Fraternity-Testvériség, 1960 (38. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1960-01-01 / 1. szám
6 FRATERNITY ALEXANDER DAROCZY: BETHLEN HOME AND THE STORY BEHIND IT There lived a ruling Prince in the seventeenth century in Transylvania, the eastern province of old Hungary. The Prince’s name was Gabor Bethlen, son of an impoverished noble family. He was left an orphan in his tender age. Having had a brilliant mind and being deeply religious, he made good. In 1613, at the age of 33, he was elected Prince of Transylvania. He became a trusted ally of the Protestant Powers (among them that of Sweden, England, etc.), during the Thirty Years’ War. One of his diplomats at St. James’ Court, Daniel Sovenyfalvi, at his Prince’s suggestion, made a brief visit to New England in 1626. The Prince died in 1629, after a short reign of 16 years, but he succeeded in transforming his country into one of the richest and most peaceful lands in Europe. He loved his Bible which he perused 28 times during his lifetime. His last words on his deathbed penned by a weakening hand (he was unable to speak anymore) were these: “If God is for us, who is against us?” — “There is none, indeed none.” There is a charitable institution, called Bethlen Home, in Ligonier and Ligonier Township, Pa., caring for orphans, dependent children and old folks. It was founded by Prince Bethlen’s people and co-religionists almost 40 years ago. Their immigration to the United States of America is more than 100 years old. It was a trickle in 1848-49, but it constantly grew in volume to become a mighty stream around the turn of the present century. They were children of the soil and small artisans who were swallowed up by the rapidly expanding economy of America, mostly by the mines and steel mills where lives in those day were cheap and welfare laws still non-existent. Widows and orphans were left to their own resources or charity. The Hungarian toilers felt the need for a Home for orphans early, but were too poor to do anything about it. Finally, in 1921, they came to the point where they were able to secure a home for the orphans in Ligonier Valley. A modest frame building was purchased for the purpose in Ligonier Township. This building housed the children for almost 20 years when a suitable brick building was bought for them in the Borough of Ligonier. With a wing added, this building still serves as the home for the children. Meanwhile, another need arose. Those who were advanced in years had to be cared for too, and room was needed for them. By the continued sacrifices and generosity of our people, the problem was partially solved. The children were transferred to the home bought for them in the borough, and their original building was taken over by the old folks.
