Magyar News, 2003. szeptember-2004. augusztus (14. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2003-12-01 / 4. szám

HO years and still going

On Sunday, September 7th, the Calvin Reformed Church of Norwalk (U.C.C.), on Lexington Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut celebrated its 110th Anniversary with a service at 4:00 p.m. conducted by its Pastor, Reverend Leslie E. Martin. Following the church service, which was conducted in Hungarian and English, a banquet was held at the Riverview Restaurant. Fourteen visiting clergymen, who participated in the service, including the newly installed Bishop of Budapest, István Szabó, attended this blessed and happy occasion.

The Church was established in 1893 and was a gathering place for many Hungarian immigrants because the congregation helped them to secure housing as

Original photo of the first building

well as providing assistance in obtaining jobs. Many generations of Hungarians attended this church and the current membership consists of second, third and fourth generation families. Hungarian services in the church are still conducted at 11:00 a.m. on the first and third Sundays of every month, and English services are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.

Years ago, the Lexington Avenue area was mostly populated with Hungarian and Italian immigrants; however, most of these people have left the neighborhood. There is, however, one of the church members still living on Lexington Avenue, the Church's Organist and Choir Director, Mr. Joseph Lucskay; he Lives in the same house where he grew up with his brother and sisters. The Church was widely know for its service in helping the 1956 refugees from Hungary get established in Norwalk and nearby surrounding areas. Mr. Lucskay recalls that these refugees first came to the Church to attend services and to learn the language of their new country. His sister at one time had five refugees boarding in her home and Mr. Lusckay also had one person living at his home. This was the case with most Hungarian Americans in the area who opened their homes and hearts to help these new arrivals in the United States. In an effort to promote the Hungarian culture and language, the Church also conducted a youth summer school program where the Hungarian language was taught. Classes for the beautiful Hungarian embroidery were also taught in the evening as well as many cooking classes.

As is the case with most communities, many of the old timers left and their children married and moved away. The con-Photos.On top is the present church, outside and inside. Insert is Reverend Leslie Martin, present pastor. Above is Reverend Gabriel Dokus, first pastor of the church. gregation is smaller now, but the Church has a wonderfully close-knit family. Second, third and fourth generation Hungarians still attend church most Sundays with some traveling from Bridgeport, Stratford, Fairfield and the Huntington section of Shelton. One former church member, who lives some distance away, attended this celebration and recalled the many happy hours spent in the Church as a child and indicated that she was sorry she could not attend this church every Sunday.

Because the congregation wishes to continue to serve the community, Reverend Martin indicated that the church would take advantage of President George W. Bush's Faith-Based Initiatives and apply for grants that will help the Church to continue to serve the Norwalk area. Thus, the Church seeks to redefine itself with a new mission on its 110th Anniversary and with God' s Grace will continue in his service for many years to come.

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