Magyar Egyház, 1992 (71. évfolyam, 1-5. szám)
1992-03-01 / 3. szám
8. oldal MAGYAR EGYHÁZ PERTH AMBOY CELEBRATES On June 7, 1992, the congregation of the Magyar Reformed Church commemorated the 20th anniversary of the ordination to the Christian ministry of their pastor, Rev. Stefan M. Török. The celebration began with a Divine Service of Thanksgiving at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary. Dr. Andrew Harsanyi, Bishop of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, delivered a special message, which is included following this article. Other participating clergy included Rev. Alexander Forró, Dean of the New York Cl ass is, Rev. Barnabas Rőczey from the Magyar Reformed Church in New Brunswick, and Rev. Gábor G. Nitsch, from the Magyar Reformed Church in Montreal, Canada, close friend of Rev. Török, who flew from Montreal after having his own worship .services, just to be at this celebration. Following the service everyone was invited to share the Christian fellowship with a testimonial dinner in the church center. The festivities opened with a welcome by the Chief Elder of the Congregation, Mr. Robert Zambo, who introduced the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Mark Banyacski, brother-in-law of the pastor. Mr. Zambo offered a champagne toast. The invocation was delivered by Rev. Dr. Francis Vitéz of the John Calvin Magyar Reformed Church, Perth Amboy. Dinner was prepared by the Women’s Guild members and other members of the congregation. The formal program began with Dr. Harsányi, Bishop, who offered a special greeting acknowledging the manifold services of Rev. Török. This message is included in the Hungarian section. The Master of Ceremonies then introduced special guests and clergy from the sister congregations in Perth Amboy, Carteret, Linden, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, New York, and Bethlehem, PA. Also Mr. Michael Zsizseri and family from Trenton, NJ, was introduced, by whose grace we received numerous beautiful Hungarian paintings for permanent display. We are truly greatful for these paintings, which add so much to the Church Center. A special poem dedication was offered by Mr. Charles Cseresznye Cherris, a published author, to Mrs. Cynthia Török, the wife of Rev. Török. The poem sketched the life of Rev. Török from his birth in Czechoslovakia to his ministry in Perth Amboy. The church organizations made special gift presentations to honor Rev. Török. On behalf of the church family, Mr. Zambo, Chief Elder presented Rev. Török with a beautiful mantel clock, complete with three sets of chimes and an added gift to express the congregation’s appreciation. The Women’s Guild President Mrs. Arlene Sabo presented an engraved praying hands plaque and personal gift from the Guild. Several children from the Christian Education Dept. Participating Pastors. Champagne Toast: Rev. Török's Mother, Wife Cynthia, and the Pastor. presented a personalized photo album for Rev. Török to preserve his memories of this occasion. Also with them was Miss Helen Czeto who presented a hand decorated egg, with the inside of the egg depicting the ordination of the Pastor in the church. It was truly a work of art. Personal gifts were also presented by the Church Choir, Bible Study Group and the Senior Circle. Then the time came for the honored guest, Rev. Török, to speak. He was truly touched by the attendance, which numbered over three hundred, and the outpouring of love and appreciation for his ministry. The highlight was when Rev. Török introduced his beloved Mother, Mrs. Irene Török, who travelled all the way from Gzecho-Slovakia, along with Rev. Török’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Zsuzsanna Török, to be at this celebration to honor her son. Last but not least, the Pastor introduced his lovely wife, Cynthia with whom he shares his ministry. The celebration was an uplifting experience for both the Pastor and the Congregation. *
