Fraternity-Testvériség, 1969 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1969-05-01 / 5. szám
individuals of our American Hungarian Life with the George Washington Award. I have been following the events, year after year, and can say, that I admire the work this responsibility involves, also the distinguished persons who were recognized for their scientific or cultural achievements with this honor. Since the servants of God always perform their tasks with humility, it is seldom that they receive any special recognition. Therefore, it is my privilege today, to briefly set before you, the valuable service of an eminent church leader, whom the Committee this year, selected to receive the George Washington Award, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Zoltán Béky, Bishop Emeritus, President of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. He received early inspiration from his Parents, the late Alexander and Yolanda (Szabó) Béky in his native village Hernádszentandrás, and from the ancient Alma Mater Sárospatak, Hungary (1927) where he was one of the most outstanding students. His vision was further widened at Rutgers University (1928-29) New Brunswick, at Divinity Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (1929-30). As a student he was well noted for his zeal and compassion! In 1928, he was elected as the youngest candidate from among two or three score others to be Pastor of the Trenton Hungarian Reformed Church, where he was active in many civic and cultural organizations. He was a member of the Governor’s Committee for the State of New Jersey in 1956 and later he was made an honorary citizen of Trenton. In the denomination of the Free Magyar Reformed Church in America, first he became General Secretarv of the Eastern Classis 1933), then he was elected to he Dean (1939). He was called to be a Director of the Bethlen Home, Orphanage and Home for the aged in Ligonier, Pennsylvania (1944). His Alma Mater conferred upon him the title of “Honorary Professor“’ in 1948. Milestones in his life include receiving his Doctorate in 1949 from Western Biblical Seminary; he became Arch-Dean in 1954 and he was elected the first Bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America in 1958 —which office he held until he resigned and accepted Presidency of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America in Washington, D. C. His literary works include such topics as: “The Immortality of the Soul in the Theologv of Paul." 1930, — “The Theology of Calvin and Barth” 1936 “The Faith of Gábor Bethlen” — 1958 Sermons and articles in church magazines and other publications. With his words and writings he always promoted the cause of his people. Dr. Zoltán Béky always advocated understanding and peace between churches, nations and men. His voice was heard at International Conferences, when he spoke for his convictions: In South America at the Conference of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, India at the Conference of the World Council of Churches, in the Holy Land, Europe and wherever the opportunity presented itself. He held responsible positions such as “Vice President” of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches 1961), he was a member of the General Board of the National Council of Churches — Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Hungarian Federation (1965). Time does not permit me to give you a full resume of all the outstanding work he has done, all the inspiration he brought to thousands, yea, millions of Hungarians in every part of the globe. His patriotism, his faith, his zeal for the cause, and love and devotion to the ideals he served, make him a worthy recipient of th is distinguished George Washington Award, Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Zoltán Béky, Bishop Emeritus, President of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. AMERICAN HUNGARIAN STUDIES FOUNDATION GEORGE WASHINGTON AWARD PRESENTED TO The Rt. Rev. Dr. Zoltán Beky, Bishop Emeritus Bom in Hungary, distinguished pastor and churchman, eminent humanitarian and civic leader, lecturer and writer, who has rendered distinctive service ii\ behalf of his fellowmen, particularly, for the welfare of Hungarian people in the United States of America and abroad, as a leader in the World Council of Churches and in the ecumenical movement of the Christian Church, as bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, and currently as president of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America; signed on this sixteenth day of April nineteen sixty-nine and presented with the George Washington medallion. r r:#% \ ☆ Bishop Beky's Acceptance Speech Distinguished Guests! Ladies and Gentlemen! I am deeply touched and impressed by the decision am greately moved by this great honor graciously to grant me the Annual George Washington Award. I extended to me. I must confess that my gratitude and joy surpasses any other previous honor and recognition given to me. I must also admit that whatever 1 have done to 13
