On October 30th, vehicles began to stream into the parking lot in front of the Beckwith Township Hall. Warm Christian greetings abounded as many saints from the Ottawa, Russell, and Almonte RP churches came to celebrate with the Beckwith RP Church members in their organization service.
That night, a vision became a reality. A decade ago, Cory van der Meer and others in the area discussed their burden for a church plant. As more members of the Ottawa RP Church moved into the area, a core group began forming from the weekly fellowship group.
In September 2023, a special meeting of the elders of the Ottawa RP Church was held to discuss the need for a church plant. On February 28th, the plan was outlined at the Ottawa RP Church Annual General Meeting. At the May Canadian Presbytery meeting, a petition “for the separation of the Ottawa RPC congregation into two congregations” was presented and approved. Much work and prayer were given to prepare for the start of worship services on September 15th. Leading up to the organization service, Mr. Cory van der Meer was elected for the office of Ruling Elder and Mr. Jason Braden and Mr. Vince Giroux were elected as Deacons. Provisional elders, Rev. Vince Ward and Mr. Peter Chan conducted the elections.
Finally, the night of the Organization Service arrived with many members of Presbytery in attendance. Rev. Matthew Dyck, Moderator of the Presbytery, presided over the service and brought a message from Matthew 5:11–16 seeking to set the tone and give a blueprint for this new work. The Beckwith RPC members signed their vows with a prayer offered for them by Rev. Dr. Andrew Quigley. Rev. Vince Ward prayed for the officers with their installation and pronounced the benediction. A buffet feast followed the service as people shared in christian fellowship.
As we sang the theme Psalm (67C) of the Beckwith RPC, we pleaded for God to bless us in his grace.. so that the whole world over may truly know his way (Psalm 67:1-2).
Thanks to Rev. Vince Ward, provisional moderator to the Beckwith RPC for this article.
