Sárospataki Füzetek 21. (2017)
2017 / 2. szám - RESEARCH PAPERS-FORSCHUNGSMATERIALIEN - Pándy-Szekeres Dávid: Elements of a triangular relationship: the presbyterian church in canada, ethnic Hungarian congregations of the presbyterian curch in canada and the reformed church of hungary
Dávid Pándy-Szekeres Relevant excerpts from The Act and Proceedings 1957 Mention of events of 1956 in Hungary (201-2): In the late weeks of 1956 the Government of Canada arranged to accept from refugee camps in Europe a considerable number of Hungarians. These began to arrive in numbers in December. The Churches of all denominations in Canada were stirred by the story of the refugees and considerable sums of money were raised to give assistance to the “Freedom Fighters” who were no longer permitted to live in their own land. Our congregations across Canada, along with congregations of other denominations, sent an unknown sum of money through the Red Cross and other agencies to assist these people. $22,000 was contributed for the Overseas Relief of Hungarians in camps and $8,000 was made available for work amongst the refugees by our Church in Canada through the Treasurer’s Office. Much more was given locally. With the promise by the Government of one of the largest of movements of people in 1957, our Church will need to expand its staff considerably. It is expected that in addition to the Hungarian refugees yet to be brought from Europe, 200,000 immigrants will enter this country: 100,000 of them from the British Isles. It has been possible to add to the staff of Hungarian workers since the refugee movement started and it now becomes a matter of urgency to add to the staff of English-speaking workers. It is felt, too, that we must be much more alert in providing literature for people who intend to make Canada their home. — [5635] candidates to the ministry at the Presbyterian Training School, Medicine Hat: László Györkös (English not good enough, needs to take language courses); Charles Komlós (making progress with preliminary studies in English) — new applicants as candidates for reception of ministers, etc.: László Fejes (Presbytery of Montreal) 1958 (204) “27,000 Hungarian refugees came to this country with an estimated one-third being Presbyterian. This immigration movement, unannounced at the time our estimates were being prepared and approved, made our financial burden substantially more difficult __Our Hungarian magazine »New Life« was published b y Rev. Fred Metzger, Vancouver, in Austria where he had been sent to assist the refugees and us. The many responsibilities devolving upon the church at that time were accepted willingly, and though there have been failures and disappointment, the witness of our Church has been good.” 182 Sárospataki Füzetek 21, 2017-2
