Did the Turul bird really guide the Hungarians to their new home? I ask you this as we stand before Calvin Hall Hungarian Reformed Church. Look up and you might just see the mythical bird gracing the stained-glass transom window above the doorway. This striking yellow stucco church on East 69th Street embodies the heart of New York’s Hungarian community. Designed in 1916 by Emery Roth, a Hungarian immigrant himself, Calvin Hall isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to the resilience and cultural pride of a community. Interestingly, it’s the only Christian religious building Roth designed in his long and illustrious career. Roth, known for his grand apartment buildings along Central Park West, chose a Hungarian vernacular style for Calvin Hall. He incorporated elements reminiscent of the countryside churches of Central Europe. The 80-foot central tower, the red shingle roof, the terra cotta and tile ornamentation, all speak to a longing for home. Imagine arriving in a new country, a sea of unfamiliar faces and languages. Between 1890 and 1910, a wave of Hungarian immigrants sought refuge and opportunity in New York City. Many found their way to Yorkville, drawn by the promise of work at Ehret’s and Ruppert’s Breweries. East 79th Street even earned the nickname “Hungarian Boulevard.” The First Hungarian Reformed Church, originally located on the Lower East Side, recognized the shift. To better serve its growing congregation, the church purchased three rowhouses on East 69th Street. Two were demolished to make way for this beautiful building, while the third was converted into a parsonage. Calvin Hall became a sanctuary, a place where Hungarian immigrants could gather, worship, and celebrate their heritage. It was a vital link to their past and a symbol of hope for their future. So, as you admire the intricate details of Calvin Hall Hungarian Reformed Church, remember the journey of those who built it. Remember the Turul bird, a symbol of guidance and new beginnings. And appreciate the legacy of a community that found a home, and a voice, in the heart of New York City.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to