Magyar Egyház, 1970 (49. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1970-12-01 / 12. szám
14 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ NEW ORGAN DEDICATED IN THE PERTH AMBOY, N. J. CHURCH On Sunday, November 15th, 1970 the newly purchased Möeller Pipe Organ was dedicated in the Perth Amboy, N. J. church. The Rev. Dr. Joseph Kriizsely from Geneva Switzerland, The Rev. August Molnár, Professor, Hungarian Studies, New Brunswick, N. J. and the Rev. Charles Bogár, Neptune, N. J. were the guest ministers at the church service. The old organ, a Hinners of Pekin, 111., served the church from 1909 and Mrs. Lillian Bányácski organist, and Mrs. Florence Deák, assistant organist prepared the following statement: “This organ began its life with our church in 1909. It has seen the trials and tribulations, and also the growing pains of this church. Its great sound spoke from the pipes on joyous occasions and sadly lamented the passing of many parishioners. Upon its removal from the old wooden structure and reassembled in the new brick edifice in 1925, it became electrified, thus eliminating the need for hand pumping. It has seen three pastors: The Rev. Dr. Louis Nánássy, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Charles Vincze, and the Rt. Rev. Dezső Abraham, Bishop. Four organists: Mrs. Carrie Arner Brown 1909-1913; Mr. George Matey Jr., 1913-1942; Mrs. Elizabeth Novák 1942-1949, and Mrs. Lillian Bányácski from 1949 to the present. Mr. G. Matey served as organist for 29 years. During her 61 years the old organ served at 2,773 baptisms, 1,059 weddings, and lamented the passing of 1,185 members. When this organ became tired and we felt it should be replaced it was decided, that a part of her should always remain in this church, for she was dedicated to the “glory of God”. Thanks and appreciation is extended to Mr. Stephen J. Deák for his time and talent in mounting and encasing the “key-board”, it is on display in the church office.” Total cost of this new Möeller Pipe organ, including installation was $23,000.- The Sr. Women’s Club gave $11,000.- and many church members gave generously for this Organ fund during the past 10 years, while the drive was conducted. A recital on the new organ was played by Edgar Rebich, graduate of Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N. J. Following the dedicatory service, a “thanksgiving Banquet” was held in the Center. Mr. Alex B. Eger, attorney was the toastmaster, Mr. John Marincsák, Chief Elder, Mr. Andrew Orosz, Vice President were chairmen of the arrangements. The Mayor of the city, councilmen, and delegates from other churches attended the ceremonies; over 400 guests were present. ☆ ☆ Parents Teach MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. — After a suburban parish school was changed into a family learning center, some 40 families banded together to conduct their own religion classes for their children. “They teach sociology,” said one woman in reference to the learning center. “We teach religion.” THE THREE CHILDREN There’s a beautiful legend, that’s never been told, It may have known to the wise men of old — How three little children came early at dawn, With hearts that were sad, to where Jesus was born. One could not see, one was too lame to play While the other, a mute, not a word could he say. Yet led by His star, they came there to peep At the little Lord Jesus, with eyes closed in sleep But hoiv could the Christ child, so lovely and fair, Not waken and smile when He heard their glad prayer, Of hope at His coming, of faith in His birth, Of praise at His bringing Gods peace to the earth. And then as the light softly came through the door, The lad that was lame stood up right once more, The boy that was mute started sweetly to sing, While the child that was blind looked with joy on the King! Anti-Secularism Gaining Ground The pendulum of Christian life, which periodically has moved back and forth between worldly activism and reflective spiritual nurture, today seems to be swinging back toward ministering to men’s souls. Powerful movements have arisen in mainline churches, demanding greater emphasis on buttressing personal convictions of faith — rather than so much concentration on expressing it in social action. “We have just lived through a period of revolt against worship in favor of social ethics,” writes a noted Protestant theologian, Dr. Nels F. S. Fere of Wooster College, O. “Now the tide is turning.” That doesn’t mean churches are abandoning their efforts to implement principles of justice in society, a prevalent objective in the last decade, but this is being balanced with added stress on instilling basic beliefs and commitments. “People all about us are hungry for dimensions of mystery, experience of spirit, a sense of the numinous, and the realities of transcendence,” says Dr. C. F. Allison of the Episcopal Virginia Theological Seminary. The modifying church concern reflects a widespread reaction against all-out modern secularism and its tendency to reduce religion to man’s own capabilities and judgment, instead of his being judged by it. Theologians are pointing out increasingly that Christianity, although concerned for the world, must not be “engulfed by it” or lose its own unique insights in it. They also are stressing anew that strengthened inner resources are essential to any clear, valid directions amid the world’s muddled motivations. To act responsibly in society at large, says Dr. Philip Hefner of Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary in Pennsylvania, the church first must sustain “its inner life,” its “Christian identity which supports its life.”
