Magyar News, 2000. szeptember-2001. augusztus (11. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2000-10-01 / 2. szám
It is difficult to follow the events generated by immigrants. The great revolution of 1848 landed many Hungarian soldiers in America. They fought here for the independence of this country and established Hungarian settlements. Then at the end of the 19th century there was a major influx of Hungarians into the industrial areas who with hard work and sacrifice built Hungarian churches. These became organized centers not only for the religious life but also for social life. Those who came after WW I and later during the 1956 uprising rejuvenated the social and cultural activities based on the previously established ones. At the time and later on, under favorable conditions, in some place they were able to establish cultural centers that were not relying on the existing Hungarian churches. Unfortunately some of these churches and centers failed. Still we find many that are thriving on a smaller or larger scale. Flipping through the new Hungarian magazine, the Panorama, our heart fills with joy and also with envy seeing the many Hungarians who practice “being together.” I would like to concentrate on one of the recent establishments that has a different purpose. It is not a hall for social events. It is to serve the soul and spirit of Hungarians. The new chapel, named Alba Regia, has a different concept. It was erected by the Hungarian Freedom Fighters in memory of those who gave their life in the struggle of their people. It is a memorial, and it is open for all who want to pay tribute. The visitor would get the best and the most authentic history and information about Alba Regia from Ilona Gyorik who at this time fills the position of secretary. After a few words with her one definetly comes to the conclusion that the title is far less than what would really describe her. Ilona is a full time Hungarian. She is the Page 4 living knowledge of the Hungarian history, the Hungarian people and naturally of Alba Regia. This project was intertwined with her life. She was there with a few scouting the area in Berkley Spring, WV. Hungarians, members of the Freedom Fighters Federation stopped in their track on Mount Tabor, took a big breath and said:”This place looks like Hungary.” Their work and the events that followed made it into a piece of Hungary. First the 180 acre land was purchased and some of it was designated for residential lots. A 10 acre land of it was the most desirable piece. There was an old cemetery on part of it and according to W. Virginia law it has to be kept as such, and can’t be sold for other purpose. Naturally building a chapel on it with more extended burial places gives an assurance that Alba Regia will be kept and never be changed. A chapel was built and in 1981 the comer stone ceremony took place. Many representatives of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters Federation, Political Prisoners, Veterans, Immigrants, and the clergy participated. The grand daughter of Mátyás Rozsály, an immigrant of 1848, who served as captain in the First West Virginia Light Artillery Regiment and fought in the American Civil War, also came to the celebration. Into the copper box for the comer stone Hungarian soil was placed. It belonged to scientist Dr. István Kuhn, he carried it in a locket. Documents were placed into a plastic case. This case, a standard issue at refugee camps in 1956 at Eisenstadt in Austria, belonged to the Gyorik family. Today the chapel stands. A new entrance has been built, also a new roof. Lefp.Ilona Gyorik with Ernő Gyimesy Kásás. Below: The Chapel after renovation, and the Székely gate with the Mindszenty Bell Tower with the St. László Bell. Right: Detail of gate.
