Fraternity-Testvériség, 2004 (82. évfolyam, 2-4. szám)

2004-10-01 / 4. szám

Page 7

Fraternity-Testvériség

The 37th Quadrennial Convention of the HRFA

The 37th Quadrennial Convention of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America was held in Ligonier- Greensburg, PA, between September 20-22, 2004.

Mr. George Dózsa, Chairman of the Board, opened the Convention and extended a warm welcome to the Members of the Board of Directors, advisors, delegates and guests. Opening Prayer was offered by former President, the Rev. Dr. Imre Bertalan followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Convention selected the Rev. Zoltán Sutto as its Secretary. The first order of business was the report of the Credentials Committee. A roll call was taken indicating that all elected delegates and Board of Directors members were present. Total voting members were 53.

Travel Expenses and Per Diem proposals were presented by the Mr. Leslie L. Megyeri Secretary-Treasurer on behalf of the Executive Committee. They were accepted by the Convention delegates.

The Convention adopted the agenda in accordance of the

By-Laws of the Federation.

The Official Opening Worship Service of the Convention was held at the Chapel of Ligonier, PA followed by a Cornerstone Dedication of the New Bethlen Home. Following the worship service and picnic held at the Bethlen Home, the Convention resumed with the Assignment of Committees.

The Convention adopted the reports of the President, Secretary-Treasurer and Chairman of the Board to be passed for discussion to the assigned committees.

Closing prayers for the closing of the first day were offered by the

Rev.P. Totli.Rt.Rev. Karl Ludwig, Bishop, Rt.Rev. Andor Demter, Bishop and Ft. Alphonse Skerl, conducting worship service

The Congregation at the opening worship service of the Convention.

Rev. Alexander Jalso.

The Convention reconvened on the second day by the Chairman of the Board. Following the roll call, the Convention Secretary read the minutes of the first day and with some corrections, it was accepted and signed by the appointed delegates.

Among the reports presented was the report of the Actuary, Mr. John D. Ballard, who stated that the present financial situation of the Federation is solid, but we cannot remain stagnant.

The next report given was by the Executive Director of the Bethlen Home, the Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, followed by the Strategic Planning Committee co-chairs, the Rev. Ilona Komjáthy and the Rev. Leslie E. Martin. The Convention extended its thanks to Rev. Bertalan, Rev. Komjáthy and Rev. Martin for their fine reports and hard work.

On the third day of the Convention, devotionals were offered by the Rev. Leslie E. Martin. Roll call indicated 52 eligible voters present. Mr. Albert St. Miklosy was taken to the hospital the previous day. Minutes from the previous day were read and approved.

Rev. Torok gave an up-date to the Convention on the condition of Mr. St. Miklosy. The Rev. István Nyeste addressed the Convention expressing his thanks for the prayers and thoughts during his illness. Following the opening session, delegates returned to their committee meetings.

The Convention delegates returned in the afternoon for Plenary session.

A report of the Finance Committee was made by Mr. John

K. Morey, Chairman.

The Convention continued with the report of the Administrative Committee chaired by the Rev. Leslie E. Martin. It contained the reports of the Church and Clergy, Fraternal Activities, Medical Advisor, Administrative, Sales and Marketing, the report of the President and Chairman of the Board.

The Convention then considered changes to the By-Laws of the Federation. The appointed By-Laws Committee met earlier and proposed technical changes to the By- Laws. The newly adopted By-Laws with all the changes accepted by the Convention are printed as an addendum to this issue of the Fraternity.

The Convention heard the report of the Resolutions Committee and adopted all points of the resolutions on behalf of the 37th Quadrennial Convention. The special resolution is also printed in this issue of Fraternity.

By the time all the reports and By-Laws discussions were finished it was very late in the evening.

The final act of the Convention was the report of the Nominating Committee made by committee chair Mr. Michael Pauli Jr.

Upon a motion made by Mrs. Renee Maldonato and seconded by Mr. László Kernes, the Convention delegates released the Board of Directors from their duties and responsibilities. Mr. George Dózsa, Chairman of the Board, appointed Mr. Ed Bihary temporary chairman of the Convention for the duration of the election. Mr. Bihary ap-