Reformátusok Lapja, 1968 (68. évfolyam, 8-12. szám)

1968-10-01 / 10. szám

12

REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

responsibility of their minister, and without the continued support of his American patrons, Acs was forced to work in a factory during the week, hut he continued his ministry on Sundays. However, after a short time, with growing disinterest, lie discontinued his Services. His final sermon was preached on January 2. 1854, after which he went to secure work in Syracuse and Ithaca, New York for the Binghampton Railroad. Still later, he went to Boston where lie found employment as an apprentice photographer.

Ács became a citizen of the United States on November 16, 1858. While he lived in New York and Boston, he was accepted among the leading Hungarians, and was enthusiastically welcomed by many prominent Americans. He was acquainted with Daniel Webster and with the leaders of the Boston Athenaeum. He was well versed in theology, in languages, literature, astronomy, and politics. With his manifold skills, he fit in with any society, and easily found friends.

During his ten years stay in America, Gedeon Ács closely observed American life; both public and Church life, he observed the life of his fellow immigrants, and in a ten volume unpublished diary, gave a vivid account of it.

Ács became very homesick, and after many trials and hardships, he hoarded a British ship returning to Hungary on February 23, 1861. He received amnesty, hut much time elapsed before he was able to secure a position in the ministry. On April 23, 1862, lie was elected pastor of the Reformed Church in Csuza, located in the south of Hungary. He died there on November 12, 1887. The only honor ever bestowed upon him was naming the only street in his village after him.

In newspaper accounts, in a hook, and in pamphlet form, Gedeon Ács is remembered not only in Hungary, hut also in the United States.

The Eastern Classis of Calvin Synod in commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the Reformed Church of Hungary, dedicated a bronze plaque in memory of the Rev. Gedeon Ács.

The dedication took place on May 28, 1968 at 2 P.M. in the Interchurch Center, N. C. C. The plaque reads as follows:

IN MEMORY OF THE REV. GEDEON ACS, MINISTER OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN HUNGARY, CHAPLAIN TO LAJOS KOSSUTH, GOVERNOR OF HUNGARY, CONDUCTED THE FIRST HUNGARIAN REFORMED WORSHIP SERVICE IN AMERICA ON MARCH 14, 1852 IN THE CHAPEL OF THE OLD NORTH REFORMED CHURCH, FULTON AND WILLIAM STREETS, NEW YORK CITY. Erected by the Eastern Classis of the Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ at the Four Hundredth Anniversary of the Reformed Church in Hungary—1967.

The program: Invocation by the Rev. Leslie Egry, President of the Eastern Classis; Hymn, Psalm 90;

Address by the Rev. Francis Vitéz; Poem, written by the Rev. Gedeon Ács, read by the Rev Joseph Kecske- methy; Unveiling and Presentation by the Rev. Dr. John Butosi, President of Calvin Synod; Receiving of the Plaque by Dr. H. Leroy Brininger, Associate General Secretary of the National Council of Churches; Introduction of Guests by Dr. Butosi; Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Zoltán Füle; and Benediction by the Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Bessemer.

The following attended the dedication ceremonies: Dr. H. II. E. Espy, General Secretary, N. C. C., Rev. Leroy Brininger, Associate General Secretary for Administration, N. C. C., Mrs. Cynthia Wcdell, Associate General Secretary, Division of Church Unity, N. C. C., Rev. Stephen Feke, N. C. C., Mr. H. Belee, N. C. C., Rev. Dr. Ben M. Herbster, President, United Church of Christ, Rev. Joseph Evans, Secretary, United Church of Christ, Rev. Frank A. Kostyu, Associate Editor, United Church Herald, Rev. Gabor Csordás, Rev. Dr. Andrew Harsanvi, Dr. Sándor Kiss, Rev. Andrew Hamza, Rev. Dr. Nicholas Nyary, Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen VI. Bessemer, Rev. Leslie Egry, Miss R. Egry, Rev. Francis Yitez. Rev. Joseph Kecskmethy, Rev. Dr. Zoltán Füle, Rev. Dr. Alexander Havadtoy, Rev. Dr. John Butosi, Air. and Airs. David Bardos, Mr. Charles Toth, and Rev. August J. Molnár.

The plaque was prepared by Mr. David Bardos, a 3rd generation Hungarian sculptor of South Norwalk, Connecticut.

The inspiring dedication acted as a link between the denominational leaders, our people, and the old and new homelands.

It is our hope and desire that one day soon, his diary may he published. How beneficial it would be for both of his countries. Let the inhabitants of both countries that he loved so well, long remember his name, and pass it along in history.

Gedeon Ács, a dedicated man, who sacrificed much for Hungary and for America, but who received so little.

Rev. Francis Vitéz