“An urn cemetery in a church?” I hear you ask. That’s right. Welcome to the Rákoskeresztúri Református Templom. This isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a testament to faith hope and community spirit.
The story of the Rákoskeresztúri Református Templom began in the early 1900s. Back then local Reformists held services in the Lutheran church. They also gathered in the Lutheran school. This arrangement lasted until 1952.
For many years resources were scarce. Building their own church seemed like a distant dream. But in 1990 the idea resurfaced. The congregation’s presbytery requested land from the local government.
In 1994 their request was granted. They received a plot of land for 99 years free of charge. Architect Cseh József created several design options. Construction finally began in 1995. The foundation stone was laid on July 26th. By autumn 1996 the structure was nearly complete.
The Rákoskeresztúri Református Templom was finished in 2000. Before its completion services took place in a smaller hall. This hall held only one hundred people. International support played a vital role. The Marble Collegiate Church in New York helped. Also the Seuzach Reformed Church of Switzerland aided the building.
Notice how well the building fits the sloping landscape. The main entrance faces south. It leads through a foyer into the sanctuary. An eastern side entrance provides access to the lower level. Here you’ll find the community rooms. The lowest level houses the urn cemetery.
Inside the Rákoskeresztúri Református Templom note the details. In the foyer a marble plaque commemorates those involved in building the church. On the other side is a photo display. It shows the presbytery serving in the year of consecration. Steps from the foyer lead to the gallery. Three glass windows are behind the pulpit. The central window depicts the Lamb of God. It’s a detail from the Hungarian Reformed Church’s emblem.
The Rákoskeresztúri Református Templom has no bells. Instead recordings are played from loudspeakers. Every noon and before services you can hear Saint Henrik’s bell. It comes from St. Stephen’s Basilica.
The staircase to the urn cemetery has a unique feature. A metal grid separating it from the cemetery displays Alpha and Omega. These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. They symbolize Jesus’s words about being the beginning and the end.
The Rákoskeresztúri Református Templom seats 260 people. It stands as a symbol. It embodies the enduring power of faith and cooperation. It is a beacon of hope for the community it serves.