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Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest

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Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest

August 14, 2008

In accordance with the following notice, a special called meeting of Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest was held on Thursday, August 14, 2008, at DeTroye Electric, Oostburg, Wisconsin. The notice as sent via email by the Stated Clerk ten days ago was as follows:

In accord with the consensus of the members of Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest, a meeting is hereby called for Thursday, August 14, 2008, in the Oostburg, Wisconsin, area, starting at 8:15 PM. Unless designated otherwise by the Moderator, this meeting will be held at DeTroye Electric.

The purpose of the meeting is to handle the following items of business:

1. to change the date of the next stated meeting of the Presbytery;

2. to hear a report from Reformation Presbyterian Church regarding a potential dissolution of the pastoral relationship;

3. to receive Pastor Smith’s resignation as Stated Clerk and as a member of the Candidates Committee;

4. to approve the transfer of Pastor Smith to another Reformed body pending request;

5. to hear a report from Pastor Justin Stodghill regarding his ministry and the future ministry of Grace Christian Reformation Presbyterian Church;

6. to consider ways by which to strengthen the Presbytery and its ties to the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly;

7. to handle any other matters that may arise from these items of business.

Call to Order, Invocation, and Worship

The Moderator, Pastor Justin B. Stodghill, called the meeting to order at 8:17 PM, opened with prayer, read Acts 20:28 and I Timothy 3:14-16, presented an exhortation, and led in prayer.

Order of Business

The court proceeded with the following Order of Business (see BCO E1:2A):

1. Call to order

2. Invocation

3. Worship: Scripture, exhortation, prayer

4. Roll call: elders and visitors

5. Reading of previous minutes

6. Communications

7. Reports of standing committees

8. Reports of special committees

9. Adoption of the agenda

10. Unfinished business

11. New business

12. Miscellaneous (announcements, items, requests)

13. Approval of Minutes

14. Adjournment

Roll Call

The following members of the Presbytery were enrolled:

Grace Christian Reformation Presbyterian Church, Menasha, Wisconsin

Pastor Justin B. Stodghill

Reformation Presbyterian Church, Oostburg, Wisconsin

Ruling Elder Ron DeTroye

Ruling Elder Al Wilson

Pastor Frank J. Smith

A quorum was declared present.

Also in attendance was Licentiate Alastair Matthews of the Oostburg congregation.

Reading of Previous Minutes

The minutes for the April 14, 2008, meeting had been distributed to all of the members. The reading of those minutes was waived, and the minutes were approved.

Communications

The following communications were received: the minutes from the congregational meeting of Reformation Presbyterian Church held on August 3, 2008 (see pp. 7-10); a pastoral call from Ellisville (Miss.) Presbyterian Church to Pastor Justin B. Stodghill (see p. 11).

Reports of Standing Committees

There were no reports of standing committees.

Reports of Special Committees

There are no special committees, and therefore there are no reports.

Adoption of the Agenda

It was moved, seconded, and carried that the Presbytery proceed with the items of business as listed in the call to the meeting.

Changing the Date of the Next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery

It was moved, seconded, and carried that the date of the next stated meeting of the Presbytery be changed, so that it will be held on September 12, 2009; with the proviso that the meeting may be moved to a later date in 2009 based upon a consensus of the members of the Presbytery; and with the further proviso that this meeting may be cancelled through consensus should the situation warrant.

Report from Reformation Presbyterian Church Regarding the Pastoral Relationship

It was moved, seconded, and carried to approve the request of the congregation that the pastoral relationship between Pastor Frank J. Smith and the congregation be dissolved as of August 31, 2008.

Pastor Smith’s Resignation as Stated Clerk and as Member of the Candidates Committee

It was moved, seconded, and carried that Pastor Smith’s resignation as Stated Clerk and as a member of the Candidates Committee be accepted, pending his transfer from Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest. [NB: The formal name of the committee is Examinations Committee.]

Transfer of Pastor Smith

It was moved, seconded, and carried that Pastor Smith be transferred in good standing to another Reformed body pending request.

Report from Pastor Justin Stodghill

Pastor Stodghill reported that he has been called by the Ellisville (Miss.) Presbyterian Church of the Presbyterian Church in America, and that he intends to accept this call should it be placed in his hands. It was moved, seconded, and carried to approve the call from the Ellisville church, to place the call in his hands, and to transfer him to Grace Presbytery (PCA) in good standing, pending his receipt by that presbytery; this action and all related actions to be made effective upon the concurrence by the Grace Christian Reformation Presbyterian Church at a congregational meeting. [NB: Pastor Stodghill has been granted authority to call congregational meetings. See p. 15 for the minutes of the congregational meeting.]

It was moved, seconded, and carried that the pastoral relationship between Pastor Stodghill and the Grace Christian Reformation Presbyterian Church be dissolved as of the effective date of his taking up his new post in Ellisville, Mississippi; and that upon the dissolution of this pastoral relationship, Pastor and Mrs. Justin Stodghill be transferred from membership in the Menasha congregation pending receipt by Grace Presbytery and the Ellisville congregation, respectively.

It was moved, seconded, and carried that Alastair Matthews be approved as stated supply for the Menasha congregation, pending the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Pastor Stodghill and the congregation; and that members of the Matthews family, pending their request, be transferred into the Menasha congregation. During consideration of this motion, Alastair Matthews was granted the privilege of the floor.

Pastor Stodghill reported that Martin and Phyllis Waltho and Natalie Waltho Shillington have not been in attendance for more than six months, and that no excuse has been offered for their lack of attendance. The Moderator called the court’s attention to the following provision of the Book of Church Order: “Any member that fails to attend worship for six months (without legitimate excuse) and does not transfer shall be erased (with censure, if he is not attending a church of like faith and practice)” (BCO D3:3B6.). In accord with that provision, the Presbytery hereby erases the names of these members from the roll with the censure of admonition, by adopting letters of admonition (see pp. 12-14). With the erasure of Natalie Shillington from the roll, the name of her non-communicant child, Virginia, is also hereby removed from the roll. [The judicial action regarding Martin and Phyllis Waltho was rescinded—see Minutes, October 26, 2009.]

It was moved, seconded, and carried that the elders of the Presbytery be appointed to be a commission for Grace Christian Reformation Presbyterian Church, with a quorum of any two.

Strengthening the Presbytery and Its Ties to the RPCGA

It was moved, seconded, and carried to adopt the following statement:

Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest (RPM) has benefited from its relationship with the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly (RPCGA), and desires to strengthen its ties with the RPCGA. We acknowledge that it will be necessary for us as a Presbytery, and for the General Assembly of the RPCGA, to vote prior to January 2010 to confirm our relationship and to make permanent what is now a provisional covenant of union. We also acknowledge that it is likely that we will soon as a presbytery be reduced temporarily to only two presbyters, thus falling below the usual requirement of having four presbyters.

We would respectfully note that we believe it is in the best interests not only of our Presbytery but of the RPCGA that we be allowed to continue our existence as a distinct presbytery of the denomination.

Towards that end, please allow us to make the following suggestions.

(1) We would respectfully request if our Presbytery has fewer than four presbyters, the General Assembly would allow this as an exception.

(2) Should granting this exception not be acceptable or feasible, we could be considered as a daughter presbytery of Westminster Presbytery. This would at least preserve two presbyteries for the constituting of the General Assembly. It would also ensure the legality of making permanent the provisional covenant, by guaranteeing that RPM would be able to take a final vote on the matter. We hereby declare our willingness to be a daughter presbytery in accord with this paragraph, should the General Assembly not be willing to grant an exception to the usual expectation of our having at least four presbyters.

Finally, we are hereby providing that any decisions regarding our relationship with the RPCGA and the nature of our Presbytery may be approved by a consensus of the members of our Presbytery, in consultation with the members of the General Assembly.

During the debate on this motion, a recess was declared by the Moderator at 9:27 PM, and the court reconvened at 9:34 PM.

Other Matters Arising from the Items of Business

It was moved, seconded, and carried that Ron DeTroye be elected Stated Clerk when Pastor Smith vacates this position.

Unfinished Business

Although there is unfinished business to be considered at the next stated meeting of this Presbytery, it cannot be considered at this meeting, since the call to the meeting was to handle only the items specified.

New Business

There were no new items of business.

Miscellany

The Stated Clerk announced that the minutes of this Presbytery from its inception through this meeting will be gathered into one volume, a copy of which will be deposited at the PCA Historical Center, St. Louis, Missouri.

Approval of Minutes

It was moved, seconded, and carried that the minutes be submitted to the Moderator and Stated Clerk for them to approve. It was moved, seconded, and carried that they be allowed to add to the minutes any necessary notations and any further relevant communications (such as the minutes of the congregational meeting of the Grace Christian Reformation Presbyterian Church).

Statement of Appreciation

Elder DeTroye and Elder Wilson expressed their appreciation for the work of Pastor Smith and Pastor Stodghill on behalf of the Presbytery.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the court was led in prayer by Pastor Smith and was adjourned at 9:54 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Frank J. Smith, Stated Clerk

[Clerk’s note: p. 15 was added after the meeting, per the action above which authorized the Moderator and the Stated Clerk to incorporate further relevant communications.]

REFORMATION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

This meeting was called to order at 2:01 PM. The moderator Pastor Frank Smith asked for a roll call. It is noted we had nine members present. A quorum was established. He then nominated Elder Al Wilson to be the recording clerk, and it was so moved.

The first item of business was a motion made by the moderator to replace the church constitution with a new document called "Articles of Association and Bylaws". After a brief discussion, it was suggested that Article Thirteen be revisited in the Men's meeting to confirm all were in agreement with this issue. A unanimous ballot vote of nine yes was recorded. Copy of the new document attached.

Pastor Smith read his letter of resignation, a copy is attached. He then stepped down as moderator and asked Elder DeTroye to fill the moderator position.

A motion was made by Al Wilson and second by Ron DeTroye that Pastor Smith's resignation be accepted and that the congregation, in response to the consensus of the three members of the session, requests the presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relationship on August 31, 2008.

Pastor Smith asked that he and his wife Penny be dismissed, permission for them to leave was granted.

(Note: The Ten Dolle family has joined this meeting.)

A ballot vote was taken with a unanimous count of nine yes, the motion carries.

The following "Statement of Commendation" has been read and recorded.

The Session would like to state for the record that we here by recognize the four plus years of service Pastor Smith has provided this congregation, we acknowledge the love from and to Frank and Penny Smith. We appreciate and share in gratitude the instructive teaching, warm fellowship, generous hospitality and joyful leadership in song. We wish them the very best in God's new call.

A motion was read by Al Wilson as follows; It is so moved by Ron DeTroye and second By Al Wilson that Pastor Smith be provided with four months severance covering the last four months of this year. A ballot vote was unanimous with a count of nine yes, the motion carries.

5. The meeting was closed in prayer at 2:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted by recording clerk Alan J. Wilson.

Articles of Association and Bylaws

PREAMBLE

The establishment of this church is based on the authority of Lord Jesus Christ according to the Word of God. The Church has no other head or authority but Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), who exercises His kingship over the church solely through the ecclesiastical government He has established (Matthew 18:15-20; Ephesians 4:11-13). In exercising authority over the church, its officers submit to the Bible, which is the final authority on all issues of life, faith and practice.

ARTICLE ONE: Name

The name of this church is Reformation Presbyterian Church.

ARTICLE TWO: Affiliation

Reformation Presbyterian Church is a duly constituted member of Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest, a presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly.

ARTICLE THREE: Freedom of Association

Reformation Presbyterian Church is not subject to the laws of the State. Rather, we are formed under Christ’s lordship and enjoy His protection. The church seeks to live in peace with the civil magistrate because he is a minister of God for good (Romans 13:1-7). However, in the instance that the magistrate seeks to compel the church to disobey the Law of God, the church must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29).

ARTICLE FOUR: Purpose of Association

The purpose of this church shall be the preaching of the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), the due administration of the holy sacraments (Matthew 28:19-20; I Corinthians 11:23-32), and the godly exercise of church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20) for the edification and instruction of its members (Ephesians 4:11-16). The church assists its members to be involved in the building of the Kingdom of God, which activity includes involvement in every sphere of life. The church has a special interest in assisting the parents of its covenant community in their God-given responsibility of educating their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

ARTICLE FIVE: Statement of Faith

Reformation Presbyterian Church subscribes to the Westminster Confession of Faith of 1647, along with the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms.

ARTICLE SIX: Nature and Operation

Reformation Presbyterian Church may purchase, acquire, own, pledge, mortgage, sell, assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, invest in, trade in, deal in, or acquire goods, wares, merchandise, real property, personal property, and services of every kind and description. In the conduct of its business, it may have one or more offices, and residences for full time ministers and staff. It may buy, mortgage, sell, convey, lease or otherwise dispose of real and personal property. All property will be held by the elders and deacons of the church acting as trustees.

ARTICLE SEVEN: Term of Existence

Reformation Presbyterian Church shall be a perpetual association with the right to terminate its existence in a manner prescribed by the governing ecclesiastical standards.

ARTICLE EIGHT: Membership

Membership in Reformation Presbyterian Church is according to the denominational standards. Furthermore, all communicant members agree to be subject to the government and discipline of the church.

ARTICLE NINE: Officers of the Congregation

The ordained and permanent officers of the church are elders and deacons. Other administrative officials, such as a Treasurer, may be appointed by the Session.

ARTICLE TEN: Boards

The Session, comprised of the elders, directs the spiritual and legal affairs of the church. The Board of Deacons oversees the mercy and physical needs of the church.

ARTICLE ELEVEN: Congregational Property

As long as the congregation is subject to the Book of Church Order of the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly (RPCGA), the following provisions shall apply regarding congregational property.

1. If the congregation should withdraw per BCO B10:14, or should the congregation be separated from the RPCGA, all of the congregation’s property will go with the congregation.

2. If a majority of the congregation wishes to leave the RPCGA, but the Constitutional provisions for leaving are not met (as in there not being a two-thirds majority voting in favor of withdrawal, or in the case where the Presbytery or other higher court does not deem fit to find that there is a sufficient rationale for leaving), the assets of the congregation shall be amicably and equitably divided according to the percentage of those who desire to leave and those who desire to remain.

3. The elders of the congregation shall have authority to put these provisions into effect. Should the elders be unwilling or unable to act, the deacons (or others designated by a majority of the congregation) shall have like authority.

In the event that Reformation Presbyterian Church is dissolved, all of its residual assets will be conveyed to a not-for-profit organization, whether ecclesiastical or one which is auxiliary to the church.

ARTICLE TWELVE: Not-For-Profit Activities

Reformation Presbyterian Church will not carry on any activities which are of a for-profit nature in or on its properties, or under its auspices.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN: Meetings

A congregational meeting shall be held at least once every year, and normally on the third Lord’s Day of January. The congregation may vote to restrict attendance at any congregational meeting to the members of the church. Male heads of household exercise the franchise; a woman who has the right to vote under this congregation’s ecclesiastical constitution will have a male communicant member of this church designated by the Session as a proxy to vote her wishes on behalf of her family. Congregational meetings may be called only by vote of the Session, with at least one week’s notice being given. The quorum for a congregational meeting is one-half of the eligible voters. Ordinarily, minutes of congregational meetings shall be approved by action of the Session.

At least once every quarter, the Consistory (consisting of the Session and the deacons) will meet for a stated meeting.

ARTICLE FOURTEEN: Amendments

These Articles of Association and Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the congregation, and the concurrence of the Session. Any amending articles must be consistent with the Westminster Confession of Faith (1647), and the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms, as well as the governing ecclesiastical standards.

Reformation Presbyterian Church

Post Office Box 700022

Oostburg, Wisconsin 53070

(920)564-6501

www.reformationpc.org

August 2, 2008

Dear Members and Friends of Reformation Presbyterian Church:

It is with great sadness that I write this letter to you announcing the fact that my pastoral relationship with this congregation will soon be coming to a close. Several weeks ago, the three members of the Session reached a consensus that the time has come for the flock of Reformation Presbyterian Church to hear the word preached by another undershepherd. Consequently the elders are in the process of searching for a man who will fill all the needs of the congregation in terms both of preaching skills and pastoral ability. I am fully confident that they will do a fine job and that, by God’s grace, you will soon be under the care of someone who will love and nurture you and whom your hearts will grow to love.

As I prepare to leave, I want you to know how much Penny and I have benefited from our relationship with you. Thank you for the precious times that we have shared together, for your friendship, your love and concern, your encouragement and your support of my ministry. It has been a real blessing to lead you not only in worship but also in teaching you such things as how and why the church operates as it does. It has also been an honor to be a part of your lives in times of great joy and to share with you in times of sadness, anxiety, and grief.

It has been a particular joy to witness the maturing of the young people of the congregation over the past four years. After all, anyone who was then only nine or ten years old is now in junior high. Those of you who were in your late teens are now or will soon be in your twenties. My dear young friends, I stand amazed at the extraordinary understanding and insights which you have displayed at, for example, the tutorials and the literature seminars.

As I tender my resignation, let me assure you that we will miss you, the congregation of Reformation Presbyterian Church, very much. You will be on our minds, in our hearts, and in our prayers as you strive together to continue the Lord’s work as both a unique and a unified group of God’s people. You are very special.

Penny and I will not soon forget you. The fruitful and colorful fields of Wisconsin, stretching out under a big sky, will, as a result of our friendship with you, always beckon us and will always have a warm place in our hearts. We love you, and thank you for the privilege of serving here.

Sincerely in Christ,

Frank J. Smith

Pastor

August 10, 2008

The Session of the Ellisville Presbyterian Church being on sufficient grounds well satisfied of the ministerial qualifications of you, Justin B. Stodghill, and having good hopes from our knowledge of your labors that your ministrations in the Gospel will be profitable to our spiritual interest, do earnestly call you to undertake the position of pastor in said congregation, promising you, in the discharge of your duty, all proper support, encouragement and obedience in the Lord. That you may be free from worldly cares and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige ourselves to pay you the sum of $40,000 a year in regular monthly payments, monthly budget as follows: 1. Automobile/travel allowance (includes car payment, insurance, gasoline and maintenance) $1,000.00. 2. Professional education allowance $250.00. 3. Professional materials allowance $300.00. 4.Professional clothing allowance $200.00. 5.Professional communication $250.00. 6.Personal insurance allowance $250.00. 7. Personal retirement fund 283.33 8. Total net after allowances $800.00. Total Allowance per month $2,533.33 And the use of the manse and three weeks vacation during your time of being and continuing to serve as pastor of this church.

In testimony whereof we have respectively subscribed our names this 10^th day of August, AD 2008.

Roy D. Martin Charles H. Probst

Moderator of the Session Clerk of the Session

cc. Grace Presbytery

Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest

W2941 County Highway A South

Oostburg, Wisconsin 53070

(920)564-6207

August 14, 2008

Mr. Martin Waltho

930 Pond View Court

Appleton, Wisconsin 54913

Dear Marty:

It is our sad duty to inform you that at a meeting today of Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest, the following action was recorded in the minutes:

The reason why the Presbytery took this action, is because it was the court of original jurisdiction (since there was not an existing Session at the time). Should you desire to do so, you may appeal this decision to the General Assembly of the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly.

Marty, in your letter requesting that you be allowed to demit the ministry, you stated that you hold to the theology of the Westminster Standards. If that is the case, then you need to live up to that profession, by supporting a congregation that adheres to that theology. We hereby admonish you for your failure to do so.

Although our action of discipline does not come with the stigma of a pronouncement of excommunication, nevertheless, it does put you outside of the visible church. We strongly urge you to rectify that situation by joining some Bible-believing church very soon.

We regret having to take this action, and we again express to you our willingness to receive you back into our fellowship.

Cordially in Christ,

Frank J. Smith, Stated Clerk

[Rescinded: see Minutes, October 26, 2009]

Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest

W2941 County Highway A South

Oostburg, Wisconsin 53070

(920)564-6207

August 14, 2008

Mrs. Martin Waltho

930 Pond View Court

Appleton, Wisconsin 54913

Dear Phyllis:

It is our sad duty to inform you that at a meeting today of Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest, the following action was recorded in the minutes:

We hereby admonish you not only for your failure to support the congregation of which you have been a member, but also for your failure to attend or support a congregation of Calvinistic persuasion.

We regret having to take this action, and we again express to you our willingness to receive you back into our fellowship.

Cordially in Christ,

Frank J. Smith, Stated Clerk

[Rescinded: see Minutes, October 26, 2009]

Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest

W2941 County Highway A South

Oostburg, Wisconsin 53070

(920)564-6207

August 14, 2008

Mrs. Natalie Waltho Shillington

2935 Glen Park Drive

Appleton, Wisconsin 54914

Dear Natalie:

It is our sad duty to inform you that at a meeting today of Reformation Presbytery of the Midwest, the following action was recorded in the minutes:

We hereby admonish you not only for your failure to support the congregation of which you have been a member, but also for your failure to attend or support a congregation of Calvinistic persuasion. In issuing this admonition to you, we would particularly call your attention to the fact that the Session of Grace Christian Reformation Presbyterian Church (then known as Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church of Manawa) had acted in January 2007 to restore you to communicant status from your having been excommunicated for adultery. The Session undertook that action in good faith, believing that you would live up to your word that you would give the church a serious try before making a decision as to whether to stay with the congregation or not. Since the time of your restoration, the number of times you attended worship there could be counted on one hand. This deliberate failure on your part does call into question the depth of your professed repentance.

We regret having to take this action, and we again express to you our willingness to receive you back into our fellowship.

Cordially in Christ,

Frank J. Smith, Stated Clerk

Called Congregational Meeting of

Grace Christian Reformation Presbyterian Church

to be Held Following the Morning Worship Service on the Lord's Day, 24 August 2008

The purpose of the called Congregational Meeting is threefold.

Item #1 To adopt the proposed "Declaration of Association"

Item #2 To approve the Resignation of Rev. Justin B. Stodghill pursuant to a call from the Ellisville Presbyterian Church (PCA)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The meeting was called to order by the Rev. Justin Stodghill.

The following voting members were in attendance: The Rev. Justin Stodghill, Steven Sawall, Nathan and Lisa Fregien, and Jim Brown. Voting in proxy was Ruth Sawall.

The third item of business was removed.

The first order of business was to consider the adoption of the "Declaration of Association" of the RPCGA. After reading through the document and discussion, a motion was made and seconded. The congregation voted unanimously in the adoption of the "Declaration of Association" of the RPCGA. All present voting members signed the
"Declaration of Association" of the RPCGA, with Ruth Sawall signing the document at a later time.

The second order of business was to consider the resignation of Rev. Justin B. Stodghill pursuant to a call from the Ellisville Presbyterian Church (PCA). After discussion and clarification regarding the call to the Ellisville Presbyterian Church, a motion was
made and seconded. The congregation voted 3 to 2 in favor of the resignation of Rev. Justin B. Stodghill.

The meeting was adjourned after prayer.

[Stated Clerk’s note: Ruling Elder Jim Brown sent these minutes via email on March 27, 2009, after consulting with Steve Sawall.—FJS.]