Reformátusok Lapja, 1968 (68. évfolyam, 8-12. szám)
1968-11-01 / 11. szám
12 REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA MEETING OF THE EASTERN CLASSIS OF CALVIN SYNOD Woodbridge, N. J., October 13, 1968 The local pastor, President of Classis, the Rev. Leslie Egry, greeted the attending ministers and lay delegates and asked the Secretary, the Rev. Joseph Kecskemethy, to conduct the devotions. Following devotions, the President officially called the meeting to order. The secretary called the roll, and the following delegates were present: Rev. Joseph Mar- salko and Mr. Nicholas Szegedi of Wallingford, Conn.; Dr. Stephen Bessemer and Mr. Alex Biro of Bridgeport, Conn.; Dr. Alexander Havadtoy and Mr. Louis Tripoli of Fairfield, Conn.; Dr. John Butosi and Mr. Frank Dudás of So. Norwalk, Conn.; Dr. Zoltán Füle of New York City; Rev. Kecskemethy and Messrs. Stephen George, Joseph Tegze, and John Szabó of Passaic, N. J.; Rev. Egry and Messrs. Stephen Simon, Joseph Kara, and Andrew Busha of Woodbridge, N. J.; Rev. and Mrs. Alexander Babos of Bethlehem, Penna.; Rev. Zoltán Király of Manville, N. J.; and Mr. Charles Toth of Staten Island. The Rev. Francis Vitéz was excused. Altogether eleven churches were represented by 10 clergymen and 11 lay delegates. Mr. Simon, chief elder of the host church, extended greetings to the delegates. The report of the President followed, pointing out noteworthy events that took place since the spring meeting: the dedication of the plaque in memory of Gedeon Acs, the Palm Sunday Conference, the District Presbyters Conference, the installation of the new pastor in Passaic, and the 75th Anniversary of the So. Norwalk church. Mr. Tegze reported on the National Presbyters Conference held in the Bethlen Home, Ligonier, Penna. Dr. Havadtoy, main speaker at the Calvin Youth Camp at Camp Kanesatake, gave a detailed report of the fine activities, workshops, and good Christian spirit that prevailed throughout the conference. He pointed out the necessity for more professional and adult supervision in sports activities, and increased ministerial guidance in the future. Because of the absence of Rev. Vitéz, new editor of the Reformátusok Lapja, Rev. Egry gave a short resume of the discussions and resolutions of the Editorial Committee meeting that was held in Perth Amboy in September. Dr. Butosi made some enlightening remarks concerning ministerial pensions and salaries. He also gave details on the Classis Workshop that will be conducted in the So. Norwalk church on November 24th. The Synod President gave an account of his activities, synod problems, and vacancies in the following churches: Flint, Mich.; Fairport Harbor, Ohio; Johnstown, Penna.; and churches in other synods: Los Angeles, Calif., and Phoenixville, Penna. He attributed most of the vacancy problems to the shortage of ministers, since we have no new students entering the ministry, and also to low salaries offered by most of our churches. The possibilities of merging not only our smaller congregations but a merger of all churches of Hungarian Reformed background were discussed as conceivable solutions to the alleviation of the many problems now confronting our churches and to the creation of a more brotherly and unified attitude within the ranks of all Hungarian Reformed Churches throughout our country. The president was asked to appoint a committee whose function it would be to enlighten consistories and congregations on synodical and denominational problems, and point out their responsibilities. This committee would consist of laymen who, at the time of their visits to the congregations, would meet with the local consistories and also conduct the church services the following Sunday. Upon the invitation of Dr. Havadtoy and Mr. Tripoli, the spring Classis Meeting will be held in Fair- field. Following the meeting, a fellowship dinner, prepared by the Ladies’ Aid Society of the host church, was served in the auditorium. Rev. Joseph Kecskemethy EDITOR’S NOTES The Synod Council and the Editorial Board have set the first Sunday in December as Church Paper Sunday. At this time we would request the local ministers and consistories to stress the importance of our Church Paper. Donations for the upkeep of the Paper are requested as well as group subscriptions from the different churches. In the past, the fiscal year for the Paper started in September but hereafter, the accounting period will be the calendar year. As a result, we have four months, with expenses for printing and costs about $2,000.00, which are not covered by any income. Our Paper has a 68 year background, let us willingly share in its further upkeep. All donations may be mailed to the editor marked “gift”. ☆ All congregations are encouraged to send in articles pertaining to all outstanding events in the Church, as well as, old and new albums. ☆ All individual subscribers are urged to renew their subscriptions promptly.
