Free Reformed Church of Byford Inc

The Free Reformed Church of Byford Inc is a nonprofit religious organization located in Byford, Western Australia. It is a local congregation affiliated with the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA), a federation of Reformed Protestant churches primarily based in Western Australia. The church operates as part of a wider movement with historical roots in the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands (Liberated) and maintains strong doctrinal ties to the Protestant Reformation and biblical teachings[5].

History and Affiliation

The Free Reformed Church of Byford is one of the congregations within the Free Reformed Churches of Australia federation, which was founded in 1951 with the first congregation established in Armadale, Western Australia[5]. The federation consists of 18 congregations, mostly concentrated in Western Australia, with additional congregations in Tasmania and a home congregation in Cairns. The churches emphasize adherence to historic Reformed confessions and creeds, subscribing to the Three Forms of Unity—namely, the Canons of Dort, Belgic Confession, and Heidelberg Catechism—as well as the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds[5].

Doctrine and Worship

As a confessional Reformed church, the Free Reformed Church of Byford upholds biblical authority and historic Protestant doctrine. The church regularly holds worship services every Sunday, featuring both a morning service beginning at 9:30 AM and an afternoon service starting at 3:30 PM. Worship includes congregational singing primarily using a songbook comprising the 150 biblical Psalms set to music and a selection of hymns based on Scripture, emphasizing praise rooted in the Word of God[1][2].

Services begin with a confession of trust in God led by the minister, followed by God’s greeting of peace to the congregation. The worship experience is family-oriented, with facilities such as a creche available for infants and toddlers. Attire during worship varies from neat casual to formal, reflecting a desire to honor God respectfully without social distinction[2].

Activities

The church not only conducts weekly worship services but also organizes Bible study meetings aimed at teaching and strengthening members in the doctrines of the Reformed faith[4]. The Free Reformed Church of Byford maintains an active role in fostering fellowship among its members and the local community in line with its religious mission.

Legal Status

The Free Reformed Church of Byford Inc is registered as a nonprofit organization with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) under the ABN 21 589 071 923. It operates under the legal framework governing churches and religious organizations in Australia[3].

This article summarizes the Free Reformed Church of Byford Inc as a doctrinally Reformed, community-focused congregation within the broader Free Reformed Churches of Australia, committed to biblical worship, teaching, and fellowship.

[1] https://byfordchurch.org.au [2] https://byfordchurch.org.au/worship-services/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/ded94fe1-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/ded94fe1-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/documents/b48c050e-8f91-ea11-a811-000d3ad1f29c [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Reformed_Churches_of_Australia