Bethlen Naptár, 1960 (Ligonier)
Bethlen Almanac
BETHLEN ALMANAC 173 WHARTON, N. J. — Pastor: Rev. Bela Szigethy Acts 2:11 is carried on our church bulletins every Sunday: “We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.’’ By quoting this sentence of the Bible we want to express our joy about the privilege that in our church, through God’s grace, His word can be preached not just in one, but in two languages. God tells every one in the most understandable language that He is love. Our congregation regards this condition both a privilege and a special calling. The Wharton church has 162 officially reported members. However, 236 annual sets of envelopes were distributed, and communications were sent to 182 addresses. The church of this number of people spent almost thirteen thousand dollars in 1958, which fact speaks for itself. The vitality of the congregation is demonstrated by donations for missions also, which have been increasing year by year. Besides the worship services, church school and the meetings of church organizations, the spiritual development of members was served through Bible classes during the Lent and Advent seasons, through the effective work of the committees on evangelism and stewardship, and through the connection of youth with the Princeton Evangelistic Fellowship. During the last three months of the year, an adult Bible class of the Sunday school was started, which, we hope, will have great spiritual effects. The renovation of the church buildings was continued in 1959 also. The Ladies’ Aid Society had the parsonage repaired expending five thousand dollars for this purpose. Thus — besides the regular annual budgets — during the last three years the church spent some twenty-five thousand dollars on repairs, equipment and the settling of its debt. In this connection it is worth mentioning that the idea of tithing is taking root in the congregation. One of our greatest joys in 1959 was the confirmation of twelve young members of the church. In the framework of Memorial, Reformation and Thanksgiving services, of the Vacation Bible School, of the Halloween UNISEE program, of youth and other activities, we maintained close cooperation with the two other Protestant churches of the town. Members of the congregation, especially 2-3 families, adorned the church with beautiful flowers every Sunday. Confirmation Class, Wharton, N. J.
