Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: unknown, In Memoriam, New York: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1939, bahai-library.com.
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

THE BAHA' I WORLD
A Biennial International Record

Prepared under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada
with the approval of Shoghi Effendi

Volume VII
93 AND 94 OF THE BAHA'I ERA

APRIL 1936-1938 A.D.

Baha'i Publishing Committee
New York, N. Y., U. S. A.
1939
xii CONTENTS
P\C,E

54. Arthur Moore 529
55. Prof. Dr. Jan Rypka, Charles University, Praha, Czechoslovakia 529
56. A. L. M. Nicolas . 529
57. President Eduard Benes of Czechoslovakia 530
III. In Memoriam 531
1. Alfred E. Lunt 531
2. Dr. Zia Bagdadi 535
3. Mrs. Laurie C. Wilhelm 539
4. Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford 541
5. Elmore E. Duckett 543
6. Colonel Dr. I. Piruzbakht 545
7. Mirza Muhammad Kazim-Pur 547
8. Dr. Y. S. Tsao 548
9. Dr. Muhammad Basjhir 549
10. Miss Malakat Nusjhugati 550
11. Extracts from "Baha'i News" 551

PART THREE
Baha'i Directory, 1937-1938 555
1. Baha'i National Spiritual Assemblies 555
2. Baha'i Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups Alphabetically listed ac-
cording to Nations %
Abyssinia 556
Albania 556
Australia 556
Austria 556
Belgium 556
Brazil 556
Bulgaria 556
Burma 556
Canada 556
Caucasus 556
China 556
Czechoslovakia 556
Denmark 557
Egypt 557
France 557
Germany 557
Great Britain and Ireland 557
Hawaiian Islands 558
Holland 558
Hungary 558
Iceland 558
India 558
Iran 559
'Iraq 559
Islands (Society Islands) 559
Italy 559
Japan 559
Jugoslavia . 559
IN MEMORIAM
ALFRED EASTMAN LUNT
BY Louis G. GREGORY AND HARLAN OBER

A,.LFRED EASTMAN LUNT departed it successful as a business enterprise. While
this life, August 12, 1937, at his home in in college he was chosen President of its

Beverly, Massachusetts. His immediate fam- Republican Club, and then President of the
ily a widow and five children, and a host National Republican College League, which
of friends mourn his loss. His funeral was included clubs organized in most of the col-
attended by his relatives, neighbors and vis- leges of the United States. He served ac-
iting Baha'is from Green Acre and neigh- tively in this capacity in several Presidential
boring centers. The service in its simplicity, campaigns, and those acquainted with his
contained the solace of Heavenly Teachings achievements, and the respect with which
and prayers, and proved to be a means of he was held, are confident that had he not

teaching others the Faith that he loved. chosen to turn his energies with concen-
The National Spiritual Assembly, on trated attention toward the Baha'i Faith,

August 16, 1937, received the following ca- realizing that all other means were ineffec-
blegram from the Guardian: tive, he would have risen to positions of
"Shocked distressed premature passing es- great importance in the government.
teemed beloved Lunt. Future generations As a lawyer, he became Solicitor of his na-
will appraise his manifold outstanding con- tive city,and an associate in a well estab-
tributions to rise and establishment Faith lished and popular law firm in Boston.
BahaVllah American continent. Commu- Called by Miss Sarah J. Farmer to act as het

nity his bereaved co-workers could ill afford legal counsel, he took the leadership in evolv-
lose such critical period so fearless champion ing those plans that protected her spiritual
their Cause. Request entire body their Na- program and the Green Acre properties.
tional representatives assemble his grave pay His services to the Green Acre Fellow-
tribute behalf to him who so long and
my ship, at a very critical period in its existence,
since inception acted as pillar institution as well as over a number of years, were
they represent. Convey Boston community perhaps among the most valuable of his ca-
assurance prayers, deepest brotherly sympa- reer, a career noteworthy for the variety and

thy their cruel irreparable loss." number of its accomplishments. Although
He was for more than a generation one of the opposition retained very able counsel and
the most distinguished and useful servants aroused adverse public sentiment and wide-
of BahaVllah. He was well prepared by newspaper criticism, carrying the
spread
college and legal education at Harvard Uni- matter to the Supreme Court of the State of
versity. As a student he heard the Great Maine, the final decision was a complete vic-
Message from Dr. 'Ali-Kuli Khan, lecturing tory for the Baha'is and the friends of Miss
in the University. He obtained from it a Farmer. A
few years later, this victory hav-
new life and inspiration toward achievement. ing established a new trend, Green Acre
He had very unusual abilities which shone came under the jurisdiction of the National
in the field of writing and in his chosen Spiritual Assembly, as the first Bah'i Sum-
profession, the law. mer School in America.
As a youth he edited and published a Although greatly pleased with this evi-

weekly newspaper. As a Harvard student, dence of the legal and organizing ability of
he managed its Illustrated Magazine, making Mr. Lunt, the head of his law business was
532 THE BAHA'f WORLD

Alfred E. Lunt.

greatly disturbed by the poignant press revealed his exceptional ability and leader-
criticism, linking his associate with the ship, but also gave him an enormous fund
Baha'i Faith. To the demand that he choose of experience which was destined to be of
between his activity in the Faith and his great service to The Cause in the upbuilding
remunerative position, Mr. Lunt chose to of the Administrative Order. In frequent
open his own office. discussions with these important men he was
In his work he was ever guided by the able to show them that the spirit and the
Baha'i ideal of service, and his clientele was wisdom revealed in the Teachings of Baha'-
a very broad one. His wise and sympa- u'llah alone offered that solid foundation
thetic understanding brought many clients upon which industrial peace could be built.
of foreign birth, and though often poor and He was a patient and tireless worker, al-
unable to pay adequately for his services, he ways devoted to principle and showing a
never failed them, but with wise guidance, faith and courage worthy of the heroic age.
increased their
understanding, and ac- His personal interests were seemingly for-
quainted them with the spirit and point of gotten in his devotion to the Faith. But a
view which was the inspiration of his own few years ago, when actually in the midst of
life. great financial difficulties, a very wealthy
For many years he was counsel for an im- friend offered to associate him in a law firm

portant Massachusetts Committee of Manu- with a minimum guarantee of an income an-
facturers and Merchants in the handling of nually of ten thousand dollars. Although
their legislative problems. This position it
required no commitments on his part,
bringing him in close contact with outstand- save to work, yet because it came from a
ing industrialists and merchants, not only source which he felt might wish to affect
IN MEMORIAM 533

unfavorably his allegiance to his Faith, the neglected, poor and weak, a mark of true
offer was refused. nobility. He made himself one with people
The trials and vicissitudes of fortune ap- of various races, classes and nationalities in
peared only to confirm his faith, for in all the line of service. He had his place also
situations he showed those characteristics, among the strong, who drew upon his fine
which 'Abdu'1-Baha, in referring to the endowment of power, and from whom, his
Green Acre controversy, described as "lion capacities and virtues won admiration.
hearted." Faithful unto death was he, traveling long
He was from the beginning of the Cause distances over the country for administra-
in Boston, a member of its governing body. tion and teaching when his body was weak-

During many years he was elected by the ened with a malady which finally proved
Boston friends as one of the delegates to the fatal. Meanwhile he showed no lessening of
Annual Convention. Of this body, he was spiritual attraction, devotion and power.
many times chosen Chairman, the duties of Just two days before his passing, he wrote
which office he discharged with extraordi- a most cheerful and hopeful letter to one of
nary ability. He conceived it to be his duty, his friends, telling of his plans for future
not only to be acquainted with all the im- activities.

portant matters under consideration, and to Those who mourned his passing were con-
act with justice, but to stimulate all the del- soled by the spiritual fragrance that attended

egates, in the assumption and exercise of it, and by the eloquent tributes paid him
their privileges and responsibilities. by the Guardian's cables, as well as by the
He was a member of the Baha'i Temple testimony of many friends. An extraordi-
Unity, the first corporation organized to nary honor was shown him by the members
build the Mashriqu'l Adhkar. With the ex- of the National Spiritual Assembly, which
ception of two short intervals he had mem- body at the Guardian's request, and in his
bership in the National Spiritual Assembly behalf, journeyed to his grave, to offer

during the entire period of its existence. In prayers. Truly his was the victorious life.
these two national bodies, serving sometimes "The true man appeareth before the Mer-
aschairman, sometimes as secretary, and as ciful like unto the Heavens. His bright
a memberof its various committees, he and shining qualities are the stars. His traces
showed signal devotion and ability. are the educators of existence." From the
This brief account does not of course per- Will of Baha'u'llah.
mit a detailed report of a
life of singular It is impossible, even for those who love
dedication, of great breadth of interest, of him, properly to evaluate his life, which the
remarkable sincerity and courage. Those future alone will truly disclose. It may be
privileged to have corresponded with him, said with absolute certainty, however, that
appreciated his understanding heart, and the he lived and moved in the Divine Teach-
firmness and inspiration of his faith. ings, and especially in his later years, in the
Mention, however, should be made of the advices, the assurances and the sympathetic
fact that he was not only outstanding as understanding of the Guardian. The entire
an administrator with great range of vision loyalty of a heart, singularly pure and de-
and exact knowledge of details regarding voted, turned completely toward his Guard-
the Cause in America, but he was also a ian and the Guardian of the world.
teacher whose addresses and writings were In a letter to one of the American friends,
characterized by spiritual insight, knowledge Shoghi Effendi wrote: "The passing of Mr.
of the Divine Teachings and understanding Lunt constitutes yet another blow to the
of the needs of the soul. He delved deeply American Baha'i Community, and leaves a
into the inner meanings of the Sacred Writ- void in both the teaching and administrative
ings,and followed closely those movements fields, which few of our present day be-
which were affecting a rapidly changing so- lievers can fill. The memory of his mani-
ciety. fold and undeniably rich and valuable serv-
He was affectionate and kind, reflecting ices will be deeply enshrined in the hearts
the Divine love in his readiness to serve the and minds of those who had the privilege
THE BAHA'f WORLD
of working closely with him, or had been From that hour
sufficiently informed about his tireless 'activi- When first the Light of Revelation broke
ties for the Faith. . . .
upon these Western Shores
"Words fail to express the sorrow and re- You labored till out of the chaos and the
gret the untimely death of such a
I feel at groping loomed
precious, ardent and capable champion of The pattern of a "New World Order!"
our beloved Faith. The loss is indeed irrep- Labored ceaselessly,
arable, for he was the living embodiment Until the Divine of Plans revealed its thrill-
of such a rare combination of qualities as ing goal!
few can display and none can surpass. I How must He, its Source and Center
will continue to pray for his dear departed Whose thoughts turned toward us
soul from the depths of my sorrowful yet Whose heart leaped at our mention, have re-
grateful heart." joiced,
To see, amid "this jungle of materialism"
thy challenge
ALFRED EASTMAN LUNT Hurling certainty against the fury of an un-
believing age!
"Haste forth
To thy Celestial Habitation, Veil-beloved,' Poets! Seers!
'Lion of God's Cause'!" Shall ring thy epic, chronicled in love and
We rejoice to hear of thy release! service!
Yet That the unborn may recapture may re-
Might not God have shared thee had we live with pride and gratitude thy story!
loved more? How you stood, undaunted in an epoch
How may a soul "aglow with flame of the "steeped in falsity,"
undying fire" live An advocate unfalterirtg in principle!
Except midst love? To compromise unyielding
A pillar! in this Cause "so far beyond the
"Forty years" you sought, with "iron-sight" ken of men and angels!"
to elevate this Truth!
To hasten justice, to conquer pettiness and "Martyr hosts,
lust for power, Who guard man's station, acclaim thee:
The curse of prejudice, the fear of failure, 'Servant!'"
the blight of intellect! Thou, who in this Day "that casts a mighty
"Forty years" braving a wilderness of trials tumult in men's hearts"
knowing Refused to swerve hailing this passage "a
That phantasmal human hopes were doomed spiritual adventure!"
to traceless dust! We, who aspire to pioneer for God, and dare
One of the "living" of the chosen few en- to build anew a broken world,

gaged to point a nation's course Guard sacredly the faith thy love renewed,
Toward spiritual dominion! when stilled thy noble heart!
IN MEMORIAM 535

MEMORIAL SERVICE TO DR. ZIA MABSUT
BAGDADI, HELD IN THE BAHA'I HOUSE
OF WORSHIP, MAY 8, 1937
INTRODUCTORY WORDS BY MRS. TRUE
Mrs. Corinne True, this a joyous and not a sad occasion. May
Mr. Albert Windust, all who are present here turn in mind and

O Chairmen.
N April llth, less than a month ago,
the Baha'i friends assembled in this House
heart toward the Holy Shrine of BahaVllah,
as we read this supplication (known as the
"Midnight Prayer") :

of Worship commemorating the Twenty- O Lord, I have turned my face unto the
fifth Anniversary of the Arrival of 'Abdu'i- kingdom of Thy oneness and am immersed
Bahd in America, were shocked by the news in the sea of Thy mercy.
of the sudden death of their beloved Baha'i O Lord, enlighten my spirit by beholding
brother, Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, at Augusta, Thy light in this dark night and make me
Georgia. Sincere expressions of sympathy happy by the wine of Thy love in this won-
for his bereaved family were heard among derful age. O Lord, make me hear Thy call,
the friends and all were anxious to learn and open before my face the doors of heaven,
more of the details of his passing. A few so that I may behold Thy glory and become

days later it was learned that the cause of attracted to Thy beauty.
death was heart failure; that his body had Verily, Thou art the light, the gift and
been laid away in the burial lot of one of the giver, the ancient and the merciful!
the Baha'is of that city; that his widow
DR. BAGDADI' s GRANDFATHER AND FATHER
Zeenat, and daughter Parvene were coura-
geously endeavoring to adjust themselves Referring to NabiPs Narrative, The
and were planning to go to Beirut, Syria, Dawn-Breakers, pages 272 and 273, we find
the home of Dr. Bagdadi's family in that that Dr. Bagdadi's grandfather, "Shaykh

country. Muhammad-i-Shibl and his youthful son,
The loss suffered by the Cause in America Muhammad-Mustafa," accompanied Tahirih
began to be realized by the Baha'is and from 'Iraq to Iran.
found full expression in a cablegram from A
little over a year after Dr. Bagdadi ar-

our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, to rived in America, word was received of the
the National Spiritual Assembly, as follows: death of his father, Muhammad-Mustafa
(Bagdadi), whose portrait and the news of
"Distressed sudden passing dearly beloved his passing were published in Babd'i News
Dr. Bagdadi. Loss inflicted (upon) national (Vol. I of the Star of the West), No. 17
interests (of) Faith irreparable. His exem- issue, wherein is recorded: "In him the Cause

plary faith, audacity, unquestioning loyalty, has lost a great and useful servant. All
indefatigable exertions unforgettable. Ad- loved and revered him and looked up to him
vise Baha'i communities (,of ) Chicago (and) as one of the spiritual souls of the earlier
surrounding regions hold befitting memorial days. His winsome manner and gentleness
gathering (in) Temple for which he so of heart attracted all those who came in con-
valiantly labored. Ardently praying for him tact with him and carried away the sweet
and bereaved family. fragrance of his life."
(Signed) Shoghi." In a Tablet from 'Abdu'1-Baha published
in the Star of the West, Volume X, No. 12,
Friends: In response to the request of our are these endearing words of the beloved
beloved Guardian and the desire of our Master: "Convey on my behalf, to Dr. Zia
hearts to hold a memorial service for our Bagdadi the utmost love and kindness. In
departed brother, Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, we my estimation, he is very near, for he is the
have gathered here this evening. son of his honor Agha Muhammad-
We feel that he would wish us to make Mustafa."
536 THE BAHA '
I WORLD

Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi.

DR. BAGDADI'S WORK ON THE STAR OF from the Chicago College of Medicine and
THE WEST Surgery in May of this year (1911). He
intends to practice in America and be en-
Mr. Windust, who was one of the found- gaged in serving the Cause of BahaVllah.
ers and editors of the Star of the West, spoke We are confident the Star of the West has
of Dr. Bagdadi 's services to that magazine, in him an able and willing associate."
as follows Dr. Bagdadi became associate In the Star of the West, Volume III, No.
editor of this Baha'i publication, June 5, 15 issue, we find the following: "A word of
1911, beginning with issue No. 5, Volume explanation is given regarding the re-appear-
II, wherein we read: "It gives us pleasure to ance of our Persian section after many
welcome to the editorial staff of the Star of months. As the editor, Mirza Ahmad
the West, Dr. Zia Mabsut Bagdadi ("Zia Sohrab, accompanied 'Abdu'l-Baha on most
Effendi"), the youngest son of the late M. of His journeyings throughout America, it
Mustafa Bagdadi. Dr. Bagdadi received was almost impossible for him to look after
his early education in the Orient at the the Persian section, and now that he has
Arabian Literature school, Turkish Govern- returned to the East, it has become neces-

ment school and the American school. His sary to place that department in other hands.
childhood was blessed by seeing and being Dr. Zia Bagdadi, who has been associated
with the Blessed Perfection BahaVllah, and with him in this work, has consented to
in every year of his youth he visited the render this service. He is located in Chi-
Center of the Covenant, 'Abdu'l-Baha. He cago."
came to America in September, 1909, to
Throughout the remainder of the issues

complete a course in medicine, graduating of Volume III, and all of Volumes IV and V
IN MEMORIAM 537

there were 19 issues in each volume Dr. line with Haifa from the center of the build-

Bagdad! compiled and wrote the manuscript ing. In this photograph Dr. Bagdadi is seen
in the form of pages, which were photo- digging the first shovelful of earth the
graphed, reduced to page size, etched on other friends present following him in break-
zinc, which became the printing plates for ing the ground. It was indeed fitting that
the Persian sections of the Star of the West Dr. Bagdadi should have this honor, and his
262 pages. His beautiful style
a total of association with this great event * is suffi-

of writing was distinctly Arabic in char- cient evidence of the esteem his fellow-
acter. This labor was accomplished by Dr. believers had for his valiant and devoted la-
Bagdadi in addition to translating Tablets bors for the Temple and the Cause of
of 'Abdu'1-Baha and speaking on the*Cause BahaVllah.
wherever the opportunity arose all this
aside from his practice of medicine and sur- NOTEWORTHY QUALITIES OF DR. BAGDADI
gery. Mr. Windust spoke of the time when his
family met 'Abdu'1-Baha in an upper room
DR. BAGDADI WITH 'ABDU'L-BAHA at the home of Mrs. Davies in Chicago.
IN CHICAGO When He saw the youngest child, He took
Reference was made to the photograph of her upon His lap and called for someone to
'Abdu'1-Baha, together with five of the Ori- bring candy for the little one. Dr. Bagdadi
ental Baha'is, taken by Mr. Killius in Lin- instantly responded, leaping down the stairs
coln Park, Chicago, in 1912. Standing di- two or more steps at a time, obtained the
rectly behind 'Abdu'1-Baha, on the right, is candy, and sprang up stairs with it, handing
Dr. Bagdadi. In looking at this photograph, the bowl to 'Abdu'1-Baha as a courier would
one is impressed with the thought that our present an urgent message to a king. It was
beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, has, in an impressive demonstration to many who
his cablegram, perfectly described the quali- witnessed it, of the divine qualities of "in-
ties of Dr. Bagdadi. stant, exact and complete obedience" Dr.
This photograph was taken directly across Bagdadi so remarkably possessed.
the street from the Plaza Hotel. In this Mrs. Grace Ober also testified to this out-
connection, it is interesting to note that standing characteristic of Dr. Bagdadi, by
when it was taken, no one dreamed that in telling the following experience: "I was
this same part of Lincoln Park, the Chi- keeping house in New York for 'Abdu'l-
cago Historical Society would erect the Baha and His party of interpreters at the
splendid museum which stands there today. time when He attended the Peace Confer-
ence at Lake Mohonk. Late at night, the
DR. BAGDADI'S DEVOTED LABOR FOR THE bell rang furiously and at the door stood Dr.
TEMPLE
Bagdadi, no hat upon his head, his hair
Shoghi Effendi, in his cablegram request- disheveled, and his clothes covered with dust.
ing the holding of this memorial gathering He rushed into the house saying 'Abdu'l-
for Dr. Bagdadi, states: "Advise Baha'i . . . Baha had sent him to bring a rug to Lake
Communities of Chicago and surrounding Mohonk at the earliest possible moment. I

regions hold befitting memorial gathering in begged him to have something to eat, to

Temple for which he so valiantly and de- bathe and rest for a little while. But quickly
votedly labored." . . .
finding what he wanted he rushed away with
In this connection we were reminded by it.
During the short time he was in the
Mrs. True, of the photograph taken on this house I learned that 'Abdu'1-Baha wished to
Temple March 21, 1921, and published
site present a gift to the Secretary of the Peace
in the Star of the West, Volume XII, No. 2. Conference, Mr. W. H. Short, Sec'y of the
It was the beginning of actual work for the
1 This
breaking of ground for the actual construc-
construction of the first MasJhriqu'l-Adhkar tion of the caissons to bed rock should not be
in America; that is, the breaking of ground confused with the boring operations begun on Sep-
tember 24, 1920, to obtain a core of soil strata
for the digging of the first of the nine
before beginning the digging of the caissons, which
caissons to bed rock the one directly in began March 21, 1921. Editors
538 THE BAHA'f WORLD

Friends assembled on Mashriqu'l-Adhkar grounds, Chicago, March 21, 1921.
Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi digging first shovelful of earth.

New York Peace Society, before the close During these years Dr. Bagdadi was a
of its sessions next day, and that it was nec- pillar of strength to the Baha'is of America
essary that some one of His party go to the manifesting firmness in the Covenant and
city for it and return at once. Dr. Bagdadi all that it implies. He alone seemed to un-
had instantly volunteered. He discovered derstand the deep meanings of this most
there was no passenger train at that great characteristic that is: through the
hour and boarded a freight train, arriving power of the Covenant no one can create a
in the condition I described. I learned sect or division in the Baha'i Faith; through
later that in returning he again rode on a this most great characteristic, the Center of

freight train as there was no other trans- the Covenant will protect the Cause from
portation at that early morning hour. Dr. now until at least one thousand years, and
Bagdadi was the embodiment of the perhaps until thousands of years have passed
quality of "Instant, exact and complete away.
obedience." Those who attended the eighth session of
The chairman expressed the thought that the Baha'i Congress at Hotel McAlpin, New
every one present at this memorial gather- York City, April 30th, 1919, will never for-
ing, who knew Dr. Bagdadi, no doubt cher- get Dr. Bagdadi's presentation of this most
ished in his heart and memory some par- important matter. Although he had been
ticular remembrance or many remembrances ill for three days, he arose to astonishing
of our dearly beloved Dr. Bagdadi. heights and depths of understanding in this
address, unfolding all the qualities Shoghi
FIRMNESS IN THE COVENANT, AN OUT- Eflfendi mentions in the cablegram prompt-
STANDING QUALITY OF DR. BAGDADI this memorial gathering of "exem-
ing
When 'Abdu'1-Baha came to America in plary faith, audacity, unquestioning loyalty,
1912, He awakened and began to educate indefatigable exertion" combined with a
the Baha'is to the Most Great Characteristic dramatic appeal that was arresting and soul
of the Revelation of BahaVllah, namely, stirring. This outstanding address of that
The Center of the Covenant that which remarkable Congress was taken stenographi-
the previous Divine Manifestations did cally and printed in Volume XI of the Star
not bring. From that time until the day of the West.
of His ascension in 1921, He stressed its
DR. BAGDADI WRITES OF SEEING AND BEING
importance with ever increasing emphasis,
thus preparing them for the hour when WITH BAHA'U'LLAH
His Will and Testament was brought to In the year 1929, Dr. Bagdadi wrote a

light. book telling of his birthplace and travels in
IN MEMORIAM 539

the Orient under the title, Treasures of the MRS. LAURIE C. WILHELM
East. In it he describes the peerless pano-
BY ROY C. WILHELM
rama of the Plain of 'Akka surrounded by
mountains and sea, in the center of which Mother's strong religious tendency began
is the Mansion of Bahji, located about one with her mother who was religious funda-
mile from the Mediterranean and three miles mentally though I do not recall her ever
from the town of 'Akk, Palestine. It was having attended a church; and she did not
here Baha'u'llah lived the last few years of believe that a system in which professional
His exile until He departed to the Supreme preached for hire was in accord
religionists
World in 1892. Dr. Bagdad! tells that here, with the admonitions and example of Jesus.
when he was a child, he had the great privi- During my early years Grandmother often
lege of seeing and being with Baha'u'llah. spoke to me of so many of the Bible prophe-
He wrote: cies being fulfilled and said she believed the
"I had the greatest honor and privilege to Promised Age was near and we must all be
see BahaVllah and sit at His feet many days watchful to recognize the Great Day when
and nights in this Mansion. Here He used it came. Mother and father were members
to hold my hand while walking to and fro of a denomination to which they sent me in
in His large room, revealing Tablets, chant- my youth though they were not orthodox
ing the prayers with the most charming and in their views, rather they shared Grand-
melodious voice, while one of the attendants mother's beliefs that the Creator of all hu-
took them down. Here I saw Him teaching manity was interested in all humanity.
and blessing the pilgrims who came from all About 1890 Mother became dissatisfied
lands. On hot days He would take me with with the churches and began searching for
Him to the outer alcove of the Mansion reality. She investigated various teachings
where it was somewhat cooler. I would including the philosophies of the East, Chris-
stand in a corner with folded arms, my eyes tian Science, etc. I sometimes wondered,
fixed on His incomparable countenance, "What next?" Mother also felt deeply that
while the gentle breezes blew on His soft jet the Great Day was near, that it might come
black hair which reached almost to the waist, even in our time and how would we be
flowing beneath the taj, like a crown, that able to recognize its fulfillment!
covered His head and a part of His broad, Mother had a friend, kindred in thought,
full, high forehead. in Miss Laura Jones, also of our old home
"From His light-colored garments which town Zanesville, Ohio: they often met to-
were similar to those of all the ancient gether, and wondered if the Spirit might be
prophets, I had always inhaled the fragrance upon the earth at this time: how shall we
of the pure attar of roses. At times He find Him, etc. Shortly after the early 90's
would spend half an hour on the alcove, and Miss Laura moved to Chicago.
There she
my eyes would remain fixed on His majestic heard of the Baha'i Faith, and wrote to
face. But whenever He glanced at me with Mother that she had found that for which
His brown, piercing, yet most affectionate they had been seeking. In her letter she in-
eyes, then I had to turn mine away and look cluded some pamphlets, among which was a
down on the floor. copy of the "Hidden Words." Mother read
"At my birth, Baha'u'llah named me these, and accepted immediately. About
'Zia' (Light) and gave me the Turkish title 1898 or 1899, when I was a traveling sales-
But on my first visit to Him,
'Effendi.' man, Mother mailed me a page from a news-
when He inquired about my health, I re- paper containing a photograph of 'Abdu'l-
plied in Arabic 'Mabsoot' (I am happy). He Baha and an article in which something was
questioned, 'How is your father?' I an- said to the effect that many regarded Him as
swered, 'Mabsoot'; and 'How is your a return of the Spirit. Having in mind
mother?' He asked. 'Mabsoot' was
my re- Mother's various explorations I was not so
ply. He laughed heartily and after that He deeply impressed, but wrote upon the mar-
always called me Mabsoot Eflfendi (The gin, "Strange if true" and returned it to her.
Happy One)." In 1901 and 1902, Mother and Father vis-
540 THE BAHA '
I WORLD

Mrs. Laurie C. Wilhelm.

ited me in New York. We went about to from His bowl He told us to eat, and as we
various meetings and among them the Baha'i had received food from His bowl, now we
meetings at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ar- must return to America and likewise offer
thur P. Dodge: there we met May Maxwell, His food to the people.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoar, Dr. Getsinger and In 1908 we moved from New York to
others. I was conscious of a strong heart West Englewood. During this summer a
attraction before much understanding came. hundred or more of the Baha'i friends of
I recall that two or three years later a fare- New York and vicinity assembled for a picnic
well reception was given to Mirza Abu'l- in the woods near our home. In those days
Fadl at the Dodge home. it was very difficult to awaken interest.
Mother devoted much time to studying Meetings were held in two or three homes,
the Bible: she became so impressed with the and a dozen or so persons were attracted, but
connection and with the and reason-
spirit several moved away, two passed from this
and ex-
ableness of 'Abdu'l-Baha's teachings world, and such changes took place that it
planations that her waking hours seemed was several years more before a group was
mainly devoted to plans for reaching other permanently started. I am reminded of a re-
sections. In 1907 Mother and I went to mark that 'Abdu'1-Baha once made, that
'Akka. 'Abdu'1-Baha told Mother she was it
required a great expenditure of effort to
the cock which crowed preceding the dawn. accomplish even small things in this world.
During the dinner, our last day there, He Mother devoted her life to corresponding
took an unusually large bowl and filled it with friends and inquirers far and near. Even
with bread and broth: then He asked for our during those last two and a half years of
bowls, and filling them with bread and broth physical helplessness, her mind was centered
IN MEMORIAM 541

Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford.

upon means for the advancement of the associated with leading intellectuals in the
Faith. These past few weeks, when she could United States and Europe.
speak only with difficulty, she would often In 1901 Mrs. Ford was residing in Chicago
make suggestions, or perhaps inquire whether in an environment typical of her varied in-
I had heard from this person or another, or terests. Her household consisted of her
had written them recently. three children, Roland, Lynette and Gareth;
It is indeed comforting to now have the of a German woman and her young child; of
assurance of the Guardian that Mother is an American woman and her son; of a young
making a near approach to the Beloved. Negro student of Shakespeare. An account
of her home, known as "The Haunted
House" has, through Dr. Richard Hodgson,
MARY HANFORD FORD (Nov. 1, 1856
reached the archives of the American So-
FEB. 2, 1937)
ciety for Psychical Research. At this time
BY RUHANIYYIH (MADAME 'Au'-KuLi) Mrs. Ford was a "Spiritist," her chief inter-
KHANUM est, however, lying not in psychic phenomena

Daughter of a Meadville,
Pennsylvania, but in the spiritual life. An atheist during
banker, wife of the owner and editor of the her youth, she had regained faith at her
Kansas City, Missouri, Evening Mail, Mary father's death-bed, feeling that the continu-
Hanford Ford was widely known as an au- ity of the soul had there been revealed to
thority on art, literature and music, and as a her, and she had begun an exhaustive study
student of economic problems and of devel- of religion.Her personal library, including
opments in the field of science. At one time many first editions, ran the length of the
art critic on the Kansas City Star, she was house. She now began a course in compara-
542 THE BAHA'l WORLD
tive religions, the ninth lesson of which the All Nations Club: "When we speak of
proved to be a presentation of the Baha'i the saints I think she was the reincarnation
Faith. The following summer she attended of all of them." Mr. D. A. Mott, leader of
the Green Acre School of Religions, heard the Vegetarian Society: "She belonged to
Mirza Abu'1-Fadl and 'Ali-Kuli Khan, and everybody. We never thought of her with
became a Baha'i; shortly thereafter, aided a family and children; the human race was

by Miss Florence Breed, she began to teach her family . . . Some day . . . the truth of
the Baha'i Cause in Boston. her statements will be recognized, and also
To Madame 'Ali-Kuli Khan when she her greatness as a teacher." Mrs. Villa Faulk-
visited 'Akka in 1906, 'Abdu'l-Bah4 said of ner Page, Founder-Leader of the Fellowship
Mrs. Ford: "It is true that Mrs. Ford has Life More Abundant: "We have listened
served humanity long and faithfully. Now with hearts deeply moved to the words
tell her, if she will arise to serve the Cause spoken of one whom we all so dearly love;
of Baha'u'llah with equal zeal and fidelity, not loved . but lov e" Dr. C. G. Pease,
. .

her name will be mentioned in all the worlds President of the Non-Smokers League: "Let
of God." The remainder of her long life us follow in her footsteps." Mr. Aldo Ran-
was devoted to fulfilling the Master's wish, degger, noted composer, played his "The
and in many tablets He addressed her as "O Apotheosis of the Soul" in her memory.
thou herald of the Kingdom of God!" Not Baha'i speakers included Mr. James F. Mor-

only in the United States but also in Italy, ton, former President of the American Es-
Switzerland, France and England she taught peranto Society, who said: "She opened the
the Baha'i Faith
unceasingly, attracting eyes of many of us to visions that otherwise
thousands of people through her devotion, we could not have had. In the Esperanto
and her objective, brilliant, well-stocked Movement she was a tower of strength."
mind. Meanwhile she continued her work Mrs. Annie Romer: "The prayers which . . .

as an art critic and writer; among her pub- she offered ... on behalf of others filled
lished books are "The Oriental Rose,"
"The many hours. She said we did not ask enough
World of 'Abdu'1-Baha" and "The Secret of of the bounty of God." Mr. afa Kinney:
Life." Even during her last months, she "For years upon years we worked shoulder
taught the Cause and worked on a novel to shoulder, like two horses at the plough;
dealing with industrial conditions. Accom- ploughing God's field that His plants might
panied by her daughter, Mrs. Lynette Storm, grow there . . ." Madame 'Ali-Kuli Khan,
Mrs. Ford was in Clearwater, Florida, when chairman of the gathering: "Mrs. Ford's
the end came. She died whispering, "It is so friends all know how clear and sure were her

beautiful, Lynette, it is so very beautiful!" faith and her spiritual mission." 'Ali-Kuli
At a distinguished gathering held at the Khan: "A saying of Goethe's is paraphrased
Baha'i Center in New
York City to com- thus: 'To live in a great idea is to think as
memorate the passing of Mrs. Ford, many possible, things that seem impossible. So is
non-Baha'i friends paid her tribute. 1 Among the case with a great character; when both
them, Mr. Clarence Howells of the Fellow- the great idea and the great character meet

ship of Reconciliation said, "A religion can in thesame person, things appear which fill
be proven best by the lives of those who prac- the world with wonders for thousands of
tise it. The proof of the value of those years' "; he then read the following from a
teachings she gave, was expressed in the life letter of Shoghi EfFendi regarding Mrs. Ford:
of Mary Hanford Ford. Surely the Baha'i "Her unique and outstanding gifts enabled
Teachings are true, for they are effective in her to promote effectively the best interests
that light." Miss Frances R. Grant, Vice- of the Faith in its new-born and divinely-
President of the Roerich Museum, New York conceived institutions. I will pray for her

City: "About Mrs. Ford there was this joy of soul from the depths of my heart. Her serv-
devotion, and I must believe that though ices will always be remembered and extolled."

duty pleases God, it is joy that best gladdens 1
There was given also, several days alter, a beau-
Him, and it is the joyous devotee that is tiful musicale, by Miss Rata Present, of Buffalo, in
closest to His heart." Mr. H. T. Mason of loving tribute to Mrs. Ford.
IN MEMORIAM 543

Elmore Eugene Duckett.

ELMORE EUGENE DUCKETT Baha'i World Religion, in addressing an au-
dience gathered together at Hull House, in
BY WILLARD P. HATCH
Chicago, on April 30, 1912, said in part:
"Verily, thy Lord is the All-Knowing, His "One of the important questions which
authority embraceth all things, rest thou as- affect the unity and solidarity of human-
sured in the gracious favor of thy Lord. kind is the fellowship and equality of the
The eye of His loving-kindness shall ever- white and colored races. . . .

lastingly be directed towards thee." "In this country, the United States of
"Gleanings From The Writings of Baha'- America, patriotism is common to both
u'llah." races; all have equal rights in citizenship,
speak one language, receive the blessings of
"We work and pray for the Unity of Man-
the same civilization, and follow the precepts
kind, that all the races of the earth may of the same religion. the one point of
. . .

become one race, all the countries one coun-
distinction is that of color. God is not . . .

try, and that all hearts may beat as one heart,
pleased with, neither should any reasonable
working together for perfect Unity and or intelligent man be willing to recognize,
Brotherhood." 'Abdu'1-Baha, in "The One-
inequality in the races because of this dis-
ness of Mankind."
tinction. . . . His Holiness BahaVllah has
Mr. Elmore Eugene Duckett was thirty- proclaimed the oneness of the world of hu-
nine years old when he passed away on Janu- manity."
ary 1, 1937. He possessed a "remarkable Elmore Duckett did not find it difficult, as
spiritual insight." a Baha'i,to become free from racial ani-
'Abdu'1-Baha, the great Exemplar of the mosity. A "remarkable spiritual insight,"
544 THE&BAHA'f WORLD
however, was not the only gift he possessed. such an extent that he was publicly awarded
All of his life he worked hard with the a badge of hofcor before his follow-workmen,

strength that was his. To a casual observer, by those at the head of the factory, for over
Elmore was, in a happy way, one of those ten years of commendable service. He took
classified as belonging to Labor; but he this award for el&ctly what it was worth,
showed how different the Baha'i conception for he kneW that, if such action was not
of Labor is, by taking part in "no rebellious based upon the knowledge and love of God,
demands," and by being completely free then it was most likely an inexpensive way
from any deep-seated feeling of animosity of trying to keep the men satisfied; but he
against capitalists. evidenced forbearance and patience, as Ba-
Concerning a phase of Labor problems, ha'i s are taught to do.
'Abdu'1-Baha writes, expressing the Baha'i True it is that the length of one's days,
attitude: as hasbeen pointed out by the Divine Ex-
". . . . Rules and laws should be estab- emplar, is not important; to bear fruit in
lished to regulate the excessive fortunes of one's life is what counts. Elmore Duckett,
certain private individuals, and limit the in his relatively short life, was a tree that

misery of millions of the poor masses How- bore a quantity of fruit.
ever, absolute equality is just as impossible, Elmore was born in Cripple Creek, Colo-
for absolute equality in fortunes, honors, rado, November 17, 1898. His family moved
commerce, agriculture, industry would end to Denver, Colorado, when he was ten years
in want of comfort, in discouragement. . . . of age. Thereafter they traveled to Arizona,
It therefore preferable for moderation to
is and it was in Bisbee, in 1915, that Elmore's
do its work. The main point is by means of cousin, who was to become his wife three
laws and regulations to hinder the constitu- years later, convinced him of the truth of
tion of the excessive fortunes of certain in- the Baha'i Faith. This she did, aided by her
dividuals and to protect the essential needs mother.
of the masses. . . The owner of the Of- this period Elmore Duckett's widow
.
factory
will no longer put aside daily a treasure which writes: "He (Elmore) became a wonderful
he has absolutely no need of (without taking Baha'i in a very short time as he had never
into consideration that, if the fortune is dis- taken any interest in any religious faith, he
proportionate, the capitalist succumbs under was free from all dogmas and creeds. . . .

a formidable burden, and gets into great He studied Spanish and became very pro-
difficulties and troubles; the administration ficient, with the thought in mind of going
of an excessive fortune is very difficult and to Old Mexico to work and teach the Cause.
exhausts man's natural strength), and the In his study of the Spanish language, he met
workmen and artisans will no longer be in the many people in High School, and the private
greatest misery and -want, they will no longer nightclasses, who were entertained in our
be submitted to the worst privations at the home, and given the Baha'i Message. . . .

end of their life. We were married in Houston, Texas, June 5,
"As now man is not forced by the Govern- 1918. We moved to Los Angeles May 1 9 2 2 , ,

ment, if by the natural tendency of his good where Kenneth (their only child) was born
heart, with the great^t spirituality he goes August 17, 1922."
to this expense for the poor, this will be a Unity was the one thing Elmore loved
thing very much praised, approved and pleas- most and he had a quiet and unobtrusive na-
'

ing." \ ture which attracted many friends to him.
Elmore Duckett was fully aware of 'Abd- He lived in Monrovia, California, suburb of
u'1-Baha's words yet was he aware that one Los Angeles, at the time of his passing away.
man alone, except He be a Christ or Baha'u- The Monrovia paper carried a notice of his
'llah,could not bring about the change of death, and, among other things, wrote: "Mr.
conditions mentioned therein. Therefore he Duckett was chairman of the Spiritual As-
put his affair^ in the hands of God, and as sembly of the Bah'is of Los Angeles and
one of the great body of workmen in a had been a member of the Community of
Jwge factory, labored in the Baha'i spirit to the Baha'is of that city for many years.
IN MEMORIAL 545

His entire time, other than what was neces- was voted at the meeting that each member
sary for the maintenance of *the material of the Assembly should mention one good
needs of his family, was devoted to the quality of the deceased. The result was a
promulgation of the oneness of humanity moving compilation. Among the qualities
and he 'consorted with all people with love mentioned were: "sincerity; sacrifice of time
and fragrance.' He believed in the funda- for the Cause; devotion to the Cause;
mental oneness of religion and prayed con- thoughtfulness of others; a good Baha'i in
stantly for 'the most great peace/ that has the use of time; kindness, generosity to the
been visioned by the Prophets and poets of Cause and to his friends; humility; his lack
the past, and which surely must be the con- of fault-finding; a peace-maker."
summation of the evolution of man on this At his expressed wish, Elmore was buried
plane." in the last grave remaining in the plot of
When Elmore Duckett's final illness over- ground where Thornton Chase, first Ameri-
took him, he firmly believed that it was be- can Baha'i, is at rest, in Inglewood Ceme-
cause of the fumes he was forced to breathe tery, outside of Los Angeles, California.
daily in the prosecution of his work. He be- On March 8, 1937, Shoghi Effendi sent the
lieved that the inflammation of his heart following message to Mrs. Finks, Secretary of
and the lining of his lungs was an inevitable the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, Cali-
result of the conditions surrounding his fornia.
labor, a result that was hidden from him "Please convey to the relatives of the late
until it was too late to do anything about it. Mr. Duckett the Guardian's sympathy and
His unusual physical strength gave way condolences on the occasion of the passing
slowly, after he was obliged to stop work, away of their beloved and esteemed friend.
before the onslaught of this insidious inflam- The services which he has rendered the Cause
mation. Before its fatal effect was clear to Shoghi Effendi deeply appreciates and he will
him, he planned, on recovery, never to return specially pray for the progress of his soul in
to the factory position he had previously the Abha Kingdom."
held, which, as he expressed he thought
it,

would be suicide; but intended to take part
in the effort to carry the Baha'i Faith to
COLONEL DR. IBRAHIM PIRUZBAKHT
one of the few states where it was not already BY ZIKRULLAH KHADEM
established. His wish was to move to Reno,
Nevada. Colonel Dr. Piruzbakht was the eldest son
These hopes of moving to Nevada gave of the late Kazim Khan Amir Tuman, a dis-
way before the increasing encroachments of tinguished Commanding Officer of his time,
Elmore's illness. Finally he learned that, very pious and devoted to his duty, belonging
should he live, he would become a bed- to the family of Caucasian refugees. The
ridden and helpless invalid. Having always following is a brief description of this family.
been so strong physically, he could not bear One of the notorious events of the Qajar
to contemplate this thought. He did not regime was the war breaking out between
think, perhaps, of the spiritual uses of suffer- fran and Russia, in consequence of which
ing, nor of the spiritual services he could some important provinces of Caucasia in Iran
render, even if ill. He preferred to die, and fell into the hand of the Russians. Groups
itwas reported that he implored Baha'u'llah of nobility, urged by
patriotic feelings,
left

to release him into the next world. His Caucasia for fran and were then called im-
prayer was granted. migrants. A number of them entered mili-
To indicate something of the love Elmore tary services and others occupied high posi-
had inspired in the hearts of his fellow- tions. At this happy era of the reign of
believers, as part of their love for God in the H. M. Rida Shah Pahlavi under whose care
qualities they saw reflected, it is only neces- and wise policy marvellous progress has been
sary to write of the meeting of the Spiritual made in the country, a number* of the Re-
Assembly, of which he had been chairman, called immigrants are also numbered among

gathered together to discuss his funeral. It the devoted and reliable officers and conv
546 THE BAHA'f
manding Officers of the Army. D/. Piruz- Cormack and Mr. Colnman. In 192J, he
bakht was also of this f ran-loving family, received appointment as Director of the
born in fmrsm in the year 34 of the Baha'i Sepah Hospital (a military hospital) and
era corresponding with the year 1878 of during the last years of his life he served
the Christian era. He carried on his studies with the rank of Colonel as the Director of
in the Cossak house, in the Iranian College the Health Dept. of the Military Schools.
and in the Medical School from which he He discharged his duty most faithfully and
received his diploma in medicine. sincerely throughout the entire course of his
Early in his youth, he married his cousin, services.
Farah Angiz Khanum, but feeling the need of In the year 1914, Dr. Piruzbakht was
completing his studies he traveled to Russia, serving as Vice-Director at the Gendarmerie
France and Belgium, getting his diploma in Dept., having already completed his studies in
medicine, surgery and midwifery from the medicine. He began to investigate the Baha'i

Liege School of the latter country in 1907, religion. His official position, as well as his
corresponding with the year 63 of the Baha'i family situation, were such as did not allow
era, and returning to his country in the same him to have any contact with the Baha'i folk,
year, after 7 years of absence. It should also owing to adverse religious feelings in Iran
be mentioned that at Colonel Piruzbakht's which threatened to put him and a number
time there were no means for one to educate of Baha'is in grave difficulties. Therefore
himself in frn such as are available now-a- religious conversations were confined to the

days and his special efforts in such lines were Doctor and myself for several months. He
indicative of ability and love for education. was meanwhile given a number of Baha'i
After his return from Europe Dr. Piruz- books which he studied very carefully and
bakht was employed as physician in the Cos- it was not long before this holy being became

saks* quarters. He later accompanied his a believer and he bought many volumes of

father on a journey to Luristan and Adhir- Baha'i books which were available at that

bayjan and after staying in those provinces time. He was so inspired and inflamed by
for some time he returned to Tihran where the Baha'i books and tablets that, disregard-
he spent the rest of his life. He attained the ing his official position and personal restraint,
rank of Captain during his services in the he expressed his enthusiastic willingness to
Cossaks* Quarters. meet the believers. The first meeting took
The writer has been in frequent contact place in the house of the late Mirza Azizollah
with this honorable Doctor since he began Vargha, one of the devoted servants of the
Gendarmerie Dept. (Road
his service in the Cause and a distinguished believer; and the
Guards Dept.) and the following is an ac- late Semandar Qazvini and Mirza 'AH Akbar

count of my personal knowledge of the de- Rafsanjani two well-known teachers of the
ceased. Cause were present at this little reception.
During the early formation of the Gendar- In the course of the discussions he displayed
merie Dept. in Iran in the year 1914, Dr. such a spiritual zeal and depth of knowledge
Piruzbakht served as Vice-Director and later of intellectual matters that he was heartily
as Comptroller General and physician for a admired by all those present. After that
number of years and finally attained the meeting he recklessly maintained contact
rank of Major. After the dissolution of the with the Baha'i groups and individuals and
Gendarmerie Dept. in 1918, he was appointed his admirable character and faith earned him

by the General Health Dept. as Head of the such love and endearment in the Baha'i com-
Sanitation Office at Karej, 42 kilometers munity that he was appointed, in 1919, as
from Tihran, where a quarantine was being member of the Spiritual Assembly of Tihran
maintained. In 1920, he was employed as and also as Chief of the Tarbiyat School for
Doctor to the Provincial Dept. of Finance, Boys. Dr. Piruzbakht meanwhile undertook
Public Domains and Alimentation of Tihrdn to pay the tuition for some poor pupils.
which was an important Government Dept. After his conversion, Dr. Piruzbakht kept
and he carried on this duty during the office in contact with the members of his family
of the American Advisors, Colonel Mc- attempting to convert them to the Faith. He
IN JVfEMORIAM 547

did convert a number of them and some of senior officers of the Army, with a large

the rest became friendly to the Cause. Mean- crowd of Baha'is and non-Baha'is were pres -
while, notwithstanding his busy time, he ent at the funeral. They followed* the bier
managed to have talks with some of the men afoot some distance up the street and then
of high position and even with the Swedish drove their cars to the cemetery. The
Officers in the Gendarmerie, giving them funeral was carried through in
service
books and tablets to read and acquainting the most honorable manner worthy of the
them with the importance of the Baha'i position of a devoted Colonel and a learned
Cause and the great material and moral bene- Doctor.
fits which the principles of the Cause ren- A memorial service in his name was held
dered to the
country and to
of Iran at the house of the deceased for several days,
the world. The deceased, being so keen in which thousands of people
in the course of

serving the Cause, was always chosen as came to condole with the members of his
a member of important Baha'i Com- family and to take part in the ceremony of
mittees in Tihran where he permanent- chanting prayers and reading tablets. All
ly stayed after embracing the Cause. felt as if they really had lost a dear relative
This year he was a member of both the or friend.
Teaching and the East and West Commit- Let us pray that the surviving members of
tees. his family will all follow his example in
Three Tablets from 'Abdu'1-Baha and two serving the Cause and attaining the high
letters from the Guardian, all showing his spiritual position he attained.
ideal position and conferring on him his-
torical honors, have been issued.
As was stated above, this admirable soul MIRZA MUHAMMAD KAZIM-PUR
spent his dear time in fran and abroad in Mirza Muhammad Kazim-Pur was the son
the field of education. During his hours of of Haji Muhammad Kazim-i-Shirazi, a de-
leisurefrom official duty, he held a private vout Muslim business-man, widely known
dispensary at his house which he used not for for his charitable activities, who had left

personal interest but for serving the poor and Shiraz and settled in Yazd in the year
promoting the Cause. He paid medical visits 1236 (Persian date, ca. 1857). With
to friends and strangers, usually without re- his three brothers, Ahmad, 'Abdu'llah and

ceiving fees. He was so kind to all classes 'Ali-Akbar, Mirza Muhammad became a
of people without distinction of faith, that Baha'i during the lifetime of Baha'u'llah,
even some of the Muslim religious authori- and like them was an active servant of the
ties, while knowing him to be a Baha'i, re- Faith.
ferred to him because of their confidence in In 1281 the people of Yazd rose against
his good faith and right conduct. Men of the Baha'is, plundered the home of 'Abdu-
various creeds often called at the Doctor's 'llah and put him to death. The remaining
dispensary and when he was through with his three brothers were spared, Muhammad and

patients he had a friendly meeting with the 'Ali-Akbar being in Shahrud on business, and
visitors. Ahmad in 'Ishq4bad.
After a serious illness, Dr. Piruzbakht's Following the Yazd upheaval, the family
noble life ended at the age of 5 9 on Saturday of Mirzd Muhammad moved to Shahrud;
the 5th of Shahr of the Baha'i year 93 cor- some years later, Mirza Muhammad, 'Ali-
responding with January 23, 1937. num- A Akbar and their households left for 'Ishqa-
ber of his non-Bahd'i relatives insisted on bad, and during this journey, were blessed
burial in a Moslem grave, but thanks to the with a visit to 'Abdu'1-Baha in 1289. Re-
admirable courage and efforts of his daughter, turning to 'Ishq&bad, Mirza Muhammad
Miss Furughu'z-Zamdn, a graduate of mid- some years later went back to Shdhrud,
wifery from the French Faculty of Medicine where he engaged in business activities and
in Beirut, the deceased was taken to Gulastdn service to the Cause. He was so energetic in

Javad, the Bah4'i cemetery. Hundreds of spreading the Faith that he provoked the
officers including Commanding Officers and anger of the townspeople, who, incited by
548 THE BAHA'i WORLD

Mirza Muhammad Kazim-Pur.

the mujtahid Shaykh- Ahmad, rose against all DR. Y. S. TSAO
the Baha'is of Shahrud.
For four years, he and his family were sub- The sad news has reached me from Shang-
jected to daily persecution, and finally in hai that our beloved Chinese brother, Dr. Y.
1298 a crisis was reached, when, by order of S. Tsao, died suddenly in his car on the way
the same mujtahid, a mob of some 4,000 to his home, on February 8, at 4:30 p. m.
people, armed with sticks, stones and knives, Our brother, Mr. M. H. A. Ouskouli, writes
broke into his house to kill him and his two me that Dr. Tsao had not been sick and also
sons, 'Abdu'l-Husayn Kazim-Pur-i-Amri, he asked me to write the BAHA'I MAGAZINE
and 'Abbas. They seized Muhammad and and ask if Dr. Tsao's picture could be pub-
his elder son 'Abdu'l-Husayn, and after beat- lished with a short article.

ing them and subjecting them to extreme The work which Dr. Tsao has done for the
torture, threw them into the streets for dead. Cause of God in China is an everlasting
Mirza Muhammad and his son survived, monument. It was he who translated Essle-
were treated by two doctors for about a mont's book into Chinese. He was working
month and left for Tihran. Here Mirza on the translation of "Some Answered Ques-
Muhammad continued in his devoted services tions." About a month ago, his helper, Mr.
to the Faith. 1309 he and his wife
In Tang, died and so there was a setback and
Sakinih-Banu visited the Guardian in Haifa. now Dr. Tsao has flown to the Kingdom of
On Wednesday the 22nd of Dayman 1316 BahaVllah, as Mr. Ouskouli writes me.
(1937) he passed away suddenly at his place Dr. Tsao first heard of the Baha'i Faith
of business; he was seventy-three years of through Martha Root when he was the Presi-
age. dent of Tsing Hua College, the Boxer In-
IN MEMORIAM 549

Dr. Muhammad Bashir of Alexandria, Egypt.

dcmnity College. Martha bravely went out DR. MUHAMMAD BASHIR
to the College without any previous intro-
Baha'is and non-Baha'is throughout Egypt
duction, but was received most kindly by
mourn the unexpected death on De-
still
Dr. Tsao and his wife, who is Swedish by
cember 21, 1936, of a leading pioneer and
birth, but American naturalized. After-
-philanthropist, Dr. Muhammad Bashir of
wards Dr. and Mrs. Tsao entertained us in
Alexandria, former chairman of the National
their home and invited me to speak in the
Spiritual Assembly of this country.
Auditorium of the College on the Baha'i
Son of a distinguished early believer, the
Faith to the whole student body, and a sec-
lateIbrahim Efrendi 'All, Dr. Bashir was
ond time he called a meeting for any students
born at Port Said November 30, 1891. Re-
who might be interested to meet and talk
ceiving his primary education in Port Said,
with us.
he graduated from high school in the Syrian
After eight years of service at Tsing Hua
Anglican College of Haifa and in August,
College, Peiping, Dr. and Mrs. Tsao moved to
1909, proceeded to the United States with
Shanghai, where they have lived since, and Dr. Zia Bagdad! arriving in New York on
,
where they have formed the bond with the
September 14 of that year. In 1913 he com-
Iranian Baha'is who also live in Shanghai.
pleted his medical course at Valparaiso Col-
Dr. Tsao was educated at Yale University
lege.
and also studied at Harvard.
The following quotations are from the
May the Baha'is pray for this wonderful
diary of the late doctor: "In May, 1911, I
soul who has so suddenly left us, and also for
left for Chicago to attend the Annual Con-
his devoted wife who must now carry on
vention ... I saw a great number of friends
alone.
and had the pleasure of ac-
in attendance,
In His love and service, companying Mrs. True and a group of
Baha'is to the grounds of the Mashriqu'l-
AGNES B. ALEXANDER.
Adhkar. I had the honor of meeting 'Abd-
Tokyo, February 17, 1937. u'l-Baha on September 3, 1912, at the house
550 THE BAHA'f WORLD

Miss Malakat Nushugati of Port Said, Egypt.

of Mrs. True. The Master received me with Islam, and marked a marvellous achievement
His lordly kindness and love, saying, 'Your in freeing Baha'is from its outworn dogmas.
father is a blessed father, and God willing, The passing away of Miss Malakat Nushu-
you shall be a blessed son; God willing, you gati, daughter of Mahmud Effendi Nushu-
shall be the herald of the Glad-tidings of gati, a distinguished Baha'i of Port Said, on
God/ " September the 17th, 1937, crowned the Faith
It was during that critical period of some of Baha'u'llah with a fresh triumph. En-
nine years ago, when the Baha'is resolved to couraged by the father of the deceased the
approach the Government with a view to Spiritual Assembly of Port Said resolved to
clarifying their position in Egypt, that Dr. perform, for the first time, the funeral cere-
Basjbir was chairman of the National Spirit- mony according to purely Baha'i rites. This
ual Assembly, and his courage strengthened firm resolution was met with bitter opposi-
and inspired every believer. He did much to tion on the part of Miss Nushiigati's non-

promote the Annual Conventions and to con- Baha'i relatives. These relatives not only in-
solidate the Administrative Order. His serv- sisted that the funeral be held according to
ices to the Cause in Egypt can never be Muslim rites, but threatened the Baha'is that
forgotten. unless they yielded to their request, they
would seize the body by force and create a
public disturbance. When they saw that the
Miss MALAKAT NUSHUGAT! Baha'is remained inflexible in their resolve to
A recent event, though outwardly sad, perform a purely Baha'i ceremony, they
served to signalize the severing of one of the pleaded that at least the body should be car-
last links of the chain of ancient fetters of ried to the Mosque and there the Muslim
IN MEMORIAM 551

prayers be read, but the Baha'is courageously honor and extending every courtesy to the
persisted in their plan. dead. Crowds had gathered along the way to
A letter was sent by the Spiritual Assem- The body
witness this first Baha'i funeral.

bly to the Commandant of Police, informing was then placed in a car and, followed by
him of the situation. The funeral at 4 ten automobiles, proceeded to the cemetery.
o'clock proceeded to the burial place; in the At the grave Baha'i burial tablets were
front marched a band playing suitable music chanted and as a considerable number of
and followed by the girls of the American non-Baha'is were present, it was noted with
School, dressed in white and carrying bou- what keen interest they followed the service.
quets of roses. The body was borne for The same evening Baha'is as well as large
about a half mile by loving Baha'i friends, numbers of Muslims, Christians and Jews at-
the coffin was draped in pink and decorated tended the meeting in -the Baha'i Hall and
with flowers. The police, as a result of the offered their condolences and sympathy.
much-appreciated action of the authorities, During the whole occasion only the Baha'i
joined the procession, forming a guard of tablets were chanted.

APRIL, 1936 APRIL, 1938
IN MEMORIAM
Death proffereth unto every confident be- Miss Elizabeth Chandler, Ithaca, New
liever the cup that is life indeed. It be- York.
stoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. Mrs. Elizabeth Hurlbut, San Francisco,
It conferreth the gift of everlasing life. California.
BAHA'U'LLAH. Miss Lillie Kendall, Aptos, California.
Mr. S. A. Roberts, Kelvin, Arizona.
Mrs. Kate Burke, Chicago. Mrs. Frances Carre, Mariposa, California.
Mrs. Carolyn Harbin, Miami Beach, Dr. Albert Johnston, Montreal, Quebec,
Florida. Canada.
Mr. Maurice Cohen, New Haven, Conn. Mrs. Evelyn Moore, Cambridge, Massa-
Mrs. E. B. Bullock, San Francisco, Cali- chusetts.
fornia. Miss Antoinette Sealts, Lima, Ohio.
Mrs. Louise Herman, Columbus, Ohio. Mr. William Z. Ralph, Portland, Oregon.
Mrs. Anna Steinmetz, Minneapolis, Minn. Miss A. R. Phipps, Oriskany, N. Y.
Dr. Edwin Karl Fisher, Los Angeles, Calif. Mrs. Cunningham, Montreal, Quebec,
Mrs. Elizabeth McGwan, Buffalo, N. Y. Canada.
Mrs. Rosa Harmon, Kenosha, Wis. Mrs. A. B. Spear, Los Angeles, Calif.
Mrs. Dora Dunbar Maule, McMinville, Mrs. Phoebe R. Nelson, Chicago, 111.
Oregon. Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wilkinson, Brookline,
Mr. Myron Potter, Cleveland, Ohio. Mass.
Mrs. Edyth Blindt Bloom, Burlington, Mr. Elmore E. Duckett, Los Angeles, Calif.
Iowa. Mr. Worsley G. Hambrough, San Diego,
Mrs. Helen Bell, Cleveland, Ohio. Calif.
Miss Helen Clevenger, New York. Mr. Claude Warren, Binghamton, N. Y.
Mrs. Gertrude Harris, New York. Mrs. Laurie C. Wilhelm, West Englewood,
Mr. Irving Johnson, Chicago. New Jersey.
Mr. Charles N. Dible, Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. Samuel Hadsell, Phoenix, Arizona.
(Not reported at the time of his passing, Mrs. Muriel Rucker, Toronto, Canada.
September, 1934.) Mrs. Mary Arch, Washington, D. C
Mrs. Gertrude Anderson, Chicago, 111. Mrs. Edward Ruppers, Phoenix, Arizona.
Mr. Jacob Schmit, St. Paul, Minn. Mrs. Daisy G. Fry, Visalia, Calif.
Miss Jessie Bush, Newark, New Jersey. Miss Avis Morris, San Francisco, Calif.
J52 THE BAHA'f WORLD
Mr. Paul K. Dealy, Fairhope, Alabama. Mr. Cecil Carmody, New York.
Mr. T. C. Gunning-Davis, Chicago, 111. Dr. Hettie West, Los Angeles, Calif.
Mr. Charles Parker', Hales Corners, Wise. Mrs. Laura L. Drum, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Rose Henderson, Toronto, Canada. Mrs. Elizabeth Stein, Lima, Ohio.
Mrs. Mae Stone, Topeka, Kansas. Mr. J. B. Gordon Hall, Fernandina, Fla.
Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford, Toledo, Ohio. Mr. James Coe (former member of Racine
Mr. Worsley G. Hambrough, San Diego, Baha'i community).
Calif. Mrs. Mary A. Meredith, Buffalo, N. Y.
Mr. Claude Warren, Binghamton, N. Y. Mrs. Margaret Lyons, Colorado Springs,
Mr. Charles Edsall, Montclair, N. J. Col.
Mrs. Addie L. Cole, Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. Dudley J. Stevison, Chicago, 111.
Mrs. Cecile Hill, Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Gordon Hall, Fernandina, Fla.
Mrs. Mary D. Culver, Eliot, Maine. Mr. Howard Fenton, Akron, Ohio.
Mrs. E. L. Cavanee, Urbana, 111. Mrs. Andrew Fleming, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mrs. Flora P. Stone, Urbana, 111. Mrs. Cordie C. Cline, Yuba City, Calif.
Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Augusta, Ga. Mrs. Mabel Nickerson, Chicago, 111.
Miss Harriet Williams, Boston, Mass.
Miss Mary Ruth Nitsche, Muskegon, Mich.
Some notable Iranian believers who passed
Miss Bertha L. Lackey, Worcester, Mass.
away during 1936-37.
Mrs. Carrie Timleck, Geneva, N. Y.
Mr. Lloyd C. Hawley, San Francisco, Zaynu'l-'Abidin Abrari, Yazd.
fcalif. Qabil Abadi'i, Abadih.
Miss Esther Davis, La Jolla, Calif. Muhammad-Husayn Ulfat, Tihran.
Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Beverly, Mass. Muhammad-Natiq.
Mrs. Lucy A. Northrop, Oakland, Calif. Hasan Fu'adi, Tihran.
Mrs. Abbie Campbell, Los Angeles, Calif. Mihdi-Quli Mirza Mawzun, Hamadan.

Scelga un secondo testo da leggere in parallelo — una traduzione o qualsiasi altro testo.