Did you notice the star reaching for the sky? That subtle symbol marks A Hazatérés temploma. It is not just another building on Szabadság tér. The A Hazatérés temploma stands amidst eclectic palaces. Its simple facade hides a story. This Bauhaus-style building reveals its true identity. The tower-like structure has a clock. Above it a star points heavenward. This star tells you it is a Reformed church.
Its story is deeply connected to Trianon. The congregation formed after World War I. People came from severed parts of the country. They chose Hungary as their home. Many were royal officials. The name A Hazatérés temploma commemorates a time. It marks the return of some territories between 1938 and 1940. The inscription bearing this was removed in 1949. It was returned to the facade in 1999.
In the early 1930s about 5500 Reformed people lived here. They worshipped in nearby German Reformed and Unitarian churches. In 1938 the capital gifted the land to the church. Construction began with donations from members. Public contributions also helped. The foundation stone was laid in 1939. Strict regulations limited the facade’s height. Other aspects were also restricted. Dabasi Halász Géza and Győry Sándor were the architects. The finished building was consecrated in 1940. Dr. Victor János was the pastor then. Dr. Csilléry Béla served as the chief curator.
The six-story building has a plain facade. Its structure comes from ribbon windows. These windows are in two wings and the central part. Wide steps lead to the main entrance. A low wrought iron grid surrounds it. Marble plaques flank the entrance. They commemorate two groups. One is for Hungarians who fled scattering. The other thanks congregation members. They risked their lives during persecution. They helped their Jewish brothers.
From here you enter the porch. Then you go inside A Hazatérés temploma. Its interior design is a central Reformed type. It reflects Hungarian style between the wars. The renowned designer was Károly Bodon. Master builder M. Dezső Beregszászi executed it.
Opposite the entrance stands the pulpit. Folk carvings and a sound reflector decorate it. Moses chairs flank it with similar carvings. A huge organ sits above. The octagonal Lord’s Table is in front of the pulpit. Carved wooden pews surround it on three sides. These pews along with the two-story gallery seat 800 to 1000. Hungarian folk style marks the hymn boards. Decorations adorn the ceiling and paneling. Carvings embellish the railings. Lighting fixtures and sconces add to the beauty. Polished natural wood defines the interior. Two burgundy velvet coverings add color. Embroidered inscriptions adorn them. The pulpit reads “If God is with us who can be against us”. The Lord’s Table features a chalice design.
Historical Hungarian flags line the pulpit. They represent the era from Saint Stephen to 1956. These were placed for the Fourth Hungarian Reformed World Meeting in 2000. At the same time two fired enamel plaques were added. They display the texts of the Anthem and Appeal.
Upstairs and downstairs stained glass windows depict cities. Each window shows a city emblem and the Hungarian coat of arms. They commemorate cities that “returned home”. Only Budapest’s crowned coat of arms is from Hungary today. The rest are beyond the borders. Károly Bodon also designed these windows.
In 2001 the coats of arms of 71 counties were placed. They are on the ceiling coffers. This happened on June 4. It was the anniversary of the Treaty of Trianon. At the same time the crowned coat of arms returned to the stained glass. These had been removed after World War II.
To the left of the entrance is a small chapel. It is behind another wrought iron door. It was named after Governor Miklós Horthy. Now it has regained its original name. It offers quiet and refuge when A Hazatérés temploma is closed. Its interior is similar to the church with Hungarian carvings. Embroideries and tapestries cover its walls.
In the basement is the Szabó Dezső Catacomb Theater. The state used it as a warehouse. It was restored in 2003. The opening performance was on June 16. It honored the 300th anniversary of Ferenc Rákóczi II’s return. It also marked the start of the War of Independence. Éva Derdák’s painting was unveiled. Its title is “The wounds of the glorious Hungarian nation are renewed”. Another large painting commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Bocskai War of Independence.
The assembly hall and other rooms are on different floors. The Council Chamber was reopened in 1998. Portraits of Hungarian independence figures adorn its walls. A Hazatérés temploma stands as a testament. It remembers history and resilience.