The Eighth Tribe, 1978 (5. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1978-07-01 / 7. szám

July, 1978

THE EIGHTH TRIBE

Pago 7

formed Federation of America was organized with $272 in operating capital.

There are at the present time some 120 Reformed congregations, 80 Roman Catholic parishes, the first of which was organized in 1892. There are also 10 Lutheran congregations, 10 Greek Catholic parishes and about 20 Baptist congregations. The 250 Hungarian congregations serve a constituency of

175,000 people and their properties are worth

$20,000,000.

The Hungarian press was of much help at the time of organization. We have already mentioned the very first Hungarian newspaper in America, “The Hungarian Exiles’ Journal.” The second try, “Hungarian America”, took place in 1879. It also enjoyed only a brief life. The paper which survived for many years was the “American Hungarian National Guardian” which was edited by Gustav Erdélyi. The present day “Liberty” was organized in Cleveland in 1891 and in 1900 the “American Hungarian People’s Voice” was established in New York City. Church press was first represented by the Reformed faith which began publication of the “Sentinel” in 1895. It was followed by the “Reformed Journal” in 1900 and the “Magyar Church” in 1922. The latter two survive to this time.

Hungarian American life was primarily influenced by two great world events. The first was the World War, 1914 to 1918, the tragic conclusion of which broke Hungarians here physically from the homeland, for it made any return to the partitioned land impossible. Hungarians took part in this conflict as in the past. Gábor Korponai served in the Mexican War of 1848, and an imposing array participated in the Civil War. They also were in the Spanish- American War and from five to six thousand Hungarians served in the American forces during the First World War.

Though the Second War broke the old immigrants from their homeland spiritually, their love of people remained. Some 75,000 Hungarian Americans served in the Second War and hundreds gave their lives in the conflict.

The unavoidable assimilation was delayed by two later emigrations. The first was the refugees of 1945, consisting almost completely of the old Hungarian middle class from the ranks of the old intelligencia. From 1948 to 1952 there were more than 18,000 persons in this group.

The second emigration, akin to that of 1848, consisted of the refugees of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Nothing ever had as powerful effect on the

Hungarians of America than this revolution, which built love of their nation in even the most forelorn individuals. The future integration of members from both these new migrations into Hungarian American life is a question for time to tell. It is certain that the history of Hungarians in America completely justifies the conclusion of Nicholas Zrinyi II, that; “We are not inferior to any nation.”

From the very beginning Hungarians in America were characterized by mobility, love of work and outstanding accomplishments in the intellectual realm. Volumes can be written about Hungarian successes in every human endeaver, especially in the arts, science, industry, commerce and trade. The great reserve of strength for Hungarians in Europe is made up of American Hungarians who were not placed here by God through error. If this people remains true to its mission, it shall have not lived in vain.

Bethlen Almanac, 1960.

Rt. Rev. Sándor Daróczy and Mrs. Daróczy

For 13 years the Rt. Rev. Sándor Daróczy was Superintendent of the Bethlen Home in Ligonier established to care for the orphans of Hungarian parentage and for the aged. He was instrumental in establishing of the Bethlen Freedom Press, forerunner of the Bethlen Press.

The Hungarian Business Association invites you to their “A TRIBUTE TO OUR ANCESTORS” semi-formal dinner dance, combined with embroidery displays and competition and art displays. Prizes will be awarded for embroideries or other hand made Hungarian items. Hungarian crafts will be available for sale in the bazaar section. Benefits will go to the “Hungarian Room”, University of Pittsburgh, Pa. Date: September 23, 1978. Place: Howard Johnson’s, Monro ville, Pa. For entry forms and tickets please write to:

H.B.A.

Mrs. István Tuba 7125 Saltsburg Road Pittsburgh, Pa. 15235