Bethlen Naptár, 1956 (Ligonier)

The Hungarian Reformed Orphans" Home

BETHLEN NAPTÁR

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Alexander Kalassay; nurse, Miss Mary Kerekes. The superintendent was instructed to hire the remainder of the staff necessary to start the work at the institution. The Board of Directors was also elected with the late Rev. SAMUEL HORVATH representing the Magyar Synod.

GROWTH - 1923-1927

The enrollment in the children’s home reached 85 between 1921 and 1923. A need for more room necessitated the purchase of 98 acres of land and three buildings adjacent to the original property. The Convention of 1923 agreed to the purchase of this real estate for the sum of $25,000.00. Later 76 acres more were added. Farming was begun and thus feeding the residents was made easier and more economical.

In 1927 still more buildings and lots were purchased in order to maintain the rising standards of the institution.

THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP

The Supreme Council liquidated the debt of the orphanage. With funds thus saved, as well as with the gifts sent in for this purpose, the chapel was built and dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, 1928. It was originally the church of the German Reformed people of Ligonier, given to the Orphans’ Home by the few remaining members of the congregation and the Westmoreland Classis. Moving, renovating, and furnishing the chapel cost $6,000.00. (Since 1928 both children and old folks have worshiped in this sanctuary.)

HOME FOR THE AGED - THE BETHLEN HOME THE SECOND SUPERINTENDENT - 1929-1931

The 1923 Convention, the first to be held at the Orphans’ Home, resolved to raise the Federation per capita membership support for the institution to 10 cents, and at the same time to establish the Home for the Aged. The farm houses were renovated, then dedicated on July 4, 1924 for this purpose. The enrollment grew steadily and the work increased proportionately. The staff was augmented to include an assistant to the superintendent. Rev. MATT HIAS DAROCZY was elected in 1926, upon whose resignation the late Rev. ERNEST KOMJÁTHY was elected in 1929, followed by Dr. LOUIS NANASSY. The work in the home for the aged conChildren of the Orphans’ Home — 1923.