Dr. Andrew Zsigmond

The 156 Calvinist population of the 1000 year old Sekler-Hungarian settlements of Nyárádszentlászló, the birthplace of Dr. Andrew Zsigmond in Transylvania, worshipped in a small mud-built church which he found nearing collapse whilst researching his book, Flames Of Straw.

The Pastor Rev. András Gáspár appealed for help. Dr. Zsigmond donated a large sum to start the foundation for a new state-of-the-art church, to be built in the traditional Sekler style.

On return to England he commenced a strategic campaign of fundraising, mainly through the Mersey Commandery of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, the Liverpool Artists’ Club (who donated one of the church bells), the Rock Ferry Mission, (who gave the church organ) and the Liverpool Parish Church of St. Nicholas (who gifted the pure silver Communion chalice and tray).

During the course of the building project, which was a veritable race between Romanian obstruction/devaluation/inflation and providing the regular financial advances, Dr. Zsigmond’s friend and neighbour, Mr. Christopher Harley, came to the rescue to build a youth center next to the church, which today bears Mr. Harley’s name.

The church was consecrated on 12th September 1999 by Dr. Kálmán Csiha, bishop of Kolozsvár (Cluj-Napoca) and he decorated Dr. Zsigmond with the Golden Bull of Magister Ecclesiae Reformate Transsylvaniensis, the highest honour for a non-clergy member of the church.

The upkeep and insurance of the project is considerable and the Youth Center needs a computer and TV/camcorder facilities.

Donations are much needed and welcome.