Bethlen Évkönyv, 1993-1996 (Ligonier)

Dr. Vitéz Ferenc, püspök: A Kálvin Egyházkerület

University in Budapest. Dr. Richard Diehl was elected as the new pastor.

Rev. Dr. Alexander Mészáros continues to serve as pastor in Bethlehem and is a chaplain in St. Luke’s Hospital serving the terminally ill.

Rev. Steven Strickler continues his service in Manville.

BETHLEHEM, PA Pastor: Rev. Dr. Sándor Mészáros

Grace Community United Church of Christ

Since the foundation of our congregation, the Word and the hymns resound in two languages every Sunday, for which our people are grateful. Unfortunately, there are no other bilingual pastors in the area, therefore, soul helping service to our elder members is performed no differently in our mother language than to the congregations other members.

The attendance of our church service is quite good but due to health problems at times many are unable to attend. The pastor’s service in visiting the sick and hospitalized is essential due to the fact that he is an evening chaplain in the neighboring large hospital. There is no Hungarian in our area whom he has not looked up and provided spiritual guidance. Numerous area and regional pastors have been welcomed guests and have provided pastoral services while the pastor has been in the Orient. The neighboring Roman Catholic congregation’s choir have often lifted their voices in song increasing the beauty of our services. Our annual dinners and events are always blessed with success for which we are very grateful for the ladies of the Mary Molnár Society. Of course, when needed, we were always helped by the men.

With our donations, we supported such organizations as the Bethlen and the Lorántffy Homes, the Gideon Society and the U.C.C. Christmas Fund. Our church buildings are always repaired and kept in good shape. Our annual income and expenses were $30,000. We had numerous bus excursions, we had a March Hungarian Flag Raising Ceremony in our City Hall, and a Hungarian concert in the church.

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