Bethlen Naptár, 1988 (Ligonier)

Észak-amerikai magyar presbiteriánus gyülekeztek

ÉSZAK-AMERIKAI PRESBITERIÄNUS EGYHÁZAK — PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.) —

BEAVER FALLS, ELL WOOD CITY, PA

The ecumenical worship service on December 20, 1987, was an historic event for the Hungarian communities of the Beaver Falls Ellwood City area.

In an effort to bring local Hungarians together a Christmas candle-light service was held in the Third Ave. Presbyterian Church, Beaver Falls. Two years ago, the Hungarian Catholic Church, St. Ladislaus, was closed by the Bishop. The churches in Ellwood City (St. Joseph’s and the Presbyterian) were also built by our Hungarian forefathers. Neither of these churches remain Hungarian, nor do they have Hungarian language services at any time.

The two communities welcomed the opportunity to share in this special Christmas workshop. Helen Farkas, former organist for St. Ladislaus, and Elizabeth Szabó of Youngstown provided pre-service music which included Hungarian Christmas carols from the Catholic, Reformed and Lutheran faiths.

Nearly eighty people attended the service which was conducted by Rev. Nicholas Novak of the First Hungarian Reformed Church in Pittsburgh, PA.

A reception which was hosted jointly by the local branches of the William Penn Association and the American Hungarian Reformed Federation was a time to renew old acquaintences and make new plans for the future. It provided Christian fellowship for all. A lovely refreshment table was set by the ladies of the congregation. Table decorations included a red, white and green flower arrangement with initialed ribbons which indentified both societies.

Endre Csornán, who serves on the Board of Directors of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America and wife Arlene were instrumental in helping to coordinate the event along with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Belle. All the ladies of the community cooperated by providing baked goods and help in the kitchen.

Community members participating in the event brought donation of canned goods for needy families. Shortly before Christmas, items were delivered to Hungarian families in need, including Hungarian refugees who recently arrived in the United States. A donation of $75.00 was contributed from the evening collection to the Refugee Resettlement Home in Youngstown, Ohio.

(E. Szabó)

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