A Pastoral Career Originating in Zemplén, in Nagyzerind on the Black Körös River

Abstract

János Molnár ventured quite far from his homeland when, in 1798, as a newly graduated theologian from Sárospatak, he accepted the invitation of the Reformed congregation of Nagyzerind in Arad County, whose trust he served until his death in 1829. He was not only one of the longest-serving pastors of the church belonging to the Diocese of Békés and then Nagyszalonta in the Tiszántúl Church District, but also a decisive, stability-creating personality in socio-economic terms. His work and life were full: he organized the community and oversaw its disciplinary life, carried out material projects and charitable activities, and, as a diocesan delegate, participated in the investigation of internal conflicts in various parishes. His role and reputation in his tracts and congregation were determined by his professional competence, his conduct, and his personal relationships; he had both virtues and faults, friends and enemies. This study presents the life of János Molnár, focusing on his intellectual career and his work in Nagyzerend, through the aspects of pastoral activity related to faith, management, and disciplinary control, as well as through the human side of the pastor, his ambitions, and his network of relationships.