Bethlen Naptár, 1958 (Ligonier)

Highlights in Hungarian Life…

BETHLEN NAPTÁR

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Arvay. Kalman Sulyok and Desider Parragh also served there for a short time.

Dr. Frank Hoffman began work for the United Church of Canada. Others who served later were Sigismund Balia, Imre Csendes and Charles Farkas.

Reformed Church life was organized in the Eastern provinces in the 1920’s. Once again this was carried out under the auspices of the two large denominations.

Frank Kovács was the first organizing pastor who settled in Hamilton and organized a number of churches. Later arrivals included Charles Kovács, Dr. Jenő Molnár, Stephen Csutoros, Ferenc'Nagy and Charles Steinmetz. Almost all were builders of churches too.

The United Church organized work in Quebec through Michael Feher, and in Ontario through the fine work of Charles Farkas and Dr. Ambrose Czako.

Not much later the Free Magyar Reformed Church in America commissioned Dr. Bela Botykos to work in Windsor where the congregation continues to serve. He was succeeded by Dr. Anthony V. Borbas. The present pastor is the Rev. Kalman Gondocz. Charles Steinmetz also organized a Free Magyar Church in Toronto when he left the Presbyterian Church’s service. His successor Bela Ambrus went to the States and the work is now dormant.

Most Hungarian Reformed people are in the Presbyterian Church. A large number of pastors arrived with the 34,000 recent refugees and they have filled the pastoral ranks. The Canadian Presbyterian Hungarian congregations are served by 16 ordained ministers, two deacons, three theological students and two deaconesses. There are 23 organized congregations, 11 churches, 11 manses, 3 parish houses and one old peoples’ home (Kossuth House) which is to be opened soon. The Gospel is preached at 45 different places. There are regular publications “Quiet Moments” and “New Life.” Their national organizations include the Ministerial Association, Elders Federation, Federation of Love and the Committee for Aid to Refugee Hungarian Protestant Children.

Pastors and church workers now in service include the following: In West Canada: Kalman Dóka, Frigyes Metzger, László Báthory, Louis Becske, Victor Orth, Edmund Seres and Deacon Charles Komlos. In Eastern Canada: Dr. Kalman Toth, Louis Vietorisz, John David, George Teles, Alexander Havadtoy, Dr. Attila Csiszár, Dr. László Pandy Szekeres, Nicholas Novak, Jenő Rúzsa and László Fejes and Deacon László Györkös.

Deaconess Eliza Cseke carried on her fine work in both parts of Canada, but because of her recent marriage has left the Church’s service.

Three ordained ministers and one student work through the United Church. They are the Reverends Michael Feher, Charles Farkas and Dr. László Pokoly. Ferenc László is the lone theological student.

There are also a few Baptist ministers who do good work in Canada.

This article has presented something of the religious life of Canada and has attempted to indicate who works among the 30,00 Hungarian Protestants in this huge territory. How true the words of our Lord: “Truly, the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers into His harvest.”