Free Magyar Reformed Church

Faith Based Initiative

Free Magyar Reformed Church

Free Magyar Reformed Church, classified as a New York City landmark, required attentive maintenance and a worshipping congregation to survive. The remaining leadership of the church, one approaching her 100^th birthday, wanted the church to remain a sacred place where regular worship would be held. With no minister and a dwindling membership—the future of the church as a sacred place was uncertain. Meanwhile, Clermont Church was seeking a permanent home. They first became tenants, and with creative real estate financing from Goldstein Hall and support from the Hungarian Reformed Church in America, they were able to purchase the church, parish hall, and parsonage—preserving its historic and spiritual legacy.

Media Coverage: Pastor Joe Guddemi, The Clermont Church

Goldstein Hall’s Role

Goldstein Hall represented Free Magyar Reformed Church in the sale of the landmarked property and purchase money mortgage for the purchaser that would only be possible with the consent of a Hungarian Bishop and approval by the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Relying on its depth of experience in representing religious corporations of all faiths and denominations, Goldstein Hall was able to win the approvals necessary to bring the sale to completion and install a new worshipping community of all ages who are gratified to have a historic house of worship to call home.

Community Impact

The sale of a house of worship is a difficult decision for a worshipping community to make. The ideal solution is to find a new worshipping community to take their place, providing a sense of hope and continuity for a legacy congregation. By working with the remaining members of the leadership, interceding with their adjudicatory body, and coming up with a creative way to transfer the property at its market value with affordable financing, Goldstein Hall was able to respect the wishes of one religious community and fulfill the dreams of another.