Calvin Synod Herald, 1972 (72. évfolyam, 8-12. szám)
1972-11-01 / 11. szám
4 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD of the Reformation, and “The March of Truth” which presents miniatures of twenty heroes of the Reformation. Extensive research was needed for this book in the respective homelands of the Reformers. "The March of Truth” has been published in three English editions and also in the Dutch language. His skill in writing was also expressed in publishing the Reformátusok Lapja. When the United Church of Christ discontinued publishing the German paper, support of our Hungarian paper was also cut off. The Synod Council asked Dr. Szabó to edit this paper and he did so for seven years, almost without funds. He had to rebuild the paper from its earliest foundations, and he is to be commended for his efforts. It is only through his effectual sacrifice that our paper still stands. His articles have appeared in innumerable American and Hungarian papers. Ciiuech Diplomat Before the second World War, Dr. Szabó was commissioned by our mother Church to serve as their representative. He was appointed to unite our Hungarian Reformed congregations into one church body. It is through no fault of his, that this effort was not realized. During his ministry, he has several times represented our Synod at the General Synod of our denomination. He was on guard at all times defending the rights of our Synod. There may have been times when we felt fearful, but now we realize that he was right and that we live in ‘historic times ...” May the Lord give us many such brave men as Dr. Szabó. Chubch Leader As pastor of our largest church here in the United States, Dr. Szabó has twice been elected president of Calvin Synod and now remains as president-emeritus. This office affords him the rank of bishop in our church and so he will be remembered. At the present time, he is the president of our Lakeside Classis. Churcii Builder The Cleveland congregation has already built three churches, and Dr. Szabo’s excelling skill is expressed in the present edifice. The congregation came to its present location where the Bethlen Hall and educational facilities were already constructed but the sanctuary still remained to be built. When Dr. Szabó was elected pastor, the most able man was secured for the position. Dr. Szabó prepared the plans while the members were donating and collecting money for the building, all the while, praying for success. The foundation was laid, the walls were up, the rose windows were installed but for some reason, the steeple plan did not reach Dr. Szabo’s approval. Finally, after the thirteenth drawing was completed, the steeple became a reality carved in stone to the satisfaction of the pastor and to the glory of the Lord. This unique steeple was Dr. Szabo’s dream, and became complete through the help of his ever-present willing congregation. Pastor Dr. Szabó became a pastor, not because of his plan, but according to God’s plan. He may have thought that he would remain a minister in a peaceful Hungarian town or city on the banks of the Tisza River; but the Lord brought him out of the land of his forefathers to tend His sheep gone abroad. As a student in the Seminary, he served the Daisytown, Pennsylvania congregation; later he served in the Toledo, Ohio church, and then he came to the First Church in Cleveland, where he has remained for the past twenty-five years. The field then was large and it is still growing even as the members move to the suburbs. His work can be compared to the painting of Millet “The Gleaners.” In the field there are many seeds to be found, but the sun is setting. I too, assisted Dr. Szabó some twenty years ago, but now he continues alone. Meanwhile, the field becomes larger and the seedlings fall further apart. Some time ago, Dr. Szabó lost his wife, but now the void has been filled and his smile returns when you see the apple of his eyes. Palika. Host Dr. Szabó is an outstanding host, and his lovely wife is a gracious hostess. In olden days in Hungary, when guests arrived, the host would take the wheels off their wagon and hide them, so that the friends would not be able to leave. With the Szabo’s no one wants to leave, for their friendliness binds the guests to them. How many times have we heard them say: “Do not go yet, we have hardly had a chance to say a few words” or “Who knows when we will meet again...” Friend As I continued my writing of these words about Dr. Szabó, I reached for another pencil, and somehow I picked up a red pencil, as if the word ‘friend” should be written with red letters! And rightly, since there are few friends such as Dr. Szabó. True friends are rare like true pearls, black diamonds or opals; but I believe that in him, I have found a friend. May we all enjoy his friendship for many years to come. ♦ With these words I have tried to pay homage to Dr. Szabó, but do not think there is room enough here to write all that could be said. Neither pyramids nor cathedrals are built by one person. It is almost impossible to tell everything about this giant of Cleveland who has been doing such a magnificent job for the past twenty-five years. A person admiring a statue asked the sculptor how he was able to carve the statue. He answered: On his knees ... We can ask how Dr. Szabó was able to accomplish so much so well — on his knees, praying... He knows what it means when Jesus said: “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.” Matthew 20:26-27 and “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39. Follow him in the footsteps of the Master for many more years. ... Francis Vitéz
