Magyar Egyház, 1983 (62. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)
1983-11-01 / 5. szám
4. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher and wise man, said: “Every man’s life is counted within the present, for the past is done with and the future is uncertain.” His statement proves that even wise men sometimes say foolish things. For the past is never done. It is the foundation on which both the present and the future are built and whether they are good or whether they are bad, depends to a great extent on what kind of foundation the past has laid. When looking back at the life of our church from this 80th Anniversary, it makes me proud to say that our foundations are solid and by faith in God who is our foundation, our future is certain. This year the city of Perth Amboy celebrated its 300th Anniversary. Out of these years at least one-third is filled or has been written with Hungarian participation. Our religious life began in an organized form on August 30th, 1903 when the first Hungarian Reformed Church service was held in the city of Perth Amboy, under the leadership of Rev. Geza Kacziany. However, Hungarians settled in the city a few decades before this time. The church was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of America. Rev. Kacziany could not stay long with the congregation and a short year later Rev. Joseph Kozma was invited to minister in the congregation. During his pastorate the congregation severed its relationship with the Presbyterian church and chartered itself as an independent congregation under the name of Magyar Reformed Church of Perth Amboy. With a lively congregation on his hands, Rev. Kozma saw to it that a church was built which should serve as a permanent place or site of public worship.' The congregation erected and dedicated its first church on Kirkland Place which location still serves as home to the congregation. Rev. Kozma submitted his resignation and Rev. Dr. Louis Nanassy was elected as the new pastor. During his ministry the congregation grew both physically and spiritually. Being able to speak Slovak, church services were held and their participation in the life of the church was natural. All other necessary items were purchased — such as a new organ, Lord’s Table, baptismal font, pulpit, and in 1911 a new parsonage was erected next to the church. With the growing Hungarian population it was necessary to purchase an auditorium for social functions and in 1920 a new chapel was added in Keasbey. Church organizations were organized for the purpose of helping to support the church and the Orphanage and Old Age Home in Ligonier. Our Perth Amboy church was instrumental in promoting the movement that all sister churches should continue to work as a self-supporting new denomination. During the hard times after the First World War, the Slovak group seceded and established their own church a couple of streets from our church. In 1925, a new Church Edifice was built on the site of the old wooden church, and this still serves the congregation. In 1929 when Ligonier was organized Rev. Nanassy was elected as its new superintendent. The congregation looking for a new pastor became divided over the selection and was split. Rev. Dr. Charles Vincze was elected by the congregation that remained, and the small group that broke away elected Rev. Géza Tukacs and joined the United Church of Christ. Under Rev. Vincze the life of the congregation gained new insights. Himself being a well educated man, and a strict enforcer of the rules, membership and spiritual maturity enriched the congregation. In 1945 Rev. Vincze was elected Arch-Dean of the new and Independent Denomination known as the Hungarian Reformed Church in America. In January of 1954 the congregation was shocked and bereaved at the sudden death of Rev. Charles Vincze. The congregation elected Rev. Dezső Ábraham, from Roebling to serve as new pastor. During his 20 years of service many memorable events took place. In 1958 the congregation was able to begin to fulfill the dream of Rev. Vincze to build a new Social Center, which serves even today and is still a proud part of our church’s life. In commemorating the church’s 60th Anniversary, many major repairs took place, and in 1968 Rev. Abraham was elected to the highest office of our church, as Bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America. In 1973 again major renovations took place in and around the church, and a short year later Rev. Abraham resigned and took charge of the largest congregation in our denomination in Allen Park, Mich. The selection of a new pastor was completed during the summer of 1974 and Rev. Stefan M. Torok, pastor of the Roebling congregation was unanimously called to serve in Perth Amboy. During his time as pastor certain changes took place at the church. Young people took a greater part in the church’s life. Hungarian folklore and embroidery classes were organized, Hungarian language classes began and other repairs were undertaken. This year the pastor was elected to serve the Eastern Classis as Dean, after the retirement of Rev. Dr. Andrew Harsanyi. A word of observation: — The congregation in Perth Amboy is strong-membership is between 5-6 hundred, financially we are solvent. Spiritually we need improvement. We hope and pray that we deserve a future. A special celebration for our 80th Anniversary of the existence as a church, and 25th Anniversary of the Building of our Social Center was held on November 19th, Saturday evening at a Dinner-Dance. 80TH ANNIVERSARY IN PERTH AMBOY