The Hungarian Reformed Church was founded by 13 Hungarian immigrants on January 21, 1906, in response to the spiritual needs of the growing Hungarian- Protestant population of the Columbus South Side. 

Hundreds of Hungarians made the arduous journey to Columbus to escape the poverty, crop failures, unemployment, and overpopulation of the Hungarian countryside. Hungarian immigrants found low-paying jobs immediately upon their arrival in the local mills, foundries, and glass plants in the “Steelton” area. Immigrants who were more educated successfully established businesses that supplied their fellow immigrants. with traditional Hungarian products. Hungarian immigrants settled in this community to live among people who shared similar cultural beliefs and spoke the common language. The Hungarian Reformed Church stands today as the cornerstone of the Hungarian Village community and has served its purpose as a spiritual, public service and cultural center for over a century. Previous cultural and service organizations included the Lorantffy Zsuzsanna Ladies’ Society, Needle and Thread Guild, The Women’s Guild, and the Churchman’s Brotherhood. The Hungarian Cultural Association was organized through the church before 1956 and is still active with annual bake sales, töltött káposzta making, and monthly Soup and Learn Luncheons. THe annual bór kóstoló and szalonna sütés (wine-tasting and bacon roast ) over an open fire is always a treat! THey celebrate Mikulás in December with the children and have an Easter egg hunt in Spring. The money collected from dues has been sent to help an orphanage in Ukraine, support a church in Geszt, Hungary and other places as they become aware of the need. 

If you live near Columbus, Ohio and would be interested in joining a group of like-minded Magyars, check out their Facebook page to see what they’ve been up to Hungarian Cultural Association of Columbus or drop them a note at HCACO P. O. Box 20649 Columbus, OH 43220.