Fraternity-Testvériség, 1992 (70. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

1992-04-01 / 2. szám

I

FRATERNITY

Page 5

GREETINGS to the CONVENTION

We salute the Delegates of the 34th Convention of the HRFA! In behalf of the National Officers and the Members of the Board of Directors, I convey you, the Delegates of the 34th Convention, the most sincere and heartfelt greetings. In the same token, we wish to thank our membership for holding the delegate election meetings, as prescribed in the By-Laws, and for electing delegates who will represent the best interests of the members.

The elected delegates, together with the Members of the Board of Directors, constitute the 34th Convention to be held in Rockville, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., on September 21-25, 1992.

There will be “old timers” among the delegates with a splendid record of fraternalism and a vast knowledge of Federation matters. They have contributed in many ways to the building of our fraternal family. Without their love, dedication and commitment, the Federation could not have become what it is today - by name, identity and purpose - a truly American Hungarian fraternal family which still gathers its members from four generations across the United States of America.

At the same time, we extend greetings to the “first timers.” They are not by any means newcomers to our society. Their loyalty on branch level has already been proven. The very fact that they have been chosen is the best proof of the recognition they have earned. There is room for new vision and new ideas, for each Convention marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our Federation.

During the four years between conventions, the governing body is the Board of Directors. Reports of National Officers and Advisors, which you have already received, will help you in your deliberations. Therefore, it is important that you read these reports and come prepared. Delegates will be assigned to the three major standing committees. Each committee will examine each National Officer’s assigned area, debates on recommendations, however, will take place at the plenary session.

Past experience shows that one single recommendation was discussed in detail on two levels, namely the committee and the plenary session. It is now being

suggested that all important issues be discussed and eventually voted upon at the plenary session itself. Please bear this in mind when the agenda will be presented for adoption.

The Convention is the highest legislative body. It means that there are duties that cannot be relinquished to the interim government of the Board of Directors. Foremost among them is the power to amend our By-Laws. Much attention will be given to this task, for the Committee will be coming up not only with recommendations for amendments, but also requesting a thorough revision of the By Laws. Delegates have received the recommendations, therefore, it is a must that each delegate studies the recommendations thoroughly. If your branch has made a recommendation, follow its course carefully.

The past four years represented the most critical period in the life of the Federation. Our assets grew, our solvency ratio is a record high, yet we have not found a remedy to the question of membership fluctuation. We are still on the original course set by the founders of our society, namely to serve God and our fellowmen. However, new times require new solutions, especially when we hear that big financial institutions are shaken to their core and eventually folding up. Corporate thinking at a place such as the Convention may lead us toward new visions.

It will be good to see you. It will be good to plan together, always asking for God’s guidance and to pray for His blessings on our work carried out in His name.

We have been a fraternal organization for the past 96 years. We continued this pilgrimage for the past four years also. It is our firm belief and we gladly proclaim it that the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America has a specific calling from God towards the United States of America to the benefit of our American Hungarian people and in the service of the entire Hungarian world community. The roots of our service are planted in the depths of the great commandment: “Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor.” With these thoughts I greet the constituting members of the Convention and I pray for the richest blessings of our Almighty God upon the responsible and important work of this Convention.

Imre Bertalan, President