Bethlen Almanac 2001 (Ligonier)
Nyugati Egyházmegye - Western Classis
The social life of the church was reduced by the fact that old membership was dying out and new members were not accommodated. We began to have picnics to create a social environment in which people got a chance to befriend each other. These social ties resulted in the common experience saying: This is our church. Last year we erected an outstanding Hungarian landmark, a Transylvanian gate (Székely kapu) that welcomes all our members and visitors thanks to the artist, Mr. Laslo Kastal of Pennsylvania. Our backyard was enriched by some garden furniture, so when weather allows, we may enjoy the breezes and our fellow Christians’ company. At the time when we dedicated the gate we had our Hungarian ministers at the ceremony. Fr. Alfonse Skerl of Holy Trinity, and Rev. Carl Ludwig from Indiana, and my friend in Christian ministry: Fr. László Vas of St. Stephen from Chicago were with us on June 9. Cultural programs were: Tamas Erdy, a very talented young pianist from Hungary on Mother’s Day, and the Diptrio Blues Band in August. At the time of our gate dedication we had the Saska folk music Band, and the local folk dancers led by our organist, Zoltán Mihály. Last year was exciting because through a lot of debate we gained the idea that we need a real Church to host our worship services and special events. The last forty years our people used the 45 people capacity chapel that was in the dark basement of the parsonage. When Attila Demeter, who is really not only a very talented architect but a great Christian friend as well, saw our situation he offered his efforts to develop plans for a church building that reflect upon our heritage in a way that calls upon the people to worship the Lord. Our church bell that has been stored in our garage will toll again calling us to the hour of prayer after 40 years of silence. Our small but ready-to-grow community of believers asks you to support the construction of our new church to serve Chicago area’s Hungarian Reformed Christians. We break ground on August 24,2002. This is your invitation, please come or send a card. Peter L. Toth, Pastor 144
