Magyar News, 1992. szeptember-1993. augusztus (3. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1993-06-01 / 10. szám

MagtarKews

Monthly Publication in Cooperation of the local Hungarian Churches & Organization

THE SPIRIT OF THE GREAT GRANDPARENTS MIX WITH THE VOICE OF THE GREAT GRANDCHILDREN

An outstanding celebration of the century old Hungarian Reformed Church in South Norwalk.

In the front of the church a group of young children dressed in their Hungarian national costumes were facing the celebrating crowd of the congregation. Everything was so quiet, you couldn’t notice anybody breathing. It was one of those situations that could be described as tense calmness. Then suddenly blending out of this silence a fine voice of a little girl filled the church and the souls of the people. The voice of this little girl was carrying the spirit of her ancestors as she was singing all alone the Hungarian National Anthem. The congregation was so taken that they put their hands together, the men struggled with the tears in their eyes, and women just soaked their handkerchiefs.

Kimberly Lambert, whose grandfather was Chief Elder, and her great-grandparents were among the church founders, sang the Anthem in Hungarian, then the Sunday School choir followed in English, and after they were joined by the whole congregation. In my view this was the highlight of the event.

The Hungarian Reformed Church of South Norwalk had the most uplifting celebration of their 100th Anniversary. The church service was conducted by former members. Reverend Paul Kántor, originally from Tiszakarád, settled with his family in South Norwalk in 1957. From here he went on to become a minister. He came back to preach in the church he attended as a young man. The other preacher of the celebration was Reverend Louis Wargo. He was baptized and confirmed in this Hungarian church, and also ordained here in 1964.

The English prayers were given by Reverend Ellen Chahey, a native of Norwalk. She was baptized and confirmed at this Reformed Church. Three of her relatives, Reverends Samuel, William and Theodor Horváth were ordained at this church.

The Hungarian prayers were said by Reverend Eugene Szabó, the seventh pastor of the church. We were happy to see him in good health after the difficult medical problem he had to go through.

At the end of the service William J. Hevesy dedicated the plaque of the Chief Elders. This had a very nice touch to it. As it happens, William Hevesy is the grandson of Daniel Bardos, who was the first Chief Elder of this Hungarian Reformed Church.

The Sunday School choir. Second from the left in the first row is Kimberly Lambert, soloist.

The ministers who conducted the service. Chahey, Louis Wargo, and Paul Kantor. From left to right, Eugene Szabó, Ellen