Reformátusok Lapja, 1971 (71. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1971-02-01 / 2. szám
REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA 11 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WOMEN’S CONFERENCE OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT AT CALVIN REFORMED CHURCH, CHICAGO SOUTH SIDE “The Indian Problem” was the title of the theme at the English women’s group, the purpose being to increase our Christian growth thru involvement. Through the speaker, Rev. Dick Lupke, of the Church Federation of Greater Chicago, we became aware of the Indian, his environment, and his problems. There are three hundred different tribes in the United States; and although they share the same background, they still have various tribal customs of their own. The familiar Indian in his war bonnet is usually a plainsman, perhaps a Cheyenne, Sioux, or a Dakota. The Navajo lived in a tepee while in Arizona Indians live in hogans, octagonal shaped windowless log cabins. The New Mexico residents live in pueblos, adobe houses, often with an outdoor oven in front of the dwelling. Colorful woven blankets fill the wall space to brighten the room. Native Indian dress is normally worn even to the headband worn by the man of the house. Much of the housing is substandard although in Minnesota and Wiscónsin advances have been made to provide adequate housing facilities. The Indian birthrate is the largest; percentage wise. The main concern for them is to keep their identity: a major symbol to them is the drum signifying unity since the drum is large and round and has no end. Alcohol is a serious problem with the people; there is help offered thru a fellow Indian in the city of Chicago. The Hopi and Zuni make jewelry while the Winnebago specialize in fine baskets from Ash bark. The Iroquis, Cayuga, Senecas still wear ceremonial masks. The Navajos wear velveteen dresses and fine jewelry around the necks offering the necklaces for food in lean times and then buying them back from pawn when the season brings them money. Some of the Indians have left the reservations where they are just a member of the tribe simply existing for the complex city life. Here they find unskilled and semi-skilled occupations in factories, warehouses, and firms. Bureau of Indian Affairs (B.I.A.) helps them with a living allowance while the Native American Committee is an activist group believing that protest must be followed with dialog. The American Indian Center is a settlement house run by them providing for various activities and clubs such as pow wows, canoe clubs, day camp for children in summer, picnics, and many sports. The church administers to them with similar young people activities, retreats, and discussions, as well as marriage and baptism. A weekly Chicago radio program features interviews with a native. Most recently the N.C.A.I. demonstrated in Chicago in support of the Indians who want Alcatraz Island back since it was originally loaned to the government and is now out of use. The Indians have been neglected and mistreated; and even though steps have been taken to correct their situation, much work remains to be done in this area. Such is a challenge to us first, second, and third generation Americans living in this grand land taken over from the first inhabitants. The speaker in the Hungarian part of the conference was Mr. Jeno Adam, professor for many years at the former Royal Academy of Music in Hungary. He had spent a year in this country lecturing and explaining the Kodály method of music as well as explaining the beautiful translation of the psalms from their original French and Swiss into Hungarian retaining the original meaning and giving correct interpretation to the rhythmic melodies. Albert Szenczi Molnár undertook this mountainous task in the 17th century, and from May to September he translated all Í50 psalms all verses in beautiful verse. However, because the oldest organs were crude, requiring the pounding on the keys by fists, a rhythm could hardly be kept. Gradually music became even tempoed-each note like the next. Mr. Adam, in his last appearance before returning to his native land, pleaded for a revival of the beautiful flowing melodies of the psalms as they are now sung in Hungary. Mrs. Frank S. Palfi---------------^ --------------------50th Wedding Anniversary Family, friends and clergy gathered on Sunday afternoon, January 24, 1971, for a reception to honor the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Kosa on the occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary. The reception was arranged at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Imre Bertalan in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Dr. and Mrs. Kosa have two children: Mrs. Margaret Bertalan and Chaplain Ernest M. Kosa, who presently is serving in Vietnam. They also have six grandchildren. Dr. Kosa is pastor-emeritus of the Magyar Reformed Church of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Among the friends attending the reception were Dr. Charles Eisler and Dr. Frederick Schweitzer, president-emeritus of Bloomfield College and Seminary. Dr. Schweitzer spoke briefly about his long association and friendship with the Kosa family. On behalf of the clergy and their families, Rev. Francis Vitéz presented a gift of a golden urn to Dr. and Mrs. Kosa, and he spoke in tribute honoring the dedication and Christian service of Margaret and Andrew Kosa. August J. Molnár
