Fraternity-Testvériség, 2001 (79. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2001-01-01 / 1. szám
Page 12 TESTVÉRISÉG A Small Church Rich in Hungarian Heritage As I entered the sanctuary, a sudden thrill swept down my spine. This was the church where my Nagyapú (nickname for grandfather) preached more than 50 years ago. The hard, sturdy wood throughout the room reflected the bright sunlight that protruded into the small sanctuary. I looked up to the loft and gazed at the two hundred-year-old organ and my ears began to ring with the Hungarian hymns, which often played from the polished pipes. I envisioned my Nagyapú up at the alter preaching his sermon, while as children, my mother and uncle ran up and down the aisle. This experience of visiting the Hungarian Reformed Church in Staten Island was amazing and it truly helped open my eyes even wider to my Hungarian heritage. With a volunteer program through my school, I traveled to Staten Island for a week during my December break. I volunteered for project hospitality and lived with the Congregation of Notre Dame sisters. As soon as my grandfather heard the news of my trip, he told me how he preached in a small Hungarian church around that area. After hearing this, I knew I had to go see this aspect of my family’s past. The CND sisters were so excited to take me there, and early one morning, we were off. Fortunately, the tenant of the house belonging to the church was home, and she graciously took us into the building. The back hall was just redone and Hungarian flags and decorations hung upon the walls. As I walked around the room, I envisioned men and women, both young and old, in traditional Hungarian clothing dancing to the csárdás. In the kitchen, I envisioned cooks creating delicate dishes, and the whole room engulfed with the rich aroma of paprika. We then went to the office and upon a desk I noticed the Fraternity-Testvériség magazine. With great enthusiasm I flipped to page 14 and there was my picture and essay after I received the Federation’s scholarship. I put the magazine back down triumphantly, because now I knew that a piece of myself was actually in that little church! We continued to tour the rooms, and I noticed different aspects of my grandfather still preserved and on display. His picture hung proud upon a wall, and some of his sermons were carefully kept in a historic album. The tour eventually ended at the gorgeous sanctuary. This experience was truly an incredible glimpse into my Hungarian heritage and my past. Unfortunately, the tenant told us how the membership within the church was diminishing, and funds were getting harder and harder to come by. This news was disturbing, how could such an amazing church have such misfortunes? As we drove away from the little building, I kept wondering if there was anything I could personally do to help preserve the church support its members. The best I can do right now is to inform others of my experience and of the wonders and rich heritage this little church holds. I thank the Hungarian Reformed Church in Staten Island for being so rich in the Hungarian tradition and making it possible for me to take a glimpse into my past. Lili De Petrillo The beautiful white church of wooden structure with a slender spire furnished with carved pews and a 2000-year- old organ was built by industrialist B. Kreischer and Sons for the use of the German community of Kreischerville. It was purchased by the Hungarian Reformed community in 1919. The structure unique in style was designated as a Landmark by the Preservation Commission of the City of New York. The pastoral need of the Staten Island church in the most parts of its history was served by student pastors engaged in post gradual work at Princeton Seminary. It is in such capacity that the Rev. Imre Bertalan, grandfather of Lili De Petrillo, provided service in the years from 1946 to 1954. Her mother, Lillian Bertalan, was raised in the parsonage next to the church. Rev. Imre Bertalan Lili in front of the church..
