[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 131 (Wednesday, September 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           105TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOLY TRINITY HUNGARIAN CHURCH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and enthusiasm 
that I rise today to honor the Holy Trinity Hungarian Church in East 
Chicago, Indiana, as the parish celebrates its 105th anniversary. On 
Saturday, September 24, 2011, a celebrated Mass will take place at Holy 
Trinity, which will be followed by a celebratory banquet to recognize 
this extraordinary occasion.
  Around the turn of the 20th century, the Hungarian community in East 
Chicago, Indiana, with its deep religious traditions, embarked on a 
venture to start a church of its own. With this goal in mind, on July 
4, 1904, a group of community members met in the home of Stephen Farkas 
on Alexander Avenue to discuss ideas for what would later become the 
Holy Trinity Hungarian Church. The cornerstone was laid for the first 
church building on November 11, 1906, followed by its dedication on the 
Feast of the Holy Trinity in 1907. The parish's first resident pastor, 
Father Oscar Szilagyi, arrived on Christmas Eve in 1907. Although 
regulations of the Religious Order prevented Father Szilagyi from 
remaining at the church for a longer period of time, he has the 
distinction of performing Holy Trinity's first marriage, baptism, and 
funeral. Sadly, this building, as well as a second church, were lost to 
fires, but through the faith, hard work, and dedication of its leaders 
and congregation, the present church was constructed and was dedicated 
on May 22, 1921. After the church was rebuilt, the parish continued to 
grow. In 1922, Holy Trinity opened the doors to a new school, providing 
a much needed service for young people in the community. By 1927, 
several organizations had also formed, including: the Holy Rosary 
Circle, Altar Society, Holy Name Society, Knights of Holy Trinity, 
Children of Mary, and Young Ladies Sodality.
  Although Holy Trinity has faced its share of struggles, the 
collective faith of the clergy and parishioners, and their commitment 
to the church, has allowed the parish to reach many milestones during 
its 105-year history. In February of 1957, the Diocese of Gary was 
established, and Holy Trinity joined other area Catholic parishes in 
welcoming its first bishop, the Most Reverend Andrew G. Grutka. On July 
10, 2004, Holy Trinity experienced the most prestigious event in its 
history when the church was honored with a visit from Peter Cardinal 
Erdo, Primate of Hungary.
  Another extraordinary event took place on May 1, 2005, when the 
present pastor, Father Alphonse Skerl, celebrated his 50th anniversary 
of ordination to the priesthood. For the past forty years, Father Skerl 
has served the parishioners of Holy Trinity. Under the leadership of 
Father Skerl, and because of the dedication of the parish members, 2011 
has been a year of two more historic milestones, the 90th anniversary 
of the present church and the 105th anniversary of the parish.
  Mr. Speaker, Holy Trinity Hungarian Church offers an invaluable 
service to its parishioners and community, providing numerous 
opportunities for all to join together to experience its rich heritage. 
I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in 
congratulating the clergy and congregation Holy Trinity Hungarian 
Church as they celebrate their 105th Anniversary. Throughout the years, 
these fine individuals have provided spiritual guidance to their 
community while honoring and preserving their faith and the traditions 
of the Hungarian people. Their devotion is worthy of our deepest 
admiration, and I am proud to serve as their Representative in 
Washington, DC.

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