Bethlen Almanac 1997 (Ligonier)
Kálvin Egyházkerület
This was the first year during which the newly revised and approved Congregational Bylaws provided much needed guidelines. All provisions of the Bylaws proved to be helpful through the year and it is reassuring that members of the congregation feel that this document contributed to good order in conducting our affairs. We held 99 worship services during 1996. These included 44 Hungarian, 51 English, three combined and one special (wedding) services. At these occasions 1,923 worshippers joined us in our simple and dignified sanctuary. Holy Communion was celebrated on seven occasions, and the Sacrament of Baptism was administered at one time. During the Summer of 1996, a letter was mailed to communicant members outlining the financial pressure on our diminishing financial reserves. Maintaining the building requires recurring funds, and engaging pastoral services is a continuing commitment. A careful watch of the past decade, and a detailed analysis of the fiscal standing of the church during the past five years, clearly indicate that donations have decreased, income realized from fundraising projects are down. During the past decade both inside and outdoor maintenance chores have been hired out at considerable cost. There is reason for concern about how long the building complex, programs and services can be maintained. May God watch over us and give us wisdom. VITAL STATISTICS 1915-1995 Year Baptism Confirmation Weddings Funerals 1915-19 34 0 0 1 1920-29 91 0 20 23 1930-39 59 71 40 40 1940-49 75 33 48 56 1950-59 74 41 20 25 1960-69 67 60 18 63 1970-79 25 35 23 38 1980-89 14 13 14 34 1990-95 5 0 8 14 Total: 444 253 191 294 Note: confirmation classes were combined with nearby Hungarian Reformed churches in the early years, and statistics were not entered into the 105
