Our
HistoryOur
HistoryThe first OCRC was organized in 1979 in Listowel (now Wingham), Ontario, Canada by families who had resigned from the CRC for doctrinal reasons. Within the next years OCRC’s had formed in Grand Valley, Michigan, Toronto, Ontario, and Burlington, Washington.
The name “Orthodox” was chosen to indicate that we wanted to return to true doctrine, and “CRC”, because we wanted to return to what was faithful to the Word in our reformed heritage.
Beginning in 1981 the consistories of these OCRC’s met in conferences to discuss church order and the reasons and ways to federate. In 1988 in our seventh conference and with seven churches we federated with a revised Church Order.
Since then some new churches have joined and others have left. At present the federation numbers twelve churches. In Ontario: Bowmanville, Cambridge, Nobleton, and Wingham. In British Columbia: Abbotsford, Kelowna, New Westminster, and Surrey. In Washington: Burlington, Everson, Lynden, and Sunnyside.
Although most members and ministers in the OCRC’s come from a CRC background, we do have a number of ministers and members from other backgrounds. We have found this a deeply enriching experience, and also find that our contact and fellowship with other Reformed believers and churches has broadened considerably since Federation. We pray that our fellowship may continue to grow in the truth and in holiness.