Bethlen Naptár, 1958 (Ligonier)
Highlights in Hungarian Life…
246 BETHLEN NAPTÁR The history of the Church in Perth begins at this point. Nicholas Csintalan hadn’t heard a Hungarian word in 45 years. These few words brought back the meaning of life. He distributed his treasures among the children and went to the Moderator at Melbourne and asked to be sent as a minister where the Hungarians need one. He worked laboriously to gather together a little flock. As a result of his efforts a small congregation was organized in August of 1952. He continued his labors until his heart could no longer carry on and he died on October 20, 1953. He lived the Gospel he proclaimed and the entire Hungarian colony of all religions respected his labors. The congregation stood at his graveside in a state of shock. But his example strengthened them. The congregation called its chief-elder, Andrew Domahidy, to serve as pastor. The Presbyterian Church gladly strengthened him in this office and he went to work at once. The Women’s Society became a strong organization and began its labors in behalf of the children. It set up fellowship dinners every two months and spent the proceeds on Christmas programs and books. Worship services were held at the usual times on the first and third Sunday of every month. Communion was administered three times a year, at Christmas, Easter and New Bread and Wine. The congregation showed its inner vitality by accepting outside responsibilities. In 1954 we erected a headstone for our deceased pastor. When a new Presbyterian Seminary was opened in Perth in 1955 the congregation gave a set of Moffatt’s commenataries to the school, and all the students will see that the books were donated by the Hungarian congregation. For though we lack a church building of our own we are spiritually strong. The Perth congregation survives as an orphan in Australia. It attempted to establish contact with other Hungarian Reformed groups. Soon relations were established through the Evangelical World Service. It couldn’t do very much because of its isolation. The first conference for Hungarian Reformed leaders in Australia was held at Melbourne in January of 1957. It was led by the Elder of the Melbourne congregation, Dr. László Benyi, and Rev. Andrew Domahidy. The congregations seriously considered their unique role in Australia. Our relations with the Presbyterian Church are excellent. The Synod voted to let us use a small orphanage to care for refugee children and has also given a place for an old folks home. No contacts existed with other denominations until the Hungarian Revolution brought us into fellowship through common relief action and service. Chief among the fruits of this new contact was the celebration of West Australian organizations on March 29, 1957 at King Park.
