Bethlen Naptár, 1989 (Ligonier)
Kálvin Egyházkerület
All these things happened because of a powerful Faith in God which could not be denied, a Calling this Hungarian community had. For the most part Reformed people from Erdély (Transylvania), the Indiana Harbor Hungarian church also included Unitarians from Erdély and Evangelical Lutherans from Vas Megye in western Hungary. Yet together they created something which was impossible, because of their common gratitude to the Lord God. Since that time the Indiana Harbor congregation has served its community proudly, its sons and daughters serving in World War II, and today being found in many areas of public and private service to the community. And the backbone of this congregation, like many others but perhaps more than most, has always been its ladies; from the start of the construction to the finishing touches, the women made it all possible, while they were rearing their children for the Glory of God. Many other important things stand out in our history, but most easily remembered are the times of joy and sadness. A time of joy was celebrated in 1974 when Cardinal Joseph Mindszenty visited the church and worshiped with us after his release from imprisonment in Hungary. A second memorable time was the 1978 celebration honoring a service by Rev. Dr. Arthur A. Ludwig, honored not only by the congregation, but by the entire community in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area. Two times of great sadness were the tragic death of Rev. John Szeghy in 1952, and more recently the death of Rev. Dr. Arthur A. Ludwig in 1981. In both instances, the congregation turned to God for continued guidance, and determined to continue in His service. Today the congregation, though small, still worships and serves Jesus Christ. Congregation members stay in touch with Mrs. Alexander Mircse, the widow of the pastor during the construction of the sanctuary, who makes her home at the the Bethlen Home in Ligonier Pennsylvania, as well as Rev. Ludwig’s widow, who makes her home in Denver Colorado. While mostly Hungarian in origin, several of our members are non-Hungarians who have chosen the Indiana Harbor congregation as their worshiping fellowship because of the friendship they experienced from the members. We pray that the Lord will continue to allow us to serve him for many years in the future. Ministers of the Congregation Rev. Béla Bertok Rev. Mihály Kovács László Csifói Rev. Alexander Mircse July 5,1925—February 1927 March 1,1927—December 1929 March, 1930—September 1930 October 5,1930—May 1942 172
