Bethlen Naptár, 1945 (Ligonier)
The Bethlen Home of the Hungarian Ref. Federation
64. OLDAL BETHLEN NAPTÁR AZ 1945-IK ESZTENDŐRE THE BETHLEN HOME of the HUNGARIAN REF. FEDERATION THE BETHLEN HOME of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America is a charitable institution in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. It has two divisions, namely, The Old People’s Home, in Ligonier Township, and The Orphan’s Home for Children, in Ligonier Borough. About forty years ago it was the dream of the whole-hearted charter members of the Hungarian Reformed Federation to found a good Samaritan institution. After eighteen years of successful planning, the beginning was near at hand. The dream became a reality twenty-three years ago, at which time the Orphan’s Home was founded through the accumulated funds of the Federation and Hungarian Churches and the diligent direction of Reverend Alexander Kalassay, Sr., and his wife. Very soon it became apparent that in addition to the orphan children there were many aged members of the Federation and others who needed shelter, care and good Christian fellowship close to the end of their earthly lives. Therefore, in the early 20’s the Federation purchased a farm, and in the eighteen to twenty rooms of the farmhouses an Old People’s Home was established. More property was acquired later as the assets of the Federation increased. Development did not tolerate a standstill in this worthy undertaking, so three years ago the Federation launched a steady drive for sufficient funds to create a more favorable site for a new orphanage in the city of Ligonier, Penna, which would be close to school facilities. God answered the prayers of the orphan children who formerly had to walk to a township school and back home again, a distance of about 3 and a half miles. Their daily excursion had to be made in fall, winter and spring, despite adverse weather conditions. With the aid of generous donations by their good friends throughout the United States and with the co-operative effort of the Directors in this noble cause, God granted the erection of the beautiful, new Orphan’s Home in proximity to the grade and high schools in Ligonier. Great and deeply heartfelt was the joy at the dedication ceremonies August 31, 1941. On November 21, 1943, a decorated Honor Roll was dedicated in front of the Children’s Home. The following 21 names are on it: Andrew Gall, Bertalan Gall, Stephen Gulyas, Albert Horvath, Elmer
