Bethlen Évkönyv, 1993-1996 (Ligonier)
Dózsa György: Az Amerikai Magyar Református Egyesület 100. Évét Ünnepli
of the Federation, the Reverend Sándor Kalassay, who played a significant role in the founding and building of our society. In 1953, the Federation purchased its second Kossuth House, just off Dupont Circle, on P Street. Although it was planned to hold the 1956 Convention in Washington, D.C., the Board of Directors decided to have it moved to Ligonier, PA enabling the delegates tp participate in the dedication ceremony of the new addition to the Orphans’ Home. At this occasion, the Federation also celebrated its 60th anniversary. This Convention voted on the extension of the “home for the elderly” in Ligonier, PA. By this time, the membership grew to 34,200, and the number of branches in 21 states increased to 208. The Convention in 1960 reorganized the Districts into two areas. The Eastern Area composed of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Eastern Pennsylvania. The Western Area composed of Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Chicago and California and put the Districts under the supervision of two area managers. The present two vice president positions were increased to three. The Convention also dealt with the question of dividends, but no action was taken in this regard. At the time of the Convention, the membership increased to 36,000, and our assets reached 10 million dollars. In 1964 the delegates came to Washington, D.C., not only for the Convention but also for the dedication of the third Kossuth House on New Mexico Avenue. This was the year of mergers. First, the Young Men and Women Sick Benefit Society of Cleveland, Ohio, merged with 614 members, followed by the First Hungarian Sick Benefit Insurance of Yonkers, New York, with 74 members and the Hungarian Presbyterian Funeral Benefit Society of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with 283 members. The Convention in 1972 was again held in Ligonier, PA. At this assembly, the age limit for officers was set at age 66; a Student Aid and Loan Fund was established with $50,000; the extension of the Old Age Home in Ligonier, PA with 100 new beds was granted, and Whole Life Policies were made paid up at age 90, thereby saving the member a five-year dues premium. By 1978 the Orphans’ Home in Ligonier, PA, was closed down; therefore, the 1980-Convention allocated twenty-five cents 19
