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A Brief History
Trinity Canadian Reformed Church was
instituted, by the grace of God, on August 26, 2001. The inaugural worship
service was held in the gymnasium of Guido de Brés Christian High School in
Hamilton. 170 members left Cornerstone Canadian Reformed Church in Hamilton
on Stonechurch Road to begin this new venture. Rev. Cl. Stam, pastor
of Cornerstone Church, officiated in the inaugural worship service. He
chose as text 1 Timothy 3:15: "...if I am delayed, you will know
how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the
church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."
Shortly thereafter the congregation began
holding worship services in Knox Presbyterian Church in Binbrook, Ontario.
In December, 2001, a call was extended to the
Rev. D.W. Vandeburgt, pastor of the American Reformed Church in Denver,
Colorado in the United States. The LORD was pleased to answer our
prayers, and Rev. Vandeburgt accepted the call extended to him.
On April 14, 2002, Rev. D. Vandeburgt was
installed as pastor and teacher of Trinity Canadian Reformed Church.
Rev. Cl. Stam conducted the installation service, during which he spoke on 2
Timothy 1: 6-7: "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the
gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and
of self-discipline." Rev. Stam explained that although the glowing
embers of the gift of God are there, there is a danger that they will die
out all together. Together, with God's blessing, the congregation and
the minister must remain intensely busy with God's Word, continually keeping
the flame alive. It was a powerful sermon, demonstrating how we should
all work together to to keep God's love and glory alive.
In the afternoon service, Rev. Vandeburgt
preached his inaugural sermon, using as text the words of 1 Corinthians
2:1-5: "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence
or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For
I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him
crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much
trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and
persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that
your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." He
spoke humbly and powerfully about what defines a minister and what his main
task is, which is to proclaim the whole counsel of God. He pointed out
that Paul declares that true preaching must be focused on God, not to
entertain or win the approval of those who listen. When Christ is the
centre of the preaching, then we can be assured that the Spirit is at work.
As a congregation, we must respond in faith to the proclamation of the Word
and daily repent and believe.
Two weeks after the installation of our new
pastor, the congregation welcomed the Vandeburgt family through song,
poetry, humour and gifts. The congregation used the opportunity to
demonstrate their happiness, thankfulness and love towards the family.
Rev. Vandeburgt and his family continue to serve us.
The congregation has since continued to grow.
Every Sunday the Word and Spirit enrich us. Bible Study groups and
other committees are active. There have been numerous births, and we
have had new members join our congregation. As a result, have had to
move to larger facilities. As of July 1, 2007, we are worshipping in
Binbrook United Church. We are thankful for the assistance and
cooperation of the local churches, and for their accommodations while we
actively raise funds and investigate options for a building of our own some day. Praise be to God for the
many blessings our congregation has received! May He continue to bless
the good work He has started!
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