[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21901]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO HOLY TRINITY HUNGARIAN CHURCH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm 
that I recognize the Holy Trinity Hungarian Church in East Chicago, 
Indiana, as its members celebrate the church's 100th anniversary. The 
festivities began on Sunday, October 22, 2006, with Holy Mass, and were 
followed by a jubilee dinner at Casa Maria Banquet Hall in Dyer, 
Indiana, to celebrate this exceptional milestone.
  Around the turn of the 20th century, the Hungarian neighborhood in 
East Chicago, Indiana, was centered around family, religion, and a 
yearning for a church of their own. On July 4, 1904, a group met in the 
home of Stephen Farkas on Alexander Avenue to share ideas for beginning 
what is now the Holy Trinity Hungarian Church. On November 11, 1906, 
the cornerstone was laid for the first church building, which was 
followed by its dedication on the feast of the Holy Trinity in 1907. On 
Christmas Eve 1907, the first resident pastor arrived, Father Oscar 
Szilagyi. Though his tenure was short-lived due to the regulations of 
the Religious Order, Father Szilagyi has the distinction of performing 
Holy Trinity's first marriage, baptism, and funeral. Though this 
church, as well as Holy Trinity's second church building, was 
eventually destroyed by fire, the parishioners and their spiritual 
leaders forged on. Through their faith, hard work, and dedication, the 
cornerstone of the third and present church was laid on May 30, 1920, 
and dedicated on May 22, 1921. Following the rebuilding of the church, 
Holy Trinity went on to open a school in 1922, and by 1927, Holy 
Trinity, continuing to expand, saw the development of several 
organizations, including: Holy Rosary Circle, Altar Society, Holy Name 
Society, Knights of Holy Trinity, Children of Mary, and Young Ladies 
Sodality.
  The parishioners at Holy Trinity continued to share their faith in 
communion with one another, surely not without their share of continued 
struggles. In February 1957, the newly formed Diocese of Gary was 
established, and Holy Trinity joined the neighboring Catholic parishes 
in welcoming the Most Reverend Andrew G. Grutka as its first Bishop. 
Throughout the years, Holy Trinity and its leaders have achieved many 
milestones and accolades. None, however, was seen as more prestigious 
than that which occurred on July 10, 2004, when Holy Trinity was 
honored with a visit from Peter Cardinal Erdo, Primate of Hungary.
  Another outstanding milestone in the parish's history took place on 
May 1, 2005, when the present pastor, Father Alphonse Skerl, celebrated 
his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. Through all of 
the support, generosity, and leadership of Father Skerl for nearly 35 
years, along with the dedication of the parish council, staff, 
parishioners, and organizations, Holy Trinity has reached their most 
momentous celebration with the 100th anniversary.
  Holy Trinity Hungarian Church has been a mainstay in the city of East 
Chicago and is worthy of this recognition as it celebrated its 100th 
anniversary on Sunday, October 22, 2006. The church offers an 
invaluable service to its parishioners and community, providing 
numerous opportunities for all to join together to experience its rich 
heritage.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Holy Trinity Hungarian Church on 
their 100th anniversary. Throughout the years, the clergy and members 
of Holy Trinity have dedicated themselves to providing spirituality and 
guidance through the protection of the Hungarian traditions and faith. 
Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy of our admiration.

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