William Penn Life, 1974 (9. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

1974-04-01 / 2. szám

3tt íHrutonam

FATHER ANDREW P. JACOBS, DIRECTOR

We were all saddened on the morning of February 1, 1974 to receive a telephone call from Mrs. Mary Molnár, informing us that our esteemed Director, Father ANDREW P. JACOBS had expired during the night. He had entered the hospital earlier in the week for observation but apparently his overworked system could no longer endure. As Bishop Schoenherr so aptly said in his eulogy: “Father Jacobs burned himself out doing good for others, he just would not stay put because he had too much to do as Pastor of his flock.”

Father Jacobs was born in Detroit, Michigan November 25, 1909, son of the late Andrew Jacobs and Anna Beres. He attended Holy Cross School, Sacred Heart High School, Sacred Heart College and Major seminary in Kalocsa, Hungary from 1931 to 1935 where he was ordained into the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. His first assignment was as Curate at Holy Cross Churchand upon the death of the Pastor, Msgr. Dezső'Nagy, Father Jacobs was named Administrator of the Parish for two years, then was appointed Pastor of Holy Cross Church in 1942 and remained in that post during the remainder of his life here on earth.

Father Jacobs, in addition to serving as Pastor of his people, was an active member of the Board of Directors William Penn Association since September, 1967. He was active in Branch 56 Detroit, Michigan andattended several National Conventions as a delegate. He opened each quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors with a sincere Invocation to God to watch over us during our important deliberations.

He was Board Chairman of Delray Hospital and Trustee of Southwest General Hospital. At all times he championed the cause of the citizens of Delray section of Detroit. No matter what course of action he took, those in authority listened attentively because they knew he was speaking for the benefit of the people and not for his own interests. Truly he was a leading and most respected priest, friend, counselor

and most importantly a Good Shepherd. His passing has left an unfillable void. Those of us who had the honor and pleasure to work and serve with him, have lost a great collague, he will be missed by many for a long period of time. He is survived by a Brother Stephen whom he always effectionately called “Whitey”, Sister-in-law Florence, Nephew Stephen and a Sister Mrs. Anna Szenich.

The funeral of Father Jacobs was in keeping with his popularity. On Sunday, February 3, 1974 he was viewed by several thousand people from near and far at the Sollosy Funeral Home. At 4:00 P.M. a solemn procession accompanied him to Holy Cross Church where he lie in state. In tribute to a beloved colleague the following William Penn Official Family members attended the funeral: Vice Presidents John P. Balia and Louis L. Varga, Directors: Frank Bero, Zoltán B. Emri, Michael Hegedűs, Albert G. Kertesz, Stephen Lang, John P. Veszprémi, Auiditing Committee members: Michael Hrabar, László Kereszti, Michael Kara,Helen Nemeth also Julius E. Somogyi, National Treasurer, Gus G. Nagy, Field Assitant to National President and Albert J. Stelkovics, National Secretary.

Pall bearers were: Gus G. Nagy, Albert J. Stelkovics, Cornelius Navori, M.D., J. William Burns, John Nichols and Orville Uitli. Christian Wake services were conducted Sunday evening, Monday evening there was a Mass offered in Hungarian for the deceased by Rev. Martin Gaspar, Pastor St. Anthony’s Church, Windsor, Canada. The funeral Mass was con-celebrated by Bishop Walter Schoenherr, Father Gaspar and Father Jacob Samonie, former Assistant at Holy Cross. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery. At the cemetery Louis L. Varga, Vice President and Albert J. Stelkovics Eulogized Father Andrew P. Jacobs, text of the eulogies follows.

Father Jacobs was loved, respected and admired by all both as a priest and a friend. He was a great humanitarian.

May the perpetual light shine upon him.

Father Andrew Jacobs, Brother Director of our fraternal society, the William Penn Association.

On this sad day mournful occasion, we your fraternal Brothers and Sisters have come here to be with you and respectfully accompany you to your final resting place.

The Diocesan Clergy has already extolled your priestly virtues and accomplishments — Community and Parish leaders have eulogized your life time work which was dedicated for the betterment of the community and your people. You have fulfilled the verse of Luke, “Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required.”

But I speak for the other interest in his life, his dedication to the Hungarian People and our Fraternal Society, the William Penn Association. All who knew him, know of his unrelenting spirit of Justice for Hungary and his struggle to retain the Sacred crown of St. Stephen in this country.

To us he was a man of quality and his philosophy transcended our Business meeting. As a fraternal Society he told us to heal our wounds; to enlighten our minds, to see and seek opportunites to serve others; to increase in our abounds in love for one another; and to exercise as responsible stewards constructive leadership.

In his invocation he asked for Gods help so that we may be prudent but with knowledge. To think less of ourselves and more of others. To spend more time cooperating and less time stressing differences. He requested from us a Unity of spirit in sympathy and love. He admonished us to lift up our hearts to our sick and indigent and old members. He requested us to remain humble in our tasks and achieve-6