Magyar Egyház, 1958 (37. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1958-03-01 / 3. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 13 (Book Jieview FOLK ARTS AND CRAFTS by Marguerite Ickls. Illustrations by Dr. Miklós Foghtuy. Association Press, New York (291 Broadway), 1958. $5.95. According to the authors, the purpose of this delightful book is (“delightful” being the reviewer’s comment) to present authetic folk crafts which can be applied to present day demands, and to tell how to do them. The book is intended to be used by any group or individual in recreational activities, in occupational therapy, or for just plain fun. To employ folk crafts for such activities was suggested by the fact that the peasant created with limitations both as to tools and materials, so the projects presented should be practical from an economic point of view as well as by their appeal for being simple and charming at the same time. Whether you want to build a peasant cupboard or decorate your garden with a special gate, whether you want to work with wood, leather or clay you will find ideas and easy to follow directions as well. Adornment of the home or of the person, crafts for camps or for a house-party, for the tiny tot or for the adult (but young at heart) all have a chapter in this book. You want to give an inexpensive gift with a personal touch — here you will find what to give and how to make it; and leaders of groups where handicraft is a part of the program will take this book with a sigh of relief: no more desperate search for ideas and no more experiments how to realize them when found. We love this book for another reason, too: the illustration in it have all been made by a Hungarian artist, Miklós Foghtüy. We understand Mr. Foghtiiy did not do just the drawings, his knowledge of the folk arts in central Europe served also as a guide for the selection of authentic crafts and many of the techniques described in the book are from his memory. Besides being a practical guide to folk crafts we find this book a significant one for another reason. Americans whose ancestry goes back to some European country will be able to understand and appreciate the folk art of people from which they sprang. “Folk Arts and Crafts” is a book worth buying and worth using. Margaret Harsányi BETHLEN YOUTH FEDERATION B.Y.F. EXECUTIVE BOARD MET A meeting of the Executive Board of the Bethlen Youth Federation was held in Roebling, New Jersey on Saturday, March 8, 1958 to formulate plans for the Nineteenth National Conference which will be held in Roebling on August 30-31 and September 1, 1958. Reverend Komjáthy opened the meeting at 3:35 with a short prayer. The proposed plans of the forthcoming conference were presented by Julie Wargo of the Roebling club. The theme for the conference will be “The Trial of Your Faith.” Registration blanks will be sent out by late July. Registration fee will be $8.50. All churches are urged to send a few people to represent their church in the coming conference. Memberships have been falling off in the last couple of years, but we hope this year will show that there are still young people interested in the religious and social activities of the conference. John Peters gave a report on the Scholarship funds. A few of the points were as follows: Purpose: To promote and1 extend Christianity in the Hungarian Reformed Churches through the education of those persons who have a true desire to proclaim the Gospel, either through the pulpit or through the ministry of sacred music. Qualifications of Applicants: All applicants who apply for scholarship asistance must also maintain a scholastic standing, an average of 85 at least, (a “B”), or the equivelent and belong to the B.Y.F. The applicant should pledge that he will stay in the Hungarian Reformed Church if there is an opening. Source of Funds: Such funds as may be necessary for the carrying out of this fund will be provided from two sources: The general cash fund of the Federation and by subscriptions from churches and individuals. A $25 donation from each member church with an equal amount contributed by the Federation would constitute the initial fund, with subsequent funds coming as mentioned above. Amount of Scholarship: A total of $400 shall be available each year, however, in the event more than one applicant qualifies, a total of $600 shall be provided to be evenly distributed among the applicants. This money shall be sent directly to the school or college. Revocation of Scholarships: If any qualifying individual commits any action which would cause doubts as to his Christian attitude, the scholarship shall be returned by the individual. A revocation of the scholarship for one year will not have a binding effect for other years provided he can show just cause why he should be allowed another opportunity. Bishop Beky made several suggestions as to how to promote and administer this fund. Julie Wargo will write a letter to all churches to see how many will donate $25 a year towards the Scholarship Fund. Nothing definite can be decided until we see how many contributions can be expected. Dr. Harsanyi will be the advisor for the scholarships. The Board is confident that all the churches will give their donation so that help can be given to the young men that need our assistance to someday become our ministers. William Orosz, Dolly Jacob, John Peters, Goldie Vágott, Steve Pastor, officers and Board members as well as some 20 delegates from the member church youth clubs attended. From the ministers, Bishop Zoltán Beky, Dr. Andrew Harsanyi, Rev. Kalman Adorján and Rev. Aladar Komjáthy were present. Dolly Jacob. I
