MORNING SESSION - FRIDAY MAY 15, 1998

Article 79

Reopening

The chairman asks that Ps. 79: 3, 5 be sung, reads 1 John 5: 1 - 12, and leads in prayer. Roll call shows that all are present.

Article 80

Adoption of the Acts

Articles 63 - 78 of the Acts, pertaining to Thursday, May 14 are adopted.

Article 81

Deputies for Ecclesiastical Unity

Committee IV presents their proposal regarding the matter of pursuing unity with churches which have left the Christian Reformed Church of North America. After discussion, the committee withdraws their proposal for further consideration.

Synod adjourns for committee work until the evening.

EVENING SESSION - FRIDAY MAY 15, 1998

Article 82

Reopening

The chairman asks that Psalm 135: 1, 2 be sung. Roll call shows that all are present. A special welcome is extended to the professors of the Theological College and their wives.

Article 83

Theological College: Tenure of Dr . J. de Jong and Dr. N. H. Gootjes

Committee IV presents their proposal re this matter.

Agenda Item I.B.1.

1. MATERIAL

   1. Report of the Board of Governors to General Synod 1998

2. OBSERVATIONS

   1. On September 5, 1996 the Board of Governors of the Theological College decided:

      "To ask General Synod 1998 to direct the Board of Governors to grant tenure to Prof. Dr. J. DeJong and Prof. Dr. N. H. Gootjes. According to past practice tenure should have been requested at Synod 1995. This did not happen due to an oversight of the Board of Governors."

   2. Synod Abbotsford 1995 adopted a procedure for the granting of tenure (Article 97, paragraph II.B.13).

3. CONSIDERATION

   1. Tenure should have been granted to Prof. Dr. J. DeJong and Prof. Dr. N.H. Gootjes in 1995.

   2. The fact that this did not take place at that time was caused by an oversight on the part of the Board of Governors.

   3. For this reason, the current procedure adopted by General Synod Abbotsford 1995 has not been followed in the case of Prof. Dr. J. DeJong and Prof. Dr. N.H. Gootjes.

4. RECOMMENDATION

   1. To direct the Board of Governors to grant tenure to Prof. Dr. J. DeJong and Prof. Dr. N.H. Gootjes.

   2. o invite Prof. Dr. J. DeJong and Prof. Dr. N.H. Gootjes to attend a session of synod, so that synod may have the opportunity to inform them of this decision and congratulate them accordingly.

ADOPTED

Thereafter the chairman speaks some suitable words to Dr. J. de Jong and Dr. N. Gootjes.

Article 84

Theological College: General

Committee IV presents their proposal.

Agenda item: I.B.1

1. MATERIAL

   1. Report of the Board of Governors to General Synod 1998.

2. OBSERVATIONS

   1. The report of the Board of Governors covers its work and decisions since May 1995. From the report the following highlights are observed. The work at the Theological College could continue without interruption during the past three years.

   2. The work of the board was done in brotherly harmony, and the professors were also able to do their work without serious problems.

   3. In 1997 Dr. Faber was minister of the Word for forty-five years, and in the same year he and his wife also remembered their forty-fifth wedding anniversary.

   4. In September 1995 Rev. G.VanDooren passed away. The board remembers with thankfulness how he instilled in many students the love for preaching the gospel and the pastoral work.

   5. On Oct.12, 1996 Dr. C.VanDam celebrated his 25th anniversary in the ministry of the Word and Dr. and Mrs. VanDam also celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

   6. From June 1st 1996 to and including December 1996 Dr. VanDam was on a sabbatical. Drs. Hagens from DeBilt-Bilthoven served as his very capable and appreciated replacement. The Senate has indicated to the Board that they consider this first sabbatical to be a success.

   7. Dr. Gootjes is presently serving as Principal of the college. The Board proposes that General Synod appoint Dr.DeJong as Principal for the period 1999-2002, with the transition to take place after the Convocation of 1999. The Board also proposes to appoint Dr. C.VanDam as Principal designate for the years 2002-2005, the Lord willing.

   8. Currently fourteen students are enrolled. Twelve students graduated during the last three years, of which seven entered the ministry of the Word.

   9. The board is considering ways in which they can help foreign students who lack the funds they need to study at the college.

   10. The Governors have regularly visited the lectures. The reports are invariably positive.

   11. In 1995 Prof.J.Geertsema visited the churches in Alberta/Manitoba. In 1996 Dr.J.DeJong visited the churches in Classis Pacific, and also attended the meeting of the Alliance and Synods of the United Reformed Churches. In 1997 Dr.N.H.Gootjes went to Alberta/Manitoba again, and attended the ICRC in Korea. Dr. VanDam went to Mexico in 1997, and gave guest lectures at the Juan Calvino Seminary. The reports of all these activities were positive.

   12. Under the skilful direction of sr. Margaret VanderVelde the automation of the library cataloguing system is progressing well. Upon request of the Senate the Board has made her position permanent.

   13. The Board wants to express its thanks for the work and the contributions of the Women's Savings Action.

   14. The Board acknowledges with appreciation the dedication of sr. Catharine Mechelse the College's administrative assistant.

   15. The board also acknowledges the assistance of many volunteers who help out in the library in various ways.

3. CONSIDERATIONS

   1. On the basis of the report received Synod considers that the professors are making a positive contribution to the churches, not only through the college but also through their other activities.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS

   1. To approve all decisions and actions of the Board and of its committees for the years 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 until the day of the Board's Report.

   2. To express gratitude that the work at the Theological College continues without interruption and that all instruction is given in harmony with the Word of God and in agreement with the Confessions of the Canadian Reformed Churches.

   3. To acknowledge the contribution of the professors to the broader ecclesiastical community.

   4. To appoint Prof. Dr. J. DeJong as Principal for the period of September 1999 to September 2002, and to designate Prof. Dr. C. Van Dam as Principal for the years 2002 to 2005, the Lord willing. This transfer of responsibilities will take place the day after the Convocation in 1999.

   5. To express gratitude for the work done by Rev. G. VanDooren during his lifetime.

   6. To express gratitude for the work of Drs. Hagens of our sister-church in De Bilt-Bilthoven during the sabbatical of Dr. Van Dam.

   7. To express gratitude for the work of the Board of Governors of the Theological College.

   8. To acknowledge the contribution of the Women's Savings Action, Miss M. VanderVelde, the librarian, and also Miss C. Mechelse, the administrative assistant, as well as the many volunteers.

ADOPTED

Article 85

Theological College: Board of Governors

Committee IV presents their proposal regarding the matters pertaining to the Board of Governors. After discussion, Committee IV takes this matter back for further consideration.

Article 86

Theological College: Finances

Committee IV presents their proposal regarding the matters pertaining to the finances of the College.

1. MATERIAL

   1. Tri-Annual Reports of the Finance and Property Committee of the Board of Governors of the Theological College to Synod Fergus 1998

   2. Report from the Board of Governors

2. OBSERVATIONS

   Regarding matters pertaining to the property and finances, the Board reports:

   1. The Finance and Property Committee met regularly. These meetings were attended by the current Principal and the College's administration assistant, Miss Catharine Mechelse.

   2. Regular maintenance of the College property was continued. Repairs and renovations have been undertaken with a view to the long term objectives of the College.

   3. A new handbook was produced and printed for the 1996-1999 academic years and was sent to all of the governors and the churches.

   4. The salaries of all professors have been reviewed and increased annually based on the prescribed formula. At the present time one retired professor is supported. The salaries of the staff have been reviewed and where appropriate, increased.

   5. The churches continue to support the College faithfully. Special appreciation is expressed for the substantial contributions from our sister churches in Australia.

   6. The transition to a computerized accounting system was completed. A decision was made to commence reporting financial matters on a calendar year basis beginning in 1997. Audited statements of years ending May 31, 1995, May 31, 1996 and the subsequent seven month period ending on December 31, 1996 are included as appendices.

   7. Tuition fees for students have been set and approved by the Board of Governors.

   8. Based on the College financial budgets, assessments per communicant member have remained at $63.00 since January 1, 1995.

3. CONSIDERATIONS

   1. On the basis of the reports received, Synod considers that the affairs of the Theological College are being well managed.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS

Synod decide

1. To receive for information the audited financial statements and the report of the

2. Auditors for the previous fiscal periods; to relieve the Treasurer of the Board of all responsibilities for these fiscal periods; and to appoint sr. A. Spithoff, C.A. as Auditor until the next General Synod.

3. To express thankfulness for the support from the churches in Canada, the United States of America and Australia.

ADOPTED

Article 87

Theological College: Expansion

Committee IV presents

Agenda Items: I.B.1, I.B.4, II.KK, II.ZZ, IV.K, IV.U, IV.V, IV.Z

1. MATERIAL:

   1. Proposal from the Board of Governors of the Theological College with respect to the expansion of the College Facilities.

   2. Letters from the Canadian Reformed Churches at Burlington-South, Watford, Burlington-East, Lincoln, Taber, Orangeville and Elora.

2. OBSERVATIONS:

   1. The matter of the expansion of the College facilities was placed before Synod Abbotsford 1995. Section IV, I. states:

      "To direct the Board of Governors to study and prepare a more detailed and definite proposal for the expansion of the College facilities, and seek the possibility of financing this project without increasing the assessment to the churches. A proposal should be submitted to the churches and the next Synod at least six months before the next Synod."

   2. The Board of governors appointed a committee "to further consider and develop a comprehensive plan and proposal for the expansion of the Theological College."

   3. The committee was advised by the Senate, faculty, and staff that the library is the primary impetus for the expansion.

   4. The committee met in 1996 to review the mandate given by Synod Abbotsford 1995 and the direction of the Board of Governors. The library and library technicians were requested and instructed to undertake a 'needs assessment' for the library and to seek input from other professional librarians, to formulate any other needs of the college, and determine by way of available statistics and other current resources what the library's needs will be in the next 20 years.

   5. The architect who was consulted was able to demonstrate that it was more cost effective and easier to construct a building specifically for the library than to spread its functions throughout the building and to remodel the building to accommodate those library functions. After extensive discussion with the architect, it was decided that a two-floor plan would best suit the library's needs and would be better situated on the property.

   6. The recommended plan includes 6702 feet of 'additional' space. Of this space, 6250 square feet are devoted to the library and the remaining 452 square feet are comprised of washrooms and an elevator which complies with the current building accessibility requirements.

   7. The recommendation of Synod Abbotsford 1995 included "… and seek the possibility of financing this project without increasing the assessment to the churches." One of the considerations, under Article 97 section III.D states: "… This proposal should indicate how this project can be financed from sources and means other than the regular assessment so that it does not necessarily burden the churches…"

   8. It is expected that the construction period would be approximately six to eight months. Target construction commencement is the summer (September) 1999.

   9. The project is expected to cost $ 680,160.00. By the end of fiscal 1997 (December 31) the college will have approximately $193,000 set aside and appropriated for the expansion. Conservatively it appears that the Women's Savings Action will be able to contribute $75,000 for the expansion. This means that additional funds of approximately $500,000 must be raised.

   10. It is proposed that the college obtain commitments of at least 80% of the funds required before construction may commence. The remaining 20% of funding may include private borrowing at preferred or low rates from members of the church federation. The Board requests permission to make its own funding arrangements for the remaining 20% if required.

   11. The Fellowship Canadian Reformed Church at Burlington suggests that General Synod, via the Board of Governors, revisit the proposal with the intention of scaling it down in view of the financial obligations presently in our communities.

   12. The Grace Canadian Reformed Church at Watford feels that the cost is somewhat prohibitive for their small church. They ask General Synod to keep this in mind when determining the final cost.

   13. The Canadian Reformed Church at Elora encourages General Synod to accept the recommendations of the Board of Governors.

   14. The Ebenezer Canadian Reformed Church at Burlington suggests that construction be postponed until 80% of the funds are collected.

   15. The Canadian Reformed Church at Lincoln reminds us of the decision of General Synod Abbotsford 1995 mentioned in observation G above and that at least 80% of the money should be collected prior to start-up.

   16. The Taber Canadian Reformed Church suggests that the proposal is "a well-considered and suitable one" and offers its full endorsement.

3. CONSIDERATIONS

   1. The plan as presented has been well received in the churches.

   2. Several churches have questioned whether we can commence building when money is promised to us, but when it has not yet been received. We trust that our people honour their pledges and therefore we find this stipulation unnecessary. We trust the Board of Governors to use their own discretion on this matter.

   3. Concerns have been expressed with respect to the annual assessments being raised. The committee emphatically states that "the regular college assessment must not and will not be increased as the result of the expansion." Over the last few years the college has been able to set aside $41,000 of accrued surpluses which will be dedicated to the expansion plan. The assessment has remained at $63 per communicant member since January 1 1995.

   4. Implementation of this proposal will necessarily encounter many unforeseen circumstances and the Board must have the authority to modify the plan and its implementation provided that such modification or alteration is not materially or substantially different than the recommended plan.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS

   Synod decide:

   1. To thank the Board of Governors and its expansion committee for the thoroughness of their presentation.

   2. To instruct the Board of Governors to proceed with the 'Recommended Plan' on the basis as set out in this report as soon as they have received 80% of the funds required.

ADOPTED

Article 88

Theological College: Pastoral Proficiency Program

Committee IV presents their proposal regarding this subject. After discussion, the Committee takes this matter back for further consideration.

Article 89

Address of Dr. N. H. Gootjes

The chairman expresses thankfulness to the faculty of the Theological College for their dedication and the high caliber of their work. Thereafter he gives the floor to Dr. N. H. Gootjes. He expresses appreciation for the tenure given to himself and Dr. J. de Jong. He notes that today was the last day of the academic season. He notes that all delegated ministers at Synod 1998, with the exception of one, are graduates of the Theological College. He reflects on some aspects of his own field, dogmatology, and on the challenge of teaching theology in a Scriptural and confessional way in today's world. He thanks Synod 1998 for the opportunity the faculty has had this evening to offer their input, noting especially the strong display of support for the expansion of the College building, and expressing the wish for the blessing of the Lord on the rest of Synod's labours.

Article 90

Adjournment

After asking that Ps. 119: 42,44 be sung, Dr. N. Gootjes leads in prayer. The meeting is adjourned until Monday, May 18 at 9:30 am.morning session.