Perhaps unexpectedly, the story of the Baross téri Református Egyházközség temploma involves a portable structure. This congregation’s journey is quite remarkable. It began with a growing need for a spiritual home in the bustling districts near the Keleti train station.
The Baross téri Református Egyházközség emerged from the rapid growth of the Fasori congregation in the 1920s. Many people were crammed into the area. A significant portion consisted of refugees. They fled from territories lost after the Treaty of Trianon. Some lived in railway cars for years.
Early services were held in a school gymnasium. Later they moved to the Keleti train station’s assembly hall. This gave the church its name. The congregation grew. The train station became too small and noisy. Szőke Imre recalled the difficulty of climbing two floors with the noise of the station disrupting services.
In 1932 the Baross téri Református Egyházközség became a branch church. It became an independent church in 1938. Collections started in 1931 to construct a proper church building. A unique opportunity arose. The Nagyvárad tér congregation had completed its grand temple. Their old portable church was no longer needed.
The Lorántffy Zsuzsanna Association donated this portable church to the Baross téri congregation. Only 9400 pengős were needed. This money covered dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the structure. Funds were raised. A pulpit and bell were acquired. In 1933 Bishop Ravasz László dedicated the portable church. It stood at the corner of Thököly and Dózsa György roads.
The Baross téri Református Egyházközség’s new home could accommodate four hundred people. The church had a steel frame with concrete slabs. It could be disassembled and reassembled. The church had previously served as a hospital during World War I.
During World War II the building suffered significant damage. It was repaired for years. In 1966 officials condemned the church. It supposedly marred the view leading to the Népstadion during the Athletic European Championship.
The Baross téri Református Egyházközség did not agree with the demolition. Eventually they sold it for social purposes. The congregation then moved to the Synod building of the Reformed Church. This building was designed in part by Alfréd Hajós. He was a famous architect and Olympic champion.
Today the Baross téri Református Egyházközség continues its mission. It serves its community with faith and dedication. It offers religious education for all ages. It organizes youth camps, excursions, and cultural programs. Their story highlights resilience and adaptability. The congregation found a home. It started in a train station. It moved into a portable church. It finally settled in a synod hall.