William Penn Life, 2016 (51. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2016-06-01 / 6. szám
Magyar Matters First Reformed church in America celebrates its 125th anniversary Story and photos by Richard E. Sarosi WALTON HILLS, OH — The First Hungarian Reformed Church of Cleveland celebrated the 125th anniversary of its founding as the first Hungarian Reformed Church in America with a special service and dinner April 30. The bilingual service was led by clergy of various faiths-Reformed, Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Baptist-from the Cleveland area and distant congregations in Chicago, Ligonier, Pa., and other areas. Church members and friends traveled from Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, Florida, California, New York and Pennsylvania to share in the celebration. Representatives of the Hungarian government were also in attendance. A special anniversary dinner featuring chicken soup, creamy cucumber salad, stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikás with dumplings, green beans, and somlói galuska for dessert was prepared by Stephen Szatmári of the Hungarian Rhapsody Restaurant of Southgate, Mich. We thank Steve's wife Darlene and his daughter Jennifer for their assistance. The dinner was served in the church's Bethlen Hall where guests were able to travel down a hallway filled with church history, including historical pictures of former members and church groups of the congregation. The Hungarian colors were gracefully arranged along with the USA red, white and blue bunting which framed the photos. Dinner music was provided by Steve Pal of The Hungarians. Servers and kitchen help was provided by Lia House, an organization that helps men dealing with chemical and alcohol dependency. Because of this fine crew, our church members who might have cooked, served and performed other duties were able to enjoy the anniversary. Between dinner courses, a power point presentation was shown which featured pictures of the members of the Members and guests gather at The First Hungarian Reformed Church of Cleveland to celebrate the church's 125th anniversary, congregation, activities and history of the church. Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai acknowledged several proclamations including those sent by Ohio Senator Rob Portman and Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson. Dr. Péter Hoppál, Hungary's Minister of State for Culture, presented a proclamation from Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary. Rev. Frank A. Endrei translated his presentation into English. Not many churches are able to celebrate such a milestone as did The First Hungarian Reformed Church of Cleveland, especially when you think of the humble beginnings of our congregation, when the members supported the church with their weekly contributions of pennies, nickels, dimes and dollars—whatever they could afford or not afford. Despite two world wars, the Great Depression and other events, the congregation's love of their church, their Reformed faith and their new homeland were always first in their heart, making it possible for future generations to enjoy the sacrifices that were made to establish the very first Reformed Church in America. Honored clergy, guests and their spouses who attended the church’s anniversary celebration. Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai (left) receives a proclamation from Dr. Péter Hoppal, Hungary’s Minister of State for Culture. 18 0 June 2016° William Penn Life
