Bethlen Évkönyv, 1993-1996 (Ligonier)
Halottaink
and even as a driver, because not many people could own a car at that time but he had one and as I was told, he was glad to offer a ride when needed. In May of 1944 he was asked to serve the Crescent Heights Presbyterian Church too, also located in Daisytown, PA, and now both the Hungarians and Americans found a spiritual home in the same church. He developed a wonderful and long-lasting friendship with Rev. and Mrs. Victor Bodnar who ministered in Brownsville, PA. He was close to many families, but the friendship was especially warm between him and Mr.&Mrs. Steve Medve and their children. During his ministry the congregation became strong, but the modern way of life did not spare the Daisytown Church either, for the members of the younger generation moved away to find a better future. A small congregation, hidden among the western Pennsylvania mountains, yet we can find people who excelled, earning M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Rev. Silay always encouraged the children to continue their education on a higher level. On December 7th, 1979, he fell and next morning he was found at the bottom of the steps in the manse. He was seriously injured; first he was treated in the Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh and afterward in the Harmarville Rehabilitation Center. Although he recuperated well, he could not resume the ministry and in 1980 he retired. He spent the rest of his life in Ligonier, first at the Bethlen Home and later the Czirka family cared for him. On January 18th, 1995 his Lord called him home and on the 23rd he was buried from the church where preached the word of God for more than fifty years. The church was full although it was Monday morning. Many who knew him and loved him bid him farewell with tears in their eyes. May he rest in peace! Alexander Jalso 467
