such a federation would conduct its mutual affairs.
A. Motion is made and adopted to amend by deleting the words "the final adoption of a Church Order".
B. Motion is made and `adopted to amend by changing the words "within six months" to "within twelve months".
C. The fourth resolution is adopted as follows:
That the three consistories/councils (Lethbridge, Wellandport, Wyoming, MI) calling this meeting be commissioned to call a second meeting within twelve months for the purpose of effecting a permanent ecclesiastical organization (incorporated) and the determination of a structure according to which such a federation would conduct its mutual affairs.
Recommendation is made that we adopt the name FEDERATION OF REFORMED CHURCHES. It is brought to the attention of the delegates that this name is already in use and is therefore not an option for use.
Motion is made and defeated to adopt the name EVANGELICAL REFORMED CHURCHES IN NORTH AMERICA.
Motion is made and adopted to adjourn for the night.
Rev. J. Tuininga closed with prayer.
Thursday, November 16. 1995 – Rev. J. Gangar reads Ezekiel 37:15-23, calls for the singing of Psalter Hymnal Number 479:1-5 and leads in opening prayer.
Motion is made and adopted to request the committee appointed by the Alliance to draw up a church order to continue to function on our behalf in the preparation of a church order.
Motion is made and defeated that Mr. Fred Colenbrander be added to the committee.
Motion is made and adopted that we request the organizing consistories in consultation with the church order committee to appoint the necessary committee personnel.
Motion is made and adopted that those appointed to the church order committee be restricted to members of the Federation.
Motion is made and adopted to authorize the three organizing consistories to function on behalf of the Federation until final organization is effected and that the address of Beverly Church be used for mailing purposes.
Motion that we use the designation Orthodox Reformed Churches in North America until we reach the point of permanent organization.
Motion made that we table the above motion indefinitely. Adopted.
Motion is made and adopted that a list of names be compiled from the churches and be checked out for legal usage and then presented to the member churches as soon as possible with each church having one vote in selecting the name.
Churches may submit names until Jan. 1 (address 2420 Avon Ave. SW – Wyoming, MI 49509)
It is agreed that until the time a permanent name is adopted we shall be known as the "FELLOWSHIP OF UNITING REFORMED CHURCHES IN NORTH AMERICA."
The Chairman makes concluding remarks commenting upon the historical significance of the occasion and the fine spirit of cooperation and joy that has marked this meeting.
The meeting is adjourned.
Dr. P. Y. DeJong makes closing remarks thanking the chairman, the three convening consistories and commenting on the excellent order of the meeting. He calls for the singing of Psalter Hymnal Number 172:6 and leads in a closing prayer of Thanksgiving.
The delegates sing the doxology.
Respectfully submitted:
/s/ Arthur Besteman, Acting Clerk
At the conclusion of the meeting, twenty-seven churches signed the following statement:
"We, the undersigned congregations, on the basis of a majority vote of our council/consistory, do commit ourselves to join with other congregations to form a new (provisional) federation of churches on this date."
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