Calvin Synod Herald, 1988 (88. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)
1988 / 2-5. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 16-REFORMATUSOK LAPJA HUNGARIAN REFORMED FEDERATION OF AMERICA THIRTY-THIRD CONVENTION The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America held its 33rd quadrennial convention September 19 thru 23, 1988. The Bethlen Home in Ligonier Pennsylvania, which has served the orphaned and elderly of the American-Hungarian community for over half a century, was again the site of the convention. The Bethlen Home Chapel welcomed the delegates, where not only Reformed, but Roman Catholic and Lutheran clergy participated in opening worship, symbolic of the unity which the Federation strives to foster amongst those of Hungarian ancestory in America. In the worship service thanks was given to God for his care for our ancestors who made this land their home, for the blessings of freedom in the United States and Canada, and for His help in the establishment and nurture of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America these past 92 years. Also commemorated was the 950th Anniversary of the death of Saint Stephen, first king of Hungary, under whose leadership came both political unity and Christianity to our ancestoral homeland. The officers reported that the financial situation of the Federation is stronger than ever before, thanks not so much to the skill of the leadership of the Federation as to the workers in the field. Recognition was given to those who are in daily contact with the public, who serve not only the Federation but primarily the needs of the members of the Federation. It was officially reported that the Federation has reestablished itself in a permanent home, a new "Kossuth House", in Washington, D.C., and once again proudly flies the Hungarian flag in the nation’s capitol. The delegates also participated in the official dedication of the new "Hungarian Village", the Bethlen Home retirement complex, next to the Bethlen Home Nursing facility. The dedication, held at the recently erected "Székelykapu”, a traditional Transylvanian ornamentally carved gate, was tinged by the knowledge that at that same time the Romanian government was working to destroy thousands of Transylvanian villages and historic "Székelykapu's. The delegates to the Convention authorized the leadership to continue its fraternal work for the American- Hungarian community. The plans for the Museum and Archives, to be located on the grounds of the Bethlen Home, were accepted as presented. Also passed was the revised plan for the "Ohio Bethlen Home” and its planning committee. In addition to the service offered to the elderly, the delegates placed special emphasis on and recommended support for the work being done with our youth, not only in our Reformed churches but also in the Hungarian Scouting Movement. The Federation will continue to offer support for Hungarians in Transylvania, for those seeking refuge in Hungary, and those coming to the United States. The delegates also recommended support for the reestablishment of another parochial school in Hungary, undertaken by the Reformed Church of Hungary. Concern was further expressed toward the American-Hungarian community in discussions about the American Hungarian Federation, which has recently experienced a division in ranks. The Federation has always been keenly interested and involved in this organization, which was organized for the purpose of uniting the Hungarian community, and the Federation expressed the hope that divisions in this organization would soon be reconciled. The Federation recognizes that its strength lies in the Hungarian community. Though primarily our churches, our community is also held together by cultural and social organizations, and in our Hungarian Press, each of which must support the other for our common good. The Federation is determined to continue its support for the continued cooperation and success of all elements of the Hungarian community. The Delegates to the Convention made far-reaching decisions preparing for the future when they voted to delete the maximum age requirements, as concerns the Federation Officers, from the By-Laws. Rev. Imre Bertalan and William B. Puskas were unanimously re-elected President and Treasurer, respectively. George Dózsa was elected as the new Vice President-Secretary. Also re-elected were Rt. Rev. Dezső Abraham and Suzanne S. Virgulák, Vice Presidents, members of the Board of Directors Rev. Gabor Csordás (NY), Priscilla Hunyady (NJ), László Lipoczky (NJ), Rev. Nicholas Novak (PA), and John W. Toth (Canada). Newly elected were Endre Csornán, Vice President, and Board members Clara V. Csikesz (PA), Rev. Louis Medgyesi (OH), Aladar Solymosi (OH) and Joseph Kovács (IN). It is our conviction that the Hungarian Reformed Federation has a calling from God to serve our American and Canadian communities, but in a much more far reaching way we are called to serve all Hungarians everywhere. In keeping with our Calling, our name and our traditon, we invite our Hungarian brethern in the United States and Canada to join us in His service. Refusing to recognize obstacles which might divide us, the Hungarian Reformed Federation has served our community for over nine decades with its deeds, and in offering moral and financial support; we wish to continue in the Lord's service in the future. Rev. Imre Bertalan, President Hungarian Reformed Federation of America
