Bethlen Naptár, 1960 (Ligonier)
Bethlen Almanac
BETHLEN ALMANAC 135 A Sunday Congregation — Kalamazoo, Mich. Our men have built an attractive covering over the entrance to our lower hall, have covered the kitchen ceiling with celotex, and even built a road. Together with the women of our congregation they sanded and rewaxed the surface of the church floor, and painted the kitchen. Our Lorantffy Ladies Circle bought a beautiful rug and a new covering for the Lord’s table. Since the union, our congregation spent more than $4,500 on improving and decorating our church, of which more than $3,700 came from the Hungarian Lorantffy Ladies Circle. The chief elder in our very active consistory is Steven Varga, and the president of the busy Lorantffy Ladies Circle is Mr. Joseph Dalia. Since the union of our two churches attendance at our worship services has increased as well. This was particularly noticable in our English service, which doubled in attendance. This was partly the result of new societies being formed, such as the English speaking Martha Circle (with Mrs. Steven Varga as president), the Youth Fellowship and the choir. In the year since July 1, 1958, we had two baptisms, one wedding, four funerals, and two young people confirmed. Our complete roll has 120 persons. Our property and finances amount to $40,000. The pastor, often together with his wife, visited all members in the past year, brought the comfort of God’s word to the sick, and assisted the refugees. Our testimony for the last year is based on I Corinthians 3:6: We have planted and watered, “but God gave the increase.” The greatest value we hold is the voice of the Holy Spirit in our hearts testifying of Christ’s redeeming grace. WHITING, Ind. — Pastor: Rev. Joseph Malasics There were four christenings, three confirmed, one wedding and one funeral in this church during the past year. The consistory is headed by Mr. Joseph Szabó, chief elder, while the president of the Ladies’ Aid is Mrs. Stephen Gabor. Last year they repaired the roof of the church, which cost almost $1,000; extensive repairs were needed on the parsonage, too. The Ladies’ Aid donated $683 to help defray the cost of these repairs. Beyond doubt the greatest event of 1959 was the celebration of Rev. Malasics who spent more than 10 years in the congregation. All the neighboring ministers participated in the celebration in order to express their love, respect and good wishes to Rev. Malasics.
