Bethlen Évkönyv, 1993-1996 (Ligonier)

Amerikai Magyar Református Egyház

Landmarks Preservation Commission of New York City. The 19th century architecture of the church, both exterior and interior, will be maintaned as a “Landmark building”.

The 80th anniversary worship service was held on Sunday morning, October 8, 1995, and a reception followed in the church hall. During the reception some 125 guests, visitors and members viewed an extensive pictorial and documentary exhibit, which presented the religious, cultural and social life of the Hungarian immigrants and their descendants, who settled on Staten Island at 1900’s. The exhibit was researched and developed by Linda Cutler Hauck, a member of the congregation.

The anniversary sermon on October 8th was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Imre Bertalan, a former pastor of the congregation. Others participating in leading the worship service were the Rt. Rev. Alexander Forro, Bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, the Rt. Rev. Dezső Abraham, former bishop of the denomination, and the Rev. August J. Molnár, supply pastor of the congregation. Jeffrey Nemeth conveyed the anniversary greetings of the congregation to the worshipers.

Repairs made to the church hall during 1995 were approved by the Landmark Commission. Painting and interior decorating of the church hall, the foyer and office were completed in the same year.

The Magyar Reformed Church of Staten Island has a membership of 30; Although small in number, the members, church council, and Women’s Guild have an annual program of events, which help support the church budget and provide fellowship for members and friends. These include Hungarian heritage day, the annual bazaar, strawberry festival, Chinese auctions and an annual picnic. Hungarian kolbász making in the winter months is a fund raiser carried on by the third and fourth generation members and friends of the congregation.

On May 7, 1995, the members of the congregation arranged and participated in a memorial worship service in the church honoring the life of Priscilla B. Molnár, who was the wife of our supply pastor, Rev. August J. Molnár. They were married for 43 years. She is survived by two children and three grandchildren. Mrs. Molnár retired from teaching after 34 years. Her husband is president of the American Hungarian Founda-268