Bethlen Naptár, 1960 (Ligonier)
Bethlen Almanac
136 BETHLEN ALMANAC HUNGARIAN CHURCHES IN AMERICAN SYNODS AKRON, O. — Pastor: Rev. Arpad Bakay. The First Hungarian Evangelical and Reformed Church of Akron, Ohio, celebrated its 45th anniversary in 1959. It was organized by the late Rev. Samuel Horvath in 1914. With the purchase of the present Church building, congregational life began. This was the first Hungarian Church in Akron. The official organization took place on June 26, 1914. Mr. Frank Nagy, Sr., is the only surviving member of the first Board. The first Hungarian service in the present church was held in 1914. From 1917 to 1929 the present pastor served the congregation. He was succeded by Dr. Geza Papp in 1930. During his pastorate the congregation was split and Dr. Papp and his followers organized the local Hungarian Reformed Church in America. The leaderless congregation called the late Rev. Arpad Bernath from Tonawanda. He served until 1935 when the present pastor, the Rev. Arpad Bakay was recalled. In spite of many problems, by God’s grace the congregation grew and continues to serve the faith. The Church became debt free in 1943. In 1949 it became completely selfsupporting. For years we have paid our entire apportionment through benevolent giving. We stand at a crossroad. A new expressway will probably pass through our property. If this happens, we must find or build suitable facilities. We live in serious times and stand before serious responsibilities and possibilities. May God give us vision. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Pastor: Rev. Emil Nagy, Jr. On May 3rd, 1959, the congregation of the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Bridgeport, Conn, dedicated its new Church, parish house and manse. The modern church seats 700. There are 12 classrooms in the basement, choir room and nursery. The parish house can seat 800 people on each floor. The total construction cost $545,000. The manse was built by the craftsmen of the church. 1400 people were present for the dedication services. The Rev. Emil Nagy, Jr. is the pastor, and Alexander Vincze is chief-elder. Bridgeport First Church — New Church Building, Parish House and Manse.
