Calvin Synod Herald, 1987 (87. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)
1987 / 1. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD — 3 — REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA New Kossuth House in Washington, DC November 22, 1986 will always be remembered as a memorable day in the history of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America since a two-fold celebration took place in the heart of the Capitol City. The 20th Anniversary of the Federation was celebrated in a most impressive way with the dedication of the new Home Office — the Kossuth House. The observance began at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 20th Street, Northwest, just off Dupont Circle. A year ago a neglected building, with a FOR SALE sign on the corner of a once decorative garden, stood amidst rubbish on a busy street corner. Today, a newly decorated free standing white stone building glitters in the winter sun. People from nearby and far away places began to gather at 3 pm. The focal point was the large Kossuth emblem attached to the corner of the building beneath the American and Hungarian flags. The Board of Directors, Home Office employees and invited dignitaries, members, surrounded the Kossuth plaque. At the unfolding of the flags the national anthems were sung by the throng. The dedication hymn was the traditional ‘Te Benned bíztunk. ...’ This opening hyfnn reminded us of the history of the Federation which goes back to the very heart of God who gave vision and strength to the founders to put their faith to work, in obedience to the Great Commandment and build this, our fraternal society. The prayer of dedication and thanksgiving were given in both languages — by Rev. Dezső Abraham, former Bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church of America and Vice President of the Board of Directors and by Reverend Zoltán Király, Bishop of Calvin Synod, United Church of Christ. This representation was fitting, since from the very beginning the work of the Federation was supported and shared by the leaders and members of all our churches. But there was a new presence at this dedication sendee. The Right Reverend László Irányi, Bishop of all Hungarian Roman Catholics outside of Hungary, was also present and his participation bears witness to the fact that our society, though of Reformed origin, has reached ecumenical dimensions. At the 90th Anniversary we thankfully proclaim that almost half of our membership comes from Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Greek Catholic and Jewish religious communities. The Kossuth plaque made by the world-renown painter, sculptor Sándor Bodo was unveiled by Joseph Tegze, V.P.-Secretary and William Puskas, Treasurer. They were assisted by some members of the Hungarian Scouts of Washington, DC. Members of the Hungarian Folk Ensemble (New York City) aroused the enthusiasm of the audience with their rendering of well-known Kossuth songs. One of the highlights of the dedication service was the presence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the U.S.A. to Hungary, the Honorable Mark Palmer.“There isn’t a country in the world that I would rather go to than Hungary. Kossuth demonstrates just why I want to go to Hungary. You are remarkable people with a remarkable culture with a great love of freedom and as many of you know, that is also my greatest love. You contributed to our revolution, we contributed to your revolution in the 1848’s and we must together contribute to the revolutions of the future. So I want to congratulate you on this occasion, on your remarkable fortitude___” Following the dedication the guests visited the new Home Office. The first floor is decorated with Kossuth relics and etchings — Ambassador Palmer was presented with an original print of the Kossuth parade in New York — December 6, 1891 which the Ambassador said would hang in his office in Budapest. On the second floor are displaved pictures of Federation history. The Home Office employees and members of Branch #300 acted as host and hostesses and served refreshments to the many visitors. Then the entire company walked to the Cosmos Club where a dinner followed. The invocation was given by Reverend Dr. István Szabó, Honorary Vice President. Greetings were extended bv the following: Reverend Dr. Andrew Harsanyi, Bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America — “My words are more than a greeting, it is a word of witness... Witnessing to the truth that the Federation never committed the failure of forgetting its spiritual source and foundation, namely that having been constrained by the love of Christ toward the immigrant Hungarian Reformed people, a people helplessly seeking its place in an alien land, the Federation was founded 90 years ago in the Reformed Church of Trenton with the purpose to serve this people. I must stress it: the Federation has been doing this service not only prudently but also with much love. We know that love does not make anything easy but it makes everything possible. We can, therefore, say that to uphold its 90 year old loyalty to Hungarian and Reformed faith and cultural character has not been easy for the Federation but we are witnessing that it has been and still is possible.”
