New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-02-04
SHE RENOWNED HER FAITH.
MRS. ERDELYI RECEIVED INTO THE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE SERVICE CONDUCTED ny THE REV. JOHN
Il. DEvINs IN HOPE CIIAPEre-MANY OF
THE YOUNG WIDOWS CATHOLIC
FRIENDS PRESENT.

THE YOUNG WIDOWS CATHOLIC
FRIENDS PRESENT
True her VOW made over the dead body OF her
husband. Mrs. Gustave s. Erieyi. renowned last
evening Hope Chapel, the Roman Catholic faith
and publicly accepted the Protestant doctrine In
its stead II meant great deal TO Mrs. Erdeiyi
to abiure the religion Of her people and the chapel
among the big tenement houses in East Fourth-st
was crowded with her Roman Catholic friends and
relatives who did not believe she would dare to
take bold step. When Mrs Erdelyi entered
the chapel. shortly before O'clock. the hour SET
for the service there futter and STIR and one
might easily have mistaken the occasion for wei
ding. and the young widow for bride. Every one
cranei AMI twisted his head To catch a glimpse OF
the VINO he'd declared before 400 devont
Catholics that she would have mo such religion
There seemed 10 be something akin to fear. in the
attitude of those vino to listen TO her renun-
citation. for in the little Hungarian colony OF which
she Is a prominent member Roman Catholicism II
the accepted faith. and such a step Is almost WITH
a precedent. The congregation was a decidedly
cosmopolitan one. There were Germans and Hun
garans and Italians present. and it was found
necessary to have the services printed in German,
Hungarian and English. The Rev. John t. Devins
conducted the ceremony. ASSISTED by the Rev pr'
Charles T. Knox. president Of the German Iheo-
logical seminary. and Professor G. C. Seibert OF the
same institution Dr. Knox offered prayer, and
an address in German was given by Professor sell
bert, In which he compared the doctrine OF the
Protestant Church with that of the Church OF
Rome
Mrs Erdelyi. accompanied by Louis Wedner'
who acted a. her interpreter was dressed In deep
mourning and occupied a seat in the first pew.
The Apostles Creed was used catechism. and
the questions we're asked In English and translated
into HUNGARIAN by the interpreter. Upon her pro-
fession OF faith Mrs Erdely was formally accepted
as q member Of Hope Chapel. and "A hungarian
Protestant Bible was given her by her new pastor
Mr. Devins in his brief address Of welcome 10 the
new convert did not severely arragn the Roman
Catholic Church. but. referring TO the causes when
ed Mrs Erdeyi tn renounce tho faith In when
sh" had been born and reared SAID that minister
who I'D not respond 10 a can TOT heip loses an
opportunity TO perform a service for his Master.
He ,Nplain'd that II was not case of proscyuhs;
that b. had not visited the bereaVed iainly dhil
three roman Catholic priests had refused 10 per
form the last service for the dead because the
dead man haa refused 10 accept the extreme unc-
wa not maze IN = moment - eNclt"inent or anger.
but was 4 aim. deliberate and nrm decision 20
% what tho consequenres wou'a be, behe'lhs,
Mr.. Deyins continued that her husband was
q good man. she could not accept 4 religion "nps"
priests Nou,I not or could not. come to htr IN ner
hour Of sOrrOW. humanity. Christianity American
liberties and principles called for comfort In such
church frt hat after his refusal the Chains OF
the church acre longer binding.
His text was taken rom Matthew. Ky. = 20
warmly greeted by her n"w-found brethren. and
freely expressed her joy ana satisfaction IN the
step che had taken My husband. she said was
q deNOut Catholic. and did not accept the last rites
Of tho Church because the physician did not con-
slider his Illness fatal Upon his death II was my
desire TO have MIN buried according to the custom
Of his fafherland. but three priests to whom APP
p,alod would not perform the funeral service, and
! could no longer accept such doctrine