Fraternity-Testvériség, 1983 (61. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1983-04-01 / 2. szám
Page 6 TESTVÉRISÉG horizon of the on-coming convention. The air became poisoned; the trust element was removed; the old dream of Hungarian American identity took a William Penn twist and a mortal wound! One other development that shook the faith of many staunch supporters of the consolidation needs recording. In August, 1982, at the time when the negotiations reached the most critical stage, William Penn Association entered into negotiation with The Catholic Knights of St. George, a 22,000 member insolvent society of German background. This fact was never even introduced at the negotiation table. It’s possible effects upon the outcome of the consolidation was never discussed or evaluated. Thus WPA was holding two irons in the fire — one the consolidation with a Hungarian association and the other, the merger with a sizable society of different background. Whether there was a connection between this development and the attempt to keep the William Penn name was never disclosed and therefore remains forever in the realm of mystery. The consolidation of the two Hungarian societies failed — while the merger of St. George into William Penn has been completed. Quo Vadis William Penn? The closing words of the article in question may serve as a clue, “Our delegates were pretty clear when it was unanimously accepted that the William Penn in any future negotiation with the HRFA or any other fraternal shall be on the basis of a merger on William Penn terms.” The image of WPA has suddenly changed. Instead of being the champion of the unity of the Hungarian Fraternals, from now on it plays the roll of a colorful umbrella under which “any society” that wished to merge will receive a warm welcome. The HRFA is in no mood to belong into the category of “any others” and has no intention of merging. There is no need for such a move. A careful comparison of the 1982 financial report of both fraternals clearly indicates that we compare very favorably with the achievements of WPA except for one area: NEW BUSINESS. The reason is obvious — our field force and everyone was affected by the uncertain future and all, any, changes were on “hold.” The WPA article concludes with the word “Pace” — peace. May it be so. Let us leave each others membership undisturbed. Instead, as we say in church language, let us visit the unchurched. Let us turn to the great field that is offered by the more than one million (1,600,000) persons who in the last census declared themselves to be of Hungarian background. Let us compete in outdoing each other in serving the fraternal needs of the Hungarian American community. Better still, let us do it wherever conditions permit, in a coordinated way. This could turn out to be a working, living alternative to the organic unity which was “laid to rest in peace” at the Pittsburgh convention. While reporting these facts to you, they are also recorded for history. IN MEMORIAM We pay respect to the memory of the 331 members who died during 1982. To their loved ones we express our deepest sympathy. At the same time, we thank our Lord particularly for those who served our Federation many years with dedication: The Reverend Tibor Toth, Past Director, Mrs. Clara Csik, mother of our faithful District Manager Alex Csik, Branch Managers Frank Demjen, Stephen Wargo, Stephen György. BRANCH MANAGERS 'Phe following branch managers resigned in 1982 — Mrs. Owen Kopp, Mrs. Dawn Ward and Mrs. Mary Sereg. The gratitude of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors was extended in personal letters. New Branch Managers welcomed: Edward Szabó (Cleveland), Mrs. Clara Csikesz (Pittsburgh), Mrs. Frank Demjen (NJ), Mrs. Stephen Wargo (NJ). Branch 211, Zelionople, PA was merged to Branch 300, Washington, D.C. ★ ★ ★ I AM GRATEFUL to the members of this Board for their willingness to advise me — many times I called on you and you were ready to assist me in matters that concerned the operation of our Federation in your area; Thank you! to every member of the staff at the home office who performed their duties so diligently, even though their future seemed uncertain for several months; I AM GRATEFUL for the assistance of Judge Alex Eger, Jr., legal counselor, Ben Koppelman and A1 Eglow, financial counselors, Samuel Urda and George Schaumann, CPS Actuaries; for the care and concern of Dr. Katalin Korossy for all of us as well as for the new members; to our churches for making the pulpits available to me and for the cooperation of the pastors and lay leaders in helping our work at the local level; to the entire Hungarian American community
