Calvin Synod Herald, 2016 (117. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2016-09-01 / 9-10. szám
10 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD Johnstown Close Recall Heritage Church Fix-up in Historic District A celebration of the past to closeout its 116 year history was held by the Hungarian Reformed Church of Johnstown, PA, on Saturday afternoon, June 18th. At the same time, it also opened a new chapter for the building, which will be restored as a part of a historic area neighborhood renewal, where many Hungarians and other central or eastern European immigrants lived together, surrounded by the steel mills of “Cambria City.” With decline of steel and mining industries, a loss of two-thirds of the businesses and jobs, many left the area and left their churches behind. Unable to be maintained, about six other churches closed in the immediate neighborhood, with an aging population unable to keep their doors open. The Hungarian RC church closed years before, becoming a parking lot. The members of the Reformed church also saw the end coming, fewer members to maintain an old building with major problems, and a dwindling congregation unable to support the minister who led worship anyhow on alternate Sundays. Falling tiles in the ceiling and buckling brick walls compelled the closing of another Christian church. God works in mysterious ways The City Manager didn’t want to see another building demolished and opened the door to meeting with Dr. Andrew and Sandra King, a Christian couple involved in the area’s renewal. The pastor, Rev. Albert W. Kovács, and Mr. Earl Mostoller, Treasurer, met them in City Hall. They tendered a surprise proposal, to restore the church and the home at the rear, the former parsonage. They have already rehabilitated several homes in the neighborhood. They added, the congregation could also hold occasional services if they desired. The congregation agreed to transfer ownership, the deed changed hands, and repairs have already begun to restore the building’s integrity. The Service: Giving thanks unto God That the revered sounds of the Scriptures as read in Hungarian might echo in the church again, Bishop Csaba Krasznai opened with Psalm 148 in the old tongue and led a responsive reading of the same in English. Similarly, opening in Hungarian and then in English, Rev Gabor G. Nitsch read from the Gospel by Matthew 16:13-20, followed by the recitation of the Apostles’ Creed, and Heidelberg Catechism Q. 1. A review of the ever-changing role members and pastors played began with the new “Hungarians In America,” by Bishop Krasznai. The new “Ministers And The Churches” they served was related by Rev. Alexander Jalso. The partnership of the “Founders, Elders and Members” was highlighted by Rev. Judith E. Tobias (a church-member recently ordained). A brief history of the congregation, organized on January 29, 1900, followed, by Mr. Wilburn G. Roby, Jr., Lie. Min., noting their new building was dedicated June 15, 1902. He also related the tie with the Windber congregation and its history. Commencing with a reading from the poem, “For Whom The Bell Tolls,” Rev. Lisa Kerestesi explained the church bell could not be rung to open the service because the rope had frayed and was broken. She noted that the bell was staying, the rope can also be repaired, and it will ring again! The King family was introduced to the church by Mr. Mostoller, who extended the congregation’s gratitude for the prospect of a future for their cherished house of prayer. They explained what their plans were and offered a welcome hand for the future. After a brief lesson in the Hungarian alphabet, Rev. Kovács invited all to sing “Mint a szép hives patakra, ” led by the Church Organist, Ms. Carol Adams. Assisting as Organist, Mrs. Sandra Mostoller led with “Te benned bíztunk” and the closing National Hymns “Himnusz” and “America. ” The Final Sermon, “The temple of his body, ” was preached by Pastor Kovács, based on the Gospel by John 2:18-22, who offered the closing prayer and closed with The Ascription in praise of God. After singing “God be with you till we meet again,” the Closing Service concluded with the Apostolic Benediction in Hungarian by Bishop Krasznai and English by Pastor Kovács. A social hour followed. The congregation has not dissolved and remains in ownership of the Hungarian Reformed Cemetery of Windber. t Rev. Albert W. Kovács
