“Can you hear them?” I ask. Those are the bells of the Rákoscsabai Evangélikus Templom. Their sound carries stories of faith and community.
Let’s delve into the tale of this house of worship. The Rákoscsabai Evangélikus Templom stands as a testament to faith. It also represents the perseverance of a community.
The congregation’s journey began under the care of pastors from Rákoskeresztúr. In 1880, it became a daughter church. Then in 1911, it evolved into a branch church. The desire for their own temple emerged in 1910. World War I delayed this dream. The question of building a church resurfaced in 1935.
Planning commenced in 1937. By 1939, the neo-Renaissance temple took its present form. Gyula Sándy designed it. Later, Rákoscsaba joined with Isaszeg and Pécel. Together, they formed a united parish. More recently Rákoscsaba was re-affiliated with Rákoskeresztúr.
Standing beside the main road, the temple is the smallest in the Rákoskeresztúr parish. Its character evokes the feel of four-towered Transylvanian churches. The tower housing two bells stands on the left side of the main facade. A cross adorns the tower’s peak. Stars decorate the corner towers. The walls feature exposed brick. The arched entranceway slightly protrudes.
Segmental arched windows line the sides. Inside, the Rákoscsabai Evangélikus Templom seats 70 people. It is 13 meters long and 6.2 meters wide. White walls and a flat, plastered ceiling define the interior. A small prayer room was added during a recent renovation. It can be separated from the main space by windows. It can also be opened to integrate with the church.
Mosaics adorn the gallery parapet. They depict symbols of Baptism, Holy Communion, the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. A simple wooden cross stands in the altar area. To its left is a pulpit. To the right, there’s a small one-manual organ with four registers. Gábor Trajtler designed this organ. It was built in 1976 by the Aquincum Organ Factory.
László Szlezák cast both bells in Budapest in 1939. The larger bell has a 70 cm diameter and weighs 150 kg. The smaller bell is 60 cm in diameter and weighs 100 kg. The Luther rose is visible on the smaller bell. Both bells are still rung by hand.
The Rákoscsabai Evangélikus Templom stands as a spiritual anchor. It embodies the community’s enduring spirit. Its walls echo with prayers and songs. Its bells call to all.