Fraternity-Testvériség, 1983 (61. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1983-07-01 / 3. szám
Page 6 TESTVÉRISÉG MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE TO ETHEL MOLNÁR 1914-1983 Excerpts from article written by Stephen C. Molnár. Appeared in the Calvin Chimes publication of the Calvin United Church of Christ, Toledo, OH. When our editor first approached me and asked that I write a memorial and tribute to my sister, 1 readily agreed to do so. For after all, who better than her brother who had known and loved her from her baby days... Then I began to think: What was there about her that set her so apart from the rest of us? Was it her knowledge? No. Others has as much or more of those mundane things called “knowledge” than she had. Could it have been her wise and sage counselling of her pupils and fellow workers? There are many, many counsellors in this world of ours. Perhaps it was her ability to see through and solve problems? Many, many psychologist exist and work in our society. Maybe it was her leadership, so well exemplified by her work in the schools with young people and others? Many leaders give of their best. Was it her unique way of making things clear to doubters and learners? Any good teacher has ways of arousing interest. Mav it have been her spiritual love for others? History is replete with spiritual leaders of great import, from Christ Jesus to Martin Luther King. The list could go on and on. Which was it? It was some of these, and all of these. She was that rare and wonderful person who combined many, many good and wonderful qualities, and most important, could put them together and spread her talents among many. She was a great teacher — a hard task-master — demanding only the best. But she made learning fun . .. the lessons stuck and helped that individual to reach heights undreamed of. She numbered among her students, scientists, doctors, dentists, lawyers, nurses, clergy, social workers... in letters received . . . the never-ending theme — “Miss Ethel inspired me to do my best and more than mv best.” How can one put into words the effect she had on all with whom she came into contact? Truly, she gave of her love, her soul, her boundless energy, her understanding, her means, to all who would receive. How many lives did she touch? How many individuals did she influence? No one here on earth could, or ever will know. Onlv the Master above has the record, and He will reward her in His own way. How many children did she nourish mentally and spiritually? Just recently before she became so very ill, I asked her, “Sis, don’t von miss having never married ... not having children?” . .. She looked at me with her best school-tcacherish look and said, “What do you mean, I have no children? I have hundreds! Even' child I ever had in Church School, in lav schools, evervone I knew in all mv life, was as my own!” And that is the truth. She gave unstintinglv of her love, her trust, her devotion, her understanding, her everything, to all, regardless of race, creed or station. To her, all children, all humans, were children of God. And so, her own. Someone said to me just the other dav, “When I come in the door to the Church School ... I sec and hear her there... and I think, ‘Lord, let me be worthy of her teachings.’ ” 1 sav “Amen” to that. What greater tribute, what better memorial can there be for her than to be remembered so well by so many? To be enshrined in so many hearts and minds — to leave behind such a legacy of love, devotion and service? Our entire fraternal family mourns the loss of Miss Ethel Molnár who was a member of the Board of Directors. Her wisdom, and her gentle humor will be missed bv all of us. * Dear Rev. Bertalan: We, the undersigned youth of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, want to thank vou and the Board of Directors of the Federation for the financial assistance you gave us for this year’s Youth Conference. It was greatly appreciated and helped provide an opportunity for us to share again in Christian fellowship and to grow in the Lord through each other’s faith. In Christ’s Love, Signature of young people During the one weeks conference, the young people came for a visit to Bethlen Home. The pictures show the activities of their visit.
