Fraternity-Testvériség, 1978 (56. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

1978-07-01 / 3. szám

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

for the year of 1977

Distinguished Members of the Board:

Dr. Zoltán Beky, in his 1976 annual presidential report addressing the new National Officers stated that “it will not be easy for you to labor in these trying and uncertain times. You will need the strength of faith, perseverance and sacrificial work.” We certainly had plenty of all these since April 1, 1977, when we started to serve the Federation in our elected positions for a four year period.

The first phase is “strength of faith.” Without faith we would have been totally lost. Faith in God Almighty and his love toward humanity. Holding on to the steadfast faith of our forefathers who kept the Christian faith for a thousand years. Keeping the Calvinist faith with a history of more than 400 years. Being dedicated to the heritage of the founding fathers who in 1896 had the courage, vision and foresight to organize the Federation on a national level.

During the past 82 years the sacred task of the leaders was to keep the Federation strong and prosperous. The first generation survived the series of mini and maxi economic recessions and depressions. The first and second generations survived the trying times of World War I and World War II. Following the examples of their forefathers who volunteered their services to fight for independence, liberty, human rights and democracy in the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries, they also fought commendably and with distinctive honor during the XXth century. The Federation as a fraternal organization is loyally dedicated to our country and to the flag of the U.S.A., and “for all that it stands.”

Concerning “perseverance,” I am proud to state that the basic policy of the National Officers was laid on the foundation of Revelation 3:11: “hold fast to what you have, so that no man seize your crown.” It is a pleasure to report that the National Officers worked as a team in the Home Office. For the splendid cooperation and dedicated team work I express my appreciation and most sincere thanks to all my fellow National Officers. During the year we held 55 Executive Committee meetings. In 1978 most likely we shall hold many more. All major decisions were made by the Executive Committee. They were recorded in the minutes and mailed as a matter of information to the Board of Directors. Mr. Elmer Vargo as Secretary deserves recognition and thanks for the accurate recording, typing and prompt mailing of the minutes.

Finally, concerning “sacrificial work”, I have the distinguished pleasure to report that the National Officers endeavored to do their very best in their respective departments for the welfare and benefit of the Federation. No National Officer looked at the clock to stop at an eight hours daily or forty hours working week. Late evening hours and week-ends were spent in the Home Office, travel and meetings held at distant places.

1977 was not an easy year in the history of the Federation. The sale of the Kossuth House building is the largest single amount of sale transaction made in the history of the Federation. Many meetings, discussions and negotiations preceded the sale of the building. A referendum vote was made by the Board on the approval of the sale of the building. I will present a detailed report on the case to the Executive and Organization Committee. The Board is requested to authorize the Executive Committee to rent office space for the interim period between vacating the Kossuth House and moving into the new building. The Board is also requested to make a decision on the place of relocation. Finally, it is requested to give basic directives to the Building Committee which shall be given authority to be in charge of planning and building the new Home Office. It is my prayer and hope that the new Home Office building will have an impressive appearance and will be built and equipped with the best material and the most modern equipment. I also hope that the Board will decide to maintain and expand the charitable, cultural and fraternal services of the Federation in Ligonier, Pa. In the sale of the Kossuth House building in Washington the By-Laws of the Federation was carefully followed on the levels of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.

Unemployment is still a major problem in the economic life of our country. It was encouraging to hear that the number of the unemployed reached a three and a half year low record. We hope that the coal strike will be settled and the trend of unemployment will not be reversed. The inflation index in 1977 was tolerable. During the past years the U.S. economy and people learned to live with such limited inflation. However, at the end of 1977 there is a serious concern that in 1978 the inflation index might reach the dreaded two digit figure.

I am happy to report that our Federation stands on firm foundation. We have fulfilled all our obligations. We paid the death and sick benefits in the shortest possible time.

We have carried out the resolutions of the Board of Directors.

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