Bethlen Naptár, 1956 (Ligonier)
Superintendent's report on the Bethlen Home
BETHLEN NAPTÁR 167 VISITING OUR CONGREGATIONS The all-Hungarian program with which 20 of our children have visited 8 of our congregations to date, has served as another blessed link between our home and our churches, promoting much goodwill and interest in our institution. Our program includes favorite Hungarian hymns and anthems (4 part choral group), songs depicting the musical trends in Hungary through the centuries, recitations, and the national Hungarian dance. The program is presented in colorful national costume. In return for their support throughout the years, our children present this program to our congregations, thus demonstrating their thanks and gratitude. This work is carried out in the spirit of the Master who said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” THOSE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF OUR FAITH: OUR RESIDENTS In the last one and one-half years we cared for 31 children and 53 old people: 84 persons in all. 6 of our children left the institution during this period, while 5 children were admitted: Terry Hood, Donna Hood, Vicki Hood (broken home); Patricia Matthews and Franklin Wichniarz (orphans who were sent to our home by the Orphans’ Court). At the end of 1954 there were 27 children living in our institution. During the first half of 1954, 4 children were discharged: Gusztáv Zettl, who returned to his mother after her remarriage; Geraldine Waugh, who was graduated from high school and found employment in the Navy Department in Washington, D. C.; Terry Hood, who returned to his mother; Anna Sega, who finished high school and found employment in Pittsburgh. 29 of our 31 children were of the Reformed faith, 1 was Roman Catholic, and 1 was Lutheran. 8 children attended the local high school, 23 were enrolled in the grade school. 5 of our children were total orphans, 17 were half orphans, 5 came from broken homes, and 4 were children of new immigrants. Our children’s academic records read as follows: 6 were A students, 10 were B students, 9 measured an average of C, and 6 were D students. There was no record of serious illness among our children during this period. Our religious program included morning and evening devotions, regular Sunday church services, Sunday School in the local Presbyterian Church, released time education, summer Bible School in our local churches, religion in our Hungarian Summer School, and finally a confirmation class. We had no behavior problems. One of our 53 old people left our home and entered a convalescent home. 6 old folks died, whose names and pictures were published in our 1955 Almanac. 10 old guests were admitted to our home: Susan Bodi, Mrs. Alexander Horvath, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ladik, Mrs. Stephen Papmeder, Mrs. Michael Popely, Mr, and Mrs. John Spitznagel, John Spitznagel, Jr., and Louis Baksa. On Dec. 31, ÍTV34, there were 19 men, and 26 women, a total of 45 old guests in our old folks’ home. 5 persons died during the first half of 1955: Mrs. Susan Kormos, Mr. and Mrs. John Spitznagel, Louis Puskas, Mrs. Bertalan Kulcsár. On June 30, 1955, there were 43 old guests in our institution. Below are a few brief statements taken from the annual report of Rev. Louis Varga, Overseer of our old people: “I gratefully thank God for His goodness and His many blessings. He provided food and clothing plentifully, and watched over us. We thank Him
