The Reformed Church of Sâncraiu
The history of the Reformed (Calvinist) Church of Sâncraiu is closely connected with the history of the settlement itself. The name Szentkirály refers to Saint Stephen, the first king of Hungary, after whom settlements were named until the end of the 12th century. Therefore, it is presumed that the first church of the village was built at the end of the 12th century or at the beginning of the 13th century. The first documentary mention of the church dates from 1288.
The first church was built in Romanesque style, as confirmed by the semicircular nave window and the ashlar cornerstones of the nave. In 1337, documents already mentioned it as a parish church.
The church was rebuilt in Gothic style during the 15th century. Unfortunately, the Gothic characteristics have almost completely disappeared over time due to various reconstructions and repairs. Only the pointed western entrance still indicates that the building was once a Gothic church.
Originally a Roman Catholic church, it became Reformed (Calvinist) during the 16th century. The stone wall surrounding the church was probably built in the 17th century. The original Gothic vault of the church most likely collapsed during the Tatar invasion of 1658. During the reconstruction, the Gothic ceiling was not rebuilt. The tower was built in 1762. Its roof structure is covered with wooden shingles and is flanked by four small corner turrets, symbolising the 4 evangelists. On the southern side of the tower, a sundial can be seen.
During the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848–1849, the village was set on fire, and the church was also destroyed in the blaze. By 1850, the church had been restored enough for worship services to be held again, although the covering of the tower had to wait another ten years. Significant support for the restoration was provided by the local landowner, Count Miklós Bánffy, who donated timber for the roof and also commissioned a beautifully carved pulpit canopy. During the reconstruction, the ceiling was simply painted in white, instead of the original, coffered style, typical for the Kalotaszeg region folk architecture.
The bells were also melted in the fire. In their place, the congregation received a bell donated by the Hungarian government of the time. The locals call it the “Matthias Bell,” since it dates back to the reign of King Matthias, namely to the year 1481. As the bell cracked in 1994, today it can be seen displayed on a wooden bell tower in the churchyard. The church tower currently houses three bells: the oldest dates from 1800, while the newest was cast in 1995.
The church organ was built in 1876 by the organ builder István Kolonics and stands on the gallery above the sanctuary. Its internal inscription reads: “The 130th work of István Kolonics, Kézdivásárhely, 1876.”
Over the centuries, the church underwent several renovations. A major restoration took place in 1994, when the ceiling received painted coffers with the support of the Illyés Foundation, a new gallery was built, and the churchyard gained its present orderly appearance. The 220 coffers were painted with traditional Kalotaszeg motifs. The coffers in this case means painted wooden panels.
Church Life
The Reformed congregation has approximately 730 members. Worship services are held twice every Sunday, attended on average by 120–130 church members. During the week, two services are held: on Monday mornings and Saturday evenings. In order to deepen spiritual life and improve knowledge of the Bible, a congregational Bible study is organized every Wednesday in the parish hall.
Diaconal work is carried out by the Women’s Association, which also organizes a monthly Bible study and a quarterly spiritual gathering combined with fellowship meals.
For children, religious education classes are held every Saturday morning in two groups, and confirmation classes are also organized in two groups on Saturdays. Young people can deepen their faith through youth Bible study meetings.
The congregation has a four-part mixed choir whose performances elevate the festive church occasions.
Between 2000 and 2008, a new parish house was built. Its basement contains a kitchen and dining hall, while the attic houses nine double guest rooms. In the attic of the new annex building constructed in 2018, there are two additional fully equipped guest rooms. The income generated by these accommodations contributes to the financial stability of the congregation.
May all glory be to God!
