Calvin Synod Herald, 1994 (94. évfolyam, 2-6. szám)

1994-09-01 / 5. szám

CALVIN SYNOD HERALD- U -REFOMATÜSOK LAPJA

The Biography of Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Szabó, Bishop Em

written by Rt. Rev. Dr. Francis Vitéz, Bishop

This article appeared in Hungarian in our former issue. By popular request, we are publishing the abridged English version of the same article.

In our American Hungarian Reformed Church life.Sfephen Szabó is indeed most outstanding. His name is inseparable from the name of Cleveland, the American Debrecen. That is where his person and service developed into perfection. His life and service before his appearance in Cleveland did reach the pinnacle of fame, during his laborious service in Cleveland it remained on peak.

We thank God that by saving grace, he was "as a firebrand plucked out of burning" (Amos 4:11), and had not become a victim of destructive desolation. God gave him to us as a Shepherd. His pastoral service was never limited just to us in America, it has reached the entire magyar diaspora, even the Fatherland. We want to pay him honor while we are all here on this earth and make a bow to him as a Preacher, Lecturer, Polemicist, Author, Church-Diplomat, Leader, Temple- Builder, Parish-Pastor, Host and Friend.

PREACHER-Forthis path of life, he was prepared and on it he remained. He finished his theological studies at Sárospatak. He completed his postgraduate studies in America: he received his B.D. in Dayton (Ohio), Th.M. at Western Seminary in Pittsburgh (PA), his M.A. at Pittsburgh University. Returning to Hungary, he obtained his Ph.D. atthe University of Debrecen. He has preached in hundreds of congregations on both sides of the Ocean.

LECTURER - His theological, philosophical, linguistic qualifications and historical fact-finding endeavors made

him a convincing lecturer in demand all around the world. Thousands of his lectures were delivered in Hungary, England, Scotland, and America. His orations were the highlights of our Synodical, Classis meetings, as well as Annual Ministerial and Church-Worker's conferences for more than half a century.

POLEMICIST - His world-reknown, razorlike search for truth made his name famed all over the world in 1934 with his great essay on the Relic of St. Stephen's Right Hand". His scholarly knowledge of history and his firm faith carried the case to a complete victory. The Hungarian, British, and American press made his name known and respected the world over.

AUTHOR - Three of his books were published in succession: The Philosophy of R.W. Emerson, In the Footsteps of the Reformers, The March of Truth. The last one was published by Eerdman's Publishing in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in foureditions in English and one Dutch translation in Kämpen, Holland. His literary abilities have sparkled in editing our Calvin Synod Herald on two terms. When our denomination withdrew the subsidy, the Synodical Council drafted him and he built up our paper from nothing and all alone. The same chapter repeated the second time as we all know very well. In fact, all the credit goes to him for the existence of our publication. That's the undebateable truth!

CHURCH-DIPLOMAT-The Mother- Church chose him for that role, just before the outbreak of World War II. He was sent here for the mission of uniting our various factions atthe request of all faction leaders in the U.S.A. He accomplished tremendous results! It was not his fault that we are still living our lives

in a disunited state, much to our sorrow and that of the Mother-Church, and Lord-God HimselfIDr. Stephen Szabó participated in many General Synods, where he fought like a lion for our constitutional rights. Our continued existence as Synod is the result of his efforts. Hewasfirm on the stand! “Nequid ecclesia detriment capitat' (Without him, our Synod would have capitulated). Often we have smiled at his expressions: 'We have to defend our Synod!"" We are living in history-forming days!" And how true he was?! We had to defend...and we have been living in that kind of times at almost every moment of our recent history! May God give him still lots of strength in our defense and may God give us more István Szabós in life of our Synod!

CHURCH-ADMINISTRATOR - He was pastor of the oldest and largest of our congregations in America. While its pastor, he was twice Synod president for two and two successive terms. He was inaugurated into the distinct line of History's Hungarian Bishops. We honored him as such and History will perpetuate him as such!

TEMPLE-BUILDER-The Cleveland people already setfoot on the Hill. They already built the “little church" with Bethlen Hall. Then came a new Joshua and with him new Power! He led his people into the promised Land! The "Nagy-Templom", "The Great-Church" was built. The walls were built, rosewindows installed, stained-glass windows placed, marbles put into the Sanctuary. ..buttheTower?! Architect's drawing after drawing still did not meet Stephen Szabó's conception! Finally, the 13th sketch met his pleasure! Artistic design built with carved-stones made pastor and people happy! And all for the greater Glory of God! This unique edifice stands alone as the greatest American Hungarians ever built in the New Land.

PASTOR- Notas he planned, but as God foreordained! His dream was a silent parsonage on the Tisza river's shore. God brought him out of the Land of the fore-fathers to be shepherd of His scattered people on this side of the Ocean. By predestination in his post- Continued on page 5