Tiszaroff
 |
Tiszaroff | |
|---|---|
Village [község] | |
 Aerial view of Tiszaroff | |
 Coat of arms | |
| Country |  Hungary |
| Region | Northern Great Plain |
| County | Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok |
| Subregion | Tiszafüredi |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Zsolt Kamarás |
| Area | |
| • Total | 52.49 km2 (20.27 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 86 m (282 ft) |
| Population (1 January 2010) | |
| • Total | 1,624 |
| • Density | 36/km2 (90/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 5234 |
| Area code | 56 |
| Website | [www.tiszaroff.com] |
Tiszaroff is a village in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County, in the Northern Great Plain Region of Hungary.
Geography
It covers an area of 52.49 km2 (20 sq mi) and has a population of 1624 people (2010).
History of the Tiszaroff Reformed Church
More than three hundred years ago Tiszaroff was located to the North about 3 km (2 mi) from the present location. Its church building was made of "weaved rod and mud" called "patics" [potits]. It had been repaired in 1713. Because of the flood of the Tisza river the whole village had moved out to its present location. In 1726 Mihaly Borbely the new landlord gave to the Reformed Church the granary that had been built by the dynasty of Rakoczi to be as a chapel. Since that time it has been called "Rakoczi's bread house."
This chapel was restructured to church building in 1757 by making it higher by 1.5 meter (5 feet) and bigger to the East by 4.5 meters (15 feet); two small churchyards was built to it and on West side a choir was built, which is the "boys choir". The ceiling was a wooden painted panel ceiling. It can be still seen in the churchyards (now those are under renovation).
During the anti-reformation period the Protestants were not allowed to build towers to their church buildings, therefore the Tiszaroff Reformed Church got a permission to build only a "watchtower" near the church. So there is 6 meters (20 feet) distance between the tower and the church. It is said "The church is engaged with the tower."
Originally both buildings were shingled roof. In 1802 the first reconstruction work on the buildings began. In 1816 the painted wooden panel ceiling was replaced. In 1846 and 1878 they put a new shingled roof onto the buildings. In 1910 the shingled roofs were replaced by tin plate.
The last major reconstruction was in 1968.
The first church-clock was repaired in 1818, but we do not know when it was made. The present clock was made in 1894. It is famous for the functions of its hands are mixed up: the hour hand shows the minutes and minute hand shows the hours!
There are three bells in the tower.
The first organ was built in 1882 with its choir in the East side of the church. The present organ was built in 1941 by master John Barakovics from Budapest. Its style is late Baroque.
In the spring time the church and its garden is a colorful spot in the center of our village. In 1910 a lot of horse chestnut tree were planted that have white and pink flowers.
Only a few years ago in 1998 our church has decided to reconstruct the church building. In October it was raining outside and during the worship service water was dropping inside next to the pulpit because of the very bad shape of the roof.
We started the construction work with only 320,000,- HUF that was about 1,900 CHF or 1,150 USD.
Until now by the grace of God there is new electric system, we could replace the roof and renew the plaster on the walls. All these cost more than 12 million Forints (73,000 CHF or 43,000 USD). The next project will hopefully be in this summer to replace the pews and floor covering. In the future we should make a traditional "crown" above the pulpit, reconstruct the painted wooden panel ceilings in the churchyards. We should rebuild the roof of the tower; make a new plaster on its walls and repair its clock. The landscaping and a new fence around the church garden will be the last step.
We ask you to help our efforts with prayers and if it is possible to contribute with donations. You can learn more about the foundation by clicking to this link:Foundation for the Reconstruction of Tiszaroff Monument Reformed Church and Tower [1]