Fraternity-Testvériség, 1956 (34. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1956-04-01 / 4-5. szám
FRATERNITY 27 The first Magyar Reformed Congress convened in Pittsburgh in January of 1921, at which time the question of the orphanage was presented to the delegates. The Congress appointed a fact-finding committee to visit the property in question at Ligonier, Pennsylvania. The property, a 23-room hunting lodge and two acres of land, was found appropriate, and the committee proposed that it be purchased. In February, 1921, the Supreme Council of the Federation passed a motion that the property be purchased for the sum of $28,750.00. Upon this initial step, all Protestant Hungarians, irrespective of denominational affiliations, took an active interest in the support of this charitable work and have continued their support throughout the years. The Hungarian Reformed Orphans’ Home was finally dedicated on July 4, 1921, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Federation. Dr. Kalassay became the first superintendent. The genuine need for the orphanage became even more evident with the unexpected influx of dependent children. Eighty-five youngsters were admitted between 1921 and 1923. More room was required to house the rising number of children, necessitating the purchase of three more buildings adjacent to the original property, and 98 acres of farmland. The Federation Convention of 1923 agreed to this purchase. Later, 76 acres more of farmland were added. Farming helped vitally in making the feeding of the residents less problematical and more economical. The same convention sensed a need for a home for our aged people, and resolved to establish one in conjunction with the children’s home. In order to meet the greater expenditures that this newer department would entail, the delegates resolved to raise the Federation’s per capita membership support to 10 cents per month. The farm houses were renovated, then dedicated on July 4, 1924, as the home for the aged. The enrollment grew steadily and the work increased proportionately. The staff had to be augmented. Dr. Louis Nanassy assumed the position of superintendent upon the resignation of Dr. Kalassay, who became overseer of the aged in 1931. It was at this time that the orphange was given the all-encompassing name — Bethlen Home. The physical needs of young and old were well provided for; however, the spiritual aspect of the institution had to be more adequately rounded out. In 1928 the present chapel was built. The building was originally the church of the German Reformed people of Ligonier. It was given to the orphanage by the few remaining members of the defunct congregation and the old Westmoreland Classis. Our children and old folks still worship in this sanctuary. As those in authority gained more insight into their work; as the enrollment of the old folks grew steadily; as the schooling of the children became increasingly problematical in the township, changes in the setup were deemed necessary. The opportunity to make this change, and conduct the work of the Bethlen Home in a manner fulfilling the best standards and regulations arose, when the Brownsfield home in Ligonier Borough went up for sale. The Supreme Council approved its purchase and the deal was closed in 1939. Dr. Nanassy’s wise leadership and the Supreme Council’s foresight opened a new era in the life of the Bethlen
