Our History

THE SHORT HISTORY OF THE FIRST HUNGARIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The first church records show that in 1926 Rev. Ferenc Kovacs commuted from Hamilton to Toronto on Sundays to hold services for the Hungarian people gathered in private homes. In 1928, Bela Bucsin, a student at Knox College, was appointed to hold services. The elders held meetings to establish the Hungarian Presbvterian Congregation. In 1929 they had the fir-,t seal of the church and from that time the foundation of the congregation is commemorated.

The early years of the depression were hard times for the Hungarian people and the work of the church was carried on with great difficulty and much heartache. Then, in 1932, Karolv Steinmetz, a student at Knox College. was appointed to reorganize the Nvork. Sunday services were held in the hall of the Scott Mission. A thriving Sunday School was begun, as well as a Women's Auxiliary and a Youth Group. Upon graduation, Mr. Steinmetz was ordained to be minister of the congregation and the work continued to develop.

Special fundraising events were held and in 19:6 a site was purchased at 206 McCaul Street. On February 5, 1939, the new church building was officially opened and dedicated. In 19-50, the Presbytcry declared the congregation to be self-sustaining.

At the conclusion of World War II, many people emigrated from Hungary, some finding their way to Toronto. In the turmoil of those times, the congregation was served with faith and devotion by Rev. Dr. Lajos Nay (19-52-19-5-5), Rev. Dr. Kalman Toth (1955-1959), Bela Karolv, a Lutheran minister (1959-1960), and Rev. Laszlo Bathoy (1960-1963).

After the suppiession of the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, about 200,000 escaped from Hungary, many of them coming ~ to Toronto and finding a spiritual home in the congregation. It had become evident that the congreQation needed a larger church building. During the ministw of Rev. Odon Seress (1964-1991), fundraising began again and a search was made for new premises. This culminated in the purchase of the present beautiful church on Vauwhan Road in 1967, which was officially dedicated on October 27.

After the retirement of Mr. Seress, Rev. Ferenc Szucs, a minister from Hungary, served the congregation for two-and-a-half years and then returned to Hungary.

In 1994, Rev. Zoltan Vass came to the congregation from Hollywood, California. He serves the congregation with great energy and devotion. There is an efficient Women's Club, a Men's Club, a Confirmation Class; a Church Choir with high standards, a Sunday School, a Bible Study Group. Many participate in the fundraising efforts to rebuild "Reformed Schools and Churches" after the end of the communist rule in the disannexed lands of Hungary.

Ecumenical services are held annually with other Hungarian churches in Toronto, as well as neighbouring congregations within the Presbytery.