Magyar News, 2005. szeptember-december (16. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2005-11-01 / 3. szám
UJha said that it can't be dcinE??? “Slowly dwindling”, this is what we hear when it comes to Hungarian communities. Most of the active Hungarians are usually connected to a Hungarian church in the area. Probably built and supported by the parents or grandparents. The newer generation scatters around in the country, get a job away from their original community, mixing in marriage, and many taking some other tracks. Just recently we had an interesting experience in this field. A Protestant Hungarian church, the Calvin United Church of Christ in Fairfield, CT, lead by the pastor Béla Póznán, instead of closing facilities, expanded them to accommodate the church activities. The lower level of the hall from the old days had a bowling alley, a make-shift kitchen, and a limited space for some informal gathering. The upper level was rented to take care of the problem most churches have, the rent money to support the financial needs. The lower level was opened up doing away with the bowling alley, taking down the separating walls. Creating a kitchen close to state of the art, also proper bathrooms and storage area. Heating and airconditioning topped the renovation. When it was finished a proper dedication took place. In the afternoon a worship took place. Participating clergy came from Protestant and catholic churches. In the service were Rt. Rev. Dr. John Butosi. Rev Betsy Blomfield, Rev. Edward Duffy, Rev. Maria Ildikó Fodor, Rev. Dr. Attila Kocsis, Rev. Anikó Kocsis, Rev. Louis Pintye, and Mr. James Balias was represented by his wife, Ann. Rev. Butosi delivered the sermon expressing the difference between a nice building and the soul of the people who are in the building praising God. The service was followed by a banquet in the renovated hall. The food was excellent and it was time to honor those volunteers who actually did the work. In the first Page 4 place it should be Rev. Póznán. He not only organized everything, but he rolled up his sleeves, went on the ladder, crawled on his knees, he participated in every phase of the work. It is a long list of the people who did the work, also those who made contributions and sizable donations. Leading the workers were Kalman Jonas, Daniel Leszay, Balazs Fabri, Géza Kovács. The sizable donations came from the Mable Buchard-Fisher Foundation, represented by Robert Beer, The Calvin Synod and the Olah family. The Goulash Hungarian Meat Market chipped in with meat products. During the work the ladies of the congregation cooked for the volunteers. This renovation wasn’t just an uplifting experience, but it also showed the community effort, bringing people together, strengthening the Hungarian community and opening the souls. J.F.B. Photos: 1. The Clergy gathering at the pulpit. 2. Rev. Poznan (left) hands over a letter of appreciation to Kalman Jonas. 3. Chief elder Balazs Fabri and his wife with Robert Beer. 4. The new kitchen provided excellent food.. 5&6 dinner time in the new hall. 7&8 The congregation during the service.
