Fraternity-Testvériség, 1956 (34. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1956-04-01 / 4-5. szám

FRATERNITY

19

From 1928 to 1934, as a result of unemployment, 1575 of our members were in arrears with their dues. The Supreme Council, considering the unusual situation, decided not to lapse the certificates of these members, but to record the amounts in arrears as loans on the certificates of those who so requested, and thus to reinstate them to membership. All of these members were well over 50 years of age. Had their certificates been lapsed, they could not have bought insurance elsewhere, or if so, at a much higher rate. Measured in cash, this decision of the Supreme Council meant a donation of 1575 members’ withdrawal equities. This was certainly an act performed in the spirit of brotherly love.

If left without a guardian the Federation kept the inheritance of the minor children of our deceased members until they came of age. The Federation opened a savings account for each such child. These deposits bore interest. In 1932, when the banks closed, there were $36,400.04 in such deposits. Our Federation paid out these deposits in full to the orphans involved. The resolution concerning this measure read: “These orphans are the children of our deceased members, and they are not responsible for the economic crisis.”

For those orphans, half-orphans, or dependent children of Magyar Reformed parents left by the wayside, our Federation maintains a Children’s Home in Ligonier, Pa., where they are cared for until the age of 18. If these children show promise, the Federation provides for their higher education. The Home has educated ministers, professors, teachers, and accountants. Our Federation, with the help of our congregations, also maintains an Old Folks’ Home for those people who are left without care, and recommended for admission by our churches. This dual home, the Bethlen Home, was named after Gábor Bethlen, the orphan boy who became the Bible-loving, Calvinist prince of Transylvania. Our membership has supported this home since 1921, the year of its founding, by paying ten cents monthly toward its upkeep. These payments have amounted to $606,748.31 as of September 1, 1955. Our members acted according to Christ’s commandment when He said, “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.”

GOOD DEEDS

I. Among the organizations of like nature, in relation to its assets, our Federation has led all others in the manifestation of its loyalty and willingness to make sacrifices for the country of our adoption.