Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/86

Contributor - Peggy Humby

Title - RCA in Canada

Topic - Church in Canada

The RCA in Canada did not start, as many believe, in this century.

It actually goes back to 1798 when the Classis of Albany sent its first missionary to Upper Canada - the Rev. Robert James McDowell. He was to remain in Canada until his death in 1841.

By 1820 he was responsible for 1 1 Reformed congregations as well as looking after the well-being of other pioneer families.

In 1909, in Alberta, a number of Dutch settlers, who had come to the fertile prairies to be farmers, gathered together in Monarch, Alberta and began what has become the oldest Reformed Church in America in Canada.

During the next few years many small congregations were organized in Alberta - the smaller congregations did not last but in later years congregations in Edmonton and, in Calgary were organized.

In the late 40's and early 50's an influx of emigrants from Holland arrived and these hardworking men and women formed the nucleus of the RCA in Canada as it now exists. For many of these immigrants the first years were hard, they had little money but plenty of spirit. They contacted the RCA in New York and received the help they needed, ministers were provided as well as financial and moral support.

The first congregations to be formed were in Hamilton and Chatham in 1949, closely followed by Brantford, Harriston, Brockville, Dunnville, St. Catharines, Toronto, Whitby, Woodstock London, Exeter, Drayton, Stoney Creek, Guelph Leamington, Strathroy, Cooksville, and Barrie, Ontario. In Quebec, Roxboro, in Manitoba, Winnipeg, in Alberta, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. In B.C., Vancouver, Abbotsford and Whalley.

By 1959 there were 21 churches within nine American Classes, which did not do a great deal for unity, so, as the result of a workshop held in Hamilton in 1959 the feasibility of a Classis was looked into. In 1962 the Classis of Ontario and two more churches were organized - Toronto and Pierrefonds, Quebec. In the past thirty years, the RCA in Canada has continued to grow more churches were organized and some were disbanded.

Much work is being done - and both in the East and West labourers are in the fields gathering the Harvest.

The image of the Reformed Church in Canada has changed to some degree. While still embracing the tenets and strictly adhering to the theology, the RCA is taking on a community flavour-many of the new churches being organized do not have "Reformed?' in their titles, and some of them have a definite multi-cultural feeling. This does not mean a rejection of the Dutch heritage; it means we are growing, Some of our churches still hold both English and Dutch services in the traditional manner, others do not even have an organ, they sing to guitars and pianos and use overhead projectors instead of hymn books, still others combine these elements.

The RCA in Canada is beginning to a" melting-pot' of Canadians who are a cross-section of many nationalities.

As we go forward towards the 21st century, our vision for the future is the Emerging Synod of Canada.

It may not be right away but we are working towards it This year a meeting was held in the West as they look towards forming a Classis there.

In Canada, we are seeking the recognition we deserve as a country. We were pleased when the General Synod was held in Canada, and although we are only 2% of the RCA, we can be a vital link in the chain of the future. We need each other as we all focus on our identity and gather together to affirm one another in our diversity and venture to make a difference in the world as we share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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