Creston called Rev. G. Vanden Berg of Oak Lawn, Illinois from a trio which included the Revs. A. Mulder and H. Hanko.

Rev. H. Hanko declined the call extended to him by our Grand Haven church. 

The following report was received above the signature of Rev. H. Veldman, Stated Clerk of Classis West: Classis West met Wednesday, Sept. 21, in Doon, Iowa. The March meeting will be held, D.V. in South Holland. This meeting of Classis West was a lengthy meeting, lasting until 11 o’clock in the evening. Matters of a disagreeable nature, such as discipline cases, which serve to focus attention upon the fact that the church is imperfect in the midst of the world, took a considerable amount of our time. However, the enforcement of Christian discipline constitutes one of the marks of the true church in the midst of the world.

We are happy to report that Candidate J. Kortering successfully passed his classical examination: The Synodical delegates of Classis East, Revs. Lanting, Mulder and R. Veldman were present to attend this examination. Our missionary, Rev. G. Lubbers, was also present. We also understand that Candidate Kortering was to be ordained the following evening in the congregation of Hull, Iowa. 

The matter of Classical appointments took considerable time. Redlands’ Church requested Classis to relieve its minister of these appointments as much as possible. When the far western ministers are absent from their congregations for three Sundays they are absent at least four full weeks, so that catechisms and leading society meetings is halted, or must be done by the Elders. Classis considered this request of Redlands and appointed Revs. Veldman and Harbach to two Sundays in succession. A schedule was drawn up, subject to change, depending upon the decision of Classis East in respect to our request that they supply Randolph in its vacancy. The Classical committee has power to revise the schedule in such case, and if Pella needs help if and when the missionary is called elsewhere. The schedule for our South Dakota churches is as follows: G. VanBaren—Oct. 2, 9, 16; J.A. Heys—Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13; J. Kortering—Dec. 4, 11, 18; H.H. Kuiper—Jan. 8, 15; B. Woudenberg—Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5; G. Vanden Berg—Feb. 12, 19; R.C. Harbach—March 5, 12; H. Veldman—March 19, 26. 

The South Dakota churches were represented at our meeting for the first time and were cordially welcomed by the chairman of the day, Rev. G. Vanden Berg. A wonderful spirit prevailed throughout the entire meeting. At 11 o’clock in the evening Rev. J.A. Heys closed our gathering with prayer.

Rev. J. Kortering’s installation service was held in the Hull Community Building Thursday evening, Sept. 22. Rev. G. VanBaren preached the sermon which was based on the passage in John 10 depicting the shepherding office of Christ, under the general theme, “I Am The Good Shepherd.” Rev. B. Woudenberg: read the form for installation. The following Sunday morning Rev. Kortering preached his inaugural sermon on the text of Isaiah 40:9, 10: His theme was, “Zion Called to Proclaim Glad Tidings.” The evening service featured a sermon on Col. 3:16, under the theme, “An Exhortation to Heed the Word.” It was a joyous occasion for the congregation in Hull, and was shared with the parents of Rev. and Mrs. Kortering who motored from Michigan to witness the event. A reception, welcoming their new pastor, was held Sept. 16, in the Community Building. At their arrival in Hull, Candidate Kortering and his wife were pleased to find their furniture arranged, the parsonage in readiness, even to a well stocked refrigerator. 

South Holland and Oak Lawn’s Association for Prot. Ref. Education, through the Board; addressed a letter to the membership of their churches regarding the building of their own school. The letter gave the information that suitable land has been obtained, complete building plans have been approved, 20% of the needed funds for building a school has been received, and that it had been unanimously decided at the last Association meeting to go ahead! The Board hopes to begin building this fall so that the school may be ready for operation at the beginning of the 1961 school year. 

The RFPA Annual meeting was held in Southwest Church Sept. 29. Rev. H. Hanko, of Hope Church, spoke on the subject, “The Standard Bearer and Doctrine.” The secretary reported that 1260 copies of the last Standard Bearer were printed, and the subscription changes resulted in an increase of 23. New board members elected were G.E. Bylsma, A. Dotter, T. Engelsma and C. Kuiper. 

Rev. and. Mrs. G. Vos celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary Sept: 7. Hudsonville’s congregation responded to an invitation of the consistory to come out to the church to help the parsonage-family celebrate the occasion. That even resulted in the following bulletin notice on the next Sunday: “Both Mrs. Vos and myself want to thank the congregation for your many congratulations, in person and by letter, and also for that program you organized in our honor last Wednesday night, as also for the princely gift you gave us. May God bless us together unto the praise of His glorious name.” 

The Church’s counterpart of the world’s internecine cannibalism is indicated in the warning found in Galatians 5:15. But surely this sin is not found among us, or is it? 

. . . . see you in church. 

—J.M.F.