The history of Szovat

By  Rev. Tamás Balázs, Minister in Szovat

- 2000 Advent -

 

 

Szovat village from Kolozs County can be approached on the road to which goes from Kolozsvar to Szaszregen then turnes to south.  The high field settlement   - Szovat -  is situated on the upper part of Gyeres stream, which flows into Little Szamos, 32 km from Kolozsvar. Until 1905  Szovat was devided into two separated settlement. Lower Szovat and Upper Szovat.  Szovat is a specifically field settlement with its peculiar tradition, with its farms, fishponds and folklore which is nowadays kept much rather in media.  The sights of village: historic Unitarian church, the plant reserve, the traditional dance and music.

 

 

The village and its owners

 

The archeologists found ancient buildings remained from the Roman Empire, respectively some graves from the IV.th century, what can be attach to the gothic population.   Up to now the first known data was from 1213 in the registry of Varad. (Oradea).   In the way the inhabitants were service people of Kolozs's Royal castle, the village was named "Zuat".   According to Pope's tithelist from 1332 "Zuach's" minister named Stephen paid 60 men with new money. After the disorganization of Royal county regime the "Sukys" obtained the landed property   During the XIV.th century the noble family shared their properties many times. These writings down of borders are valuable sources according to history of Szovat and church. These sources were also used at the sharing from 1348. The document mentioned the family church what was situated on a hillside and a lime-burning kiln and according to Entz Geza's opinion these referred to the construction of the Suky family.  In 1410 Suky Janos (John Suky) on St. Mihaly day gained the right for an annual fair. According to these was possible that the protector of church was Saint Michael, which was strengthened by the fact that most frequent name in family was Mihaly.  In 1418 on the Konstanz council Janos became court valiant and his shield was completed by king Zsigmond. The old shield, with a three arm crown around stars and a wolf rose from the middle keeping a lamb in its mouth, was changed with a staying wolf looking to the left. For the moment the old shield is in Esztergom, on Suky Benedek's chalice. The wolf was Agmand's father, a nation founder, who lived in the X.th century. It could mean the wolf father. According to Entz Geza the church was rebuilt because of shield changes  - could be possible that Suky Janos did the reconstruction. Janos' sons were also court people, during Matyas' kingdom (1458-1490), who took part on the organization against transilvanian king, and because of this Mihaly was  tortured in the center of  Szeben, and his cousin Laszlo had to emigrate in Poland.  The consequence of conspiracy was the confiscation of Suky family's property until 1474, when  at Szekely Zsigmond's intercession (Ombozi family) the majority of properties came hack to the Sukys. In XV.th century the property was divided. Most of the parts passed to Somkereki, Transilvanian, Haranglabi and Ombozi families through marriages, so Szovat was also divided into section properties. In 1526 Miklos Ombozi related with the Sukys gave 8 horses for the chapel built in Szovat, named Virgin Mary.  According to this act Ombozi family built a chapel in Szovat in XVI.th century.

The Sukys' church and art supporting activity was extremely significant. They donated their church, built in Pokakeresztur to the Gyulafehervar's cathedral with the right of grace lord too. In Visa they also built a church. Benedek Suky donated a chalice, a masterpiece, to the bishop of Gyulafehervar in 1450, which was considered middle-aged Kolozsvars masterpiece. (For the moment is the most famous chalice of Esztergoms Christian Museum. The Sukys also donated important gifts to domonkos-monastery from Kolozsvar (1487-1499), donated to Lowerzsuk's church, to domonkos-monastery in Beszterce in 1526 and to Szovat's chapel in 1526. The last Laszlo Suky, the benefactor of Unitarian Church, renovated the church from Szovat in 1790.

 

 

The church 

 

By Rev. Tamas Balazs, minister the Unitarian church in Szovat is from the Arpad's period (We don't have any certificated evidence yet). The church was ready in 1311 - the lime-burning kiln suggests the recently finished works. The church is situated on a hillside, in the middle of Lower Szovat and Upper Szovat. Later, were added halls to church: To East from building was situated a wood bell-tower. A hall, built in 1790, by Suky Laszlo protected the entrance.  On the south gable was put up a keystone with a renovated middle-aged shield of Sukys.

Inside of church were much obvious the recent and contemporary marks of intervention, which caused the damages of many significant middle-age relics.  The shuttle and the sanctuary were mat plane ceiling but were proofs, which indicated the arch from middle age keystones, wall columns, buttress.  The four wall-columns halved in eight-angle, carvings represent branches with grape leaves and the Suky's old shield.  From outside, buttresses supported just the corners.  The  inside facade - on the east side - was supported on wood-columns. There was an organ choir made from wood - originally could be the singing choir. The shuttle ceiling made from stucco and the date 1886 written with a glass-looking writing and the Sukys shield indicated a new renovation. This was the first time when the renovation was covered with congregation's donation.! The pulpit made from wood was dated from 1790. Its stairs had a carved bar and above the main edge was a handhold ball, (globe). The eight-angle pulpit looks like a chalice. From the five board of pulpit, the north, northwest, west were decorated with inscriptions: first mention to congregation's curator and minister of that time: Balint Kun and György Bako. The south and southwest boards were carved ornamental. On the north wall could be see a memorial plaque with the following inscription in Latin: The noble family's shield of Lowerzsuk Rebuilt on Suky Laszlo's expense in 1790.  I Cor. 8. 6: "yet for us there is one God. the Father from whom are all things and for whom we exist and one Lord. Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist "

 

By Kelemen Lajos description one of the shields belonged to king Zsigmond and the other represent the sign of Pope.  From certificated data related that the church in 1311 was mat plane ceiling. By experts the Piety and Savor frescos were from the Anjou time from XII.th century, the rest of them were from middle age, from Zsigmond time. The stone cuttings with shields on them dated the restoration and the innovation of shields. The keystone was made in 1418.  The renovation from 1790 made by Laszlo Suky disrupted the middle age picture of church but it gave a picture from Gubernium's time from the representation of transilvanian noble's church. The choir, the beautiful pulpit reflected credit for the protector of Unitarian Church, the last Suky Laszlo's supporting for church and art. His demanding and generosity could be read on memorial plaque from sanctuary. The women members of Suky family married to the Petrichevich-Horvath baron family, who inherited the family's archives among the property, which is today in Transilvanian National Museum's property.

 

 

The church's frescos

 

They were found in 1925 for which is famous our historical church. Kelemen Lajos was the first copyist and interprets of them. On the north wall could be seen a fresco-medallion (3.5 meter in diameter) which can be studying just from Kelemen Lajos' interpretation and from Toth Istvan  artist's copy (both from 1925). The electricity was installed exactly through the middle of fresco and the same happened with the stove tube in 1987.  From this fresco (the same Slovakian fresco was also destroyed) remained just two little pieces at the lower pan. By Toth Istvan's copy (which can be found in congregation's files)  the fresco was round shaped divided into 9 registers. Among them could be seen the shape of Jesus. The upper part of his body probably was extended on the damaged arch because now it can’t be seen neither on the copy. The 9 registers were filled up with angels'choir.

The medalion was divided into 3 parts: at the lower part could be seen the scene of Resurrection. Above this was the "saints choir". The 29 prayers looked on the left, to Jesus. On the other side the artist represented women saints. On the lowest part were the apostles: Peter, Paul, Juda, and the youngest and oldest St. Jacob.

The other frescos are not so damaged but their condition are not so good. On the south side of the triumphal arch there is a Piety (1.60x1. 4 cm) which is very decorative. Saint Mary is holding her dead son in her lap. Near this on triumphal arch can be seen the Savior in clothes decorated with flowers and with a chalice at His right leg.  The damages of these pictures were also big.
Thanks to Hungarian State took place the first stage of restoration, the fixing of frescos in May 2000.         

 

 

Szovat's education, the Unitarian School

 

From the beginning the Unitarian congregation placed a significant importance for the top-class education, for building schools. Presumable the Sukys with the owner's supporting from Szovat the school was opened in the XVI.th century. The first data was from 1693. when the people detained the master. In the XVII.th century the religious conflicts were also manifested in school. At that time the reformats went to Unitarian school but the religious divergences made them establish a new school. In XVIII.th century Mary Teresa and Joseph the second helped on the education. From this period dates back the first official data about the education in Szovat. In evidence from 1794 Zoltan Istvan schoolmaster complained about neglecting: near wheat at that time he had to get also bread. The examination from 1794 related a top-class education. The Calvinist evidence related that because of lack of master from their side some of reformat people sent their children to Unitarian school and " from children's ABC the Holy Trinity was pulled  out”. The next data was about Csedo Istvan schoolmaster from 1806., who complained about his currency and the congregation complained also for the absences of master. Csedo Istvan was buried in  1809.   Szabo Istvan was the schoolmaster after Csedo Istvan. The examination from 1814 related that education became weaker again,   in   1819 was a new complanning to the schoolmaster's address, that "he didn't keep school" and the schoolmaster blamed the parents for mistake. The deepest point was in 1883 " there were just 3 boys in the school and no girls "

The next known teachers were Molnar Miklos ( 1836), Halmagyi Janos (1845). and Roth Ferenc (1854).

The situation was not  even after the revolution  good.   In   1869 there was also a reciprocal reproach. In 1874 from 34 boys just 21 and from 30 girls just 22 went to school. The proportion was already good but the level was weak. In 1885 was placed the public school, so the Unitarian school closed down.

From 1884 the cantor-teaching prize letter was at congregation's disposal:

- 750 kg  wheat alter every boy    

- 10 Kr.( hungarian money) after every boy

- 9 acre plowed land and 1 acre land on field for haymaking.

- 20 Kr. from every child

- singing on funerals: 106 forint

 

In 1803 the Unitarian Church beside a contract gave 1-acre allotment opposite to church - to the Hungarian State for using the field 40 years with the condition that on that field they would build a stoned school. In school would teach a Unitarian cantor-teacher and he would maintain the hungarian language. In 1896 this was realized: Elek Kovacs was teacher and cantor, too. None of rural schools except the school from Banfyhunyad surpassed the school in Szovat. Till the war more than 100 Unitarian, 80 Reformed, 50 Greek Catholic, 35 Orthodox went to school. In 1919-1920 was no schooling. In 1920 began the governmental education. The state gave 40000 lei (money) for stopping the contractual relation. In 1921 started the denominational education. The school's famous cantor-master Marton Benczedi among the education taught children bee keeping and growing fruits. To his name was connected also the forming of school co-operative in the course of "Ant" in Nagyenyed (pupils got school equipment in self-supporting way).   By Antonya Mihaly's valuation from all schools this was the best.  The school nationalization from 1948 the Unitarian school merged with public school with its movable and real estate possession.

 

 

The history of church

 

We have no data about the foundation of church but it's probable that it was established as far back as 1570. In the XVI.th century the village became Unitarian at Szovats possessors, at the Suky's influence. In the XVII.th century was a vigorous congregation, this fact was justified on chalices inscription dated back to that period: 1625. 1636 - In honor of one God - two communion chalices –

 

The inscription on the silver communion plate dated back to 1644 which was also donated in honor of one God and mentioned the name of minister from that time: Varadi Janos.  We have no data about congregation's history from XVI.th century.

 By Mihaly Antonya was probable that in Suky and Petrichevich families archives were important data concerning Lower and Upper Szovat's past. The Sukys and later the Petrichevich-Horvath families were the supporters of Unitarian Church in Szovat. Laszlo Suky the benefactor of Unitarian Church renovated the church at his own cost in 1790. He had made pulpit, crown, ceiling and an entrance in front of doors. This was necessary because the pointed arches of church slackened. They demolished the pointed arch and replaced it with another ceiling, to reduce the pressure, what pressed heavily the wall. On the pulpit, made by Laszlo Suky, as was already mentioned, were the names of minister and curator of that time Gyorgy Bako and Balint Kun.

 

 Gyorgy Bako's ministry was remarkable from many reasons. On his 18 years ministry began a dynamical evolution of the church. He was the first who began the direction of register of births, marriages and deaths from 1787.  During his ministry was built a new vicarage, which was demolished in 1892 and a new one was built (today's), which was and still is imposing up to now. During his ministry was also built the cantor's house, (it was burnt down in 1899).

Mihaly Antonya's manuscript mentioned that Gyorgy Bako was from Bolon and it was minister until  11 March 1803. The vicarage was extended during Istvan Sandor's ministry.

 

Miklos Molnar 's ministry was also remarkable and his memory was mentioned repeatedly. From four boys of him 3 of them were ministers and one was the church's  legal adviser. The names of  his minister sons were Miklos, Janos, and Albert. During his ministry was the Hungarian War of independence (1848), from which Mihaly  Antonya wrote the followings:" On that period came hard times for congregation and most of all for Hungarian people. Namely the gangster hand from neighboring Romanian villages thronged the village in large numbers and devastated everything what they found on their way.  Their rage was directed against the leaders. The minister of that time Miklos Molnar could hardly save his own and his sons life. In consequence of this event many data and memories were destroyed.  In 2000 the church put up a sepulcher for him and his wife, hopefully we could consecrate in 2001.

His successor Mozes Pal was minister from 8 May 1853 until 24 April 1889.  "A passionate farmer” who taught the adults writing, reading, and counting. During his time started the public school in 1885. A year later in 1886 from public contributions bought the organ with 200 forint. In 1907 with the Orszagh brothers made a new pneumatically organ, so the old one donated to the church in Kide. In 1886 from congregation's generosity the church was improved and was put a new roof on it. In 1790 was rebuilt the roof structure, first time they covered the church with shingle. Mozes Pal died on 28 March 1892 in Vargyas. (Tamas Balazs found his grave in cemetery of Vargyas at the occasion of the council from 1999 )

Mihaly Dezsi was the congregation's minister between 1889-1903. He was an eminent speaker, devouted fighter for public affairs who was interested in literature. He wrote articles and short stories, which he published them as "Cheerful stories". Some of his religious poems were also published. During his time was built this day's vicarage in 1892.  In burnt cantor house's place in that year was built a new one, which was up to now use for communal purposes and meetings (conventions). He made the list of ministers in Szovat and to his request the E.M.K.E (an association) donated a library for village. After 14 years ministry he retired because of illness in 1903 (died on 28 Aug 1908). On 28 June 1903 Mihaly Antonya, came from Homorodalmas, was minister until 1 Oct. 1948.  In spite of unfavorable circumstances during his ministry he could create many lasting thing with the help of congregation, who mentioned his memory even today with respect.   It's enough to  recall the first and second World War with its damages and human losses from that time.

Hungary's mutilation and Transilvania's connection to Romania and the spreading of

communism with the Soviet's help.  In spite all of these succeeded in doing fasting things with devoted faith and firm persistence.  Here are some important facts from that period:

- The village: Lower Szovat and Upper Szovat became Hungarian Szovat in 1905

- In 1907 they made a new organ

- In 1900 was built a stable (cowshed) and shed

- In 1902 was built a summer kitchen

- Instead of old bells, which cracked in 1905 - 1907 and made new ones in 1907 (in 1916 the little bell was taken for military purposes, - in place of that was made a new, 237 kg's bell in 1958.

- In 1921 was built up the Unitarian school and till the nationalization the church operated it continuously.

- In 1925 took place the renovation of church. At this moment came to light the frescos. The walls were consolidated and the church was recovered and plastered inside and outside the church. The entrance from the south side was rebuilt in 1904.

 

After Mihaly Antonya's retire on 1 Oct. 1948,  Ferenc Balint became the minister from 1 Dec. 1948.  In 1958 was made the little 237-kg's bell. Being a conscientious "good shepherd" for congregation the communist power imprisoned him and his fellows in 1959 and submitted them to physical and mental torture. After his release he performed ministry in Kolozs until his death (1992.)  

 

From spring 1959 until Sept. Arpad Szabo bishop; - secretary at that time, who was minister in Kolozsvar - was charged to give sermons in Szovat. From 1 Sept. 1959 Gyorgy Andrasi as a supply assistant minister did the ministry until 1960, when he had to go for military services. From that time Ferenc Tompa theological student did the ministry until 15 Sept 1960.

 

From 18 Sept. 1960 Andras Pataki was the Unitarian minister in Szovat until his death. (4 Sept. 1992).  His three decennial ministry passed in the spirit of progress till the, revolution from 1989.  The congregation chose him as minister in 1962.  In 1966 and 1967 took place the renovation of church, the fixing of walls and on 5 Aug. 1967 the consecration. After many efforts the church 's deck was recovered with shingles in 1971-1972.  In 1973 was made a concrete fence  around the church and in 1974 was changed the fence from cantor's house.  In 1976 was changed the fence at the vicarage yard. In 1977 was fenced in the cemeteries and was also invited the General Assembly, (since then in every seventh vear is invited).  In 1981 was installed the electricity in church.  In 1982 was fixed the organ from public contribution.

In 1987 was replastered the church from inside and the General Assembly was invited again.

In   1978  the number of congregation  was   1469   - most of  them  must  have lived   in Kolozsvar.

In 1990 the families of Sandor Toth and Istvan Dezso made new doors and windows at the entrance.    

In 1991 was made the bathroom and a tile stove in vicarage from foreign donation. In Sept. 1991 the church got back 4,20 ha field at the Paphegy (minister's hillside). In   1992 from public contributions the church bought shingle, but the covering with shingle started just in Oct., because the remarkable Andras Pataki died on 4 Sept  1992.

 

From 1 March 1993 Lajos Kovacs, the bishop of that time, appointed Tamas Balazs as minister in Szovat. Both, the condition of buildings and Church's financial situation were in a bad condition, dejected. The 1\4 of church was recovered with shingle and at the vicarage among 2 bookshelves, boxes, and 2 typewriter were: 1 writing table, 3 backed chair, 3 ash tray, a few glasses, a burned out stove and 2 useless tile stoves. The boiler from the bathroom was cracked. The debt of church was also big: the pay of 8 month for ex minister's widow, and the payment for cantor. The visits he paid to families had a surprise in store: from 1041 people were just 837 -and from these: 260 people lived in Kolozsvar. “In spite all of these I am thankful to God and to the congregation, I can say I am lucky they come to church regularly, for their generosity and faithfulness." In 1993 succeeded the recovering with shingle, the plastering and whitening the church from inside. The church managed to put up a sepulcher (tombstone) for Andras Pataki. In 1994 the congregation played together the Passion. Thanks to Judith Gellerd the partner church from Bellingham accepted Szovat as partner church. The vicarage's roof and the whole buildings were painted from inside and outside.

In the vicarage, at cantor, at bell - ringer houses we finished installing gas pipes and 1/3 of expenses were given from E.K.T (Representative council).

 

On 4th Sept. together with the Calvinist Church celebrated the first village meeting, on which the partner church from Hajdu-Bihar county of Hungarian Republic: Hajduszovat was also present. On behalf of Hajduszovat in summer 1994 received our group of pupils what we returned, too in 1995.  In 1995 was underduged the cantor's house, strengthened the walls and plastered them from inside and outside.

The Women Association was formed, which since then every winter made traditional fancywork, mostly homespun. This decorates our church and the church of Bellingham. In July a delegation from 4 members visited us and in their honor the Women Association among the fancywork gifts furnished a "museum-room" from homespun and traditional dress.   From money-gift received from the American partner church we set tile stoves in one room at the vicarage, in meeting room, and at the Women Association's room. We fixed the organ in 1996 from the same dollar donation. We celebrated the 2nd successful Village meeting. From the donation of 38 families we made new pews and from Istvan Bodor's donation we made new windows in church. It had happened the sewerage installation at bell - ringer's house and for the General Assembly's reception we made new fences and repainted our buildings: the church and meeting room from outside. Among these in 1997 we placed new doors and windows at bell ringer house and made new porch, floor and ceiling. In 1998 we changed the porch and electricity at the vicarage. In 1999 took place the whole renovation of belfry, the painting of fences at the vicarage and bell ringer house. We started rebuilding the summer kitchen and placed tiles in offices. We celebrated the 3rd Village meeting in the spirit of millennium and we finished Miklos Molnar's and his wife's tombstones, (who's ministry was during the Hungarian War of Independence 1848).  We placed a baking stove and roofed in the kitchen. Thanks to Hungary we could fix the frescos.  For the moment from 658 people 63 don't live in Szovat. Although most of funds for work between  1995-2000 were given from Bellingham. Our Unitarian congregation gave financial assistance to those who asked our support. In 1993-2000 we helped congregations and supported them in school affairs, supported the flood victims and gave help for the Hungarians in St. Laszlo and in Sub-Carpathia. Among these we helped 3 families from Szovat. Although the Unitarian congregation of Szovat lives an exemplary, moral life unfortunately characteristic of village like in all Unitarian villages is the decrepitism. (decrepit people).  From 658 people just 36 are pupils and because of lack of pupils in 1996 and this year didn't take place the confirmation. Hopefully this will never happen and we also hope in January 2001 we would get back the 5 ha field  …

 

 

In 2001 with the occasion of our Thanks Giving Day our church was presented with a "kőrösfői" style wood carved collection box and Bible support. The old electrical equipment of the parsonage was replaced with a new and the whole building including the minister's office was painted. We continued the renovation of the summer kitchen, the ceiling and the floor has been replaced.

Three members of our partner church the Bellingham Unitarian Universalist Church visited on July 6-11. They brought the money that has been sent by our partners for which we are thankful. The money has been used to finance our renovation works.

In 2002 we equipped the organ with an electrical organ-blower. In the church the Lord's Table has been decorated with new tablecloth and the pulpit with a new cloth. The old cantor's house has been redecorated with new furniture: pews, tables and chandeliers. Our German friends from Potsdam presented us with an electrical organ. In February was organized in our congregation the Conference of the Lay Leaders of the Unitarian Church. Many distinguished guests attended the Conference like bishop Dr. Arpad Szabo. No doubt the major achievement was the forming of the new bathroom.

In 2003 we continued the mending of the cantor's house, replacing the old electrical equipment with a new one and making outdoor and indoor reparations. Our German friends from Potsdam presented the Women's Association with a sewing-machine and dishes. They also brought for the congregation a sawing-machine and wardrobes.

The minister and his two children added a new room next to the office enlarging in this way the parsonage. In the first Sunday of October we started a new custom to celebrate the people over 80 years old. We call this celebration "The Old People's Sunday." In this year we succeed to make a sidewalk and a 150m long whir fence.

In 2004 we decorated the hymnbooks with traditional star motives handwork covers. We bought over 80 new hymnbooks and made a new wreath of wheat that we place in the church.

The year of 2005 was a hard one. A lot of flood affected different parts of the world and our country. We collected lots of money for the Asian Tsunami's victims. Short after the flood disaster followed in Banat, western region of Transylvania. Right after the flood damaged the Unitarian church in Nagyenyed. We collected and sent an important amount of money to help our brothers and sisters to save their church and parsonage. The next flood was in the Nyiko valley, populated mostly by Unitarians. We collected and sent 20 tones of cereals to help the disaster's victims.

Meanwhile we succeed to lime wash the church walls, to make a heating stove, and covered the pews with sitting pillows.

With the occasion of the confirmation we celebrated those who have confirmed 50, 25 and 20 years ago.

On July 31 we organized the 4th meeting of the Unitarians from Magyarszovat. With this occasion we inaugurated the monument of the victims of World War II.

From the money received from Bellingham we bought a CD player for our Youth association. I presented the documentation for request of 34 ha of land and for the 80 ms that used to be our old Unitarian school, and a 0,26 ha of built territory that now is used by the local council and an Association for consumers.

 

2006 was the elections year in our congregation, when we elect the new lay president and the board of trustees. Since January we have a new lay president: Bodor Istvan. The good news is that most members of the board are younger than the minister.

Before the spring works began we succeed to change the roof of the old cantor's house. Hopefully by the Thanks Giving Day we will be finished the isolation of the shingle of the church roof.

In the present we are 496 Unitarians and most of it are old and ill people, but their strong faith and devotion makes to fill the over 700 years old church every Sunday.

Sad to say that there are no children this year to confirmation. Next year there will be confirmation and we'll celebrate those who have confirmed 50, 25 and 20 years ago.

We will celebrate the Old People's Sunday and we prepare to the General Assembly of the Kolozs-Torda Unitarian Church District, which will take place in Magyarszovat.

 

 

Magyarszovat, August 20. 2006.       

 

 

 

 

UNITARIAN MINISTERS OF SZOVAT