Imagine Hungarian hymns filling the air. This is the First Hungarian Baptist Church in Noble Park. It has served Melbourne’s Hungarian community for over five decades.
The First Hungarian Baptist Church was established on December 31 1968. It serves as a charity in Victoria. Its ABN is 70840258807. The church offers religious services. It also provides counselling and pastoral care. You can find it at 130 Railway Pde Noble Park VIC 3174. If you need to email them, the address is matyasis@optusnet.com.au.
The First Hungarian Baptist Church supports many. They help youth aged 15 to 25. The church also assists families. Children aged 6 to 15 benefit from its programs. Adults of all ages find support here too. This includes those 65 and over, plus adults aged 25 to 65.
For 51 years, the First Hungarian Baptist Church has served Hungarian migrants. These migrants came from Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. In 2020, the church had 26 members. Five to ten visitors regularly attended. All were eager to meet at the church again.
Pastor Ferenc Horvath’s family has ministered here for over eight years. During lockdowns, the family cleaned the church. It stands next door to their home. They also maintained the garden and lawn. They shared flowers with passersby.
Each week, Rev. Ferenc uploads a sermon to Facebook. His son Adam edits the recordings. Other church members also contribute. Rev. Ferenc calls members without internet access. He shares the recordings over the phone.
Ildiko, Ferenc’s wife, befriended their elderly Aussie neighbors. She baked Hungarian biscuits for them. She also cooked meals. They built a relationship. The neighbors shared their worries with her. The Horvath family includes blessings on cards. They call them “My Prayer of Hope”. They accompany the food they provide.
Rev. Ferenc, Ildiko, and Adam sing together weekly. They share God’s faithfulness on Facebook. They hope the First Hungarian Baptist Church reopens soon. They want everyone to stay healthy. In the meantime, they share their love and faith. They encourage others to do the same.
The First Hungarian Baptist Church welcomes all. They welcome Christians and those seeking to understand Christianity. The church aims to connect with others. They want to encourage people to join their Christian journey. The vision is to impact Noble Park. They wish to help people understand Jesus’ enriching messages. Come just as you are. They would love to get to know you better.
Rev. Ferenc Horvath came from Romania five years ago. He and his family are Hungarians. Many Hungarians live in Romania. Ferenc, Ildiko, and Adam recently received Australian citizenship.
Adam is now an Australian citizen. He serves the First Hungarian Baptist Church with his parents. Though the services are mainly in Hungarian, everyone is welcome. The First Hungarian Baptist Church may not have hundreds of members. But Jesus said where two or three gather in my name, I am with them. They trust in Him.