Magyar Egyház, 2006 (85. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2006-01-01 / 1. szám
6. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 90th Anniversary of the Staten Island Congregation “At the turn of the 20th century, a large number of Hungarians arrived to the shores of America. These immigrants were strangers in a foreign land, had no influential or well-to-do friends, no money, and no homes. The greatest handicap was their mother tongue, which had no relation to any other language. Most of them did not earn more than three or four dollars a week. Yet these first settlers were inspired by the Spirit of the Almighty to build the House of God before they were able to build their own homes. The forefathers of this church, the Magyar Reformed Church of Staten Island, NY, although poor in earthly goods, were rich in the grace of Heaven, and raised high the standards of true faith to organize a congregation for the consolation of many struggling souls.” The preceding introduction was written by the late Rev. Dr. Nicholas Nyary, former pastor of this congregation, and published in our 1966 Golden Anniversary Album. It eloquently tells the story of the Hungarian people here in Staten Island - our story. It is with this spirit that the first organizers of this Hungarian Reformed congregation called Rev. Dr. Louis Nanassy to serve in the village church, located on Winant Place in Kreischerville (now Charleston), Staten Island, NY. This former German Lutheran Church had been built by local industrialist Balthasar Kreischer in 1883 and presented as a gift to the townspeople. Around the turn of the century, the population of the community began to change, and by 1915, the once mostly German community was predominantly Hungarian and meeting regularly in the church. In June 1915, the congregation incorporated as the Magyar Reformed Church of Kreischerville New York and Vicinity; it was initially affiliated with the German Reformed Church. Rev. Joseph Nagy was called to serve as the first pastor, and the congregation grew. Through the grace of God, they were able to purchase the church building and dedicate it for their use on September 1, 1919. In 1922, Rev. Kalman Toth was installed as pastor, and the congregation continued to flourish. The parsonage was built in 1926, completing the church complex on two lots of land. The following decade brought many hardships, both economically and socially, and the congregation felt the impact. In addition a division in the church occurred in 1933, and Rev. Toth left the Winant Place congregation to establish another church in nearby Rossville, Staten Island. Soon after, the Kreischerville (Charleston) congregation regrouped, affiliated with the Free Magyar Reformed Church in America, and reincorporated as the Free Magyar Reformed Church of Staten Island, New York. Following Rev.Toth’s departure, the congregation was served for many years by student pastors under the jurisdiction of both Rev. Dr. Charles Vincze (1933-1939) and Rev. Alexander Daroczy (1940-1945). Sunday School classes were held weekly; catechism instruction and Saturday Hungarian language classes were also provided. In 1946, Rev. Dr. Imre Bertalan became the first elected and resident pastor, and the congregation would continue to prosper for another 20 years. Women’s organizations expanded and organized numerous fundraising activities including Chinese auctions, noodle making and sales, handwork sales, cake sales, etc. For many years until the 1970s, the Men’s Club was also very active and would not only have responsibility for maintenance of the buildings and property, but would frequently be called upon to prepare entire banquet meals. The Women’s Guild disbanded in the 1980s. At that time, the women were assuming many roles that were historically taken only by men, including serving on the Board of Elders. The older generation of men were dying, and the younger men were relocating out of the area with their families. Youth Fellowship groups in the 1950s-1960s were also very involved in church activities. These groups provided a social outlet and the opportunity to foster lasting friendships with other Hungarian Reformed youth groups all over the county. Currently there are only two youth, ages 9 and 13, in the congregation. Today, with a membership of 20, the congregation continues to maintain the religious and cultural traditions of its native land. Although worship services in the Hungarian language discontinued in 1985, the congregation continues to include an occasional Hungarian hymn or prayer in its worship services. Rev.Stefan Torok has been providing weekly worship services since the spring of 2005. Like so many other churches, we are facing financial troubles down the road, primarily as a result of diminishing membership. Our buildings are aging and require constant maintenance. But, despite this, the Magyar Reformed Church of Staten Island congregation continues to grow spiritually. We thank God for His many blessings, and we praise His name for the many gifts He has bestowed upon us: Christian fellowship, friendship, and love. As Rev .Nyary stated in 1966: “Every anniversary should serve as a milestone, to make us pause and review the experiences of the past and also make plans for the years ahead.” We are so very grateful to be able to celebrate 90 years of Christian worship in this beautiful church. As we remember all those who worked so hard to build our congregations, we also pray for those who tirelessly work to keep them strong today. And we ask for God’s continued love, guidance, mercy and grace for the future. Linda Hauck, Chief Elder 3/27/2006 Qur ffOth Anniversary Praqer CjoA grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change; courage to change the things we can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; ELnjoying one moment at a time; Acccpting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as Me did, this sinful world as it is, not as we would have it; Trusting that Me will make all things right if we surrender to Mis Will; That we may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Mim Lorever in the next. Amen.
