Recent Communications with BUF’s Partner Church’s New Minister, Rev. Szochs Elöd in Magyarszovat

Between Kevin Allen-Schmid (Partner Church Committee Chair) and Rev. Szochs Elöd in Magyarszovat

Here are two photos of Szochs Elöd, the new minister in Magyarszovat.

April 14, 2026   Kevin to Elöd

Would you be interested in visiting us in Bellingham in October or November, 2026, if we buy your plane ticket?

April 20, 2026   Elöd to Kevin

Thank you for the opportunity, but I’m not ready for such an adventure at this time. I’m open to it, but it will require long and careful planning. I do hope we meet at some point soon, and that our communication becomes more active. The first part of the year has been busy for us, and the renovation of the church is starting.

May 25, 2026   Kevin to Elöd

How is the church renovation going? Please describe it and send pictures. Also please say whether you received the US$2000 that we sent in December.  Happy spring!

June 24, 2026 Elöd to Kevin

Hi. I apologize for my late reply—the past few months have been quite busy.

Thank you for your gift of US$2000 which arrived on December 17, 2026. We are grateful, and we’re using the money to renovate the church. Right now, the building's foundations are being reinforced.

Four families with young children have joined our congregation.

We celebrated Mother's Day and Children's Day by baking chimney cakes together.

We are also carrying out archaeological excavations in the old sanctuary area, where human remains were discovered. It is possible that they belong to a member of the family that built the church.  Evidence of an altar or possibly a crypt were found—there is ongoing professional debate about what exactly it was. Work is ongoing.

About BUF’s Transylvanian Partnership

Since 1992 BUF has maintained a partnership with the historic Unitarian congregation in Magyarszovat, Romania. Through letters, financial contributions, and many visits by Bellingham congregants, we have built a deep connection with the Transylvanian descendants of the founders of Unitarianism.

In 2017, a 43-voice BUF choir toured Transylvania and spent several days in Magyarszovat, singing and eating together, while strengthening our bond of friendship.

In August 2023 BUF hosted long-time Magyarszovat minister, Reverend Tamás Balázs, and his wife Kato, in Bellingham. Rev. Balázs is now retired, and BUF is in contact with the new minister, Elöd Szöcs. Elöd is young and dynamic and has ideas for strengthening the partnership to benefit both congregations, especially involving the youth.

BUF’s Partner church committee meets annually to prepare a report, to plan a special Thanksgiving-time collection for Magyarszovat, and to present occasional Sunday services about the partnership. Committee members include Kevin Allen-Schmid (chair), Barbara Ellis-Quinn, Jan Krouskop, Ann Lackland, Lisa Moss, Carl Nyblade, Ron Quinn, Jane Ronca-Washburn, Bev Smith, Allegra Ziffle and Reka Zoltan.