How can a small gathering in a fabarakk lead to a lasting community? That is the story of the Rákosszentmihályi Baptista Gyülekezet. This church started with humble roots. It blossomed into a place of faith and fellowship.
The Rákosszentmihályi Baptista Gyülekezet’s story began over a century ago. In 1914, believers held evangelistic meetings in sashalmi fabarakks. These were simple wooden barracks in what is now District XVI.
In 1920, a baptist named Pénzes met the Szentgyörgyi family. He shared the good news of God’s grace with them. The Szentgyörgyi family welcomed his message. They decided to follow Jesus.
In 1921, Mrs. Szentgyörgyi joined the Nap utca Baptist Church. She was baptized there. The faith-sharing continued with two families. Pénzes’s fabarakk home was filled with listeners every night. Szlatki and Golyán also joined the small group. They all became part of the growing congregation.
The small church wanted to invite the péceli band for an evangelistic event. They wanted to spread God’s message in Rákosszentmihály. But the church was poor. Everyone lived in hardship. Still, they invited the band. Pénzes received bread without ration stamps. Others brought rice and food. Many people came to hear the music and message. Nine people gave their lives to God at Easter 1921. The Szentgyörgyi couple was among them. The church grew to eleven members.
The Rákosszentmihályi Baptista Gyülekezet asked the seminary for help with preaching. Halász arrived to assist them. The meetings became more popular. Some listeners even came with sticks to disrupt the services. However, the words of the sermon often calmed them. They became quiet listeners.
In 1922, the Horeczky family offered a room for meetings. It was in their house on the Budapesti road. This became the first permanent worship place for the Rákosszentmihályi Baptista Gyülekezet. Fejér moved to Szentmihály and led the church for a long time. Guest preachers came from Nap utca. These included Szabó, Sárközi, and others.
The growing Rákosszentmihályi Baptista Gyülekezet moved its meetings to the Szlatki house. They rented a room and kitchen. They built a large room for services. The Maródi and Klein families joined the church. In 1926, the Kosdi family converted. The Szilágyi family also moved to Rákosszentmihály. The mission work became constant. It focused on the sashalmi barracks and the kurkusz mill area. The Rákosszentmihályi Baptista Gyülekezet could not afford the rent. They moved services to the Maródi home.
In 1928, the Rákosszentmihályi Baptista Gyülekezet bought land to build a church. Construction began on Pichler István Street. All members helped lay the foundation. Fejér covered most of the costs. On August 12, 1928, the church celebrated its opening. Many guests attended with the újpesti band.
Today, the Rákosszentmihályi Baptista Gyülekezet stands as a testament to faith. It shows the power of community. From a small group in barracks to a vibrant church. The Rákosszentmihályi Baptista Gyülekezet continues to spread its message of hope.