Calvin Synod Herald, 2004 (105. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2004-09-01 / 9-10. szám

10 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD came three month later and all efforts and documents were ceased as if nothing ever happened. After the end of the war, the Hungarian Reformed Church in Toledo, OH elected him as pastor where he served from 1944 to 1947 when he was unanimously elected to the Hungarian Reformed Church of Cleveland, OH. He started the building of the so-called cathedral style “Great Church” which was the cherished dream of the congregation. The Great Church was dedicated with a memorable celebration on Labor Day, 1949 and later was declared an “Architectural and Historical Landmark” by the Landmark Commission. During his 36-year ministry in Cleveland, he served as a member on the Board of Church World Service and a presiding officer of Calvin Synod. He was able to augment the sending of several “PEMCO units” for open­­heart surgery to Hungary with an agreement between the E & R Church World Service and the Calvin Synod. The University of Debrecen gave him the title of “Honorary Professor” and later an honorary Doctor of Theology degree. The Sárospatak Theological Seminary gave him the honorary title, “Director of the Board.” Dr. Szabó was a co-worker with Cleveland City Council President, Jack Russell, instrumental in organizing the annual “Night in Budapest,” a splendid theatrical attraction, in the church’s Bethlen Hall, which brought Hungarian film stars from Hollywood. Dr. Szabó played a leading role in helping refugees of the Hungarian Freedom Fight in 1956. He signed about 500 affidavits to settle refugees in homes and work places from Camp Kilmer, NJ with the willing help of his parishioners. Ten years later, the world famous Budapest Children’s Choir came to Cleveland on his invitation and administration for an unforgettable concert at Cleveland’s Public Music Hall. Dr. Szabó retired from First Church in 1983 and served as the editor of the bimonthly publication, “The Calvin Synod Herald - Reformátusok Lapja” for ten years. During his Cleveland Ministry he had edited the same publication for five years. He was editor of the Cleveland Magyar Club paper, the “The Magyar Herald” for five years. His literary accomplishments include In the Footsteps of the Reformers, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Philosophy, and The History of St. Stephen ’s Right Hand, all three written in Hungarian. His most famous book, The March of Truth, was written in English and published in four editions. One edition was published in Holland in Dutch translation and selected chapters were published in Hungarian on both sides of the ocean. The “Kossuth Cantata”, the text written by him with music composed by Leslie Kondorossy was successfully presented at the 140th anniversary of Kossuth’s visit to America at Cleveland’s Public Music Hall on March 16, 1952 with choir and orchestral accompaniment. Dr. Szabó also wrote The History ofMagyar-Calvin Synod at the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Synod in English which was published by the Synod. Later a Hungarian translation was published in Hungary in the album of the Second World Meeting of the Hungarian Reformed Churches in 1991 in Budapest and Debrecen, Hungary. In addition to his own books, Dr. Szabó translated the world famous book, Light Through the Bars, a collection of poems written in prison by Bishop Kálmán Csiha of Transylvania. He also translated Dr. Anthony Lelbach’s Hungarian Manuscript, “In Defense of the West” about the horrible events in Yugoslavia, which is still awaiting publication. Dr. Szabó served four terms as President of Calvin Synod and was later elected Bishop Emeritus as well as Pastor Emeritus of his former church. He was a member of the Supreme Council of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America for seven terms, later Vice President and then Vice President Emeritus. Dr. Szabó married Margaret Újlaki, the daughter of Rev. Francis Újlaki in 1941. They had two sons, Dr. Stephen Francis, and Fred Stephen. Margaret died suddenly in 1967 three days before a scheduled operation. He married Violet Barbey in 1968 and son, Paul Stephen, was born in 1971. (From A.N. Marquis Who’s Who with essential further additions) This year on June 22nd, the Lord recalled him to His Heavenly Kingdom. His funeral took place on June 25 at the First Hungarian Reformed Church in Cleveland with a great congregation of people attending. His former assistant minister, Rev. Dr. Francis Vitéz, gave the Hungarian meditation, and Rev. Csaba Krasznai, the present pastor of the church, gave the English meditation. The United Church of Christ was represented by the president, the Rev. Dr. John Thomas. The following ministers took part at the service: Rev. Frank Endrei, Bishop Karl K. Ludwig, Bishop Louis Medgyesi, Rev. Sigmund Molnár, Rev. William Nyerges, Rev. Frank Shepherd-Yuhasz, and Rev. Stefan Torok, president of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. His three sons, Stephen, Fred, and Paul spoke about their beloved father. Miss Judith Bluhm was the organist. All were graciously received by the Chief Elder, Mr. Richard Sarosi. At the end of the service the ministers stood around the casket and sang a traditional hymn and in closing the congregation sang the Hungarian National Anthem. A long line of cars followed the casket to Western Reserve Memorial Garden Cemetery. The closing service at the cemetery was held inside due to the pouring rain. Following the service, the congregation had a reception for the guests. Dr. Szabó is mourned by his widow, Violet, sons Stephen, Fred, and Paul, grandchildren, relatives, members of the congregation, the Calvin Synod, the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, and friends all over the world. We feel and understand what the Word of God taught: “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day? ” (2 Sam.3:38) "The joy of our hearts has ceased; our dancing has been turned to mourning. The crown has fallen from our head. ” (Lam. 5:15.16) We also remember what Jesus said: “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. ” With this faith we sang the 90th Psalm and our traditional funeral hymns. May the Good Lord give to His faithiul servant the palm of victory and the crown of life. May the Lord grant His consolation upon the widow, the children, the entire family, and all the friends around the world. May the Lord give to our Church and Synod many such leaders just as Dr. Szabó was, who would serve faithfully, live an exemplary life, and would sing with faith and conviction: “The Lord is my Shepherd and I am not afraid to march onward. Rev. Dr. Francis Vitéz

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