05 Oct GS 1980 art 161
GS 1980 ARTICLE 161 – Closing
The Chairman addresses himself to Synod with the following words: “Esteemed Brothers,
We have come to the close of General Synod Smithville 1980. In the weeks before this Synod was to meet, many predictions were made as far as its duration was concerned, and now it has turned out to be the longest General Synod in the history of the Canadian Reformed Churches.
In spite of the fact that it lasted that long, the alertness of the brothers in doing their work has been exemplary, even though the physical fitness of some of the members of Synod left something to be desired.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation for bearing with me as your chairman. I sometimes had the feeling that I was steering a canoe through “white water.” If at any time I have done anyone injustice, I apologize for it. Be assured that my intentions have been to serve Synod to the best of my abilities. It is up to you to judge.
It gives me much pleasure to speak a word of thanks to my fellow officers of Synod for their cooperation. In addition, I want to thank all of the members of Synod for the good and brotherly spirit that prevailed throughout, even when serious and sometimes controversial matters were in discussion.
No one will expect me to say anything about the decisions made by this Synod. The Churches will have to evaluate them. The only thing that should be said is that we are thankful to the LORD Who, by way of His Churches, has called us to this special task and has enabled us to perform our duties. We pray that He may bless the work which has been done, sanctify it and use it for the upbuilding of His Church and the glory of His Name.
On behalf of all of you, I extend our thanks to the convening Church at Smithville, not only for the preparation of the Synod and for making available the necessary facilities and equipment, but also for the hospitality shown by receiving the delegates into their homes. Special thanks are in order to the Hospitality Committee, and last, but certainly not least, to the sisters Dekker and Stellman who prepared the meals during these weeks. They, and those who assisted them, served the members of Synod with great care.
And now we are going to say our “farewells.” Christ the Head of His Church has brought us together. We have learned to know each other better. We have served together.
May the LORD be with you all, bring you safely home and strengthen you for the tasks of your respective offices. May He also strengthen those who have been appointed in the various Committees and enable them to do their work faithfully.
We pray that the LORD may bless and keep His Churches and lead and guide us by His Word and Spirit to follow Him Who has received all power and authority in heaven and on earth. With His Word we began our work and we will finish it with that same Word as it is revealed to the apostle John and as we find it in Revelation 5:1-10.”
The Vice-Chairman, the Rev. M. van Beveren, speaks words of thanks to the Chairman for the manner in which he has chaired the meetings. After the singing of Psalm 134:1, 2, 3, the Rev. M. van Beveren leads in thanksgiving prayer.
At 10:40 p.m., Friday, December 5, 1980, the Chairman closes the Ninth General Synod of the Canadian Reformed Churches.
On behalf of Synod,
- D. VanderBoom, Chairman
- M. van Beveren, Vice-Chairman
- J. Visscher, First Clerk
- J. Mulder, Second Clerk