Here at Pesterzsébet Központi Református templom, silence the noise of the city. It is time to reflect. This isn’t just a building. It is a testament to faith and perseverance.
Welcome to the Pesterzsébet Központi Református templom. It is a beacon of hope for the reformed community in Pesterzsébet. Its story stretches back to the late 19th century.
In 1885, the seeds of this congregation were sown. The first service was held in a flat at Soroksári út 7. It marked the start of a journey. Eight years later, in 1893, the Erzsébet-Kossuthfalvi Evangelical Reformed Church was established. It started as a branch church. János Szántó, the esperes, consecrated the officials including Imre Bakk. He was their first supervisor.
The idea of building a proper church arose in 1895. Hitel Márton, a landowner, and his wife donated land in Erzsébet utca. The plot of 600 square fathoms would be used for the church and parsonage.
In 1902, the congregation chose its first pastor, János Molnár. The branch church became an independent mother church. Molnár served until 1911. During this time, the pulpit was completed in 1903. The parish followed in 1908. He initiated fundraising for the church construction.
From 1911 to 1936, Zoltán Szinok served as the second pastor. In 1915, a prayer house was built here on Ady Endre utca. It was expanded in 1922. A tower and galleries were added.
The year 1928 saw the formation of Hungary’s eighth scout troop, the 8th Turul. In 1920, the congregation built an orphanage. It was named ‘Count Bethlen Kata Reformed Orphan and Love Association’. It stood on the border of Tököl and Szigetszentmiklós. The new 13-rank organ was consecrated in 1927.
Dr. Áron Tálas became the third pastor in 1936. The grand plan of church construction resurfaced. In 1938, the MÁV would donate a plot near the market hall for this purpose. It measured 872 square fathoms. Fundraising started with great enthusiasm. A competition was announced for the design. János Benkő won. Even the budget was prepared. The war intervened. The presbytery postponed the church construction with heavy hearts.
In 1944, the parsonage was used as a military hospital. First by the Germans, then by the Russians. After the war, devastation was everywhere. Pews were burned. The organ was dismantled. There was ruin and trash all around.
Of the six pastors serving before the war, only one remained. Károly Takaró saved the church’s documents and valuables. In 1946, the church regained its temple and parsonage. The congregation revived. They elected Károly Takaró as their fourth pastor. He served for 38 years. In those difficult times, he focused on retaining members. He also worked to integrate new ones. He considered this his greatest mission. He succeeded with his faithful partners.
Despite external pressures, he kept the congregation alive. It was smaller in numbers and finances. He served until his death. He passed away on February 26, 1984. He held the Sunday service before his death.
The congregation chose his son, Tamás Takaró, as its fifth pastor. The idea of building or expanding the church re-emerged in 1990. The existing 350 seats proved too few. That year, the Reformed Church Foundation was registered. Fundraising began. Based on the plans of Teréz Kun Hoppálné, construction started in 1992. The church expanded to accommodate 500 people. New flooring, doors, windows, and a roof were installed. The electrical and heating systems were fully renovated.
On December 5, 1993, the congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary. Bishop Dr. Lóránt Hegedűs consecrated the rebuilt church. The courtyard was completed in 1998. It was largely funded by congregational donations. In 1999, the exterior and interior of the parsonage were renovated.
May God receive all the glory. Soli Deo Gloria.
Today, the Pesterzsébet Központi Református templom stands. It is a symbol of enduring faith. Its walls echo with stories of resilience and community. Take a moment to appreciate the journey. Reflect on the spirit that built this sanctuary.