Fraternity-Testvériség, 2007 (85. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2007-04-01 / 2. szám
100th Anniversary of our Charter remarkable year in the History of the Federation. In 1907, the Federation received its charter from the United States Congress with the help of Tamás Madarassy (1878-1905) and a Congressman by the name of Abraham Lincoln Brick (1860-1908). Both were from South Bend, Indiana; one a renowned lawyer and congressman, the other a simple immigrant young man. While there were many differences between them, there were equally many similarities between them. Enthusiastic hearts beat in them; both of them were children whose parents were bom of simple stock; both loved Hungarians, and the torch of each of their lives blew out too soon and unexpectedly. ... “So it is really the PRESTIGE they get from this incorporation that is the main thing.” Brick’s answer was: “Yes, it is so.” the debate ended with this. Excerpt from: Vasvári Ödön: Református Újság 1935. június, pp. 4-5. HRFA celebrated the 100th anniversary of our charter given by the United States Congress. The invocation was given by Rev. Imre Bertalan, followed by Mr. George Dózsa, who talked about the rich history of the Federation. jTiÖD-niníb Congress of % ölnitrb States of ^nttrica; $d the Jkcotid Session, Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the third day of December, one thousand nine hundred and six. A 1ST ACT To incorporate the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Bepresentaiives of the United Stales of America in Congress assembled. That Steve Molnár, Steve Papp, Joseph Toth, all of the State of Ohio; Reverend Steve Borsos, Joseph Tomcsanyi, Reverend Alexander Kalassay, all of the State of Pennsylvania; Thomas Madarassi, of the State of Indiana; George Bandre, of the State of Connecticut, officers and members of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America, and their successore, he, and they are hereby, incorporated and made a body politic and corporate of the District of Columbia under the name of “The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America.” And by that name they and their successore may have and use a common seal, and may alter and change the same at pleasure, ami may make by-laws and elect officers and agents, and may do business and take, receive, hold, and convey real and personal estate necessary for the purposes of the society. Sec. 2. That this corporation, composed of the individuals aforesaid and their associates, under the name and style aforesaid, is formed for the purposes, as follows: The intellectual, fraternal, and social welfare of the members; the study of American history and its institutions, and the inculcation of patriotic sentiments among its members; to charitably and fraternally, in the spirit of brotherly love, care for. aid. assist, and relieve its members in the various vicissitudes that may befall them during life, and to give them a Christian burial in death; to provide and pay benefits to suffering and needy memliers and to the heirs of deceased members, all according to the rules, regulations, by-laws, and constitution of the society. And, in pursuance of the objects of the corporation, it may have a constitution, by-laws, rules, and regulations to carry out the same, and shall have power to change and amend its constitution, by-laws, rules, and regulations at pleasure: Provided, That such constitution, by-laws, rules, and regulations or amendments thereof do not conflict with the laws of the United States or of any State. Sec. 3. That said corporation shall have the right to hold its meeting» at any place within the United States m may be beat suited or most advantageous to the carrying out of the purposes for which this corporation is formed. SBC. 4. That Congress may at any time amend, alter, or repeal thi* Act. Q ft & /. 7° 7*Speaker of the House of Bepresentaiives. áu Vico-/Vendent of the Untied Staten and Prendent of the Senate. Fraternity - Testvériség / Summer 2007 9
