Fraternity-Testvériség, 1989 (67. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
1989-04-01 / 2. szám
FRATERNITY PAGE 15 After the Hungarian service, members of Branch 35 and guests were welcomed in the Social Hall for refreshments given by the officers of the branch. Only around 50 persons attended since many had other plans for the afternoon. President Sam Vespremi welcomed everyone and opened the program with the singing of the Hungarian National Anthemn. Rev. Imre Bertalan led in the opening prayer. The President introduced the officers of Branch 35, all attended, except for the Vice President. The President also stated that our Secretary Louise Vespremi is to represent the Branch as a Delegate notified by our National President. Rev. Imre Bertalan then read a letter received from our National President, Rev. Dr. Imre Bertalan congratulating the honored members of this wonderful occasion—for the many dedicated years. The President turned to our Branch Manager Mrs. Ethel Teghze-Gerber with the assistance of Rev. Bertalan to hand out the awards. A total of 68 members were on the list, however, only 12 were there to receive it. Many of our members are in ill health or live at a distance thus unable to be present. The award will be mailed to them. The first one to receive—and the oldest person—is Mrs. Barbara Ambrus who is 91 years of age and has been a member for 66 years! She was proud for this reward and that Rev. Kovács had greeted her in the Church. Our photographer, Mr. Andor Nagy, who is also a member of our branch, took the pictures. After the awards presentation, President Vespremi gave a nice message to the guests and members about the Federation which was founded in 1896. Everyone, whenever in Washington, D.C., should plan to visit the Home Office and everyone should also visit the Bethlen Home. Recently the Spring Meeting was held in Cleveland, Ohio. In the future a rest home will be built near there. Anyone interested in membership should contact the Branch Manager, Rev. Bertalan or the President himself for information. The President then called on Rev. Kovács to speak on behalf of the Bethlen Home. Rev. Kovács thanked Mr. Vespremi for his message about the Federation which was well-spoken and open-minded. Many members, after the program, also said that because of the dedicated speech they understood the work of the Federation. Rev. Paul Kovács also gave his message to the members in English and Hungarian about the Bethlen Home, the cottages and the care that is given to the elderly. If anyone wishes to donate letters, prayer books, or any collected documentation of their loved ones for the Archives, it will be greatly appreciated. The President thanked Rev. Kovács. Our closing prayer was said by the Assistant Pastor of the Hungarian Reformed Church, Frank Varga, and "God Bless America" was sung by Mr. Zoltán Ambrus. At this time thanks is given to Branch Manager Mrs. Ethlen Teghze-Gerber for sending out letters to the members and arranging the awards with the assistance of Rev. Bertalan and President Vespremi; Mrs. Anna Souto for typing; Ilona Kulchar for baking; our Treasurer James Kish, his wife Marge and Secretary Louise for refreshments; Andor Nagy for pictures. We wish to thank the Hungarian Reformed Church for the use of the social hall. Mrs. Barbara Ambrus, Branch 35, Detroit, Mich. Mrs. Barbara Ambrus is member of our Branch for 66 years. Our oldest member joined the Federation when she was 19 years of age. Ambrus néni came to America at the age of 17 from Abaúj megye and has been a widow for over 25 years. She had four children, one of whom passed away. Her two sons Zoltán and Arthur and her one daughter Barbara, with whom she resides, have large families, so that she now has 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Ambrus néni is 91 years old and has two sisters: Julia who is 101 and Mary who is 86 years old. The good Lord has blessed them with good health and with a strong faith in Him. Ambrus néni still bakes cookies every week and together with Rev. Bertalan she goes to visit the sick in the convalescent home, singing hymns and praying for the shut-ins. She is a member of the Szatmár Club, Kiwanis Clubs and a faithful member for many years of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Allen Park.
