Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada, The Baha'i Centenary, 1844-1944, Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1944, bahai-library.com.
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The House in Shiraz in which the Báb declared His mission, May 23, 1844.
The Baháí Centenary
1844-1944

A RECORD OF AMERICA’S RESPONSE
TO BAHA’U’LLAH’S CALL TO THE REALIZATION
OF THE ONENESS OF MANKIND

TO COMMEMORATE

THE ONE H U N D R E D T H ANNIVERSARY OF THE
BIRTH OF TH E BAHA I FA ITH

Compiled by

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the
United States and Canada

Baha’i Publishing Committee
Wilmette, Illinois
1944
Copyright 1944 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada

P R I N T E D I N U . S. A.
cs

3 *17.89
Foreword .................................................................................................................................. ix
f O N T E NTS
Introduction: The Bahá’í Faith— Principles and Teachings of a W orld Religion xi

PART ONE
The Dawn of the Bahá’í Revelation .................................................................................. 1
Martyrdom of the B áb.......................................................................................................... 6
BaháVllálťs Tribute to the B áb ......................................................................................... 13
The Báb and the Revelation of Bahá’u ’lláh ..................................................................... 15

PART TWO
America’s Spiritual Destiny: References to N orth America in the Bahá’í W ritings 19

PART THREE
History of the American Bahá’í Com m unity 65
The Bahá’í Faith Comes to A m erica..................................................................................... 78
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in A m erica...................................................................................................... 82
Cities of North America Visited by ‘A bdu’l-Bahá in 1912 90

PART FOUR
American Bahá’í Chronology................................................................................................ 93
The Formation of an Organic ReligiousC om m unity......................................................... 96
Bahá’í Headquarters ................................................................................................................. 110
Bahá’í Properties .................................................................................................. Ill

PART FIVE
The Bahá’í House of W orship................................................................................................ 114
History of Temple C onstruction......................................................................................... 122
The Temple Superstructure .................................................................................................. 135
Exterior Ornamentation ........................................................................................................ 136

PART SI X
Early Bahá’í Pilgrimages to ‘Akká and H a ifa ................................................................... 139
Teachers Sent to America by ‘Abdu’l-B ahá....................................................................... 143
The Development of Bahá’í Publications................................................................ 145
Bahá’í Teaching in N orth A m erica.................................................................................... 154

930480
VI CONTENTS

Bahd’i Teachers Go to Europe, Asia and A frica............................................................. 179
Baha’i Teaching in Latin America.................................................................................... 195
American Bahá’í Teachers Who Served in Other Lands.............................................. 200
Teaching Activity Serving Race U nity................................................................... 202
The Bahd’i Faith in the Colleges....................................................................................... 206
Teaching at the House of Worship................................................................................ 209

PART SEVEN
Bahd’i Schools ..................................................................................................................... 211

PART EIGHT
The American Bahd’i Community.................................................................................. 222
Bahá’i Sacred Relics in National Archives............ : .................. 234
Baha’i Literature .............................................................................................................. 239

PART NINE
Appreciations of the Baha’i F aith.................................................................................... . 248
References to the Bahd’i Faith in Books and Pamphlets................... 251
Acknowledgments .............................................................................................................. 253
VI CONTENTS

Bahá’í Teachers Go to Europe, Asia and A frica............................................................. 179
Bahá’í Teaching in Latin America.................................................................................... 195
American Bahd’i Teachers Who Served in Other Lands.............................................. 200
Teaching Activity Serving Race U nity................................................................. . . . 202
The Baha’i Faith in the Colleges....................................................................................... 206
Teaching at the House of Worship................................................................................ 209

PART SEVEN
Bahá’í Schools ..................................................................................................................... 211

PART EIGHT
The American Bahd’i Community.................................................................................. 222
Bahd’i Sacred Relics in National Archives........ . : ................. 234
Baha’i Literature .............................................................................................................. 239

PART NINE
Appreciations of the Bahá’i F aith.......................................................................... ? . 248
References to the Bahd’i Faith in Books and Pamphlets.............................................. 251
Acknowledgments .............................................................................................................. 253
ILLUSTRATIONS
Frontispiece: The House in Which the Báb Declared His Mission........................... ii
The Town and Castle of Máh-Kú Where the Báb Was Confined................................ 7
Shrine of the Báb and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Palestine ............... 14
The Interior of the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel............................................. 17
Garden of Ridván, Baghdád, Where Bahi’u’lUh Declared His Mission 32
Barracks at ‘Akká Where Bahá’u’lláh Was Incarcerated in 1868................................ 38
House Where Bahá’uTláh Passed Away at Bahjí, ‘Akká, Palestine.............................. 42
Views of the Outer Shrine of Bahá’uTláh...................................................................... 49
‘Abdu’l-Bahá ............................................................................................. 81
‘Abdu’l-Bahá On Grounds of the House of Worship ................................................... 84
Map of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Travel in America ................................................. 91
‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Unity Feast, West Englewood, New Jersey, 1912 92
Tablet Revealed by ‘AbduJ-Bahá to Bahá’í Body of Believers of Chicago 95
‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Leland Stanford University, October 8, 1912.................................... 103
The Interior of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on Mount Carmel.................................... 108
Central Office of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States
and Canada, at Wilmette, Illinois.............................................................................. 110
The Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois......................................................... 114
Detail of Exterior Ornamentation, Bahá’í House of Worship...................................... 120
The Seal of First American Bahá’í Assembly of the United States and Canada . 127
Delegates to the First Bahá’í Convention, March 1909 ............................................... 132
Group of Early American Believers of about 1900, Chicago...................................... 138
Federal Certificate of Declaration of Trust by the National Spiritual Assembly. . 146
Certificate of Palestine Government................................................................................... 152
Program, First BaháT Race Amity Convention, Washington, D. C., May 1921 168
Race Amity Conference, Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, August 1929 ........................... 204
Fellowship House, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine........................................ 210
Interior of Fellowship Flouse, Green Acre BaháT School, Eliot, Maine........ .............. 210
Dormitory and Dining Rooms, Green Acre Bahá’í School........................................... 213
vii
V lil

Bahá’i Hall, Green Acre Bahd’i School............................................................................ 213
Dormitory, Geyserville Baha’i School............................................................................ 216
Interior of Baha’i Hall, Geyserville Bahd’i School....................................................... 216
Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan ............................................................... 219
International Baha’i School, Colorado Springs, Colorado............................................ 221
Bahd’i Book Exhibit............................. 242
FOREWORD
T h e Declaration of His mission made by ‘All-Muhammad, the Báb, on May 23, 1844
in the city of Shiraz, Persia, inaugurated the era of spiritual knowledge and world civil­
ization. In Him the Persons of the Prophets, the Manifestations of God who had guided
the races and peoples along the paths of their destiny and renewed the Promise of God
to every darkened and soulless age, united in one transcendent mystery of Being, and
their Voices, the trumpet calls of history, became at last one Voice, their messages one v
Message, their purpose one Purpose.

In this creation of oneness where the world had always before realized only difference
and diversity, divine Providence employed the Báb as its instrument to establish the
spiritual condition from which should emanate the evolution of human nature and the
development of human society revealing the heavenly kingdom brought to and pre­
dominating over the substances and inertias of the human world. Inevitably His physical
being was slain, His followers martyred, His purpose resisted, His divine commission
denied, for in that implacable rage of the spiritually dead has the life of the spirit ever
been rekindled and released.

His Declaration brought all the calendars to an end. A new cycle began; and there­
fore to the Bahá’ís of East and West the date of May 23, 1844 possesses infinite sig­
nificance, for it is the first date and event affecting the entire world and all mankind
as one unit and one whole.

Now in this year of 1944 the Bahá’ís reverently celebrate this Anniversary, this
Festival of the inauguration of the oneness of humanity, the year 100 to those who
have become conscious of the spiritual miracle which God wrought a century ago. There
is one reverence, one gratitude, one adoration and one sacrifice filling with the same
spirit every community of Bahá’ís now existing in sixty or more countries. Though
they are outwardly and physically separated by wars, revolutions, differences of language
and all the divisive forces of the historic past, the Bahá’ís exemplify the conscious and
passionate inwardness of union transcending race, class, nation and creed.

This spiritual oneness is the true celebration of the Centenary, for it is the direct
and unique result of the inspiration which the Báb’s message breathed into our modern
world. Nothing else can claim to have been the source and cause of the recognition of
the oneness of God which has been the pivot around which all things revolve in this
age. But the Bahá’ís of all lands have each their particular contribution to make to the
public observance of the supreme event. Each community has had its particular history
to unfold and its special achievements to record.

The Bahá’ís of North America have compiled this work in order to afford to others
some glimpse of how one continent responded to the call of God. It is a Memorial which
all have combined to build during fifty years of continuous Bahá’í activity: those who
sacrificed for the construction of the noble House of Worship in the very heart of the
IX
X FOREWORD

country; those who traveled overseas to carry the Message to other lands; those who
entered into the founding of the Baha’i communities in hundreds of cities, towns and
villages here at home; those who assisted in the development of the administrative order;
those who taught, lectured, wrote and in their lives reflected the light of faith; those
who upraised the schools and other institutions which have become such powerful organs
of service—men and women representing whites and colored, Christian and Jew, artisan
and scientist, artist and business man, nucleus of the pattern traced by love and truth
upon the luminous surfaces of human hearts.
These are they who have found the path and entered the portals of security and
peace. What they have accomplished seems infinitely little in comparison to the surging
ocean of spiritual power vouchsafed to all who accept His message today; but they have
been as those settlers in new lands who have broken the soil, raised their homes and
fabricated tools and utensils as first step toward a higher order of human relations whose
proof for generations is a faith and a hope and not a visible civilization. What the
blessed century has accomplished has been the laying of a firm foundation. Others will
come with greater power, skill and resources to construct the temple of unity and peace
in which the spirit of men will dwell.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is
of the United States and Canada

536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.
January 11, 1944
INTRODUCTION

T H E B AHA’I F A I T H
Principles and Teachings of a World Religion

AY 23, 1944 will signalize the ending and from races to mankind. The direction
of the first century of the Bahd’i Era. That of events has been seized from human will
date marks an event of transcendent impor­ and exercised through its own channels and
tance in the evolution of religion and civ­ instruments by the will of God.
ilization. Therefore the sects and creeds, reflecting
From the dawn of the new era one hun­ the religious experience of an era that has
dred years ago, religion, reborn and re­ departed, attached to and dependent on the
vitalized, has been a spirit encompassing all principle of social isolation and self-suffi­
mankind. It has penetrated into every de­ ciency, have been deprived of divine guid­
partment of human activity, creating in­ ance. Hence too the political and economic
fluences capable of destroying old, outworn policies representing the material activity of
ideas and their instruments and of disciplin­ that same disavowed principle have become
ing and training the masses of human beings ineffective and impotent except in their ca­
for unified association in an ordered and pacity to undermine the order on which they
peaceful, world. The rise of science, the themselves depend.
spread of invention, the revolution in indus­ Destiny has moved outside and beyond the
try, the movement of peoples, the clash of ancient law of struggle and conflict to be
nations and the implacable struggle of social the guardian of a new Dispensation of jus­
philosophies, alike disclose the motivation of tice and order. The Bahd’i Faith, fulfilling
one spiritual impulse and energy which, lay­ the hope and vindicating the truth of for­
ing hold on humanity, has been shaping its mer Revelations, is the conscious expression
life in conformity with the possibilities of a of the new, world-unifying spirit in its
new, a greater age. source, its purpose and its power to regen­
Denied, even resisted by the prevalent atti­ erate the life of mankind.
tude of materialism, this force of transmu­
tation has, while the century closes, mani­ T he Source of Faith
fested its irresistible power, by gathering up
the peoples of East and West and plunging The source of religion is sacred and in­
them into the crucible of a common agQny violate. Every Faith has come into this
and trial. world from a higher realm. Every Revela­
Such an outcome can no longer be at­ tion has conveyed light from the Sun of
tributed to controllable human wills, acts truth to the darkness of human hearts and
and social trends. The groups and organiza­ minds. In each Dispensation the life of the
tions, great and small, which so long have soul has been rekindled, releasing capacity
maintained the principle of independence for moral conduct, ethical truth and social
and self-sufficiency, even nations and em­ cooperation. The life and teaching of the
pires, find themselves confronted by menac­ Founder of a religion is the essence and re­
ing conditions both within and without. ality of that Dispensation, not the catalogue
The universal upheaval is unprecedented. Its of dogmas and creeds which afterward reg­
implications can not be grasped except by isters the progress of disputation among His
recognition of this spirit from God and the followers and enthrones the arbitrary au­
working of His divine intention. Sovereignty thority of a few official religionists over the
has been transferred from nations to world people.
xi
THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Bahá’u’lláh has given the fworld today a words, their messages, their acts and man­
fuller measure of spiritual truth, befitting ners, hath indeed disbelieved in God, hath
the mature development of humanity and repudiated His signs, and betrayed the Cause
the larger responsibility laid upqn men called of His Messengers.”
to establish a world civilization Imbued with Thus we may realize today that the suc­
the spirit of divine law. cessive Faiths have been different stages
"The door of the knowledge of the along the same path of revealed truth. Their
Ancient Being,” He declares, f"hath ever relationship is that of one religion in con­
been and will continue for ever to be, closed tinuity, each later Faith fulfilling all those
in the face of men. No man’s understand­ that preceded it and preparing the way for
ing shall ever gain access unto His holy the future Faith to appear in its destined
court. As a token of His mercy,' however, time. To conceive of many religions and
and as a proof of His loving-kindness, He different faiths existing simultaneously, their
hath manifested unto men the Day Stars of mutual tolerance sharing only their separate­
His divine guidance, the Symbols of His di­ ness of inner purpose, is to identify men’s
vine unity, and hath ordained the knowledge repeated denials of God with obedience to
of these sanctified Beings to be identical with God and their imitations of His merciful
the knowledge of His own S e l f W h o s o Revelations with divine truth itself. It is
recognizeth them hath recognized God. when this identification has become com­
Whoso hearkeneth to their call, hath heark­ plete, and the name of religion connotes
ened to the Voice of God, and whoso testi- some divisive sect, some militant creed or
fieth to the truth of their Revelation, hath some impotent affirmation of already ac­
testified to the truth of God 'Jiimself. cepted general ideals, that the Manifestation
Whoso turneth away from them, hath of God returns to earth with power to de­
turned away from God, and whoso disbe- stroy error and establish teachings for a new
lieveth in them, hath disbelieved in God. cycle.
Every one of them is the Way of <§1^d that The oneness of revealed religion emerges
connecteth this world with the realms above, also when we consider the connection be­
and the Standard of His Truth unto every tween each Faith and its corresponding civil­
one in the kingdoms of earth and heaven. ization and culture. In its primitive purity,
They are the Manifestations of God amidst religion comes as a creative spirit inspiring
men, the evidences of His Truth, and the human beings to establish a community for
signs of His glory.” the expression of their union in devotion to
In these words the touchstone of religious newly revealed laws. They feel that their
truth and sincerity, the mainspring of faith, faith opens for them a greater possibility of
has been set up by which the attitude of the ordered life than man has ever before
individual and the worth of the religious achieved. Out of this common experience
group are being tested in this age as they a great civilization arises, runs its course of
were divinely tested by the words of Jesus development, and decays with the lapse of
in His Dispensation or by the commands of the motivating sacrifice and loyalty. Once
Moses in that Dispensation which Christ the process of dissolution has set in, the
brought to an end. civilization can never regain its unity of
The Founders of revealed religion, Abra­ purpose or restore the vital life of its faith.
ham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb and The disintegration of a civilization reveals
Baha’u’llah, "are all but one person, one soul, a prevalent sickness of soul, for the cycle of
one spirit, one being, one revelation,” and religion coincides with the cycle of the civil
Baha’u’llah warns the people "lest ye be ization it came to found. Until the spirit is
tempted to make any distinction between renewed by the divine will, the world has no
any of the Manifestations of His Cause, or power to heal its own disease. Attempts to
to discriminate against the signs that have reestablish the old order, or found a new so­
accompanied and proclaimed their Revela­ ciety, by revivals, adaptations and experi­
tion . . . Whoso maketh the slightest pos­ ments, are vain. Effort to seize the new
sible difference between their persons, their spirit and render it servant to the mainte-
INTRODUCTION xiii

nance of old ideas, old standards, old forms progressive. Indeed, the measure of Divine
and old authorities is fruitless. The con­ Revelation, in every age, has been adapted
tinued existence of mankind depends upon to, and commensurate with, the degree of
the return of the Holy Spirit, and this de­ social progress achieved in that age by a
pendence is the basis of true faith. constantly-evolving humanity. . . . The
Revelation associated with the Faith of Jesus
T he D ivine Purpose Christ focussed attention primarily on the
redemption of the individual and the mold­
The second illuminating truth conveyed ing of his conduct, and stressed, as its cen­
by Baha’u’llah is that revealed religion is not tral theme, the necessity of inculcating a
only continuous but progressive. The race of high standard of morality and discipline
man, under the manifest law of the universe, into man, as the fundamental unit in hu­
grows and develops. Humanity passes man society. Nowhere in the Gospels do
through stages of development and en­ we find any reference to the unity of na­
counters greater opportunity and respon­ tions or the unification of mankind as a
sibility as the stage of childhood recedes. H u­ whole. . . . The Faith of Islam, the succeed­
man capacity emerges and new faculties and ing link in the chain of Divine Revelation,
talents unfold. This organic process, the introduced, . . . the conception of the na­
divine purpose for mankind, moves forward tion as a unit and a vital stage in the or­
by successive and enlarging spiritual im­ ganization of human society, and embodied
pulses. At each stage, the soul and mind it in its teaching.”
of the race receives a new influx of inspira­ W ith the creation of independent nations,
tion, human consciousness deepens, and replacing the tribal units of earlier faiths,
when the direction and possibility of the the cycle of world order was Providentially
new cycle has become established in the prepared. The divine purpose has mani­
realm of faith, men express their enlarged fested itself anew, the law of the oneness of
capacity by forming a greater civilization. mankind has been revealed, and the spiritual
"The All-Knowing Physician,” in Ba- impulse by which the race can achieve world
hd’u’llah’s statement, "hath His finger on unification has been communicated through
the pulse of mankind. He perceiveth the dis­ the agency of a new World Faith.
ease, and prescribeth, in His unerring wis­ "No sooner had He revealed Himself,”
dom, the remedy. Every age hath its own Baha’u’llah wrote concerning the appearance
problem, and every soul its particular aspi­ of the Báb in 1844, "than the foundations
ration. The remedy the world needeth in of the kindreds of the earth shook and
its present-day afflictions can never be the trembled, and the learned swooned away,
same as that which a subsequent age may and the wise were bewildered, except such
require. Be anxiously concerned with the as have, through the power of Thy might,
needs of the age ye live in, and center your drawn nigh unto Thee. . . . ” "Through
deliberations on its exigencies and require­ that Word,” He wrote concerning His own
ments.” appearance, "the realities of all created
In his capacity of interpreter of Bahd’u’l- things were shaken, were divided, separated,
ldh’s Writings, Shoghi Effendi, first Guard­ scattered, combined and reunited, disclosing,
ian of the Baha’i Faith, has definitely traced in both the contingent world and the
the operation of this principle from stage heavenly kingdom, entities of a new crea­
to stage. tion, and revealing, in the unseen realms,
"Just as the organic evolution of man­ the signs and tokens of Thy unity and one­
kind has been slow and gradual and involved ness. Through that Call Thou didst an­
successively the unification of the family, nounce unto all Thy servants the advent of
the tribe, the city-state, and the nation, so Thy most great Revelation and the ap­
has the light vouchsafed by the Revelation pearance of Thy most perfect Cause.”
of God, at various stages in the evolution ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s
of religion, and reflected in the successive Covenant, who promulgated His Faith
Dispensations of the past, been slow and through the East and West, exemplified the
XIV THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

perfect type of human character, intel­ whatever its class, creed, race or nation.
ligence and soul expressive of th^ laws and In one of His public addresses in America
principles of this World Era. "Humanity He presented the following summary:—
has emerged,” He said, "from its former "The oneness of the world of humanity.
state of limitation and preliminary train­ "The protection and guidance of the Holy
ing. Man must now become imbued with Spirit.
new virtues and powers, new moral stand­ "The foundation of all religion is one.
ards, new capacities. New bounties, perfect "Religion must be the cause of unity.
bestowals, are awaiting and already descend­ "Religion must accord with science and
ing upon him. The gifts and blessings of thd reason.
period of youth, although timely and suf­ "Independent investigation of truth.
ficient during the adolescence of mankind, are "Equality between men and women.
now incapable of meeting the requirements "The abandoning of all prejudices among
of its maturity. . . . All nations and kin­ mankind.
dreds . . . will become a single nation. Re­ "Universal peace.
ligious and sectarian antagonism, the hos­ "Universal education.
tility of races and peoples, and differences "A universal language.
among nations, will be eliminated. All "Solution of the economic problem.
men will adhere to one religion, will have "An international tribunal.”
one common faith, will be blended into one Of the source and meaning of these teach­
race, and will become a single people. All ings He said: "His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh has
will dwell in one common fatherland, which dawned from the horizon of, the Orient,
is the planet itself.” flooding all regions with light and life which
will never pass away. His teachings . . . .
Laws, Principles, T eachings embody the divine spirit of the age and
are applicable to this period of maturity in
Religion is the depository of spiritual the life of the human world................
truth. Its laws and principles revealed by "Every one who truly seeks and justly
the Manifestations of God constitute the reflects will admit that the teachings of the
reality of man’s relations to God, to himself present day emanating from mere human
and to other men. What science is to the sources and authority are the cause of dif­
natural universe religion is to mankind in ficulty and disagreement amongst mankind,
all that pertains to its spiritual, its super­ the very destroyers of humanity, whereas
natural endowment and aim. There is no the teachings of BaháVlláh are the very
chaos nor void where truth ceases to exist healing of the sick world, the remedy for
nor laws to operate, but there is in man a every need and condition. In them may be
realm of ignorance where he attempts to found the realization of every desire and
deny a divine law by substituting human aspiration, the cause of the happiness of
desire and human opinion. The appearance the world of humanity, the stimulus and il­
of the new Manifestation brings all spiritual lumination of mentality, the impulse for ad­
evasion and subterfuge to an end. He cre­ vancement and uplift, the basis of unity for
ates a condition in which only truth can all nations, the fountain-source of love
survive. amongst mankind, the center of agreement,
In the Bahd’i Dispensation we find laws, the means of peace and harmony, the one
principles and teachings, all reflecting the bond which will unite the East and the
spirit of the new World Era. In this Dis­ West.”
pensation religion brings fulfilment to feel­ Those, who sought no further than this
ing, will and reason in balance and har­ preliminary discussion, conceived of the
mony. Faith as a leaven gradually penetrating the
The western world first learned of the masses of mankind, urged and promoted by
Faith through its principles. ‘Abdu’l-Baha the enlightened and the idealistic in and
expounded them in the form of general through the reformation of the traditional
truths acceptable to the enlightened mind movements and organizations. ‘Abdu’l-
INTRODUCTION xv

Bahá, however, plainly set forth the sov­ Man’s first duty is to know his own
ereign quality of revealed religion, as, for self and the conditions of progress and abase­
example, in the following Tablet addressed ment. After maturity has been attained,
to American Baha’is. wealth is needed for the attainment of so­
"In the contingent world there are many cial personality, and this is to be earned
collective centers which are conducive to through the practice of a profession, art,
association and unity between the children trade or craft. Associate in a joyous spirit
of men. For example patriotism is a col­ with the followers of all religions and the
lective center; nationalism is a collective members of all. races and nations. The su­
center, identity of interests is a collective preme obligation is to attain a good char­
center; political alliance is a collective cen­ acter. Through trustworthiness mankind
ter; the union of ideals is a collective center, will obtain security and tranquillity. Re­
and the prosperity of the world of humanity spect possessors of talent. Meet all obliga­
is dependent upon the organization and pro­ tions due to others. Refrain from slander
motion of the collective centers. Neverthe­ and backbiting. To acquire knowledge is
less, all the above institutions are, in reality, incumbent on all, but knowledge must be
the matter and not the substance, accidental of matters useful to mankind. Agriculture
and not eternal— temporary and not ever­ is of first importance. Human existence
lasting. With the appearance of great revo­ rests upon the two pillars of reward (for
lutions and upheavals, all these collective obedience to divine command) and punish­
centers are swept away. But the collective ment (for disobedience to it). Kings and
center of the Kingdom, embodying the In­ rulers are to uphold religion as the means
stitutes and Divine Teachings, is the eternal to world order and peace. Schools must
collective center........ The real Collective train children in the principles of religion.
Center is the body of the Divine Teachings, Celibacy and seclusion from the world are
which include all the degrees and embrace not approved. Warfare for religious reasons
all the universal relations and necessary is prohibited. Kings and rulers are exhorted
laws of humanity.” to protect and assist the Bahá’í community.
Behind the principles of rational truth, Governments must appoint or elect to of­
therefore, we look for the deeper implica­ fice only such persons as have character and
tions of law and ordinance. capacity. The repentant sinner must turn
In studying Bahá’u’lláh’s laws and or­ to God for forgiveness and not to any hu­
dinances, we note that He revealed nothing man being.
in the form of a code or constitution. His The realm of law and ordinance is de­
teachings represent virtues and attitudes, or fined and given a firm basis in the establish­
deal with matters which He did not intend ment of social institutions with definite
to be altered during this cycle. The Baha’i functions for the Bahá’í community, and
code will come into existence through the the conveyance of specific authority to be
legislative institutions which Bahá’u’lláh effective after Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension. "The
created, and whose enactments are subject affairs of the people are placed in charge of
to revision from time to time as conditions the men of the House of Justice of God.
change. They are the trustees of God among His
The laws of Bahá’u’lláh include: the obli­ servants and the daysprings of command in
gation of daily prayer; an annual fasting His countries.
period of nineteen days; prohibition of use "O people of God! The trainer of the
of alcoholic liquor or drugs; monogamy; world is justice, for it consists of two pil­
marriage contingent upon the consent of all lars: reward and retribution. These two
four parents, or those living; obedience to pillars are two fountains for the life of
civil government; obligation to engage in the people of the world. Inasmuch as for
a useful trade, art or profession; prohibi­ each time and day a particular decree and
tion of a clergy in the Bahd’i Faith. order is expedient, affairs are therefore en­
Other ordinances and directions found in trusted to the ministers of the House of
His writings can be summarized as follows: Justice, so that they may execute that which
XVI THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

they deem advisable at the time. Those lamation of the reign of righteousness and
souls who arise to please God will be in­ justice upon the earth.”
spired by the divine, invisible inspirations.
It is incumbent upon all to obey.” B irt h of a W orld F a it h
The relation of this function to the spirit­
ual realm of the Faith has been placed be­ The inmost soul of religion is its reflec­
yond the possibility of doubt and disagree­ tion of the divine light and love. The Be­
ment. “Administrative affairs,” Bahá’u’l- ing men call prophet, messenger or messiah,
láh declared, “are all in charge of the House outwardly a physical man, is inwardly a
of Justice; but acts of worship must be ob­ flame enkindled from a higher world. By
served according as they are revealed in the Him men are born from their physical self
Book.” to their spiritual reality. By His summons
The aim of this term of social and a mighty tempest is unloosed which de- %
spiritual evolution has been firmly fixed. stroys evil attitudes, habits and patterns.
“The ministers of the House of Justice must To recognize Him is man’s supreme blessing,
promote the Most Great Peace.” to serve Him is the essence of existence.
As ‘Abdu’l-Bahd explained in His Will and Through Him God destroys and creates,
Testament, this House of Justice is an inter­ punishes and rewards, darkens and illumines
national body whose members are to be all things on earth. He sends an ocean of
elected by national representatives of the truth to confound men’s limited conceptions
Baha’is. and lights a sun of love to replace their
In the Person of ťAbdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh flickering candles of personal affection.
established authority as Interpreter of His Aside from Him there is no path to God.
Revelation and Exemplar of the Faith. The The cherished mystery of true faith has
Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh in reality is to been the sacred teaching of the Covenant
be viewed as more than an initial spiritual which the Creator made with man, that
impulse breathed into the human heart and He would not abandon the human race
left to humanity’s own devices to direct and but send His messenger to redeem them
apply throughout an historical epoch. His from age to age for evermore. But the
Dispensation is an organism created to func­ Covenant laid upon human beings the con­
tion in and through the entire epoch, for dition that they would remain firm in the
divine guidance has been promised to man­ Promise and recognize and obey the Lord
kind henceforth, the day of God’s Kingdom of the Covenant whenever, wherever, how­
having dawned. ever He might appear.
Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith, has The proclamation uttered by Mírzá ‘Alidisclosed this new dimension which religion Muhammad (the Báb) in Shi ráz, Írán, one
in its fulfillment has attained. “For Bahá’u’1- hundred years ago, restored to the world in
láh, we should readily recognize, has not its night of darkness the power of the Holy
only imbued mankind with a new and re­ Spirit. His manifestation offered to the
generating Spirit, He has not merely enunci­ people of Islám the fulfillment of their hope;
ated certain universal principles, or pro­ to Christians He was the return of Christ;
pounded a particular philosophy, however and to Jews their assured Messiah. Against
potent, sound and universal these may be. Him the inveterate forces of fanaticism,
In addition to these He, as well as ‘Abdu’l- materialism and ruthless intolerance inflicted
Bahá after Him, has, unlike the Dispensa­ martyrdom six years after He undertook
tions of the past, clearly and specifically laid His mission to herald the imminent appear­
down a set of laws, established definite insti­ ance of Bahá’u’lláh. He left behind Him
tutions, and provided for the essentials of a among the Persian people such intense de­
Divine Economy. These are destined to be votion and faith that thousands underwent
a pattern for the future society, a supreme torture and death rather than forsake their
instrument for the establishment of the love for Him. But during that six years the
Most Great Peace, and the one agency for Báb invoked the measure of faith and new
the unification of the world, and the proc­ spiritual life that was required to prepare
INTRODUCTION XVII

the world for the greater Manifestation to many countries through the early stages of
follow. the local and national Bahá’í communities
The Báb was martyred in Tabriz on July upon which the future international Bahá’í
9, 18 50. After cruel imprisonment in order is to rest. For He, in addition to His
Tihrán, the seizure of His wealth, and exile station as Interpreter, was also appointed
to Baghdad. Bahá’u’lláh declared His mis­ by Bahá’u’lláh to be the Center of His
sion in the year 1863, surrounded by a Covenant with mankind. Through Him
small company of believers who had suc­ the formative and evolutionary spirit of this
ceeded in accompanying Him. From Dispensation carried forward the work of
Baghdád, Bahá’u’lláh was exiled succes­ Bahá’u’lláh without interruption for thirty
sively to Constantinople, Adrianople and years, assuring the preservation of the funda­
‘Akká, in the Holy Land, where He remained mental aim and character of the new Faith.
a prisoner until His ascension in 1892. Un­ Concerning the nature of the mission
der such conditions Bahá’u’lláh revealed the bestowed upon Him by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’lspiritual and social teachings for the world Bahá declared: "In former cycles no dis­
.civilization and divine order with which His tinct Covenant was made in writing by
Dispensation is identified. the Supreme Pen (i.e., the Manifesta­
A prisoner and an exile, Bahá’u’lláh ad­ tion) ; no distinct personage was appointed
dressed letters to kings and rulers, to heads to be the standard differentiating falsehood
of religion, expounding the laws of peace from truth . . . . But in this Dispensation of
and calling upon them to heed the counsels the Blessed Beauty (i.e., Bahá’u’lláh), among
revealed in the Greatest Name of God. The its distinctions is that He did not leave
mystery of worship, the realities of faith, the people in perplexity. He entered into a
the principles of conduct and the evolution Covenant and Testament with the people.
of justice and order were given the world He appointed a Center of the Covenant.”
in innumerable tablets and books at a time "One of the enemies of the Cause,”
when in the countries of Islam it was a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá warned, "is he who endeavors
capital offense to even possess a copy of His to interpret the Words of Bahá’u’lláh
sacred Word. and thereby colors the meaning according
From 1892 until 1921, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá led to his capacity, and collects around him a
the Baha’i community, guided its develop­ following, forming a different sect, promot­
ment, inspired its efforts,tclarified its teach­ ing his own station and making division in
ings, unified its members, and preserved its the Cause.” Acting on this truth, for the
spiritual integrity. Released from prison by protection of the unity of the Faith, and to
the revolution in Turkey which overthrew symbolize forever the fundamental dif­
the Sultán, Caliph of Islám, ťAbdu’l-Bahá ference between superficial tolerance and
traveled from 1911 to 1913 in Egypt, Eu­ oneness of faith, ‘Abdu’l-Báhá Himself ex­
rope, the United States and Canada. D ur­ pelled treacherous persons, including mem­
ing this journey He established the Faith bers of Bahá’u’lláh’s own family, from the
of Bahá’u’lláh in the West and brought it Cause.
into contact with innumerable public lead­ "He is,” the Guardian has written, "and
ers and organizations. The result of this should for all time be regarded, first and
unique teaching mission was the enrich­ foremost, as the Center and Pivot of Bahá’-
ment of Bahá’í literature by the recorded u’lláh’s peerless and all-enfolding Covenant,
addresses He delivered in Paris, London and His most exalted handiwork, the stainless
many cities of North America. Upon the Mirror of His light, the perfect Exemplar
American Bahá’ís, ťAbdu’l-Bahá laid the of His teachings, the unerring Interpreter of
great responsibility for carrying the Faith His Word . . . . the Ensign of the Most Great
to the ends of the world after His earthly Peace.”
work had come to an end. Since 1921 the Bahá’í community
It was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, likewise, who de­ throughout the world has been unified and
veloped the administrative order of the directed by the Guardian, within the ad­
Faith, guiding the progress of the Bahá’ís in ministrative order set forth and established
xviii THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

in ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s written Testament. ‘Ab- power of the Faith to assimilate and unify
du’l-Bahá provided details for the forma­ diverse peoples has been demonstrated with
tion of local, national and Universal Houses ever-increasing might. Nowhere else in the
of Justice. He created the Guardianship in world today does there exist any social body
a line of succession through His eldest grand­ similar to the unique community which has
son, Shoghi Effendi; endowed this office with arisen in response to His call. Spread in
sole authority to interpret the Baha’i w rit­ many parts of the world, separated by dif­
ings after His own departure; made the ference of language, custom, tradition and
Guardian the presiding officer of the future outlook as well as by the operation of con­
International House of Justice; attributed flicting political and economic policies in
to him the payment of the special donation their environment, this community of be­
known as Huquq, and authorized the Guard­ lievers could not be held together by per­
ian to appoint a body to be known as the sonal agreement but by a power which sur­
Hands of the Cause. "The creative energies rounds them and combines them through a
released by the Law of Baha’u’lldh, permeat­ superhuman force.
ing and evolving within the mind of *Ab- The Bahá’í community feels itself im­
du’l-Bahá, have . . . given birth to an In­ mersed in a spiritual reality which encom­
strument which may be viewed as the passes it as by an invisible but potent atmos­
Charter of the New World Order which is phere or sea. The influence of that sur­
at once the glory and the promise of this rounding spirit makes itself continuously
most great Dispensation,” the Guardian ex­ felt, like the virtue of health in a physical
plains. organism which adjusts it to pontinuous
During the present formative period, growth and development.
sacred writings of the Faith have been trans­ The believers think of the teachings of
lated into some thirty-five languages, com­ Baha’u’llah not as doctrines but as truths
prehensive selections made by the Guardian which come to life in their application to
from words of Bahá’u’lláh have been pub­ problems of conduct and human association.
lished, works of Baha’i history made avail­ The concept of foreignness or the alien in
able, the institutions developed, and the Faith mankind has been replaced by the ideal of
carried into thirty or more countries where fellowship. Bahá’u’lláh has given assurance
the light had not penetrated in ‘Abdu’l- that the process of destruction now operat­
Bahá’s ministry. In North America, prop­ ing is but the necessary preliminary to the
erties have been transferred to Bahd’i trus­ process of construction which will even­
tees for educational activities in Eliot, Maine, tually produce the harmonious coordination
Geyserville, California and Pine Valley, of the views and feelings, the interests and
Colorado Springs, Colorado, in addition to the institutions, the activities and the aims
properties dedicated as memorials to ‘Abdu’l- of all mankind.
Bahá in West Englewood, New Jersey and On the foundation of spiritual equality
Malden, Massachusetts. A vigorous publish­ before the law and the authority of their
ing activity has long been maintained, and Faith, the Baha’is maintain their community
local communities founded in more than one worship and activity through local, national
hundred cities. The spiritual and administra­ and international institutions which distrib­
tive activities of the American Baha’i com­ ute power and authority in accordance with
munity revolve around the impressive House the natural duties and functions of an or­
of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, the super­ dered society. All that pertains to daily
structure of which was constructed in 1930 action is assigned to the local Spiritual As­
and 1931, and the exterior ornamentation sembly under the principle of decentraliza­
completed in January, 1943. tion of administrative control. The local
communities are coordinated by a National
A dm in istra tive O rder
Spiritual Assembly elected by delegates
The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh expresses itself chosen on the basis of proportionate repre­
through a community and not through a sentation. These National Assemblies in
church. Since this Dispensation began, the turn will be the electoral bodies by whom
INTRODUCTION XIX

the members of an International Assembly, His wholesome medicine can ever restore it.”
or House of Justice, will be selected. In —Bahá’u’lláh.
the delegation of authority, the source or
reservoir of power lies at the Center of the The Writings of Baha’u’llah available in
world community, and duties and functions the English language include the following
are assigned downward to the progressively titles, with a brief description for the in­
smaller national and local units. This order formation of the seeker:
follows inevitably from the fact that the Hidden Words: sayings which summarize
whole body of authority was created in and the spiritual truths revealed in past Revela­
through Baha’u’llah and by Him assigned to tions.
His ministers and institutions as servants of Seven Valleys and Four Valleys: treatises
mankind. Historically, the Bahd’i World on the journey of the soul through the stages
Order originated at the Center, unlike those of experience and unfoldment to its recog­
social bodies which develop from local units nition of the divine Friend.
and whose central institutions reflect a Kitáb-i-íqán: The "Book of Certitude,”
secondary and imperfectly delegated power. interpreting the theme of the oneness of
The Baha’i thus realizes himself as part of the revealed Faiths and the station of the
a newly-created world, a world raised up by Manifestation of God.
God above the tumults of the past, and en­ Epistle to the Son of the Wolf: ad­
dowed with a new destiny which the forces dressed to an implacable enemy of the Faith,
of disunity can assail but never destroy. The setting forth Bahá’u’lláh’s suffering and re­
believer need no longer be partisan to the capitulating many of His teachings.
titanic struggles of competitive social values, Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’1-
whether capitalism, communism or state láh: the Guardian’s selection and trans­
socialism, because such conflicts can never lation of one hundred and sixty-five pas­
be resolved. What the world needs, He sages from the body of Bahá’u’lláh’s W rit­
has learned, is a new mind and a new heart. ings.
"This Administrative Order,” Shoghi Ef- Prayers and Meditations by Baha’u’lldh:
fendi points out, "is fundamentally dif­ the Guardian’s selection and translation of
ferent from anything that any Prophet has one hundred and eighty-four passages from
previously established, inasmuch as Baha’u’l­ Baha’u’lldh’s Writings pertaining to prayer,
lah has flimself revealed its principles, estab­ supplication and the spiritual life.
lished its institutions, appointed the person Of works revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá the
to interpret His Word and conferred the American Bahd’is have available:
necessary authority on the body designed Some Answered Questions: His exposi­
to supplement and apply His legislative or­ tion of religious and philosophic questions
dinances. Therein lies the secret of its submitted to Him by an American believer
strength, its fundamental distinction, and at ‘Akka in 1907.
the guarantee against disintegration and The Promulgation of Universal Peace:
schism ............. Alone of all the Revelations the text of the public addresses delivered at
gone before it, this Faith has, through the Bahá’í gatherings and at public meetings
explicit directions, the repeated warnings, in the United States and Canada during His
the authenticated safeguards incorporated visit from April to December, 1912.
and elaborated in its teachings, succeeded Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha: three volumes
in raising a structure which the bewildered of collected letters (Tablets) revealed to
followers of bankrupt and broken creeds Baha’i Assemblies, groups and individual be­
might well approach and critically examine, lievers during the early years of the Faith
and seek, ere it is too late, the invulnerable in America.
security of its world-embracing shelter.” The Bahd’i Peace Program: combining the
text of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Tablet to the Com­
Sacred W ritings
mittee on Durable Peace, The Hague, and
"The vitality of men’s belief in God is His Tablet to the late Dr. Auguste Forel
dying out in every land; nothing short of of Switzerland.
XX THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

A one-volume collection of the Writings peoples, races, nations and religions of the
of BaháVlláh and ‘AbduJ-Bahá has been is­ modern world; war and revolution realized
sued under the title of: Bahá’í World Faith. as punishment of human sins and purifica­
The published works of the first Guardian, tion for the blessings of the Day of Justice
Shoghi Effendi, include: and Peace.
Bahá’í Administration: letters to the The most comprehensive presentation of
American Bahá’í community, annual Con­ the activities and progress of the world
vention, and National Spiritual Assembly community of Bahá’ís will be found in the
outlining the administrative order. successive volumes of The Bahá’í World,
The World Order of BaháVlláh: state­ the International Bahá’i biennial record
ments on the Faith in relation to the cur­ edited under the Guardian’s supervision.
rent period of international struggle and
war. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
The Advent of Divine Justice: the signi­ OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE
ficance of the teaching mission entrusted to UNITED STATES AND CANADA
the American Bahd’is.
The Promised Day Is Come: the impact 536 Sheridan Road,
of the Revelation of BaháVlláh upon the Wilmette, Illinois.
PART ONE

D A W N OF T H E BAHA' I
REVELATION
From N a b i l ’s N a r r a t i v e "'

I m m e d i a t e l y after the completion of Mullá Husayn recount to the early believers
his forty days’ retirement, Mullá Husayn, the story of the latter’s moving and historic
together with his two companions, departed interview with the Báb, has related to me
for Najaf. He left Karbilá at night, vis­ the following: “I have heard Mullá Husayn
ited the holy shrine at Najaf, and proceeded describe graphically and repeatedly the fol­
directly to Búshihr, on the Persian Gulf. lowing account: The Youth Who met me,
There he started on his holy quest after the outside the gates of Shiráz, overwhelmed
Beloved of his heart’s desire. There, for me with expressions of affection and loving­
the first time, he inhaled the fragrance of kindness. He extended to me a warm in­
his concealed Beloved, Who for years had vitation to visit His home, and there seek
led in that city the life of an ordinary citi­ to refresh myself from the fatigues óf my
zen and of a humble merchant. There he journey. I prayed to be excused, pleading
perceived the sweet savors of holiness with that my two companions were already ar­
which that Beloved’s countless invocations ranging for my stay in that city, and were
and pious worship had so richly impregnated now awaiting my return. He refused to
the atmosphere of that city. consider my request, however, and observed
He could not, however, tarry any longer saying: ‘Do thou commit them to the care
in Búshihr. Drawn as if by a magnet which of God. He will verily protect and watch
seemed to attract him irresistibly towards over them.’ He spoke these words, and bade
the North, he proceeded to Shiráz. Arriv­ me follow Him. I was profoundly im­
ing at the gates of that city, he instructed pressed by that gentle and yet compelling
his brother and his nephew to proceed di­ manner in which that strange Youth spoke
rectly to the Masjid of ílMiáni and there to me. As I followed Him, His gait, the
to await his coming. He expressed the hope charm of His voice, the dignity of His
that, God willing, he would arrive in time bearing, served to enhance my first impres­
to join them in their evening prayer. sions of this unexpected encounter.
On that very day, a few hours before “We were soon standing at the gate of
sunset, whilst walking outside the gates of a house of modest appearance. He knocked
that city, his eyes fell suddenly upon a at the door, which was soon opened by an
Youth, wearing a green turban, and of ra­ Ethiopian servant. Entering the house, and
diant countenance, Who, advancing towards turning to me He said: ‘Enter therein in
him and smilingly gazing at his face, ex­ peace, secure.’ These significant words, u t­
tended to him a most loving welcome. He tered with power and majesty, penetrated
embraced Mullá Husayn with tenderness my very soul. I thought it a good augury
and affection, and greeted him as if he were to be addressed with such words standing as
an intimate and lifelong friend. Mullá I did on the threshold of the first house I
Husayn thought Him at first to be a disciple was entering in Shiráz, a city whose very
of Siyyid Kázim, who had been informed atmosphere had produced already an in­
of his approach to Shiráz, and who had describable impression upon me. ‘Might not
come out to welcome him. * The Dawn-Breakers: N ab il’s Narrative of the
Mirzá Ahmad-i-Qazvini, a martyr of the Early Days of the Baha’i Revelation, Translated and
Faith, who had on several occasions heard Edited by Shoghi Effendi.

2 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

my visit to this house,’ I thought to myself, wide, in quest of the promised Beloved. I
‘enable me to draw nearer to the Object have accordingly journeyed to Persia, have
of my quest? Might it not hasten the ter­ arisen* to accomplish his will, and am still
mination of a period of intense longing, of engaged in my quest.’ Thereupon He in­
strenuous search, of increasing anxiety, quired: ‘Has your teacher given you any
which such a quest involves’? As I entered detailed indications as to the distinguishing
the house, and followed my Host to His features of the promised One?’ ‘Yes,’ I
chamber, a feeling of unutterable joy in­ replied. 'He is of a pure lineage, is of illus­
vaded my being. Immediately we wrere trious descent, and of the seed of Fátimih.
seated, He ordered a ewer of water to be As to His age, He is more than twenty and
brought, and bade me wash away from my less than thirty. He is endowed with innate
hands and feet the stains of travel. I knowledge. He is of medium height, ab­
pleaded permission to retire from His pres­ stains from smoking, and is free from bodily
ence, and perform my ablutions in an ad­ deficiency.’ He paused for awhile, and then
joining room. He refused to grant my re­ with vibrant voice declared: ‘Behold! all
quest, and proceeded to pour water over my these signs are manifested in Me!’ He then
hands. He then gave me to drink of a considered each of the above-mentioned
refreshing beverage. Soon after He asked signs separately, and conclusively demon­
for the samovar and Himself prepared the strated that each and all were applicable to
tea which He offered to me. His person. I was greatly surprised, and
“Overwhelmed with His acts of extreme politely observed: ‘He Whose advent we
kindness, I arose to depart. ‘The time for await is a Man of unsurpassed, holiness, and
evening prayer is approaching,’ I ventured the Cause He is to reveal a Cause of tre­
to observe. ‘I have promised my friends to mendous power. Many and divers are the
join them at that hour in the Masjid of requirements which He Who claimeth to be
Ílldiání.’ With infinite courtesy and calm, its visible embodiment must needs fulfill.
He replied: ‘Thou must have surely made How often has Siyyid Kázim referred to
thy return at the appointed hour dependent the vastness of the knowledge of the prom­
upon the will and pleasure of God. It seem- ised One, saying: "My own knowledge is
eth that His will hath decreed otherwise! but a drop compared with that with which
Thou needest have no fear of having broken He has been endowed. All my attainments
thy pledge.’ His dignity and self-assurance are but a speck of dust in the face of the
silenced me. I renewed my ablutions, and immensity of His knowledge. Nay, immeas­
prepared for prayer. He, too, stood beside urable is the difference!” No sooner had I
me, and prayed. Whilst praying, I unbur­ uttered these words, than I found myself
dened my soul, which was much oppressed seized with fear and remorse such as I could
both with the mystery of this interview and neither conceal nor explain. I bitterly re­
the strain and stress of my search. I proved myself, and resolved at that very
breathed this prayer: ‘I have striven, with moment to alter my attitude and to soften
all my soul, O my God! and until now have my tone. I vowed that should my Host
failed to find Thy promised Messenger. I again refer to the subject, I would, with
testify that Thy Word faileth not, and that the utmost humility, answer and say:
Thy promise is sure.’ 'Shouldst Thou substantiate Thy claim,
“That night, that memorable night, was Thou wouldst most assuredly deliver me
the eve of the fifth day of Jamadiyu’l- from the state of anxiety and suspense
‘Avval, of the year 1260 A.H. It was about which so heavily oppress my soul. I shall
an hour after sunset, when my youthful truly be indebted to Thee for such deliver­
Host began to converse with me. He first ance.’ When I first started upon my quest,
questioned me saying: ‘Who, after Siyyid I determined to regard the following as the
Kázim, regard you as his successor and your sole standards whereby I could ascertain
leader?’ ‘At the hour of his death,’ I replied, the truth of Whoever might claim to be the
‘our departed teacher insistently exhorted us promised Qa’im. The first was a treatise
to forsake our homes, to scatter far and which I had myself composed, bearing upon
THE DAWN OF THE B A H A ’I R E V E L A T I O N 3

the abstruse and hidden teachings pro­ standards. Were I to fail to resolve thy per­
pounded by Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Ká­ plexities, could the Reality that shines
zim. Whoever seemed to me capable of un­ within Me be regarded as powerless, or My
raveling the mysterious allusions made in knowledge be accused as faulty? Nay, by
that treatise, to Him I would next submit the righteousness of God! It behoveth in
my second request, and would ask Him to this day the peoples and nations of both the
reveal, without the least hesitation and re­ East and the West to hasten unto this
flection, a commentary on the Súrah of threshold and there to seek to obtain the
Joseph, in a style and language entirely reviving grace of the Merciful. Whoso
different from the prevailing standards of hesitates, will indeed be in grievous loss!
the time. I had previously requested Siyyid Do not the peoples of the earth testify that
Kázim, in private, to write a commentary the fundamental purpose of their creation
on that same Súrah, which he refused, say­ is the knowledge and adoration of God? It
ing: ‘This is verily beyond me. He, that behoveth them to arise, as earnestly and
great One, Who cometh after me, will, un­ spontaneously as thou hast arisen, and to seek,
asked, reveal it for thee. The commentary with determination and constancy, their
which He will write for thee shall constitute promised Beloved.’ He then proceeded to
one of the weightiest testimonies to His say: ‘Now is the time to reveal the com­
truth, and one of the clearest evidences of mentary on the Súrah of Joseph.’ He took
the loftiness of His position/ up His pen, and with incredible rapidity
“I was revolving these things in my mind, revealed the entire Súrah of Mulk, the first
when my distinguished Host again re­ section of His commentary on the Súrah of
marked: ‘Observe attentively. Might not Joseph. The overpowering effect of the
the Person intended by Siyyid Kázim be manner in which He wrote was heightened
none other than Me?’ I thereupon felt im­ by the gentle intonation of His voice which
pelled to present to Him a copy of the accompanied His writing. Not for one mo­
treatise which I had with me, and requested ment did He interrupt the flow of the verses
Him saying: 'I pray Thee to read this book which streamed from His pen. Not once
of mine, and to look at its pages with indul­ did He pause till the Súrah of Mulk was
gent eyes. I beg Thee to overlook my finished. I sat enraptured by the magic of
weaknesses and failings.’ He graciously His voice and the sweeping force of His
complied with my wish. He held the book revelation. At last, I reluctantly rose from
in His hands, opened it, glanced at certain my seat, and begged leave to depart. He
passages, closed it, and began to address me. smilingly bade me be seated, and said: ‘If
Within a few minutes He had, with char­ thou leavest in such a state, whosoever shall
acteristic vigor and charm, unraveled all observe thee will assuredly say, "This poor
its mysteries and resolved all its problems! youth hath lost his mind.” ’ At that moment,
Having to my entire satisfaction accom­ the clock registered two hours and eleven
plished, in so short a time, the tasks I had minutes after sunset. That night, the eve
expected Him to perform, He further ex­ of the fifth day of Jámádíyu’l-‘Avval, of
pounded to me certain truths which could the year 1260 A.H., corresponded with the
be found neither in the reported sayings eve of the sixty-sixth day after Naw-rúz,
of the Imams of the Faith nor in the w rit­ which was also the eve of the sixth day of
ing of Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Kázim. Khurdád, of the year Nahang. ‘This night,’
These truths, of which I had never heard He declared, ‘this very hour, will, in the
before, seemed to be endowed with refresh­ days to come, be celebrated as one of the
ing vividness and singular power. He then greatest and most significant of all festivals.
observed: ‘Wert thou not My guest, thy Do tliou render thanks unto God for hav­
position would indeed be a grievous one. ing graciously assisted thee to attain thine
The all-encompassing grace of God hath heart’s desire, and for having quaffed from
saved thee. It is for God to test His ser­ the sealed wine of His utterance. Well is
vants, and not for His servants to judge it with them that attain thereunto!’
Him in accordance with their deficient “At the third hour after sunset, my Host
4 THE BAHÁ1 CENTENARY

ordered the dinner to be served. That same what His creatures affirm of Him! And
Ethiopian servant appeared again, and peace be upon His messengers! And praise
spread before us the best and choicest food. be to God, the Lord of all beings!’
That holy repast refreshed alike my body “He then addressed me these words: ‘O
and soul. In the presence of my Host, at thou who art the first to believe in Me!
that hour, I felt as though I were feeding Verily, I say: I am the Báb, the Gate of
upon fruits of Paradise. I could not but God, and thou art the Bábu’l-Báb, the gate
marvel at the manners, and the devoted of that Gate. Eighteen souls must, in the
attentions of that Ethiopian servant, whose beginning, spontaneously and of their own
very life seemed to have been transformed by accord, accept Me and recognize the truth
the regenerating influence of his Master. I of My Revelation. Unwarned and unin­
then, for the first time, recognized the secret vited, each of these must seek independently
and significance of this well-known and to find me. And when their number is
sacred tradition ascribed to Muhammad: completed, one of them must needs be
'I have prepared for the godly and righteous chosen by Me, who will accompany Me
among My servants what eye hath seen not, on My pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
ear heard not, nor human heart conceived.’ There I shall deliver the Message of God
Had that youthful Host of mine no other to the Sharif of Mecca. I will then return
claim to greatness, this were sufficient— to Kúfih, where again, in the Masjid of that
that He received me with the quality of holy city, I shall manifest His Cause. It is
hospitality and loving-kindness which no incumbent upon thee not to divulge, neither
other human being could show. to thy companions nor to any other soul,
“I sat spell-bound by His utterance, for­ that which thou hast seen and heard. Be
getful of time and of those who awaited thou engaged in the Masjid of ílkháni in
me. Suddenly, the call of the Muadhdhin, prayer and teaching. I too will there join
who was summoning the faithful to their thee in congregational prayer. Beware, lest
morning prayers, awakened me from the thy attitude towards Me betray the secret
state of ecstasy into which I seemed to have of thy faith. Thou shouldst continue in
fallen. All the delights, all the ineffable this occupation and maintain- this attitude,
glories, which the Almighty has recounted until Our departure for Hijáz. Ere we
in His Book as the priceless possessions of depart, We shall appoint unto each of the
the people of Paradise, these I seemed to be eighteen souls their special mission, and will
experiencing that night. Methinks, I was send them forth to accomplish their task.
in a place of which it could be truly said: We will instruct them to teach the Word
‘Therein no toil shall reach us, and therein of God, and to quicken the souls of men.’
no weariness shall touch us’; ‘No vain dis­ Having spoken these words to me, He per­
course shall they hear therein, nor any false­ mitted me to retire. He accompanied me
hood, but only the cry, “Peace! Peace!” ; to the door of the house, and committed
Their cry therein shall be, "Glory be to me to the care of God.
Thee, O God!” and their salutation “This Revelation, so suddenly and im­
therein, “Peace!” And the close of their petuously thrust upon me, came as a thun­
cry, “Praise be to God, Lord of all derbolt which, for a time, seemed to be­
creatures!” ’ numb my faculties. I was blinded by its
“Sleep had departed from me that night. dazzling splendor, and overwhelmed by its
I was enthralled by the music of that voice crushing force. Excitement, joy, awe, and
which rose and fell as He chanted, now wonder, stirred the depths of my soul. Pre­
swelling forth as He revealed verses of the dominant among them was a sense of glad­
‘Qay-yrnnu’l-Asma,’ again acquiring ethe­ ness and strength that seemed to have trans­
real subtle harmonies as He uttered the figured me. How feeble and impotent, how
prayers which He was revealing. At the dejected and timid, I had previously felt!
end of each of the communes He revealed, Then I could neither write nor walk, so
He would repeat this verse: ‘Far from the tremulous were my hands and feet. Now,
glory of thy Lord, the All-Glorious, be however, the knowledge of His Revelation
THE DAWN OF THE BA H Á ’Í REVELATION 5

had galvanized my being. I felt possessed sonified, calling unto all mankind: ‘Awake,
of such courage and power, that were the for lo! the morning Light has broken. Arise,
world, all its peoples and its potentates, for His Cause is made manifest. The Por­
to arise against me, I would, alone and tal of His grace is open wide.
undaunted, resist them! The universe " 'Enter ye therein, O ye people of the
seemed but a handful of dust in my grasp! world! For He, Who is your promised One,
I seemed to be the Voice of Gabriel per­ is come!5”
MARTYRDOM OF THE BAB
From N abil’s Narrative

T h e tale of the tragedy that marked the Sháh. To do Him to death seemed to that
closing stages of the Nayriz upheaval spread foolish minister the most efficacious means
over the length and breadth of Persia and for the recovery of his country from
kindled a startling enthusiasm in the hearts the shame into which he thought it had
of those who heard it. It plunged the au­ sunk.
thorities of the capital into consternation Bestirred to action, he summoned his
and nerved them to a resolve of despair. counsellors, shared with them his fears and
The Amír-Nizám, the Grand Vazir of his hopes, and acquainted them with the
NásirPd-Dín Sháh, was particularly over­ nature of his plans. "Behold,” he exclaimed,
awed by these recurrent manifestations of an “the storm which the Faith of the Siyyid-iindomitable will, of a fierce and inflexible Báb has provoked in the hearts of my fel­
tenacity of faith. Though the forces of the low-countrymen! Nothing short of his pub­
Imperial army had everywhere triumphed, lic execution can, in my mind, enable this
though the companions of Mullá Husayn distracted country to recover its tranquillity
and Vahid had successively been mowed and peace. Who dare compute the forces
down in a ruthless carnage at the hands of that have perished in the course of the en­
its officers, yet to the shrewd minds of the gagements at Shaykh Tabarsi? Who can es­
rulers of Tihrán it was clear and evident timate the efforts exerted to secure that
that the spirit responsible for so rare a hero­ victory? No sooner had the mischief that
ism was by no means vanquished, that its convulsed Mázindarán been suppressed, than
might was far from broken. The loyalty the flames of another sedition blazed forth
which the remnants of that scattered band in the province of Fárs, bringing in its wake
bore to their captive Leader still remained so much suffering to my people. We had
unimpaired. Nothing had as yet been suc­ no sooner succeeded in quelling the revolt
cessful, despite the appalling losses they had that had ravaged the south, than another
sustained, in sapping that loyalty or in un­ insurrection breaks out in the north, sweep­
dermining that faith. Far from being ex­ ing in its vortex Zanján and its surround­
tinguished that spirit had blazed more in­ ings. If you are able to advise a remedy,
tense and devastating than ever. Galled by acquaint me, for my sole purpose is to
the memory of the indignities they had suf­ insure the peace and honor of my country­
fered, that persecuted band clung ever more men.”
passionately to its Faith and looked with Not a single voice dared venture a reply,
increasing fervor and hope to its Leader. except Mirzá Áqá |Gián-i-Núrí, the Minis­
Above all He Who had kindled that flame ter of War, who pleaded that to put to
and nourished that spirit was still alive, and, death a banished Siyyid for the deeds com­
despite His isolation, was able to exercise mitted by a band of irresponsible agitators
the full measure of His influence. Even a would be an act of manifest cruelty. He
sleepless vigilance had been powerless to stem recalled the example of the late Muhammad
the tide that had swept over the entire face Sháh whose invariable practice was to dis­
of the land, and which ‘had as its motive regard the base calumnies the enemies of
force the continued existence of the Báb. that Siyyid brought continually to his at­
Extinguish that light, choke the stream at tention. The Amír-Nizám was sorely dis­
its very source, and the torrent that had pleased. "Such considerations,” he protested,
brought so much devastation in its way, "are wholly irrelevant to the issue with
would run dry. Such was the thought that which we are faced. The interests of the
swayed the Grand Vazir of Nasiri’d-Din State are in jeopardy, and we can in no
MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB

Views of the town and ruins of the castle of Máh-Kú, Ádhirbáyján, Persia, where the Báb was confined.
8 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

wise tolerate these periodic upheavals. Was I was then in Qum, together with a certain
not the Imám Husayn, in view of the para­ Sádiq-i-Tabrízí, whom Mírzá Ahmad had
mount necessity for safeguarding the unity sent to fetch me from Zarand. I was living
of the State, executed by those same per­ in the same house with Mírzá Ahmad, a
sons who had seen him more than once house which he had hired in the Bágh-Panreceive marks of exceptional affection from bih quarter. In those days Shaykh ‘Azim,
Muhammad, his Grandfather? Did they not Siyyid Ismá‘íl and a number of other com­
in such circumstances refuse to consider the panions likewise were dwelling with us.
rights which his lineage had conferred upon Mullá Báqir delivered the trust into the
him? Nothing short of the remedy I advo­ hands of Mírzá Ahmad who, at the insist­
cate can uproot this evil and bring us the ence of Shaykh ‘Azim, opened it before
peace for which we long.,, us. We marvelled when we beheld among
Disregarding the advice of his counsellor, the things which that coffer contained a
the Amír-Nizám dispatched his orders to scroll of blue paper, of the most delicate
Navváb Hamzih Mírzá, the governor of texture, on which the Báb, in His own ex­
Ádhirbáyján, who was distinguished among quisite handwriting, which was a fine
the princes of royal blood for his kind- shikastih script, had penned, in the form of
heartedness and rectitude of conduct, to a pentacle, what numbered about five hun­
summon the Báb to Tabriz. He was care­ dred verses, all consisting of derivatives
ful not to divulge to the Prince his real from the word Bahá.2 That scroll was in a
purpose. state of perfect preservation, was spotlessly
The Navváb, assuming that the inten­ clean, and gave the impressiqn at first sight
tion of the minister was to enable his of being a printed rather than a written
Captive to return to His home, immedi­ page. So fine and intricate was the penman­
ately directed one of his trusted officers, to­ ship that viewed from a distance the w rit­
gether with a mounted escort, to proceed ing appeared as a single wash of ink on the
to Chihriq, where the Báb still lay confined, paper. We were overcome with admiration
and to bring Him back to Tabriz. He rec­ as we gazed upon a masterpiece which no
ommended Him to their care, urging them calligraphist, we believed, could rival. That
to exercise towards Him the utmost con­ scroll was replaced in the coffer and handed
sideration. back to Mírzá Ahmad, who, on the very
Forty days before the arrival of that of­ day he received it, proceeded to Tihrán. Ere
ficer at Chihriq, the Báb collected all the he departed he informed us that all he could
documents and Tablets in His possession divulge of that letter was the instruction
and, placing them with His pen-case, His that the trust was to be delivered into the
seals, and agate rings, into a coffer, en­ hands of Jináb-i-Bahá3 in Tihrán.4 As to
trusted them to the care of Mullá Báqir, one me I was instructed by Mírzá Ahmad to
of the Letters of the Living. To him He
2 According to "A Traveller’s Narrative” (p. 42),
also delivered a letter addressed to Mírzá the Báb had produced no less than three hundred and
Ahmad, His amanuensis, in which He en­ sixty derivatives from the word "Bahá.”
closed the key of that coffer. He urged him 3 Title by which Bahá’u’lláh was designated in
to take the utmost care of that trust, em­ those days.
4 "The end of the Báb’s earthly Manifestation is
phasized the sacredness of its character, and now close upon us. He knew it himself before the
bade him conceal its contents from anyone event, and was not displeased at the presentiment. He
except Mírzá Ahmad. had already 'set his house in order,’ as regards the
Mullá Báqir departed forthwith for spiritual affairs of the Bábi community, which he
Qazvin. Within eighteen days he had reached had, if I mistake not, confided to the intuitive wis­
dom of Bahá’u’lláh . . . It is impossible not to feel
that town and was informed that Mírzá that this is far more probable than the view which
Ahmad had departed for Qum. He left im­ makes Subh-i-Azal the custodian of the sacred w rit­
mediately for that destination and arrived ings and the arranger of a resting-place for the
toward the middle of the month of Shaťbán.a sacred remains. I much fear that the Azalis have
manipulated tradition in the interest of their party.”
(Dr. T. K. Cheyne’s "The Reconciliation of Races
1 June 12-July 11, 1850 A.D. and Religions,” p. 656 .)
MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB 9

proceed to Zarand and join my father who of the rooms of the barracks. He moreover
was anxiously awaiting my return. directed Sám Khán to despatch ten of his
Faithful to the instructions he had re­ men to guard the entrance of the room in
ceived from Navváb Hamzih Mí rzá, that which He was to be confined.
officer conducted the Báb to Tabriz and Deprived of His turban and sash, the
showed Him the utmost respect and con­ twin emblems of His noble lineage, the Báb,
sideration. The Prince had instructed one of together with Siyyid Husayn His amanuen­
his friends to accommodate Him in his home sis, was driven to yet another confinement
and to treat Him with extreme deference. which He well knew was but a step further
Three days after the Báb’s arrival, a fresh on the way leading Him to the goal he had
order was received from the Grand Vazir set Himself to attain. That day witnessed
commanding the Prince to carry out the ex­ a tremendous commotion in the city of
ecution of his Prisoner on the very day Tabriz. The great convulsion associated in
the farmán would reach him. Whoever the ideas of its inhabitants with the Day
would profess himself as His follower was of Judgment seemed at last to have come
likewise to be condemned to death. The upon them. Never had that city experienced
Armenian regiment of Urúmíyyih, whose a turmoil so fierce and so mysterious as the
colonel was Sám Khán, was ordered to shoot one which seized its inhabitants on the day
Him, in the courtyard of the barracks of the Báb was led to that place which was
Tabriz, which was situated in the center of to be the scene of His martyrdom. As He
the city. approached the courtyard of the barracks a
The Prince expressed his consternation to youth suddenly leaped forward who, in his
the bearer of the farmán, Mírzá Hasan eagerness to overtake Him, had forced his
íGián, the Vazír-Nizám and brother of the way through the crowd, utterly ignoring
Grand Vazir. "The Amir,” he told him, the risks and perils which such an attempt
"would do better to entrust me with services might involve. His face was haggard, his
of greater merit than the one with which feet were bare, and his hair dishevelled.
he has now commissioned me. The task I Breathless with excitement and exhausted
am called upon to perform is a task that with fatigue, he flung himself at the feet of
only ignoble people would accept. I am the Báb and, seizing the hem of His gar­
neither Ibn-i-Ziyád nor Ibn-i-Sa'd1 that he ment, passionately implored Him: "Send me
should call upon me to slay an innocent de­ not from Thee, O Master. Wherever Thou
scendant of the Prophet of God.” Mírzá goest, suffer me to follow Thee.” "Muham-
Hasan Khán reported these sayings of the mad-‘Ali,” answered the Báb, "arise, and
Prince to his brother who, thereupon or­ rest assured that you will be with me.2 To­
dered him to follow himself, without delay morrow you shall witness what God has de­
and in their entirety, the instructions he creed.” Two other companions, unable to
had already given. "Relieve us,” the Vazir contain themselves, rushed forward and as­
urged his brother, "from this anxiety that sured Him of their unalterable loyalty.
weighs upon our hearts, and let this affair These together with Mírzá Muhammadbe brought to an end ere the month of ‘Alíy-i-Zunúzí, were seized and placed in
Ramadán breaks upon us, that we may enter the same cell in which the Báb and Siyyid
the period of fasting with undisturbed tran­ Husayn were confined.
quillity.” Mírzá Hasan JGián attempted to I have heard Siyyid Husayn bear witness
acquaint the Prince with these fresh in­ to the following: "That night the face of
structions, but failed in his efforts, as the the Báb was aglow with joy, a joy such as
Prince, pretending to be ill, refused to meet had never shone from His countenance. Inhim. Undeterred by this refusal, he issued
his instructipns for the immediate transfer 2 "It is no doubt a singular coincidence that both
of the Báb and those in His company from *Ali-Muhammad and Jesus Christ are reported to
have addressed these words to a disciple: 'To-day thou
the house in which He was staying to one
shalt be with me in Paradise.’ ”
(Dr. T. K. Cheyne’s "The Reconciliation of Races
1 Persecutors of the descendants of Muhammad. and Religions,” p. 18 5.)
10 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

different to the storm that raged about ered into the presence of the mujtahids he
Him, He conversed with us with gaiety and was repeatedly urged, in view of the po­
cheerfulness. The sorrows that had weighed sition which his stepfather, Siyyid ‘Aliy-iso heavily upon Him seemed to have com­ Zunúzí, occupied, to recant his faith.
pletely vanished. Their weight appeared to "Never,” he exclaimed, "will I renounce my
have dissolved in the consciousness of ap­ Master. He is the essence of my faith, and
proaching victory. 'Tomorrow/ He said to the object of my truest adoration. In Him
us, 'will be the day of my martyrdom. I have found my paradise, and in the ob­
Would that one of you would now arise servance of His law I recognize the ark of
and, with his own hands, end my life. I my salvation.” "Hold your peace,” thun­
prefer to be slain by the hand of a friend dered Mullá Muhammad-i-Mámáqání, be­
rather than that of the enemy/ Tears rained fore whom that youth was brought, "Such
from our eyes as we heard Him express that words betray your madness; I can well ex­
wish. We shrank, however, at the thought cuse the words for which you are not re­
of taking away with our own hands so sponsible.” "I am not mad,” he retorted,
precious a life. We refused and remained "Such a charge should rather be brought
silent. Mírzá Muhammad-‘Ali suddenly against you who have sentenced to death a
sprang to his feet and announced himself man no less holy than the promised Qá’im.
ready to obey whatever the Báb would de­ He is not a fool who has embraced His
sire. 'This same youth who has risen to Faith and is longing to shed his blood in
comply with my wish/ the Báb declared, as His path.”
soon as we had intervened and forced The Báb was, in His <turn, brought before
him to abandon that thought, 'will, to­ Mullá Muhammad-i-Mámáqáni. No sooner
gether with me, suffer martyrdom. Him had he recognized Him than he seized the
will I choose to share with me its death-warrant he himself had previously
crown/ 55 written and, handing it to his attendant,
Early in the morning Mírzá Hasan Khán bade him deliver it to the farrásh-báshí.
ordered his farrásh-báshí to conduct the "No need,” he cried, "to bring the Siyyid-i-
Báb to the presence of the leading mujta- Báb into my presence. This death-warrant
hids of the city and to obtain from them I have penned the very day I met him at
the authorization required for His execu­ the gathering presided over by the Valition. As the Báb was leaving the barracks, ‘Ahd. He surely is the same man whom I
Siyyid Husayn asked Him as to what he saw on that occasion and has not, in the
should do. "Confess not your fa ith /’ He meantime, surrendered any of his claims.”
advised him, "thereby you will be enabled, From thence the Báb was conducted to
when the hour comes, to convey to those the house of Mírzá Báqir, the son of Mírzá
who are destined to hear you, the things of Ahmad to whom he had recently succeeded.
which you alone are aware.” He was en­ When they arrived they found his attendant
gaged in a confidential conversation with standing at the gate and holding in his
him when the farrásh-báshí suddenly inter­ hand the Báb’s death warrant. "No need to
rupted and, holding Siyyid Husayn by the enter,” he told them, "My master is already
hand, drew him aside and severely rebuked satisfied that his father was right in pro­
him. "N ot until I have said to him all those nouncing the sentence of death. He can do
things that I wish to say,” the Báb warned no better than follow his example.”
the farrásh-báshí, "can any earthly power Mullá Murtadá-Qulí, following in the
silence me. Though all the world be armed footsteps of the two other mujtahids, had
against me, yet shall they be powerless to previously issued his own written testimony
deter me from fulfilling, to the last word, and refused to meet face to face his dreaded
my intention.” The farrásh-báshí was opponent. No sooner had the farrásh-báshí
amazed at such a bold assertion. He made, secured the necessary documents than he
however, no reply and bade Siyyid Husayn delivered his Captive into the hands of Sám
to arise and follow him. Khán, assuring him that he could proceed
When Mírzá Muhammad-‘Ali was ush­ with his task now that he had obtained the
MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB 11

sanction of the civil and ecclesiastical au­ upon a scene which their eyes could scarcely
thorities of the realm. believe. There, standing before them alive
Siyyid Husayn had remained confined in and unhurt, was the companion of the Báb,
the same room in which he had spent the whilst He Himself had vanished uninjured
previous night with the Báb. They were from their sight. Though the cords with
proceeding to place Mírzá Muhammad-'Ali which they were suspended had been rent in
in that same room, when he burst forth into pieces by the bullets, yet their bodies had
tears and entreated them to allow him to miraculously escaped the volleys. Even the
remain with his Master. He was delivered tunic which Mírzá Muhammad-‘Ali was
into the hands of Sám Khán who was or­ wearing had, despite the thickness of the
dered to execute him also, if he persisted in smoke, remained unsullied. "The Siyyid-ihis refusal to deny his faith. Báb has gone from our sight!” rang out the
Sám iGián was in the meantime finding voice of the bewildered multitude. They set
himself increasingly affected by the be­ out in a frenzied search for Him and found
havior of his Captive and the treatment Him, eventually, seated in the same room
that had been meted out to Him. He was which He had occupied the night before,
seized with great fear lest his action should engaged in completing His interrupted con­
bring upon him the wrath of God. "I pro­ versation with Siyyid Husayn. An expression
fess the Christian Faith,” he explained to of unruffled calm was upon His face. His
the Báb, "and entertain no ill-will against body had emerged unscathed from the
you. If your Cause be the Cause of Truth, shower of bullets which the regiment had
enable me to free myself from the obliga­ directed against Him. "I have finished my
tion of shedding your blood.” "Follow your conversation with Siyyid Husayn,” the Báb
instructions,” the Báb replied, "and if your told the farrásh-báshí, "Now you may pro­
intention be sincere, the Almighty is surely ceed to fulfill your intention.” The man was
able to relieve you from your perplexity.” too shaken to resume what he had already
Sám Khán ordered his men to drive a attempted. Refusing to accomplish his duty
nail into the pillar that lay between the he, that same moment, left that scene and
door of the room that Siyyid Husayn oc­ resigned his post. He related all that he had
cupied and the entrance to the adjoining seen to his neighbor, Mírzá Siyyid Muhsin,
one, and to make fast two ropes to that nail, one of the notables of Tabriz, who, as soon
from which the Báb and His companion as he heard the story, was converted to the
were to be separately suspended. Mirzi Faith.
Muhammad-‘Ali begged Sám Khán to be I was privileged to meet, subsequently,
placed in such a manner that his own body this same Mírzá Siyyid Muhsin who con­
would shield that of the Báb. He was ducted me to the scene of the Báb’s m artyr­
eventually suspended in such a position that dom and showed me the wall where He had
his head reposed on the breast of his Master. been suspended. I was taken to the room
As soon as they were fastened, a regiment in which He had been found conversing
of soldiers ranged itself in three files, each with Siyyid Husayn, and was shown the very
of two hundred and fifty men, each of spot where He had been seated. I saw the
which was ordered to open fire in its turn very nail which His enemies had hammered
until the whole detachment had discharged into the wall and to which the rope which
the volleys of its bullets. The smoke of the had supported His body had been attached.
firing of the seven hundred and fifty rifles Sám Khán was likewise stunned by the
was such as to turn the light of the noon­ force of this tremendous revelation. He or­
day sun into darkness. About ten thousand dered his men to leave the barracks imme­
people had crowded onto the roof of the diately and refused to ever again associate
barracks as well as on the top of the adjoin­ himself and his regiment with any act that
ing houses, all of whom were witnesses to involved the least injury to the Báb. He
that sad and moving scene. swore as he left that courtyard never again
As soon as the cloud of smoke had cleared to resume that task even though his refusal
away, an astounded multitude were looking should entail the loss of his own life.
12 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

No sooner had Sám Khán departed than were blended into one mass of mingled flesh
Áqá Ján iGián-i-Khamsih, colonel of the and bone. "Had you believed in me, O
body-guard, known also by the names of wayward generation,” were the last words
iGiamsih and Násirí, volunteered to carry of the Báb to the gazing multitude as the
out the order for execution. On the same regiment was preparing to fire the final vol­
wall and in the same manner the Báb and ley, "everyone of you would have followed
His companion were again suspended, while the example of this youth, who stood in
the regiment formed into line to open fire rank above most of you, and willingly
upon them. Contrariwise to the previous oc­ would have sacrificed yourselves in my path.
casion, when only the cord with which they The day will come when you will have recog­
were suspended had been shot into pieces, nized me; that day I shall have ceased to be
this time their bodies were shattered and with you.”
BAHÁ'U'LLÁH’S TRIBUTE TO THE BAB
From Kitáb-i-íqán

T h o u g h young and tender of age, and And now consider how this Sadrih of the
though the Cause He revealed was contrary Ridván of God hath, in the prime of youth,
to the desire of all the peoples of the earth, risen to proclaim the Cause of God. Be­
both high and low, rich and poor, exalted hold, what steadfastness He, the Beauty of
and abased, king and subject, yet He arose God, hath revealed! The whole world rose
and steadfastly proclaimed it. All have to hinder Him, yet it utterly failed! The
known and heard this. He feared no one; more severe the persecution they inflicted
He was reckless of consequences. Could on that Sadrih of Blessedness, the more
such a thing be made manifest except His fervor increased, and the brighter
through the power of a Divine Revelation, burned the flame of His love. All this is
and the potency of God’s invincible Will? evident, and none disputeth its truth. Finally,
By the righteousness of God! Were anyone He surrendered His soul, and winged His
to entertain so great a Revelation in his flight unto the realms above. . . .
heart, the thought of such a declaration No sooner had that eternal Beauty re­
would alone confound him! Were the hearts vealed Himself in Shíráz, in the year sixty
of all men to be crowded into his heart, he (i. e., 1844) and rent asunder the veil of
would still hesitate to venture upon so aw­ concealment, than the signs of the ascen­
ful an enterprise. He could achieve it only dency, the might, the sovereignty, and
by the permission of God, only if the chan­ power emanating from that Essence of Es­
nel of his heart were to be linked with sences and Sea of Seas, were manifest in
the Source of Divine grace, and his soul every land. So much so, that from every
be assured of the unfailing sustenance of the city there appeared the signs, the evidences,
Almighty. To what, We wonder, do they the tokens, and testimonies of that Divine
ascribe so great a daring? Do they accuse Luminary. How many were those pure
Him of madness as they accused the Prophets and kindly hearts which faithfully reflected
of old? Or do they maintain that His mo­ the light of that eternal Sun! And how
tive was none other than leadership and the manifold the emanations of knowledge from
acquisition of earthly riches? that Ocean of Divine Wisdom which en­
Gracious God! In His Book, which He compassed all beings! In every city, all
hath entitled QayyúmuT-Asmá— the first, the divines and nobles rose to hinder and
the greatest, and mightiest of all books—He repress them, and girded up the loins of
prophesied His own martyrdom. In it is malice, of envy, and tyranny for their sup­
this passage: "O Thou Remnant of God! pression. How great the number of those
I have sacrificed myself wholly for Thee; holy souls, those essences of justice, who, ac­
I have accepted curses for Thy sake; and cused of tyranny, were put to death! And
have yearned for naught but martyrdom in how many embodiments of purity, who
the path of Thy love. Sufficient Witness unto showed forth naught but true knowledge
me is God, the Exalted, the Protector, the and stainless deeds, suffered an agonizing
Ancient of Days!” . . . death! Notwithstanding all this, each of
Could the Revealer of such utterance be these holy beings, up to his last moment,
regarded as walking in any other way than breathed the name of God and soared in the
the way of God, and as having yearned for realm of submission and resignation. Such
aught else except His good pleasure? In was the potency and transmuting influence
this very verse there lieth concealed a breath which He exercised over them, that they
of detachment for which, if it were breathed ceased to cherish any desire but His Will,
upon the world, all beings would renounce and wedded their souls to His remembrance.
their life, and sacrifice their soul. . . . Reflect: Who in the world is able to
14 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Shrine of the Báb and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, Mount Carmel, Hai;fa, Palestine.

manifest such transcendent power, such per­ unto salvation, prosperity, and everlasting
vading influence? All these stainless hearts success. Hath the world, since the days
and sanctified souls have, with absolute resig­ of Adam, witnessed such tumult, such
nation, responded to the summons of His violent commotion? Notwithstanding all
decree. Instead of making complaint, they the torture they suffered, and the mani­
rendered thanks unto God, and, amidst the fold afflictions they endured, they became
darkness of their anguish, they revealed the object of universal opprobrium and
naught but radiant acquiescence in His Will. execration.
It is well known how relentless was the hate, Methinks, patience was revealed only by
and how bitter the malice and enmity, enter­ virtue of their fortitude, and faithfulness
tained by all the peoples of earth towards itself was begotten by their deeds.
these Companions. Do thou ponder these momentous happen­
The persecution and pain which they ings in thine heart, so that thou mayest
inflicted on these holy and spiritual apprehend the greatness of this Revelation,
beings were regarded by them as means and perceive its stupendous glory.
THE BAB AND THE REVELATION
OF BAHÁ'U'LLÁH*
D e ARLY-BELOVED friends! That the not in His being the divinely-appointed Fore­
Báb, the inaugurator of the Bábi Dispensa­ runner of so transcendent a Revelation, but
tion, is fully entitled to rank as one of the rather in His having been invested with the
self-sufficient Manifestations of God, that powers inherent in the inaugurator of a
He has been invested with sovereign power separate religious Dispensation, and in His
and authority, and exercises all the rights wielding, to a degree unrivaled by the Mes­
and prerogatives of independent Prophet- sengers gone before Him, the sceptre of in­
hood, is yet another fundamental verity dependent Prophethood.
which the Message of BaháVlláh insistently The short duration of His Dispensation,
proclaims and which its followers must un­ the restricted range within which His laws
compromisingly uphold. That He is not to and ordinances have been made to operate,
be regarded merely as an inspired Precursor supply no criterion whatever wherewith to
of the Bahá’í Revelation, that in His person, judge its Divine origin and to evaluate the
as He Himself bears witness in the Persian potency of its message. “That so brief a
Bayán, the object of all the Prophets gone span,” Bahá’u’lláh Himself explains, “should
before Him has been fulfilled, is a truth have separated this most mighty and won­
which I feel it my duty to demonstrate and drous Revelation from Mine own previous
emphasize. We would assuredly be failing Manifestation, is a secret that no man can
in our duty to the Faith we profess and unravel and a mystery such as no mind can
would be violating one of its basic and sacred fathom. Its duration had been fore-ordained,
principles if in our words or by our conduct and no man shall ever discover its reason un­
we hesitate to recognize the implications of less and until he be informed of the contents
this root principle of Bahá’í belief, or refuse of My Hidden Book” ffBehold,” BaháVl- •
to uphold unreservedly its integrity and láh further explains in the Kitáb-i-Badidemonstrate its truth. Indeed the chief mo­ one of His works refuting the arguments of
tive actuating me to undertake the task of the people of the Bayán, “behold, how im­
editing and translating Nabil’s immortal mediately upon the completion of the ninth
Narrative has been to enable every follower year of this wondrous, this most holy and
of the Faith in the West *to better under­ merciful dispensation, the requisite number
stand and more readily grasp the tremendous of pure, of wholly consecrated and sanctified
implications of His exalted station and to souls had been most secretly consummated.”
more ardently admire and love Him. The marvelous happenings that have
There can be no doubt that the claim heralded the advent of the Founder of
to the twofold station ordained for the the Bábi Dispensation, the dramatic circum­
Báb by the Almighty, a claim which He stances of His own eventful life, the mirac­
Himself has sa boldly advanced, which ulous tragedy of His martyrdom, the magic
BaháVlláh has repeatedly affirmed, and to of His influence exerted on the most eminent
which the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l- and powerful among His countrymen, to all
Bahá has finally given the sanction of its tes­ of which every chapter of Nabil’s stirring
timony, constitutes the most distinctive fea­ narrative testifies, should in themselves be
ture of the Bahá’i Dispensation. It is a regarded as sufficient evidence of the validity
further evidence of its uniqueness, a tre­ of His claim to so exalted a station among
mendous accession to the strength, to the the Prophets.
mysterious power and authority with which
thi^ holy cycle has been invested. Indeed * From “The Dispensation of BaháV lláh,” by
the greatness of the Báb consists primarily, Shoghi Effendi.

16 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY
However graphic the record which the fortitude, and faithfulness itself was be­
eminent chronicler of His life has trans­ gotten only by their deeds.” t
mitted to posterity, so luminous a narrative Wishing to stress the sublimity of the
must pale before the glowing tribute paid to Báb’s exalted station as compared with that
the Báb by the pen of BaháVlláh. This of the Prophets of the past, BaháVlláh in
tribute the Báb Himself has, by the clear as­ that same epistle asserts: “No understand­
sertion of His claim, abundantly supported, ing can grasp the nature of His Revelation,
while the written testimonies of 'Abdu’l- nor can any knowledge comprehend the full
Bahá have powerfully reinforced its char­ measure of His Faith.” He then quotes, in
acter and elucidated its meaning. confirmation of His argument, these pro­
Where else if not in the Kitáb-i-íqán can phetic words: "Knowledge is twenty and
the student of the Bábi Dispensation seek to seven letters. All that the Prophets have re­
find those affirmations that unmistakably at­ vealed are two letters thereof. No man thus
test the power and spirit which no man, ex­ far hath known more than these two letters.
cept he be a Manifestation of God, can mani­ But when the Qd’im shall arise, He will cause
fest? “Could such a th in g ” exclaims Bahá’- the remaining twenty and five letters to be
uflláh, “be made manifest except through the made manifest ” “Behold ” He adds, “how
power of a Divine Revelation and the po­ great and lofty is His station! His rank extency of Godys invincible Will? By the celleth that of all the Prophets and His Rev­
righteousness of God! Were anyone to en­ elation transcendeth the comprehension and
tertain so great a Revelation in his heart the understanding of all their chosen ones.” “O f
thought of such a declaration would alone His Revelation,” He further adds, "the
confound him! Were the hearts of all men Prophets of God, His saints and chosen ones
to be crowded into his heart, he would still have either not been informed, or, in pursu­
hesitate to venture upon so awful an enter­ ance of Godys inscrutable decree, they have
prise” "N o eye” He in another passage af­ not disclosed ”
firms, “hath beheld so great an outpouring of Of all the tributes which BahaVllah’s
bounty, nor hath any ear heard of such a unerring pen has chosen to pay to the
Revelation of loving-kindness . . . The Pro­ memory of the Báb, His “Best-Beloved,” the
phets 'endowed with constancy,y whose lofti­ most memorable and touching is this brief,
ness and glory shine as the sun, were each yet eloquent passage which so greatly en­
honored with a Book which all have seen and hances the value of the concluding passages
the verses of which have been duly ascer­ of that same epistle. "Amidst them a ll”
tained. Whereas the verses which have He writes, referring to the afflictive trials and
rained from this Cloud of divine mercy have dangers besetting Him in the city of Baghbeen so abundant that none hath yet been dád, "W e stand life in hand wholly resigned
able to estimate their number . . . How to His Will, that perchance through Godys
can they belittle this Revelation? Hath loving kindness and grace, this revealed and
any age witnessed such momentous hap­ manifest Letter (BaháVlláh) may lay down
penings?” His life as a sacrifice in the path of the
Commenting on the character and influ­ Primal Point, the most exalted Word (the
ence of those heroes and martyrs whom the Báb). By Him, at Whose bidding the Spirit
spirit of the Báb had so magically trans­ hath spoken, but for this yearning of Our
formed BaháVlláh reveals the following: soul, We would not, for one moment, have
“If these companions be not the true strivers tarried any longer in this city.”
after God, who else could be called by this Dearly-beloved friends! So resounding a
name? . . . If these companions, with all their praise, so bold an assertion issued by the pen
marvelous testimonies and wondrous works, of BaháVlláh in so weighty a work, are fully
be false, who then is worthy to claim for re-echoed in the language in which the
himself the truth? . . . Has the world since Source of the Bábi Revelation has chosen to
the days of Adam witnessed such tumult, clothe the claims He himself has advanced.
such violent commotion? . . . Me thinks, “I am the Mystic Fane” the Báb thus pro­
patience was revealed only by virtue of their claims His station in the Qayyúm-i-Asmá’,
THE BÁB AND THE REVELATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH 17

The Interior of the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel.

"which the Hand of Omnipotence hath through the power of truth, are the 'Re­
reared. I am the Lamp which the Finger of membrance of God’ and His Day before
God hath lit within its niche and caused to the eyes of the angels that circle His mercyshine with deathless splendor. I am the seat.” "Should it be Our wish,” He again af­
Flame of that supernal Light that glowed firms, "it is in Our power to compel, through
upon Sinai in the gladsome Spot, and lay con­ the agency of but one letter of Our Revela­
cealed in the midst of the Burning Bush.” tion, the world and all that is therein to
"O Qurratu’l- A yn l” He, addressing Himself recognize, in less than the twinkling of an
in that same commentary, exclaims, "I recog­ eye, the truth of Our Cause”
nize in Thee none other except the 'Great "I am the Primal Point ” the Báb thus ad­
Announcemenť— the Announcement voiced dresses Muhammad Sháh from the prisonby the Concourse on high. By this name, fortress of Máh-Kú, "from which have been
I bear witness, they that circle the Tkrone of generated all created things . . . I am the
Glory have ever known Thee.” "W ith each Countenance of God Whose splendor can
and every Prophet, Whom We have sent never be obscured, the light of God whose
down in the past,” He further adds, "W e radiance can never fade . . . All the keys of
have established a separate Covenant con­ heaven God hath chosen to place on My
cerning the 'Remembrance of Gody and His right hand, and all the keys of hell on My
Day. Manifest, in the realm of glory and left . . . I am one of the sustaining pillars
18 THE BA H Á ’1 CENTENARY

of the Primal Word of God. Whosoever hath Xodiac— the sign Aries—which the sun en­
recognized Me, hath known all that is true ters at the Vernal Equinox. The station of
and right, and hath attained all that is good Bahd’u’lldh’s Revelation, on the other hand,
and seemly . . .The substance wherewith God is represented by the sign Leo, the sun’s mid­
hath created* Me is not the clay out of which summer and highest station. By this is
others have been formed. He hath con­ meant that this holy Dispensation is il­
ferred upon Me that which the worldly- lumined with the light of the Sun of Truth
wise can never comprehend, nor the faithful shining from its most exalted station, and in
discover.” "Should a tiny ant,” the Báb, the plenitude of its resplendency, its heat
wishing to stress the limitless potentialities and glory.”
latent in His Dispensation, characteristically "The Bdb, the Exalted One,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahd
affirms, "desire in this day to be possessed of more specifically 'affirms in another Tablet,
such power as to be able to unravel the ab- "is the Morn of Truth, the splendor of Whose
strusest and most bewildering passages of the light shineth throughout all regions. He is
Qur’an, its wish will no doubt be fulfilled, also the Harbinger of the Most Great Light,
inasmuch as the mystery of eternal might the Abhd Luminary. The Blessed Beauty is
vibrates within the innermost being of all the One promised by the sacred books of
created things” "If so helpless a creature,” the past, the revelation of the Source of
is ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s comment on so startling an light that shone upon Mount Sinai, Whose
affirmation, "can be endowed with so subtle fire glowed in the midst of the Burning Bush.
a capacity, hcnv much more efficacious must We are, one and all servants of their thresh­
be the power released through the liberal ef­ old, and stand each as a lowly keeper at their
fusions of the grace of Bahd’u’lldh!” door.” "Every proof and prophecy,” is His
To these authoritative assertions and still more emphatic warning, “every manner
solemn declarations made by Bahd’u’lldh and of evidence, whether based on reason or on
the Báb mtist be added ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s own the text of the scriptures and traditions, are
incontrovertible testimony. He, the ap­ to be regarded as centered in the persons of
pointed interpreter of the utterances of both Bahd’u’lldh and the Bdb. In them is to be
Bahd’u’lldh and the Báb, corroborates, not found their complete fulfillment.”
by implication but in clear and categorical And finally, in His Will and Testament,
language, both in His Tablets and in His the repository of His last wishes and parting
Testament, the truth of the statements to instructions, He in the following passage,
which I have already referred. specifically designed to set forth the guid­
In a Tablet addressed to a Bahd’i in Mdzin- ing principles of Bahd’i belief, sets the seal
dardn, in which He unfolds the meaning of of His testimony on the Bdb’s dual and ex­
a misinterpreted statement attributed to Hin* alted station: "The foundation of the be­
regarding the rise of the Sun of Truth in lief of the people of Bahd (may my life be
this century, He sets forth, briefly but con­ offered up for them) is this: His holiness
clusively, what should remain for all time the exalted One (the Bdb) is the Manifesta­
our true conception of the relationship be­ tion of the unity and oneness of God and the
tween the two Manifestations associated Forerunner of the Ancient Beauty (Bahd’u’­
with the Bahd’i Dispensation. "In making lldh) . His holiness, the Abhd Beauty (Bahd’­
such a statement,” He explains, “I had in u’lldh) (may my life be offered up as a sacri­
mind no one else except the Bdb and Bahd’u’l­ fice for His steadfast friends) is the supreme
ldh, the character of whose Revelations it had Manifestation of God and the Dayspring of
been my purpose to elucidate. The Revela­ His most divine Essence/’ "All others,” He
tion of the Bdb may be likened to the sun, its significantly adds, "are servants unto Him
station corresponding to the first sign of the and do His bidding.”
PART TWO

AMERICAS SPIRITUAL D E S T IN Y
References to N orth America in the Baha’i 'Writings
I

BAHÁ’U ’LLÁH

O RULERS of America, and Presidents Station, whereat all creation, both seen and
of the Republics therein! Harken to the unseen, smiled and rejoiced.
strains of the Dove on the Branch of Eternity O people, avail yourselves of the Day of
singing the melody: "There is no God but God. Verily, to meet Him is better for you
Me, the Everlasting, the Forgiver, the than all that upon which the sun rises, were
Generous.” you of those who know!
Adorn the temple of dominion with the O concourse of Statesmen! Harken to
embroidered garment of justice and virtue, that which is raised from the Day-Spring of
and crown its head with the diadem of the Majesty, that: "There is no God but Me, the
celebration of your Lord, the Creator of Speaker, the All-Knowing. Assist with the
heaven and earth. Thus the Day-Spring of hands of justice the broken-hearted, and
the Names commands you on the part of crush the great oppressors with the scourges
the One all-knowing and wise. The of the commands of your Lord, the Power­
Promised One has appeared in this exalted ful, the Wise!”

II

‘ABDUL-BAHÁ
Public Addresses in the United States and Canada, 1912

The body of the human world is sick. has developed powers and capacities greater
Its remedy and healing will be the oneness and more wonderful than other nations.
of the kingdom of humanity. Its life is While it is true that its people have attained
the Most Great Peace. Its illumination and a marvelous material civilization, I hope that
quickening is love. Its happiness is the at­ spiritual forces may animate this great body
tainment of spiritual perfections. It is my and a corresponding spiritual civilization be
wish and hope that in the bounties and favors established.
of the Blessed Perfection (Baha’u’llah) we New York, April 16
may find a new life, acquire a new power
and attain to a wonderful and supreme I have traveled this long distance, crossed
source of energy so that the Most Great Peace the Atlantic Ocean to this western continent
of divine intention shall be established upon in the desire and hope that the strongest
the foundations of the unity of the world bond of unity may be established between
of men with God. May the love of God America and Persia. I know this to be your
be spread from this city, from this meet­ wish and purpose also and am sure of your
ing, to all the surrounding countries. Nay, cooperation. We shall therefore offer sup­
may America become the distributing center plication in the divine threshold that a great
of spiritual enlightenment and all the world love may take possession of the hearts of
receive this heavenly blessing. For America men and unite the nations of the world.
20 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

We will pray that the ensign of international institution of liberty and equality here be­
peace may be uplifted and that the oneness came the cause of liberating your fellowof the world of humanity may be realized beings elsewhere. . . .
and accomplished. All this is made possible Therefore strive earnestly and put forth
and practicable through your efforts. May your greatest endeavor toward the accom- N
this American democracy be the first nation plishment of this fellowship and the cement­
to establish the foundation of international ing of this bond of brotherhood between
agreement. May it be the first nation to pro­ you. Such an attainment is not possible
claim the universality of mankind. May it without will and effort on the part of each;
be the first to upraise the standard of the from one, expressions of gratitude and ap­
"Most Great Peace,” and through this nation preciation; from the other, kindliness and
of democracy may these philanthropic in­ recognition of equality. Each one should
tentions and institutions be spread broadcast endeavor to develop and assist the other to­
throughout the world. Truly this is a great ward mutual advancement. This is possible
and revered nation. Here liberty has reached only by conjoining of effort and inclination.
its highest degree. The intentions of its Love and unity will be fostered between
people are most praiseworthy. They are in­ you, thereby bringing about the oneness
deed worthy of being the first people to of mankind. For the accomplishment of
build the tabernacle of the great peace and unity between the colored and whites will
proclaim the oneness of the world of human­ be an assurance of the world’s peace. Then
ity. I will supplicate God for assistance racial prejudice, national prejudice, limited
and confirmation in your behalf. patriotism and religious bias will pass away
Washington, D. C., April 20 and remain no longer. ,
Washington, D. C., April 23
Today I am exceedingly glad that both
white and colored people have gathered here O God! O Thou who givest! This con­
and I hope the time will come when they gregation is turning to Thee, casting their
shall live together in the utmost peace, unity glances toward Thy Kingdom and favor,
and friendship. I wish to say one thing of longing to behold the lights of Thy face.
importance to both in order that the white O God! bless this nation. Confirm this gov­
race may be just and kind to the colored ernment. Reveal Thy glory unto this people
and that the colored race may in turn be and confer upon them life eternal. O God!
grateful and appreciative toward the white. illumine the faces, render the hearts radiant,
The great proclamation of liberty and eman­ exhilarate the breasts, crown the heads with
cipation from slavery was made upon this the diadem of Thy providence, cause them
continent. A long bloody war was fought to soar in Thy pure atmosphere so they may
by white men for the sake of colored people. reach the highest pinnacles of Thy splendor.
These white men forfeited their possessions Assist them in order that this world may
and sacrificed their lives by thousands in ever find the light and effulgence of Thy
order that colored men might be freed from presence. O God! shelter this congregation
bondage. The colored population of the and admonish this nation. Render them pro­
United States of America are possibly not gressive in all degrees. May they become
fully informed of the wide-reaching effect leaders in the world of humanity. May they
of this freedom and emancipation upon their be Thy examples among humankind. May
colored brethren in Asia and Africa where they be manifestations of Thy grace. May
even more terrible conditions of slavery ex­ they be filled with the inspiration of Thy
isted. Influenced and impelled by the ex­ Word. Thou art the powerful! Thou art
ample of the United States, the European the mighty! Thou art the giver and thou
powers proclaimed universal liberty to the art the omniscient!
colored race and slavery ceased to exist. This Chicago, May 3
effort and accomplishment by the white
nations should never be lost sight of. Both In this western world with its stimulat­
races should rejoice in gratitude, for the ing climate, its capacities for knowledge and
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 21

lofty ideals, the message of peace should be this government and nation may spread it
easily spread. The people are not so in­ to all the world.
fluenced by imitations and prejudices, and Chicago, May 3
through their comprehension of the real and
unreal they should attain the truth. They O thou kind Lord! Thou hast created
should become leaders in the effort to estab­ all humanity from the same original parents.
lish the oneness of humankind. What is Thou hast intended that all belong to the
higher than this responsibility? In the king­ same household. In Thy holy presence they
dom of God no service is greater and in the are Thy servants and all mankind are
estimation of the prophets including Jesus sheltered beneath Thy tabernacle. All have
Christ there is no deed so estimable. gathered at Thy table of bounty and are
Yet even now warfare prevails. Envy and radiant through the light of Thy providence.
hatred have arisen between nations but be­ O God! Thou art kind to all, thou hast
cause I find the American nation so capable provided for all, thou dost shelter all, thou
of achievement and this government the dost confer life upon all. Thou hast en­
fairest of western governments, its insti­ dowed all with talents and faculties; all are
tutions superior to others, my wish and hope submerged in the ocean of Thy mercy. O
is that the banner of international recon­ thou kind Lord! unite all, let the religions
ciliation may first be raised on this continent agree, make the nations one so that they may
and the standard of the “Most Great Peace” be as one kind and as children of the same
be unfurled here. May the American people fatherland. May they associate in unity and
and their government unite in their efforts in concord. O God! upraise the standard of the
order that this light may dawn from this oneness of humankind. O God! establish the
point and spread to all regions; for this is "Most Great Peace.” Cement the hearts to­
one of the greatest bestowals of God. In gether, O God! O thou kind father, God!
order that America may avail herself of this exhilarate the hearts through the fragrance
opportunity I beg that you strive and pray of Thy love; brighten the eyes through the
with heart and soul, devoting all your light of Thy guidance; cheer the hearing
energies to this end that the banner of with the melodies of Thy Word and shelter
international peace may be upraised here us in the cave of Thy providence. Thou art
and that this' democracy may be the cause the mighty and powerful! Thou art the
of the cessation of warfare in all other forgiving and thou art the one who overcountries. lookest the shortcomings of humankind.
Observe what is taking place in Tripoli; Chicago, May 5
men cutting each other into pieces; bom­
bardment from the sea, attacks from the This revered American nation presents
land and the hail of dynamite from the very evidences of greatness and worth. It is my
heaven itself. The contending armies are hope that this just government will stand for
thirsting for each other’s blood. How they peace so that warfare may be abolished
can do this is inconceivable. They have throughout the world and the standards of
fathers, mothers, children; they are human. national unity and reconciliation be up­
What of their wives and families? Think of raised. This is the greatest attainment of
their anguish and suffering. How unjust, the world of humanity. This American na­
how terrible! Human beings should prevent tion is equipped and empowered to accom­
and forbid this. These kings, rulers and plish that which will adorn the pages of
chieftains should strive for the good of their history, to become the envy of the world
subjects instead of their destruction. These and be blest in the east and the west for the
shepherds should bring their sheep within triumph of its democracy. I pray that this
the fold, comfort them and give them pas­ may come to pass and I ask the blessing of
ture instead of death and slaughter. God in behalf of you all.
I supplicate the divine Kingdom and ask Cleveland, May 6
that you may be instrumental in establish­
ing the Great Peace in this country and that All of us know that international peace is
22 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

good, that it is conducive to human welfare stating that the standard of the "'Most Great
and the glory of man, but volition and action Peace” would surely be upraised in the world.
are necessary before it can be established. This has come to pass. The powers of
Action is the essential. Inasmuch as this earth cannot withstand the privileges and
century is a century of light, capacity for bestowals which God has ordained for this N
action is assured to mankind. Necessarily great and glorious century. It is a need
the divine principles will be spread among and exigency of the time. Man can with­
men until the time of action arrives. Surely stand anything except that which is divinely
this has been so and truly the time and con­ intended and indicated for the age and its
ditions are ripe for action now. All men requirements. Now, Praise be to God! in all
know that verily, war is a destroyer of countries of the world, lovers of peace are to
human foundations and in every country of be found and these principles are being spread
the world this is admitted and apparent. among mankind, especially in this country.
I find the United States of America an ex­ Praise be to God! this thought is prevailing
ceedingly progressive nation, the govern­ and souls are continually arising as defenders
ment just, the people in a state of readiness of the oneness of humanity, endeavoring to
and the principle of equality established to assist and establish international peace. There
an extraordinary degree. Therefore it is my is no doubt that this wonderful democracy
hope that inasmuch as the standard of inter­ will be able to realize it and the banner of
national peace must be upraised it may be international agreement will be unfurled here
upraised upon this continent, for this nation to spread onward and outward among all
is more deserving and has greater capacity the nations of the world. I give thanks to
for such an initial step than any other. If God that I find you imbued with such sus­
other nations should attempt to do this the ceptibilities and lofty aspirations and I hope
motive will be misunderstood. . . Your gov­ that you will be the means of spreading this
ernment has, strictly speaking, no colonies light to all men. Thus may the Sun of
to protect. You are not endeavoring to Reality shine upon the east and west. The
extend your domain nor have you need of enveloping clouds shall pass away and the
territorial expansion. Therefore if America heat of the divine rays will dispel the mist.
takes the first step toward the establish­ The reality of man shall develop and come
ment of world peace it is certain to be forth as the image of God his creator. The
ascribed to unselfishness and altruism. . . . thoughts of man shall take such upward
Just now Europe is a battlefield of ammuni­ flight that former accomplishments shall ap­
tion ready for a spark; and one spark will set pear as the play of children;—for the ideas
aflame the whole world. Before these com­ and beliefs of the past and the prejudices re­
plications and cataclysmic events happen, garding race and religion have ever been
take the step to prevent it. . . . Let this be lowering and destructive to human evolution.
her mission and undertaking and may its I am most hopeful that in this century these
blessed impetus spread to all countries. lofty thoughts shall be conducive to human
New York, May 12 welfare. Let this century be the sun of
previous centuries the effulgences of which
His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned shall last forever, so that in times to come
and subjected to severe persecutions. Finally they shall glorify the twentieth century, say­
He was exiled from Persia to Mesopotamia; ing the twentieth century was the century
from Baghdád He was sent to Constantinople of lights, the twentieth century was the cen­
and Adrianople and from thence to the tury of life, the twentieth century was the
prison of Akka in Syria. Through all these century of international peace, the twentieth
ordeals He strove day and night to proclaim century was the century of divine bestowals
the oneness of humanity and promulgate the and the twentieth century has left traces
message of Universal Peace. From the prison which shall last forever.
of Akka He addressed the kings and rulers of New York, May 13
the earth in lengthy letters summoning them
to international agreement and explicitly I have come to this country in the ad-
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 23

vanced years of my life, undergoing difficul­ and all races of mankind come together in
ties of health and climate because of ex­ unity and love. Fifty years ago His Holi­
cessive love for the friends of God. It is ness Bahá’u’lláh proclaimed the peace of the
my wish that they may be assisted to become nations and oneness of the divine religions,
servants of the heavenly kingdom, captives addressing His words to all the kings and
in the service of the will of God. This cap­ rulers of the world in specific tablets. There­
tivity is freedom, this sacrifice is glorifica­ fore my supreme desire is the unity of the
tion, this labor is reward, this need is be­ east and west, Universal Peace, and the one­
stowal. For service in love for mankind is ness of the world of humanity.
unity with God. He who serves has already Denver, September 2 5
entered the kingdom and is seated at the right
hand of his Lord. The issue of paramount importance in the
New York, June 11 world today is International Peace. The Eu­
ropean continent is like an arsenal, a store­
I desire to make manifest among the house of explosives ready for ignition, and
friends in America a new light that they may one spark will set the whole of Europe aflame,
become a new people, that a new foundation particularly at this time when the Balkan
may be established and complete harmony question is before the world. Even now war
be realized; for the foundation of Bahá’u’lláh is raging furiously in some places, the blood
is love. When you go to Green Acre6you of innocent people is being shed, children are
must have infinite love for each other, each made captive, women are left without sup­
preferring the other before himself. The port and homes are being destroyed. There­
people must be so attracted to you that they fore the greatest need in the world today is
will exclaim “What happiness exists among International Peace. The time is ripe. It is
you!” and will see in your faces the lights time for the abolition of warfare, the unifica­
of the kingdom; then in wonderment they tion of nations and governments. It is the
will turn to you and seek the cause of your time for love. It is time for cementing to­
happiness. You must give the message gether the east and the west.
through action and deed, not alone by word. Inasmuch as the Californians seem peace-
Word must be conjoined with deed. You loving and possessed of great worthiness and
must love yt>ur friend better than yourself; capacity, I hope that advocates of peace may
yes, be willing to sacrifice yourself. The daily increase among them until the whole
cause of Bahá’u’lláh has not yet appeared in population shall stand for that beneficent
this country. I desire that you be ready to outcome. May the men of affairs in this
sacrifice everything for each other, even life democracy uphold the standard of interna­
itself; then I will know that the cause of tional conciliation. Then may altruistic aims
Bahá’u’lláh has been established. I will pray and thoughts radiate from this center to­
for you that you may become the cause of ward all other regions of the earth and may
upraising the lights of God. May everyone the glory of this accomplishment forever
point to you and ask “Why are these people halo the history of this country. May the
so happy?” I want you to be happy in Green first flag of International Peace be upraised
Acre, to laugh, smile and rejoice in order in this State. May the first illumination of
that others may be made happy by you. I reality shine gloriously upon this soil. May
will pray for you. this center and capitol become distinguished
New York, July 1 in all degrees of accomplishment; for the
virtues of humanity and the possibilities of
My highest hope and desire is that the human advancement are boundless. There
strongest and most indissoluble bond shall is no end to them and whatever be the de­
be established between the American nation gree to which humanity may attain, there are
and the people of the Orient. This is my always degrees beyond. There is no attain­
prayer to God. May the day come when ment in the contingent realm of which it
through divine and spiritual activity in the may be said “Beyond this state of being and
human world, the religions shall be reconciled perfection there is no other,” or “This has
24 THE B A H Á ’1 C E N T E N A R Y

achieved the superlative degree.” No mat­ lláh and are living together in love and
ter how perfect it may appear, there is al­ fellowship without religious, patriotic ori
ways a greater degree of attainment to be racial prejudices: Muhammadans, Jews,
reached. Therefore no matter how much Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and
humanity may advance there are even higher many others.
stations to be attained because virtues are America has arisen to spread the teach­
unlimited. There is a consummation for ings of peace, to increase the illumination of
everything except virtues and although this humankind and bestow happiness and pros­
country has achieved extraordinary progress, perity upon the children of men. These are
I hope that its attainment may be immeasur­ the principles and evidences of divine civiliza­
ably greater, for the divine bounties are tion. America is a noble nation, the standardinfinite and unlimited. bearer of peace throughout the world, shed­
Sacramento, October 26 ding light to all regions. Foreign nations are
not untrammelled and free from intrigues
As we are in Cincinnati, the home of and complications like the United States,
President Taft, who has rendered such noble therefore they are not able to bring about uni­
service to the cause of peace, I will dictate versal harmony, but America—praise be to
a statement for the people of Cincinnati and God!—is at peace with all the world and is
America generally. worthy of raising the flag of brotherhood and
In the Orient I was informed that there international agreement. When this is done,
are many lovers of peace in America. There­ the rest of the world will accept. All na­
fore I left my native land to associate here tions will join in adopting the teachings of
with those who are the standard-bearers of Bahá’u’lláh revealed more than fifty years
international conciliation and agreement. ago. In His epistles He asked the parliaments
Having traveled from coast to coast, I find of the world to send their wisest and best
the United States of America vast and pro­ men to an international world conference
gressive, the government just and equable, which should decide all questions between
the nation noble and independent. I at­ the peoples and establish Universal Peace.
tended many meetings where International This would be the highest court of appeal
Peace was discussed and am always extremely and the parliament of man so long dreamed
happy to witness the results of such meet­ of by poets and idealists would be realized.
ings, for one of the great principles of Its accomplishment would be more far-reach­
Bahd’u’lldh’s teachings is the establishment ing than the Hague tribunal.
of agreement among the peoples of the I am most grateful to President Taft for
world. having extended his influence toward the
He founded and taught this principle in establishment of Universal Peace. What he
the Orient fifty years ago. He proclaimed has accomplished in making treaties with
international unity, summoned the religions various nations is very good but when we
of the world to harmony and reconciliation have the inter-parliamentary body composed
and established fellowship among many of delegates from all the nations of the
races, sects and communities. At that time world and devoted to the maintenance of
He wrote Epistles to the kings and rulers agreement and good will, the utopian dream
of the world, calling upon them to arise and of sages and poets, the parliament of man,
cooperate with Him in spreading these prin­ will be realized.
ciples, saying that the stability and advance­ Cincinnati, November 5
ment of humanity could only be realized
through the unity of the nations. Through Praise be to God! The standard of lib­
His efforts this principle of universal har­ erty is held aloft in this land. You enjoy
mony and agreement was practically demon­ political liberty; you enjoy liberty of
strated in Persia and other countries. To­ thought and speech, religious liberty, racial
day, in Persia, for instance, there are many and personal liberty. Surely this is worthy
people of various races and religions who of appreciation and thanksgiving.
have followed the exhortations of Bahd’u’- Washington, D. C., November 6
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 25

It is my fond and fervent hope through the reality of the divine religions shall be­
the favor of God that this present meeting come resplendent and refulgent, indicating
may be instrumental in ushering in the that they were meant to be the cause of
day when the standard of the oneness of unity and love and that through them,
the world of humanity shall be held aloft heavenly bestowals have ever been conferring
in America. May it be the first real foun­ light upon the human world.
dation of International Peace, having for New York, November 18
its object universal service to man. May
it be divine philanthropy without distinc­ I have been in America nine months and
tions or differentiations in humankind. May have traveled to all the large cities, speak­
you consider all religions the instruments of ing before various assemblages, proclaiming
God and regard all races as channels of to them the oneness of the world of hu­
divine manifestation. May you view man­ manity, summoning all to union, harmony,
kind as the sheep of God and know for a and oneness. I have indeed received the
certainty that He is the real shepherd. greatest kindness from the American people.
Washington, D. C., November 9 I look upon them as a noble nation capable
of every perfection. Tomorrow I am going
I consider the American people a highly away to Europe and now I bid farewell
civilized and intelligent nation,— a nation to you all, seeking for you the divine mercy,
investigating truth and reality. It is my the eternal glory and everlasting life; and
hope that through the efforts of this noble I pray that you may attain the highest sta­
nation the solidarity of humanity may be tion of humanity. I am greatly pleased
continually advanced, that the illumination with this meeting. My happiness is great.
of the human world may become wide­ I shall never forget you. You shall always
spread, that the banner of Universal Peace live in my thought. I shall always pray
may be held aloft, the lamp of the oneness of and supplicate before the Kingdom of God
the human world be ignited and the hearts and seek heavenly blessings for you.
of the east and west be conjoined. Then New York, December 5

III

‘A B D U ’L - B A H Á

Tablets of the Divine Plan

To the Assemblies and Meetings of the Believers of God and the maid-servants of the
Merciful in the United States and Canada.

Upon them be BaháVlláh El-Abhá! Therefore I direct you to that which is
conducive to your heavenly confirmation and
HE IS GOD!
illumination in the Kingdom of God!
O ye blessed souls! It is this: Alaska is a vast country; al­
though one of the maid-servants of the Mer­
I desire for you eternal success and pros­ ciful has hastened to those parts, serving as
perity and beg perfect confirmation for each a librarian in the Public Library, and accord­
one in the divine world. My hope for you is ing to her ability is not failing in teaching
that each one may shine forth like unto the the Cause; yet the call of the Kingdom of
morning star from the horizon of the world God is not yet raised through that spacious
and in this Garden of God become a blessed territory.
i tree, producing everlasting fruits and re­ His Holiness Christ says: Travel ye to
sults. the East and to the West of the world and
26 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARV

summon the people to the Kingdom of God. midst, they became so illumined that they
Hence the mercy of God must encompass all brightened the world. Likewise, should these1
humanity. Therefore do ye not think it per­ Indians and aborigines be educated and ob­
missible to leave that region deprived of the tain guidance, there is no doubt that through
breezes of the Morn of Guidance. Conse­ the divine teachings, they will become so en­
quently, strive as far as ye are able to send lightened as in turn to shed light to all
to those parts fluent speakers, who are de­ regions.
tached from aught else save God, attracted All the above countries have impor­
with the fragrances of God, and sanctified tance, but especially the Republic of Panama,
and purified from all desires and temptations. wherein the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans,
Their sustenance and food must consist of come together through the Panama Canal.
the teachings of God. First they must them­ It is a center for travel and passage from
selves live in accordance with those prin­ America to other continents of the world,
ciples, then guide the people. Perchance, and in the future it will gain most great
God willing, the lights of the most great importance.
guidance may illumine that country and the Likewise the Islands of the West Indies,
breezes of the rose garden of the love of such as Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica,
God may perfume the nostrils of the in­ the Islands of the Lesser Antilles, Bahama
habitants of Alaska. Should ye become con­ Islands, even the small Watling Island, have
firmed in thus rendering such a service, rest great importance; especially the two black
ye assured that ye shall crown your heads Republics, Haiti and Santo Domingo, situ­
with the diadem of everlasting sovereignty, ated in the cluster of the Greater Antilles.
and at the threshold of oneness you will be­ Likewise the cluster of the Islands of Ber­
come the favored and accepted servants. muda in the Atlantic Ocean have impor­
Likewise the Republic of Mexico is very tance.
important. The majority of the inhabitants In a similar way, the Republics on the
of that country are devoted Catholics. They Continent of South America—Colombia,
are totally unaware of the reality of the Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, British Guiana, Dutch
Bible, the Gospel and the new divine teach­ Guiana, French Guiana, Bolivia, Chile, Ar­
ings. They do not know that the basis of gentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela; also
the religions of God is one and that the the Islands in the North, East and West of
Holy Manifestations are like unto the Sun South America, such as Falkland Island,
of Truth, rising from the different dawning Galapagos, Juan Fernandez, Tobago and
places. Those souls are submerged in the Trinidad. Likewise the city of Bahia,
sea of dogmas. If one breath of life be situated on the eastern shore of Brazil. Be­
blown over them, great results will issue cause it is some time that it has become
therefrom. But it is better for those who known by this name, its efficacy will be most
intend to go to Mexico to teach, to be fa­ potent.
miliar with the Spanish language. In short, O ye believers of God! Exalt
Similarly, the six Central American Re­ your effort and magnify your aims. His
publics, situated south of Mexico,—Guate­ Holiness Christ says: Blessed are the poor,
mala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa for theirs shall be the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rica, Panama and the seventh country, Be­ In other words: Blessed are the nameless and
lize or British Honduras. The teachers go­ traceless poor, for they are the leaders of
ing to these parts must also be familiar mankind. Likewise it is said in the Qur’án:
with the Spanish language. "We desire to bestow our gifts upon those
You must give great importance to teach­ who have become weak on the face of the
ing the Indians i. e., the aborigines of earth, and make them a nation, and the heirs
America. For these souls are like the ancient (of spiritual tru th ).” Or, we wish to grant
inhabitants of Peninsular Arabia, who previ­ a favor to the impotent souls and suffer them
ous to the Manifestation of His Holiness M u­ to become the inheritors of the Messengers
hammad were treated as savages. But when and Prophets.
the Muhammadic light shone forth in their Therefore, now is the time that you may
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 27

divest yourselves from the garment of at­ them victorious; so that each one of them
tachment to this phenomenal realm, be may become like unto a regiment and con­
wholly severed from the physical world, be­ quer these countries through the love of
come angels of heaven and travel and teach God and the illumination of divine teach­
through all these regions. ings.
I declare by Him, beside whom there is O God! Be Thou their supporter and
no one, that each one of you shall become their helper, and in the wilderness, the moun­
the Israfel of Life, blowing the breath of life tain, the valley, the forests, the prairies and
in the souls of others. the seas, be Thou their confidant— so that
Upon you be greeting and praise! they may cry out through the power of the
Kingdom and the breath of the Holy Spirit!
Supplication
Verily Thou art the powerful, the mighty
O Thou Incomparable God! O thou Lord and the omnipotent, and Thou art the wise,
of the Kingdom! These souls are Thy the hearing and the seeing.
heavenly army. Assist them and with the Haifa, Palestine,
cohorts of the Supreme Concourse, make April 8, 1916.

To the believes and the maid-servants of the Merciful of the Baha’i Assemblies and
Meetings in the United States and CanadaI

HE IS GOD! through the pillars of the earth. Therefore
it is the hope of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that just as ye
O ye real Baha’is of America!
are confirmed and assisted on the continent
Praise be to His Highness the Desired One of America, ye may also be confirmed and
that ye have become confirmed in the pro­ assisted in other continents of the globe:—
motion of divine teachings in that vast Con­ that is, ye may carry the fame of the Cause
tinent, raised the call of the Kingdom of of God to the East and to the West and spread
God in that region and announced the Glad the Glad Tidings of the appearance of the
Tidings of the manifestation of the Lord Kingdom of the Lord of Hosts throughout
of Hosts a$d His Highness the Promised the five continents of the world.
One. Thanks be unto the Lord that ye have When this divine call travels from the
become assisted and confirmed in this aim. continent of America to Europe, Asia,
This is purely through the confirmations Africa, Australia and the Islands of the Pa­
of the Lord of Hosts and the breaths of the cific, the American believers shall be estab­
Holy Spirit. At present your confirmation lished on the throne of everlasting Glory,
is not known and understood. Ere long ye the fame of their illumination and guidance
shall observe that each one of you like shall reach to all regions and the renown
unto a brilliant and shining star will dif­ of their greatness become world-wide. There­
fuse the light of guidance from that horizon fore, a party, speaking the languages, sev­
and that ye have become the cause of eternal ered, holy, sanctified and filled with the love
life to the inhabitants of America. of God, must turn their faces to and travel
Consider! The station and the confirma­ through the three great island groups of the
tion of the apostles in the time of Christ was Pacific Ocean, — Polynesia, Micronesia and
not known, and no one looked on them with Malanesia, and the islands attached to these
the feeling of importance—nay, rather, they groups, such as New Guinea, Borneo, Java,
persecuted and ridiculed them. Later on it Sumatra, Philippine Islands, Solomon Islands,
became evident what crowns studded with Fiji Islands, New Hebrides, Loyalty Islands,
the brilliant jewels of guidance were placed New Caledonia, Bismarck Archipelago, Ce­
on the heads of the apostles, Mary Magda­ ram, Celebes, Friendly Islands, Samoa Is­
lene and Mary the mother of John. lands, Society Islands, Caroline Islands, Low
Likewise your confirmation is not known Archipelago, Marquesas, Hawaiian Islands,
at the present time. I hope that ere long Gilbert Islands, Moluccas, Marshall Islands,
it may throw a mighty reverberation Timor and the other islands. With hearts
28 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY

overflowing with the love of God, with be forthcoming. How good would it be
tongues commemorating the mention of were there any possibility of a commission
God, with eyes turned to the Kingdom of composed of men and women, to travel to­
God, they must deliver the Glad Tidings gether through China and Japan—so that
of the manifestation of the Lord of Hosts this bond of love may become strengthened,
to all the people. Know ye of a certainty that and through this going and coming they may
in whatever meeting ye may enter, in the establish the oneness of the world of hu­
apex of that meeting the Holy Spirit shall manity, summon the people to the Kingdom
be waving and the heavenly confirmations of God and spread the teachings.
of the Blessed Perfection shall encompass all. Similarly, if possible, they should travel
Consider ye, that Miss Agnes Alexander, to the continent of Africa, Canary Islands,
the daughter of the Kingdom, the beloved Cape Verde Islands, Madeira Islands, Re­
maid-servant of the Blessed Perfection, union Islands, St. Helena, Zanzibar, Mau­
traveled alone to Hawaii and the Island of ritius, etc., and in those countries summon
Honolulu, and now she is gaining spiritual the people to the Kingdom of God and raise
victories in Japan! Reflect ye how this the cry of: "Ya Bahá i’l Abha!” They must
daughter was confirmed in the Hawaiian Is­ also upraise the flag of the oneness of the
lands. She became the cause of the guid­ world of humanity in the Island of Mada­
ance of a gathering of people. gascar.
Likewise Miss Knobloch traveled alone to Books and pamphlets must be either
Germany. To what a great extent she be­ translated or composed in the languages of
came confirmed! Therefore, know ye of a these countries and islands, to be circulated
certainty that whosoever arises in this day to in every part and in all directions.
diffuse the divine fragrances the cohorts of It is said that in South Africa, a diamond
the Kingdom of God shall confirm him and mine is discovered. Although this mine is
the bestowals and the favors of the Blessed most valuable, yet after all it is stone. Per­
Perfection shall encircle him. chance, God willing, the mine of humanity
O how I long that it could be made pos­ may be discovered and the brilliant pearls of
sible for me to travel throughout these parts, the Kingdom be found.
even if necessary on foot and with the u t­ In brief, this world-consuming war has
most poverty, and while passing through the set such a conflagration to the hearts that no
cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, word can describe it. In all the countries
cry at the top of my voice: “Yá Bahá i’l of the world the longing for Universal Peace
Abhá!” and promote the divine teachings. is taking possession of the consciousness of
But now this is not feasible for me, therefore men. There is not a soul who does not yearn
I live in great regret; perchance, God willing, for concord and peace. A most wonderful
ye may become assisted therein. state of receptivity is being realized. This
A t this time, in the Islands of Hawaii, is through the consummate wisdom of God,
through the efforts of Miss Alexander, a so that capacity may be created, the standard
number of souls have reached the shore of of the oneness of the world of humanity be
the sea of faith! Consider ye, what happi­ upraised, and the fundamentals of Universal
ness, what joy is this! I declare by the Lord Peace and the divine principles be promoted
of Hosts that had this respected daughter in the East and the West.
founded an empire, that empire would not Therefore, O ye believers of God! Show
have been so great! For this sovereignty is ye an effort and after this war spread ye the
eternal sovereignty and this glory is ever- synopsis of the divine teachings in the Brit­
lasting glory. ish Isles, France, Germany, Austria-Hun­
Likewise, if some teachers go to other gary, Russia, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzer­
islands and other parts, such as the continent land, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland,
of Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, also Portugal, Roumania, Serbia, Montenegro,
to Japan, Asiatic Russia, Korea, French Indo- Bulgaria, Greece, Andora, Liechtenstein,
China, Siam, Straits Settlements, India, Cey­ Luxembourg, Monaco, San Marino, Balearic
lon and Afghanistan, most great results will Isles, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Crete, Malta,
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 29

Iceland, Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, will not be exhausted! It is evident that
Hebrides and Orkney Islands. they have earned these material bounties
In all these countries, like unto the morn­ with the utmost facility.
ing stars shine ye forth from the horizon of Still more ideal than this life is the life of
guidance. Up to this time you have dis­ a bird. A bird, on the summit of a moun­
played great magnanimity, but after this, tain, on the high, waving branches, has built
ye must add a thousand times to your ef­ for itself a nest more beautiful than the
fort and throughout the above countries, palaces of the kings! The air is in the utmost
capitals, islands, meetings and churches, in­ purity, the water cool and clear as crystal,
vite mankind to the Kingdom of Abha! The the panorama charming and enchanting. In
circle of your exertion must become widened. such glorious surroundings, he expends his
The more it is broadened and extended, the numbered days. All the harvests of the plain
greater will be your confirmation. are his possessions, having earned all this
Ye have observed that while ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wealth without the least labor. Hence, no
was in the utmost bodily weakness and matter how much man may advance in this
feebleness, while He was indisposed, and had world, he shall not attain to the station
not the power to move,—notwithstanding of this bird! Thus it becomes evident that
this physical state He traveled through many in the matters of this world, however much
countries, in Europe and America, and in man may strive and work to the point of
churches, meetings and conventions, was oc­ death, he will be unable to earn the abun­
cupied with the promotion of the divine dance, the freedom and the independent life
principles and summoned the people to the of a small bird. This proves and establishes
manifestation of the Kingdom of Abhá. Ye the fact that man is not created for the life
have also observed how the confirmations of of this ephemeral world:—nay, rather, he is
the Blessed Perfection encompassed all. What created for the acquirement of infinite per­
result is forthcoming from material rest, fections, for the attainment to the sublimity
tranquillity, luxury and attachment to this of the world of humanity, to be drawn nigh
corporeal world! It is evident that the man unto the divine threshold and to sit on the
who pursues these things will in the end be­ throne of everlasting sovereignty!
come afflicted with regret and loss. Upon you be Bahá El-Abhá!
Consequently, one must close his eyes Any soul starting on a trip of teaching to
wholly to these thoughts, long for eternal various parts, and while sojourning in
life, the sublimity of the world of humanity, strange countries, may peruse the following
the celestial developments, the Holy Spirit, supplication—day and night.
the promotion of the Word of God, the guid­
Supplication
ance of the inhabitants of the globe, the
promulgation of Universal Peace and the O God! O God! Thou seest me en­
proclamation of the oneness of the world of amored and attracted toward Thy Kingdom,
humanity! This is the work. Otherwise the El Abhá, enkindled with the fire of Thy
like unto other animals and birds one must love amongst mankind, a herald of Thy
occupy himself with the requirements of this Kingdom in these vast and spacious coun­
physical life, the satisfaction of which is the tries, severed from aught else save Thee, re­
highest aspiration of the animal kingdom, lying on Thee, abandoning rest and comfort,
and one must stalk across the earth like unto remote from my native home, a wanderer
the quadrupeds. in these regions, a stranger fallen on the
Consider ye! No matter how much man ground, humble before Thy exalted thresh­
gains wealth, riches and opulence in this old, submissive toward Thy most high
world, he will not become as independent as realm, supplicating Thee in the middle of
a cow. For these fattened cows roam freely nights and in the heart of evenings, en­
over the vast tableland. All the prairies and treating and invoking Thee in the morn and
meadows are theirs for grazing, and all the eve— so that Thou mayst assist me in the
springs and rivers are theirs for drinking! service of Thy Cause, the promotion of Thy
No matter how much they graze, the fields Teachings and the exaltation of Thy Word
30 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

in the Easts of the earth and the Wests soever Thou wiliest in that which Thou dethereof. sirest, and verily Thou art the powerful, the
O Lord! Associate with me in my loneli­ omnipotent!
ness and accompany me in my journeys
through these foreign lands. Haifa, Palestine,
Verily, Thou art the confirmer of whom­ April 11, 1916.

To the Assemblies and Meetings of the believers of God and the maid-servants of the
Merciful in the United States and Canada:

Upon them be BaháVlláh El-Abhá! nistic aims are brushed aside, the law of the
struggle for existence is abrogated, and the
HE IS GOD!
canopy of the oneness of the world of hu­
O ye heavenly souls, sons and daughters of manity is raised on the apex of the globe,
the Kingdom! casting its shade over all the races of men.
Consequently, the real Collective Center is
God says in the Q ur’án: "Take ye hold of the body of the divine teachings, which in­
the Cord of God, all of you, and become ye clude all the degrees and embrace all the
not disunited.55 universal relations and necessary laws of
In the contingent world there are many humanity.
collective centers which are conducive to as­ Consider! The people of the East and the
sociation and unity between the children of West were in the utmost strangeness. Now
men. For example, patriotism is a collective to what a high degree they are acquainted
center; nationalism is a collective center; with each other and united together! How
identity of interests is a collective center; far are the inhabitants of Persia from the
political alliance is a collective center; the remotest countries of America! And now
union of ideals is a collective center, and the observe how great has been the influence of
prosperity of the world of humanity is de­ the heavenly power, for the distance of thou­
pendent upon the organization and promo­ sands of miles has become identical with one
tion of the collective centers. Nevertheless, step! How various nations that have had no
all the above institutions are in reality, relations or similarity with each other are
the matter and not the substance, accidental now united and agreed through this divine
and not eternal— temporary and not ever­ potency! Indeed to God belongs power in
lasting. W ith the appearance of great revo­ the past and in the future! And verily God
lutions and upheavals, all these collective is powerful over all things!
centers are swept away. But the Collective Consider! When the rain, the heat, the sun
Center of the Kingdom, embodying the In­ and the gentle zephyrs cooperate with each
stitutes and Divine Teachings, is the eternal other, what beautiful gardens are produced!
Collective Center. It establishes relationship How the various kinds of hyacinths, flowers,
between the East and the West, organizes the trees and plants associate with each other and
oneness of the world of humanity, and de­ are conducive to the adornment and charm
stroys the foundation of differences. It over­ of one another! Hence the oneness of the
comes and includes all the other collective bounty of the sun, the oneness of rain and
centers. Like unto the ray of the sun, it dis­ the oneness of the breeze have so overcome all
pels entirely the darkness, encompassing all other considerations, that the variety of
the regions, bestows ideal life, and causes the hues, fragrances and tastes have increased the
effulgence of divine illumination. Through adornment, the attraction and sweetness of
the breaths of the Holy Spirit it performs the whole. In a similar manner, when the
miracles; the Orient and the Occident em­ divine Collective Center and the outpouring
brace each other, the N orth and South be­ of the Sun of Reality and the breaths of the
come intimates and associates; conflicting Holy Spirit are brought together, the variety
and contending opinions disappear; antago­ of races and the differences existing between
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 31

countries will become the cause of the em­ Reality that they may become the objects of
bellishment, decoration and elegance of the the praise and commendation of all other
world of humanity. countries. Likewise, ye must give great at­
Therefore, the believers of God through­ tention to the Republic of Panama, for in
out all the Republics of America, through that point the Occident and the Orient find
the divine power, must become the cause of each other united through the Panama Canal,
the promotion of heavenly teachings and the and it is also situated between the two great
establishment of the oneness of humanity. oceans. That place will become very im­
Every one of the important souls must arise, portant in the future. The Teachings once
blowing over all parts of America the breath established there, they will unite the East and
of life, conferring upon the people a new the West, the North and the South.
spirit, baptizing them with the fire of the Hence the intention must be purified, the
love of God, the water of life, and the effort ennobled and exalted, so that ye may
breaths of the Holy Spirit—so that the sec­ establish affinity between the hearts of the
ond birth may become realized. For it is world of humanity. This glorious aim will
written in the Gospel: "That which is born not become realized save through the pro­
of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born motion of divine teachings which are the
of the spirit is spirit.” foundations of the holy religions.
Therefore, O ye believers of God in the Consider how the religions of God served
United States and Canada! Select ye im­ the world of humanity! How the religion of
portant personages, or that they by them­ Torah became conducive to the glory and
selves becoming severed from rest and com­ honor and progress of the Israelitish nation!
posure of the world, may arise and travel How the breaths of the Holy Spirit of His
throughout Alaska, the Republic of Mexico, Holiness Christ created affinity and unity
and south of Mexico, in the Central Ameri­ between divergent communities and quarrel­
can Republics, such as Guatemala, Hon­ ing families! How the sacred power of His
duras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Holiness Muhammad became the means of
Panama and Belize; and through the great uniting and harmonizing the contentious
South American Republics, such as Argen­ tribes and the different clans of Peninsular
tine, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, French Arabia— to such an extent that one thousand
Guiana, Dutch Guiana, British Guiana, tribes were welded into one tribe, strife and
Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile; discord was done away with, all of them
also in the group of the West Indies Islands unitedly and with one accord strove in ad­
such as Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica vancing the cause of culture and civilization,
and Santo Domingo, and the group of Islands and thus were freed from the lowest degree
of the Lesser Antilles, the Islands of Bahama of degradation, soaring toward the height of
and the Islands of Bermuda; likewise to the everlasting glory! Is it possible to find a
Islands of the east, west and south of South greater Collective Center in the phenomenal
America, such as Trinidad, Falkland Islands, world than this? In comparison to this Di­
Galapago Islands, Juan Fernandez and To­ vine Collective Center, the national collec­
bago. Visit ye especially the city of Bahia, tive center, the patriotic collective center,
on the eastern shore of Brazil. Because in the political collective center, and the cul­
the past years this city was christened with tural and intellectual collective center are
the name, Baha’i, there is no doubt that it like child’s play!
has been through the inspiration of the Holy Now strive ye that the Collective Center
Spirit. of the sacred religions, for the inculcation of
Consequently, the believers of God must which all the Prophets were manifested and
display the utmost effort, upraise the divine which is no other than the spirit of the Di­
melody throughout those regions, promul­ vine Teachings,—be spread in all parts of
gate the heavenly teachings and waft over America—so that each one of you may shine
all, the spirit of eternal life; so that those forth from the horizon of Reality like unto
Republics may become so illumined with the the morning star, divine illumination may
splendors and the effulgences of the Sun of overcome the darkness of nature, and the
THE
BA H Á ’Í
CENTENARY
Entrance to the Garden of Ridván where BaháV lláh declared H is Mission to the world and after twelve days departed for
Constantinople. These twelve days are observed as a Bahá’í Festival (Ridván) in commemoration of this event.
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 33

world of humanity may become enlightened. O Lord! Should the breaths of the Holy
This is the most great work! Should ye be­ Spirit confirm the weakest of creatures, he
come confirmed therein, this world will be­ shall attain to the highest station of great­
come another world, the surface of the earth ness and shall possess anything he desireth.
will become the delectable Paradise, and Indeed Thou hast assisted Thy servants in the
eternal Institutions be founded. past, and they were the weakest of Thy crea­
Let whosoever travels to different parts to tures, the lowliest of Thy servants and the
teach, peruse over mountain, desert, land most insignificant of those who lived upon
and sea this supplication! the earth; but through Thy sanction and
potency they took precedence over the most
Supplication
glorious of Thy people and the most noble
O God! O God! Thou seest my weakness, of Thy mankind. Whereas formerly they
lowliness and humility amongst Thy crea­ were as moths, they became royal falcons and
tures; nevertheless I have trusted on Thee whereas before they were as bubbles they
and have arisen in the promotion of Thy became seas. Through Thy bestowal, Thy
Teachings amongst Thy strong servants, mercy and Thy most great favor, they be­
relying on Thy power and might! came stars shining in the horizon of guid­
O Lord! I am a broken-winged bird and ance, birds singing in the rose garden of im­
desire to soar in this Thy space to which mortality, lions roaring in the forest of
there is no limit. How is it possible for me knowledge and wisdom, and whales swim­
to do this save through Thy providence and ming in the oceans of life.
grace, Thy confirmation and assistance! Verily, Thou art the clement, the power­
O Lord! Have pity on my weakness and ful, the mighty, and the most merciful of
strengthen me with Thy power! the merciful!
O Lord! Have pity on my impotency and Haifa, Palestine,
assist me with Thy might and majesty! March 8, 1917.

To the believers of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful of the Baha’i Assemblies
in the United States and Canada:

Upon them be Bahd’u’llah El-Abhá! ness Bahi’u’llah, i. e., the love of Bahd’u’llah
has so mastered every organ, part and limb of
HE IS GOD!
their bodies, as to leave no effect by the
O ye apostles of Bahd’u’lldh,— May my life be promptings of the human world.
a ransom to you! These souls are the armies of God and the
conquerors of the East and the West. Should
The blessed Person of the Promised One is one of them turn his face toward some direc­
interpreted in the Holy Rook as the Lord of tion and summon the people to the Kingdom
Hosts, i. e., the heavenly armies. By heavenly of God, all the ideal forces and lordly con­
armies those souls are intended who are en­ firmations will rush to his support and rein­
tirely freed from the human world, trans­ forcement. He will behold all the doors open
formed into celestial spirits and have become and all the strong fortifications and im­
divine angels. Such souls are the rays of the pregnable castles razed to the ground. Singly
Sun of Reality who will illumine all the con­ and alone he will attack the armies of the
tinents. Each one is holding in his hand a world, defeat the right and left wings of the
trumpet, blowing the breath of life over all hosts of all the countries, break through the
the regions. They are delivered from human lines of the legions of all the nations and
qualities and the defects of the world of na­ carry his attack to the very center of the
ture, are characterized with the characteris­ powers of the earth. This is the meaning of
tics of God, and are attracted with the frag­ the Hosts of God.
rances of the Merciful. Like unto the apostles Any soul from among the believers of
of Christ, who were filled with Him, these Baha’u’lldh who attains to this station, will
souls also have become filled with His Holi­ become known as the Apostle of Baha’u’llah.
34 THE B A H Á vÍ CENTENARY

Therefore strive ye with heart and soul—so scattered and certain souls who were the
that ye may reach this lofty and exalted prisoners of their own passions and lusts
position, be established on the throne of ever­ would have taken into their hands an axe,
lasting glory, and crown your heads with the cutting the root of this Blessed Tree. Every
shining diadem of the Kingdom, whose person would have pushed forward his own
brilliant jewels may irradiate upon centuries desire and every individual aired his own
and cycles. opinion! Notwithstanding this great Cove­
O ye kind friends! Uplift your magnani­ nant, a few negligent souls galloped with
mity and soar high toward the apex of heaven their chargers into the battlefield, thinking
—so that your blessed hearts may become perchance they might be able to weaken the
illumined more and more, day by day, foundation of the Cause of God: but praise
through the Rays of the Sun of Reality, i. e., be to God, all of them were afflicted with
His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh; at every moment regret and loss, and ere long they shall see
the spirits may obtain a new life, and the themselves in poignant despair. Therefore,
darkness of the world of nature may be en­ in the beginning one must make his steps
tirely dispelled— thus ye may become incar­ firm in the Covenant—so that the confirma­
nate light and personified spirit, become en­ tions of Bahá’u’lláh may encircle from all
tirely unaware of the sordid matters of this sides, the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse
world and in touch with the affairs of the may become the supporters and the helpers,
divine world. and the exhortations and advices of 'Abdu’l-
Consider ye what doors His Holiness Bahá, like unto the pictures engraved on
Baha’u’llah has opened before you, and what stone, may remain permanent and inefface­
a high and exalted station He has destined able in the tablets of the hearts.
for you, and what bounties He has prepared The second condition: Fellowship and love
for you! Should we become intoxicated with amongst the believers. The divine friends
this cup, the sovereignty of this globe of must be attracted to and enamored of each
earth will become lower in our estimation other and ever be ready and willing to sacri­
than the children’s plays. Should they place fice their own lives for each other. Should
in the arena the crown of the government of one soul from amongst the believers meet
the whole world, and invite each one of us another, it must be as though a thirsty one
to accept it, undoubtedly we shall not con­ with parched lips has reached to the fountain
descend, and shall refuse to accept it. of the water of life, or a lover has met his
To attain to this supreme station is, how­ true beloved. For one of the greatest divine
ever, dependent on the realization of certain wisdoms regarding the appearance of the
conditions. Holy Manifestations is this: The souls may
The first condition is firmness in the Cov­ come to know each other and become inti­
enant of God. For the power of the Cove­ mate with each other; the power of the love
nant will protect the Cause of Baha’u’llah of God may make all of them the waves of
from the doubts of the people of error. It is one sea, the flowers of one rose garden and
the fortified fortress of the Cause of God the stars of one heaven. This is the wisdom
and the firm pillar of the religion of God. for the appearance of the Holy Manifesta­
Today no power can conserve the oneness of tions! When the most great bestowal reveals
the Baha’i world save the Covenant of God; itself in the hearts of the believers, the world
otherwise differences like unto a most great of nature will be transformed, the darkness
tempest will encompass the Baha’i world. It of the contingent being will vanish, and
is evident that the axis of the oneness of the heavenly illumination will be obtained. Then
world of humanity is the power of the Cove­ the whole world will become the Paradise of
nant and nothing else. Had the Covenant Abba, every one of the believers of God will
not come to pass, had it not been revealed become a blessed tree, producing wonderful
from the Supreme Pen and had not the Book fruits.
of the Covenant, like unto the ray of the Sun O ye friends! Fellowship, fellowship!
of Reality, illuminated the world, the forces Love, love! Unity, unity!—So that the
of the Cause of God would have been utterly power of the Baha’i Cause may appear and
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 35

become manifest in the world of existence. them all the divine proofs and irrefragible
Just at this moment I am engaged in your arguments, explain and elucidate the history
commemoration and this heart is in the u t­ of the Cause, and interpret also the prophe­
most glow and excitement! Were ye to cies and proofs which are recorded and are
realize how this conscience is attracted with extant in the divine Books and Epistles re­
the love of the friends, unquestionably ye garding the Manifestation of the Promised
would obtain such a degree of joy and fra­ One, so that the young ones may go in per­
grance that ye would all become enamored fect knowledge in all these degrees.
with each other! Likewise, whenever it is possible a com­
The third condition: Teachers must con­ mittee must be organized for the translation
tinually travel to all parts of the continent, of the Tablets. Wise souls who have mas­
nay, rather, to all parts of the world, but tered and studied perfectly the Persian,
they must travel like ‘Abdu’l-Baha, who Arabic and foreign languages, or know one
journeyed throughout the cities of America. of the foreign languages—must commence
He was sanctified and free from every at­ translating Tablets and books containing
tachment and in the utmost severance. Just the proofs of this Revelation, and publishing
as His Holiness Christ says: "Shake off the those books, circulate them throughout the
very dust from your feet.” five continents of the globe.
Ye have observed that while in America Similarly, the Magazine, the Star of the
many souls in the utmost of supplication and West, must be edited in the utmost regu­
entreaty desired to offer some gifts, but this larity, but its contents must be the promul­
servant, in accord with the exhortations and gator of the Cause of God—so that both in
behests of the Blessed Perfection, never ac­ the East and the West, they may become in­
cepted a thing, although on certain occasions formed of the most important events.
we were in most straitened circumstances. In short, in all the meetings, whether pub­
But on the other hand, if a soul for the sake lic or private, nothing should be discussed
of God, voluntarily and out of his pure de­ save that which is under consideration, and
sire, wishes to offer a contribution (toward all the articles be centered around the Cause
the expenses of a teacher) in order to make of God. Promiscuous talks must not be
the contributor happy, the teacher may ac­ dragged in and contention is absolutely for­
cept a small sum, but must live with utmost bidden.
contentment. The teachers traveling in different direc­
The aim is this: The intention of the tions must know the language of the country
teacher must be pure, his heart independent, in which they will enter. For example, a
his spirit attracted, his thought at peace, his person being proficient in the Japanese
resolution firm, his magnanimity exalted language may travel in Japan, or a person
and in the love of God a shining torch. knowing the Chinese language may hasten
Should he become as such, his sanctified to China, and so forth.
breath will even affect the rock; otherwise In short, after this universal war, the peo­
there will be no result whatsoever. As long ple have obtained extraordinary capacity to
as a soul is not perfected, how can he efface hearken to the divine teachings, for the
the defects of others! Unless he is detached wisdom of this war is this: That it may be­
from aught else save God, how can he teach come proven to all that the fire of war is
the severance to others! world-consuming, whereas the rays of peace
In short, O ye believers of God! Endeavor are world-enlightening. One is death, the
ye; so that ye may take hold of every means other is life; this is extinction, that is im­
in the promulgation of the religion of God mortality; one is the most great calamity, the
and the diffusion of the fragrances of God. other is the most great bounty; this is dark­
Amongst other things is the holding of the ness, that is light; this is eternal humiliation
meetings for teaching— so that blessed souls and that is everlasting glory; one is the de­
and the old ones from amongst the believers stroyer of the foundation of man, the other
may gather together the youths of the love is the founder of the prosperity of the human
of God in schools of instruction and teach race.
36 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Consequently, a number of souls may arise Lord! Awaken them from the depths of
and act in accordance with the aforesaid con­ the sea of animosity, deliver them from these
ditions, and hasten to all parts of the world, impenetrable darknesses, establish affinity
especially from America to Europe, Africa, between their hearts and enlighten their eyes
Asia and Australia, and travel through Japan with the light of peace and reconciliation.
and China. Likewise, from Germany teach­ Lord! Rescue them from the fathomless
ers and believers may travel to the continents depths of war and bloodshed! Arouse them
of America, Africa, Japan and China; in out of the gloom of error, rend asunder the
brief, they may travel through all the con­ veil from their eyes, brighten their hearts
tinents and islands of the globe. Thus in a with the light of guidance, deal with them
short space of time, most wonderful results through Thy favor and mercy and do not
will be produced, the banner of Universal treat them according to Thy justice and
Peace will be waving on the apex of the wrath through which the backs of the
world and the lights of the oneness of the mighty ones are shaken!
world of humanity may illumine the uni­ Lord! Verily the wars have prolonged,
verse. the calamities have increased, and every
In brief, O ye believers of God! The text building hath turned into ruin.
of the Divine Book is this: If two souls quar­ Lord! Verily the breasts are agitated and
rel and contend about a question of the Di­ the souls are convulsed. Have mercy on
vine questions, differing and disputing, both these poor ones and do not leave them to do
are wrong. The wisdom of this incontro­ with themselves that which they desire!
vertible law of God is this: That between Lord! Send forth throughout Thy coun­
two souls from amongst the believers of God, tries humble and submissive souls, their faces
no contention and dispute might arise; that illumined with the rays of guidance, severed
they may speak with each other with infinite from the world, speaking Thy remembrance
amity and love. Should there appear the least and praise and diffusing Thy holy fragrances
trace of controversy, they must remain amongst mankind!
silent, and both parties must continue their Lord! Strengthen their backs, reinforce
discussions no longer, but ask the reality of their loins and dilate their breasts with the
the question from the Interpreter. This is signs of Thy most great love.
the irrefutable command! Lord! Verily, they are weak and Thou
Upon you be Bahá El-Abhá! art the powerful and the mighty, and they
are impotent and Thou art the helper and
Supplication
the merciful!
O God! O God! Thou seest that black Lord! Verily the sea of transgression is
darkness hath encompassed all the regions, waving high and these hurricanes will not be
all the countries are burning with the con­ calmed down save through Thy boundless
flagration of dissension and the fire of war grace which hath embraced all the regions!
and carnage is ignited in the Easts of the Lord! Verily the souls are in the deep
earth and the Wests thereof. The blood is valleys of lust and nothing will awaken them
being shed, the corpses are out-stretched and save Thy most wonderful bounties.
the heads are decapitated and thrown on the Lord! Dispel these darknesses of tempta­
ground in the battlefield. tions and illumine the hearts with the lamp
Lord! Lord! Have pity on these ignorant of Thy love, through which all the countries
ones, look upon them with the eye of for­ will be enlightened. Confirm those believers
giveness and pardon. Extinguish this fire— who, leaving their countries, their families
so that these gloomy clouds covering the and their children, travel throughout the
horizon may be scattered; the Sun of Reality regions for the sake of the love of Thy
may shine forth with the rays of concilia­ beauty, the diffusion of Thy fragrances and
tion; this darkness be rent asunder and all the the promulgation of Thy teachings. Be thou
countries be illumined with the lights of their companion in their loneliness, their
peace. helper in a strange land, the remover of their
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 37

sorrow, the comforter in their calamity, their of mercy, and verily, Thou art the compas
deliverer in their hardship, the satisfier of sionate and the merciful.
their thirst, the healer of their malady and
the allayer of the fire of their longing. Haifa, Palestine,
Verily, Thou art the clement, the possessor April 19, 20 and 22, 1917.

IV

SH O G H I EFFEN D I

Excerpts from Letters and Messages, 1923-1943

OW surely, if ever, is the time for us, He wishes us, and all the peoples and kindreds
the chosen ones of Baha’u’llah and the bear­ on earth, to attain in this world; how much
ers of His Message to the world, to endeavor more to achieve unity and common under­
by day and by night, to deepen, first and standing among ourselves, and then arise to
foremost, the Spirit of His Cause in our own herald with one voice the coming of the
individual lives, and then labor, and labor Kingdom and the salvation of mankind.
incessantly to exemplify in all our dealings W ith unity of purpose firmly established
with our fellowmen that noble Spirit of in our minds, with every trace of personal
which His beloved Son 'Abdu’l-Bahá has animosity banished from our hearts, and
been all the days of His life a true and unique with the spirit of whole-hearted and sus­
exponent. The sayings of our beloved Mas­ tained fellowship kindled in our souls, can
ter have been noised abroad, His name has we hope to deliver effectively the Message of
filled all regions, and the eyes of mankind BaháVlláh, and execute faithfully the vari­
are now turned expectant towards His dis­ ous provisions of our Beloved’s Will and
ciples who bear His name and profess His Testament.
teachings. Shall we not by our daily life Steadfast in our faith, firm in our union,
vindicate the high claims of His teachings, abounding in our hope, fervent in our spirit,
and prove by our services the influence of and selfless in our labors, let us arise and with
His undying Spirit? This surely is our high­ prayerful hearts make another and supreme
est privilege, and our most sacred duty. effort to fulfill these last words of our Be­
Let us, with a pure heart, with humility loved, His most cherished desire:
and earnestness, turn afresh to His counsels
and exhortations, and seek from that Source "O ye that stand fast in the Covenant!
of Celestial Potency all the guidance, the When the hour cometh that this wronged
spirit, the power which we shall need for the and broken winged bird will have taken
fulfilment of our mission in this life. flight unto the Celestial Concourse, when it
Behold, the station to which ‘Abdu’l- will have hastened to the Realm of the Un­
Bahá is now calling His loved ones from the seen, and its mortal frame will have either
Realm of Glory:— been lost or hidden neath the dust, it is in­
cumbent upon the A fndn that are steadfast
"It behooveth the loved ones of God to be in the Covenant of God and have branched
enamored of one another and to sacrifice from the Tree of Holiness, the Hands of the
themselves for their fellow-workers in the Cause of God (the glory of the Lord rest
Cause. They should yearn towards one an­ tipon them), and all the friends and loved
other even as the sore athirst yearneth for ones, one and all, to bestir themselves and
the Water of Life, and the lover burneth to arise with heart and soul and in one accord
meet his hearťs desire” to diffuse the sweet savors of God, to teach
His Cause and to promote His Faith. It be­
Such is the sublime, the glorious position hooveth them not to rest for a moment,
38 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

neither to seek repose. They must disperse We need but glance at the Words of
themselves in every land, pass by every clime, Bahd’u’llah and the Epistles of ‘Abdu’l-Baha
and travel throughout all regions. Bestirred, to realize the great privilege of teaching the
without rest, and steadfast to the end, they Cause, its vital necessity, its supreme
must raise in every land the triumphal cry urgency, and its wide-reaching effects. These
of Yd-Bahd’u’l-Abhd, must achieve renown are the very words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd:—
in the world wherever they go, must burn "In these days, the Holy Ones of the
brightly even as a candle in every meeting, Realm of Glory, dwelling in the all-highest
and must kindle the flame of Divine Love in Paradise, yearn to return unto this world,
every assembly; that the Light of Truth and be of some service to the Cause of
may rise resplendent in the midmost heart Bahd’uTldh and prove their servitude to the
of the world, that throughout the East and Threshold of the Abha Beauty.”
throughout the West a vast concourse may
gather under the shadow of the Word of What a wondrous vision these words un­
God, that the sweet savors of Holiness may fold to our eyes! How great our privilege
be diffused, that faces may shine radiantly, to labor in this Day in the Divine Vineyard!
hearts be filled with the Divine Spirit and Is it not incumbent upon us to arise and
souls be made heavenly. In these days the teach His Cause with such an ardor which
most important of all things is the gtádance no worldly adversity can quell, nor any
of the nations and the peoples of the world. measure of success can satiate?
Teaching the Cause is of utmost importance, March 12, 1923.
for it is the head corner-stone of the founda­
tion itself. This wronged servant has spent And as to the world’s evil plight, we need
His days and nights in promoting the Cause, but recall the writings and sayings of
and urging the peoples to service. He rested Bahá’u’lláh, who, more than fifty years ago,
not a moment, till the fame of the Cause declared in terms prophetic the prime cause
of God was noised abroad in the world, and of the ills and sufferings of mankind, and set
the celestial Strains from the Abha Kingdom forth their true and divine remedy. "Should
roused the East and the W est. The beloved the Lamp of Religion be hidden,” He deof God must also follow the same example. dares, "Chaos and confusion will ensue.”
This is the secret of faithfulness, this is the How admirably fitting and applicable are
requirement of servitude to the Threshold these words to the present state of mankind!
of Bahd.” Ours then is the duty and privilege to

Barracks at 'Akká, Palestine, where BaháVlláh was incarcerated in 1868,
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 39

labor, by day and by night, amidst the storm and vigor that will enable me to pursue over
and stress of these troublous days, that we a long and unbroken period of strenuous
may quicken the zeal of our fellow-men, re­ labor the supreme task of achieving, in col­
kindle their hopes, stimulate their interest, laboration with the friends in every land,
open their eyes to the true Faith of God and the speedy triumph of the Cause of Baha’u’-
enlist their active support in the carrying out lláh. This is the prayer I earnestly request
of our common task for the peace and re­ all my fellow-brethren and sisters in the
generation of the world. Faith to offer on my behalf.
Let us take heart and be thankful to our Let us pray to God that in these days of
beloved ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as we remember His world-encircling gloom, when the dark
manifold blessings and unfailing care and forces of nature, of hate, rebellion, anarchy
protection, ever since the hour of His de­ and reaction are threatening the very sta­
parture from our midst. The flames of sedi­ bility of human society, when the most
tion, so maliciously kindled in the past by precious fruits of civilization are undergoing
those who have dared to flout His will, are severe and unparallelled tests, we may all
gone out for ever, and the fondest hopes of realize, more profoundly than ever, that
these evil plotters are now abandoned, though but a mere handful amidst the seeth­
doomed never to revive. He has indeed re­ ing masses of the world, we are in this day
deemed His promise! the chosen instruments of God’s grace, that
It seemed not a long time ago that their our mission is most urgent and vital to the
agitation, so violently renewed immediately fate of humanity, and, fortified by these
after the passing of our Beloved, would for sentiments, arise to achieve God’s holy pur­
a time confuse the Divine Message of pose for mankind.
Bahd’u’llah, obscure His Covenant, retard November 14, 1923.
the progress of His Cause, and shatter its
unity; and yet how well we see them all to­ I would also earnestly entreat all the dele­
day, not through our efforts, but by their gates at this coming Convention, and
own folly, and above all, by the interven­ through them I appeal to the larger body of
tion of the hidden hand of God, reduced to believers whom they represent, to ever bear
the vilest and most humiliating position. in mind the supreme injunction of ‘Abdu’l-
And now, with the Cause purified and Bahá, to teach unceasingly until the ''head
inwardly victorious, its principles vindicated, cornerstone of the foundation” of the Cause
its enemies silenced and sunk in unspeakable of God is firmly established in every heart.
misery, may we not, henceforth, direct all Let those whose time, resources and means
our efforts to collective action and construc­ allow, travel throughout the length and
tive achievement, and, in utter disregard of breadth of that vast continent, let them
the flickerings of their, fast-fading light, scatter to the most distant regions of the
arise to carry out those urgent measures that earth and, fired with enthusiasm and detach­
will secure the outward and complete ment, hand on the torch of God’s undying
triumph of the Cause. flame to the waiting multitudes of a sadly-
I, for my part, as I look back to the un­ stricken world.
fortunate circumstances of ill-health and One word more in conclusion. Let the
physical exhaustion that have attended the West, and particularly the Great Republic of
opening years of my career of service to the the New World, where a quarter of a cen­
Cause, feel hardly gratified, and would be tury ago Baha’u’lldh’s Banner was firmly im­
truly despondent but for the sustaining planted, realize that upon it now rests the re­
memory and inspiring example of the dili­ sponsibility of achieving the universal recog­
gent and ceaseless efforts which my fellow- nition of the Baha’i Faith, of fulfilling
workers the world over have displayed dur­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahi’s fondest hopes.
ing these two trying years in the service of Persia, the cradle of an unfolding world
the Cause. civilization, is still bereft of her freedom,
I cherish the hope that, from now on, the sunk in ignorance, a prey to contending pol­
Beloved may bestow upon me all the strength icies and factions, beset on one hand by the
40 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

powers of orthodoxy and sectarian fanaticism tuted in the East or in the West. I would
and assailed on the other by the forces of ask you particularly to send copies of the
materialism and unbelief. In her evil plight text of this document of fundamental im­
she is radiantly confident that the Flame she portance accompanied by copies of the
had kindled in the world will, in the fullness Declaration of Trust and the text of the
of time, blaze forth in the heart of the mighty Indenture of Trust, to every existing N a­
West and shed redeeming illumination upon tional Spiritual Assembly, with my insistent
the silent sufferers of a distracted country. request to study the provisions, comprehend
Will it be America, will it be one of the na­ its implications, and endeavor to incorporate
tions of Europe, that will seize the torch of it, to the extent that their own circum­
Divine Guidance from Persia’s fettered hands stances permit, within the framework of
and with it set the western world aflame? their own national activities. You can but
May your Convention, by its spirit, its reso­ faintly imagine how comforting a stimulant
lutions and its accomplishments, give to that and how helpful a guide its publication and
country’s urgent call a noble and decisive circulation will be to those patient and toil­
answer. ing workers in Eastern lands, and particu­
June 3, 192 5. larly Persia, who in the midst of uncertainties
and almost insuperable obstacles are strain­
The Declaration of Trust, the provisions ing every nerve in order to establish the
of which you have so splendidly conceived, world order ushered in by Bahd’u’llah. You
and formulated with such assiduous care, can hardly realize how substantially it will
marks yet another milestone on the road of contribute to pave the way for the elabora­
progress along which you are patiently and tion of the beginnings of the constitution
determinedly advancing. Clear and concise of the worldwide Baha’i Community that
in its wording, sound in principle, and com­ will form the permanent basis upon which
plete in its affirmations of the fundamentals the blest and sanctified edifice of the first
of Bahd’i administration, it stands in its final International House of Justice will securely
form as a worthy and faithful exposition of rest and flourish.
the constitutional basis of Bahá’í communi­ October 18, 1927.
ties in every land, foreshadowing the final
emergence of the world Bahd’i Common­ American believers’ inspired leadership
wealth of the future. This document, when steadily unfolding to Bahá’ís world over the
correlated and combined with the set of by­ potentialities of the majestic edifice herald­
laws which I trust are soon forthcoming, will ing formative period of the Faith of Baha’u’lserve as a pattern to every National Baha’i láh. Their unerring vision conceived its
Assembly, be it in the East or in the West, matchless design. ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s own hands
which aspires to conform, pending the for­ laid its cornerstone. Their dynamic faith
mation of the First Universal House of Jus­ reared its structure. Their sustained selftice, with the spirit and letter of the world sacrifice crowned it with immortal glory.
order ushered in by Baha’u’lldh. May the flame of their unconquerable en­
May 27, 1927. thusiasm continue glowing undimmed in
their hearts till its naked frame is enveloped
As already intimated, I have read and re­ in its shining mantle.
read most carefully the final draft of the June 4, 1934.
By-Laws drawn up by that highly-talented,
much-loved servant of Baha’u’lldh, Mount- Convey to assembled believers celebrating
fort Mills, and feel I have nothing substantial termination entire dome unit of Mashriqu’lto add to this first and very creditable at­ Adhkár my heart-felt congratulations on
tempt at codifying the principles of general triumphant progress of their undeniably
Bahd’i administration. I heartily and unhesi­ glorious enterprise. To prayers and testi­
tatingly commend it to the earnest perusal monies ascending to Throne of Bahá’u’lláh
of, and its loyal adoption by, every National I am moved to add my fervent though in­
Bahd’i Spiritual Assembly, whether consti­ adequate tribute to solidarity of so dazzling
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 41

an achievement. The forces which progres­ appeal voiced by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Tablets of
sive revelation of this mighty symbol of our the Divine Plan. Urge earnest deliberation
Faith is fast releasing in heart of a sorely with incoming National Assembly to insure
tried continent no one of this generation its complete fulfilment. First century of
can correctly appraise. The new hour has Bahd’i era drawing to a close. Humanity
struck in history of our beloved Cause, entering outer fringes most perilous stage
calling for nation-wide, systematic, sustained its existence. Opportunities of present hour
efforts in teaching field, enabling thereby unimaginably precious. Would to God ev­
these forces to be directed into such chan­ ery State within American Republic and
nels as shall redound to glory of our Faith every Republic in American continent might
and to the honor of its institutions. ere termination of this glorious century"'
October 26, 193 5. embrace the light of the Faith of Baha’u’-
lláh and establish structural basis of His
This new stage in the gradual unfoldment World Order.
of the Formative Period of our Faith into May 1, 1936.
which we have just entered— the phase of
concentrated teaching activity— synchro­ I cannot allow this communication to be
nizes with a period of deepening gloom, of sent without adding a few words in person
universal impotence, of ever-increasing desti­ and stress afresh the significance of the un­
tution and wide-spread disillusionment in the dertaking in which the entire Baha’i com­
fortunes of a declining age. This is truly munity has embarked. The promulgation of
providential and its significance and the op­ the Divine Plan, unveiled by our departed
portunities it offers us should be fully ap­ Master in the darkest days of one of the
prehended and utilized. Now that the ad­ severest ordeals which humanity has ever
ministrative organs of a firmly established experienced, is the key which Providence has
Faith are vigorously and harmoniously func­ placed in the hands of the American believ­
tioning, and now that the Symbol (i.e., the ers whereby to unlock the doors leading
House of Worship) of its invincible might them to fulfil their unimaginably glorious
is lending unprecedented impetus to its Destiny. As the proclamation of the Mes­
spread, an effort unexampled in its scope and sage reverberates throughout the land, as its
sustained vitality is urgently required so resistless march gathers momentum, as the
that the moving spirit of its Founder may field of its operation widens, and the nunv
permeate and transform the lives of the bers of its upholders and champions m ulti­
countless multitudes that hunger for its ply, its potentialities will correspondingly
teachings. That the beloved friends in Amer­ unfold, exerting a most beneficent influence
ica, who have carried triumphantly the ban­ not only on every community throughout
ner of His Cause through the initial stages the Baha’i world, but on the immediate for­
of its development, will in a still greater tunes of a travailing society. The repercus­
measure prove themselves capable of meet­ sions of this campaign are already apparent
ing the challenge of the present hour, I for in Europe, India, Egypt, Tráq and even
one, can never doubt. Of the evidences of among the sore-tried communities in Persia
their inexhaustible vitality I am sufficiently and Russia. The Faith of God is gaining in
and continually conscious. My fervent plea stature, effectiveness and power. Not until,
will not, I feel certain, remain unanswered. however, the great enterprise which you are
For them I shall continue to pray from all now conducting runs its full course and at­
my heart. tains its final objective, at its appointed time,
January 10, 193 6. can its world-encompassing benefits be fully
apprehended or revealed. The perseverance
Convey to American believers abiding of the American believers will, no doubt, in­
gratitude efforts unitedly exerted in teach­ sure the ultimate realization of these benefits.
ing field. Inaugurated campaign should be November 14, 1936.
vigorously pursued, systematically extended. * The First Century of the Baha’i Era, inaugurated
Appeal to assembled delegates ponder historic by the Declaration of the Báb, May 23, 1844.
42 THE BA H Á ’1 C E N T E N A R Y

The responsibilities which, under your di­ manifest and within their reach. Though
rection and in response to my plea, the their responsibilities be pressing and heavy
American community is now assuming, over and the obstacles formidable and manifold,
and above the task they have already under­ yet the spirit of our invincible Faith will en­
taken in connection with the Divine Plan, able them to conquer if they arise unitedly
proclaiming in unmistakable terms their un­ and determinedly and persevere till the very
swerving determination to prove themselves end.
worthy of the sublimity of their mission, and June 4, 1937.
of their privileged position among their sis­ I feel truly exhilarated as I witness the
ter communities in both the East and the ever-recurrent manifestations of unbroken
West,— the twofold task they have arisen to solidarity and unquenchable enthusiasm that
perform will, if carried out in time, release distinguish every stage in the progressive de­
the potentialities with which the community velopment of the nation-wide enterprise
of the Greatest Name has been so generously which is being so unflinchingly pursued by

House where Baha’u’lldh Passed Away at Bahjí, ‘Akká, Palestine.

and mysteriously endowed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. the whole American Bahá’i community. The
To carry out in its entirety and to its final marked deterioration in world affairs, the
consummation this dual enterprise would steadily deepening gloom that envelops the
shed on the closing years of this first century storm-tossed peoples and nations of the Old
of the Baha’i Era a luster no less brilliant World, invest the Seven-Year Plan, now op­
than the immortal deeds which have signal­ erating in both the northern and southern
ized its birth, in the heroic age of our Faith. American continents, with a significance
To the American believers, the spiritual de­ and urgency that cannot be overestimated.
scendants of the heroes of God’s Cause, I Conceived as the supreme agency for the es­
again address my plea to arise as one soul tablishment, in the opening century of the
and to prosecute with unrelaxing resolve the Bahd’i Era, of what is but the initial stage
high mission with which their immediate in the progressive realization of ‘Abdu’ldestiny is inextricably interwoven. The call Baha’s Plan for the American believers, this
has gone forth, the path is clear, the goal enterprise, as it extends its ramifications
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 43

throughout the entire New World, is dem­ demptive Cause. The occasion is propitious
onstrating its power to command all the re­ for a display, by the American Baha’i Com­
sources and utilize all the facilities which munity, in its corporate capacity, of an ef­
the machinery of a laboriously evolved Ad­ fort which in its magnitude, character, and
ministrative Order can place at its disposal. purpose must outshine its past endeavors.
However we view its aspects, it offers in its Failure to exploit these present, these golden
functioning a sharp contrast to the work­ opportunities would blast the hopes which
ings of the moribund and obsolescent insti­ the prosecution of the Plan has thus far
tutions to which a perverse generation is aroused, and would signify the loss of the
desperately clinging. Tempestuous are the rarest privilege ever conferred by Providence
winds that buffet and will, as the days go by, upon the American Bahd’i Community. It
fiercely assail the very structure of the Or­ is in view of the criticalness of the situation
der through the agency of which this two­ that I was led to place at the disposal of any
fold task is being performed. The potenti­ pioneer willing to dedicate himself to the
alities with which an almighty Providence task of the present hour such modest re­
has endowed it will no doubt enable its pro­ sources as would facilitate the discharge of
moters to achieve their purpose. Much, how­ so enviable a duty.
ever will depend upon the spirit and manner The Bahd’i World, increasingly subjected
in which that task will be conducted. to the rigors of suppression, in both the East
Through the clearness and steadiness of their and the West, watches with unconcealed
vision, through the unvitiated vitality of astonishment, and derives hope and comfort
their belief, through the incorruptibility of from the rapid unfoldment of the successive
their character, through the adamantine stages of God’s Plan for so blest a commun­
force of their resolve, the matchless superi­ ity. Its eyes are fixed upon this community,
ority of their aims and purpose, and the un­ eager to behold the manner in which its gal­
surpassed range of their accomplishments, lant members will break down, one after
they who labor for the glory of the Most another, the barriers that obstruct their
Great Name throughout both Americas can progress towards a divinely-appointed goal.
best demonstrate to the visionless, faithless On every daring adventurer in the service of
and restless society to which they belong the Cause of Bahd’u’lldh the Concourse on
their power to proffer a haven of refuge to high shall descend, "each bearing aloft a
its members in the hour of their realized chalice of pure light.” Every one of these
doom. Then and only then will this tender adventurers God Himself will sustain and in­
sapling, embedded in the fertile soil of a Di­ spire, and will "cause the pure xvaters of wis­
vinely appointed Administrative Order, and dom and utterance to gush out and flow
energized by the dynamic processes of its in­ copiously from his heart” "The Kingdom
of God,” writes ťAbdu’l-Bahá, "is possessed
stitutions, yield its richest- and destined fruit.
That the community of the American be­ of limitless potency. Audacious must be the
lievers, to whose keeping so vast, so delicate army of life if the confirming aid of that
and precious a trust has been committed will, Kingdom is to be repeatedly vouchsafed unto
severally and collectively prove themselves it. . . . Vast is the arena, and the time ripe
worthy of their high calling, I for one, who to spur on the charger within it. Now is
in my association with them have been priv­ the time to reveal the force of oneys strength,
ileged to observe more closely than perhaps the stoutness of one’s heart and the might of
any one else the nature of their reactions to one’s soul.”
the momentous issues that have confronted Dearly-beloved friends! What better field
them in the past, will refuse to doubt. than the vast virgin territories, so near at
September 10, 1938. hand, and waiting to receive, at this very
hour, their full share of the onrushing tide
The period ahead is short, strenuous, of Baha’u’llah’s redeeming grace? What
fraught with mortal perils for human society, theatre more befitting than these long-neg­
yet pregnant with possibilities of unsurpassed lected nine remaining states and provinces in
triumphs for the power of Bahd’u’llah’s re­ which the true heroism of the intrepid pio-
44 THE BA.HÁ’1 C E N T E N A R Y

neers of His World Order can be displayed? ministrative agencies, and are legalizing the
There is no time to lose. There is no room status of the newly established institutions.
left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for Slowly and patiently they are canalizing the
the Bread of Life. The stage is set. The firm spirit that at once directs, energizes and
and irrevocable Promise is "given. Goďs own safeguards its operation. They are exploiting
Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering its potentialities, broadcasting its message,
momentum with every passing day. The publicizing its literature, fostering the aspi­
powers'of heaven and earth mysteriously as­ rations of its youth, devising ways and means
sist in its execution. . Such an opportunity is for the training of its children, guarding the
irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and him­ integrity of its teachings, and paving the
self verify the truth of such assertions. To way for the ultimate codification of its laws.
try, to persevere, is to insure ultimate and Through all the resources at their disposal,
complete victory. they are promoting the -growth and con­
January 28, 1938. solidation of that pioneer movement for
which the entire machinery of their Admin­
The concerted activities of the followers istrative Order has been primarily designed
of BaháVlláh in the North American conti­ and erected. They are visibly and progres­
nent assume, as they multiply and develop, sively contributing to the enrichment of
a dual aspect, and may be said to fall into their unique community life, and are insur­
two distinct categories, both equally vital ing, with magnificent courage and charac­
and complementary to each other. The one teristic promptitude, the completion of their
aims at the safeguarding and consolidation consecrated Edifice— the embodiment of
of the work already achieved; the other is their hopes and the supreme symbol of their
designed to enlarge the range of its operation. ideals.
The former depends chiefly for its success As to those into whose valiant and trusted
upon the capacity, the experience and loyalty hands— and no believer, however humble is
of'wise, resourceful and judicious adminis­ to think himself debarred from joining their
trators, who, impelled by the very nature of ranks— the standards of a forward marching
their task, will be increasingly called upon Faith have been entrusted, they too with
to exercise the utmost care and vigilance in no less zest and thoroughness are pushing
protecting the interests of the Faith, in re­ farther and farther its frontiers, breaking
solving its problems, in regulating its life, in new soil, establishing fresh outposts, winning
enriching its resources, and in preserving the more recruits, and contributing to the greater
pristine purity of its precepts. The latter is diversification and more harmonious blending
essentially pioneer in nature, demanding first of the elements comprised in the world-wide
and foremost those qualities of renunciation, society of its followers.
tenacity, dauntlessness and passionate fervor The Edifice of this New World Order,
that can alone brave the dangers and sweep which the Báb has heralded, which the mind
away the obstacles with which an infant of BaháVlláh has envisioned, and whose
Faith, struggling against vested interests and features ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, its Architect, has de­
face to face with the entrenched forces of lineated, we, whatever our capacities, op­
prejudice, of ignorance and fanaticism, must portunities or position, are now, at so pre­
needs contend. In both of these spheres of carious a period in the world’s history,
Baha’i activity the community of the Amer­ summoned to found and erect. The com­
ican believers, it is becoming increasingly munity of the Most Great Name in the
evident, is evincing those characteristics Western Hemisphere is, through the nature
which must be regarded as the essential foun­ of its corporate life and the scope of its ex­
dation for the success of their dual task. ertions, assuming, beyond the shadow of a
As to those whose function is essentially doubt, a preponderating share in the laying
of an administrative character it can hardly of such a foundation and the erection of
be doubted that they are steadily and inde- such a structure. The eyes of its sister com­
fatigably perfecting the structural machin­ munities are fixed upon it. Their prayers
ery of their Faith, are multiplying its ad­ ascend on its behalf. Their hands are out-
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 45
f
stretched to lend whatever aid lies within entrenched forces of Christendom’s mightiest
their power. I, for my part, am determined ecclesiastical institutions. Laboring amidst
to reinforce the impulse that impels its mem­ race foreign in language, custom, tempera­
bers forward to meet their destiny. The ment embracing vast proportion of New
Founders of their Faith survey from the World’s ethnic elements. American believ­
Kingdom on high the range of their achieve­ ers’ isolated oversea teaching enterprises
ments, acclaim their progress, and are ever hitherto tentative, intermittent, now at end.
ready to speed their eventual triumph. New epoch opening, demanding exertions in­
Far be it from me to underrate the gi­ comparably more strenuous, unflinchingly
gantic proportions of their task, nor do I for sustained, centrally directed, systematically
one moment overlook the urgency and grav­ organized, efficiently conducted. Upon alac­
ity of the times in which they are laboring. rity, tenacity, fearlessness of present prose­
Nor do I wish to minimize the hazards and cutors of the unfolding mission depend
trials that surround or lie ahead of them. speedy and fullest revelation, in the First and
The grandeur of their task is indeed com­ Second Centuries, of the potentialities of the
mensurate with the mortal perils by which birthright conferred upon American believ­
their generation is hemmed in. As the dusk ers. Convey to pioneers in North, Middle
creeps over a steadily sinking society the and South America my eagerness to main­
radiant outlines of their redemptive mission tain with each direct, personal contact. As­
become sharper every day. The present sure Teaching and Inter-America Commit­
world unrest, symptom of a world-wide tees my delight at successive testimonies of
malady, their world religion has already af­ believers’ glowing spirit reflected in Minutes,
firmed must needs culminate in that world letters and reports recently received. Entreat
catastrophe out of which the consciousness every section of community to labor unre­
of world citizenship will be born, a con­ mittingly until every nation in Western
sciousness that can alone provide an adequate Hemisphere is illumined by rays and woven
basis for the organization of world unity, into fabric of Bahá’u’lláh’s triumphant Ad­
on which a 'lasting world peace must neces­ ministrative Order.
sarily depend, the peace itself inaugurating May 28, 1939.
in turn that world civilization which will
mark the coming of age of the entire human The readiness of your Assembly, as ex­
race. pressed in your recently cabled message, to
Fortified by such reflections, the American transfer the National Baha’i Secretariat to
believers, in whichever section of the West­ the vicinity of the Temple in Wilmette has
ern Hemisphere they find themselves labor­ evoked within me the deepest feelings of
ing, whether at home or abroad, and thankfulness and joy. Your historic decision,
however dire and distressing the processes in­ so wise and timely, so surprising in its sud­
volved in the disintegration of the structure denness, so far-reaching in its consequences,
of present-day civilization, will, I feel con­ is one that I cannot but heartily and unre­
vinced, prove themselves, through their lives servedly applaud. To each one of your
and deeds, worthy of that priceless heritage brethren in the Faith, throughout the United
which it is their undoubted privilege to pro­ States and Canada, who are witnessing, from
claim, preserve and perpetuate. day to day and at an ever-hastening speed,
May 22, 1939. the approaching completion of their N a­
tional House of Worship, the great Mother
Newly-launched Central American cam­ Temple of the West, your resolution to es­
paign marks official inauguration of long-de­ tablish within its hallowed precincts and in
ferred World Mission constituting ‘Abdu’l- the heart of the North American continent
Baha’s distinctive legacy to the Baha’i the Administrative Seat of their beloved
Community of North America. Chosen Faith cannot but denote henceforward a
Community broadening its basis, gaining in closer association, a more constant commun­
stature, deepening in consecration. Its van­ ion, and a higher degree of coordination
guard now entering arena monopolized by between the two primary agencies providen-
46 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

tially ordained for the enrichment of their accomplish befittingly this particular task,
spiritual life and for the conduct and regu­ must simultaneously brace themselves for
lation of their administrative affairs. To the another sublime effort to discharge, ere the
far-flung Bahá’í communities of East and present year draws to a close, their manifold
West, most of which are being increasingly responsibilities allotted to them under the
proscribed and ill-treated, and none of which Seven Year Plan. The placing of yet another
can claim to have had a share of the dual contract for the casting of the ornamenta­
blessings which a specially designed and con­ tion of the First Story of the Temple, the
structed House of Worship and a fully and permanent settlement of the six remaining
efficiently functioning Administrative Order Republics of Central America, and the ex­
invariably confer, the concentration in a tension of continual support both material
single locality of what will come to be re­ and moral, to those weaker States, Provinces
garded as the fountain-head of the com­ and Republics that have been recently in­
m unity’s spiritual life and what is already corporated in the body of the Faith, combine
recognized as the mainspring of the admin­ to offer, at this hour when the fate of civ­
istrative activities, signalizes the launching ilization trembles in the balance, the boldest
of yet another phase in the slow and im­ and gravest challenge that has ever faced
perceptible emergence, in these declining the community of the American believers
times, of the model Bahd’i community—-a both in the propagative and administrative
community divinely ordained, organically spheres of Bahd’i activity. In the field of
united, clear-visioned, vibrant with life, and pioneer teaching, and particularly in connec­
whose very purpose is regulated by the twin tion with the opening of the Republics of
directing principles of the worship of God Haiti, Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Do­
and of service to one’s fellow-men. minica and Guatemala, the utmost encour­
The decision you have arrived at is an act agement should at all times be vouchsafed
that befittingly marks the commencement of by the elected representatives of the com­
your allotted term of stewardship in service munity to those who* out of the abundance
to the Cause of Baha’u’lldh. Moreover, it of their hearts, and in direct response to the
significantly coincides with the inauguration call of their Faith and the dictates of their
of that world mission of which the settle­ conscience, have renounced their comforts,
ment of Baha’i pioneers in the virgin terri­ fled their homes, and hazarded their fortunes
tories of the N orth American continent has for the sake of bringing into operation the
been but a prelude. That such a decision majestic Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, while special
may speedily and without the slightest hitch support should be extended to those who ap­
be carried into effect is the deepest longing pear to be best qualified for the strenuous
of my heart. That those who have boldly labors which pioneering under such exacting
carried so weighty a resolution may without circumstances demands. Care should be ex­
pause or respite continue to labor and build ercised lest any hindrance should, for any
up, as circumstances permit, around this ad­ reason, be placed in the way of those who
ministrative nucleus such accessories as the have, whether young or old, rich or poor, so
machinery of a fast evolving administrative spontaneously dedicated themselves to so
order, functioning under the shadow of, and urgent and holy a mission.
in such close proximity to, the Mashriqu’l- Towards this newly-appointed enterprise
Adhkár, must demand, is the object of my a more definite reorientation is needed. To
incessant and fervent prayer. That such a its purposes a more complete dedication is
step, momentous as it is, may prove the demanded. In its fortunes a more widespread
starting point for acts of still greater re­ concern is required. For its further consoli­
nown and richer possibilities that will leave dation and speedy fulfilment a larger num­
their distinct mark on the third year of the ber and a greater variety of participants are
Seven Year Plan is a hope which I, together indispensable. For its success a more abun­
with all those who are eagerly following its dant flow of material resources should be
progress, fondly and confidently cherish. assured.
The American believers, while straining to Let the privileged few, the ambassadors of
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 47

the Message of Baha’u’llah, bear in mind His others, is the call of humanity itself crying
words as they go forth on their errands of out for deliverance at a time when the tide
service to His Cause. "It behoveth whoso­ of mounting evils has destroyed its equi­
ever willeth to journey for the sake of God, librium and is now strangling its very life.
and whose intention is to proclaim His Word These imperative calls of Bahd’i duty the
and quicken the dead, to bathe himself with American believers can immediately if only
the waters of detachment, and to adorn his partially answer. Their present status, their
temple with the ornaments of resignation circumscribed resources, debar them, how­
and submission. Let trust in God be his ever great their eagerness, from responding
shield, and reliance on God his provision, and completely and decisively to the full impli­
the fear of God his raiment. Let patience be cations of this threefold obligation. They
his helper, and praise-worthy conduct his can, neither individually nor through their
succourer, and goodly deeds his army. Then concerted efforts, impose directly their will
will the concourse on high sustain him. Then upon those into whose hands the immediate
will the denizens of the Kingdom of Names destinies of their persecuted brethren are
march forth with him , and the banners of placed. Nor are they as yet capable of
Divine guidance and inspiration be unfurled launching a campaign of such magnitude as
on his right hand and before him.” could capture the imagination and arouse the
Faced with such a challenge, a community conscience of mankind, and thereby insure
that has scaled thus far such peaks of endur­ the immediate and full redress of those griev­
ing achievements can neither falter nor re­ ances from which their helpless co-religion­
coil. Confident in its destiny, reliant cn its ists in both the East and the West are
God-given power, fortified by the conscious­ suffering. They cannot moreover hope to
ness of its past victories, galvanized into ac­ wield at the present time in the councils of
tion at the sight of a slowly disrupting civ­ nations an influence commensurate with the
ilization, it will—I can have no doubt— con­ stupendous claims advanced, or adequate to
tinue to fulfil unflinchingly the immediate the greatness of the Cause proclaimed, by the
requirements of its task, assured that with Author of their Faith. Nor can they assume
every step it takes and with each stage it a position or exercise such responsibilities as
traverses, a fresh revelation of Divine light would enable them by their acts and de­
and strength will guide and propel it for­ cisions to reverse the process which is urging
ward until it consummates, in the fulness of so tragically the decline of human society
time and in the plenitude of its power, the and its institutions.
Plan inseparably bound up with its shining And yet, though their influence be at the
destiny. present hour indecisive and their divinely-
July 4, 1939. conferred authority unrecognized, the role
they can play in both alleviating the hard­
A triple call, clear-voiced, insistent and ships that afflict their brethren and in at­
inescapable, summons to the challenge all tenuating the ills that torment mankind is
members of the American Bahd’i commun­ none the less considerable and far-reaching.
ity, at this, the most fateful hour in their By the range and liberality of their contri­
history. The first is the voice, distant and butions to mitigate the distress of the be­
piteous, of those sister communities which reaved, the exiled and the imprisoned; by
now, alas, are fettered by the falling chains the persistent, the wise and judicious inter­
of religious orthodoxy and isolated through vention of their elected representatives
the cruel barriers set up by a rampant na­ through the authorities concerned; by a clear
tionalism. The second is the plea, no less and convincing exposition, whenever cir­
vehement and equally urgent, of those peo­ cumstances are propitious, of the issues in­
ples and nations of the New World, whose volved; by a vigorous defence of the rights
vast and unexplored territories await to be and liberties denied; by an accurate and dig­
warmed by the light and swept into the orbit nified presentation of the events that have
of the Faith of BaháVlláh. The third, more transpired; by every manner of encourage­
universal and stirring than either of the ment which their sympathies may suggest, or
48 THE BAHÁ1 CENTENARY

their means permit, or their consciences dic­ down of human institutions, and in the en­
tate, to succor the outcast and the impov­ suing epoch during which the shattered basis
erished; and above all by their tenacious of a dismembered society is to be recast,
adherence to, and wide proclamation of, and its forces reshaped, re-directed and uni­
those principles, laws, ideals, and institutions fied. With the age that is still unborn, with
which their disabled fellow-believers are un­ its herculean tasks and unsuspected glories,
able to affirm or publicly espouse; and lastly, we need not concern ourselves at present.
by the energetic prosecution of those tasks It is to the fierce struggle, the imperious
which their oppressed fellow-workers are duties, the distinctive contributions which
forbidden to initiate or conduct, the priv­ the present generation of Baha’is are sum­
ileged community of the American Bahd’is moned to undertake and render that I feel
can play a conspicuous part in the great we should, at this hour, direct our immediate
drama involving so large a company of their and anxious attention. Though powerless to
unemancipated brethren in the Asiatic, the avert the impending contest the followers of
European and African continents. Baha’u’lldh can, by the spirit they evince and
Their duties towards mankind in general the efforts they exert help to circumscribe its
are no less distinct and vital. Their impo­ range, shorten its duration, allay its hardships,
tence to stem the tide of onrushing calami­ proclaim its salutary consequences, and dem­
ties, their seeming helplessness in face of onstrate its necessary and vital role in the
those cataclysmic forces that are to convulse shaping of human destiny. Theirs is the duty
human society, do not in the least detract to hold, aloft and undimmed, the torch of
from the urgency of their unique mission, Divine Guidance, as the shades of night de­
nor exonerate them from those weighty re­ scend upon, and ultimately envelop the, en­
sponsibilities which they alone can and must tire human race. Theirs is the function,
assume. Humanity, heedless and impenitent, amidst its tumults, perils and agonies, to w it­
is admittedly hovering on the edge of an ness to the vision, and proclaim the approach,
awful abyss, ready to precipitate itself into of that re-created society, that Christthat titanic struggle, that crucible whose promised Kingdom, that World Order whose
chastening fires alone can and will weld its generative impulse is the spirit of none other
antagonistic elements of race, class, religion than Baha’u’llah Himself, whose dominion
and nation into one coherent system, one is the entire planet, whose watchword is
world commonwealth. "The hour is ap­ unity, whose animating power is the force of
proaching” is Baha’u’lldh’s own testimony, Justice, whose directive purpose is the reign
"ivhen the most great convulsion will have of righteousness and truth, and whose
appeared . . . I swear by God I The promised supreme glory is the complete, the undis­
day is come, the day when tormenting trials turbed, and everlasting felicity of the whole
will have surged above your heads, and be­ of human kind. By the sublimity and serenity
neath your feet, saying: (Taste ye, what your of their faith, by the steadiness and clarity
hands have w r o u g h t” N ot ours to question of their vision, the incorruptibility of their
the almighty wisdom or fathom the inscrut­ character, the rigor of their discipline, the
able ways of Him in whose hands the ulti­ sanctity of their morals, and the unique
mate destiny of an unregenerate yet potenti­ example of their community life, they can
ally glorious race must lie. Ours rather is and indeed must in a world polluted with its
the duty to believe that the world-wide com­ incurable corruptions, paralyzed by its
munity of the Most Great Name, and in par­ haunting fears, torn by its devastating
ticular, at the present time its vanguard in hatreds, and languishing under the weight
North America, however buffeted by the of its appalling miseries demonstrate the
powerful currents of these troublous times, validity of their claim to be regarded as the
and however keen their awareness of the in­ sole repository of that grace upon whose
evitability of the final eruption, can, if they operation must depend the complete deliv­
will, rise to the level of their calling and erance, the fundamental reorganization and
discharge their functions, both in the period the supreme felicity of all mankind.
which is witnessing the confusion and break­ July 28, 1939.
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 49

Views of the Outer Shrine of BaháVlláh.
50 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Shades of night descending on imperilled external ornamentation was initiated and
humanity inexorably deepening. American accelerated through the energizing influences
believers, heirs of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, which the rising and continually consoli­
prosecutors of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s plan, con­ dating institutions of a divinely established
fronted supreme opportunity vindicate in­ Administrative Order had released in the
destructibility their faith, inflexibility their midst of a community that had identified its
resolution, their incorruptibility, sanctity vital interests with that Temple’s destiny.
for appointed task. Anxiously, passionately The measures devised to hasten its com­
entreat them, whatever obstacles march of pletion were incorporated in a Plan which
tragic events may create, however distressing derives its inspiration from those destiny­
barriers predicted calamities raise between shaping Tablets wherein, in bold relief,
them and sister communities and possibly stands outlined the world mission entrusted
Faith’s World Center, unwaveringly hold by their Author to the American Baha’i
aloft torch whose infant light heralds the community. And finally, the Fund, designed
birth of the effulgent World Order destined to receive and dispose of the resources
supplant disrupting civilization. amassed for its prosecution, was linked with
August 30, 1939. the memory and bore the name of her whose
ebbing life was brightened and, cheered by
The association of the First Mashriqu’l- those tidings that unmistakably revealed to
Adhkár of the West with the hallowed mem­ her the depth of devotion and the tenacity
ories of the Purest Branch and of ‘Abdu’l- of purpose which animate the American be­
Baha’s mother, recently re-interred under lievers in the cause of their beloved Temple.
the shadow of the Bab’s holy Shrine, in­ And now, while the Bahd’i world vibrates
augurates a new, and at long last the final with emotion at the news of the transfer of
phase of an enterprise which, thirty years the precious remains of both the Purest
ago, was providentially launched on the very Branch and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s mother to a
day the remains of the Forerunner of our spot which, watched over by the Twin Holy
Faith were laid to rest by our beloved Master Shrines and in the close neighborhood of the
in the sepulchre specifically erected for that resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf, is
purpose on Mt. Carmel. The birth of this to become the focus of the administrative
holy enterprise, pregnant with such rich, institutions of the Faith at its world center,
such infinite possibilities, synchronized with, the mere act of linking the destiny of so farand was consecrated through, this historic reaching an undertaking with so significant
event which, as ‘AbduT-Bahá Himself has an event in the Formative Period of our Faith
affirmed, constitutes the most signal act of will assuredly set the seal of complete
the triple mission He had been prompted to triumph upon, and enhance the spiritual
perform. The site of the Temple itself was potentialities of, a work so significantly
honored by the presence of Him Who, ever started and so magnificently executed by the
since this enterprise was initiated, had, followers of Baha’u’lldh in the North Ameri­
through His messages and Tablets bestowed can continent.
upon it His special attention and care, and December 30, 1939.
surrounded it with the marks of His unfail­
ing solicitude. Its foundation-stone was laid And now as this year, so memorable in
by His own loving hands, on an occasion so the annals of the Faith, was drawing to a
moving that it has come to be regarded as close, there befell the American Baha’i com­
one of the most stirring episodes of His his­ munity, through the dramatic and sudden
toric visit to the North American continent. death of May Maxwell, yet another loss,
Its superstructure was raised as a direct con­ which viewed in retrospect will come to be
sequence of the pent-up energies which regarded as a potent blessing conferred upon
surged from the breasts of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s the campaign now being so diligently con­
lovers at a time when His sudden removal ducted by its members. Laden with the
from their midst had plunged them into con­ fruits garnered through well-nigh half a
sternation, bewilderment and sorrow. Its century of toilsome service to the Cause she
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 51

so greatly loved, heedless of the warnings of tion of the last stage in the ornamentation
age and ill-health, and afire with the longing of the Temple. I am praying continually
to worthily demonstrate her gratitude in her with redoubled fervor.
overwhelming awareness of the bounties of June 13, 1940.
her Lord and Master, she set her face to­
wards the southern outpost of the Faith in My heart is thrilled with delight as I wit­
the New World, and laid down her life in ness, in so many fields, and in such distant
such a spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice outposts, and despite such formidable dif­
as has truly merited the crown of m artyr­ ficulties, restrictions, obstacles and dangers,
dom. so many evidences of the solidarity, the valor,
To Keith Ransom-Kehler, whose dust and the achievements of the American
sleeps in far-off Isfahan; to Martha Root, Bahd’i community. As the end of the First
fallen in her tracks on an island in the mid­ Century of the Bahá’í Era approaches, as the
most heart of the ocean; to May Maxwell, shadows descending upon and enveloping
lying in solitary glory in the southern out­ mankind steadily and remorselessly deepen,
post of the Western Hemisphere— to these this community, which can almost be re­
three heroines of the Formative Age of the garded as the solitary champion of the Faith
Faith of Baha’u’llah, they who now labor so in the Western World, is increasingly evin­
assiduously for its expansion and establish­ cing and demonstrating its capacity, its
ment, owe a debt of gratitude which future worth, and ability as the torchbearer of the
generations will not fail to adequately New, the World Civilization which is des­
recognize. tined to supplant in the fulness of time the
April 15, 1940. present one. And more particularly in the
virgin and far-flung territories of Latin
The stupendous struggle now convulsing America, it has in recent months, abundantly
the major part of the European continent is given visible evidence of its merits and com­
progressively revealing the ominous features, petence to shoulder the immense responsi­
and increasingly assuming the proportions, bilities which the carrying of the sacred Fire
of the titanic upheaval foreshadowed seventy to all the Republics of the Western Hemi­
years ago by the prophetic pen of Bahá’u’lláh. sphere must necessarily entail.
The disruptive forces associated with hu­ Through these initial steps, which in pur­
manity’s world-shaking ordeal are closely suance of the Plan conceived by ‘Abdu’linterrelated with the constructive potentiali­ Bahá, this community has taken, through
ties inherent in the American believers’ the settlement in each of these sovereign
Divinely-ordained Plan. Both are directly states of the New World of American Bahá’í
hastening the emergence of the spiritual pioneers, through the formation of Bahá’í
World Order stirring in the womb of a groups and the establishment of two Assem­
travailing age. I entreat the American blies in Buenos Aires and Bahia, the Ameri­
Bahá’í Community, whatever the immediate can National Assembly, as well asHts Interor distant repercussions of the present tu r­ America Committee, and all subsidiary
moil on their own continent, however violent agencies, no less than the individual mem­
its impact upon the World Center of their bers of the N orth American Baha’i com­
Faith, to pledge themselves anew, before the munity who have sacrificed and are still
Throne of Bahd’u’llah, to discharge, with sacrificing so much in their support of this
unswerving aim, unfailing courage, invinci­ Divine and momentous Plan, have earned
ble vigor, exemplary fidelity and ever-deep­ the unqualified admiration and the undying
ening consecration, the dual responsibility gratitude of sister Assemblies and fellowsolemnly undertaken under the Seven Year workers throughout the Bahd’i World.
Plan. I implore them to accelerate their Their work, however, is only beginning.
efforts, increase their vigilance, deepen their The dispatch of pioneers, the provision of
unity, multiply their heroic feats, maintain adequate means for their support, their
their distant outposts in the teaching field settlement and initiation of Bahá’í activities
of Latin America, and expedite the termina­ in these far-off lands, however strenuous and
52 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

meritorious, are insufficient if the Plan is to tinuation. Its first sparks were kindled on
evolve harmoniously and yield promptly its the eastern shores of the Asiatic continent,
destined fruit. The extension by the Parent enveloping two sister races of the world in a
Assembly — the immediate source from conflagration which no force seems able to
which this vast system with all its ramifica­ either quench or circumscribe. This cata­
tions is now proceeding—of the necessary clysmic process was accelerated by the out­
support, guidance, recognition and material break of a fierce conflict in the heart of
assistance to enable these newly-fledged Europe, fanning into flame age-long animosi­
groups and Assemblies to function in strict ties and unchaining a series of calamities as
accordance with both the spiritual and ad­ swift as they were appalling. As the turmoil
ministrative principles of the Faith of gathered momentum it swept remorselessly
Bahd’u’llah, would seem as essential and into its vortex the most powerful nations of
urgent as the preliminary task already the European continent — the chief pro­
achieved. To nurse these tender plants of tagonists of that highly-vaunted yet lament­
the Vineyard of God, to foster their growth, ably defective civilization. The mounting
to direct their development, to accord them tide of its havoc and devastation soon over­
the necessary recognition, to help resolve spread the northernmost regions of that
their problems, to familiarize them with afflicted continent, subsequently ravaged the
gentleness, patience and fidelity with the shores of the Mediterranean, and invaded the
processes of the Administrative Order and African continent as far as Ethiopia and the
thus enable them to assume independently surrounding territories. The Balkan coun­
the conduct of future local and national tries, as predicted by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, were soon
Bahi’i activities, would bring the plan to to sustain the impact of this tragic ordeal,
swift and full fruition and would add fresh communicating in their turn the commo­
laurels to the crown of immortal glory al­ tions to which they had been subjected to
ready won by a community that holds in both the Near and Middle East, wherein are
these days of dark and dire calamities, vali­ enshrined the heart of the Faith itself, its
antly and almost alone, the Fort of the Faith Cradle, its chief center of Pilgrimage, and
of Baháhťlláh. its most sacred and historic sites.
December 3, 1940. Its menace is overleaping the limits of
the Old World and is plunging into conster­
The internecine struggle, now engulfing nation the Great Republic of the West, as
the generality of mankind, is increasingly well as the peoples of Central and South
assuming, in its range and ferocity, the pro­ America. The New World as well as the
portions of the titanic upheaval fore­ Old is experiencing the terrific impact of
shadowed as far back as seventy years ago this disruptive force. Even the peoples of
by Baha’u’llah. It can be viewed in no other the Antipodes are trembling before the ap­
light except as a direct interposition by Him proaching tempest that threatens to burst
Who is the Ordainer of the Universe, the on their heads.
Judge of all men and the Deliverer of the The races of the world, Nordic, Slavonic,
nations. It is the rod of both the anger of Mongolian, Arab and African, are alike sub­
God and of His correction. The fierceness of jected to its consuming violence. The world’s
its devastating power chastens the children religious systems are no less affected by the
of men for their refusal to acclaim the cen­ universal paralysis which is creeping over
tury-old Message of their promised, their the minds and souls of men. The persecution
Heaven-sent Redeemer. The fury of its of world Jewry, the rapid deterioration of
flames, on the other hand, purges away the Christian institutions, the intestine division
dross, and welds the limbs of humanity into and disorders of Islám, are but manifestations
one single organism, indivisible, purified, of the fear and trembling that has seized
God-conscious and divinely directed. humanity in its hour of unprecedented tu r­
Its immediate cause can be traced to the moil and peril. On the high seas, in the air,
forces engendered by the last war of which on land, in the forefront of battle, in the
it may be truly regarded as the direct con­ palaces of kings and the cottages of peasants,

j
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 53

in the most hallowed sanctuaries, whether sponsibility. The Mission entrusted to the
secular or religious, the evidences of God’s community of the North American believers
retributive act and mysterious discipline are in the darkest days of the last war, is, after
manifest. Its heavy toll is steadily mounting a period of incubation of well nigh twenty
—a holocaust sparing neither prince nor years, and through the instrumentality of
peasant, neither man nor woman, neither the administrative agencies erected after
young nor old. ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s passing, efflorescing under our
The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh— that priceless very eyes. Already, since the inception of
gem of Divine Revelation enshrining the the Seven Year Plan, this community can
Spirit of God and incarnating His Purpose well claim to have attained, through its
for mankind in this age— can neither aspire deeds, a stature that dwarfs its sister com­
nor expect to escape unhurt amid the hurri­ munities, and can glory in a parentage that
cane of human disasters that blows around it. embraces every Republic of Latin America.
By most men unnoticed, scorned and ridi­ The first Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr of the West, its
culed by some, feared and challenged by beauteous and noble handiwork, is virtually
others, this world redemptive Faith, for completed. A nucleus for a future flourish­
whose precious sake the world is undergoing ing local community is already formed in
such agonies, finds its virgin strength as­ every state and province in N orth America.
sailed, and its infant institutions hemmed The administrative structure, following the
in, by the dark forces which a godless civili­ pattern of its prototype in the U.S.A. is,
zation has unloosed over the face of the through the agency of that same Plan, raising
planet. In the Old World, whether in its triumphant head in the Central and South
Europe, Asia or Africa, it is being buffeted American Republics. The Plan itself, pro­
about, ostracized, arraigned and repressed. pelled by the agencies released by those im­
In certain countries its community life is mortal Tablets which constitute its charter,
being extinguished, in others a ban is severely bids fair, in the fifth year of its operation,
imposed on its propagation, in still others to exceed the highest expectations of those
its members are denied all intercourse with who have so courageously launched it. Its
its World Center. Dangers, grave and un­ comsummation, coinciding with the termi­
suspected, confront its cradle and surround nation of the first century of the Baha’i Era,
its very heart. will mark the opening of yet another phase
Not so, however, with the countries of in a series of crusades which must carry, in
the Western Hemisphere. The call of the course of the succeeding century, the
Bahá’u’lláh summons, at this challenging privileged recipients of those epoch-making
hour, the peoples of the New World, and its Tablets beyond the Western Hemisphere to
leaders to redress the balance of the old. "O the uttermost ends of the earth, to implant
Rulers of America” He thus addresses the the banner, and lay an unassailable basis for
Chief Magistrates of that continent, "and the administrative structure of the Faith of
the Presidents of the Republics therein. . . . BaháVlláh.
Adorn the temple of your dominion with the The quality and magnitude of the work
ornament of Justice and of the fear of God. already achieved by these stalwart champions
and its head tvith the crown of the remem- of God’s New World Order are inexpres­
brance of your Lord, the Maker of the sibly exhilarating and infinitely meritorious.
heavens” The Great Republic of the West, The immensity of the task still to be per­
an object of special solicitude throughout the formed staggers our fancy and inflames our
ministry of the Center of the Covenant, imagination. The potentialities with which
whose soil has been hallowed by His foot­ these tasks are endowed elude our shrewdest
steps, and the foundation of whose edifice— calculations. The promise they enshrine is
the Mother Temple of the West—has been too dazzling to contemplate. What else can
consecrated by His hand, has been singled we do but bow our heads in thanksgiving
out through the operation of His Will, and and reverence, steel our hearts in preparation
been invested by His Pen with a unique, an for the strenuous days ahead, and intensify a
inescapable, a weighty and most sacred re­ hundredfold our resolution to carry on the
54 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY

task to which our hands are set at present? constitute in themselves sufficient evidence
May 25, 1941. of the unconquerable power and invincible
spirit which animates those who stand identi­
As I survey the activities and accomplish­ fied with and loyally carry out the pro­
ments of the American believers in recent visions and injunctions of the Will and
months, and recall their reaction to the Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
urgent call for service, embodied in the And now more particularly concerning
Seven Year Plan, I feel overwhelmed by a the prime mover of this latest agitation,
threefold sense of gratitude and admiration which, whatever its immediate consequences,
which I feel prompted to place on record, will sooner or later come to be regarded as
but which I cannot adequately express. merely one more of those ugly and abortive
Future generations can alone appraise cor­ attempts designed to undermine the founda­
rectly the value of their present services, tion, and obscure the purpose, of the Admin­
and the Beloved, whose mandate they are so istrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
valiantly obeying, can alone befittingly re­ Obscure in his origin, ambitious of leader­
ward them for the manner in which they are ship, untaught by the lesson of such as have
discharging their duties. erred before him, odious in the hopes he
The virtual completion of a thirty year nurses, contemptible in the methods he pur­
old enterprise, which was initiated in His sues, shameless in his deliberate distortions
days and blessed by His Hand, is the first and of truths he has long since ceased to believe
foremost accomplishment that must shed in, ludicrous in his present isolation and help­
imperishable luster not only on the adminis­ lessness, wounded and exasperated by the
trative annals of the Formative Age of the downfall which his own folly has precipi­
Faith, but on the entire record of the signal tated, he, the latest protagonist of a spurious
achievements performed in the course of cause, cannot but in the end be subjected, as
the First Century of the Bahd’i Era. The remorselessly as his infamous predecessors,
steady expansion and consolidation of the to the fate which they invariably have
world mission, entrusted by that same Mas­ suffered.
ter, to their hands and set in operation after Generated by the propelling and purifying
His passing, constitutes the second object of forces of a mysterious Faith, born of delusion
my undying gratitude to a community that or malice, winning a fleeting notoriety de­
has abundantly demonstrated its worthiness rived from the precarious advantages of
to shoulder the superhuman tasks with which wealth, fame or fortune, these movements
it has been entrusted. The spirit with which sponsored by deluded, self-seeking adven­
that same community has faced and resisted turers find themselves, sooner or later, en­
the onslaught of the enemies of the Faith meshed in the machinations of their authors,
who, for various reasons and with ever- are buried in shame, and sink eventually into
increasing subtlety and malice, have per­ complete oblivion.
sistently striven to disrupt the administra­ The schism which their foolish leaders had
tive machinery of an Order, foreshadowed contrived so sedulously to produce within
by the Báb, enunciated by Bahd’u’llah, and the Faith, will soon, to their utter amaze­
established by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, is yet another ment, come to be regarded as a process of
testimony to the unrivalled merits and the purification, a cleansing agency, which, far
eminent position attained by its privileged from decimating the ranks of its followers,
members since the ascension of the Center reinforces its indestructible unity, and pro­
of the Covenant. claims anew to a world, skeptical or indif­
The extinction of the influence precari­ ferent, the cohesive strength of the institu­
ously exerted by some of these enemies, the tions of that Faith, the incorruptibility of
decline that has set in in the fortunes of its purposes and principles, and the recupera­
others, the sincere repentance expressed by tive powers inherent in its community life.
still others, and their subsequent reinstate­ Were anyone to imagine or expect that a
ment and effectual participation in the teach­ Cause, comprising within its orbit so vast a
ing and administrative activities of the Faith, portion of the globe, so turbulent in its
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 55

history, so challenging in its claims, so di­ priceless a promise, has sustained blows as
versified in the elements it has assimilated dire and treacherous as any recorded in the
into its administrative structure, should, at world’s religious history.
all times, be immune to any divergence of From the record of its tumultuous history,
opinion, or any defection on the part of its almost every page of which portrays a fresh
multitudinous followers, it would be sheer crisis, is laden with the description of a new
delusion, wholly unreasonable and unwar­ calamity, recounts the tale of a base betrayal,
ranted, even in the face of the unprecedented and is stained with the account of unspeak­
evidence of the miraculous power which its able atrocities, there emerges, clear and in­
rise and progress have so powerfully ex­ controvertible, the supreme truth that with
hibited. That such a secession, however, every fresh outbreak of hostility to the Faith,
whether effected by those who apostatize whether from within or from without, a
their faith or preach heretical doctrines, corresponding measure of outpouring grace,
should have failed, after the lapse of a cen­ sustaining its defenders and confounding its
tury, to split in twain the entire body of adversaries, has been providentially released,
the adherents of the Faith, or to create a communicating a fresh impulse to the on­
grave, a permanent and irremediable breach ward march of the Faith, while this impetus,
in its organic structure, is a fact too eloquent in its turn, would through its manifestations,
for even a casual observer of the internal provoke fresh hostility in quarters heretofore
processes of its administrative order to either unaware of its challenging implications—
deny or ignore. this increased hostility being accompanied
Therein, every loyal and intelligent up­ by a still more arresting revelation of Divine
holder of Baha’u’llah’s incomparable Cove­ Power and a more abundant effusion of celes­
nant— a Covenant designed by Him as the tial grace, which, by enabling the upholders
sole refuge against schism, disruption and of that Faith to register still more brilliant
anarchy—will readily recognize the hall­ victories, would thereby generate issues of
mark of His Faith, and will acclaim it as still more vital import and raise up still more
the supreme gift conferred by Him Who is formidable enemies against a Cause that can­
the Lord of Revelation upon the present and not but, in the end, resolve those issues and
future generations who are destined, in this crush the resistance of those enemies, through
greatest of all Dispensations, to flock, from a still more glorious unfoldment of its in­
every creed and religion, to the banner, and herent power.
espouse the Cause, of His Most Great Name. The resistless march of the Faith of
Dear friends! Manifold, various, and at Bahá’u’lláh, viewed in this light, and pro­
times extremely perilous, have been the tragic pelled by the stimulating influences which
crises which the blind hatred, the unfounded the unwisdom of its enemies and the force
presumption, the incredible folly, the abject latent within itself, both engender, resolves
perfidy, the vaulting ambition, of the enemy itself into a series of rhythmic pulsations,
have intermittently engendered within the precipitated, on the one hand, through the
pale of the Faith. From some of its most explosive outbursts of its foes, and the vibra­
powerful and renowned votaries, at the tions of Divine Power, on the other, which
hands of its once trusted and ablest propaga­ speed it, with ever-increasing momentum,
tors, champions, and administrators, from along that predestined course traced for it
the ranks of its most revered and highly- by the Hand of the Almighty.
placed trustees whether as companions, As opposition to the Faith, from whatever
amanuenses or appointed lieutenants of the source it may spring, whatever form it may
Herald of the Faith, of its Author, and of assume, however violent its outbursts, is
the Center of His Covenant, from even admittedly the motive-power that galvanizes
those who were numbered among the kindred on the one hand, the souls of its valiant de­
of the Manifestation, not excluding the fenders, and taps for them, on the other,
brother, the sons and daughters of Bahd’u’- fresh springs of that Divine and inexhausti­
lláh, and the nominee of the Báb Himself, a ble Energy, we who are called upon to repre­
Faith, of such tender age, and enshrining so sent, defend, and promote its interests,
56 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY*

should, far from regarding any manifesta­ its most intensive pitch, so the Mission
tion of hostility as an evidence of the weak­ conferred twenty years ago by ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s
ening of the pillars of the Faith, acclaim it sacred Will on the worldwide, indivisible
as both a God-sent gift and a God-sent op­ and incorruptible body of His followers
portunity which, if we remain undaunted, unfolds its fullest potentialities. Securely
we can utilize for the furtherance of His abiding and confidently battling within the
Faith and the routing and complete elimina­ impregnable structure which that Will has
tion of its adversaries. divinely established, the dwellers in the ark
The Heroic Age of the Faith, born in of the divine Covenant the world over
anguish, nursed in adversity, and terminating watch with awe, pride and delight the evi­
in trials as woeful as those that greeted its dences of the mounting momentum of the
birth, has been succeeded by that Formative eternal process of integration and disinte­
Period which is to witness the gradual crys­ gration hurrying the Faith along its predistallization of those creative energies which tined course. The royal adversary, personally
the Faith has released, and the consequent responsible for the recrudesence of persecu­
emergence of that World Order for which tion closing all Baha’i schools in Bahá’u’lláh’s
those forces were made to operate. native land, has been humbled to the dust.
Fierce and relentless will be the opposition The sufferings endured by the builders of
which this crystallization and emergence th e first Mashriqu’l-Adhkar are being
must provoke. The alarm it must and will avenged. The cornerstone of the National
awaken, the envy it will certainly arouse, Administrative Headquarters of the Egyp­
the misrepresentations to which it will re­ tian Bahd’i community has been ceremoni­
morselessly be subjected, the setbacks it ously laid. The first officially recognized
must, sooner or later, sustain, the commo­ Bahá’í cemetery is ready to receive the pre­
tions to which it must eventually give rise, cious remains of the illustrious ‘Abdu’l-Fadl
the fruits it must in the end garner, the and the immortal Lua. The Haziratu’l-Quds
blessings it must inevitably bestow and the in Baghdad has been extended and is nearing
glorious, the Golden Age, it must irresistibly completion. The property dedicated as first
usher in, are just beginning to be faintly Administrative Center of the Syrian Baha’is
perceived, and will, as the old order crumbles has been purchased. A group of families of
beneath the weight of so stupendous a Reve­ Persian believers, Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian
lation, become increasingly apparent and in origin, afire with the example set by
arresting. American pioneers, are settling the adjoining
Not ours, dear friends, to attempt to sur­ territories of Hejaz, Yemen, Afghanistan,
vey the distant scene; ours rather the duty to Baluchistan and Bahrein Island. The spiritual
face the trials of the present hour, to ponder competition galvanizing the organized fol­
the meaning, to discharge the obligations, lowers of Baha’u’llah in East and West
to meet its challenge and utilize the oppor­ waxes keener as first Baha’i century speeds
tunity it offers to the fullest extent of our to its close. W ith bowed head, exultant
ability and power. spirit and thankful heart I acclaim these
August 12, 1941 recurrent, increasingly compelling manifesta­
tions of the solidarity, loyalty and un­
Heart thrilled with pride at message quenchable spirit animating, throughout
announcing the approaching completion of five continents, the community of the fol­
the ornamentation of seven faces of Mashri- lowers of the Most Great Name.
qu’l-Adhkár, proclaiming an intensification November 22, 1941
of North American teaching campaign, and
revealing the adamantine resolution of the The entry of the United States of America
Temple builders and stalwart crusaders, in into the war invests it with the character of
face of the perfidy, ingratitude and opposi­ a truly world-embracing crisis, designed to
tion of the enemies both within and without release world-shaking, world-shaping forces,
the Holy Faith. As the fury and destructive­ which, as they operate, and mount in in­
ness of the tremendous world ordeal attains tensity, will throw down the barriers that
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 57

hinder the emergence of that world com­ Viewed in the perspective of Baha’i his­
munity which the World Religion of Baha’u- tory, the Seven Year Plan, associated with
’lláh has anticipated and can alone per­ the closing years of the First Bahá*i Century,
manently establish. It marks a milestone on will come to be regarded as the mightiest in­
the road which must lead the peoples of the strument yet forged, designed to enable the
North American continent to the glorious trustees of a firmly established, steadily
destiny that awaits them. It confronts the evolving Administrative Order to complete
American Baha’i community, already so the initial stage in the prosecution of the
well advanced in the prosecution of their world mission confidently entrusted by the
Seven Year Plan, with a challenge at once Center of the Covenant to His chosen
severe and inescapable, The exterior orna­ disciples. The Divine Plan, thus set in
mentation of their consecrated Edifice has operation, may be said to have derived its
been providentially expedited to a point inspiration from, and been dimly fore­
where its completion is now assured. The shadowed in, the injunction so significantly
intercontinental and national teaching cam­ addressed by Bahd’u’llah to the Chief Magis­
paigns, that constitute the second and even trates of the American continent. It was
more vital aspect of that plan, though prompted by the contact established by
progressing magnificently in the States, in ‘Abdu’l-Baha Himself, in the course of His
Canada and throughout Latin America, are historic journey, with the entire body of
still far from having attained their consum­ His followers throughout the United States
mation. The obstacles which the extension of and Canada. It was conceived, soon after
the war to the Western Hemisphere has that contact was established, in the midst
raised are, I am well aware, manifold and of what was then held to be one of the most
formidable. The heroic self-sacrifice ex­ devastating crises in human history. »It
hibited by the North American Bahd’i com­ underwent a period of incubation, after His
munity will, I am confident, surmount them. ascension, while the machinery of a divinely
The Hand of Omnipotence, which has led appointed Administrative Order was being
so mighty a member of the human race to laboriously devised and its processes set in
plunge into the turmoil of world disaster, motion. Its initial operations were provi­
that has provided thereby the means for the dentially made to synchronize with the final
effective and decisive participation of so years of a century that witnessed the birth
promising a nation in the immediate trials and rise of a Faith of which it is the direct
and the future reconstruction of human consequence. The opening stage in its execu­
society, will not and cannot allow those who tion has been faced by, and will survive, the
are directly, consciously and worthily pro­ severe challenge of a crisis of still greater
moting the highest interests of their nation magnitude than that which baptized its
and of the world, to fall short of the ac­ birth. The conclusion of the first phase of
complishment of their God-given task. He its tremendous and irresistible unfoldment
will, more than ever before in their history, is now approaching. The hopes and aspira­
pour out His blessings upon them, if they tions of a multitude of believers, in both the
refuse to allow the present circumstances, East and the West, young and old, whether
grievous though they are, to interfere with free or suppressed, hang on its triumphant
the full and uninterrupted execution of this consummation. The Temple itself, that fair
initial undertaking in pursuance of their incarnation of the soul of an unconquerable
world mission. The coming two years must Faith, and the first fruit of the Plan now set
witness, fraught as they may well be with in motion, stands in its silent beauty, ready
the greatest ordeal afflicting their country­ to reinforce the strenuous endeavors of its
men, a manifestation of spiritual vitality prosecutors. Towering in grandeur and
and an output of heroic action, commensur­ resplendent in its majesty it calls aloud in­
ate with the gravity and afflictions of the cessantly for a greater, a far greater number
present hour, and worthy of the concluding of pioneers who, both at home and in foreign
years of the first Bahá’í century. fields, will scatter to sow the Divine seeds
January 15, 1942. and gather the harvest into its gates. The
58 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Author of the Plan Himself, looking down raised so heroically to the glory of the Most
from His retreats above, and surveying the Great Name, at so critical a stage in human
prodigious labors of His defeatless disciples, history, and at so significant a spot in a
voices, with even greater insistence, the same continent so richly endowed, to be able to
call. The time in which to respond to it is visualize the future glories which the con­
relentlessly shortening. Let men of action summation of this institution, this harbinger
seize their chance ere the swiftly passing days of an as yet unborn civilization, must in the
place it irretrievably beyond their reach. fulness of time disclose to the eyes of all
May 26, 1942. mankind.
That so laborious, so meritorious an under­
The completion of the exterior ornamen­ taking has been completed a year before its
tation of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar in Wil­ appointed time is a further cause for re­
mette, the most hallowed Temple ever to be joicing and gratitude, and an added testi­
erected by the followers of Bahd’u’lldh, and mony to the vision, the resourcefulness, and
the crowning glory of the first Bahd’i cen­ enterprising spirit of the American believers.
tury, is an event of unique and transcend­ No need, however, to dwell at length on
ental significance. Neither the first Mash­ their past achievements, remarkable and ex­
riqu’l-Adhkar of the Bahd’i world, reared in emplary though they have been, nor is this
the city of Ishqdbad, nor any House of W or­ the time to expatiate on the superb spirit
ship to be raised in succeeding centuries, can that has characterized their stewardship in
claim to possess the vast, the immeasurable the service of the Faith of Bahd’u’lldh. Tasks
potentialities with which this Mother Temple of extreme urgency, of great magnitude, of
of the West, established in the very heart of the utmost significance await them in this
so •enviable a continent, and whose founda- concluding year of the first Bahd’i century,
tionstone has been laid by the hand of the and at this hour of great peril, of stress and
Center of the Covenant Himself, has been trial for all mankind. The sacred—the press­
endowed. Conceived forty years ago by ing, the inescapable teaching responsibilities
that little band of far-sighted and resolute assumed under the Seven Year Plan must be
disciples of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, members of the resolutely faced as befits those whose record
first Bahd’i community established in the has shed so brilliant a light on the annals of
Western Hemisphere; blessed and fostered the first Bahd’i century. The consolidation
by a vigilant Master Who directed its course of each and every nucleus formed so pains­
from the hour of its inception to the last takingly in every republic of Central and
days of His life; supported by the spon­ South America, the formation of a Bahd’i
taneous contributions of Baha’is poured in Assembly in every virgin State and Province
from the five continents of the globe, this* in the North American Continent, call for
noble, this mighty, this magnificent enter­ undivided attention, for further heroism,
prise deserves to rank among the immortal for a concerted, a persistent, a herculean
epics, that have adorned the annals of the eifort on the part of the stalwart builders of
Apostolic Age of the Faith of Bahd’u’lldh. that bounteous Edifice which posterity will
The debt of gratitude owed by the entire recognize as the greatest shrine in the
Bahd’i world to its champion-builders is in­ Western world.
deed immeasurable. The admiration which Nor must the elaborate preparations in
this brilliant exploit has evoked in the breasts connection with the forthcoming celebration
of countless followers of the Faith in East of the centenary of our glorious Faith be
and West knows no bounds. The creative overlooked or neglected, if we would beenergies its completion must unleash are in­ fittingly consummate this first, this most
calculable. The role it is destined to play in fecund, century of the Bahd’i era. An un­
hastening the emergence of the world order precedented, a carefully conceived, efficiently
of Bahd’u’lldh, now stirring in the womb of co-ordinated, nation-wide campaign, aiming
this travailing age, cannot as yet be fath­ at the proclamation of the Message of
omed. We stand too close to so majestic, so Bahd’u’lldh, through speeches, articles in the
lofty, so radiant, so symbolic a monument press, and radio broadcasts, should be
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 59

promptly initiated and vigorously prose­ conclusion the unfinished tasks which still
cuted. The universality of the Faith, its aims confront them, and will enable them to
and purposes, episodes in its dramatic his­ crown their labors in a manner that will befit
tory, testimonials to its transforming power, their high destiny.
and the character and distinguishing features March 28, 1943.
of its World Order should be emphasized and
explained to the general public, and particu­ The latest evidences of the magnificent
larly to eminent friends and leaders sympa­ success that has marked the activities of the
thetic to its cause, who should be approached members of the American Baha’i community
and invited to participate in the celebrations. have been such as to excite the brightest
Lectures, conferences, banquets, special pub­ hopes for the victorious consummation of
lications should, to whatever extent is prac­ the collective undertaking they have so
ticable and according to the resources at the courageously launched and have so vigor­
disposal of the believers, proclaim the char­ ously prosecuted in recent years. As the first
acter of this joyous Festival. An all-America Baha’i Century approaches its end, the mag­
Convention, at which representatives of nitude and quality of their achievements
Bahá’í centers in every Republic in Centra! acquire added significance and shed increas­
and South America will be invited to par­ ing luster on its annals. The proceedings of
ticipate, and to which, for the first time, all the recently held annual Convention; the
isolated believers, all groups, and all com­ formation of twenty-eight Assemblies in the
munities already possessing local Spiritual course of the year that has just elapsed; the
Assemblies will have the right to appoint splendid progress achieved in the Latindelegates and to share in the election of the American field of Baha’i activity; the superb
National Spiritual Assembly, will, moreover, spirit evinced by the pioneers holding their
have to be held to commemorate this epoch- lonely posts in widely scattered areas
making event. A dedication ceremony, in throughout the Americas; the exemplary
consonance with the solemnity of the oc­ attitude shown by the entire body of the
casion, and held beneath the dome of the faithful towards the machinations of those
Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, on the very day and at who have so sedulously striven to disrupt the
the very hour of the Báb’s historic Declara­ Faith and pervert its purpose— these have, to
tion, followed by a public session, conse­ a marked degree, intensified the admiration
crated to the memory of b.oth the Báb and of the Bahd’i communities for those who are
‘Abdu’l-Baha, should constitute the leading contributing so outstanding a share to the
features of this historic Convention. enlargement of the limits, and the enhance­
For it should be borne in mind that in the ment of the prestige, of the Faith of
year 1944 we celebrate not only the termina­ Bahá’u’lláh. The preparations which the
tion of the first century of the Bahá’í Era, American believers are undertaking for the
but also the centenary of the birth of the celebration of the Centenary of the Faith
Bahá’í Dispensation, of the inception of the must be such as to crown with immortal
Baha’i cycle, and of the birth of ‘Abdu’l- glory the fifty-year long record of their
Baha, and commemorate as well the fiftieth stewardship in the service of that Faith.
anniversary of the establishment of the Such a celebration must, in its scope and
Baha’i Faith in the Western world. magnificence, fully compensate for the dis­
No effort, nor any sacrifice can be deemed abilities which hinder so many Baha’i com­
too great to insure the decisive, the brilliant munities in Europe and elsewhere, and even
success of the celebrations which this his­ in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land, from paying a
toric year, of such manifold significance, befitting tribute to their beloved Faith at
must witness. He Who in the past, has in so glorious an hour in its history. The few
diverse ways and on so many occasions, remaining months of this century must wit­
graciously and unfailingly guided, blessed ness a concentration of effort, a scale of
and sustained the members of this privileged achievement, a spirit of heroism that will
community will, no doubt, continue to aid outshine even the most daring exploits that
and inspire them to carry to a victorious have already immortalized the Seven Year
60 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Plan and covered with glory its valiant pies of the world witness that this commu­
prosecutors. The plea I addressed to them, nity is spiritually illumined and divinely
at this late hour, will, I am sure, meet with gíúded. Then will the whole earth resound
a response no less remarkable than their past with the praises of its majesty and great­
reactions to the appeals I have felt impelled ness”
to make to them ever since the inception of No reader of these words, so vibrant with
the Plan. He Who, at every stage of their promises that not even the triumphant con­
collective enterprise, has so abundantly summation of the Seven Year Plan can
blessed them, will, no doubt, continue to fulfill, can expect a community that has
vouchsafe the blessings until the seal of un­ been raised so high, and endowed so richly,
qualified victory is set upon their epoch- to remain content with any laurels it may
making task. win in the Immediate future. To rest upon
August 8, 1943. such laurels would indeed be tantamount
to a betrayal of the trust placed in that
T h e D estiny of A merica
community by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. To cut short
Let any one inclined to doubt the course the chain of victories that must lead it on
which this enviable community is destined to that supreme triumph when, "the whole
to follow, turn to and meditate upon these earth may be stirred and shaken” by the
words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, enshrined, for all results of its achievements would shatter
time, in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and His hopes. To vacillate, and fail to "prop­
addressed to the entire community of the agate through the continents of Europe, of
believers of the United States and Canada: Asia, of Africa, and of Australasia, and as
"The full measure of your success,” He in­ far as the islands of the Pacific” a Message
forms them, "is at yet unrevealed, its signifi­ so magnificently proclaimed by it in the
cance still unapprehended. Erelong, ye will, American continent would deprive it of the
with your oivn eyes, witness how brilliantly privilege of being "securely established upon
every one of you, even as a shining star, will the throne of an everlasting dominion”
radiate, in the firmament of your country, To forfeit the honor of proclaiming "the
the light of "Divine Guidance, and will be­ advent of the Kingdom of the Lord of
stow upon its people the glory of an ever­ Hosts” in "all the five continents of the
lasting life. . . . The range of your future globe” would silence those "praises of its
achievements still remains undisclosed. 1 majesty and greatness” that otherwise would
fervently hope that in the near future the echo throughout "the whole earth”
whole earth may be stirred and shaken by Such vacillation, failure, or neglect, the
the results of your achievements. The hope, American believers, the ambassadors of the
therefore, which ‘Abdu’l-Bahd cherishes for Faith of BaháVlláh, will, I am firmly con­
you is that the same success which has at­ vinced, never permit. Such a trust will
tended your efforts in America may crown never be betrayed, such hopes can never be
your endeavors in other parts of the world, shattered, such a privilege will never be
that through you the fame of the Cause of forfeited, nor will such praises remain un­
God may be diffused throughout the East uttered. Nay rather the present generation
and the West, and the advent of the King­ of this blessed, this repeatedly blessed, com­
dom of the Lord of Hosts be proclaimed in munity will go from strength to strength,
all the five continents of the globe.” "The and will hand on, as the first century draws
moment,” He most significantly adds, "this to a close, to the generations that must
Divine Message is carried forward by the succeed it in the second, the torch of Divine
American believers from the shores of Amer­ Guidance, undimmed by the tempestuous
ica, and is propagated throughout the con­ winds that must blow upon it, that they in
tinents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, and turn, faithful to the wish and mandate of
of Australasia, and as far as the islands of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, may carry that torch, with
the Pacific, this community will find itself that self-same vigor, fidelity, and enthusi­
securely established upon the throne of an asm, to the darkest and remotest corners of
everlasting dominion. Then will all the peo- the earth. . . .
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 61

One more word in conclusion. Among To the efforts and accomplishments of
some of the most momentous and thought- those who, aware of the Revelation of
provoking pronouncements ever made by BaháVlláh, are now laboring in that con­
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in the course of His epoch- tinent, to their present and future course
making travels in the North American con­ of activity, I have, in the foregoing pages
tinent, are the following: "May this Ameri­ sufficiently referred. A word, if the destiny
can Democracy be the first nation to estab­ of the American people, in its entirety, is to
lish the foundation of international agree­ be correctly apprehended, should now be said
ment. May it be the first nation to proclaim regarding the orientation of that nation as
the unity of mankind. May it be the first a whole, and the trend of the affairs of its
to unfurl the Standard of the Most Great people. For no matter how ignorant of the
Peace” And again: "The American people Source from which those directing energies
are indeed worthy of being the first to build proceed, and however slow and laborious
the Tabernacle of the Great Peace, and pro­ the process, it is becoming increasingly evi­
claim the oneness of mankind. . . . For dent that the nation as a whole, whether
America hath developed powers and capaci­ through the agency of its government or
ties greater and more: wonderful than other otherwise, is gravitating, under the influence
nations. . . . The American nation is of forces that it can neither comprehend nor
equipped and empowered to accomplish that control, towards such associations and poli­
which luill adorn the pages of history, to cies, wherein, as indicated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
become the envy of the world, and be blest her true destiny must lie. Both the com­
in both the East and the West for the tri­ munity of the American believers, who are
umph of its people. . . . The American con­ aware of that Source, and the great mass of
tinent gives signs and evidences of very their countrymen, who have not as yet rec­
great advancement. Its future is even more ognized the Hand that directs their destiny,
promising, for its influence and illumination are contributing, each in its own way, to
are far-reaching. It will lead all nations the realization of the hopes, and the ful­
spiritually.” fillment of the promises, voiced in the above-
The creative energies, mysteriously gen­ quoted words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
erated by the first stirrings of the em­ The world is moving on. Its events are
bryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, have, unfolding ominously and with bewildering
as soon as released within a nation destined rapidity. The whirlwind of its passions is
to become its cradle and champion, en­ swift and alarmingly violent. The New
dowed that nation with the worthiness, and World is being insensibly drawn into its
invested it with the powers and capacities, vortex. The potential storm centers of the
and equipped it spiritually, to play the part earth are already casting their shadows upon
foreshadowed in these prophetic words. The its shores. Dangers, undreamt of and un­
potencies which this God-given mission has predictable, threaten it both from within
infused into its people are, on the one hand, and from without. Its governments and
beginning to be manifested through the peoples are being gradually enmeshed in the
conscious efforts and the nation-wide ac­ coils of the world’s recurrent crises and
complishments, in both the teaching and fierce controversies. The Atlantic and Pa­
administrative spheres of Baha’i activity, of cific Oceans are, with every acceleration in
the organized community of the followers the march of science, steadily shrinking into
of Bahá’u’lláh in the North American con­ mere channels. The Great Republic of the
tinent. These same potencies, apart from, West finds itself particularly and increas­
yet collateral with these efforts and accom­ ingly involved. Distant rumblings echo
plishments, are, on the other hand, insensibly menacingly in the ebullitions of its people.
shaping, under the impact of world political On its flanks are ranged the potential storm
and economic forces, the destiny of that centers of the European continent and of
nation, and are influencing the lives and the Far East. On its southern horizon there
actions of both its government and its looms what might conceivably develop into
people. another center of agitation and danger. The
62 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY

world is contracting into a neighborhood. that divides and afflicts the human race is
America, willingly or unwillingly, must daily increasing. The signs of impending
face and grapple with this new situation. convulsions and chaos can now be discerned.
For purposes of national security, let alone . . ” "The ills,” ‘Abdu’l-Baha, writing as
any humanitarian motive, she must assume far back as two decades ago, has prophesied,
the obligations imposed by this newly cre­ "from which the world now suffers tv ill
ated neighborhood. Paradoxical as it may multiply; the gloom which envelops it will
seem, her only hope of extricating herself deepen. The Balkans will remain discon­
from the perils gathering around her is to tented. Its restlessness tvill increase. The
become entangled in that very web of inter­ vanquished Powers will continue to agitate.
national association which the Hand of an They will resort to every measure that may
inscrutable Providence is weaving. ‘Abdu’l- rekindle the flame of war. Movements,
Bahá’s counsel to a highly placed official in newly-born and world-tvide in their range,
its government comes to mind, with peculiar will exert their utmost for the advancement
appropriateness and force. "You can best of their designs. The Movement of the Left
serve your country if you strive, in your will acquire great importance. Its influence
capacity as a citizen of the world, to assist will spread.” As to the American nation
in the eventual application of the principle itself, the voice of its own President, em­
of federalism, underlying the government phatic and clear, warns his people that a
of your own country, to the relationships possible attack upon their country has been
now existing between the peoples and nations brought infinitely closer by the development
of the world.” The ideals that fired the of aircraft and by other factors. Its Sec­
imagination of America’s tragically unappre­ retary of State, addressing at .a recent Con­
ciated President, whose high endeavors, how­ ference the assembled representatives of all
ever much nullified by a visionless genera­ the American Republics, utters no less
tion, ťAbdu’l-Bahá, through His own pen. ominous a warning. "These resurgent forces
acclaimed as signalizing the dawn of the loom threateningly throughout the world—
Most Great Peace, though now lying in the their ominous shadow falls athwart our
dust, bitterly reproach a heedless generation own Hemisphere.” As to its Press, the same
for having so cruelly abandoned them. note of warning and of alarm at an ap­
That the world is beset with perils, that proaching danger is struck. "We must be
dangers are now accumulating and are ac­ prepared to defend ourselves both from
tually threatening the American nation, no within and without. . . . Our defensive
clear-eyed observer can possibly deny. The frontier is long. It reaches from Alaska’^
earth is now transformed into an armed Point Barrow to Cape Horn, and ranges the
camp. As much as fifty million men are Atlantic and the Pacific. When or where
either under arms or in reserve. No less Europe’s and Asia’s aggressors may strike at
than the sum of three billion pounds is be­ us no one can say. It could be anywhere,
ing spent, in one year, on its armaments. any time. . . . We have no option save to
The light of religion is dimmed and moral go armed ourselves. . . . We must mount
authority disintegrating. The nations of the vigilant guard over the Western Hemis­
world have, for the most part, fallen a prey phere.”
to battling ideologies that threaten to dis­ The distance that the American nation
rupt the very foundations of their dearly- has traveled since its formal and categoric
won political unity. Agitated multitudes repudiation of the Wilsonian ideal, the
in these countries see them with discontent, changes that have unexpectedly overtaken
are armed to the teeth, are stampeded with it in recent years, the direction in which
fear, and groan beneath the yoke of tribula­ world events are moving, with their inevi­
tions engendered by political strife, racial table impact on the policies and the economy
fanaticism, national hatreds, and religious of that nation, are to every Bahá’í observer,
animosities. "The winds of despair,” Bahá’- viewing the developments in the interna­
u’lldh has unmistakably affirmed, "are, alas, tional situation, in the light of the prophe­
blowing from every direction, and the strife cies of both Baha’u’lldh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 63

most significant, and highly instructive and oppressive for that nation. The world shak­
encouraging. To trace the exact course ing ordeal which Bahá’u’lláh, as quoted in
which, in these troubled times and pregnant the foregoing pages, * has so graphically
years, this nation will follow would be im­ prophesied, may find it swept, to an unpre­
possible. We can only, judging from the cedented degree, into its vortex. Out of it it
direction its affairs are now taking, antici­ will probably emerge, unlike its reactions
pate the course she will most likely choose to the last world conflict, consciously deter­
to pursue in her relationships with both the mined to seize its opportunity, to bring the
Republics of America and the countries of full weight of its influence to bear upon the
the remaining continents. gigantic problems that such an ordeal must
A closer association with these Repub­ leave in its wake, and to exorcise forever,
lics, on the one hand, and an increased par­ in conjunction with its sister nations of both
ticipation, in varying degrees, on the other, the East and the West, the greatest curse
in the affairs of the whole world, as a result which, from time immemorial, has afflicted
of recurrent international crises, appear as and degraded the human race.
the most likely developments which the fu ­ Then, and only then, will the American
ture has in store for that country. Delays nation, molded and purified in the crucible
must inevitably arise, setbacks must be suf­ of a common war, inured to its rigors, and
fered, in the course of that country’s evolu­ disciplined by its lessons, be in a position
tion towards its ultimate destiny. Nothing, to raise its voice in the councils of the na­
however, can alter eventually that course, tions, itself lay the cornerstone of a universal
ordained for it by the unerring pen of and enduring peace, proclaim the solidarity,
‘Abdu’l-Bahd. Its federal unity having al­ the unity, and m aturity of mankind, and
ready been achieved and its internal institu­ assist in the establishment of the promised
tions consolidated— a stage that marked its reign of righteousness on earth. Then, and
coming of age as a political entity— its fu r­ only then, will the American nation, while
ther evolution, as a member of the family the community of the American believers
of nations, must, under circumstances that within its heart is consummating its di­
cannot at present be visualized, steadily con­ vinely-appointed mission, be able to fulfil!
tinue. Such an evolution must persist until the unspeakably glorious destiny ordained
such time as that nation will, through the for it by the Almighty, and immortally
active and decisive part it will have played enshrined in the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd.
in the organization and the peaceful settle­ Then, and only then, will the American
ment of the affairs of mankind, have a t­ nation accomplish "that which will adorn
tained the plenitude of its powers and fu n c­ the pages of h isto ry” "become the envy of
tions as an outstanding member, and com­ the world and be blest in both the East and
ponent part, of a federated world. the W e s t”
The immediate future must, as a result December 25, 193 8.
of this steady, this gradual, and inevitable
absorption in the manifold perplexities and * This passage is an excerpt from "The Advent of
problems afflicting hum anity, be dark and Divine Justice.*’— Editor.

»
.
PART THREE

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN
BAHA’I C O M M U N I T Y *
1894 1:933 -

ORTY years will have elapsed ere the in less than half a century sent out its shoots
close of this coming summer since the name and tendrils as far as the remotest corners
of Bahd’uTlah was first mentioned on the of the globe, and now stands, clothed in the
American continent. Strange indeed must majesty of the consecrated Edifice it has
appear to every observer, pondering in his reared in the heart of that continent, de­
heart the significance of so great a landmark termined to proclaim its right and vindicate
in the spiritual history of the great American its capacity to redeem a stricken people. U n­
Republic, the circumstances which have at­ supported by any of the advantages which
tended this first public reference to the Au­ talent, rank and riches can confer, the com­
thor of our beloved Faith. Stranger still must munity of the American believers, despite its
seem the associations which the brief words tender age, its numerical strength, its limited
uttered on that historic occasion must have experience, has by virtue of the inspired wis­
evoked in the minds of those who heard them. dom, the united will, the incorruptible loy­
Of pomp and circumstance, of any mani­ alty of its administrators and teachers
festations of public rejoicing or of popular achieved the distinction of an undisputed
applause, there were none to greet this first leadership among its sister communities of
intimation*)* to America’s citizens of the ex­ East and West in hastening the advent of
istence and purpose of the Revelation pro­ the Golden Age anticipated by BahďuTláh.
claimed by BaháVlláh. Nor did he who was And yet how grave the crises which this
its chosen instrument profess himself a be­ infant, this blessed, community has weath­
liever in the indwelling potency of the ered in the course of its checkered history!
tidings he conveyed, or suspect the magni­ How slow and painful the process that
tude of the forces which so cursory a men­ gradually brought it forth from the ob­
tion was destined to release. scurity of unmitigated neglect to the broad
Announced through the mouth of an daylight of public recognition! How severe
avowed supporter of that narrow ecclesiasti- the shocks which the ranks of its devoted
cism which the Faith itself has challenged adherents have sustained through the de­
and seeks to extirpate, characterized at the fection of the faint in heart, the malice of
moment of its birth as an obscure offshoot of the mischief-maker, the treachery of the
a contemptible creed, the Message of the Most proud and the ambitious! What storms of
Great Name, fed by streams of unceasing ridicule, of abuse and of calumny its repre­
trial and warmed by the sunshine of ‘AbduT- sentatives have had to face in their staunch
Baha’s tender care, has succeeded in driving support of the integrity, and their valiant
its roots deep into America’s genial soil, has defence of the fair name, of the Faith they
had espoused! How persistent the vicissi­
* From "America and the Most Great Peace,” by tudes and disconcerting the reverses with
Shoghi Effendi.
f In an address by Dr. Henry H. Jessup at the
which its privileged members, young and
Parliament of Religions, Columbian Exposition, Chi­ old alike, individually and collectively, have
cago, 1893.— Editor. had to contend in their heroic endeavors to
66 THE B A H Á 5Í CENTENARY

scale the heights which a loving Master had a more adequate medium for the incarnation
summoned them to attain! . . . of its spirit and the propagation of its cause?
Dearly-beloved friends! It is not for me, Have not the Asiatic churches of Jerusalem,
nor does it seem within the competence of of Antioch and of Alexandria, consisting
any one of the present generation, to trace chiefly of those Jewish converts, whose
the exact and full history of the rise and character and temperament inclined them tc
gradual consolidation of this invincible arm, sympathize with the traditional ceremonies
this mighty organ, of a continually advan­ of the Mosaic Dispensation, been forced as
cing Cause. It would be premature at this they steadily declined to recognize the grow­
early stage of its evolution, to attempt an ing ascendancy of their Greek and Roman
exhaustive analysis, or to arrive at a just brethren? Have they not been compelled to
estimate, of the impelling forces that have acknowledge the superior valor and the
urged it forward to occupy so exalted a place trained efficiency which have enabled these
among the various instruments which the standard-bearers of the Cause of Jesus Christ
Hand of Omnipotence has fashioned, and is to erect the symbols of His world-wide
now perfecting, for the execution of His di­ dominion on the ruins of a collapsing Em­
vine Purpose. Future historians of this pire? Has not the animating spirit of Islám
mighty Revelation, endowed with pens abler been constrained, under the pressure of simi­
than any which its present-day supporters lar circumstances, to abandon the inhos
can claim to possess, will no doubt transmit pitable wastes of its Arabian Home, the
to posterity a masterly exposition of the theatre of its greatest sufferings and ex­
origins of those forces which, through a re­ ploits, to yield in a distant land the fairest
markable swing of the pendulum, have fruit of its slowly maturing civilization?
caused the administrative center of the Faith "From the beginning of time until the
to gravitate, away from its cradle, to the present d a y” ťAbdu’l-Bahá Himself affirms,
shores of the American continent and to­ "the light of Divine Revelation hath risen in
wards its very heart— the present mainspring the East and shed its radiance upon the West.
and chief bulwark of its fast evolving insti­ The illumination thus shed hath, however,
tutions. On them will devolve the task of acquired in the West an extraordinary bril­
recording the history, and of estimating the liancy. Consider the Faith proclaimed by
significance, of so radical a revolution in the Jesus. Though it first appeared in the East,
fortunes of a slowly maturing Faith. Theirs yet not until its light had been shed upon
will be the opportunity to extol the virtues the West did the full measure of its poten­
and to immortalize the memory of those tialities be manifest.” "The day is approach­
men and women who have participated in ing ” He, in another passage, assures us,
its accomplishment. Theirs will be the "when ye shall witness how, through the
privilege of evaluating the share which each splendor of the Faith of Bahd’uHldh, the
of these champion-builders of the World West will have replaced the East, radiating
Order of BaháVlláh has had in ushering in the light of Divine Guidance.” "In the books
that golden Millennium, the promise of of the Prophets ” He again asserts, "certain
which lies enshrined in His teachings. glad-tidings are recorded which are abso­
Does not the history of primitive Christi­ lutely true and free from doubt. The East
anity and of the rise of Islám, each in its own hath ever been the dawning-place of the
way, offer a striking parallel to this strange Sun of Truth. In the East all the Prophets
phenomenon the beginnings of which we are of God have appeared . . . The West hath
now witnessing in this, the first century of acquired illumination from the East but in
the Bahá’í Era? Has not the Divine Impulse some respects the reflection of the light hath
which gave birth to each of these great been greater in the Occident. This is specially
religious systems been driven, through the true of Christianity. Jesus Christ appeared
operation of those forces which the irresisti­ in Palestine and FIis teachings were founded
ble growth of the Faith itself had released, in that country. Although the doors of the
to seek away from the land of its birth and Kingdom were first opened in that land and
in more propitious climes a ready field and the bestowals of God were spread broadcast
THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 67

from its center, the people of the West have and out of the agony and wreckage of an
embraced and promulgated Christianity unprecedented crisis there should burst forth
more fully than the people of the East," a spiritual renaissance which, as it propagates
Little wonder that from the same unerring itself through the instrumentality of the
pen there should have flowed, after ‘Abdu’l- American believers, will rehabilitate the
Bahd’s memorable visit to the West, these fortunes of a decadent age? It was ‘Abdu’loften-quoted words, the significance of Bahá Himself, His most intimate associates
which it would be impossible for me to over­ testify, Who, on more than one occasion,
rate: "The continent of America ” He an­ intimated that the establishment of His
nounced in a Tablet unveiling His Divine Father’s Faith in the North American con­
Plan to the believers residing in the North- tinent ranked as the most outstanding among
Eastern States of the American Republic, the threefold aims which, as He conceived
"is in the eyes of the one true God the land it, constituted the principal objective of His
wherein the splendors of His light shall be ministry. It was He Who, in the heyday of
revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith His life and almost immediately after His
shall be unveiled where the righteous will Father’s ascension, conceived the idea of in­
abide and the free assemble.” "May this augurating His mission by enlisting the in­
American democracy,” He Himself, while habitants of so promising a country under
in America, was heard to remark, "be the the banner of Bahá’u’lláh. He it was Who
first nation to establish the foundation of in His unerring wisdom and out of the abun­
international agreement. May it be the first dance of His heart chose to bestow on His
nation to proclaim the unity of mankind. favored disciples, to the very last day of
May it be the first to unfurl the standard His life, the tokens of His unfailing solici­
of the 'Most Great Peace9 The American tude and to overwhelm them with the marks
people are indeed worthy of being the first of His special favor. It was He Who, in His
to build the tabernacle of the great peace and declining years, as soon as delivered from
proclaim the oneness of mankind , . . May the shackles of a long and cruel incarcera­
America become the distributing center of tion, decided to visit the land which had re­
spiritual enlightenment and all the world re­ mained for so many years the object of His
ceive this heavenly blessing. For America infinite care and love. It was He Who,
has developed powers and capacities greater through the power of His presence and the
and more wonderful than other nations . . . charm of His utterance, infused into the
May the inhabitants of this country become entire body of His followers those senti­
like angels of heaven with faces turned con­ ments and principles which could alone sus­
tinually toward God. May all of them be­ tain them amidst the trials which the very
come servants of the omnipotent One. May prosecution of their task would inevitably
they rise from their present material attain­ engender. Was He not, through the several
ments to such a height that heavenly illu­ functions which He exercised whilst He
mination may stream from this center to all dwelt amongst them, whether in the laying
the peoples of the world . . . This American of the corner-stone of their House of W or­
nation is equipped and empowered to ac­ ship, or in the Feast which He offered them
complish that which will adorn the pages and at which He chose to serve them in
of history, to become the envy of the world person, or in the emphasis which He on a
and be blest in both the Fast and the West more solemn occasion placed on the impli­
for the triumph of its people . . . The Ameri­ cations of His spiritual station—was He not,
can continent gives signs and evidences of thereby, deliberately bequeathing to them all
very great advancement. Its future is even the essentials of that spiritual heritage which
more promising, for its influence and illu­ He knew they would ably safeguard and by
mination are far-reaching. It will lead all their deeds continually enrich? And finally
nations spiritually.” who can doubt that in the Divine Plan
Would it seem extravagant, in the light of which, in the evening of His life, He un­
so sublime an utterance, to expect that in veiled to their eyes He was investing them
the midst of so enviable a region of the earth with that spiritual primacy on which they
68 THE B A H Á 5Í CENTENARY

could rely in the fulfilment of their high Hosts be proclaimed in all the five conti­
destiny? nents of the globe . . . Thu$ far ye have
rfO ye apostles of Bahd’u’llah!” He thus been untiring in your labors. Let your ex­
addresses them in one of His Tablets, "May ertions, henceforth, increase a thousandfold.
my life be sacrificed for you! . . . Behold Summon the people in these countries, cap­
the portals which Bahd’u’lldh hath opened itals, islands, assemblies and churches to en­
before you! Consider how exalted and lofty ter the Abhd Kingdom. The scope of your
is the station you are destined to attain; how exertions must needs be extended. The wider
unique the favors w ith which you have been its range, the more striking will be the evi­
endowed.” "My thoughts ,” He tells them in dences of Divine assistance . . . Oh! that I
another passage, "are turned towards you, could travel, even though on foot and in the
and my heart leaps within me at your men­ utmost poverty, to these regions and, raising
tion. Could ye know how m y soul glows the call of Yd Bahd’u’l-Abhd in cities, vil­
with your love, so great a happiness would lages, mountains, deserts and oceans, pro­
flood your hearts as to cause you to become mote the Divine teachings! This, alas, I can­
enamoured w ith each other” "The full not do! How intensely I deplore it! Please
measure of your success,” He declares in God, ye may achieve it.” And finally, as if
another Tablet, "is as yet unrevealed, its sig­ to crown all His previous utterances, is this
nificance still unapprehended. Ere long ye solemn affirmation embodying His vision of
will, with your own eyes, witness how bril­ America’s spiritual destiny: "The moment
liantly every one of you, even as a shining this Divine Message is carried forward by the
star, will radiate in the firmament of yotcr American believers from the shores of Amer­
country the light of Divine Guidance and ica and is propagated through the continents
will bestow upon its people the glory of an of Europe, of Asia, of Africa and of Aus­
everlasting life .” "The range of your future tralasia, and as far as the islands of the Pa­
achievements,” He once more affirms, "still cific, this community will find itself securely
remains undisclosed. I fervently hope that established upon the throne of an everlasting
in the near future the whole earth may be dominion. Then will all the peoples of the
stirred and shaken by the results of your tvorld witness that this community is spir­
achievements” "The Almighty,” He as­ itually illumined and divinely guided. Then
sures them, "will no doubt grant you the will the whole earth resound with the praises
help of His grace, will invest you with the of its majesty and greatness.”
tokens of His might, and will endue your It is in the light of these above-quoted
souls with the sustaining power of His holy words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd that every thought­
Spirit .” "Be not concerned,” He admonishes ful and conscientious believer should ponder
them, "'ivith the smallness of your numbers, the significance of this momentous utterance
neither be oppressed by the multitude of an of BaháVlláh: "In the East the light of His
unbelieving world . . . Exert yourselves; Revelation hath broken; in the West have
your mission is unspeakably glorious. Should appeared the signs of His dominion. Ponder
success crown your enterprise, America will this in your hearts, O people, and be not of
assuredly evolve into a center from which those who have turned a deaf ear to the ad­
waves of spiritual power will emanate, and monitions of Him Who is the Almighty, the
the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in All-Praised . . . Should they attempt to con­
the plentitude of its majesty and glory, be ceal its light on the continent, it will as­
firmly established.” suredly rear its head in the midmost heart
"The hope which 'Abdu’l-Bahd cherishes of the ocean, and, raising its voice, proclaim:
for you,” He thus urges them, "is that the 7 am the life-giver of the world!’ ”
same success which has attended your efforts Dearly-beloved friends! Can our eyes be
in America may crown your endeavors in so dim as to fail to recognize in the anguish
other parts of the world, that through you and turmoil which, greater than in any other
the fame of the Cause of God may be dif­ country and in a manner unprecedented in
fused throughout the East and the West and its history, are now afflicting the American
the advent of the Kingdom of the Lord of nation, evidences of the beginnings of that
THE AMERICAN B A H A ’I COMMUNITY 69

spiritual renaissance which these pregnant nificance as to constitute a milestone along
words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá so clearly fore­ the road leading the American believers
shadow? The throes and twinges of agony towards their promised victory. The first of
which the soul of a nation in travail is now these four decades (1893-1903), character­
beginning to experience abundantly proclaim ized by a process of slow and steady fermen­
it. Contrast the sad plight of the nations of tation, may be said to have culminated in the
the earth, and in particular this great Re­ historic pilgrimages undertaken by ‘Abdu’lpublic of the West, with the rising fortunes Bahd’s American disciples to the shrine of
of that handful of its citizens, whose mis­ Bahá’u’lláh. The ten years which followed
sion, if they be faithful to their trust, is to (1903-1913), so full of the tests and trials
heal its wounds, restore its confidence and which agitated, cleansed and energized the
revive its shattered hopes. Contrast the body of the earliest pioneers of the Faith in
dreadful convulsions, the internecine con­ that land, had as their happy climax ‘Abdu’lflicts, the petty disputes, the outworn con­ Baha’s memorable visit to America. The
troversies, the interminable revolutions that third period (1913-1923), a period of quiet
agitate the masses, with the calm new light and uninterrupted consolidation, had as its
of Peace and of Truth which envelops, guides inevitable result the birth of that divinelyand sustains those valiant inheritors of the appointed Administration, the foundations
law and love of BaháVlláh. Compare the of which the Will of a departed Master had
disintegrating institutions, the discredited unmistakably established. The remaining ten
statesmanship, the exploded theories, the ap­ years (1923-1933), distinguished through­
palling degradation, the follies and furies, out by further internal development, as well
the shifts, shams and compromises that char­ as by a notable expansion of the international
acterize the present age, with the steady con­ activities of a growing community, w it­
solidation, the holy discipline, the unity and nessed the completion of the superstructure
cohesiveness, the assured conviction, the un­ of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar— the Administra­
compromising loyalty, the heroic self-sacri­ tion’s mighty bulwark, the symbol of its
fice that constitute the hallmark of these strength and the sign of its future glory.
faithful stewards and harbingers of the gol­ Each of these successive periods would
den age of the Faith of Baha’u’llah. seem to have contributed its distinct share in
Small wonder that these prophetic words enriching the spiritual life of that commu­
should have been revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha: nity, and in preparing its members for the
"The East,” He assures us, "hath verily been discharge of the tremendous responsibilities
illumined with the light of the Kingdom. of their unique mission. The pilgrimages
Ere long will this same light shed a still which its foremost representatives were
greater illumination upon the West. Then moved to undertake in that earliest period
will the hearts of its people be vivified of its history fired the souls of its members
through the potency of the teachings of God with a love and zeal which no amount of
and their souls be set aglow by the undying adversity could quench. The tests and tribu­
fire of His love” "The prestige of the Eaith lations it subsequently suffered enabled those
of God,” He asserts, "has immensely in­ who survived them to obtain a grasp of the
creased. Its greatness is now manifest. The implications of their faith that no opposi­
day is approaching when it will have cast a tion, however determined and well-organ­
tremendous tum ult in men’s hearts. Rejoice, ized, could ever hope to weaken. The insti­
therefore, O denizens of America, rejoice tutions which its tried and tested adherents
with exceeding gladness!” later on established furnished their promoters
Most prized and best-loved brethren! As with that poise and stability which the in­
we look back upon the forty years which crease of their numbers and the ceaseless ex­
have passed since the auspicious rays of the tension of their activities urgently demanded.
Baha’i Revelation first warmed and illum­ And finally the Temple which the exponents
inated the American continent we find that of an already firmly established Administra­
they may well fall into four distinct periods, tion were inspired to erect gave them the
vision which neither the storms of internal
70 THE B A H A ’i CENTENARY

disorder nor the whirlwinds of international amidst the vicissitudes which had afflicted it.
commotion could possibly obscure. It was through the arrival of these pilgrims,
It would take me too long to attempt and these alone, that the gloom which had
even a brief description of the first stirrings enveloped the disconsolate members of
which the introduction of the Bahá’í Reve­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s family was finally dispelled.
lation into the New World, as conceived, Through the agency of these successive visi­
initiated and directed by our beloved Master, tors the Greatest Holy Leaf,"* who alone
immediately created. Nor does space permit with her Brother among the members of her
me to narrate the circumstances attending Father’s household had to confront the re­
the epoch-making visit of the first American bellion of almost the entire company of her
pilgrims to Bahá’u’lláh’s hallowed shrine, to relatives and associates, found that consola­
relate the deeds which signalized the return tion which so powerfully sustained her till
of these bearers of a new-born Gospel to the very close of her life. By the forces
their native country, or to assess the imme­ which this little band of returning pilgrims
diate consequences of their achievements. was able to release in the heart of that con­
No word of mine would suffice to express tinent the death-knell of every scheme in­
how instantly the revelation of ‘Abdu’l- itiated by the wóuld-be wrecker of the Cause
Baha’s hopes, expectations and purpose for an of God was sounded.
awakened continent, electrified the minds The Tablets which were subsequently re­
and hearts of those who were privileged to vealed by the untiring pen of ‘Abdu’l-Baha,
hear Him, who were made the recipients of embodying in passionate and unequivocal
His inestimable blessings and the chosen re­ language His instructions and counsels, His
positories of His confidence and trust. I can appeals and comments, His hopes and wishes,
never hope to interpret adequately the feel­ His fears and warnings, soon began to be
ings that surged within those heroic hearts translated, published and circulated through­
as they sat at their Master’s feet, beneath out the length and breadth of the North
the shelter of His prison-house, eager to ab­ American continent, providing the eversorb and intent to preserve the effusions of widening circle of the first believers with
His divine Wisdom. I can never pay suf­ that spiritual sustenance which could alone
ficient tribute to that spirit of unyielding enable them to survive the severe trials they
determination which the impact of a mag­ were soon to experience.
netic personality and the spell of a mighty The hour of an unprecedented crisis was,
utterance kindled in the entire company of however, inexorably approaching. Evidences
these returning pilgrims, these consecrated of dissension, actuated by pride and ambi­
heralds of the Covenant of God, at so de­ tion, were beginning to obscure the radiance
cisive an epoch of their history. The mem­ and retard the growth of the newly-born
ory of such names as Lua, Chase, MacNutt, community which the apostolic teachers of
Dealy, Goodall, Dodge, Farmer and Brit- that continent had labored to establish. He
tingham— to mention only a few of that who had been instrumental in inaugurating
immortal galaxy now gathered to the glory so splendid an era in the history of the Faith,
of Bahd’u’llah—will for ever remain asso­ on whom the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Cove­
ciated with the rise and establishment of His nant had conferred the titles of “Bahá’s
Faith in the American continent, and will Peter,” of the “Shepherd of God’s Flocks,”
continue to shed on its annals a lustre that of the “Conqueror of America,” upon whom
time can never dim. had been bestowed the unique privilege of
It was through these pilgrimages, as they helping ‘Abdu’l-Baha lay the foundationsucceeded one another in the years immedi­ stone of the Bdb’s Mausoleum on Mt. Carmel
ately following the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, —such a m an,| blinded by his extraordinary
that the splendor of the Covenant, beclouded success and aspiring after an uncontrolled
for a time by the apparent ascendancy of domination over the beliefs and activities of
its Arch-Breaker,f emerged triumphant
f Muhammad-‘A li, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s younger half- * The sister of A b d u ’l-Baha.
brother and His bitterest enemy.— Editor. Í Ibrahim Kheirrela.— Editor.
THE AMERICAN BA H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 71

his fellow-disciples, insolently raised the stubborn assailants as those of Vatralsky,
standard of revolt. Sebeding from ‘Abdu’l- Wilson, Jessup and Richardson vie with one
Bahá and allying himself with the Arch- another in their futile attempts to stain its
Enemy of the Faith of God, this deluded purity, to arrest its march and compel its
apostate sought, by perverting the teachings surrender. To the charges of Nihilism, of
and directing a campaign of unrelenting heresy, of Muhammadan Gnosticism, of im­
villification against the person of ‘Abdu’l- morality, of Occultism and Communism so
Bahá, to undermine the faith of those be­ freely levelled against them, the undismayed
lievers whom he had during no less than victims of such outrageous denunciations,
eight years, so strenuously toiled to convert. acting under the instructions of ‘Abdu’l-
By the tracts he published, through the Baha, retorted by initiating a series of ac­
active collaboration of the emissaries of his tivities which by their very nature were to
chief Ally, and reinforced by the efforts be the precursors of permanent, officially
which the Christian ecclesiastical enemies of recognized administrative institutions. The
the Bahá’i Revelation were beginning to inauguration of Chicago’s first House of
exert, he succeeded in dealing the nascent Spirituality designated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha as
Faith of God a blow from which it could that city’s “House of Justice” ; the estab­
only slowly and painfully recover. lishment of the Bahd’i Publishing Society;
I need not dwell on the immediate effects the founding of the Green Acre Fellowship;
of this serious yet transitory cleavage in the the publication of the Star of the West;
ranks of the American adherents of the the holding of the first Bahá’í National
Cause of Baha’u’llah. Nor do I need to ex­ Convention, synchronizing with the trans­
patiate on the character of the defamatory ference of the sacred remains of the Báb to
writings that poured upon them. Nor does its final resting-place on Mt. Carmel; the
it seem necessary to recount the measures to incorporation of the Baha’i Temple Unity
which an ever-vigilant Master resorted in and the formation of the Executive Com­
order to assuage and eventually to dissipate mittee of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar— these
their apprehensions. It is for the future his­ stand out as the most conspicuous accom­
torian to appraise the value of the mission plishments of the American believers which
of each of the five chosen messengers of have immortalized the memory of the most
'Abdu’l-Baha who, in rapid succession, were turbulent period of their history. Launched
dispatched by Him to pacify and reinvig­ through these very acts into the troublesome
orate that troubled community. His will be seas of ceaseless tribulation, piloted by the
the task of tracing, in the work which these mighty arm of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and manned by
deputies of ‘Abdu’l-Baha were commissioned the bold initiative and abundant vitality of
to undertake, the beginnings of that vast a band of sorely-tried disciples, the Ark of
Administration, the corner-stone of which Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant has, ever since those
these messengers were instructed to lay— an days, been steadily pursuing its course con­
Administration whose symbolic Edifice He, temptuous of the storms of bitter misfortune
at a later time, was to found in person and that have raged, and which must continue
whose basis and scope the provisions of His to assail it, as it forges ahead towards the.
Will were destined to widen. promised haven of undisturbed security and
Suffice it to say that at this stage of its peace.
evolution the activities of an invincible Unsatisfied with the achievements which
Faith had assumed such dimensions as to crowned the concerted efforts of their elected
force on the one hand its enemies to devise representatives within the American con­
fresh weapons for their projected assaults, tinent and emboldened by the initial success
and on the other to encourage its supreme of their pioneer teachers, beyond its con­
Promoter to instruct its followers, through fines, in Great Britain, France and Germany,
qualified representatives and teachers, in the the community of the American believers
rudiments of an Administration which, as resolved to win in distant climes fresh re­
it evolved, would at once incarnate, safe­ cruits to the advancing army of Bahá’u’lláh.
guard and foster its spirit. The works of such Setting out from the western shores of their
72 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

native land and impelled by the indomitable the announcement of His arrival evoked, the
energy of a new-born faith, these itinerant publicity which His activities created,
teachers of the Gospel of Baha’u’lldh pushed the forces which His utterances released, the
on towards the islands of the Pacific, and as opposition which the implications of His
far as China and Japan, determined to estab­ teachings excited, the significant episodes to
lish beyond the farthest seas the outposts of which His words and deeds continually gave
their beloved Faith. Both at home and rise— these future generations will, no doubt,
abroad this community had by that time minutely and befittingly register. They will
demonstrated its capacity to widen the range carefully delineate their features, will cherish
and consolidate the foundations of its vast and preserve their memory, and will transmit
endeavors. The angry voices that had been unimpaired the record of their minutest de­
raised in protest against its rise were being tails to their descendants. It would indeed
drowned amid the acclamations with which be presumptuous on our part to attempt, at
the East greeted its recent victories. Those the present time, to sketch even the bare
ugly features that had loomed so threaten­ outline of so vast, so enthralling a theme.
ingly were gradually receding into the dis­ Contemplating after the lapse of above
tance, furnishing a still wider field to these twenty years this notable landmark in
noble warriors for the exercise of their latent America’s spiritual history we still find our­
energies. selves compelled to confess our inability to
The Faith of Bahd’u’llah in the continent grasp its import or to fathom its mystery.
of America had indeed been resuscitated. I have alluded in the preceding pages to a
Phoenix-like it had risen in all its freshness, few of the more salient features of that
vigor and beauty and was now, through the never-to-be-forgotten visit, These incidents,
voice of its triumphant exponents, insistingly as we look back upon them, eloquently pro­
calling to ‘Abdu’l-Baha, imploring Him to claim ťAbdu’l-Bahá’s specific purpose to con­
undertake a journey to its shores. The first fer through these symbolic functions upon
fruits of .the mission entrusted to its worthy the first-born of the communities of the
upholders had lent such poignancy to their West that spiritual primacy which was to
call that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who had just been be the birthright of the American believers.
delivered from the fetters of a galling The seeds which ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s ceaseless
tyranny, found Himself unable to resist. His activities so lavishly scattered had endowed
great, His incomparable, love for His own the United States and Canada, nay the entire
favored children impelled Him to respond. continent, with potentialities such as it had
Their passionate entreaty had, moreover, never known in its history. On the small
been reinforced by the numerous invitations band of His trained and beloved disciples,
which representatives of various interested and through them on their descendants, He,
organizations, whether religious, educational through that visit, had bequeathed a price­
or humanitarian, had extended to Him, ex­ less heritage— a heritage which carried with
pressing their eagerness to receive from His it the sacred and primary obligation to arise
own mouth an exposition of His Father’s and carry on in that fertile field the work
teachings. He had so gloriously initiated. We can dimly
Though bent with age, though suffering picture to ourselves the wishes that must
from ailments resulting from the accumu­ have welled from His eager heart as He bade
lated cares of fifty years of exile and cap­ His last farewell to that promising country.
tivity, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá set out on His memor­ An inscrutable Wisdom, we can well imagine
able journey across the seas to the land where Him remark to His disciples on the eve of
He might bless by His presence, and sanctify His departure, has, in His infinite bounty
through His deeds, the mighty acts His singled out your native land for the execu­
spirit had led His disciples to perform. The tion of a mighty purpose. Through the
circumstances that have attended His trium­ agency of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant I, as the
phal progress through the chief cities of the ploughman, have been called upon since the
United States and Canada my pen is utterly beginning of my ministry to turn up and
incapable of describing. The joys which break its ground. The mighty confirmations
THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’1 C O M M U N I T Y 73

that have, in the opening days of your career, friends He was moved to reveal, He unfolded
rained upon you have prepared and invigor­ to their eyes His conception of their spiritual
ated its soil. The tribulations you subse­ destiny, His Plan for the mission He wished
quently were made to suffer have driven them to undertake. The seeds His hands had
deep furrows into the field which my hands sown He was now watering with that same
had prepared. The seeds with which I have care, that same love and patience, which had
been intrusted I have now scattered far and characterized His previous endeavors whilst
wide before you. Under your loving care, He was laboring in their midst.
by your ceaseless exertions, every one of these The clarion call which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had
seeds must germinate, every one must yield raised was the signal for an outburst of re­
its destined fruit. A winter of unprecedented newed activity which, alike in the motives
severity will soon be upon you. Its storm- it inspired and the forces it set in motion,
clouds are fast gathering on the horizon. America had scarcely experienced. Lending
Tempestuous winds will assail you from an unprecedented impetus to the work which
every side. The Light of the Covenant will the enterprising ambassadors of the Message
be obscured through my departure. These of BaháVlláh had initiated in distant lands,
mighty blasts, this wintry desolation, shall this mighty movement has continued to
however pass away. The dormant seed will spread until the present day, has gathered
burst into fresh activity. It shall put forth momentum as it extended its ramifications
its buds, shall reveal, in mighty institutions, over the surface of the globe, and will con­
its leaves and blossoms. The vernal showers tinue to accelerate its march until the last
which the tender mercies of my heavenly wishes of its original Promoter are com­
Father will cause to descend upon you will pletely fulfilled.
enable this tender plant to spread out its Forsaking home, kindred, friends and posi­
branches to regions far beyond the confines tion a handful of men and women, fired
of your native land. And finally the steadily with a zeal and confidence which no human
mounting sun of His Revelation, shining in agency can kindle, arose to carry out the
jts meridian splendor, will enable this mighty mandate which ťAbdu’l-Bahá had issued.
Tree of His Faith to yield, in the fulness of Sailing northward as far as Alaska, pushing
time and on your soil, its golden fruit. on to the West Indies, penetrating the South
The implications of such a parting message American continent to the banks of the
could not long remain unrevealed to ‘Abdu’l- Amazon and across the Andes to the
Baha’s initiated disciples. No sooner had He southernmost ends of the Argentine Repub­
concluded His long and arduous journey lic, pressing on westward into the island of
across the American and European contin­ Tahiti and beyond it to the Australian con­
ents than the tremendous happenings to tinent and still beyond it as far as New Zea­
which He had alluded began to be made land and Tasmania, these intrepid heralds
manifest. A conflict, such as he had pre­ of the Faith of BaháVlláh have succeeded
dicted, severed for a time all means of com­ by their very acts in setting to the present
munication with those on whom He had generation of their fellow-believers through­
come to place such implicit trust and from out the East an example which they' may
whom He was expecting so much in return. well emulate. Headed by their illustrious
The wintry desolation, with all its havoc representative, who ever since the call of
and carnage, pursued during four years its ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was raised has been twice
relentless course, while He, repairing to the around the world and is still, with marvelous
quiet solitude of His residence in the close courage and fortitude, enriching the match­
neighborhood of Bahá’u’lláh’s hallowed less record of her services, these men and
shrine, continued to communicate His women have been instrumental in extending,
thoughts and wishes to those whom He had to a degree as yet unsurpassed in Bahá’í his­
left behind and on whom He had conferred tory, the sway of Bahá’u’lláh’s universal
the unique tokens of His favor. In the im­ dominion. In the face of almost insurmount­
mortal Tablets which, in the long hours of able obstacles they have succeeded in most
His communion with His dearly-beloved of the countries through which they have
74 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

passed or in which they have resided, in pro­ Faith was born. The potent energies released
claiming the teachings of their Faith, in through the ascension of the Center of His
circulating its literature, in defending its Covenant crystallized into this supreme, this
cause, in laying the basis of its institutions infallible Organ for the accomplishment of
and in reinforcing the number of its declared a Divine Purpose. The Will and Testament
supporters. It would be impossible for me of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá unveiled its character, re­
to unfold in this short compass the tale of affirmed its basis, supplemented its principles,
such heroic actions. Nor can any tribute of asserted its indispensability, and enumerated
mine do justice to the spirit which has en­ its chief institutions. With that self-same
abled these standardbearers of the Religion spontaneity which had characterized her re­
of God to win such laurels and to confer sponse to the Message proclaimed by Bahd’u’-
such distinction on the generation to which lláh America had now arisen to espouse the
they belong. cause of the Administration which the Will
The Cause of Bahd’u’llah had by that time and Testament of His Son had unmistakably
encircled the globe. Its light, born in darkest established. It was given to her, and to her
Persia, had been carried successively to the alone, in the turbulent years following the
European, the African and the American revelation of so momentous a Document, to
continents, and was now penetrating the become the fearless champion of that Ad­
heart of Australia, encompassing thereby ministration, the pivot of its new-born in­
the whole earth with a girdle of shining stitutions and the leading promoter of its
glory. The share which such worthy, such influence. To their Persian brethren, who
stout-hearted, disciples have had in brighten­ in the heroic age of the Faith had won the
ing the last days of ‘Abdu’l-Bahi’s earthly crown of martyrdom, the American be­
life He alone has truly recognized and can lievers, forerunners of its golden age, were
sufficiently estimate. The unique and eternal now worthily succeeding, bearing in their
significance of such accomplishments the turn the palm of a hard-won victory. The
labors of the rising generation will assuredly unbroken record of their illustrious deeds had
reveal, their memory its works will befit- established beyond the shadow of a doubt
tingly preserve and extol. How deep a satis­ their preponderating share in shaping the
faction ‘Abdu’l-Bahd must have felt, while destinies of their Faith. In a world writhing
conscious of the approaching hour of His with pain and declining into chaos this com­
departure, as He witnessed the first fruits of munity— the vanguard of the liberating
the international services of these heroes of forces of BaháVlláh—succeeded in the years
His Father’s Faith! To their keeping He following ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s passing in raising
had committed a great and goodly heritage. high above the institutions established by its
In the twilight of His earthly life He could sister communities in East and West what
rest content in the serene assurance that such may well constitute the chief pillar of that
able hands could be relied upon to preserve future House— a House which posterity will
its integrity and exalt its virtue. regard as the last refuge of a tottering
The passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, so sudden in civilization.
the circumstances which caused it, so In the prosecution of their task neither the
dramatic in its consequences, could neither whisperings of the treacherous nor the
impede the operation of such a dynamic virulent attacks of their avowed enemies
force nor obscure its purpose. Those fervid were allowed to deflect them from their high
appeals, embodied in the Will and Testament purpose or to undermine their faith in the
of a departed Master, could not but confirm sublimity of their calling. The agitation
its aim, define its character and reinforce provoked by him who in his incessant and
the promise of its ultimate success. sordid pursuit of earthly riches would have,
Out of the pangs of anguish which His but for ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s warning, sullied the
bereaved followers have suffered, amid the fair name of their Faith, had left them in
heat and dust which the attacks launched the main undisturbed. Schooled by tribula­
by a sleepless enemy had precipitated, the tion and secure within the stronghold of
Administration of Bahd’u’lldh’s invincible their fast evolving institutions they scorned
THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 75

his insinuations and by their unswerving unsullied, their heritage unimpaired. A series
loyalty were able to shatter his hopes. They of magnificent accomplishments, each more
refused to allow any consideration of the significant than the previous, were to shed
admitted prestige and past services of his increasing lustre on an already illustrious
father and of his associates to weaken their record. In the dark years immediately fol­
determination tp ignore entirely the person lowing ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s ascension their deeds
whom ‘Abdu’l-Baha had so emphatically shone with a radiance that made them the
condemned. The veiled attacks with which a object of the envy and the admiration of
handful of deluded enthusiasts subsequently the less privileged among their brethren. The
sought in the pages of their periodical to entire community, u n t r a m m e l l e d and
check the growth and blight the prospects supremely confident, was rising to a great
of an infant Administration had likewise and glorious opportunity. The forces that
failed to achieve their purpose. The attitude had motivated its birth, that had assisted in
which a besotted woman -later on assumed, its rise, were now accelerating its growth,
her ludicrous assertions, her boldness in flout­ in a manner and with such rapidity that
ing the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and in chal­ neither the pangs of a worldwide sorrow nor
lenging its authenticity and her attempts to the unceasing convulsions of a distracted
subvert its principles were again powerless age could paralyze its efforts or retard its
to produce the slightest breach in the ranks march.
of its valiant upholders. The treacherous Internally the community had embarked
schemes which'the ambition of a perfidious in a number of enterprises that were to en­
and still more recent enemy has devised and able it on the one hand to extend still further
through which he is still striving to deface the scope of its spiritual jurisdiction and on
‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s noble handiwork and corrupt the other to fashion the essential instruments
its administrative principles are being once for the creation and consolidation of the in­
more completely frustrated. These intermit­ stitutions which such an extension impera­
tent and abortive attempts on the part of its tively demanded. Externally, its undertak­
assailants to force the surrender of the newly ings were inspired by the twofold objective
built stronghold of the Faith its defenders of prosecuting, even more intensely than
have from the very beginning utterly dis­ before, the admirable work which in each
dained. No matter how fierce the assaults of the five continents its international teach­
of the enemy or skilful his stratagem they ers had initiated, and of assuming an increas­
have refused to yield one jot or one tittle of ing share in the handling and solution of the
their cherished convictions. His insinuations delicate and complex problems with which
and clamor they have consistently ignored. a newly-emancipated Faith was being con­
The motives which animated his actions, the fronted. The birth of the Administration in
methods he steadily pursued, the precarious that continent had signalized these praise­
privileges he seemed momentarily to enjoy worthy exertions. Its gradual consolidation
they could not but despise. Thriving for a was destined to insure their continuance and
time through the devices which their schem­ to accentuate their effectiveness.
ing minds had conceived and supported by To enumerate only the most outstanding
the ephemeral advantages which fame, ability accomplishments which, in their own coun­
or fortune can confer these notorious ex­ try and beyond its confines, have so greatly
ponents of corruption and heresy have suc­ enhanced the prestige of the American be­
ceeded in protruding for a time their ugly lievers and have redounded to the glory and
features only to sink, as rapidly as they had honor of the Most Great Name is all I can
risen, into the mire of an ignominious end. presently undertake, leaving to future gen­
From the midst of these afflictive trials, erations the task of explaining their import
reminiscent in some of their aspects of the and of affixing a fitting estimate to their
violent storm that had accompanied the birth value. To the body of their elected represen­
of the Faith in their native land, the Ameri­ tatives must be attributed the honor of hav­
can believers had again triumphantly ing been the first among their sister Assem­
emerged, their course undeflected, their fame blies of East and West to devise, promulgate
76 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

and legalize the essential instruments for the right to an independent religious status?
effective discharge of their collective duties "The Commission,” is the resolution passed
— instruments which every properly consti­ by the Permanent Mandates Commission of
tuted Baha’i community must regard as a the League of Nations, "recommends that
pattern worthy to be adopted and copied. the Council should ask the British Govern­
To their efforts must likewise be ascribed the ment to make representations to the ‘Iráqí
historic achievement of establishing their Government with a view to the immediate
national endowments upon a permanent and redress of the denial of justice from which
unassailable basis and of creating the neces­ the petitioners (the Bahd’i Spiritual Assem­
sary agency for the formation of those sub­ bly of Baghdad) have suffered.” Has any
sidiary organs whose function is to adminis­ one else except an American believer been
ter on behalf of their trustees such posses­ led to obtain from royalty such remarkable
sions as these may acquire beyond the limits and repeated testimonies to the regenerating
of their immediate jurisdiction. By the power of the Faith of God, such striking
weight of their moral support so freely ex­ references to the universality of its teachings
tended to their Egyptian brethren they were and the sublimity of its mission. "The Bahd’i
able to remove some of the most formidable teaching,” such is the Queen’s written testi­
obstacles which the Faith had to surmount mony, "brings peace and understanding. It
in its struggle to enfranchise itself from the is like a wide embrace gathering together all
fetters of Muslim orthodoxy. Through the those who have long searched for words of
effective and timely intervention of these hope. It accepts all great Prophets gone be­
same elected representatives they were able fore, it destroys no other creeds and leaves
to avert the woes and dangers which had all doors open. Saddened by the continual
menaced their persecuted fellow-workers in strife amongst believers of many confessions
the Soviet Republics, and to ward off the and wearied of their intolerance towards each
rage which had threatened with immediate other, I discovered in the Bahd’i teaching
ruin one of the most precious and noblest the real spirit of Christ so often denied and
of Bahd’i institutions. Nothing short of the misunderstood: Unity instead of strife,
whole-hearted assistance, whether moral or Hope instead of condemnation, Love instead
financial which the American believers, in­ of hate, and a great reassurance for all men.”
dividually and collectively, were moved to Have not the American adherents of the
extend on several occasions to the needy and Faith of Bahd’u’llah, through the courage
harassed among their brethren in Persia could displayed by one of the most brilliant mem­
have saved these hapless victims of the con­ bers of their community, been instrumental
sequences of the calamities that had visited in paving the way for the removal of those
them in the years following ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s barriers which have, for well-nigh a century,
ascension. It was the publicity which the hampered the growth and crippled the energy
efforts of their American brethren had cre­ of their fellow-believers in Persia? Is it not
ated, the protests they were led to make, the America who, ever mindful of ‘Abdu’lappeals and petitions they had submitted, Baha’s passionate entreaty, has sent out to
which mitigated these sufferings and curbed the ends of the earth a steadily increasing
the violence of the worst and most tyranni­ number of its most consecrated citizens—
cal opponents of the Faith in that land. Who men and women the one wish of whose lives
else, if not one of their most distinguished is to consolidate the foundations of Bahá’u’-
representatives, has risen to force upon the lláh’s world-embracing dominion? In the
attention of the highest Tribunal the world northernmost capitals of Europe, in most of
has yet seen the grievances which a Faith, its central states, throughout the Balkan
robbed of one of its holiest sanctuaries, had Peninsula, along the shores of the African,
suffered at the hand of the usurper? Who the Asiatic and South American continents
else has succeeded in securing, through are to be found this day a small band of
patient and persistent effort, those written women pioneers who, singlehanded and with
affirmations which proclaim the justice of a scanty resources, are toiling for the advent
persecuted cause and tacitly recognize its of the Day ‘Abdu’l-Baha has foretold. Did
THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 77

not the attitude of the Greatest Holy Leaf, qu’l-Adhkdr— the crowning glory of Ameri­
as she approached the close of her life, bear ca’s past and present achievements—has
eloquent testimony to the incomparable share forged that mystic chain which is to link,
which her steadfast and self-sacrificing more firmly than ever, the hearts of its
lovers in that continent have had in lighten­ champion-builders with Him Who is the
ing the burden which had weighed so long Source and Center of their Faith and the
and so heavily on her heart? And finally Object of their truest adoration?
who can be so bold as to deny that the com­ Shoghi .
pletion of the superstructure of the Mashri- April 21, 1933
T H E BAHA'I F A I T H C O M ES
TO AMERICA
O n SEPTEMBER 23rd, 1893, while the terially a single unit? And now the Ameri­
western hemisphere, by the Columbian Expo­ can continent, freed from Europe and united
sition commemorated its own discovery, it in itself, was beginning to feel its kinship
heard for the first time the Word of God with the whole. That newly awakened con­
as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. At that moment sciousness is implicit in all that is written
the keynote for a new order was struck in about the World’s Columbian Exposition.
the West aiid America began to learn her As early as 1890, Charles C. Bonney, not
destiny. content with the celebration of material
Culturally, the nation as a whole was very achievement at the exposition, conceived the
crude.' In New England that strange flower­ idea of inaugurating a series of congresses
ing of the mind and spirit centered in the which would set forth the social, political,
Transcendentalists was declining: Emerson artistic, and religious aspirations of the age,
and Alcott were both dead, and the spirit of and at his suggestion, an auxiliary to the
their thinking, although it had been dissem­ fair was formed. Two hundred committees
inated far beyond New England, was spread began working on the project, and the State
very thin. The rest of this vast nation was Department of the United States govern­
still preoccupied with the material problem ment included in its announcement to the
of wresting an increasingly rich livelihood world the following significant statement:
from the blood and bones of the earth. The "Among the great themes which the con­
Middle West, later to be called by ‘Abdu’l- gresses are expected to consider are the fol­
Bahá the heart of the continent, was only lowing: The grounds of fraternal union in
beginning to look up from its exhausting the language, literature, domestic life, re­
pioneer labors and to yearn for the reward ligion, science, art, and civil institutions of
of those labors—beauty. different peoples; the economic, industrial,
To the young men and women crudely and financial problems of the age; educa­
nurtured on prairie farms or in rude tional systems, their advantages and their
struggling villages, the World’s Fair was a defects, and the means by which they may
dream city, a heaven set down in the mud best be adapted to the recent enormous in­
and toil of their everyday lives. It is almost crease in all departments of knowledge; the
impossible to estimate the stimulation which practicability of a common language for use
that incredible vision exercised upon the in the commercial relations in the civilized
spirits of the sons and daughters of the world; international copyright and the laws
pioneers. Here was unbelievable beauty, not of intellectual property and commerce; im­
remote and imagined, but solid and concrete migration and naturalization laws and the
before them. A whole new range of possi­ proper international privileges of alien gov­
bilities was opened to them. ernments and subjects and citizens; the most
But they were of a race which reveled in efficient and advisable means of preventing
possibilities. The American people, fresh or decreasing pauperism, insanity, and crime,
from the tremendous tasks of conquering and of increasing productive ability, pros­
itself and its environment, young, lusty, full perity, and virtue throughout the world;
of confidence, reached out to embrace the international law as a bond of union and a
world. This fair was a World’s Fair. The means of mutual protection, and how it may
very reason for its being was one which had best be enlarged, perfected, and authorita­
global significance. For was not the voyage tively expressed; the establishment of the
of Columbus the essential act which was in principles of judicial justice as the supreme
the course of time to make the globe ma­ law of international relations and the general
THE B A H A ’I F A I T H COMES TO AMERICA 79

substitution of arbitration for war in the the platform, beneath the waving flags of
settlement of international controversies.” many nations. In the center of the company,
By 1893 the two hundred committees had and seated in the huge chair of curiously
brought their plans to fruition. Between wrought iron, was His Eminence James
May 15 th and October 20th of that year, (Cardinal) Gibbons, magnificent in his robes
twenty departmental congresses met, with of red; on the right sat the priests of the
two hundred congresses under them. Of Celestial Empire in their long flowing gar­
these meetings, the most celebrated was the ments of white; on the left were the patri­
Congress of Religions, the first of its kind archs of the old Greek Church, wearing
and in many ways unique. strangely formed hats, somber cassocks of
It opened on the morning of September black, and leaning on ivory sticks carved
11th with ten strokes of the "new Liberty with figures representing ancient rites . . .
Bell,” which bore the inscription: "A new The Chinese secretary of legation wore the
commandment I give unto you that ye love robes of a mandarin; the high priest of the
one another,” each stroke of the bell denoting state religion of Japan was arrayed in flowing
one of the ten religious organizations repre­ robes, presenting the colors of the rainbow.
sented. In the Hall of Columbus, a part of Buddhist monks were attired in garments of
the Memorial Art Palace on the shores of white and yellow; an orange turban and
Lake Michigan (now the Chicago Art In­ robe made the Brahman conspicuous; the
stitute) four thousand people awaited for Greek Archbishop of Zante, from whose
the representatives of the great religions of high head-gear there fell to the waist a
the world to take their places. A contem­ black veil, was brilliant in purple robe and
porary account describes the scene: black cassock, and glittering as to his breast
"The mass of people was so wonderfully in chains of gold . . .”
quiet that the fluttering of wings was heard The historic assembly was called to order
when a tiny bird flew through an open win­ by President Bonney, and sudderily, "from
dow and over the vacant platform. The the great organ in the gallery, broke forth
organist played 'Jerusalem the Golden’ in to the strains of 'Old Hundred,’ the inspir­
the interval of waiting, and the triumphant ing measures
strains fitly expressed the feeling of many
From all that dwell beneath the skies
intensely expectant hearts.
Let the Creator’s praise arise.
"At the appointed hour . . . the crowds
in the right-hand aisle of the auditorium ". . . After the song had died away, a
parted in quiet step, and two and two the moment’s silence, which the uplifted hand
royal delegates of the one Great King, of Cardinal Gibbons sustained, then his voice
escorted by the managers of the parliament, began: 'Our Father, who art in heaven,’ and
came slowly into view. Heading the pro­ was lost in the rush of voices which followed
cession, and arm in arm, were President Bon- the well-known universal prayer. The
ney and Cardinal Gibbons, following whom supreme moment of the 19th century was
came Mrs. Potter Palmer and Mrs. Charles reached. Africa, Europe, America, and the
Henrotin. Next in order, moved a stately isles of the sea, together called Him Father.
column, composed of men of many tongues, This harmonious use of the Lord’s Prayer
of many lands, of many races; disciples of by Jews, Mohammedans, Buddhists, Brah­
Christ, of Mohammed, of Buddha, of Brah­ mans, and all divisions of Christians, seemed
ma, of Confucius, in the name of the com­ a rainbow of promise pointing to the time
mon God, for the glorification of the Father. when the will of God will 'bé done on earth
The sight was most remarkable. There were as it is done in heaven’.”
strange robes, turbans and tunics, crosses For seventeen days the Congress met to
and crescents, flowing hair and tonsured discuss religion and the religions from almost
heads. The representatives marched down every point of view: Widely divergent ideas
the center aisle, and amid the cheer that on "revelation, immortality, the incarnation
welled up from the hearts of 4,000 men and of God, the universal elements in religion,
women, took their seats in triple rows upon the ethical unity of different religious sys-
80 THE BAHÁ1 CENTENARY

terns, the relations of religion to morals, mar­ Beha Allah, the 'Glory of God’—the head
riage, education, science, philosophy, evolu­ of that vast reform party of Persian Moslems
tion, music, labor, government, peace and who accept the New Testament as the word
war, and many other themes of absorbing of God, and Christ as the deliverer of men,
interest” were set forth freely, and for the who regard all natives [sic] as one, and all
most part a spirit of harmony, or at least of men as brothers. Three years ago he was
tolerance, prevailed, interrupted by only a visited by a Cambridge scholar, and gave
few harsh, discordant notes. But it was the utterance to sentiments so noble, so Christthirteenth day, the 23 rd of September, out like, that we repeat them as our closing
of which was to come (all unknown to its words:
participants) the fulfillment of all the hopes " 'That all nations should become one in
of the Parliament. For on that day BaháV- faith, and all men as brothers; that the bonds
lláh spoke to the religions of the world and of affection and unity between the sons of
so provided that creative germ which would men should be strengthened; that diversity
eventually unite them all. of religion should [sic], and differences of
When Rabbi Joseph Silverman had spoken race, be annulled; what harm is there in this?
briefly on misconceptions about the Jew, Yet so it shall be. These fruitless strifes,
closing with the hope that the true brother­ these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the
hood of man would speedily be realized, "in 'most great peace’ shall come.
which there shall be no distinction as to "Do not you in Europe need this also?
nationality or creed,” the Rev. Dr. Henry "Let not a man glory in this, that he loves
H. Jessup of Beirut, Syria, rose to speak. His his country; let him rather glory in this,
subject was "The Religious Mission of the that he loves his kind’.”
English-Speaking Nations.” He pointed out In this simple statement, having the ac­
that, by their history, their geographical cent of authority, nay, even of command,
position, their political principles, and their the vexed questions were all solved—the
moral and religious history (which, in the crooked made straight and the rough places
light of some of the foregoing addresses, he plain. For behind these words lay the vol­
seems to have over-estimated), the English- uminous Writings which constitute the
speaking nations were in a position to uplift Revelation of God for this age, the educa­
and enlighten the world and to bring about tion needed for the regeneration of the
international arbitration. "This, then, is our world. In them Bahá’u’lláh had shown the
mission: That we who are made in the image way to national and racial unity. He was
of God should remember that all men are the union of religions. And behind His
made in God’s image. To this divine knowl­ Writings, in the mysterious recesses of the
edge we owe all we are, all we hope for. We Divine Will, was already moving the Power
are rising gradually toward that image and which was to bring into being, after suf­
we owe to our fellow men to aid them in fering undreamed of then, a new order of
returning to it in the glory of God and the life for mankind. And the world discovered
beauty of holiness. It is a celestial privilege by Columbus was already destined to be­
and with it comes a high responsibility. come its inaugurator.
From this responsibility there is no escape.” As the Parliament of Religions drew to a
And then, at the end of his address, the close, its participants were conscious of a
high, the supreme moment of the Congress, great exaltation, a feeling that something
Rev. Jessup spoke those words in which momentous had occurred, something which
America heard for the first time the Creative they tried, on that last evening, to express,
Word of the New Age. I quote (exactly as using terms more significant than they knew.
it was recorded) the end of Rev. Jessup’s One said: "By this parliament the city of
talk: Chicago has placed herself far away above
"In the palace of Behjeh, or Delight, just all the cities of the earth. In this school you
outside the fortress of Acre on the Syrian have learned what no other town or city in
coast, there died a few months since a the world yet knows. The conventional idea
famous Persian sage—the Babi saint, named of religion which obtains among Christians
THE BA H Á ’Í F A I T H COMES TO AMERICA 81

‘Abdu’l-Baha.

the world over is that Christianity is true, "Then this is Pentecost, and behind is the
all other religions false . . . You know better, conversion of the world.”
and ^vdth clear light and strong assurance Another said: "Fathers of the contempla­
can testify that there may be friendship tive East; sons of the executive West—be­
instead of antagonism between religion and hold how good and how pleasant it is for
religion, that so surely as God is our common brethren to dwell together in unity. The
Father, our hearts alike have yearned for New Jerusalem, the city of God, is descend­
Him, and our souls in devoutest moods have ing, heaven and earth chanting the eternal
caught whispers of grace dropped from His hallelujah chorus.”
throne.
‘A B D U 'L -B A H A I N A M E R I C A
I t WAS a long, long trip. The more we Bahá’u’lláh; that each one of you may be­
traveled, the greater seemed the expanse of come like a clear lamp of crystal from which
the sea. The weather was brilliant and fine the rays of the bounties of the Blessed Per­
throughout; there was no storm and no end fection may shine forth to all nations and
to the sea.” peoples. This is My highest aspiration. . . .
A t last the American Bahá’ís were hearing "I am very happy to meet you all here to­
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s voice, seeing Him there be­ day. Praise be to God that your faces are
fore them. It was the afternoon of April shining with the love of BaháVlláh! To be­
11, 1912; they had met His ship in the hold them is the cause of great spiritual
morning, and now they gathered to welcome happiness. We have arranged to meet you
Him at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. every day at the homes of the friends.
Kinney, 780 West End Avenue, in New "In the East people were asking Me, 'Why
York. They had thronged the rooms, so do you undertake this long voyage? Your
that many had to stand; and He had begun body cannot endure such hardships of travel.’
to address them: When it is necessary, My body can endure
"How are you? Welcome! Welcome! everything. It has withstood forty years of
"A fter arriving today, although weary imprisonment and can still undergo the
with travel, I had the utmost longing and utmost trials.
yearning to see you and could not resist this "I will see you again. Now I will greet
meeting. Now that I have met you all My each one of you personally. It is My hope
weariness has vanished, for your meeting is that you will all be happy and that we may
the cause of spiritual happiness. meet again and again.”
"I was in Egypt and was not feeling well; ‘Abdu’l-Baha now shook hands with each
but I wished to come to you in America. one, and left for the Hotel Ansonia.
My friends said: 'This is a long journey; the He had been a prisoner most of His life.
sea is wide; You should remain here.’ But Born in Tihrán, Írán, on May 23, 1844, at
the more they advised and insisted* the great­ the age of eight He was one of that little
er My longing to take this trip and now I band of exiles who crossed the íránian bor­
have come to America to meet the friends der, going toward Baghdád. With them He
of God. This long voyage will prove how was exiled from prison to prison, and con­
great is My love for you. There were many fined at last in the fortress-city of ‘Akká, on
troubles and vicissitudes but in the thought August 31, 1868. Forty years passed; then
of meeting you, all these things vanished the Sultán, ‘Abdu’l-Hamid, fell; on August
and were forgotten. 31, 1908, the gates of ‘Akká were flung
"I am greatly pleased with the city of open and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went free. He was
New York. Its harbor entrance, its piers, sixty-four, He had lived forty years in a
buildings and broad avenues are magnificent place where the air broke men and killed
and beautiful. Truly this is a wonderful them, and there was no pain that had not
city. As New York has made such progress struck at His heart. He was free now, but
in material civilization, I hope that it may He could not rest. He saw mankind on the
advance spiritually in the kingdom and cove­ brink of war; He saw the passing of the old
nant of God so that the friends here may world, and He came West, to lay the founda­
become the cause of illumination of Amer­ tion of the new. In 1911, He brought the
ica; that this city may become the city of teachings of His Father, Baháhťlláh, to
love and that the fragrances of God may be Europe. Returning to Egypt, He then
spread from this place to all parts of the sailed for the United States, where He trav­
world. I have come for this. I pray that eled and taught from April 11 to December
you may be manifestations of the love of 5, 1912.
‘A B D U ’ L - B A H Á IN AMERICA 83

% His fellow-travelers on the steamship trouble! If war can be gotten rid of, all
Cedric, of the White Star Line, spoke with these troubles will disappear . . . However,
Him, inquiring as to His mission. To one, this cannot be brought into existence except
the owner of an American newspaper, through the education of the people and the
‘Abdu’l-Bahd said: "I am going to America development of their thought and ideas.”
at the invitation of the Peace Congresses of The docking of the Cedric in New York
that place, as the fundamental principles of with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá aboard was the direct
our Cause are universal peace, the oneness of fulfillment of the words of a man of Shíráz,
the world of humanity and the equality of who, sixty-eight years before, at the very
the rights of men. As this age is the age of hour of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s birth, had proclaimed
lights and the century of mysteries, this the coming of a great world Teacher. For
great object is sure to be universally ac­ sixty-two years now the Báb had lain dead,
knowledged and this Cause is certain to Persian bullets in His breast. But out of
encompass the East and the West.” A Persia a young nobleman had arisen, and had
woman, member of the Unitarian faith, brought a world Faith. They had seized His
asked Him to give her a message for the Uni­ jewels and palaces, they had closed Him in an
tarians. He answered her: "The most im­ underground pit, and hemmed Him in with
portant of all purposes is to diffuse divine guards. They had killed His followers, and
love, amity and accord among the people not dared to kill Him, and they had exiled
. . . hence tell your Assembly: Rejoice, the Him from one land to another, and the Sháh
standard of the kingdom of heaven is hoisted! of Persia and the Sultán of Turkey had used
Rejoice, the divine springtime has appeared! all their power to shut back the words that
Rejoice, the Proclaimer of the kingdom has came from His lips. And He, Bahá’u’lláh,
raised His voice!” On April 8 and thereafter had established His Faith. He had revealed
greetings and welcome were wirelessed to new laws, suited to future world civilization,
the ship by Baha’i communities from coast based on that oneness of the human race and
to coast. On April 11, crowds of Baha’is that coming of age of mankind, which His
stood at the pier, waving hats and handker­ advent proclaimed; He had regenerated and
chiefs, while the Cedric docked. As soon as brought into harmony the religions of the
the gangplank was lowered, newspapermen past; He had provided for agencies to safe­
went aboard to interview ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; they guard His new World Order. And whereas
asked the object of His voyage and He said: before, once the Founder of a Faith had
"Our object is universal peace and the unity passed away, His followers turned one
of mankind. . . . I have come to America to against another and destroyed the unity that
see the advocates of universal peace. I hope He had created—Bahá’u’lláh with His own
the Peace Congresses of America will come hand appointed an Exemplar, an Interpreter,
forward and take the first practical step.” so that Bahá’ís the world over were bound
They questioned: "How can universal peace by their devotion to His eldest son, ‘Abdu’lbe realized?” He said: "Its realization de­ Bahá. "The promise,” wrote Bahá’u’lláh,
pends upon affecting a change in the ideas of "the promise of all ages is now fulfilled.
the inhabitants of the world. Today, univer­ That which had been announced in the holy
sal peace is the panacea for all human ills.” writ of God, the Beloved, the Most High, is
"What are those ills?” "One of those ills made manifest.”
is the restlessness and discontent of the peo­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, standard-bearer of the civil­
ple under the yoke of the war expenditures ization of the future, set foot in the United
of the Powers of the world. What the people States, prototype of the future federation of
earn through labor is extorted from them by mankind. In every city, on every train,
the governments and spent for war purposes. people crowded close to Him. In New York
. . . Thus the burden on men is becoming City alone, during the seventy-nine days He
more and more unbearable . . .” The re­ spent there, He made public addresses in, or
porters asked, "May not peace lead to trouble formal visits to, fifty-five different places.
and may not war help progress?” He an- His rooms were filled with visitors wherever
I swered, "No. Today war is the cause of all He went, all day long, from early in the
84 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

‘Abdu’l-Bahá on Grounds of House of Worship, May 1, 1912.

morning. Philosophers, scientists, ecclesias­ men, and all races, and all faiths—ever to be
tics, social workers, educators, diplomats, raised in the western hemisphere.
were found in His audiences, intently listen­ When, in 1937, Baha’is throughout the
ing to Him, studying His presentation of the country commemorated in numberless gath­
Baha’i teachings as the means of regenerat­ erings the twenty-fifth anniversary of 'Abding and unifying humanity. Everywhere in u’l-Bahá’s coming to the United States, a
editorial comment and publication of news special meeting was held in the Temple,
concerning Him, the daily press was reverent marking the arrival of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in New
and respectful. He addressed Columbia and York, April 11, 1912; on this occasion rep­
Leland Stanford Universities; He attended resentatives of many groups that had been
conferences at Lake Mohonk, visited the addressed by Him during His journey, joined
open forum at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, with the Baha’is to do Him honor. Among
spoke before scientific associations, socialistic the guest speakers, Mrs. Dorothy Bushnell
bodies, welfare organizations. Temples and Blumberg, President of the Chicago Branch
churches, synagogues, women’s clubs, col­ of the Women’s International League for
leges, metaphysical groups—willingly opened Peace, said in effect that thinking people, as
their doors to His message. He was guest of they see the increase of material comfort and
honor in leading mansions throughout the security, do not wish the achievement of
country, and He visited as well the homes of these ends to be made at the cost of spiritual
the very poor. He addressed Bowery Mis­ values; that a new age of cosmopolitanism is
sion, in the slums of New York. He spoke upon us, whose ultimate outcome will be a
with all types of men and women; children world race and culture; that those of us who
of all races clung to Him. And never, in all believe in the oneness of the human race are
His traveling and teaching, did He accept fortunate, and must strive for the enlighten­
remuneration, for His service was given ment of the many who will resist the onward
without price. march of cosmopolitanism.
By the shore of the Lake near Chicago, Mr. Albert Windust, Chairman, then read
‘Abdu’l-Bahd laid the foundation-stone of a from \Abdu’l-Bahá’s address before the New
great Temple; the first world temple, the York Peace Society, in part as follows: "To­
first sanctuary for all sorts and conditions of day, there is no greater glory for man than

M
‘A B D U ’ L - B A H Á IN AMERICA 85

that of service in the cause of the 'Most new Springtime of faith . . . They come
Great Peace* . . . His Holiness Baha’u’lldh forth to enkindle the dormant fires in the
was imprisoned and subjected to severe perse­ souls of men, to point out once more the
cutions . . . Through all these ordeals He guiding star rising on the horizon of a new
strove day and night to proclaim the oneness humanity. Such are the Masters of Wisdom,
of humanity and promulgate the message of and Compassion, manifestations of the om­
universal peace. From the prison of ‘Akká nipotent Love, the Holy Spirit.
He addressed the kings and rulers of the "To this saintly lineage do belong Bahd*-
earth in lengthy letters summoning them to u’lláh, the Splendor of God, and ‘Abdu’linternational agreement and explicitly stat­ Bahá, the Servant of God. They have
ing that the standard of the 'Most Great brought before the eyes of men, amidst a di­
Peace* would surely be upraised in the vided world, the principles of the Unity of
world.” Mankind; and in the midst of so many sects,
Another guest, Mr. A. C. MacNeal, Presi­ the salutary doctrine of the common foun­
dent of the Chicago Branch of the National dation of all forms of religion in the mani­
Association for the Advancement of Colored festation of the Holy Spirit; and amidst the
People, quoted from the address given by contentious social and economical conflicts
‘Abdu’l-Bahd before the Fourth Annual of our epoch they remind us of our obliga­
Conference of the National Association for tion to do some fruitful labor in the spirit of
the Advancement of Colored People: "Ac­ service, of the need of voluntary sharing of
cording to the words of the Old Testament, our wealth with others to foster universal
God has said: 'Let us make man in our image, peace and that we may realize the brother­
after our likeness.’ This indicates that . . . hood of men.
the perfections of God, the divine virtues, "Knowing and without stint admiring
are reflected or revealed in the human reality those principles, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahd set foot
. . . This is an evidence that man is the in the United States the Theosophical So­
most noble of God’s creatures . . . Let us ciety bestowed on Him the gracious hos­
now discover more specifically how he is the pitality of its platform. He was a Teacher
image and likeness of God, and what is the and a brother, He had our heartfelt welcome.
standard, or criterion, by which he can be "The achievements of Bahá*ism in this
measured and estimated. The standard can country so magnificently embodied in this
be no other than the divine virtues which are Baha’i House of Worship, are proclaiming
revealed in him . . . If a man possesses the satisfaction that so many souls find in
wealth, can we call him an image and like­ the beauty, the truth and transcendence of
ness of God? Or is human honor and noto­ the teachings flowing from this wellspring of
riety the criterion of divine nearness? Can Wisdom.
we apply the test of racial color and say that "In behalf of the Theosophical Society of
man of a certain hue—white, black, brown, America, and at the request of its President,
yellow, red—is the true image of his Cre­ I tender to you, with our congratulations,
ator? We must conclude that color is not our cordial wishes for the spiritual prosperity
the standard . . . for color is accidental in of Bahd’ism, for we are one in our endeavors
nature. The spirit and intelligence of man of spiritualizing the world.”
is the essential. . . . Man is not man simply In introducing this speaker, the Chairman
because of bodily attributes. The character had remarked that one of the outstanding
and purity of the heart is all important.” addresses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd in Chicago was
A third speaker, Mr. Brenes-Mesén, repre­ that delivered before the Theosophical So­
senting the President of the Theosophical So­ ciety, on which occasion He had said: "In
ciety, conveyed to the Bahd’is the following the matrix of the mother, we were the re­
message: "Out of the Morning of Eternity, cipients of endowments and blessings of God,
where infinite Wisdom and all embracing yet these were as nothing compared to the
Love abide, at intervals, when duty weakens powers and graces bestowed upon us after
and nations decline, splendorous souls come birth into this human world. Likewise if we
to this earth again to grace mankind with a are born from the matrix of this physical
86 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

. . . environment into the freedom and terialistic system, she knew: 'Justice can only
loftiness of the life and vision spiritual, we be worked out upon this earth by those who
shall consider this mortal existence and its will not tolerate a wrong to the feeblest
blessings as worthless by comparison.” member of the community’.
An extract from the address of ‘Abdu’l- "Both our great leaders have gone on but
Bahá to the Plymouth Congregational we recognize in them the spirit which can
Church was now read, in part as follows: reclaim the world.”
"In our solar system the center of illumina­ The Chairman called attention to the fact
tion is the sun itself . . . the one source of that ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s first public address in
the existence and development of all phe­ Chicago was delivered at Hull-House, and
nomenal things . . . But if we reflect deeply quoted from that address: "There is need of
we will perceive that the great bestower and a superior power to overcome human preju­
giver of life is God; the sun is the intermedi­ dices; a power which nothing in the world of
ary of His will and plan . . . Likewise, in mankind can withstand. . . . That irresisti­
the spiritual realm . . . there must be a cen­ ble power is the love of God.”
ter of illumination, and that center is . . . In introducing the next speaker, Mr. Allen
the Word of God . . . the prophet or mani­ B. McDaniel, of Washington, D. C., member
festation of God . . .” Following this, of the National Spiritual Assembly of the
guest-speaker Mr. Kennicott Brenton, House Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, the
Secretary and Resident of Hull-House, rep­ Chairman read from the words of ‘Abdu’lresenting Mrs. Kenneth F. Rich, Resident Bahá delivered at All-Souls Church: "In
Head of the famous institution founded by Persia, His Holiness Baha’u’llah was able to
Jane Addams— spoke as follows: unite people of varying thought, creed and
"Hull-House is deeply aware of its honor denomination. The inhabitants of that
in being invited to join with you in honoring country were Christians, Muhammadans,
your departed leader. In this we recognize Jews, Zoroastrians, and a great variety of
an inner significance. Both this wonderful sub-divided forms and beliefs, together with
temple and our busy, homely group of class racial distinctions, such as Semitic, Arabic,
rooms and workshops are expressions of the Persian, Turk, and others, but through the
same life principle. In yours is a realization power and efficacy of religion, Baha’u’llah
of world unity; ours of the common interest united these differing peoples, and caused
uniting neighborhoods and races, ignoring them to consort together in perfect agree­
religious and class barriers. Throughout his­ ment. And now let us consider that the
tory, the spirit of discord has been able to American, British, French, Germans, Turks,
'divide and rule5. Man’s pattern has made Persians, Arabs, are all . . . members of the
him peculiarly susceptible to factional loyal­ same household. Why should dissension exist
ties. We have seen how love of country and among them? . . . There is no doubt that
adherence to group loyalties can even lead to the only cause is ignorance. . . .” Mr.
self-destruction. . . . Hull-House and the McDaniel then spoke on "The Gathering of
things which it has done for the betterment the Peoples and Nations,” ably epitomizing
of its neighbors were possible only because it the excerpts from ‘Abdu’l-Bahi’s addresses
became a rallying point for the combined that had been read throughout the meeting.
goodwill of widely separated groups and sec­ This program, which was followed by a
tions. Accomplishment in prevention of reception, closed with the showing of the
child labor, sweatshops, bad housing, was motion picture of ‘Abdu’l-Baha: His arrival
won by a call to unite the good intention of by automobile at the home of Mr. and Mrs.
all factions—never by appeal to factionalism Howard MacNutt in Brooklyn, New York;
or strife. His walking and conversing with Persian in­
"Instead of emphasizing man’s diversity terpreters and others, His greeting the chil­
of interest, Jane Addams said: 'The things dren present, His delivery, as He strode back
which make men alike are finer and better and forth before the large gathering on the
than the things that keep them apart’. . . . grounds, of a message of glad-tidings to all
Rather than hope for justice from some ma­ humanity: "Rejoice! . . . The divine Gos-
‘A B D U ’ L - B A H Á IN AMERICA 87

pel has appeared! Rejoice! . . . The Great but He entered on foot, walking briskly, a
Day has come! Rejoice! . . . The glad-tid­ long line of Baha’is following Him. Within
ings and prophecies of the Prophets are ful­ the tent, seats had been placed in three
filled! Rejoice . . . The Glory of Carmel circles, with a broad space at the center,
has shone on the worlds! Rejoice! . . . reached by nine isles. At high noon, ‘Abdu’l-
The East and West have joined hands!” Bahá advanced to the inner circle and spoke:
In memory of that other day when ‘Abd- "The power which has gathered you here
u’l-Bahd had dedicated the Temple site, the today notwithstanding the cold and windy
Bahd’is of the United States and Canada, as­ weather is indeed mighty and wonderful. It
sembled at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr for their is the power of God, the divine favor of
annual Convention, heard the story of how, Bahá’u’lláh which has drawn you to­
exactly forty-nine years after Bahá’u’lláh, gether . . .
then a captive about to be exiled from Bagh­ "Thousands of Mashriqu’l-Adhkars for all
dad, had declared His mission—‘Abdu’l- religionists will be built in the Orient and
Bahá His son had laid the corner-stone of the Occident, but this being the first one erected
Baha’i Temple in the heart of the American in the Occident has great importance . . .
continent. It has the same importance as the Mashriqu’l-
During the evening of His arrival in Chi­ Adhkár in ‘Ishqábád, Russian Caucasus, the
cago, 'Abdu’l-Baha addressed an audience of first one built there. In Persia there are
several hundred at the last session of the many; some are houses which have been util­
Bahi’i Temple Unity, speaking in part as ized for the purpose, others are homes en­
follows: tirely devoted to the Divine Cause. . . .
"The real temple is the very Word of God; But the great 'Dawning-Poinť has been
for to it all humanity must turn and it is the founded in ‘Ishqábád. It possesses superla­
center of unity for all mankind . . . Tem­ tive importance. . . .”
ples are the symbols of the divine uniting Outside the tent, in the woods and fields
force, so that when the people gather there along the Lake Shore, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá prepared
. . . they may recall the fact that the law for the breaking of the Temple ground;
has been revealed foř them and that the law using first a golden trowel presented by Irene
is to unite them. . . . That is why His Holi­ C. Holmes of New York, He then slipped
ness Baha’u’llah has commanded that a this back into its leather case, and called for
place of worship be built . . . that all re­ other implements; an ax was brought, then
ligions, races and sects may come together a shovel; with these, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and mem­
within the universal shelter . . . It is the bers of every race and nationality present,
Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr (the Dawning-Point of excavated a place to hold the dedication
the remembrance of God) . . . For thou­ stone. As each man or woman came for­
sands of years the human, race has been at ward, his race or nationality was announced:
war. It is enough . . . For thousands of Persia, Syria, Egypt, India, Japan, South
years the nations have denied each other, Africa, England, France, Germany, Holland,
considering each other as infidel and inferior. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Jews of the
It is sufficient . . And He closed with a world, and the North American Indians,
prayer for the American nation: "O thou were of those represented; at the end
kind Lord! . . . Confirm this revered na­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá set the stone in its place, on
tion to upraise the standard of the oneness of behalf of all the peoples of the world. And
humanity, to promulgate the Most Great He said, "The Temple is already built.”
Peace, to become thereby most glorious and Now, within the Temple, those who had
praiseworthy among all the nations of the been present that other day were asked to
world . . rise; they numbered fifteen. One of them,
Then the next day, on the windy shores of Mrs. Nettie Tobin of Chicago, was called
the Lake, at Wilmette. They had pitched a upon to tell how she had brought, painfully,
tent, large enough for five hundred persons, from far away and as though driven to it, a
and had made a Special entry way to the fragment of limestone rock to the Temple
grounds for the carriage of ‘Abdu’l-Baha; site, and how this had been chosen by ‘Abd-
88 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

u’l-Bahá as the dedication stone. Mrs. Cor- adopted; and He had shown that the Bahá’í
inne True of Wilmette, whose devotion to world system provides the agencies for the
the work of building the Temple was com­ establishing of permanent and universal
pared to that of a mother rearing her child, peace.
gave a brief message of inspiration, and Dr. It was a clear, not a beautiful day when
‘Alí-Kulí Khán, sent by ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the they gathered on board the steamship Celtic
United States in 1901 to spread the Baha’i to take leave of Him. He spoke to each one,
teachings, spoke of the work still to be ac­ distributed to each the flowers that had been
complished in completing the outer orna­ brought. Then He addressed them for the
mentation of the Temple, and of the plan last time:
drawn up by the Guardian of the Faith, "This is My last meeting with you, for
Shoghi Effendi, for the realization of this now I am on board the steamship ready to
within the first century of the Baha’i era. sail away. These are My final words of ex­
This second commemorative gathering, pro­ hortation. I have repeatedly summoned you
gram-chairmen of which were Edna Eastman to the cause of the unity of the world of hu­
and Albert R. Windust, and further partici­ manity, announcing that all mankind are the
pants, Ruth Randall-Brown, Nina Matthisen, servants of the same God; that God is the
and Mountfort Mills, was climaxed by the creator of all; He is the provider and lifedarkening of the auditorium, after which the giver; all are equally beloved by Him and are
motion picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was thrown His servants upon whom His mercy and
upon the screen. In deep silence, the audi­ compassion descend. Therefore you must
ence watched as the majestic figure of the manifest the greatest kindness and love to­
Center of the Covenant stood before them; ward the nations of the world, setting aside
many had never viewed this scene before, fanaticism, abandoning religious, national,
while some were still left who could remem­ and racial prejudice.
ber His face, His walk, and could hear in "The earth is one nativity, one home, and
memory His ringing voice. all mankind are the children of one Father.
“It is My Purpose,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had said God has created them and they are the re­
on the day of His arrival in New York, "to cipients of His compassion. Therefore if
set forth in America the fundamental prin­ anyone offends another, he offends God. It
ciples of the revelation . . . of Bahá’u’lláh. is the wish of our heavenly Father that every
It will then become the duty of the Bahd’is heart should rejoice and be filled with happi­
in this country to give these principles un- ness; that we should live together with felic­
foldment and application in the minds, ity and joy. The obstacle to human hap­
hearts and lives of the people.” During the piness is racial or religious prejudice, the
long months of travel, of daily association competitive struggle for existence and in­
with hundreds of groups and individuals, humanity toward each other.
He had spared Himself no hardship in order "Your eyes have been illumined; your ears
to give to America this fresh revelation of are attentive, your hearts knowing. You
spiritual power, this new Faith, suited to the must be free from prejudice and fanaticism,
needs of a new age. Everywhere, at every beholding no differences between the races
hour He had taught the principles brought and religions. You must look to God for He
by Bahá’u’lláh: that each must search after is the real shepherd and all humanity are His
truth for himself; that all races are as one; sheep. He loves them, and loves them
that all religions are fundamentally one, and equally. As this is true, should the sheep
have as their purpose the establishment of quarrel among themselves? They should
harmony; that religion, "the sole . . . basis manifest gratitude and thankfulness toward
of . . . an ordered and progressive society,” God, and the best way to thank God is to
must go hand-in-hand with science; that love one another.
equal opportunities are to be provided for "Beware lest ye offend any heart, lest ye
men and women alike; that extremes of speak against anyone in his absence, lest ye
wealth and poverty are to be abolished, that estrange yourselves from the servants of
an auxiliary international language is to be God. You must consider all His servants as
‘A B D L T L - B A H Á IN AMERICA 89

your own family and kindred. Direct your other, they are still shedding each other’s
whole effort toward the happiness of those blood. How heedless and ignorant are the
who are despondent, bestow food upon the people of the world! How gross the dark­
hungry, clothe the needy and glorify the ness which envelops them! Although they
humble. Be a helper to every helpless one, are the children of a compassionate God they
and manifest kindness to your fellow crea­ continue to live and to act in opposition to
tures in order that ye may attain the good His will and good pleasure. God is loving
pleasure of God. This is conducive to the and kind to all men, and yet they show the
illumination of the world of humanity and utmost enmity and hatred toward each
eternal felicity for yourselves. I seek from other. God is the giver of life to them,
God everlasting glory in your behalf; there­ and yet they constantly seek to destroy
fore this is My prayer and exhortation. life. God blesses and protects their homes;
“Consider what is happening in the Bal­ they ravage, sack and destroy each other’s
kans. Human blood is being shed, properties homes. Consider their ignorance and héedare destroyed, possessions pillaged, cities and lessness!
villages devastated. A world-enkindling fire “Your duty is of another kind for you are
is astir in the Balkans. God has created men informed of the mysteries of God. Your eyes
to love each other, but instead they kill each are illumined, your ears are quickened with
other with cruelty and bloodshed. God has hearing. You must therefore look toward
created them that they may cooperate and each other and then toward mankind with
mingle in accord, but instead they ravage, the utmost love and kindness. You have no
plunder and destroy in the carnage of battle. excuse to bring before God if you fail to live
God has created them to be the cause of according to His command, for you are in­
mutual felicity and peace but instead dis­ formed of that which constitutes the good
cord, lamentation and anguish rise from the pleasure of God. You have heard His com­
hearts of the innocent and afflicted. mandments and precepts. You must there­
“As to you, your efforts must be lofty. fore be kind to all men; you must even treat
Exert yourselves with heart and soul so that your enemies as your friends. You must
perchance through your efforts the light of consider your evil-wishers as your well-wish­
Universal Peace may shine and this darkness ers. Those who are not agreeable toward you
of estrangements and enmity may be dis­ must be regarded as those who are congenial
pelled from amongst men; that all men may and pleasant, so that perchance this darkness
become as one family and consort together in of disagreement and conflict may disappear
love and kindness; that the East may assist from amongst men and the light of the di­
the West and the West give help to the East, vine may shine forth; so that the Orient may
for all are the inhabitants of one planet, the be illumined and the Occident filled with
people of one original nativity and the flocks fragrance; nay, so that East and West may
of one shepherd. embrace each other in love and deal with one
“Consider how the Prophets who have another in sympathy and affection. Until
been sent, the great souls who have appeared man reaches this high station, the world of
and the sages who have arisen in the world, humanity shall not find rest and eternal
have exhorted mankind to unity and love. felicity shall not be attained. But if man
This has been the essence of their mission and lives up to these divine commandments, this
teaching. This has been the goal of their world of earth shall be transformed into a
guidance and message. The Prophets, saints, world of heaven and this material sphere shall
seers and philosophers have sacrificed their be transformed into a paradise of glory. It is
lives in order to establish these principles and My hope that you may become successful in
teachings amongst men. Consider the heed­ this high calling, so that like brilliant lamps
lessness of the world, for notwithstanding you may cast light upon the world of hu­
the efforts and sufferings of the Prophets of manity and quicken and stir the body of
God, the nations and peoples are still engaged existence like unto a spirit of life. This is
in hostility and fighting. Notwithstanding eternal glory. This is everlasting felicity.
the heavenly commandments to love one an­ This is immortal life. This is heavenly at-
90 THE B A H A ’f CENTENARY

tainment. This is being created in the image ‘Abdu’l-Bahd stood on the deck. He was
and likeness of God. And unto this I call smiling very faintly, His eyes tender,
you, praying to God to strengthen and bless thoughtful, somehow full of sorrow. He
you.” waved His hand gently. They knew that they
They left the ship and looked up to where would never fail Him, and still they wept.

CITIES OF N O R T H AM ERICA V ISITED BY ‘ABDU’L-BAHA IN 1912

New York, N. Y. West Englewood, N. J. Montreal, Quebec
Brooklyn, N. Y. Jersey City, N. J. Minneapolis, Minn.
Washington, D. C. Cambridge, Mass. St. Paul, Minn.
Baltimore, Md. Boston, Mass. Denver, Colo.
Chicago, Illinois Malden, Mass. Oakland, Calif.
Kenosha, Wis. Medford, Mass. Palo Alto, Calif.
Buffalo, N. Y. Fanwood, N. J. San Francisco, Calif.
Cleveland, Ohio Morristown, N. J. Sacramento, Calif.
Cincinnati, Ohio Philadelphia, Pa. Los Angeles, Calif.
Pittsburgh, Pa. Dublin, N. H. Salt Lake City, Utah
Montclair, N. J. Green Acre, Eliot, Maine Pasadena, Calif.
‘A B D U ’ L - B A H Á
IN
AMERICA
Map showing Path of Travel of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the United States of America and Canada, 1912.
\o
N>

THE
B A H A ’i
CENTENARY
Un June 28, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Baha gave a feast on the grounds of the Wilhelm property, West Englewood, New Jersey, for the
Baha’is of the New York metropolitan area which He declared marked the spiritual birth of the Faith in North America.
PART FOUR

A M E R I C A N BAHA’I C H R O N O L O G Y

1883, December 10—A letter on "The Bábísj 1909, Baha’i Temple Unity, corporate body
and Their Prophet” published in th^f representing the American Bahd’is in
New York Sun. J the construction of the Temple, was
4 incorporated in Illinois.
1893, September 23—Reference to BaháV-
lláh in Address by Dr. Jessup in tfie 1910, March 21— The first number of Baha’i
Parliament of Religions, Columbian News was published in Chicago. This
Exposition, Chicago. | bulletin later became Star of the West,
then The Baha’i Magazine, and is now
1894, Formation of First Baha’i Group iri World Order.
America, Chicago. |
1912, April 11— ‘Abdu’l-Baha arrived at
1894, Green Acre founded by Sarah J. F arm -■ New York.
er, Eliot, Maine, as a universal plat­
form for the discussion of religions.
1912, May 1 — ‘Abdu’l-Baha dedicated the
Temple grounds.
1897, Mrs. Phoebe Hearst’s party of pilgrims
visited ‘Abdu’l-Baha in ‘Akká.
1912, December 5— ‘Abdu’l-Baha departed
1903, A petition was addressed to ‘Abdu’l- from America.
Baha signed by all American Baha’is
requesting authority to construct a 1921, May 19, 20, 21— Race Amity Confer­
House of Worship. ences were inaugurated by Mrs. Agnes
Parsons in Washington, D. C., under
1903, June 7— ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Tablet was the direction of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.
revealed to the American Baha’is,
through the Chicago Assembly, stating 1921, November 28—Ascension of ‘Abdu’lthat the time had come to construct a Baha.
Baha’i Temple in America.
1924, December — The first number of
1904, A compilation of Baha’i Writings in Baha’i News Letter, later Baha’i
English was prepared and published News, the organ of the National
by the Board of Counsel of New York. Spiritual Assembly, was published in
New York.
1907, November 26—The first Baha’i Con­
vention convened in Chicago.
192 5, October 1—A National Baha’i Office
1908, April 9—Chicago Assembly purchased was established by the National Spirit­
the first lots of the plot of land chosen ual Assembly at Green Acre, Eliot,
for the House of Worship at Wilmette, Maine.
Illinois.
1926, The Bahd’i Year Book, Volume One,
1908-1909—The Baha’i Publishing Society was published. Later volumes were
was founded in Chicago. entitled The Baha’i World .
94 THE B A H Á ’1 C E N T E N A R Y

1927, April 4— The National Spiritual As­ 193 5, September 27 — The Indenture of
sembly adopted its Declaration of Trust executed by Shoghi Effendi
Trust. transferring the house at Malden,
Massachusetts, bequeathed to him by
1927, The first session of a Bahá’i School was Maria P. Wilson, to trustees for the
conducted on the Bosch property, benefit of the National Spiritual As­
Geyserville, California. sembly, was recorded in Middlesex
County, Massachusetts.
1928, November 1 3 — The Indenture of
Trust executed by Bahá’i Temple 1935, November 2 5 — The Indenture of
Unity transferring the Temple prop­ Trust executed by John and Louise
erty to trustees for the benefit of the Bosch transferring the property used
National Spiritual Assembly was re­ by the Geyserville Baha’i School to
corded in Cook County, Illinois. trustees for the benefit of the National
Assembly was recorded in Sonoma
1930, January 1— The Indenture of Trust County, California.
executed by Green Acre Fellowship
transferring the Green Acre property
to trustees for the benefit of the N a­ 193 6, July 1—Appointment of first Intertional Spiritual Assembly was recorded America Committee by the National
in York County, Maine. Spiritual Assembly and the beginning
of organized and coordinated effort to
1930, May 9— The National Spiritual As­ establish the Faith in the Republics of
sembly of the Bahd’is of the United Central and South America.
States and Canada: Palestine Branch,
was established as a religious society 1939, October 1—National Baha’i Office es­
in Palestine. tablished at 536 Sheridan Road, Wil­
mette, Illinois.
1931, May 1 — The superstructure of the
Bahá’i House of Worship was com­ 1939, October 30—The Indenture of Trust
pleted. executed by Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews
transferring the property used by the
1931, The first session of a Bahd’i School was
International Baha’i School at Pine
conducted on the Eggleston property,
Valley near Colorado Springs, was re­
Davison, Michigan.
corded in El Paso County, Colorado.
193 5, March 9—An Indenture of Trust was
executed by Roy C. Wilhelm transfer­ 1943, January 8—The exterior ornamenta­
ring property in West Englewood, tion and circular steps of the House
New Jersey, to trustees for the benefit of Worship were completed.
of the National Spiritual Assembly
for the construction of a Memorial 1944, March 28—Completion of Teaching
commemorating the American visit of plan to establish an Assembly in every
‘Abdu’l-Baha. State and Province of North America.
AMERICAN B A H Á 5Í CHRONOLOGY 95

This Tablet, revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the Baha’i administrative body elected by the
Chicago believers, connected the institution with the order which BaháVlláh had directed
His followers to establish.
T H E F O R M A T IO N OF AN
ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY
experience, to be taken up and laid down, as
I n accepting the message of Bahá’u’lláh, a shopper handling gems on a counter, to
every Bahd’i has opened his mind and heart buy if one gem happens to please or seems
to the dominion of certain fundamental becoming:—such a definition measures man’s
truths. These truths he recognizes as divine own knowledge, or interest, or loyalty, but
in origin, beyond human capacity to produce. truth is a living unity which no man can
In the realm of spirit he attests that these condition. It is the sun in the heavens of
truths are revealed evidences of a higher spiritual reality, while self-will denies its
reality than man. They are to the soul what dominion because self-will is the shadow of
natural law is to physical body of animal or a cloud.
plant. Therefore the believer today, as in There are times for the revelation of a
the Dispensation of Christ or Moses, enters larger area of the indivisible truth to man­
into the condition of faith as a status of re­ kind. The Manifestation of God signalizes
lationship to God and not of satisfaction to the times and He is the revelation. When
his own limited human and personal will or He appears on earth He moves and speaks
awareness. His faith exists as his participa­ with the power of all truth, known and un­
tion in a heavenly world. It is the essence known, revealed in the past, revealed in Him,
of his responsibility and not a temporary or to be revealed in the future. That realm
compromise effected between his conscience of heavenly reality is brought again in its
or reason and the meaning of truth, society, power and universality to knock at the closed
virtue, or life. door of human experience, a divine guest
The Bahd’i accepts a quality of existence, whose entrance will bless the household eter­
a level of being which has been created above nally, or a divine punishment when debarred
the control of his own active power. Because and forbidden and condemned.
on that plane the truth exists that mankind Bahd’u’lldh reveals that area of divine
is one, part of his acceptance of the message truth which underlies all human association.
of Bahd’u’lldh is capacity to see that truth He enlarges man’s capacity to receive truth
as existing, as a heavenly reality to be con­ in the realm of experience where all men
firmed on earth. Because likewise on that have condemned themselves to social chaos
higher level the inmost being of Moses, by ignorance of truth and readiness to substi­
Christ, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahd’u’lldh tute the implacable will of races, classes,
is one being, part of the believer’s acceptance nations and creeds for the pure spiritual
of the Baha’i message is capacity to realize radiance beneficently shining for all. Spirit­
the eternal continuance of that oneness, so ual reality today has become the principle
that thereafter never will he again think of of human unity, the law for the nations,
those holy and majestic Prophets according the devotion to mankind on which the future
to the separateness of their bodies, their civilization can alone repose. As long as men
countries and their times. cling to truth as definition, past experience,
The Bahd’i, moreover, recognizes that the aspects of self-will, so long must this dire
realm of truth is inexhaustible, the creator period of chaos continue when the separate
of truth God Himself. Hence the Baha’i fragments of humanity employ life not to
can identify truth as the eternal flow of life unite but to struggle and destroy.
itself in a channel that deepens and broadens In the world of time, Baha’u’llah has
as man’s capacity for truth enlarges from created capacity for union and world civil­
age to age. For him, that definition of truth ization. His Dispensation is historically new
which regards truth as tiny fragments of and unique. In the spiritual world it is noth-
ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 97

ing else than the ancient and timeless reality God in each cycle means the particular aspect
of Moses, Jesus and Muhammad disclosed to of experience for which men are held respon­
the race in a stage of added growth and de­ sible. Not until our day could there be the
velopment so that men can take a larger creation of the principle of moral cause and
measure of that which always existed. effect in terms of mankind itself, in terms of
Like the man of faith in former ages, the the unifiable world.
BaháT has been given sacred truths to cherish The mission of ‘AbduT-Bahá, following
in his heart as lamps for darkness and medi­ BaháVlláh’s ascension in 1892, was to raise
cines for healing, convictions of immortality up a community of believers through whom
and evidences of divine love. But in addition collectively He might demonstrate the opera­
to these gifts, the BaháT has that bestowal tion of the law of unity. ‘AbduT-Baha’s
which only the Promised One of all ages mission became fulfilled historically in the
could bring: nearness to a process of creation experience of the Baha’is of North America.
which opens a door of entrance into a world In them He developed the administrative
of purified and regenerated human relations. order, the organic society, which exemplifies
The final element in his recognition of the the pattern of justice and order Bahá’uTláh
message of BaháVlláh is that BaháVlláh had creatively ordained. By His wisdom,
came to found a civilization of unity, prog­ His tenderness, His justice and His complete
ress and peace. consecration to BaháVlláh, ‘AbduT-Bahá
"O Children of Men! Know ye not why conveyed to this body of BaháTs a sense of
We created you all from the same dust? partnership in the process of divine creation:
That no one should exalt himself over the that it is for men to re-create, as civilization,
other. Ponder at all times how ye were a human and earthly replica of the heavenly
created. Since We have created you all order existing in the divine will.
from the same substance it is incumbent on The BaháT administrative order has been
you to be even as one soul, to walk with the described by the Guardian of the Faith as
same feet, eat with the same mouth and the pattern of the world order to be gradu­
dwell in the same land, that from your in­ ally attained as the Faith spreads throughout
most being, by your deeds and actions, the all countries. Its authority is BaháVlláh, its
signs of oneness and the essence of detach­ sources the teachings He revealed in writing,
ment may be made manifest. Such is My with the interpretation and amplification
counsel to you, O concourse of light! Heed made by 'AbduT-Bahá.
ye this counsel that ye may obtain the The first conveyance of authority by
fruit of holiness from the sea of wondrous BaháVlláh was to His eldest son. By this
glory.” conveyance the integrity of the teachings
Thus He describes the law of survival was safeguarded, and the power of action
revealed for the world today, mystical only implicit in all true faith directed into chan­
in that He addressed these particular words nels of unity for the development of the
to our deepest inner understanding. Their Cause in its universal aspects. No prior
import is not confined to any subjective Dispensation has ever raised up an instru­
realm. The motive and the realization He ment like ‘AbduT-Bahá through whom the
invokes has become the whole truth of soci­ spirit and purpose of the Founder could con­
ology in this era. tinue to flow out in its wholeness and purity
Or, as we find its expression in another until His purpose had been achieved. The
passage: "All men have been created to carry faith of the BaháT thus remains untainted
forward an ever-advancing civilization.” by those elements of self-will which in
And the truth reappears in still another previous ages have translated revealed truth
form: "How vast is the tabernacle of the into creeds, rites and institutions of human
Cause of God! It hath overshadowed all the origin and limited aim. Those who enter the
peoples and kindreds of the earth, and will, BaháT community subdue themselves and
erelong, gather together the whole of man­ their personal interests to its sovereign
kind beneath its shelter.” standard, for they are unable to alter the
The encompassing reach of the Cause of Cause of BaháVlláh and exploit its teach-
98 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

ings or its community for their own ad­ countries, for the preservation of human
vantage. honor.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s life exemplified the work­ In creating this institution for His com­
ing of the one spirit and the one truth sus­ munity, Baha’u’llah made it clear that His
taining the body of believers throughout the Dispensation rests upon continuity of divine
world. He was the light connecting the sun purpose, and associates human beings di­
of truth with the earth, the radiance en­ rectly with the operation of His law. The
abling all Bahá’ís to realize that truth pene­ House of Justice, an elective body, trans­
trates human aifairs, illumines human prob­ forms society into an organism reflecting
lems, tra n s c e n d s conventional barriers, spiritual life. By the just direction of aifairs
changes the climate of life from cold to this Faith replaces the institution of the pro­
warm. He infused Himself so completely fessional clergy developed in all previous
into the hearts of the Bahi’is that they asso­ Dispensations.
ciated the administrative institutions of the By 1921, when ‘Abdu’l-Baha laid down
Faith with His trusted and cherished methods His earthly mission, the American Bahd’i
of service, so that the contact between their community had been extended to scores of
society and their religion has remained con­ cities and acquired power to undertake tasks
tinuous and unimpaired. of considerable magnitude, but the adminis­
The second conveyance of authority made trative order remained incomplete. His Will
by Baha’u’lldh was to the institution He and Testament inaugurated a new era in the
termed "House of Justice” :—"The Lord Faith, a further conveyance of authority and
hath ordained that in every city a House of a clear exposition of the nature of the elec­
Justice be established wherein shall gather tive institutions which the Baha’is were
counsellors to the number of Bahá (i.e., nine) called upon to form. In Shoghi Effendi, His
. . . It behooveth them to be the trusted ones grandson, 'Abdu’l-Baha established the func­
of the Merciful among men and to regard tion of Guardianship with sole power to in­
themselves as the guardians appointed of God terpret the teachings and with authority to
for all that dwell on earth. It is incumbent carry out the provisions of the Will. The
upon them to take counsel together and to Guardianship connects the spiritual and
have regard for the interests of the servants social realms of the Faith in that, in addi­
of God, for His sake, even as they regard tion to the office of interpreter, he is con­
their own interests, and to choose that which stituted the presiding officer of the inter­
is meet and seemly. . . . Those souls who national House of Justice when elected; and
arise to serve the Cause sincerely to please the Guardianship is made to descend from
God will be inspired by the divine, invisible generation to generation through the male
inspirations. It is incumbent upon all (i.e., line.
all believers) to obey. . . . Administrative From the Will these excerpts are cited:
affairs are all in charge of the House of "After the passing of this wronged one,
Justice; but acts of worship must be observed it is incumbent upon . . . the loved ones of
according as they are revealed in the Book.” the ‘Abhá Beauty (i.e., Bahd’u’llah) to turn
The House of Justice is limited in its unto Shoghi Effendi— the youthful branch
legislative capacity to matters not covered branched from the two hallowed Lote-Trees
by the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh Himself:— (i.e., descended from both the Báb and
"It is incumbent upon the Trustees of the BaháVlláh) . . . as he is the sign of God,
House of Justice to take counsel together the chosen branch, the guardian of the Cause
regarding such laws as have not been ex­ of God . . . unto whom . . . His loved ones
pressly revealed in the Book.” A high aim must turn. He is the expounder of the words
is defined for this central administrative of God and after him will succeed the first­
organ of the Faiths:— "The men of the born of his lineal descendants.
House of Justice must, night and day, gaze "The sacred and youthful branch, the
toward that which hath been revealed from guardian of the Cause of God, as well as the
the horizon of the Supreme Pen for the train­ Universal House of Justice, to be universally
ing of the servants, for the upbuilding of elected and established, are both under the
ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 99

care and protection of the Abhá Beauty. . . . istrative bodies provides the world spirit of
Whatsoever they decide is of God. . . . The the Faith with the agencies required for the
mighty stronghold shall remain impregnable maintenance of a constitutional society bal­
and safe through obedience to him who is the ancing the rights of the individual with the
guardian of the Cause of God. . . . No doubt paramount principle of unity preserving the
every vainglorious one that purposeth dis­ whole structure of the Cause. The Bahá’í as
sension and discord will not openly declare an individual accepts guidance for his con­
his evil purposes, nay rather, even as impure duct and doctrinal beliefs, for not otherwise
gold would he seize upon divers measures can he contribute his share to the general
and various pretexts that he may separate unity which is God’s supreme blessing to
the gathering of the people of Bahá.” the world today. This general unity is the
"Wherefore, O my loving friends! Con­ believer’s moral environment, his social uni­
sort with all the peoples, kindreds and re­ verse, his psychic health and his goal of
ligions of the world with the utmost tru th ­ effort transcending any personal aim. In
fulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, the Baha’i order, the individual is the mus­
good-will and friendliness; that all the world ical note, but the teachings revealed by
of being may be filled with the holy ecstasy Bahd’u’llah are the symphony in which the
of the grace of Bahá. . . .” note finds its real fulfillment; the person at­
"O ye beloved of the Lord! Strive with tains value by recognizing that truth tran­
all your heart to shield the Cause of God scends his capacity and includes him in a
from the onslaught of the insincere, for souls relationship which ‘AbduT-Bahá said en­
such as these cause the straight to become dowed the part with the quality of the whole.
crooked and all benevolent efforts to produce To receive, we give. In comparison to this
contrary results. . . . To none is given the divine creation, the traditional claims of in­
right to put forth his own opinion or ex­ dividual conscience, of personal judgment,
press his particular convictions. All must of private freedom, seem nothing more than
seek guidance and turn unto the Center of empty assertions advanced in opposition to
the Cause and the House of Justice.” the divine will. It cannot be sufficiently em­
In each country where Bahd’is exist, they phasized that the Baha’i’s relationship to this
participate in the world unity of their Faith new spiritual society is an expression of faith,
through the office of the Guardian at this and faith alone raises personality out of the
time, and they maintain local and national pit of self-will and moral isolation into
Bahd’i institutions for conducting their own which so much of the world has .fallen.
activities. There can be no organic society, in fact,
In each local civil community, whether without social truth and social law embrac­
city, township or county, the Baha’is an­ ing the individual members and evoking a
nually elect nine members .to their local loyalty both voluntary and complete. The
Spiritual Assembly. In America the Baha’is political and economic groups which the in­
of each State or Canadian Province, (a di­ dividual enters with reservations are not true
rection of the Guardian having effect for societies but temporary combinations of rest­
the first time in connection with the Con­ less personalities, met in a truce which can
vention of 1944, the one hundredth year of not endure. Bahd’u’llah has for ever solved
the Faith) join in the election of delegates the artificial dilemma which confuses and
by proportionate representation and these betrays the ardent upholder of individual
delegates, to the full number of one hundred freedom by His categorical statement that
and seventy-one, constitute the Annual Con­ human freedom consists in obedience to
vention which elects the members of the N a­ God’s law. The freedom revolving around
tional Spiritual Assembly. These national self-will He declares "'must, in the end, lead
bodies, in turn, will join in the election of to sedition, whose flames none can quench.
an international Assembly, or House of Jus­ . . . Know ye that the embodiment of lib­
tice, when the world Baha’i community is erty and its symbol is the animal. . . . True
sufficiently developed. liberty consists in man’s submission unto My
The inter-relationship of all these admin­ commandments, little as ye know it.”
100 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY

The Guardian, applying the terms of the a pattern for future society, a supreme in­
Will and Testament to an evolving order, strument for the establishment of the Most
has given the present generation of Baha’is Great Peace, and the one agency for the
a thorough understanding of Baha’i institu­ unification of the world, and the proclama­
tions and administrative principles. Rising tion of the reign of righteousness and justice
to its vastly increased responsibility resulting upon the earth. . . .
from the loss of the beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l- "Unlike the Dispensation of Christ, unlike
Bahá, the Bahá’i community itself has in­ the Dispensation of Muhammad, unlike all
tensified its effort until in America alone the the Dispensations of the past, the apostles of
number of believers has been more than Baha’u’llah in every land, wherever they la­
doubled since 1921. It has been their destiny bor and toil, have before them in clear, in
to perfect the local and national Bahd’i in­ unequivocal and emphatic language, all the
stitutions as models for the believers in other laws, the regulations, the principles, the in­
lands. Within the scope of a single lifetime, stitutions, the guidance, they require for the
the American Baha’i community has de­ prosecution of their task. . . . Therein lies
veloped from a small local group to a na­ the distinguishing feature of the Bahi’i Rev­
tional unit of a world society, passing elation. Therein lies the strength of the unity
through the successive stages by which a of the Faith, of the validity of a Revelation
civilization achieves its pristine pattern and that claims not to destroy or belittle pre­
severs itself from the anarchy and confusion vious Revelations, but to connect, unify,
of the past. and fulfill them. . . .
In Shoghi Effendi’s letters addressed to this "Feeble though our Faith may now appear
Bahá’í community, we have the statement in the eyes of men, who either denounce it
of the form of the administrative order, its as an offshoot of Islám, or contemptuously
function and purpose, its scope and activity, ignore it as one more of those obscure sects
as well as its significance, which unites the that abound in the West, this priceless gem
thoughts and inspires the actions of all be­ of Divine Revelation, now still in its em­
lievers today. bryonic state, shall evolve within the shell
From these letters are selected a number of His law, and shall forge ahead, undivided
of passages presenting fundamental aspects and unimpaired, till it embraces the whole
of the world order initiated by Baha’u’lldh. of mankind. Only those who have already
1. On its nature and scope:— recognized the supreme station of Bahá’-
"I cannot refrain from appealing to them u’lláh, only those whose hearts have been
who stand identified with the Faith to dis­ touched by His love, and have become fa­
regard the prevailing notions and the fleet­ miliar with the potency of His spirit, can
ing fashions of the day, and to realize as. adequately appreciate the value of this Di­
never before that the exploded theories and vine Economy—His inestimable gift to
the tottering institutions of present-day civ­ mankind. . . .
ilization must needs appear in sharp contrast "This Administrative Order . . . will, as
with those God-given institutions which are its component parts, its organic institutions,
destined to arise upon their ruin. . . . begin to function with efficiency and vigor,
"For Bahá’u’lláh . . . has not only im­ assert its claim and demonstrate its capacity
bued mankind with a new and regenerating to be regarded not only as the nucleus but
Spirit. He has not merely enunciated cer­ the very pattern of the New World Order
tain universal principles, or propounded a destined to embrace in the fulness of time
particular philosophy, however potent, the whole of mankind. . . .
sound and universal these may be. In addi­ "Alone of all the Revelations gone before
tion to these He, as well as ťAbdu’l-Bahá it this Faith has . . . succeeded in raising a
after Him, have, unlike the Dispensations of structure which the bewildered followers of
the past, clearly and specifically laid down bankrupt and broken creeds might well ap­
a set of Laws, established definite institu­ proach and critically examine, and seek, ere
tions, and provided for the essentials of a it is too late, the invulnerable security of its
Divine Economy. These are destined to be world-embracing shelter. . . .
ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 101

"To what else if not to the power and Grace, that we may unite even as the waves
majesty which this Administrative Order— of one sea and become merged together as
the rudiments of the future all-enfolding the rays of Thine effulgent Light; that our
Baha’i Commonwealth—is destined to mani­ thoughts, our views, our feelings may be­
fest, can these utterances of Baha’u’llah come as one reality, manifesting the spirit
allude: 'The world’s equilibrium hath been of union throughout the world. Thou art
upset through the vibrating influence of the Gracious, the Bountiful, the Bestower,
this most great, this new World Order. the Almighty, the Merciful, the Compas­
Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolu­ sionate.” ’
tionized through the agency of this unique, "In the Most Holy Book is revealed:—
this wondrous System— the like of which 'The Lord hath ordained that in every city
mortal eyes have never witnessed. . . ” a House of Justice be established wherein
2. On its local and national institu­ shall gather counsellors to the number of
tions:— Bahá, and should it exceed this number it
"A perusal of some of the words of Bahá’- does not matter. It behooveth them to be
u’llah and ťAbdu’l-Bahá on the duties and the trusted ones of the Merciful among men
functions of the Spiritual Assemblies in ev­ and to regard themselves as the guardians
ery land (later to be designated as the local appointed of God for all that dwell on earth.
Houses of Justice), emphatically reveals the It is incumbent upon them to take counsel
sacredness of their nature, the wide scope of together and to have regard for the interests
their activity, and the grave responsibility of the servants of God, for His sake, even
which rests upon them. as they regard their own interests, and to
"Addressing the members of the Spiritual choose that which is meet and seemly. Thus
Assembly in Chicago, the Master reveals the hath the Lord your God commanded you.
following:— 'Whenever ye enter the council- Beware lest ye put away that which is clearly
chamber, recite this prayer with a heart revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, O ye that
throbbing with the love of God and a perceive.’
tongue purified from all but His remem­ "Furthermore, ťAbdu’l-Bahá reveals the
brance, that the All-powerful may graciously following:— 'It is incumbent upon every one
aid you to achieve supreme victory:—"O not to take any step without consulting the
God, my God! We are servants of Thine Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly
that have turned with devotion to Thy Holy obey with heart and soul its bidding and be
Face, that have detached ourselves from all submissive unto it, that things may be
beside Thee in this glorious Day. We have properly ordered and well arranged. Other­
gathered in this spiritual assembly, united in wise every person will act independently
our views and thoughts, with our purposes and after his own judgment, will follow his
harmonized to exalt Thy Word amidst man­ own desire, and do harm to the Cause.’
kind. O Lord, our God! Make us the signs " 'The prime requisites for them that take
of Thy Divine Guidance, the Standards of counsel together are purity of motive, radi­
Thy exalted Faith amongst men, servants to ance of spirit, detachment from all else save
Thy mighty Covenant. O Thou our Lord God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances,
Most High! Manifestations of Thy Divine humility and lowliness amongst His loved
Unity in Thine Abhá Kingdom, and re­ ones, patience and long-suffering in difficul­
splendent stars shining upon all regions. ties and servitude to His exalted Threshold.
Lord! Aid us to become seas surging with Should they be graciously aided to acquire
the billows of Thy wondrous Grace, streams these attributes, victory from the unseen
flowing from Thy all-glorious Heights, Kingdom of Bahá shall be vouchsafed to
goodly fruits upon the Tree of Thy heav­ them. In this day, assemblies of consultation
enly Cause, trees waving through the are of the greatest importance and a vital
breezes of Thy Bounty in Thy celestial Vine­ necessity. Obedience unto them is essential
yard. O God! Make our souls dependent and obligatory. The members thereof must
upon the Verses of Thy Divine Unity, our take counsel together in such wise that no
hearts cheered with the outpourings of Thy occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise.
THE BA H Á ’í CENTENARY

This can be attained when every member of estrangement prevail the result shall be
expresseth with absolute freedom his own darkness upon darkness. . . . If this be so
opinion and setteth forth his argument. regarded, that assembly shall be of God, but
Should any one oppose, he must on no ac­ otherwise it shall lead to coolness and aliena­
count feel hurt for not until matters are tion that proceed from the Evil One. Discus­
fully discussed can the right way be revealed. sions must all be confined to spiritual matters
The shining spark of truth cometh forth, that pertain to the training of souls, the in­
only after the clash of differing opinions. If struction of children, the relief of the poor,
after discussion, a decision be carried unan­ the help of the feeble throughout all classes
imously, well and good; but if, the Lord in the world, kindness to all peoples, the
forbid, differences of opinion should arise, diffusion of the fragrances of God and the
a majority of voices must prevail.’ exaltation of His Holy Word. Should they
"Enumerating the obligations incumbent endeavor to fulfill these conditions the Grace
upon the members of consulting councils, of the Holy Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto
the Beloved reveals the following:— 'The them, and that assembly shall become the
first condition is absolute love and harmony center of the Divine blessings, the hosts of
amongst the members of the assembly. They Divine confirmation shall come to their aid,
must be wholly free from estrangement and and they shall day by day receive a new
must manifest in themselves the Unity of effusion of Spirit.’
God, for they are the waves of one sea, the "So great is the importance and so supreme
drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, is the authority of these assemblies that once
the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard, ‘Abdu’l-Baha after having Himself and in
the flowers of one garden. Should harmony His own handwriting corrected the transla­
of thought and absolute unity be non-exist­ tion made into Arabic of the Ishráqát (the
ent, that gathering shall be dispersed and Effulgences) by Sheikh Faraj, a Kurdish
that assembly be brought to naught. The friend from Cairo, directed him in a Tablet
second condition:— They must when coming to submit the above-named translation to
together turn their faces to the Kingdom on the Spiritual Assembly of Cairo, that he may
high and ask aid from the Realm of Glory. seek from them before publication their
They must then proceed with the utmost approval and consent. These are His very
devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and mod­ words in that Tablet:— 'His honor, Sheikh
eration to express their views. They must in Faraju’llah, has here rendered into Arabic
every matter search out the truth and not with greatest care the Ishráqát and yet I
insist upon their own opinion, for stubborn­ have told him that he must submit his
ness and persistence in one’s views will lead version to the Spiritual Assembly of Egypt,
ultimately to discord and wrangling and the and I have conditioned its publication upon
truth will remain hidden. The honored the approval of the above-named Assembly.
members must with all freedom express their This is so that things may be arranged in an
own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible orderly manner, for should it not be so any
for one to belittle the thought of another, one may translate a certain Tablet and print
nay, he must with moderation set forth the and circulate it on his own account. Even
truth, and should differences of opinion arise a non-believer might undertake such work,
a majority of voices must prevail, and all and thus cause confusion and disorder. If
must obey and submit to the majority. It is it be conditioned, however, upon the ap­
again not permitted that any one of the proval of the Spiritual Assembly, a transla­
honored members object to or censure, tion prepared, printed and circulated by a
whether in or out of the meeting, any de­ non-believer will have no recognition what­
cision arrived at previously, though that de­ ever.’
cision be not right, for such criticism would "This is indeed a clear indication of the
prevent any decision from being enforced. Master’s express desire that nothing what­
In short, whatsoever thing is arranged in ever should be given to the public by any
harmony and with love and purity of motive, individual among the friends, unless fully
its result is light, and should the least trace considered and approved by the Spiritual
ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 103

‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Leland Stanford University, October 8, 1912.

Assembly in his locality; and if this (as is and efficient working of the spiritual activi­
undoubtedly the case) is a matter that per­ ties of His loved ones.
tains to the general interest of the Cause "Large issues in such spiritual activities
in that land, then it is incumbent upon the that affect the Cause in general in that land,
Spiritual Assembly to submit it to the con­ such as the management of the "Star of the
sideration and approval of the national body West” and any periodical which the National
representing all the various local assemblies. Body may decide to be a Bahá’í organ, the
Not only with regard to publication, but matter of publication, of reprinting Bahá’í
all matters without any exception whatso­ literature and its distribution among the
ever, regarding the interests of the Cause in various assemblies, the means whereby the
that locality, individually or collectively, teaching campaign may be stimulated and
should be referred exclusively to the Spiritual maintained, the work of the Mashriqu’l-
Assembly in that locality, which shall de­ Adhkár, the racial question in relation to the
cide upon it, unless it be a matter of national Cause, the matter of receiving Orientals and
interest, in which case it shall be referred association with them, the care and mainte­
to the national body. With this national nance of the precious film exhibiting a
body also will rest the decision whether a phase of the Master’s sojourn in the United
given question is of local or national interest. States of America as well as the original
(By national affairs is not meant matters matrix and the records of His voice, and
that are political in their character, for the various other national spiritual activities,
friends of God the world over are strictly far from being under the exclusive jurisdic­
forbidden to meddle with political affairs in tion of any local assembly or group of
any way whatever, but rather things that friends, must each be minutely and fully
affect the spiritual activities of the body of directed by a special board, elected by the
the friends in that land.) National Body, constituted as a committee
"Full harmony, however, as well as co­ thereof, responsible to it and upon which
operation among the various local assemblies the National Body shall exercise constant
and the members themselves, and particu­ and general supervision. . . .
larly between each assembly and the national "Regarding the establishment of 'National
body, is of the utmost importance, for upon Assemblies/ it is of vital importance that in
it depends the unity of the Cause of God, every country, where the conditions are
the solidarity of the friends, the full, speedy favorable and the number of the friends has
104 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

grown and reached a considerable size, such once a year, obviously assumes grave respon­
as America, Great Britain and Germany, sibilities, for it has to exercise full authority
that a 'National Spiritual Assembly’ be im­ over all the local Assemblies in its province,
mediately established, representative of the and will have to direct the activities of the
friends throughout that country.” friends, guard vigilantly the Cause of God,
"Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, and control and supervise the affairs of the
unify and coordinate by frequent personal Movement in general.
consultations, the manifold activities of the "Vital issues, affecting the interests of the
friends as well as the local Assemblies; and Cause in that country such as the matter
by keeping in close and constant touch with of translation and publication, the Mashrithe Holy Land, initiate measures, and direct qu’l-Adhkár, the Teaching Work, and other
in general the affairs of the Cause in that similar matters that stand distinct from
country. strictly local affairs, must be under the full
"It serves also another purpose, no less jurisdiction of the National Assembly.
essential than the first, as in the course of "It will have to refer each of these ques­
time it shall evolve into the National House tions, even as the local Assemblies, to a
of Justice (referred to in ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s special Committee, to be elected by the
Will as the "secondary House of Justice” ), members of the National Spiritual Assembly,
which according to the explicit text of the from among all the friends in that country,
Testament will have, in conjunction with which will bear to it the same relation as the
the other National Assemblies throughout local committees bear to their respective
the Baha’i world, to elect directly the mem­ local Assemblies.
bers of the International House of Justice, "W ith it, too, rests the decision whether
that Supreme Council that will guide, or­ a certain point at issue is strictly local in its
ganize and unify the affairs of the Movement nature, and should be reserved for the con­
throughout the world. sideration and decision of the local Assembly,
"It is expressly recorded in ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s or whether it should fall under its own
Writings that these National Assemblies province and be regarded as a matter which
must be indirectly elected by the friends; ought to receive its special attention. The
that is, the friends in every country must National Spiritual Assembly will also decide
elect a certain number of delegates, who in upon such matters which in its opinion
their turn will elect from among all the should be referred to the Holy Land for
friends in that country the members of the consultation and decision.
National Spiritual Assembly. In such coun­ "W ith these Assemblies, local as well as
tries, therefore, as America, Great Britain national, harmoniously, vigorously, and
and Germany, a fixed number of secondary efficiently functioning throughout the Baha’i
electors must first be decided upon. . . . The world, the only means for the establishment
friends then in every locality where the of the Supreme House of Justice will have
number of adult declared believers exceeds been secured. And when this Supreme Body
nine must directly elect its quota of second­ will have been properly established, it will
ary electors assigned to it in direct proportion have to consider afresh the whole situation,
to its numerical strength. These secondary and lay down the principle which shall di­
electors will then, either through corres­ rect, so long as it deems advisable, the affairs
pondence, or preferably by gathering to­ of the Cause. . . .
gether, and first deliberating upon the affairs "The need for the centralization of
of the Cause throughout their country (as authority in the National Spiritual Assem­
the delegates to the Convention), elect from bly, and the concentration of power in the
among all the friends in that country nine various local Assemblies, is made manifest
who will be the members of the National when we reflect that the Cause of Baha’u’-
Spiritual Assembly. lláh is still in its age of tender growth and in
"This National Spiritual Assembly, which, a stage of transition; when we remember
pending the establishment of the Universal that the full implications and the exact
House of Justice, will have to be re-elected significance of the Master’s world-wide in-
ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 105

structions, as laid down in His Will, are as The newly elected National Assembly, dur­
yet not fully grasped, and the whole Move­ ing the few days when the Convention is in
ment has not sufficiently crystallized in the session and after the dispersal of the dele­
eyes of the world. gates, should seek ways and means to culti­
"It is our primary task to keep the most vate understanding, facilitate and maintain
vigilant eye on the manner and character of the exchange of views, deepen confidence,
its growth, to combat effectively the forces and vindicate by every tangible evidence
of separation and of sectarian tendencies, lest their one desire to serve and advance the
the Spirit of the Cause be obscured, its unity common weal. Not infrequently, nay often­
be threatened, its Teachings suffer corrup­ times, the most lowly, untutored and inex­
tion; lest extreme orthodoxy on one hand, perienced among the friends will, by the
and irresponsible freedom on the other, cause sheer inspiring force of selfless and ardent
it to deviate from that Straight Path which devotion, contribute a distinct and memor­
alone can lead it to success. . . . able share to a highly involved discussion in
"Hitherto the National Convention has any given Assembly. Great must be the
been primarily called together for the con­ regard paid by those whom the delegates
sideration of the various circumstances at­ call upon to serve in high position to this
tending the election of the National Spiritual all-important though inconspicuous manifes­
Assembly. I feel, however, that in view of tation of the revealing power of sincere and
the expansion and the growing importance earnest devotion.
of the administrative sphere of the Cause, "The National Spiritual Assembly, how­
the general sentiments and tendencies pre­ ever, in view of the unavoidable limitations
vailing among the friends, and the signs of imposed upon the convening of frequent and
increasing interdependence among the N a­ long-standing sessions of the Convention,
tional Spiritual Assemblies throughout the will have to retain in its hands the final de­
world, the assembled accredited representa­ cision on all matters that affect the interests
tives of the American believers should ex­ of the Cause in America, such as the right to
ercise not only the vital and responsible right decide whether any local Assembly is func­
of electing the National Assembly, but tioning in accordance with the principles
should also fulfill the functions of an en­ laid down for the conduct and advancement
lightened, consultative and cooperative body of the Cause. It is my earnest prayer that
that will enrich the experience, enhance the they will utilize their highly responsible
prestige, support the authority, and assist position, not only for the wise and efficient
the deliberations of the National Spiritual conduct of the affairs of the Cause, but also
Assembly. It is my firm conviction that it for the extension and deepening of the spirit
is the bounden duty, in the interest of the of cordiality and wholehearted and mutual
Cause we all love and serve, of the members support in their cooperation with the body
of the incoming National Assembly, once of their co-workers throughout the land.
elected by the delegates at Convention time, The seating of delegates to the Convention,
to seek and have the utmost regard, individu­ i.e., the right to decide upon the validity of:
ally as well as collectively, for the advice, the credentials of the delegates at a given
the considered opinion and the true senti­ Convention, is vested in the outgoing N a­
ments of the assembled delegates. Banishing tional Assembly, and the right to decide who
every vestige of secrecy, of undue reticence, has the voting privilege is also ultimately
of dictatorial aloofness, from their midst, placed in the hands of the National Spiritual
they should radiantly and abundantly unfold Assembly, either when a local Spiritual As­
to the eyes of the delegates, by whom they sembly is being for the first time formed in
are elected, their plans, their hopes, and their a given locality, or when differences arise
cares. They should familiarize the delegates between a new applicant and an already
with the various matters that will have tq established local Assembly. While the Con­
be considered in the current year, and calmly vention is in session and the accredited dele­
and conscientiously study and weigh the gates have already elected from among the
opinions and judgments of the delegates. believers throughout the country the mem-
106 THE B A H Á ’Í C E N T E N A R Y

bers of the National Spiritual Assembly for slightest degree from the position which each
the current year, it is of infinite value and a of these institutions occupies. Far from be­
supreme necessity that as far as possible all ing incompatible or mutually destructive,
matters requiring immediate decision should they supplement each other’s authority and
be fully and publicly considered, and an en­ functions, and are permanently and funda­
deavor be made to obtain after mature de­ mentally united in their aims.
liberation, unanimity in vital decisions. "Divorced from the institution of the
Indeed, it has ever been the cherished desire Guardianship the World Order of BaháV­
of our Master, ťAbdu’l-Bahá, that the friends lláh would be mutilated and permanently
in their councils, local as well as national, deprived of that hereditary principle which,
should by their candor, their honesty of as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has written, has been in­
purpose, their singleness of mind, and the variably upheld by the Law of God. 'In all
thoroughness of their discussions, achieve the Divine Dispensations/ He states, in a
unanimity in all things. Should this in cer­ Tablet addressed to a follower of the Faith
tain cases prove impracticable the verdict in Persia, 'the eldest son hath been given
of the majority should prevail, to which extraordinary distinctions. Even the station
decision the minority must under all circum­ of prophethood hath been his birthright.’
stances, gladly, spontaneously and continu­ W ithout such an institution the integrity of
ally, submit. the Faith would be imperilled, and the sta­
"Nothing short of the all-encompassing, bility of the entire fabric would be gravely
all-pervading power of His Guidance and endangered. Its prestige would suffer, the
Love can enable this newly-enfolded order means required to enable it to take a long,
to gather strength and flourish amid the an uninterrupted view over á series of gen­
storm and stress of a turbulent age, and in erations would be completely lacking, and
the fulness of time vindicate its high claim the necessary guidance to define the sphere
to be universally recognized as the one of the legislative action of its elected repre­
Haven of abiding felicity and peace.” sentatives would be totally withdrawn.
3. On its international institutions:— "Severed from the no less essential insti­
"It should be stated, at the very outset, tution of the Universal House of Justice this
in clear and unambiguous language, that same System of the Will of ťAbdu’l-Bahá
these twin institutions of the Administrative would be paralyzed in its action and would
Order of BaháVlláh should be regarded as be powerless to fill in those gaps which the
divine in origin, essential in their functions Author of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas has deliberately
and complementary in their aim and purpose. left in the body of His legislative and ad­
Their common, their fundamental object is ministrative ordinances.
to insure the continuity of that divinely- " 'He is the Interpreter of the Word of
appointed authority which flows from the God,’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, referring to the func­
Source of our Faith, to safeguard the unity tions of the Guardian of the Faith, asserts,
of its followers and to maintain the integrity using in His Will the very term which He
and flexibility of its teachings. Acting in Himself had chosen when refuting the argu­
conjunction with each other these two in­ ment of the Covenant-breakers who had
separable institutions administer its affairs, challenged His right to interpret the utter­
coordinate its activities, promote its interests, ances of BaháVlláh. 'After him,’ He adds,
execute its laws and defend its subsidiary 'will succeed the first-born of his lineal de­
institutions. Severally, each operates within scendants.’ 'The mighty stronghold,’ He
a clearly defined sphere of jurisdiction; each further explains, 'shall remain impregnable
is equipped with its own attendant institu­ and safe through obedience to him who is
tions—instruments designed for the effective the Guardian of the Cause of God.’ 'It is in­
discharge of its particular responsibilities cumbent upon the members of the House of
and duties. Each exercises, within the limita­ Justice, upon all the Aghsán, the Afnán, the
tions imposed upon it, its powers, its au­ Hands of the Cause of God, to show their
thority, its rights and prerogatives. These obedience, submissiveness and subordination
are neither contradictory, nor detract in the unto the Guardian of the Cause of God.’
ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 107

" 'It is incumbent upon the members of terpretation of the Guardian, functioning
the House of Justice/ Bahá5u5lláh, on the within his own sphere, is as authoritative
other hand, declares in the Eighth Leaf of and binding as the enactments of the Inter­
the Exálted Paradise, 'to take counsel to­ national House of Justice, whose exclusive
gether regarding those things which have right and prerogative is to pronounce upon
not outwardly been revealed in the Book, and deliver the final judgment on such laws
and to enforce that which is agreeable to and ordinances as Bahá5u5lláh has not ex­
them. God will verily inspire them with pressly revealed. Neither can, nor will ever,
whatsoever He willeth, and He verily is the infringe upon the sacred and prescribed do­
Provider, the Omniscient.5 'Unto the Most main of the other. Neither will seek to
Holy Book5 (the Kitáb-i-Aqdas), ‘Abdu’l- curtail the specific and undoubted authority
Bahá states in His Will, 'every one must with which both have been divinely in­
turn, and all that is not expressly recorded vested. . . .
therein must be referred to the Universal "Let no one, while this System is still in
House of Justice. That which this body, its infancy, misconceive its character, be­
whether unanimously or by a majority doth little its significance or misrepresent its pur­
carry, that is verily the truth and the pur­ pose. The bedrock on which this Adminis­
pose of God Himself. Whoso doth deviate trative Order is founded is God5s immutable
therefrom is verily of them that love discord, Purpose for mankind in this day. The Source
hath shown forth malice, and turned away from which it derives its inspiration is no
from the Lord of the Covenant.5 less than Bahá5u5lláh Himself. Its shield
"N ot only does ‘Abdu’l-Baha confirm in and defender are the embattled hosts of the
His Will Bahá5u5lláh5s above-quoted state­ Abhá Kingdom. Its seed is the blood of no
ment, but invests this body with the addi­ less than twenty thousand martyrs who have
tional right and power to abrogate, accord­ offered up their lives that it may be born
ing to the exigencies of time, its own enact­ and flourish. The axis round which its in­
ments, as well as those of a preceding House stitutions revolve are the authentic provi­
of Justice. 'Inasmuch as the House of sions of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-
Justice,5 is His explicit statement in His Bahá. Its guiding principles are the truths
Will, 'hath power to enact laws that are not which He Who is the unerring Interpreter
expressly recorded in the Book and bear upon of the teachings of our Faith has so clearly
daily transactions, so also it hath power to enunciated in His public addresses through­
repeal the same . . . This it can do because out the West. The laws that govern its
these laws form no part of the divine ex­ operation and limit its functions are those
plicit text.5 which have been expressly ordained in the
"Referring to both the Guardian and the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. The seat round which its
Universal House of Justice we read these spiritual, its humanitarian and administrative
emphatic words: 'The sacred and youthful activities will cluster are the Mashriqu’l-
Branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, Adhkár and its Dependencies. The pillars
as well as the Universal House of Justice to that sustain its authority and buttress its
be universally elected and established, are structure are the twin institutions of the
both under the care and protection of the Guardianship and of the Universal House of
Abhá Beauty, under the shelter and unerring Justice. The central, the underlying aim
guidance of the Exalted One (the Báb) which animates it is the establishment of
(may my life be offered up for them both). the New World Order as adumbrated by
Whatsoever they decide is of God.5 Bahá5u5lláh. The methods it employs, the
"From these statements it is made in­ standard it inculcates, incline it to neither
dubitably clear and evident that the Guard­ East nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile,
ian of the Faith has been made the Interpre­ neither rich nor poor, neither white nor
ter of the Word and that the Universal colored. Its watchword is the unification of
House of Justice has been invested with the the human race; its standard the 'Most Great
function of legislating on matters not ex­ Peace5; its consummation the advent of that
pressly revealed in the teachings. The in­ golden millennium— the Day when the king-

The interior of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on Mount
Carmel.

doms of this world shall have become the "inception of the Kingdom.” Around its con­
Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom of struction devotedly gathered the American
BaháVlláh.” friends. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá approved their action
Fifty years have passed since the Cause in setting up a religious corporation to hold
of BaháVUáh was first brought to North title to the property and provide a basis for
America. Three generations of believers have collective action. In surveying those days
worked and sacrificed and prayed in order from 1904 to 1921, one realizes how, in
to produce a body of Bahá’ís large enough every stage of progress, the believers rushed
to demonstrate the principles here summar­ forward in devotion before they could per­
ized in a few pages for the present-day ceive the full results of action or comprehend
student of these teachings. What ‘Abdu’l- the full unfoldment of their beloved Mas­
Bahá employed as unifying element for the ter’s intention. In their hearts they knew
American community during a period before that unity is the key note of their Faith,
more than rudimentary local administrative and they were assured that the new power
bodies could be established was the construc­ of unity would augment until it encom­
tion of the House of Worship, the Mashri- passed the whole of mankind. But as to the
qu’l-Adhkár, in Wilmette. He in fact re­ nature of world order, the foundation of
ferred to the House of Worship as the universal peace, the principles of the future

i
ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 109

economy, while the clear picture eluded world of spirit, striving to participate in
them, they went forward with enthusiasm to a work of supreme importance whose final
the Light. result was the laying of a foundation on
In a continent consecrated to the pioneer, which human society might raise a house of
the early American Bahd’is pioneered in the justice and a mansion of peace.
BAHA'I H E A D Q U A R T E R S

Central Office of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’is of the United States
and Canada, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.

Hail historic act signalizing auspicious institutions embodying administrative ma­
conjunction (in) heart (of) North Ameri­ chinery and incarnating (the) Soul (of the)
can continent (of the) institutions (of) Bahá’í community can release (the) effect­
Haziratu’l-Quds (and) Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr, ual prosecution (of the) Seven Year Plan
(the) twin foci (of) steadily evolving as well as (the) success (of) ultimate World
American Bahd’i community life. (The) Mission unquestionably depends. May (the)
former henceforth regarded (as) national community responsible (for the) establish­
Seat upon which all administrative channels ment (of) these nascent institutions pro­
(of) Bahá’í activity must increasingly con­ gressively contribute (to) acceleration (of)
verge. (The) latter permanently recognized their growth and derive fullest benefit
(as) ordained Source from which rays (of) (from) their eventual fruition.
spiritual guidance will radiate. Upon (the) Sh o g h i R a b b a n i .
vigorous, constant inter-action (of the) Haifa,
dynamic forces which these complementary October 1, 1939.
BAHA'I P R O P E R T I E S

A f t e r the adoption of the Declaration Among the many messages Miss Farmer re­
of Trust in 1927, the National Spiritual ceived from ťAbdu’l-Bahá, the following be­
Assembly formed separate bodies of Trustees came her guiding inspiration: "You must lay
to meet the necessary legal requirements for such a foundation .so that the influence of
ownership of real estate that might be ac­ the confederation of religions and sects may
quired through purchase or by gift in dif­ permeate to all parts of the world from
ferent parts of the United States. W ith the Green Acre, and Green Acre for all future
completion of the Baha’i House of Worship, ages and cycles may become the standardand its accessory buildings and the generous bearer of the oneness of the world of hu­
gifts of valuable properties at Green Acre, manity.”
Malden, West Englewood, Colorado Springs At the annual meeting of the Fellowship
and Geyserville, the National Spiritual As­ on August 10, 1925, it was voted to place
sembly through its Trustees has become the Green Acre under the control of the National
administrative body of a group of estates Spiritual Assembly and in 1929 an Indenture
that extend from Maine to California with of Trust was set up and title to the proper­
a present valuation approaching two million ties transferred to the Trustees.
dollars. Besides the Temple Trusteeship, five Green Acre consists of 131.3 acres of land
more trustee properties are now maintained in five different parcels including the Inn,
and administered by the trustees for the Fellowship house, the Pines, Sunset Hill, and
benefit and use of the American Bahá’í com­ the River tract. There are also a number
munity. of cottages, an Arts and Crafts Studio and
a camp site. The gift of Mrs. Helen Ellis
G r e e n A cre
Cole of the lovely fellowship house with its
After attending the Congress of Religions furnishings in the early days was a fore­
at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago in runner of many gifts of money and buildings
1893, Miss Sarah J. Farmer was inspired to later on which have increased the facilities
found a center for the investigation of the of this property dedicated to the Investiga­
reality of religions. The following year she tion of Reality. Among those to whom the
selected a beautiful site on the banks of the trustees are greatly indebted are the Randall
Piscataqua River near her home in the village family, Fred and Lorol Schopflocher for
of Eliot, Maine, for this purpose of "bring­ their gifts of the Ball Cottage, Nine Gables
ing together all who were looking earnestly and the Ole Bull cottage, Mrs. Florence
toward the New Day which seemed to be Morton for her gift of the needed Bahá’i
breaking over the entire world. The motive Hall and the many loyal friends who have
was to find the Truth, the Reality under­ contributed through the years of the struggle
lying all religious forms, and to make points and growth of this lovely center blessed by
of contact in order to promote the unity the Master’s presence.
necessary for the ushering in of the coming
W il h e l m T r u st
Day of God.”
In 1900 Miss Farmer made a pilgrimage On June 29, 1912, ťAbdu’l-Bahá invited
to ‘Akká, and from that time on the Fellow­ a number of friends to the home of the
ship, which was established to run this Wilhelm family at West Englewood, New
property which she named Green Acre, Jersey, to partake with Him in a feast of
gradually became imbued with the Baha’i fellowship. After serving the guests with His
ideals and the desire to have Green Acre own hands, the Master said in part: "Such
eventually become the reflection of the plain gatherings as this have no likeness or equal
of ‘Akká and the center of Baha’i activity. in the world of mankind where people are
112 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

drawn together by physical motives or in Coast. As long ago as 1910, Mr. Bosch wrote
furtherance of material interests, for this to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá of his desire to dedicate this
meeting is a prototype of that inner and property,—just 75 miles north of San Fran­
complete spiritual association in the eternal cisco on the famous Redwood Highway,
world of being . . . Hundreds of thousands comprising 37 acres, with fruit orchards, a
of meetings shall be held to commemorate redwood grove, a lovely home with many
such an assembly as this, and the very words accessory buildings and a water system,—to
I utter to you on this occasion shall be the universal service of the Bahd’i Faith, that
reiterated by them in the ages to come.” it might become a center of spiritual enlight­
Since that day, an annual souvenir has enment to seekers after Truth.
been held on this blessed spot in remembrance In the ninth year after the establishment
of this meeting. Some years after that mem­ of the school, Mr. and Mrs. Bosch conveyed
orable event, Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm erected title to this property to the Trustees, reserv­
a large log cabin and named it Evergreen ing a life occupancy and use and this In­
Cabin. It became a center of Baha’i activi­ denture was recorded on November 25, 193 5
ties and for a number of years was the head­ in the Book of Records of Sonoma County,
quarters of the National Spiritual Assembly. California. Mr. Bosch surveyed part of this
Directly below the cabin lies the pine grove land on the hill-side for building sites for
where the Master gave his never-to-be-for­ summer cottages and two have already been
gotten Feast. This site according to the erected by Bahd’i families.
Guardian’s instructions will have the only In 1936 an attractive Hall made of rustic
Memorial commemorating ‘Abdu’l-Bah^’s redwood and completely equipped with
visit to North America. chairs and kitchen was erected and presented
On March 9, 1935, Mr. Wilhelm executed to the Trustees by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H.
an Indenture of Trust, transferring Ever­ Collins and the following year these two de­
green Cabin, its furnishings and the two voted friends of the Faith gave a two-story
lots comprising the pine grove to the Trus­ dormitory built of corresponding rustic
tees for the benefit of the National Spiritual material and completely equipped with beds,
Assembly. Later he deeded over a two story furniture, curtains, and bedding to take care
house adjoining the Cabin and in 1942 he of the ever-increasing number of students
transferred title to the Wilhelm home to­ and guests.
gether with five additional lots located at The generosity of these four friends has
Alicia Avenue and Evergreen Place in been greatly appreciated by the Trustees,
memory of his parents J. Otis and Lourie A. who have made constant contributions to­
Wilhelm. In addition, Mr. Wilhelm has ward the maintenance and insurance costs
carried the maintenance costs of taxes, in­ of this valuable property.
surance, etc. as an additional gift to the
W ilson T rust
Trustees.
The Trustees are also indebted to Mr. and In 1900 Miss Maria P. Wilson visited
Mrs. Walter Goodfellow for the gift of two ťAbdu’l-Bahá at ‘Akká in company with
adjoining lots in 1937 and the trustees have Miss Sarah Farmer, and then returned again
recently received word from the heirs of a few years later. On the occasion of her
the James estate that two lots held by them second pilgrimage, the Master said to her:
will be turned over to the Trustees, thus "When I come to America I will visit you.”
completing the ownership of this valuable In August, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Baha chpse the
property dedicated to the memory of the home of Miss Wilson in Malden, Massachu­
Master. setts, to spend a week or two after his visit
to Green Acre. Upon his return to Haifa,
Bosch T rust
he wrote to Miss Wilson saying "Thy house
In the year 1927., Mr. and Mrs. John D. became my abode and my home. Many days
Bosch made their ranch home and facilities were spent in that home with the utmost
at Geyserville, California, available for the joy and fragrance. The mention of ‘Ya
first Bahd’i summer school on the West Baha’ul Abha’ was raised from it and we
B A H A ’I PROPERTIES 113

spread the religion of God. In reality that The plan for the dedication and use of
home is my home, therefore the mention of this property was approved by the Guardian
God must always be raised from it.” in a letter on December 14, 1938 to Mrs.
When Miss Wilson passed to the heavenly Mathews in which he stated: "The Guardian
world in 1930 she left a will bequeathing feels also deeply appreciative of your gener­
this home to Shoghi Effendi, who took title ous offering to the N.S.A. of your ranch in
to the property and asked the National As­ Colorado Springs. Your idea to turn this
sembly to look after it for him. In the Fall property into a training school for Interof 1^35, the Guardian executed a deed of America teaching work, he feels, is splendid.”
trust conveying this house to the Trustees On October 30, 1939, the Indenture to
and the indenture was recorded on Septem­ this property was recorded in the Registry
ber 27, 193 5 in the Middlesex Registry of of Deeds, County of El Paso, Colorado and
Deeds. Since that time this house has been since that time all maintenance costs have
improved and held in trust in compliance been borne by Mr. and Mrs. Mathews, who
with the Master’s statement "to take care have conducted a summer session each year
of that house because the light of the love to promote the teaching work in Central and
of God was ignited in it.” South America.
As the Centenary of the Bahd’i Faith
M athews T rust
draws near, the friends may justly rejoice
The American Bahd’i community became at the manifest evidences of the growth and
the recipient of another munificent gift of consolidation of its many activities in the
property, when Mrs. Loulie Albee Mathews western world which are facilitated by these
executed an Indenture of Trust on Septem­ properties, when they contrast this present
ber 4, 1939, conveying title to Temerity condition with the eventful first Bahá’1 Con­
Ranch in Pine Valley, a few miles from vention in 1909 when two lots in the Village
Colorado Springs to the Trustees reserving of Wilmette, costing $2000.00 and a cash
right of use and occupancy during her life. fund of $3,655.44 were turned over to the
This property consists of 19.2 acres, a beauti­ first corporate body, the Bahá’í Temple
ful house, Library, and accessory buildings, Unity, for the purchase of more land for the
a water plant, fine roads and fences and Temple site,— for these properties now serve
attractive grounds. the entire American Bahá’í community.
PART FIVE

T H E BAHÁT H O U S E O F W O R S H I P

The Baha’i House of Worship.

T h e completion of the exterior ornamen­ the easterner it conveys the effect of occi­
tation of the Bahá’í House of Worship dis­ dental tradition. The Baha’i Temple blends
closes a physical edifice impressive in size, and harmonizes, without artificial effort,
striking in architecture, and superb in its many of the creative elements which char­
clear white surface carved to the pattern of acterize the historical cultures of mankind.
symbolic design. What is familiar acquires new significance
In appearance the structure suggests to by association with what has been remote
the western mind an oriental influence. To and strange. The essential spirit of this
THE B A H Á ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP 115

edifice is too universal to be confined within effect of finality and resignation emanating
the form and mold of any race or creed. from domed structures into the upward
Here the utilitarian function of structure thrust of aspiration fulfilled in answered
has become esthetically fulfilled in the prayer.
achievement of a means suitable for unified In the solution of the unique problem set
worship of the one true God. A sense of the for him in designing this house of worship
living cosmos attaches to the building, as if of a world faith, the architect has been less
the architect had striven, with physical the conventional draftsman than the sculp­
material, to encompass a holy place, and had tor. One feels that his material has not
learned measure and proportion, height and been arranged by thought but subdued by
depth, stillness and motion, by observation will. He has wrestled with titans of atheism
of the flight of suns and stars through the and anarchy; he has struggled through
heavenly world. Outwardly the House of jungles of materialism. It is in the essence
Worship reflects a passionate, yet reverent of spiritual victory that he achieved this
spiritual reality, embodying a fullness of structure of massive weight, immovable
welcome, a certitude of truth, and an in­ power, patterned motion and soaring alti­
tegrity of peace which the soul of religion tude, to provide a shrine for the mention of
contains before faith is darkened by doctrine God.
and narrowed by creed. Having designed the structure, the archi­
tect then proceeded to treat each wall as if
Features of Its Design
it were a facet for the transmission of radiant
Certain important elements of design in light from the sun to the interior, and from
harmonious relationship compose the dy­ illumination inside the temple to the world
namic nature of the unity which this kingly at night. The outer surface is, in reality, a
jewel of temples exemplifies. series of patterned windows, for the physical
The edifice rests upon a great platform, function of wall has been transferred to
circular in shape, surrounded by eighteen pylon, tower, rib and column. These ele­
ascending steps. From this foundation rises ments carry the weight. The surface be­
a nine-sided architectural unit, the main tween these elements can therefore become
story, each side constituting an entrance a medium for light and not its interference.
arch buttressed by pylons or towers. The This intention has been realized through the
nine symmetrical sides form a series of con­ development of architectural concrete, a
cave arcs intersecting the line of the circle process by which in plastic condition a mix­
marked by the towers. This main story be­ ture of white quartz and cement has been
comes, in its turn, a platform supporting the poured into molds made from hand-carved
gallery, the clerestory and the dome. The models, emerging as units of a surface hard
gallery unit, likewise nine-sided, sets back and enduring as granite, clear in texture,
from the circumference of the main story. and bearing a design delicate as lace.
It repeats the effect of the entrance arches
Symbol of a New Era
below in its series of nine window arches,
but the nine smaller towers of this level do The Bahd’i Temple at Wilmette, Illinois,
not coincide vertically with the nine pylons has not arisen as the meeting place of a local
below. They rise at points midway between congregation. It is the central shrine and
the lower pylons, and their coincidence is house of worship of the followers of Baha’u’-
with the perpendicular lines formed by the lláh in North America. In the western
nine ribs which spring from the base of the world, this edifice is the first public expres­
clerestory to meet above the top of the dome. sion made by the believers of the creative
Clerestory and dome, set back from the energy and spiritual aims of the Faith of
outer line of the gallery, form circles and Baháhťlláh. Its construction, however, has
not nonagons, their circumference being been made possible by the contributions
divided into nine convex arcs by the ribs. given by Bahd’is of Europe, Asia and Africa,
The dome itself is a hemisphere, but the Australia and New Zealand, as well as of the
great ribs meeting above it transform the United States, Canada, and South America.
116 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

The undertaking has been a world project in My heaven I may remember thee.”
when one realizes that the Baha’i community "O rich ones on earth! The poor in your
of East and West is representative, in the midst-are My trust; guard ye My Trust.”
racial and religious background of its mem­ "The source of all learning is the knowl­
bers, of the diverse families of mankind. The edge of God, exalted be His glory.” .
period of time covered by the undertaking, The Bahá’í Temple expresses the renewal
from the original intention to the completion of religion. It realizes a faith which relates
of the structure and its exterior decoration, the soul to a universal, a revealed and a divine
has been about forty years. truth wherein all human beings, of whatever
During this period of time the nature of race, class or creed, can meet and share the
man’s collective life has been transformed. true equality emanating from their common
The authority and control of ancient religion dependence upon God. It serves a teaching
over human destiny has failed. Royal and which goes beyond all the social philosophies
imperial thrones have toppled to the dust. to make possible a world order capable not
Aggressive social philosophies, nurtured in only of coordinating and guiding economic
class conflict intensified by the industrial effort but also of safeguarding and fostering
revolution, have become the creed and hope the highest qualities of man. Bahá’u’lláh
of millions of men. National sovereignty, declared the oneness of mankind, a spiritual
the particular spiritual achievement of the creation inaugurating the universal era of
old era, the most potent instrument for in­ knowledge, justice and peace which ancient
ternal order yet created, has encountered the Prophets foretold and promised the people
world spirit of the new cycle, refusing so would come.
far to subdue itself to the higher sovereignty "There can be no doubt whatever that the
of truth. Under the impact of two inter­ peoples of the world,” He has written, "of
national wars, a major depression and many whatever race or religion, derive their in­
domestic upheavals, the claim to self-suffi­ spiration from one heavenly Source and are
cient power and independent policy has the subjects of one God.” The theme un­
jeopardized the very life of mankind. The folds in these clear, majestic truths:—"The
Bahd’i House of Worship, built by those utterance of God is a lamp, whose light is
who knew the destiny of these years as these words: Ye are the fruits of one tree,
clearly foretold in the Bahá’í sacred writings, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one
has reflected the spirit of the new era arising with another in the utmost love and
amidst the agony of the old. harmony. . . . So powerful is the light of
unity that it can illuminate the whole
For the Healing of All the World
earth!” "The well-being of mankind, its
The nine selected utterances of Bahá’u’- peace and security, are unattainable unless
lláh carved above the entrances of the and until its unity is firmly established. This
Temple reveal its fundamental meaning in unity can never be achieved so long as the
the life of our age: counsels which the Pen of the Most High
"The earth is but one country; and man­ hath revealed are suffered to pass unheeded.”
kind its citizens.” It sweeps to its fulfilment in this passage
"The best beloved of all things in My taken from Bahá’u’lláh’s message written to
sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if Queen Victoria of England from His prison
thou desirest Me.” in 'Akká, Palestine, more than seventy years
"My love is My stronghold; he that en- ago: "That which the Lord hath ordained
terest therein is safe and secure.” as the sovereign remedy and mightiest in­
"Breathe not the sins of others so long as strument for the healing of all the world is
thou art thyself a sinner.” the union of all its peoples in one universal
"Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for Cause, one common Faith.”
My descent.”
The Real Temple Is the Word
"I have made death a messenger of joy to
thee; wherefore dost thou grieve?” ‘Abdu’l-Baha, eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh,
"Make mention of Me on My earth that and Center of His Covenant, traveled in
THE BAHÁ1 HOUSE OF WORSHIP 117

America during 1912, proclaiming the plicity has proved elusive. They consider
Bahá’í teachings and promulgating the prin­ that elaborate complication is required, as
ciples of universal peace. On one occasion if universality were obtained by adding to­
He addressed a national gathering of Baha’is gether all things that are not universal. Thus
held at Chicago in the interests of this the view arose at one time that the Baha’i
Temple. "Among the institutes of the Holy House of Worship when completed would
Books,” \Abdu’l-Bahá said, "is that of the house the shrines and invite the ceremonies
foundation of places of worship. That is to and worship of diverse sects and creeds,
say, an edifice or temple is to be built in order arguing that tolerance of differences repre­
that humanity might find a place of meeting, sents the final and utmost victory of divine
and this is to be conducive to unity and truth on earth. The Bahi’i Faith, having
fellowship among them. The real temple is no professional clergy, no ritualistic service,
the very Word of God; for to it all humanity but maintaining that one’s life itself is one’s
must turn and it is the center of unity for practice of faith, preserves the universality
all mankind. It is the collective center, the which came into being by divine creation
cause of accord and communion of hearts, in the Revelation of' Bahá’u’lláh unadulter­
the sign of the solidarity of the human race, ated by sectarian influence. The Bahd’i
the source of life eternal. Temples are the recognizes the sublime truth that revealed
symbols of the divine uniting force, so that religions are fulfilled, not by the perpetua­
when the people gather there in the House tion of creeds and sects, but by transforma­
of God they may recall the fact that the tion into the later and larger Revelation.
law has been revealed for them and that the
Universality of Worship
law is to unite them. They will realize that
just as this temple was founded for the uni­ The Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi,
fication of mankind, the law preceding and has plainly set forth the nature of the Bahd’i
creating it came forth in the manifest Word. House of Worship in this passage of a letter
. . . That is why His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh addressed to the American Baha’is in 1929:
has commanded that a place of worship be "It should be borne in mind that the cen­
built for all the religionists of the world; tral Edifice of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, round
that all religions, races and sects may come which in the fullness of time shall cluster
together within its universal shelter; that such institutions of social service as shall af­
the proclamation of the oneness of mankind ford relief to the suffering, sustenance to the
shall go forth from its open courts of holi­ poor, shelter to the wayfarer, solace to the
ness; the announcement that humanity is bereaved, and education to the ignorant,
the servant of God and that all are sub­ should be regarded, apart from these De­
merged in the ocean of His mercy. It is the pendencies, as a House solely designed and
Mashriqu’l-Adhkar.1 entirely dedicated to the worship of God in
"The world of existence may be likened accordance with the few yet definitely pre­
to this Temple and place of worship; for scribed principles established by Baha’u’llah.
just as the external world is a place where . . . It should not be inferred, however, from
the people of all races and colors, varying this general statement that the interior of
faiths, denominations and conditions come the central Edifice itself will be converted
together,—just as they are submerged in the into a conglomeration of religious services
same sea of divine favors, so likewise all may conducted along lines associated with the
meet under the dome of the Mashriqu’l- traditional procedure obtaining in churches,
Adhkár and adore the one God in the same mosques, synagogues, and other temples of
spirit of truth; for the ages of darkness have worship. Its various avenues of approach, all
passed away and the century of light has converging towards the central Hall beneath
come.” its dome, will not serve as admittance to
For many persons universality in religion those sectarian adherents of rigid formulae
has been difficult to grasp. Its essential sim- and man-made creeds, each bent, according
1Persian word meaning "Source of the mention to his way, to observe his rites, recite his
of God.” prayers, perform his ablutions, and display
118 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

the particular symbols of his faith, within ance with the directions clearly set forth by
separately defined sections of Baha’u’lldh’s ‘Abdu’l-Bahd:—
Universal House of Worship. . . . The cen­ "The Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr must have nine
tral House of Bahd’i worship, enshrined sides, doors, fountains, paths, gateways,
with the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, will gather columns and gardens, with the ground floor,
within its chastened walls, in a serenely galleries 'and domes, and in design and con­
spiritual atmosphere, only those who, dis­ struction it must be beautiful. The mystery
carding forever the trappings of elaborate of the edifice is great and can not be unveiled
and ostentatious ceremony, are willing wor­ yet, but its erection is the most important
shipers of the one true God, as manifested undertaking of this Day.
in this age in the Person of Bahá’u’lláh. "The Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr has important
"To them will the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar accessories, which are accounted of the basic
symbolize the fundamental verity underly­ foundations. These are, school for orphan
ing the Bahá’i Faith, that religious truth is children, hospital and dispensary for the
not absolute but relative, that Divine Reve­ poor, home for the incapacitated, college
lation is not final but progressive. Theirs for higher scientific education, and hospice.
will be the conviction that an all-loving and . . . When these institutions . . . are built,
ever-watchful Father Who, in the past, and the doors will be opened to all the nations
at various stages in the evolution of man­ and religions. There will be absolutely no
kind, has sent forth His Prophets as the line of demarcation drawn. Its charities will
Bearers of His Message and the Manifesta­ be dispensed irrespective of color and race.
tions of His Light to mankind, can not at Its gates will be flung wide open to mankind;
this critical period of their civilization with­ prejudice towards none, love for all. The
hold from His children the Guidance which central building will be devoted to the pur­
they sorely need amid the darkness which pose of prayer and worship. Thus . . . re­
has beset them, and which neither the light ligion will become harmonized with science,
of science nor that of human intellect and and science will be the handmaid of religion,
wisdom can succeed in dissipating. And thus both showering their material and spiritual
having recognized in Baha’u’llah the source gifts on all humanity.”
whence this celestial light proceeds, they will This is the new, the universal concept of
irresistibly feel attracted to seek the shelter religion which Bahd’u’llah has revealed to­
of His House, and congregate therein un­ day: the source of faith is the Prophet, the
hampered by ceremonials and unfettered by Manifestation of God, not the man-made
creeds, to render homage to the one true God, creed, doctrine, rite, ceremony or church,
the Essence and Orb of eternal Truth, and for the will and the love of God are con­
to exalt and magnify the name of His Mes­ veyed to humanity in each age by His
sengers and Prophets Who, from time im­ chosen and inspired Messenger; and the ex­
memorial even unto our day, have, under pression of faith is in direct service to human
divers circumstances and in varying measure, needs, sacrifice for the sake of world peace,
mirrored forth to a dark and wayward world and consecration to the cause of the oneness
the light of heavenly Guidance.” of mankind. Belief in a sectarian creed, and
spiritual acceptance of only the fellow mem­
Facilities for Social Service
bers of one’s own sect, with indifference for
In the foregoing explanation the Guard­ the needs and rights of the souls of all others,
ian of the Bahd’i Faith refers to a number no longer meet the needs of a world perish­
of institutions of social service which will ing for lack of unity, and are not accepted
be associated with the completed House of as real faith by Baha’u’lldh.
Worship. In the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár the The Baha’i House of Worship, in this
modern world has been given an embodiment larger ultimate meaning, discloses the com­
of spiritual truth in its maturity and power. ing of the universal truth able to connect,
The Bahá’í House of Worship is to have a and unify, the world’s agencies for religion
direct relation to a number of other build­ and its agencies for humanitarian service,
ings which are to be constructed in accord­ now dissociated and incapable of healing
THE B A H Á ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP 119

human ills. It joins them as one spirit per­ extending the dominion of truth. Those
meating one body. Without the body, the who still believe that the world can endure
spirit of religion has no power to act; with­ the present war, and attain lasting world
out the spirit, the body is lifeless. The Baha’i order, security and peace, without the unity
teachings condemn passive worship on the of conscience produced by mutual faith,
one hand, and action without spiritual guid­ fall behind the march of destiny together
ance on the other. with those who protest that no social form
greater than the nation is needed to safe­
The Door of Hope
guard vital interests of the race throughout
The Baha’i teachings create a religious future time. Spiritual and social evolution
society in which all human relations are have characterized the whole course of hu­
transformed from social to spiritual prob­ man history to this hour. Whoever denies
lems. the possibility of one organic religion and
The social problems of the age are pre­ one organic social order for humanity, de­
dominantly political and economic. They nies the movement of life itself and places
are problems because human society is di­ his own limitations upon the will of God.
vided into nations each of which claims to For the man of true faith, however, it is
be an end and a law unto itself, and into enough to recall the ancient prayer which
classes each of which has raised an economic invoked the victory of the divine will on
theory to the level of a sovereign and ex­ earth as in heaven.
clusive principle. Nationality has become No one can close the door of hope which
a condition which overrides the fundamental 'Abdu’l-Bahá flung open in these words ad­
humanity of all the peoples concerned, dressed to a public audience in America dur­
asserting the superiority of political consid­ ing 1912:—
erations over ethical and moral needs. ''Religion is the outer expression of the
Similarly, economic groups uphold and pro­ divine reality. Therefore it must be living,
mote social systems without regard to the vitalized, moving and progressive. If it be
quality of human relationships experienced without motion and non-progressive it is
in relation to religion. But when human without the divine life; it is dead. The
relationships are held to be political or social divine institutes are continuously active and
problems they are removed from the realm evolutionary; therefore the revelation of
in which rational will can operate under the them must be progressive and continuous.
guidance of divine law. Only spiritual prob­ All things are subject to re-formation. This
lems can be solved, for only those issues sub­ is a century of life and renewal. Sciences
mitted to revealed truth are brought into and arts, industry and invention have been
the arena of unity. In essence, the fatal dis­ reformed. Law and ethics have been recon­
ruption of international relations arising stituted, reorganized. The world of thought
from war and revolution is the visible sign has been regenerated.
that the instigator of strife seized a political "Will the despotism of former govern­
instrument to express an action contravening ments answer the call for freedom which
spiritual truth and law. Outside that truth has risen from the heart of humanity in this
and law there is no solution. The result of cycle of illumination? It is evident that no
violent onslaught is eventual ruin. vital results are now forthcoming from the
That is why, when faith weakens and customs, institutions and standpoints of the
conscience grows blind, the world falls into past. In view of this, shall blind imitations
strife and confusion; for the instigator of of ancestral forms and theological inter­
violence does not bear the entire responsi­ pretations continue to guide and control the
bility of the war. He could not hope to religious life and spiritual development of
precipitate overturn for power and profit humanity today? Shall man, gifted with
unless the moral force of the rest of the the power of reason, unthinkingly follow
world was indifferent or divided. A t such and adhere to dogma, creeds and hereditary
times, when the way is darkened, the Prophet beliefs which will not bear the analysis of
returns to mankind, renewing the law and reason in this century of effulgent reality?
120 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY
THE BAHÁ1 HOUSE OF WORSHIP 121

"From the seed of reality, religion has in 1912. He addressed large audiences in
grown into a tree which has put forth leaves churches of many denominations, in syna­
and branches, blossoms and fruit. After a gogues, universities, liberal clubs and peace
time this tree has fallen into a condition societies. In these talks He created the
of decay. The leaves and blossoms have program and policy which leading indi­
withered and perished; the tree has become viduals and institutions have taken over and
stricken and fruitless. It is not reasonable are now promoting without full realization
that man should hold to the old tree, claim­ of its spiritual source.
ing that its life forces are undiminished, its The Bahá’í House of Worship preserves
fruit unequalled, its existence eternal. The the vital truth which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá con­
seed of reality must be sown again in human veyed as the most important element of His
hearts in order that a new tree may grow message, but which has been neglected by
therefrom and new divine fruits refresh a generation which came to believe that
the world. By this means the nations and public policy, if good and helpful, will pre­
peoples now divergent in religion will be vail by its own impetus. What ‘Abdu’lbrought into unity, imitations will be for­ Bahá pointed out as the essential condition
saken and a universal brotherhood in the is the power of the Holy Spirit flowing
reality itself will be established. Warfare through the Manifestation. The Mashriqu’land strife will cease among mankind; all Adhkár is the monument raised by the
will be reconciled as servants of God.” Baha’is to Bahá’u’lláh, and not merely a
public testimonial to a system of liberal
The Mission of Peace
truths.
The final meaning associated with the "The body of the human world,” ‘Abdu’l-
Bahd’i Temple bears upon the means of Baha declared, "is sick. Its remedy and
attaining world order and universal peace. healing will be the oneness of the kingdom
The location of the House of Worship of humanity. Its life is the Most Great
in the central heart of North America is Peace. Its illumination and quickening is
not less important than its architectural love. Its happiness the attainment of spirit­
design. ual perfections. It is My wish and hope
The coming of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to America that in the bounties and favors of the Blessed
in 1912 represented the working out of Perfection (i.e., Baha’u’lldh) we may find
His clear vision of the events and conditions a new life, acquire a new power and attain
which were to culminate in the establish­ to a wonderful and supreme source of
ment of peace on earth. In the process of energy so that the Most Great Peace of di­
attainment, North America has been en­ vine intention shall be established upon the
dowed by destiny with the sublime mission foundations of the unity of the world of
of leadership among the nations. On many men with God. May the love of God be
occasions, and in weighty words, ‘Abdu’l- spread from this city, from this meeting,
Bahá explained this mission to the Ameri­ to all the surrounding countries. Nay, may
can people. The present world outlook, and America become the distributing center of
the constructive social vision, of America spiritual enlightenment and all the world
proceeds, directly and indirectly, from the receive this heavenly blessing. For America
truths which He expounded in daily meet­ has developed powers and capabilities greater
ings and interviews held for nine months and more wonderful than other nations.”
H IS T O R Y O F TEMPLE C O N S T R U C T I O N
1 9 0 3 - r 9I 5

I X a VING heard enthusiastic reports of
the building of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr
tinent of America, men and women, will
strive night and day until the Mashriqu’lin ‘Ishqábád, Russia, the members of the Adhkdr is erected in the utmost solidity
Spiritual committee (better known as the and beauty.”
"House of Spirituality” ) of the Chicago And again: "Today, the establishment of
Assembly were inspired to supplicate to the the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr is of paramount im­
Center of the Covenant, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, to portance, but hereafter it shall not be so.
grant permission for the second Mashriqu’l- This is the beginning of organization; it is
Adhkdr to be built in America. like unto the first church founded in Chris­
On June 7, 1903, a tablet was revealed tianity; it is an expression of the elevation
in ‘Akká by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd saying, "Now of the Word of God.”
the day has arrived in which the edifice of While in London, on his first European
God, the divine sanctuary, the Spiritual trip, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd told Mr. Charles Mason
temple, shall be erected in America.” Remey that its building is the most im­
The following words from the pen of portant of all things. This is the spiritual
‘Abdu’l-Bahd clearly indicate the erection foundation, for that reason it is the most
of a material building: "The Mashriqu’l- important of all foundations; from that
Adhkdr, though outwardly a material foun­ spiritual foundation will come forth all
dation, is possessed of spiritual effect and manner of advancement and progress in the
causes the union of hearts and the gather­ world of humanity. Therefore, how great
ing of souls. . . . Praise be to God! The is its importance.
erection of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr has a To Mrs. Helen S. Goodall and Mrs. Ella
great effect in all grades (or states). It was G. Cooper, 'Abdu’l-Bahd said: To have it
tested in the east and so evidently and built is most important. Some material
plainly was it proved good (that) even things have spiritual effect, and the Mashri­
when in a village a house was - called the qu’l-Adhkdr is a material thing that will
Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr, it possessed a different have great effect upon the spirits of the
effect. How much more its building and people. Not only does the building of the
organization.” Furthermore, He says, "The Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr have an effect upon
Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr is the most important those who build it, but upon the whole
matter and the greatest divine institute. world. In the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr, services
Consider how the first institute of His holi­ will be held every morning and the words
ness Moses, after His exodus from Egypt of Bahd’u’lldh only are to be read.
was the 'Tent of Martyrdom’ which He While in Ramleh, Egypt, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd
raised and which was the traveling temple. assured Mr. Percy Woodcock that the most
It was a tent which they pitched in the important thing in this day is the speedy
desert wherever they abode, and worshipped erection of the edifice. Its mystery is great
in it. Likewise, after His holiness Christ— and cannot be unveiled as yet. In the future
May the spirit of the world be a sacrifice it will be made plain.
to Him— the first institute by the disciples During the sojourn of Mr. and Mrs.
was a temple. They planned a church in Charles Haney in the prison home of
every country. Consider the Gospel, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, He said: When the Mashri­
the importance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar qu’l-Adhkdr, with its accessories, is estab­
will become evident. I hope that all the lished in the world, aside from its religious,
beloved of God, collectively, on the con­ or spiritual influence, it will have a tre-
HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 123

mendous effect upon civilization. Aside a number of people are making efforts. Now
from the religionists, who will feel its in­ while the building of this temple is not yet
fluence, materialists will not be exempt started or engaged in, if there be the found­
therefrom. Moreover, it contains divine ing of a second temple undertaken, neither
wisdom, spiritual effects upon the intellects of the two would be accomplished and this
and thoughts. Subsequent to its erection failure would weaken the Cause.”
these will become evident. Mr. Mountfort Mills received a tablet
This important point was made clear to from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá saying: "The Mashri­
a pilgrim visiting Him, namely, that the qu’l-Adhkdr of Chicago is of the greatest
organization of worshipping places is not importance. This Bahd’i temple is a supreme
simply for drawing near to God, but it is House of Worship, a place of spiritual
to concentrate the word of the spirit of God gathering and of the manifestation of di­
and cause the power of unity and oneness vine mysteries. The friends of God must
among the people. endeavor with all their hearts and souls
Regarding the locating of this edifice of that this structure may be raised and com­
God, ‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote to the friends of pleted.”
New York City: "Concerning the erection The Center of the Covenant has written:
of the temple; now all the believers must "One must first grasp those affairs which
become united, so that the temple may be will make growth (in the Cause) and also
built soon in one place. For should the be­ be in time and season”
lievers undertake (the erection of the From the foregoing quotations it is mani­
temple), in many places, it will not become fest that the Mashriqu’l-Adhkir is founded
completed anywhere; and as in Chicago on the "Rock of Ages,” the eternal Word
they have preceded every other place to of God, as to its object, location and appro­
plan the erection of the temple, undoubtedly priate time for its erection.
to cooperate and help them is nobler and a A brief sketch of the work accomplished
necessity. Then when it is built in one place may prove interesting:
it will become erected in many other places, In the spring of 1907, while Messrs.
God willing, in all the states of America, in Chase, Agnew and Scheffler were in the
the future, there will be erected temples, prison home of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, He said to
with infinite architectural beauty and art, them: Concerning the temple, the Mashri­
with pleasing proportions and handsome qu’l-Adhkdr is a very important matter,
and attractive appearances, especially in the most important thing now in America
New York.” is the building of the temple. You and
Also to Dr. Edward Getsinger, ‘Abdu’l- your friends must endeavor in this matter.
Baha wrote: "Regarding the building of This building will be the cause of the con­
the temple in Chicago, both of you (Dr. firmation of the believers. It has a great
and Mrs. Getsinger) display the utmost effect because it is the beginning of the
effort in encouraging and inspiring the be­ foundation. After centuries it is not so
lievers and the maid-servants of God, so important as it is now, but now it is very
that they may assist in the matter with important. At first they build the temple
generosity, and thus soon this temple will and worship in it and grow. In past times
be erected. This matter is of great im­ they could not build it so outwardly. This
portance.” ("Utmost im p o rta n c e ” in building will be the cause of unity and
‘Abdu’l-Baha’s own handwriting). prosperity of the Cause. The unity comes;
When Eshte’al-Ebn Kalanter wrote re­ from every part the believers will assist.
garding a Mashriqu’l-Adhkar on Monsalvat This is a heavenly society and also it will
(Green Acre, Eliot, Maine), ‘Abdu’l-Bahá be the cause of strength. The believers will
replied: "Concerning the building of a get blessings and bounties. It cannot be
Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr on Monsalvat: It is cer­ compared with the church of the old time.
tain that before long this shall be built; You have only to begin, everything will be
and this is an ordained (or fixed) matter; all right.
but in Chicago it is two or three years since When this message was brought back to
124 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

America a new activity in the Mashriqu’l- Chicago meetings, establish a new meeting
Adhkár resulted throughout the country for the provision of the means of the temple.
and contributions from various assemblies If this is established with perfect fragrance
and individuals were received. A conven­ and joy, it will produce great results. In
tion was called for November 26, 1907, to this new meeting, especially for the estab­
be held in Chicago. This was the first lishment of the temple, women are also to
Mashriqu’l-Adhkár convention, regarding be members.”
which 'Abdu’l-Baha wrote to Mr. Charles In compliance with these instructions
Sprague: "Thou hast written concerning from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the House of Spirit­
the organization of a council for the build­ uality of the Chicago Assembly called the
ing of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr. This news second Mashriqu’l-Adhkár convention for
brought much spirit and fragrance, for the March 22nd and 23rd, 1909, the proceed­
nine delegates sent by the various assemblies ings of which were accurately recorded by
gathered in that meeting and consulted con­ Miss Gertrude Buikema and Mr. Charles
cerning the building of the Mashriqu’l- Ioas, duly elected to act as secretaries, and
Adhkár.” afterwards printed. Thus the tiny mustard
Several possible tracts of land on both seed of nine delegates grew in the two in­
the south and north sides of the city had tervening years to four times nine. The
been investigated, as ‘Abdu’l-Baha had said Baha’i Temple Unity resulted, as an or­
to a pilgrim that it must be near the lake. ganization, with full power and authority
The morning of the day of November 26, to provide ways and means for the erection
1907, the delegates visited the south side of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. A constitution
tract, noting carefully the surroundings, was presented and adopted and the first
returning to the home of Mrs. Grace Foster executive board of Baha’i Temple Unity
for a sumptuous (Thanksgiving day) feast, was elected and authorized by the conven­
prepared in the name of the Center of the tion to close and complete the purchase of
Covenant by the Chicago maid-servants. the land, recommended by the first conven­
In the afternoon the delegates inspected a tion, 1907, of which two lots had been
tract north of the city. That evening a bought and paid for, with an option secured
spirited meeting was held over the location on the remaining twelve lots. Immediately
and it was unanimously voted that the after the close of the convention the newly
north shore tract was most desirable. Miss appointed executive board went into ses­
Gertrude Buikema took the minutes of this sion, selecting its officers in accordance
meeting. Upon closer investigation the with the constitution. The treasurer of the
north shore tract (now the site of the Chicago Assembly, Mr. Scheffler, in whose
Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr) was found to consist name the title to the two lots was held,
of fourteen lots. The spiritual meeting of turned over to the Baha’i Temple Unity all
the Chicago Assembly, after bringing the official documents and all monies held by
matter before the assembly for approval, him for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, as follows:
took title to two of the lots in the name
Monies on hand....................... $3,666.44
of the treasurer of the assembly, Mr. Carl
Land values ............................. 2,000.00
Scheffler, and arose to obey the Center of
the Covenant when He said: You have only
Total ...................................... $5,666.44
to begin, everything will be all right. The
sum of $2,000 was paid for those two lots When the two lots had been purchased,
on April 9, 1908. Mr. C. E. Brush, one of Chicago’s archi­
On June 19, 1908, a tablet was revealed tects, kindly made a plat of the tract and
by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and translated by His its surroundings, which was sent to ‘Abdu’ldaughter Moneveh Khanum, in which He Baha. A beautiful tablet flowed from His
wrote, "Ask every spiritual meeting in the pen, "To the friends and maid-servants,”
other cities that they will each select one saying that on the anniversary of the
and send him, and from these selected ones declaration of His holiness the Supreme, the
and with those who are selected from the Báb, the map of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr
HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 125

had been presented, that "great joy was 29th to May 1, 1912, will eternally wear
obtained thereby and with the greatest care the glorious crown of bestowal because of
it was considered,” that "it is indeed a de­ the presence of the Center of the Covenant
lightful spot worthy of this edifice and and His dedication of the Mashriqu’lbuilding.” (Date of this tablet July 4, Adhkár grounds, May 1, 1912. During this
1908). fiscal year the lake shore tract of 293 feet
The members of the Executive Board of frontage had been contracted for and pay­
Baha’i Temple Unity appointed Messrs. ment made on it, the purchase price being
Mills, Hall and Jacobsen, a committee to at­ $17,000. The contributions for the year
tend to the land negotiations, and an offer of having been $7,292.45.
$32,500 for the remaining twelve lots was The sixth convention was entertained by
made and accepted with a contract provid­ the friends of New York City, April 28 and
ing for the payment of $5,000 every six 29, 1913. Regarding this wonderful con­
months, with interest, commencing July vention ‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote to Mr. Wilhelm,
1, 1909. A religious corporation was saying:
effected under the laws of Illinois in the "Praise be to God, that the New York
name "Bahd’i Temple Unity” and the title believers became confirmed in the accom­
to the land secured. plishment of a great service and held in that
The third Mashriqu’i-Adhkár convention city the consultation convention for the
convened in Chicago, April 2 5 and 26, 1910. erection of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. They
Report of the work done during the year displayed the utmost of effort until that
was given by the secretary, Mr. Jacobsen, convention was inaugurated with infinite
and the financial secretary’s report showed perfection. They exercised the greatest love
contributions for the fiscal year: and kindness towards all the delegates who
had come from the different states. They
From the Orient.............. . $ 7,092.8 5
united and entertained the delegates in their
From America and Europe.. 7,638.66
homes. With perfect affection they spread
Turned over by Mr. Scheffler 5,666.44
before them the banquet of hospitality.
Every one became grateful and happy. This
Total ..................................... $20,397.95
event will adorn an important and blessed
($2,000 of this being land) page in the Bahd’i history.”
Contributions had come from India, At this convention the commemoration
Persia, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Russia, of the ninth day of every month as Mashri­
Egypt, Germany, France, England, Canada, qu’l-Adhkar day was proposed and after­
Mexico, Hawaiian Islands, and a little island ward confirmed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha and has
far out in the Indian Ocean, Mauretius. Be­ proved a very great impetus to the Mashrisides from sixty different. American cities. qu’l-Adhkár work. The friends of other
The words of the Center of the Covenant countries join with us in observing the day;
had literally been fulfilled: You have only very beautiful are the letters from our four
to begin—everything will be all right. American sisters in Teheran telling of their
The fourth Mashriqu’l-Adhkar conven­ holding this ninth day with us.
tion was held in Chicago, May 1 and 2, 1911. The first contribution for the fiscal year
A command having come from ‘Akka to April 30, 1912 to April 19, 1913, was a
hold the convention during the Ridván gift from the Center of the Covenant at
days. During the fiscal year, April 23, 1910, the closing session of the previous conven­
to April 29, 1911, the total contributions tion in Chicago. Also this year marked the
were: completion of the payment on the site dedi­
cated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and an indebtedness
The Orient and Europe........$ 1,190.83
of $9,000 on the Lake Shore tract remained
America ......... ......—............... 9,210.76
only, its entire liquidation being urged be­
fore the expiration of 1913. The contribu­
Total ..................................... $10,401.59
tions for the year having been $14,206.42.
The fifth convention in Chicago, April Another year soon rolled around and
126 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Chicago was again blest with a Mashriqu’l- giving offering, though it seems minute
Adhkár convention, which was the seventh indeed to express what I feel.”
convention. It also marked the fiftieth an­ During the fiscal year beginning April
niversary of the Declaration of BaháVlláh. 27, 1914, the monthly contributions have
At the close of the year 1913 the money been as follows:
came literally rolling in for the cancellation
of all land debts and a cablegram was sent April 27 to May 1.... ............. $ 258.00
to ťAbdu’l-Bahá announcing that the Bahd’i May .......................................... 388.60
Temple Unity had completed its land obli­ June ....................................... 3 51.09
gations. Thus the new year, 1914, dawned July ............ ............................. 483.31
free of any clouds for the Mashriqu’l- August ................... 344.22
Adhkár work so that the building fund September ................. 1,533.88
might be started. The financial secretary October ................................. 557.99
reported contributions for the year $13,- November ............................... 519.50
503.79 and the Unity entirely out of debt December ....................... ....... 614.66
with land holdings for which $51,500 had January .... .............. 768.72
been paid and which was worth almost February ................................ 247.10
double the price paid. Complete unity and March ..................................... 278.76
harmony marked the sessions of this seventh April 1 to April 18................ 2 51.82
convention.
And now the eighth Mashriqu’l-Adhkar Total to April 18, 1915........ $6,597.65
convention and first Baha’i congress has
Total receipts of subscriptions from
convened in San Francisco. Thus our con­
August, 1907, to April, 1915.
ventions held in the United States of Amer­
ica have travelled from coast to coast. First Convention .................$ 5,666.44
Almost immediately after the second con­ Second Convention .............. 14,731.51
vention, when the Bahd’i Temple Unity Third Convention ................ 10,401.59
resulted, the president of the first Executive Fourth Convention ..... 7,292.45
Board, Mr. Mountfort Mills, of New York Fifth Convention ___ 14,206.42
City, visited the Center of the Covenant Sixth Convention ................. 13,503.79
who was still a prisoner of the Turkish Seventh Convention ..... 6,597.65
Government, though liberated in July of
that same year, 1908. Mr. Mills wrote: Grand Total .................. $72,399.8 5
"A t the temple convention, He seemed most
pleased and satisfied and assured us that the Of the above amount $11,159.75 was
future would see many more, constantly from countries other than United States,
increasing in numbers, attending and bring­ as follows:
ing together representatives from all parts England: St. Ives, Cornwall; Springfield,
of the world. He said that these gatherings Broadway; Manchester; London; Sussex,
would be to the spiritual body of the world Brighton; Warwicke; Clifton, Bristol.
what the inrush of the spirit is to the Ireland: Warrington, County Down.
physical body of man, quickening it to its France: Paris; Dinan, Brittany.
utmost parts and infusing a new light and Germany: Berlin; Stuttgart; Esslingen;
power.” Zuffenhausen.
One of the most touching gifts to the Italy: Sienna; Ravenna, Erba.
building fund was a check for $1,000 ad­ European Turkey: Constantinople.
dressed to "The Baha’i Temple of Peace” Palestine: ‘Akka; Haifa.
and saying in the letter, "In Europe, fathers Russia: Baku; Ishqábád.
and brothers have been torn from their Persia: Tihrán; Esphahan; Gangelie;
wives and little children, and many left at Shiraz; Yahromi; Resht; Kermanshah; Sanshome are in want of dire necessities. Our tan; Meshed; Tiflis; Yazd; Arabelli.
beloved ones are not facing mutilation, acute India: Rangoon; Bombay; Mandalay.
suffering and death. I send this as a thanks­ Egypt: Cairo; Port Said; Alexandria.
HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 127

South Africa: East Rand; Transvaal; Islands of the Sea: Isle of Pines; Isle of
Capetown. Mauretius; Hawaiian Islands.
New Zealand: Davenport; Auckland. Respectfully submitted,
Brazil: Sao Paulo. C o r in n e T r u e ,
Canada: Montreal; Brockville; St. John’s, Financial Secretary,
N. B. Baha’i Temple Unity.

The seal of the first Baha’i Assembly of the United States
and Canada, 1897.
HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION
I9 I 5~I9Z5
A t the Convention called by the Secre­ "I was rejoiced through your endeavors
tary of the National Spiritual Assembly to in this glorious Cause, made with joy and
discuss ways and means for raising funds good interest. I pray God to aid you in
necessary for the construction of the first exalting His word, and in establishing the
story of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr, which was Temple of Worship, through His grace and
held in Chicago, October 19-20, 1924, the ancient mercy. Verily, ye are the first to
Temple Committee was instructed to draft arise for this Glorious Cause in that vast
a complete report on the status of the religion. Soon will ye see the spread of this
Temple work to be submitted to the N a­ enterprise in the world, and its resounding
tional Spiritual Assembly for approval and voice shall go through the ears of the people
to be sent to the Bahá’ís of the United States in all parts.
and Canada. "Exert your energy in accomplishing
It is the purpose of this report to deal what ye have undertaken, so that this
specifically only with matters that have glorious Temple may be built, that the be­
transpired since the selection of the design loved of God may assemble therein and that
of the building, but in order to refresh the they may pray and offer glory to God for
memories of the friends regarding the won­ guiding them to His Kingdom.”
derful accomplishments of the previous Since that time the work has progressed
years, we are presenting a brief résumé of intermittently. During the first six years
the various early stages of the work. the members of the Assembly in Chicago
strove enthusiastically so that in the spring
Early H istory
of 1909 when the first Convention met in
The inception of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar Chicago, having been called by the House
in the West dates back to the spring of of Spirituality for the purpose of establish­
1903, twenty-two years ago, at which time ing the work of the Temple on a national
the corner-stone of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr basis, the Chicago Assembly was able to re­
in ‘Ishqábád, Russia had been laid and photo­ port the acquisition of two lots at a cost of
graphs of the event sent to the members of $2,000.00, and a cash fund of $3,666.44.
the House of Spirituality in Chicago, inspir­
Purchase of Site
ing that body to arise for the erection of a
Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr in America. In response As before stated the purchase of two lots
to their supplication, ‘Abdu’l-Baha granted in the main tract had been completed by
permission for the undertaking in the fol­ the House of Spirituality of Chicago, the
lowing wonderful Tablet: deeds for which were in due time turned
"I send you the glad-tidings of the erec­ over to the Bahá’í Temple Unity when it
tion of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar (The Baha’i was organized just after the first Conven­
Temple) in ‘Ishqábád, with all joy and tion. The remainder of the main tract
great happiness. The friends of God as­ bounded by Linden Ave. on the south,
sembled together with rejoicing and con­ Sheridan Road on the north and east, and
veyed the stones themselves upon their by the property of the Sanitary District of
backs, while attracted by the love of God Illinois on the west was purchased at a cost
and for the glory of God. Soon that great of $32,500.00. The final payment on this
Temple will be completed and the voice of was made on October 1 , 1912. The pur­
prayer and praise shall ascend to the Sub­ chase of the lake shore tract was completed
lime Kingdom. February 2, 1914. It cost $17,000.00 There
HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 129

also is a small triangular plot of land across Mr. Remey, and selected by the Convention.
Sheridan Road, north of the main tract in­ The model of MashriquT-Adhkár is, how­
cluded in these purchases. ever, too big. It needs several million dol­
The main tract measures on its south lars for the cost of construction. If possible
boundary, Linden Ave., 607.5 5 ft., on its Mr. Bourgeois may reproduce the same model
west boundary where it adjoins the property on a smaller scale, so that one million dollars
of the Sanitary District of Illinois, from may suffice for its construction. This should
Linden Ave. north to a point where the be reconsidered only if possible.”
line strikes a slight angle, it measures 257.80 The design of the Bourgeois model being
ft.; on the same boundary another angle a new and unique conception does in its
13 5.52 ft., still another angle on this line main character depart somewhat from recog­
measures 13 8.06 ft. The Sheridan Road nized architectural standards, chiefly in the
line also turns slightly several times, the manner in which the upper stories connect
sections of the line beginning at the north­ with the lower part of the building. It is
west measuring east and south are 129.92 usual for the main ribs of a structure to
ft., 219.47 ft., 166.46 ft., and 271.46 ft. ascend directly from the ground. In this
The triangular section measures on Sheridan design the main ribs of the upper stories
Road 141.49 ft., on the east 131.78 ft., and and dome were shifted so that they
facing the Canal 141.49 ft. The lake shore connected midway between the main or
tract on Sheridan Road measures 291.40 ft.; first story buttresses, immediately above the
3 ft. at the south end of this line are in doorways. This caused considerable adverse
dispute, depth at that point is 168 ft., and criticism from laymen and architects, so
at the north end it is 183 ft. to the water that the Executive Board of Baha’i Temple
edge. Unity ordered Mr. Bourgeois to prepare a
set of drawings altering this particular fea­
T he Bourgeois D esign
ture. This work was in the nature of an
The facts regarding the selection of the experiment to assure the members of the
model of the Temple by the believers at the Board in whose hands the responsibility
1920 Convention are too well known to re­ rested, that the Bahd’is were not making a
quire much elucidation; it might neverthe­ mistake in building a structure that thus
less be well if some points regarding this radically departed from recognized archi­
are mentioned. tectural standards. The result of the ex­
‘Abdud-Bahá directed that the believers periment justified Mr. Bourgeois, for it was
should select the design at the 1920 Con­ found that the life and beauty of the origi­
vention. A number of architects submitted nal model was not in the building shown in
designs, some in the form of drawn plans the experimental drawing. "It became a
and Mr. Charles Mason Remey and Mr. Louis rigid structure and lacked motion.”
Bourgeois submitted plaster models. After (Bourgeois).
careful deliberation and discussion, after The Executive Board also felt it necessary
hearing the opinion of disinterested men of to submit the design to ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and
standing in the architectural profession, the since it was obviously impossible to send
Bourgeois model was chosen. Mr. Remey, the model to Haifa they directed Mr.
who had submitted the other model, made Bourgeois to prepare drawings showing a
the motion that made the choice unanimous. front elevation and a cross section of the
The selection of the Convention was con­ building intending that the architect him­
firmed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in numerous Tab­ self should take these to Haifa and there
lets. We quote one of these written to Mrs. receive ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s instructions regard­
Corinne True, as follows: ing the building. This was done. About the
"Thanks be unto God that this Conven­ middle of January, 1921, Mr. Bourgeois
tion was supported by the confirmations of sailed to the Holy Land. The drawings were
the Kingdom of Abhá. Praise be unto God left with ťAbduT-Bahá, and they now hang
that the model of Mashriqud-Adhkár made in the shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd.
by Mr. Bourgeois was approved by his honor, It will also be noted that ‘Abdu’l-Baha in
130 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

the Tablet just quoted directed that if would not be necessary for me to make
possible the size and cost of the building plans of the caisson foundations so that on
should be considerably reduced. To comply this item my compensation would be for
with this instruction the Executive Board supervision only. However, a modification
directed Mr. Bourgeois to make experimental of this arrangement was made soon after
drawings to determine whether or not the because it became necessary to make certain
design would lend itself as it stood to the structural plans of the superstructure in
necessary reduction. It was in the main order to get a building permit and in doing
found to be feasible, the only notable change this work it proved necessary to revise the
in the building being in the number of caisson foundation designs which had been
windows on either side of the entrance made previously.
doors. All of this work was done in the "Only so much additional work was done
period intervening between the Convention, as was necessary to serve the two purposes
which was held in April 1920 and the first cited.
of January 1921. The size of the structure "As stated above, a contract was let to
was reduced from 450 ft. in diameter to Avery Brundage on December 17, 1920, for
153 ft. in diameter, and the estimated cost nine caisson foundations under the central
reduced to about $1,200,000.00. This in­ portion of the building with the intention
cludes a rough plaster interior, an ornamen­ of proceeding immediately with this portion
tal iron rail on the balcony, but no decora­ of the work.
tions for the interior. "An informal application was made to
the Village of Wilmette for a permit on
Engineer ’s R eport
December 21, 1920. No action was taken
"My contact with the Bahd’i Temple but on the contrary, some opposition de­
project in Wilmette started in the fall of veloped and it was necessary to file a formal
1920. I met some members of the Board application for permit, which was done on
at that time in connection with the dis­ January 7, 1921. Permit was refused at
cussion of some municipal plans of the this time because plans of the building struc­
Village of Wilmette in their relation to the ture were not submitted as required by
Temple project. I also conferred with Mr. ordinance. This situation made it necessary
McDaniel regarding the foundation plan, to proceed with preparation of general struc­
which he was preparing at that time, and tural plans sufficient to comply with the
gave some assistance to the Board in secur­ ordinances of the Village.
ing bids and letting the contract for the "These plans were drawn as rapidly as
caisson foundations which supported the possible and were filed with a formal appli­
central portion of the building. This con­ cation on March 4, 1921, and the building
tract was let to Mr. Avery Brundage on the permit was issued on the 19th day of March.
17th day of December, 1920. This permit covered not only the work then
"On January 5, 1921, I entered into a under contract but the construction of the
contract with the Bahd’i Temple Unity to entire building. Under the ordinances of
serve as its structural engineer and superin­ the Village this permit would probably be
tendent of construction. By this contract I considered as still in effect, although the
undertook to prepare the structural, me­ Village authorities could require the taking
chanical, electrical and sanitary engineering out of a new permit on account of the long
plans and specifications and to supervise the suspension of operations.
entire construction. This contract is still "Two contracts of considerable amount
in effect. It was stipulated in the contract have been carried out from my plans and
that I was authorized to proceed with the under my supervision, namely, with Avery
preparations of the plans for the founda­ Brundage for nine caissons, amounting to
tions and basement structure and that I $76,3 50.00, and with McCarty Brothers for
should not prepare any plans of the super­ the general basement section, amounting to
structure until further authorized. $108,500.00. In addition to these, there
"It was further contemplated that it have been several miscellaneous items which
HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 131

are shown on your records and which, with lights, sewer connection, furnaces, floor in
the above aggregate a total of $187,876.35. the central portion and other miscellaneous
Payments made to me amount to $8,000.00, items. Some of this has been under my
which includes payments to apply on ac­ supervision.
count of the extra work of preparing plans "Some filling material has been obtained
for permit and for caissons. from other operations in the neighborhood
"The Brundage contract for caissons was without expense, but so far it amounts to
completed early in the summer of 1921, only a small fraction of the total filling that
having been quite seriously delayed because is required.
of the large amount of water encountered "The structure in its present condition
in digging the wells for these foundations. is rather unsightly and has recently been the
These wells were approximately 120 ft. deep subject of some adverse comment. This is
and extended about 90 ft. below the level of probably a continuance of the opposition
the water in the lake and the drainage canal which was in evidence when the work was
near by. started. The structure has necessarily de­
"Soon after the completion of the caisson teriorated somewhat on account of exposure
contract, plans were submitted to con­ in its unfinished state, but this has not de­
tractors for the basement structure. This veloped to a serious extent and can be over­
covered the foundations other than nine come when the general work proceeds, or
caissons, which were required for the outer sooner if need be.
portions of the building and the complete "The Board authorized Mr. Bourgeois,
enclosure of the basement structure up to Architect of the Bahd’i Temple to proceed
and including the first floor. It did not in­ with his plans in 1921. He did so and car­
clude the basement floor, the subdivision of ried them to completion in 1922 to such
basement space, the finishing of basement extent as they could be completed without
nor the installation of any of the mechanical having the structural plans to coordinate
appliances. with the architectural plans. Inasmuch as
"A contract was made with McCarty I was not authorized to proceed with the
Brothers of Chicago for this work on August structural plans, I did only such work on
24, 1921. The starting of the work was them as was absolutely necessary to permit
somewhat delayed by the time required to carrying on the architectural plans. This
get the necessary signatures to the contract. consisted principally in determining some
Also the work occupied considerable more of the governing dimensions and in some
time than was anticipated but was finally instances the relation of the structural mem­
completed in the fall of 1922. bers to the architectural members. The plans
"Since the completion of the basement which were made for permit purposes were
contract, no work of importance has been very useful for the architect in this con­
done on the structure. As it now stands, nection.
the structure comprises the entire basement "The architectural plans show all of the
enclosure, which consists of the main en­ exterior treatment of the building and in
closing wall of concrete, about 200 ft. in large measure the interior arrangement.
diameter and 20 ft. high; the sloping con­ There are some details that could not be
crete deck, which is to support the steps completed on account of the absence of the
encircling the main structure; and the re­ structural plans, as mentioned, and also be­
inforced concrete deck which will be the cause the exterior material had not yet been
first floor of the main structure. Within determined.
this enclosure are all of the supporting "No specifications have been written.
columns required for superstructure and "The architectural plans are in such con­
beneath it are all of the foundations required dition that the essentials are all given so that
for the entire structure. the work could be carried on by some other
"Some work has been done to make the competent architect in case Mr. Bourgeois
interior of the basement partially usable, should be incapacitated.
such as the installation of water, temporary "A t the request of the Board I examined
Delegates to the first convention of the Bahá’ís of America, March, 1909.
HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 133

the architectural plans and reported sub­ stantially agreed upon by all parties at in­
stantially as above. terest but was not put into effect. The
"Before work can proceed with the super­ Temple building was located, however, to
structure, it will be necessary first to make provide for the possible contingency of this
the structural plans for it. The plans which change being made at some future date, so
were made for permit purposes, having been that when made, it would not detract from
developed from only preliminary archi­ the general plan of the Temple grounds.
tectural drawings, will not be serviceable. "It was desired that the most used en­
They will have to be done over and com­ trance to the Temple should be toward
pleted in very much greater detail. Then it ťAkká. In order to establish this accurately,
will be necessary for a number of additional astronomical observations were made to
drawings to be prepared in connection with establish the true meridian through the cen­
the architectural work in order to correlate ter of the Temple and from this the correct
the architectural, structural and mechanical position of this entrance established.
elements. Also some additional work may "The original model of the Temple was
be necessary on the architectural drawings, exhibited by special permission in the Art
dependent upon the selection of exterior ma­ Institute of Chicago from March 8 to April
terial. This will not affect the design of 5, 1921, and by shifting its location the
ornamentation but will affect the jointing exhibition period was extended from April
of the masonry materials. When these out­ 5. to May 2.
standing questions are settled, the specifica­ "A common field stone to mark the lo­
tions can be written. A large part of the cation of the Temple building was planted
specification work will fall to my lot but at the site by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the time of
some of it will be architectural. His visit to Chicago in 1912. The location
"Early in 1921, the Board appointed a of the stone has been carefully preserved so
materials committee, consisting of Mr. W. that a suitable marker can be placed at the
S. Maxwell, Mr. E. R. Boyle, Mr. A. B. Mc­ spot in the completed structure.
Daniel, Mr. Louis Bourgeois and Mr. H. J. "It should be borne in mind that a con­
Burt, Chairman, to study the questions of siderable amount of work is required to
materials to be used in the construction of prepare plans for proceeding with the con­
the Temple, having particular reference to struction and that I am not at this time
the exterior material. authorized to proceed with this work so
"A preliminary report was made on April ample notice should be given.
22, 1921, and a final report on February 18, "I think I need say nothing regarding the
1922. These reports are on file with the desirability of proceeding with the work
board. Mr. Bourgeois and myself visited St. as soon as arrangements can be made for so
Louis and Nashville and I- visited Washing­ doing, for I know that all connected with
ton and New York, as well as a number of it, as well as the residents of the North
points at and near Chicago, gathering in­ Shore district, are anxious to see this mag­
formation regarding materials. Some samples nificent structure carried forward to com­
of terra cotta and artificial stone have been pletion. ”
exposed to the weather at the Temple site
A rchitect’s Statement
since 1922.
"There are a number of miscellaneous "Regarding the work done on the plans
items in connection with the work that are for the Temple. I would say that I have
worth recording: drawn a full set of plans as follows: Floor
"About the time construction was started, plans, basement and gallery sections; a full
the Village of Wilmette was contemplating set of detail drawings three-quarters inch
a change in the location of Sheridan Road (% " ) scale for one-ninth (1 /9 ) part, first,
in order to partially eliminate the dangerous second, third story and dome. Also all sec­
curve along side of the Temple property. tion and profile for one-ninth ( l / 9 ) part
A shifting of the Road approximately 30 ft. of the Temple from floor to top of dome,
westward at the maximum point was sub­ full size. Comprising altogether about
134 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

thirty-six (36) rolls of drawings that vary to make the original moulds from which
in size from ten feet (10') long to one the various sections of the building are cast.
hundred and nine feet (109r). "This required considerably more draw­
"For in sta n c e , one twenty-seventh ing and of exceptional difficulty because of
( l / 2 7) section of the dome is drawn on the large size that is done on even highly
two rolls of paper four feet six inches ornamented buildings where more or less
(4 '6 ") in width by forty-five (45') feet stock ornamentation is used.
in length. All of this work, because of the "The Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr will require
unusual size, had to be laid out and drawn much more supervision than any other
on the floor. It required a space two hundred building of even greater size or cost because
and fifty (250') feet long by forty (40') the character of the ornamentation is en­
feet wide. tirely new and the modellers will have to
"The full size drawings of the outer struc­ be instructed constantly. The drawings
ture of this building were required because clearly show full size detail of the design,
all of the design and tracery on this struc­ but the depth and pitch of the modelling
ture are entirely new. From these drawings will have to be determined by me as con­
the modellers under my supervision will have struction proceeds.”

ESTIMATED COST TO COMPLETE STRUCTURE
The original estimates given for the entire structure were as follows:
Caisson ...... $ 50,000.00
Basement ........................ :............ 175.000. 00
First Story ................................................*.......................................................... 375.000. 00
Second Story .......-................................................................................................ 275.000. 00
To top of Dome................................................................................................... 325.000. 00

$ 1,2 0 0 ,000.00
$ 76,350.00
108,500.00

EXPENDITURES APRIL 1, 1909—MARCH 31, 192 5
Real Estate and Temple Building
Land (purchase price) ....................................................................................... $
Improvements to land ............. ...................................... ...................................
Temple Building:
Construction ......................... $204,828.46
Model ............................. 8,932.50
Plans for Temple ........................................................................ 8,728.10
Louis Bourgeois—On Contract ................................................ 36,700.00

$ 316,395.82
M yron H. P o tte r Respectfully submitted,
Chairman Baha’i Temple Committee,
C o rin n e T ru e C arl Scheffler ,
Financial Secretary Secretary.
A. F. M a tth ise n
Accountant
A lfr e d E. L u n t
A lb e r t W indust
TEMPLE SU P E R S T R U C T U R E
I93 ° - 1 9 3 1
Investigation of Materials

lljjA R LY in 1921, the Executive Board tition of forms and details was especially
appointed a materials committee, consisting adapted to a material such as concrete,
of the late Major H. J. Burt, the structural plastic when placed in molds or on the build­
engineer, as chairman, Louis Bourgeois, the ing, and becoming as hard and durable as
architect, W. S. Maxwell, architect, E. R. stone upon setting.
Boyle, builder, and Allen B. McDaniel, en­
Superstructure R aised
gineer, to study the problems of materials to
be used in the building of the Temple, with By 1929 the Trustees had received cash
special relation to the exterior material. The donations amounting to $400,000, sufficient
unique and elaborate design of this nine­ to proceed with the building of the super­
sided building had evoked considerable com­ structure. The materials committee recom­
ment at the time of its selection and dur­ mended to the Trustees the construction of
ing subsequent years when the model was the entire superstructure framework en­
exhibited in museums, art centers, libraries closed with a metal-glass dome and metal
and other public places in the larger cities frame windows and temporary doors. A
of the United States and Canada. Over a careful cost analysis had disclosed the prac­
period of nine years, and with a personnel ticability of constructing the skeleton struc­
changed through the death of Major Burt ture for the estimated cost of building the
and other causes, this committee made three first story complete with a temporary roof,
reports based on a world-wide study and in­ as originally contemplated by the architect
vestigation of building materials and their and the Trustees, who realized that the
use in monumental structures. Samples of Temple work must proceed in stages, as
cast stone, terra cotta, aluminum alloy and funds from time to time became available.
architectural concrete were prepared by This plan was adopted and in August,
various concerns and placed on the property 1930, a contract was awarded to the George
adjacent to the basement to test their dura­ A. Fuller Company of New York to build
bility, weathering, and discoloration. Con­ this framework superstructure on the foun­
ferences were held with leading representa­ dation. Due to the financial depression at
tives of the stone, cast stone, terra cotta, that time, the contractor was enabled to
metals and concrete industries. After do the work with expedition and such
months of studies, investigations and con­ economy that the plumbing and part of the
ferences the committee was able to get only heating and lighting systems were installed
one definite estimate for the exterior orna­ with available funds— thus providing a
mentation. The Earley Studio, Washington, completely enclosed and usable building.
D. C., submitted a full-size sample of the The structural design was prepared by Benja­
dome ornamentation and a preliminary esti­ min B. Shapiro, Consulting Engineer, Chi­
mate for the entire project. Soon after the cago, and the building was erected under
acceptance of his design, the architect, in his immediate supervision.
search of a suitable, practicable material of As this project started, the architect died
which his unique design could be executed, in his studio home on the Temple property.
had met and interested John J. Earley, an He had completed his design, including fullarchitectural sculptor, who had developed sized drawings of all of the exterior orna­
a new type (exposed aggregate) of archi­ mentation, great drawings of remarkable
tectural concrete. The nature of the design beauty and accuracy, some of them reaching
with its intricate ornamentation and repe­ a length of 109 feet.
E X T E R IO R ORNAMENTATION
I 932-"I 943
A b o u t one year after the completion the dome ornamentation first was the early
of the superstructure of the Temple, on belief that this portion of the project would
June 6, 1932, the first contract for the be the most difficult. As the work progressed
ornamentation was awarded to John J. into its later stages, however, unforeseen
Earley of Washington, D. C. This contract conditions and difficulties were encountered.
involved the making and placing of the ma­ These problems reached their highest com­
terial comprising the dome ornamentation plexity in the first or main story, especially
including the great ribs. As the work pro­ in the placing and setting of the great
ceeded, its was found necessary to continue spandrel sections and of the L-shaped cor­
these ribs beyond the base of the dome to nice pieces. In this portion of the work, the
the foot of the clerestory. costs of setting the casts was from two to
The preliminary work under the first con­ thtee times the cost of making the sections;
tract included studies of plant, technique, the reverse of the experience in the orna­
and methods for the execution of the work. mentation of the dome, clerestory and gal­
While new and more difficult problems arose lery story. This unforeseen situation ac­
as the various subsequent contracts were counts partly for the over-run in cost over
prosecuted, the general principle of tech­ the original estimate of the main story
nique and method, early established and de­ contract.
veloped, were generally used throughout the The first two contracts, which involved
entire project. For example, to allow for the ornamentation of the dome, ribs and
expansion and contraction of the reinforced clerestory or drum beneath the dome, ex­
concrete material and to eliminate cracking tended over a period of nearly three years.
as far as practicable, the ornamentation was The preliminary work including the prepara­
made in sections and placed with suitable tion of plans, the remodeling of the plant
spaces between adjacent sections. Each sec­ at Rosslyn, Virginia, the building of the fulltion was designed and prepared as a concrete size wooden replica of one-ninth of the
cast reinforced with a steel frame to provide outer dome framework and other similar
sufficient strength for handling at the plant work were done during the summer and
and at the building and for resisting wind fall of 1932. Construction at the Temple
and other pressures as a part of the structure. was initiated with the erection of the fur­
Practically the same groups of workmen ring system on the outer dome framework
carried out the various steps of the prepara­ and continued through January, 1934,
tion of the models and molds and the pour­ when the last sections of the great ribs were
ing and curing of the casts at the Studio, swung into place at the top of the dome.
and the erection of the casts and pouring of The erection of the dome and rib sections—
the piers, arches and other broad, flat mem­ involving the handling of pieces weighing
bers on the building. up to three tons—was handled efficiently and
Outstanding among the problems that without mishap by the Friedstad Company,
were solved in the handling of the work was the same contractors that erected the struc­
the support and fastening of the dome orna­ tural steel dome in the fall of 1930. In
mentation. A structural steel furring sys­ January, 1934, upon completion of the dome
tem was devised and built on the outer steel and ribs, a second contract was entered into
dome framework and to this system the 367 with the Earley Studio for the ornamenta­
casts that comprise the dome ornamenta­ tion of the clerestory. This project was
tion were securely supported and fastened. completed a little over a year later in
One of the principal reasons for doing January, 193 5.
EXTERIOR ORNAMENTATION 137

A two-year period of construction in­ pared sketches and made a preliminary esti­
activity elapsed from the summer of 193 5 mate of $30,000 for building the steps in
to the fall of 1937, during which time a sections suspended from the main floor plat­
special Technical Committee of Baha’is and forms. Later studies and the experience of
non-Bahá’ís reviewed the work done under the Federal government on monumental
the first two contracts, with special refer­ buildings in Washington developed a final
ence to placing future contracts on a com­ design comprising 917 step sections sup­
petitive and lump-sum basis. The unanimous ported on carriages built over the girders
report of this committee made to the Temple that support the sloping deck. In May,
Trustees at Green Acre in August, 1937, 1941, the Earley Studio was authorized to
recommended that the ornamentation be proceed with the steps and the plans, forms
continued with the Earley Studio on the and other preliminary work, involving an
basis of the experience gained in the develop­ expenditure of some $9,300, were done at
ment of methods, technique, materials, etc. the Studio. In April, 1942, the preparation
under the first two contracts. of the reinforcement units for the step sec­
Re-estimating the second or gallery story tions was begun at the Earley plant, and the
ornamentation at $125,000.00, the Earley construction of the carriages started at the
Studio was awarded a cost-plus contract for Temple about the middle of May. The set­
this work in October, 1937. The faces were ting of the step sections was begun in July
finished in November, 1938, and the nine and was somewhat retarded by lack of suffi­
pylons about eight months later. The cost cient reinforcement units to cast and set
of this work exceeded the estimate by only all of the 17 sections in one flight at one
about $2,800.00. setup of the hoist. These reinforcement
The casting and erection of the main units should have been prepared in the win­
story grilles, pilasters, columns, arches, ter of 1940 and the spring of 1941 as di­
spandrels, cornice and other minor parts, rected by the writer, but at this period the
was handled under two principal contracts; Earley Studio was running seven days a
first one involving the ornamentation of week on war contracts for the War and
three faces and second, the work required Navy Departments and the reinforcing shop
for the remaining six faces. These two con­ was not available.
tracts overlapped as to time and construc­ The final cost of $50,817.84 for the work
tion involved. As the pouring of the con­ involved in the steps contract, while it ex­
crete and the placing of the casts proceeded ceeds the original estimate of $30,000
from the bases of the faces, the difficulties (made on the basis of a different, much
inherent in the handling of the great arch simpler design), is a reasonable cost under
and spandrel sections and in the setting of conditions at that time, for the work done,
the cornice pieces became a major factor involving about 10,000 lineal feet of circu­
in running up the cost of the work above lar steps, 1000 square feet of main floor
the original estimate. platforms and the faces of the plinths of
With Europe becoming engulfed in war the nine pylons.
and realizing the need for haste in the prose­ On the Temple property, in addition to
cution of the Temple construction, the the Temple structure, buildings, garages,
Temple Trustees wisely arranged with the grading of the grounds and other improve­
contractor for the purchase of reinforcing ments have been made at expenditures of
steel, cement and stone necessary for the funds as noted below:
building of the 18 circular steps at the base Administration building......$1 5,837.95
of the Temple. The cement and stone were Caretaker’s house ................ 6,209.46
contracted for and the steel purchased in Supplementary house .......... 5,688.47
the summer of 1941. Storm enclosure—Temple.... 571.21
The original plans of the architect con­ Tunnels, areaways, etc......... 10,742.87
templated pouring the concrete steps on Fences .................. 1,614.86
the ramp of the foundation structure built Grading and seeding grounds 9,444.63
in 1922. In 1939, the Earley Studio pre­ Total ...................................... $50,109.45
Group of early Believers of Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A., taken about the year 1900
PART S I X

EARLY BAHÁT P I L G R I M A G E S TO
‘AKKÁ A N D HAIFA

T h e public announcement made at the created the capacity to teach; their letters
Congress of Religions in 1894 concerning anticipated the development of the great
the spiritual sanctity of Bahá’u’lláh quick­ publishing enterprise in later years. As the
ened into vital life the latent religious seek­ Master’s Person transcended His written
ing of the people of the West. Bahá’uTláh Tablets, so the experience of that small and
Himself had departed this life. ‘Abdu’l- specially blessed company who beheld Him
Bahá was still a prisoner unable to leave transcends the more formal methods of in­
Akká. No literature of the Faith existed struction employed by the following gen­
in North America. The response, therefore, eration.
demonstrated its power by an increasing In the Bahd’i catalog of 1924 we find a
flow of pilgrims who made the journey to number of pamphlets written by early pil­
the Holy Land in order to learn of the grims still listed: "Ten Days in the Light
teachings from the lips of Bahá’u’lláh’s of Acca,” by Julia M. Grundy; "In Galilee,”
chosen Exemplar and Interpreter. Famous by Thornton Chase; "Unity Through Love,”
among these pilgrimages, first in order of by Howard M acNutt; "Flowers From the
time and extraordinary in its permanent re­ Rose Garden of Acca,” by Ida A. Finch,
sults, was the party made up by Mrs. Phoebe Fanny A. Knobloch and Alma S. Knobloch;
Hearst, whose membership included Lua and "Table Talks in the Prison of Acca,” by
Getsinger, May Ellis Maxwell and the first Arthur S. Agnew. The "Flowers from the
American Negro Baha’i, Turner, and thir­ Rose Garden” were transplanted to bloom
teen other seekers. eternally in new soil, for its three authors
The ardor kindled by these visits made later identified themselves with the found­
the early pilgrims return as ‘AbduT-Baha’s ing or development of the Faith in a new
first messages to their fellow-countrymen of country: Ida A. Finch in Japan, Fannie A.
the United States and Canada, living Tab­ Knobloch in South Africa, and Alma S.
lets inscribed with the image of His radiant Knobloch in Germany.
being and the text of His loving wisdom. Other accounts printed in the early days
The pilgrims brought back the sense of the exerted great influence among the American
early days of faith, when the Prophet has Baha’is for many years, such as: "In Gali­
been seen by human eyes and heard by lee,” by Thornton Chase; "In Wonderland,”
human ears, and the world is filled with by Arthur S. Agnew; "Table Talks With
ecstasy like the golden light of perfect dawn. ‘Abdu’l-Baha in February, 1904,” notes
The teaching of the Faith in America, at taken by Mr. and Mrs. George T. Winterfirst confined to the effort of one Oriental burn; "Utterances of A b d u ’l Beha 'Abbá
who conducted a class in Chicago, became to Two Young Men, American Pilgrims to
established on the permanent foundation of Acre, 1901,” anonymous; "W hat Went Ye
direct relationship with the true expounder. Out For to See?”, by Thornton Chase; "An
All the activities of the Cause of BaháVlláh Early Pilgrimage,” by May Ellis Maxwell;
in America emanated from the few score " ‘Akká Lights,” by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
souls who attained the goal of all earthly Hannen; "A Brief Account of My Visit to
seeking in ‘Akká and Haifa between the ‘Akká,” by Mary L. Lucas; "Daily Lessons
years 1894 and 1911. Their vivid talks Received at ‘Akká— 1908,” by Helen S.
140 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Goodall and Ella G. Cooper; "A Heavenly I had been carried suddenly to too great a
Feast,” by Charles and Mariam Haney; "A height; my soul had come in contact with
Heavenly Vista,” by Louis G. Gregory; the Divine Spirit; and this force so pure,
"Knock and It Shall be Opened Unto You,” so holy, so mighty had overwhelmed me.
by Roy and M. J. M.; "Notes Taken at "He spoke to each one of us in turn of
‘Akká,” by Corinne True; "Table Talks,” ourselves and our lives and those whom we
anonymous; "Table Talks at ‘Akká,” by loved and although His words were so few
Arthur S. Agnew; "Visit to Abbas Effendi and so simple they breathed the Spirit of
in 1899,” by Margaret B. Peake. Life to our souls. . . .
Of much larger scope is the book entitled "During the three wonderful days and
" ‘Abbas Effendi,” by Marion H. Phelps, a nights we spent in that sacred spot we heard
serious effort made by an early pilgrim to naught but the mention of God; His Holy
compile in the household of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Name was on every tongue; His praise and
a brief history of the Faith and representa­ glory were chanted and sung; His beauty
tive selections from its literature. and goodness were the theme of all conver­
In "Some Answered Questions,” however, sation; His glorious Cause the only aim of
edited by Laura Clifford Barney from tran­ every life. Whenever we gathered together
scribed talks made by the Master in answer in one of the rooms they spoke unceasingly
to a series of questions she was permitted of the Blessed Perfection, relating incidents
to refer to Him during a long pilgrimage in in the life of the Beloved, mentioning His
1907, the contribution of the pilgrim to words, telling of His deeds and of the pas­
the spread of the Faith attained a new sionate love and devotion of His followers
height. The book produced as result of her until our hearts ached with love and
visit has since filled a unique place in the longing. . . .
literature of the Faith, and editions have "During the dinner our Master talked to
since appeared in English, French and other us and taught us, referring to Christ, quot­
languages. ing His utterances and prophecies, and al­
Space is lacking for a representative selec­ ways speaking with a simplicity and clear­
tion of the writings of these early Bahá’ís, ness which any child could comprehend; yet
but the few excerpts which follow convey His symbols and metaphors, drawn always
the spirit of their ardent experience. from nature, embodied that essence of wis­
From May Maxwell’s pamphlet:— dom and truth which baffles the learned and
"On the following morning, Friday the great.”
17th, at about seven o’clock, sister Mariam Thornton Chase wrote:—
hurried into our room and announced that "Scholars, scientists, th e o lo g ia n s and
‘Abdu’l-Bahá would arrive in a few mo­ students from the seats of learning of the
ments. We had barely time to dress when world, of every race, religion and clime, ply
a sudden stir without set all our beings in him with questions, and his simple answers
commotion. We went out into a large cen­ have satisfied—or confounded them. Whence
tral hall from which opened all the rooms came such knowledge? He has never been
in the house and opposite the door of one enrolled in the schools. His only Teacher has
of these we saw the shoes of the believers; been—his Father. His only . books—the
thus we knew that the Blessed Master was writings that were claimed to be Sacred
within. The others preceded me. In a mo­ Scriptures. There is no man living that can
ment I stood on the threshold and dimly say: I taught him.
saw a room full of people sitting quietly "His own writings, spreading like white­
about the walls, and then I beheld my Be­ winged doves from the Center of His Pres­
loved. I found myself at His feet, and He ence to the ends of the earth, are so many
gently raised me and seated me beside Him all (hundreds pouring forth daily) that it is
the while saying some loving words in an impQssibility for him to have given time
Persian in a voice that shook my heart. Of to them for searching thought or to have
that first meeting I can remember neither applied the mental processes of the scholar
joy nor pain nor anything that I can name. to them. They flow like streams from a
EARLY BAHÁ’Í PILGRIMAGES TO ‘AKKÁ AND HAIFA 141

gushing fountain, bearing treasures of Mrs. Laura Dixon
knowledge and wisdom, and bringing the Miss Sophie Engelhorn
waters of Life to thirsty souls everywhere Colonel Fiske
in the wilderness of earth. They satisfy the Colonel Nathan Ward Fitzgerald
intellects and pierce the hearts of men the Mrs. Ida Finch
world around, and many are they who have Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford
told us that, in the 'Tablets’ received from Mrs. Kathryn Frankland
'The Master/ it is proved that He knew Miss Sarah J. Farmer
their secret conditions and touched the Mrs. Helen Goodall
pulses of their inmost thoughts and desires. Mr. Louis G. Gregory
It is evident that 'He knows.5 Who Mrs. Phoebe Apperson Hearst
'knows?5 It is the man—‘Abdu’l-Baha (with party of thirteen whose names
Abbas? Indeed, who can know save the One follow ):—
who knows all things— the Omniscient— Dr. E. C. Getsinger
the Holy Spirit of God?55 Mrs. Lua M. Getsinger
From Roy C. Wilhelm’s account:— Dr. I. Kheirella
"During our last meal ‘Abdu’l-Bahá broke Mrs. Marian Kheirella
a quantity of bread into His bowl; then Anne Drucilla Apperson
asking for the plates of the pilgrims He Julia Pearson
gave to each of us a portion. When the meal Robert Turner
was finished, He said that He had given us Amelia Bochrodt
to eat from His bowl—now we were to Mrs. Maryam Thornburgh-Cropper
distribute His bread among the people.55 Mrs. Thornburgh
The occasion is opportune for listing the May Ellis Bolles (Mrs. Maxwell)
names of those American Baha’is who made Helen Adelaide Hillyer
pilgrimage during that early period of the Ella Frances Goodall (Mrs. Cooper)
Cause up to the time ‘Abdu’l-Baha came to Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg
North America in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hannen
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur S. Agnew Mr. and Mrs. William Hoar
Miss Alma Albertson Mr. Hooper Harris
Dr. Emma Mackay Appel Mr. and Mrs. Charles Haney
Mr. and Mrs. Willard Ashton Mrs. Cecilia Harrison
Mrs. Asayeh Pollock Allen Mr. Albert Hall
Mme. d’Angie d’Astre Mr. Herbert Hopper
Dr. George Augur Mrs. Maude Hauser
Mrs. Isabella Brittingham Mrs. Mary Tewksbury Jackson
Mrs. Alice Barney Miss Marion Jack
Miss Laura D. Barney Mrs. Kelting
Miss Charlotte Bingham Miss Lillian Kelting
Mrs. Alice Beede Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney
Stanwood Cobb Sanford Kinney
Dr. Sarah Clock Howard Kinney
Mr. Thornton Chase Miss Alma S. Knobloch
Mrs. Josephine Cowles Miss Fannie A. Knobloch
Mrs. Helen Ellis Cole Mrs. Mary Lucas
Mme. M. A. De S. Canavarro Miss Josephine Locke
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pillsbury Dodge Mr. Mountfort Mills
Mr. Wendell Dodge Dr. Susan I. Moody
Mr. William Dodge Mr. and Mrs. Howard MacNutt
Mrs. Alice S. Devin Miss Elizabeth Mather
Mrs. Emily Dixon Mr. Harlan F. Ober
Miss Louise Dixon Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons
Miss Eleanor Dixon Mrs. Pursell
142 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Mr. Myron H. Phelps Miss Juliet Thompson
Mrs. Arna True Perron Mrs. Corinne True
Mr. Charles Mason Remey Mrs. Louise Waite
Miss Caroline Rogers Miss Winalda Wilcox
Mr. Sigurd Russell Mrs. Laurie Wilhelm
Miss Elizabeth Stewart Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm
Mr. Carl Scheffler Miss Maria Wilson
Mr. Sydney Sprague Prof. George Winterburn
Mrs. Louise Stopfer Mrs. Rose Winterburn
Mr. Howard Struven Mr. and Mrs. Percy Woodcock
Mrs. Hebe Moore Struven (with two daughters)
T E A C H E R S S E N T TO A M E R I C A
BY ‘A B D U ’L-BAHA

jAlBDUL Karim Effendi T eherani, of given at the Masonic Temple, Sunday eve­
Cairo, Egypt, was the first teacher sent to ning, May 11, 1902.
America by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. He arrived in Also ‘Abdu’l-Baha sent to America in
New York City in May, 1900. He remained 1902 the revered Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl, of
there for some time and then came to Gulpaygan, Persia. He was accompanied
Chicago where he was entertained by Dr. by Mirza Ali-Kuli Khan, later an attache
C. I. Thatcher in his home at 14 Loomis of the Persian Embassy in Washington,
Street near Monroe Street. Dr. Thatcher D. C., who acted as his interpreter and
had fitted up a hall for meetings in the base­ translator. The Bahd’is had already rented
ment of his house and all the meetings were a house on Monroe Street, corner of Loomis,
held there. Anton Haddad was his transla­ for a headquarters where the activities of
tor and Mirza Raifie also translated some of the Cause were carried on. Here Haji Mirza
the time. The addresses of Abdul Karim Hassan and party, Mirza Abu’l-Fadl and all
Effendi given in Chicago, including one the translators lived at the same time. This
given in New York, and also a Tablet he was a glorious experience for the friends
had received from Bahá’u’lláh, were pub­ who gathered there to receive the teachings
lished in a booklet. This booklet was of from these marvelous teachers. Every Sun­
great value to the Bahd’is at that time as day they gave public lectures in halls rented
it contained the true teachings and caused by the believers for Sunday meetings only,
the removal of conflicting ideas concerning as all other activities were held at the head­
the Cause then prevailing in America. He quarters.
made a trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to meet Mirza Abul’-F adl, spent much time in
the Baha’is in that city; he gave addresses New York, Green Acre, and Washington,
and held interviews for inquirers. A group returning there after his visit in Chicago.
photograph of the Bahd’is with Abdul His explanations of the Bible were wonder­
Karim Effendi and his party standing on ful, giving from Genesis to Revelation the
the veranda was taken in front of Dr. most voluminous and the most explicit in­
Thatcher’s house. Abdul Karim Effendi was terpretations we have ever received. His
a venerable and dignified appearing man talks and lectures were all taken down in
and wore the Oriental robes and turban. shorthand, but we have them only in type­
In 1901 Haji Mirza Hassan Khorasani, written form, also a large number of his
also of Cairo, Egypt, with Mirza Assad letters to believers and inquirers. These
Ullah of Haifa, Palestine, and Mirza Hussien have been carefully preserved by the Bahd’is
Rouhy, a school teacher of Cairo, who of those early days and have been followed
acted as their interpreter, arrived from the as a basis for giving the Message, especially
Holy Land. They were the bearers of a to Christians.
Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Baha stating that He He wrote a booklet "The Brilliant Proof,”
was sending them "to those regions to visit at the command of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in refuta­
you that their breasts may be dilated with tion of an article written by Peter Z. Easton,
joy in conversing with you about the Love a Protestant Missionary, which was a very
of God.” false and discourteous criticism of the Bahá’í
These teachers also wore the Oriental Cause. His book entitled "The Bahá’i
garb. Their talks were taken down in short­ Proofs” was published in 1902. After his
hand in Chicago every evening, but were departure January 21 , 1914, another edition
not published. His farewell address was was published containing a history of his
144 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

life, an account of his death, and tributes capacity. Preceding his second visit, Mírzá
and eulogies written by 'Abdu’l-Baha. Fadil spent a number of days with Shoghi
Several years later, in 1919, Mírzá Jenabe- Effendi in Haifa, and his travels through
Fadil of Teheran, Persia, with his family America gave the believers a clearer insight
arrived in America. They traveled from into the unique station which the Master
coast to coast teaching and lecturing. We created in the Guardianship. This second
have five little booklets of his lectures given visit was notable also in that it greatly
in Seattle, Washington. These were pub­ strengthened the National Teaching Com­
lished by the Seattle Baha’is in 1921. He mittee which arranged all the details of his
was a younger man than the former teachers schedule and published a news bulletin re­
who had visited us, but he was a fine speaker. porting his meetings and activities.
He was well liked by those of the friends To sum up: the American Bahá’í com­
who knew and associated with him. munity gratefully acknowledges its obliga­
Mírzá Jenabe-Fadil visited America a tion to the teachers whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent
second time, in 1923, on invitation from from Persia, the country of origin of this
the believers. He contributed much to our Cause. These matured souls freely shared
understanding of the Faith in those days their knowledge and their experience. In no
following the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá other manner, under the conditions pre­
when it had become imperative for us to vailing in those stages of our development,
realize the true nature of the Baha’i admin­ could the American Bahd’i community have
istrative order. This teacher had been sent received such inspiration and impetus and
by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, whose Tablets referring been bound by such ties to the believers of
to him conveyed high praise of his spiritual the Orient in one universal Faith.
T H E D E V E L O P M E N T O F BAHA'I
PUBLICATIONS
1. Growth of the Literature

P i VERY great idea is reflected in a litera­ tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Baha. As soon as a
ture of its own. The concept of democracy new tablet was received from Haifa, the
has been discussed in many treatises and re­ believer receiving it would send copies to
lated types of literature. . . . A literature known Baha’is in different parts of the
has grown up about great historical person­ country. The early centers in the large cities
alities. Witness the almost unceasing publi­ became points of distribution for tablets to
cation of books about Napoleon. . . . Cer­ isolated believers. We find many evidences
tain cycles of stories and legends have been of great earnestness and sacrifice in this
told and retold in different form. Thus we period when the Bahd’i teachings were first
find a whole literature built around the being introduced into the United States. It
legends of King Arthur and his knights. is said that these early believers devoured
Similarly, the great religions of the world each single paragraph and each tablet, no
have each produced a vast body of litera­ matter how brief, in their great desire to
ture, reflecting the myriad aspects in theory satisfy a newly awakened spiritual hunger.
and application of the particular body of One of the early centers of distribution
truth embodied in that faith. was New York City. Here the New York
The student approaching the Baha’i Bahd’i Board of Counsel sent out typed,
teachings is amazed at the extensive bibliog­ mimeographed, and printed pamphlets. In
raphy of publications in English. The dates February, 1904, the Board of Counsel sent
of publication go back to the beginning of out a 12 8-page mimeographed folder of the
the century, and the bibliography reveals a teachings. The contents were divided as
varied and constant out-pouring of litera­ follows:
ture on the Baha’i Faith.
Vol. 1. Long Tablets by the Manifestation
It is the purpose of this brief survey to
Vol. 2. Tablets to the Kings and short
give some idea of the growth of that litera­
Tablets by the Manifestation
ture and to comment on the authentic ma­
Vol. 3. Tablets from the Master, ‘Abdu’lterial now easily available to the student.
Bahá
To simplify the task of showing the his­
Vol. 4. Writings, lectures, etc., by Be­
torical development of Baha’i literature in
lievers
English, the discussion will be divided cate­
Vol. 5. News letters and information re­
gorically. Reference to the extensive bib­
garding the Cause
liography, found elsewhere in this volume,
will enable the student to search more closely Difficult though many of the translations
into specific books which could not be dis­ are in this early compilation, a great effort
cussed within the limits of this survey. It was being made to meet the need for a
should also be noted that no claim is made fuller knowledge. If it were possible to
for completeness. Only a few specific pub­ compare this compilation with all the lit­
lications can be mentioned; it is hoped that erature on the Baha’i Faith available in
they are representative. English up to that time, it would probably
In the early days of the Baha’i Faith in stand out as an historic effort.
America, i.e., about the year 1900 and im­ Many of the early pamphlets were mere
mediately after, the few scattered believers leaflets reproducing a Tablet from ‘Abdu’lexchanged typewritten copies of prayers and Baha. Some of these recorded conversations
146 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the
United States and Canada.
THE D EV ELO PM EN T OF B A H Á ’Í P U B L IC A T IO N S 147

between American believers and ‘Abdu’l- the visit of a party of Americans to ‘Akká.
Bahá. Most are undated and bear no refer­ The book is well illustrated with photo­
ence to place of publication. graphs of places in that vicinity associated
A deeply religious note concerning the with the lives of Baha’u’lldh and ‘Abdu’l-
"second coming” is reflected in a number Bahá. Again there is reflection of the lov­
of these leaflets. Three are headed, respec­ ing unity existent among the believers.
tively: Prophecies and Warnings, Can Ye It is to be noted that the many pilgrims’
Not Discern the Signs of the Times? and reports record conversation with ‘Abdu’l-
Prophecies— Signs of the Coming of the Baha. While this was a great aid in giving
"Son of Man.” The contents in each case an understanding of the teachings, ‘Abdu’lare a compilation of Biblical references and Baha Himself, and the Guardian after Him,
selections from the words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. insisted that only His written words and
Two of these state at the end: "Sincere seek­ those of His Father, Baha’u’llah, were to be
ers may address David . . (An address considered authentic. This is not an effort
in New York City follows). to minimize the importance of the pilgrims’
Among the early pamphlets are a number reports, but to point out that they filled
of the Tablets of Bahi’u’llah printed in a great need and helped carry over until a
leaflet form. A survey of this type of pub­ sufficiently large body of the writings of
lication would seem, however, to confirm Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha had been
the fact that the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha translated.
were given more prominence until the period A number of the early pamphlets and
following 1921 when the Guardian, Shoghi books on the Bahá’í Faith were published
Effendi, began his series of masterly transla­ by non-Bahá’i publishers. An example of
tions of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. This this is Myron Phelps’ book, The Life and
emphasis at that time is understandable Teachings of ‘Abbas Effendi, published by
when we realize that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was in Putnam and Sons.
constant correspondence with a number of Many in d iv id u a l B ahá’ís published
American believers. We must also keep in pamphlets and books. We have already
mind the fact that an accurate as well as mentioned the leaflets published by "David.”
beautiful translation of the books of Baha’­ Another individual who published exten­
u’llah is an exceedingly difficult task. sively over a period of years was Charles
Around the beginning of the century and Mason Remey. Mr. Remey published books
until 'Abdu’l-Baha’s release from prison in on the Temples, lessons and lectures on the
1908, there was a steady stream of small teachings, and many pamphlets. He also
parties of Americans to the prison-city of published accounts of teaching trips in
‘Akká. Many of those who made this seven mimeograph form. . . . These great efforts
thousand mile pilgrimage to sit at the feet on the part of individuals represent a fine
of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote pamphlets and book­ source of historical information and show
lets concerning the experience. This part of the efforts made to produce an adequate
Baha’i literature has come to be known as body of literature.
"pilgrim’s reports.” Various centers in the United States
Let us look at two samples. formed publishing groups. The Board of
A small 16-page pamphlet has a picture Counsel in New York City has already been
of a door on the cover and the verse from mentioned. Prior to 1908 a Baha’i Publish­
the New Testament: "Knock and it shall be ing Society had been organized in Chicago.
opened unto you” (Matt. 7:7). Inside are With the coming of the administrative
two brief, simply written accounts of visits order under the Guardianship of Shoghi Ef­
to ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Each records the great fendi, publishing has been centralized un­
love, hospitality, and unity which always der the Baha’i Publishing Committee, set
marked the home of the Master. up by the National Spiritual Assembly.
In Galilee, by Thornton Chase, the first This had made for efficiency, economy, and
American Baha’i, is a small book of this authenticity in Baha’i literature. We may
type. Here is a much longer account of set the date 1921 as approximately the be-
148 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

ginning of authenticity in translation and Bahd. This was a noteworthy effort to bring
publication of Baha’i literature. The impor­ together for the student the mass of Bahd’i
tance of the work accomplished by this literature then available in English. (In
Committee can hardly be overestimated. 1943 this was replaced by Bahd’i World
Another committee of the National Spir­ Faith, a one-volume anthology containing
itual Assembly, the Reviewing Committee, selections not available in English in 1923.)
was set up with the specific task of not only Commentaries on and explanations of the
passing on the authenticity of all publica­ teachings have been many. The best of
tions, but also of setting as high a literary these is Bahd’u’lldh and the Nem Era by
standard as possible. J. E. Esslemont, a book now translated
The present-day literature of the Bahd’i and published in over thirty languages. The
Faith in English falls into three classifica­ most literary of these books is The Prom­
tions: first, the actual translations of the ise of All Ages by Christophil, pen name of
teachings and history of the Faith; second, Archdeacon George Townshend of Dublin,
commentaries on, and explanations of, the Ireland. The pen of this gifted writer has
teachings; third, discussion of allied sub­ produced another book, The Heart of the
jects and literary expression of the Bahd’i Gospel, published in England, a few copies
spirit. of which have just reached this country as
Of the translations of the teachings, those this article is written. In both these vol­
translations by the Guardian stand out as umes, Townshend approaches the Bahd’i
monumental renderings of the prose of Faith from the viewpoint of Christianity.
Bahd’u’lldh into English. Rich in beauty He writes compellingly and convincingly*
and dynamic truth are his translations of showing the Bahd’i Faith as the consum­
Hidden Words, The Book of Certitude, mation of the teachings of Christ.
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahd’u’lldh, The monthly issues of World Order
and Prayers and Meditations by Bahd’u’lldh. magazine provide a forum for the discus­
How much easier now for a student to ap­ sion of subjects allied to the Bahd’i teach­
proach the spirit and teachings of Bahd’­ ings. Here we find articles on world fed­
u’lldh! . . . Nor must we overlook the eration, race relations, comparative religion
Guardian’s translation of Damn-Breakers: and modern sociology. With a great amount
N abit’s Narrative of the Tarty Days of the of authentic literature now available, Bahd’i
Bahd’i Revelation. Here, for the first time writers are able to discuss accurately the
in English, we can appreciate the glorious wide implications of their Faith in meeting
figure of the Báb, majestic predecessor of with the many individual and social prob­
Bahá’u’lláh. This volume provides a greater lems of the modern world. Here, too, in
degree of completeness in understanding the World Order, are many poetic expressions,
Bahd’i Faith. N ot only is The Damn- of the Bahd’i spirit, evidence of a still small,
Breakers the most beautifully bound Bahd’i but growing artistic expression of Bahd’i
book ever published, but it is by far the ideals. . . . Perhaps the most noteworthy
most scholarly and completely annotated. poetic effort is Howard Ives’ moving long
And we must not overlook the volumes of poem, Song Celestial.
‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Tablets, His compelling In concluding this brief survey, mention
Mysterious Forces of Civilization, and the should be made of the successive volumes
books of His recorded lectures. of T h e Ba h a ’i' W orld. Here is a chrono­
The writings of Shoghi Effendi himself logical account of the growth of the Bahd’i
constitute a special branch of Bahd’i litera­ Faith throughout the world. The volumes
ture dealing with the subject of world or­ are filled with articles, pictures, and repro­
der. We refer particularly to the series of ductions of documents of great historic
long, general letters beginning in 192 8 with value. Included always are excerpts from the
The World Order of Bahd’u’lldh. writings of Bahd’u’lldh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. To
In 1923 was published Bahd’i Scriptures, anyone wishing a good source for study of
a large compilation of the writings of Bahd’­ Bahd’i literature, history, and present-day
u’lldh and the writings and talks of ‘Abdu’l- administration, the volumes are invaluable.
THE D EV ELO PM EN T OF B A H Á ’Í P U B L IC A T IO N S 149

2. T h e Ba h á ’í M agazine tribution of authentic Bahd’i literature, the
believers would have been deprived of in­
The American believers have issued regu­ spiration and knowledge required for the
larly a magazine devoted to the exposition mighty tasks ahead. Above all, an instru­
of the Bahd’i teachings since March, 1910. ment would not have been ready for the
The Bahd’i periodical first appeared on dissemination of reports of the Master’s ad­
March 21 of that year and bore the title dresses to public audiences throughout
"Bahd’i News.” Albert R. Windust and North America or of His words of counsel
Gertrude Buikema were the editorial staif. and direction given to the believers in in­
This publication appeared every nineteen timate gatherings. "Bahd’i News” was a
days, in accordance with the Bahd’i calen­ milestone on the highway, a fertile seed
dar in which the month has nineteen days. which has already produced a harvest in
The issue of August 1, 1910 contained a many other Bahd’i communities of distant
Persian section: several pages of electroplates lands.
reproducing hand-lettered Persian script. As the name implies, this first Bahd’i
This feature was continued until February, organ reported the activities of national,
1925, the next to the last number in international and local Bahd’i concern. It
Volume XV. presented photographs of Bahd’i gatherings,
Beginning March 21, 1911, Volume II, Bahd’i sacred places, and of the Master,
the title was changed to "Star of the West” ‘Abdu’l-Baha. In these pages we find the
and this was retained until November, 1922, official record of the transactions of the
in Volume XIII, when the main title was Annual Convention, the lists of Bahd’i cen­
"The Bahd’i Magazine,” underneath it as a ters, the officers and committees conducting
subtitle, "Star of the West.” A few years national Bahd’i affairs, and the names of
later the subtitle was dropped. books and pamphlets made available through
In April, 193 5 the magazine was given the Bahd’i Publishing Committee. Traveling
its present tide of "World Order,” employ­ believers could locate meetings in other
ing the term which the Guardian had been cities. News of the Faith in far-distant
identifying with the Faith of Baha’u’llah in land was gathered and given distribution.
his communications to the American Baha’is Tablets of Bahd’u’llah were printed. The
for many years. "World Order” was desig­ Master’s replies to current questions were
nated as Volume One, Number One in a made available. Public Bahd’i lectures and
new series because it represented a union of special articles began to appear.
"The Bahd’i Magazine” and "World Unity.” The Baha’is constituted one great family,
Prof. Stanwood Cobb and Horace Holley and this was their intimate diary, personal
edited the new periodical. letter, visit and old home week, as well as
The appearance of "Bahd’i News” re­ a door flung open upon the heavenly vista of
flected events of major importance in the the Sacred Scriptures of their Faith. Besides
growth of the Faith in America. It syn­ the Temple, other national functions and
chronized with the beginning of the Annual projects took life and power from the Bahd’i
Conventions, the adoption of a preliminary magazine: the publishing of books and
constitutional basis for the activities, the pamphlets, the collection of Tablets and
first steps in the work of Temple construc­ sacred relics for the Archives, the conduct
tion (the purchase of land), and the deep­ of the Annual Convention and Bahd’i Con­
ening expectation of the Master’s visit to gress, and the rapid development of teach­
America, realized in 1912. Without an ing by individual believers, groups, commit­
organ representing the interests of the en­ tees and Assemblies from Maine to Cali­
tire Bahd’i community, transcending the fornia.
local interests of any city or section, the In later years, particularly with the estab­
all-important Temple work could not have lishment of the present "Bahd’i News” as
become established on the foundation of the organ of the National Spiritual Assem­
general unity. Without a loyal and respon­ bly, the magazine has become rather a
sible center for the publication and dis­ depository of exposition and a library of
150 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

excerpts from the Word than a conveyor first American Baha’i and a potent lecturer
of news. and teacher, and "Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,”
Other editors active in the work have Volume One.
been Albert Vail, Dr. Zia Bagdadi and Volume One of the Tablets was followed
Mariam Haney. several years later by Volumes Two and
The Baha’i magazine from its inception Three, a notable collection of the letters
possessed the recognition and received the revealed by kAbdu’l-Bahá to Assemblies,
loving encouragement of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. groups and individual believers up to the
"Shouldst thou continue to remain firm year 1909. The collecting of these Tablets
and eternal, erelong thou shalt become the began in 1903 when Mr. Windust was ap­
Star of the East and shalt spread in every pointed librarian of the Chicago Assembly,
country and clime. . . . At last thou shalt and his vision of the importance of assemb­
become the first paper of the world of ling and preserving the precious documents
humanity Yet all these depend upon founded the work of the national Bahá’i
firmness, firmness, firmness,” He revealed in Archives in America. Mrs. Fanny Lesch,
a Tablet dated 1910. Mary Lesch, and Gertrude Buikema prepared
the typewritten copies of the Tablets which
3. T h e Ba h á ’í P ublishing Society
Mr. Windust prepared for the printer and
The first quality of faith demonstrated saw through the press.
in action is initiative. By the initiative, the During the year 1910, the publishing
courage and the sacrifice of individual activity having expanded, Miss Mary Lesch
Bahá’is in the early days all the institutions took over the burden from Mrs. Agnew. For
and facilities of the Cause came into being some seven or eight years thereafter, this
and were fostered through the most difficult activity centered in her home at 5205 Harper
stages of their development. Avenue, then transferred to 4319 Lake Park
Bahd’i publishing centered in Chicago Avenue, and finally installed in an office at
under the care of Thornton Chase, Arthur 508 South Dearborn Street. Miss Lesch con­
S. Agnew, Charles Greenleaf, and Albert R. tinued to conduct the work until April,
Windust. The distribution of the printed 1924, when the National Spiritual Assembly
literature was carried on until about 1910 transferred the activity to a committee in
by Mr. and Mrs. Agnew, who filled orders New York in order to relieve Miss Lesch
sent in from other centers and served as of a burden which had become too great
librarian at the meetings in Chicago. Their for any individual to bear. For some four­
efforts represented the founding of an en­ teen years she had been the American Baha’i
terprise that has since become active and Publishing Society. Under her care the seed­
flourishing. ling had become a vigorous young tree. The
The publishing activity in those days had centering of all Bahd’i activities under the
no backing from a general Bahi’i fund but central body named in the Master’s Will and
sustained itself through rigid economy, un­ Testament and established under the Guard­
remitting labor and the support of those ian’s direction began a new era in Baha’i
who had assumed this responsibility. publishing.
The Baha’i literature available in English The first Publishing Committee of the
translation was at first very limited. One National Assembly consisted of Mountfort
typewritten copy of "Hidden Words” ex­ Mills, Chairman, Roy C. Wilhelm, Treasurer,
isted prior to the year 1900 in North Ameri­ Horace Holley, Secretary, William H. Ran­
ca. In the first number of "Baha’i News,” dall and Siegfried Schopflocher. Its first an­
March, 1910 we find a notice of "Mysterious nual report, submitted to the Assembly for
Forces of Civilization,” imported from Lon­ the information of the Annual Convention
don. Other titles listed that year were "The of 1924, mentioned the Committee’s gen­
Universal Religion— Bahaism,” by M. Hip- eral aims and policies as well as its detailed
polite Dreyfus, "Some Answered Questions” activities for the year:
edited by Laura Clifford Barney, and "The "Having for the past year been charged
Baha’i Revelation,” by Thornton Chase, the with the responsibility of carrying on the
THE DEV ELO PM EN T OF B A H Á ’Í P U B L IC A T IO N S 151

work of publishing the Bahá’í literature, u’llah and The New Era,” by Dr. J. E.
under your authority and supervision, we Esslemont in England; "Lessons in Religion,”
take the occasion afforded by the approach­ translated by Miss Sanderson of Paris and
ing National Convention to outline as fully published at her expense as a contribution
as possible the details of our work and also to the Girls’ School on Mount Carmel;
our plans for its considerable extension in "Unity Triumphant,” by Miss Herrick, of
the future, that the delegates may carry London; also published in order to devote its
back to their respective Assemblies full in­ profits to the Cause; "Baha’i Scriptures,”
formation respecting this aspect of the published by Brentano’s, Inc., and dis­
progress of the Cause. . . . tributed by the Publishing Committee to
"It has been our view from the beginning the local Assemblies practically at cost.
of this appointment that a successful carry­ Mention should also be made of the new 8-
ing out of the large spiritual and also ma­ page teaching folder, 2 5,000 copies of which
terial responsibilities placed upon us should have been printed by the Publishing Com­
before long result not only in broadcasting mittee for the Teaching Committee at the
the Baha’i Message in its purest expression, request of the National Spiritual Assembly.”
but also in due time and, we trust, before Between 1924 and 1928, the Committee
long—produce a legitimate cash surplus at also issued or distributed: "Promulgation of
the disposal of the National Spiritual As­ Universal Peace,” Volume Two; "The Wis­
sembly for carrying on Bahd’i work in other dom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” ; " ‘Abdu’l-Baha in
fields. . . . New York” ; "Foundations of World
"The publishing work, at the point where Unity” ; "Baha’i Administration” ; "The Di­
this committee took up its activities, had vine Art of Living” ; "Racial Amity,” com­
already brought into print practically all piled by M. H. and M. M.; "The Spirit of
that part of the Word which so far had World Unity” ; "The Book of Assurance,”
been translated into the English language. (The K itab-i-lqan); "The Spiritual Oppor­
Looking over the past records of the be­ tunity of the Baha’is of the United States
loved Baha’i Publishing Society, it is possible and Canada,” (The Tablets on teaching re­
to witness clearly the long and inspiring list vealed by £Abdu’l-Bahá in 1916 and 1917);
of its services and accomplishments for the "Letters from Shoghi Eifendi” ; "Episodes in
Cause. Its publications have penetrated to My Life,” by Monereh Khanum; "Bahá’-
all parts of the world, and under difficult u’lláh and His Message,” by J. E. Esslemont;
and arduous conditions of quiet daily self- "Lessons in Religion,” by Muhammad Ali
sacrifice its heroic workers—notably Mr. Alkany; "Baha’i: The Spirit of the Age,”
Agnew, Mr. Windust and Miss Mary Lesch by Horace Holley; "The Baha’i Religion” ;
—have been indirectly among the foremost " ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s First Days in America,”
teachers of the Cause. . . ; by Juliet Thompson; "The Bahd’i Faith,”
"In all, fifty-nine titles appear on the by a Methodist Layman; "Bahá’i Persecu­
Price List of the Baha’i Publishing Society, tions in Persia” ; "The Oneness of Man­
and it was the first task to make this litera­ kind,” compiled by L. G. Gregory and
ture readily accessible to the friends in every Mariam Haney. During these years, the
local Assembly. This was accomplished by Committee was assisted by workers who, each
sending to each Assembly an allotment of for a period, carried on the work of dis­
books in proportion to its number of mem­ tributing the books, Doris Holley, Annie L.
bers, with the result that of many of the Romer, and Marie Moore.
important Bahd’i works, only a few copies The publishing work entered a new era
are now left in print. . . . Having to choose in 1928 when Marion Little was appointed
between reprinting many books only a few Secretary and the manufacture of books and
at a time, or fewer books in larger and thus pamphlets was scheduled under an arrange­
more economical editions, the Committee ment made with the printing firm of J. J.
has adopted the latter principle. . . . Little and Ives. Prior to this the firm of
"The past year has marked the publishing Brentano’s, Inc., its publishing division
of several important Baha’i works: "Bahá- headed by the late Charles J. Herold, had
152 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY

Certificate of the Palestine Government incorporating the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada as a Religious Society in Palestine.
THE D EV ELO PM EN T OF B A H Á ’Í P U B L IC A T IO N S 153

acted for the Committee in the publishing hibits conducted at the World’s Fairs in
of a number of works. San Francisco and New York was the pro­
In fifteen years, from 1928 to 1943, the duction of the 376,000 pamphlets needed
Committee, through the expert management for the visitors who sought information
of the work by Clara R. Wood, has pub­ about the Cause.
lished thirty-five new books and forty-three The largest edition of any one Baha’i
new pamphlets, twenty new study outlines, title has been the total copies produced over
purchased fifteen different titles, imported a period of years of the small compilation
seven books in foreign languages and printed originally issued by Mr. Wilhelm. In suc­
ten foreign language works in this country. cessive printings it has gone through several
This in addition to the frequent reprinting changes in contents and title, and has be­
of books and pamphlets out of stock. sides been translated and printed in several
The distribution has been widespread, in foreign languages, to an estimated total of
the new centers of Central and South one half million copies. The three pamphlets
America as well as to the older Assemblies composing a unit of selections from the
in Europe and the East. Writings of Bahd’u’lldh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and
The most extensive single undertaking Shoghi Effendi, compiled by the National
of the Committee has been the manufacture Spiritual Assembly in 1942, appeared in a
of "The Dawn-Breakers: Nabil’s Narrative total of 2 5,000 sets or 75,000 individual
of the Early Days of the Baha’i Revelation” copies. Finally, a word is added concerning
—a work of 68 5 pages and numerous illus­ "Bahá’i World Faith,” the compilation re­
trations, including the precious Tablets re­ placing the "Bahá’i Scriptures” of 1923.
vealed by the Báb in His own hand to the 10,000 copies of this work of 565 pages were
Letters of the Living (His chosen disciples) published in 1943.
and to Bahd’u’lldh. This book was printed In September, 1940, the Publishing Com­
in two editions, one limited to 150 num­ mittee became the first national Bahd’i
bered copies each autographed by Shoghi Committee to establish its office adjacent to
Effendi. The total cost involved was ap­ the Bahd’i House of Worship, which the
proximately $15,000. Guardian has designated as the center of
Noteworthy also has been the series of all administrative activities of the Faith in
volumes published biennially, "The Bahá’i North America.
World,” the international survey of Baha’i The office records show that for ten years
activities. The first volume, entitled "Bahd’i ending 1943 there have been distributed a
Year Book,” was manufactured by the man­ total of 1,074,328 items, nearly 150,000
ager of "The Baha’i Magazine,” Allen B. of which were books, the remainder pamph­
McDaniel, but the subsequent books have lets and study guides or outlines.
been produced by the Publishing Committee. In 193 5, when "The Bahd’i Magazine”
Volume VIII contains 1039 pages, colored was renamed "World Order,” the business
frontispiece, insert maps and several hundred management was consolidated with the
halftone plates. functions of the publishing work. The
A special service rendered by the Com­ stock of books and pamphlets has all been
mittee in connection with the Bahd’i ex­ transferred to Wilmette.
BAHA'I T E A C H I N G I N
N O R T H AMERICA
Foreword

J b OR the early American believers the which the Faith of BaháVlláh, in fifty years,
Faith of Bahá’u’lláh was envisioned as the has spread to all parts of the United States
return of Christ. The first teaching was the and Canada, raised up its institutions, con­
simple declaration that He had come, that structed its magnificent central shrine, the
this is the promised Day. In comparison to House of Worship in Wilmette, and dem­
the overwhelming importance of this fact, onstrated its capacity not only to conduct
the nature and scope of the new teachings its own activities but in addition to carry
did not appear to be particularly urgent. A the Faith to many other lands. For America
lifetime was all too brief a period in which is accustomed to the rapid growth of move­
to grasp the actual fact, experience its ments, idealistic as well as material, and in
glorious implication in the deepest heart, the fertile soil of her mixed population, up­
and strive to regenerate the character and rooted from their racial past, has fed the
adapt the being to its supreme challenge. increase of many doctrines and many creeds.
The experience itself was a fire to burn But all movements initiated by human be­
away the veils, the obstacles, the hindrances. ings are essentially selective. They are
By this spiritual necessity the early Bahd’i adapted to some special type or some tem­
felt himself set apart from the daily world porary condition. Their real measure is a
— transferred, as it were, back over nineteen predetermined limitation. When they arrive
hundred years to the Holy Land associated at their measure they yield their fruit, their
with the meaning of the Prophet of God. leaves fall and they live no more. Religion
Prayer was more vital than philosophy. as action for crusades, religion as social
Love won its victory greater than the philosophy for the guidance of political in­
triumph of truth. To find others with whom stitutions, religion as conserver of class and
one might share this spirit of reverent love family tradition: such expressions of religion
was necessarily the first requirement of have been familiar throughout American
obedience to Him, the first impulse and history. But America has not known, ex­
method of the believer. His devotion trans­ cept as yearning, the descent of truth from
formed him into a teacher, and his need to above and the imperative need for acceptance
share the experience set his feet upon the of that higher reality before one can "join”
path destined to lead in this new cycle to and "go.” Therefore, as ‘Abdu’l-Baha ex­
all knowledge and all truth. plained to the ardent early believers, the
Those who learn that the first Bahd’is Cause develops slowly because it must create
were confirmed without access to the litera­ the conditions of permanence as it grows.
ture of the Faith and could experience it How has the Faith of Bahd’u’lldh, at first
without knowledge need not be amazed. identified with a handful of persons in
The early Bahd’is were simple folk, simple Chicago,, found the means and instruments
with the singleness that comes from response for such development?
to love, and from this very simplicity, this The answer is, first, that faith itself is the
freedom from sophistication and this highest expression of action. The man and
capacity to rise above acquired learning, they woman with faith possesses the power of
became the chosen ones, the seeds to produce accomplishment, because they can be used
the greatest harvest of history. by spiritual forces. Every Baha’i is a teach­
We, too, must go back to that same Holy er, not merely a passive worshipper whose
Land if we would grasp the miracle by creed confines him to the role of spectator
H4
B A H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 155

at the arena of world events. Second, the ington, D. C., Agnes Alexander in Hawaii,
Faith is continually creative and evolution­ and in all probability Mrs. Phoebe Hearst in
ary, using each step of progress as founda­ California. Margaret Klebs became the first
tion for taking a higher step. It created teacher in Georgia. In other Southern States
simple local institutions in the 'stage of the Bahá’i Message was first delivered by
local unity; later it created national insti­ Hooper Harris, Mrs. Claudia Coles and Louis
tutions when national unity had been at­ G. Gregory. Mrs. Mariam Haney founded
tained. It can work through the individual the cause in Minneapolis if not in the State of
whose faith is his or her sole equipment; it Minnesota. Among those who traveled most
can work through the medium of collective extensively during those years we note
plans and projects commanding the resources Thornton Chase, Charles Haney, Mrs. Lua
of modern life. It preserves the enthusiasm Getsinger, Mrs. Ida Brittingham, Roy C.
of the individual through every stage of Wilhelm and Col. Fitz Gerald.
community development, for divine truth Others served as strong pillars in their own
lives through the individual and through city, holding the Baha’i group together dur­
the community without sacrificing either ing its formative years and by their active
to the demands of the other. Like an organ­ faith arousing devotion and enthusiasm, as for
ism filled with a new quality of life, the example, the household of Arthur P. Dodge
Bahd’i community can demonstrate religion in New York, Albert H. Hall in Minneapo­
as a unifying force encompassing the whole lis, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Latimer in Portland,
world. Mrs. Mary Revell in Philadelphia, and in
In order to follow this astonishing his­ Chicago a number of stalwart believers such
torical movement through these fity years, as Mr. Chase, Mrs. True, Charles Ioas, Mr.
it is convenient and helpful to approach the Agnew and Albert R. Windust.
process as a series of periods or stages of Three vital influences reinforced and also
growth. The first stage is from 1894 to guided the individual believer intent upon
1911; the second, 1912 to 1921 (from the serving the Faith. First we note the great
date of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s visit to America to enterprise of the House of Worship, a re­
His ascension); the third, 1921 to 1937 sponsibility laid upon the whole Baha’i com­
(the beginning of the teaching plan laid munity of North America and a potent fac­
down by the Guardian for the last seven tor in producing unity of sentiment and
years of this Baha’i C entury); and from action. Next we perceive the development
1937 to the present year, 1944. of Bahd’i institutions and agencies, local,
To the early believers, North America had regional and national, eventually coordinated
once again become a continent new and un­ through the order initiated by the Will and
known, this time not a geographical but a Testament of ťAbdu’l-Bahá, establishing ca­
spiritual exploration. One by one they set pacity and power for united action. Finally
forth, some in the course of their business there has been the Teaching Tablets revealed
travels, others planning special trips or using by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá endowing the American
the opportunity afforded by personal visit, Baha’is with a world mission. From 1937 to
to convey the Bahd’i Message and quicken 1944 the Guardian applied a seven year plan
new hope in the achievement of unity for the which called for a definite measure of
regeneration of human life on earth. As local achievement, no less than the establishment
groups evolved, they sent out calls for of a Spiritual Assembly in every unoccupied
teachers, until circuits could be arranged in State of the United States and Canada, and a
many parts of the country. The memory of nucleus for a future Assembly in every re­
some of the friends constitutes our only his­ public of Central and South America, as
tory and guide to much of the activity going well as the completion of the exterior orna­
on in those years. We learn, for example, mentation of the Temple. The Bahá’í has
that Paul K. Dealy was the first Baha’i of thus lived not merely in a world of renewed
Alabama, Mrs. Barbee was first in Missouri, truth but also in a world in rapid evolution
Fred Mortensen in Montana, Mrs. Pearl Bat- under laws of ethical responsibility which
tee Doty in Maryland, Mrs. Dixon in Wash­ the individual may not ignore. Faith is and
156 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

must be capacity to respond to the pressures so that in 1898 many students in eastern
exerted by the spiritual life, and not merely cities were eagerly seeking knowledge of
passive belief or hopeful expectancy. What God through this channel.
emerges is the type of a civilization upheld On November 4, 1900, there arrived in
by obedience to God, blessed by that obedi­ New York, Mirza Assad’u’llah, a Persian
ence and perishing if the people abandon the teacher of authority from ‘Akkd, in Pales­
inner effort to draw nigh to Him. tine, and Hadji Hassan Khorassani, a promi­
The time for the preparation of adequate nent merchant of Cairo, Egypt; with
historical records has not arrived. The be­ Mirza Hussein Rouhy, and Mirza Buzork,
lievers are too immersed in the tasks of the as interpreters. They remained in New
day and hour to stop and become researchers York, meeting and teaching large num­
of the past. The following series of con­ bers of people, until November 26, when
tributions, therefore, can only suggest the they visited Johnstown, New York, for two
pattern of events through which the Ameri­ days, and reached Chicago at 4 p. m.,
can Bahd’i community has attained growth. Thanksgiving Day, November 29, where
Each statement, however, unlike those w rit­ they made their headquarters for a year
ten by trained historians, has the advantage and a half.
of being prepared by one who took a large A little later came another Persian gentle­
part in the events and carried responsibility man, Mirza 'Abu’l-Fadl, a scholar and
for their outcome. historian, famous in the Orient for his
learning and sincerity, one who had given
1. T he Early Y ears up a position of the highest honor in
Persia, as president of the Royal College of
I n the month of June, 1894, a gentleman Teheran, to embrace the Bahd’i Cause,
in Chicago desired to study Sanskrit, in which resulted in his imprisonment for
order to further pursue his search into three years in Persian dungeons. Two
ancient religious teachings. While seeking an young Persians, Mirza Ali Kuli Khan and
instructor he met a Syrian who had come to Mirza ‘Ameen’u’llah also arrived to act as
Chicago from Egypt a short time before, and interpreters.
who told him of the Baha’i Movement. With these teachers came the first oppor­
As the statements of the life and teach­ tunity for a correct and intimate knowl­
ings of Baháhťlláh and His son, Abbas Ef- edge of the true Bahd’i teachings. The
fendi, the "Greatest Branch,” otherwise salient facts:—the mission of the Báb as the
known as ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, accorded with the Forerunner and Proclaimer of the coming of
declarations of numerous sacred prophecies, "He Whom God Shall Manifest,” His life,
and with the age-long expectations of man­ and early martyrdom; the appearance of
kind, it was deemed of value to investigate Bahd’u’lldh, the Manifestation, and Revealer
those claims as far as possible. of the Divine Word, the station and au­
Other seekers for truth became attracted thority of Abbas Effendi, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, as
to the study of these matters, with the re­ the Center of the Covenant, the Interpreter
sult that five accepted the teachings as true and the Establisher of the Sacred Law;
during the year 1894. In 1895 a number these were known and believed; but, as
of earnest students became interested, classes yet, there had been but little translation of
were formed, and several became "believers,” their writings,, and but a small portion of
and in 1896, the followers of the Bahd’i their beautiful and comprehensive teachings
Cause in Chicago were numbered by of religion and life was known until they
hundreds. were disclosed by these visitors from the
A class of T ruth Seekers was begun in center of the Cause. The young inter­
Kenosha, Wis., another in Milwaukee, and preters, assisted by Mr. Anton Hadad of
individuals from New York, Cincinnati, Syria, buried themselves in translating the
Washington, and other points, came in touch Bahd’i Writings from Persian and Arabic
with the Movement in Chicago, and carried into English, and a wonderful treasury
information of it to their friends at home, of wisdom and knowledge was opened
B A H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 157

which has been the delight and satisfaction were started is Kenosha and Milwaukee, Wis­
of thousands of hungry souls in America. consin, and in suburban towns near Chicago.
The instructions given by Mirza Assad’- And, again, in unusual ways, individuals
u’llah and Mirza 'Abu’l-Fadl were thor­ from New York, Cincinnati, Columbus, O.,
oughly sane and practical, and so insisted on Washington, D. C., Baltimore, and else­
righteousness, right living—as the essen­ where, heard the Message in Chicago, and
tial of religion, rather than physic and returned to their respective homes full of
occult experiments, that many persons, enthusiasm to share, always share, with
who had conceived views imbued with others the great glad tidings. In 1898
imaginations and superstitions, fell away classes were organized in New York and
from the Cause—but those who remained nearby Eastern cities which attracted ear­
discovered such spiritual light, guidance, nest seekers, especially was the Message
richness, and power in the teachings, that spread from New York City to Brooklyn,
they were deeply confirmed in their belief, and then to towns in New Jersey until soon
and clung to it as the most valuable in­ there were little groups in Newark, Orange,
struction possible for man to obtain. Morristown, Hoboken, Montclair and other
The classes and assemblies which had centers.
diminished in number, again began to grow, The most important teaching at this time
and to spread the knowledge of the Bahd’i was accomplished through personal con­
Cause; until at the present time its adher­ tacts, by word of mouth one to another, as
ents in the United States are numbered seekers were found, though there were, as
by thousands— there are believers in many indicated, a few small classes. The Bahá’ís
cities and towns, from the Atlantic to the were not, in the usual sense, seeking to
Pacific— all earnest and sincere in their propagandize the Cause nor to proselytize
faith, and in their acceptance of this or convert, indeed in those days they were
modern revelation of Divine Knowledge, taught not to force their views on others,
and striving with their lives to carry out but when they came in contact with a real
the Baha’i teachings of love to God ex­ seeker, to offer the Message to that person
pressed in love to man."* as if "offering a gift to a king.” And that
There are .assemblies of believers in was the way teaching was accomplished
Chicago and New York, in Boston and very successfully even if at that time the
Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia, in Bahd’is themselves had only a limited knowl­
Cleveland, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Milwaukee, edge of the Faith, that is, outer historical
Kenosha, Minneapolis, Spokane, Seattle, data; however* the gift of the Holy Spirit
Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San had given them an inner conviction which
Diego and in many towns of lesser fame; was strong, and deep, and real. To pass on
in all of which this wonderful, religious, as much as they could of the Message to
ethical, moral, and practical teaching of others was certainly felt by all to be the
the age, is received and loved as the great first obligation, and those who lived through
solvent of religious, social, and economic that period will surely never forget how in­
problems, and the joy and beauty of life. tense was the longing to find seekers.
One of the most precious memories of
* Written in 1914.
those first years of pioneering was the long­
ing of the few Bahd’is themselves to gather
2. T ea ch in g A c tiv ity 1894-1911 together in little groups and discuss the
Those who called themselves Baha’is were mercy and bounty of God and the Glory
anxious to share the New Light, their new of the New Day, "And there were lights in
found spiritual joy, with others. They did many an upper chamber long after mid­
not call themselves teachers, however; they night.” Spiritual happiness was intense, and
simply had an intense urge to oifer the the difference between spiritual happiness
Water of Life to thirsty souls everywhere, and material happiness was so fully demon­
so it happened that these earnest souls went strated that this joyous spirit was felt by
forth as heralds of the New Age. Classes attracted souls.
158 THE BA H Á ’Í C E N T E N A R Y

Soon new accessions to the Faith were Cairo, Egypt, and others, spent some time
almost a daily occurrence until the believers in this country, particularly in Chicago;
in and around Chicago were numbered by and from about 1901 to 1905 Mirza ‘Abu’lhundreds. Later many of these left the Fadl, who was considered the greatest reli­
Faith, for when they found that the Cause gious historian of his time, was in this coun­
of Bahá’u’lláh was a purely Spiritual Cause, try. This great teacher was saintly, com­
free from superstitions, imaginations and pletely severed, impersonal, and rendered
interpretations, they were disappointed. inestimable services to the Bahá’í Cause in
Some had imagined that they could retain every city he visited. He served with all
their preconceived ideas, or perhaps they heart and soul and put all his spiritual gifts
had a few fanciful thoughts, "rather than and graces into the work in New York
factual and true spiritual interest; however, City and nearby places; in Chicago, Wash­
they soon found out that one must walk in ington, D. C. and other centers. He was
the way of the Lord and that it was impos­ also a spiritual gift to Green Acre, in Eliot,
sible to attain a spiritual victory in any Maine, where his great intellect and spirit­
other way, for a Cause which is God’s Reli­ ual graces and fervor were used to the glory
gion must be built on a firm foundation: of God and to the furtherance of His Cause.
"Except the Lord build the house they labor Mirza ‘Abu’l-Fadl was explicit in his state­
in vain who build it.” ments, he had the gift of teaching and was
Teaching consisted not only in sharing exact and accurate in the thoughts he con­
the Message with new souls, but the be­ veyed. Baha’is and non-Baha’is benefitted
lievers themselves were being taught, and greatly while he was in this country, and
they realized more and more that theolog­ teaching had a tremendous, impetus. In
ical dreams had to be set aside and only the 1902 his book, The Baha’i Proofs, was
Reality of Religion accepted and passed on printed and published in Washington, D. C.
to others. The unknown tomorrow was not Another impetus to teaching was through
a matter of concern. There might be tests the early pilgrimage of very fortunate
and trials in the vista of the future (and Americans who traveled to ťAkká and Haifa
there were, many of them) but those dear to see £Abdu’l-Bahá. Some went as early as
pioneers could sing, "Joy to the World, the 1898, and every succeeding year in all this
Lord is Come,” with a clarified vision for at pioneer period Baha’is made the longed-for
long last the real history of the beginning pilgrimage to the Prison in ‘Akka, regard­
of the Faith in the land of its birth (Persia, less of the almost insurmountable difficulties
now Irán) had been brought to them by attending the journey. How it was all ac­
teachers from the Orient. They had a complished with Turkish soldiers and offi­
greater realization than ever that "God’s cials of the Old Turkish regime always on
ways are most mysterious and unsearchable.” guard, is another one of those stirring events
Always teaching others to understand the in the Bahd’i ^Gause which may well be
importance of the Manifestation of God classed as a miracle. Without exception
when He appears, they had now come to these pilgrims felt the marvelous influence
understand themselves that all Revelation of the Spirit emanating from the Master,
is progressive, and that in each New Cycle the superhuman benignity always manifest,
God gives to man added knowledge, and in the magnetism of His personality, they
this New Age the greatest knowledge in ac­ heard the Holy Words and teachings di­
cordance with the maturity of the Day and rectly from Him, they were able to talk
the requirements of the time. and walk with Him.
Bahá’í teachers from the Near East were On their return these American pilgrims
sent to this country by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as would always bring back to the friends a
early as 1898 to further instruct and assist record of the teachings and instructions
the believers. In the early part of 1900 they received. These Notes were like manna
Abdel Karim Effendi of Tihrán, Persia, from heaven, and teaching would again be
gave a series of talks in New York City and greatly accelerated, for these holy instruc­
Chicago. In 1900, also, Mirza Khorassani of tions acted like magic on the spirits, and
B A H A ’I T E A C H I N G IN NORTH AMERICA 159

many a soul became confirmed through and peace as characterized the very early days.
them. It is certain that when a great Spiritual
From the very beginning the believers Light comes into the world, an opposing
made contact with ‘Abdu’l-Baha through force is likewise sure to raise its head. It
sending a letter to Him indicating their has ever been so in the inception of all great
acceptance of the Faith and asking innumer­ and divine religious systems. "It must needs
able questions. Tablets were received in be that offenses come.” However, the more
reply, and gradually these Tablets assumed antagonisms and attacks against the Faith,
very large proportions. The greatest spirit­ the more loyal, courageous and steadfast
ual teaching in all history was accomplished became the faithful among the faithless.
through the receipt and dissemination of Tests merely became a challenge to firm­
these Tablets and the instructions therein, ness and no cause for despondency. If any
for ‘Abdu’l-Baha not only answered all these one attempted in one way or another to
questions, but interpreted and elucidated cause division among the believers, that one
the teachings of His Father Bahá’u’lláh, merely made a thorny path for himself with­
solved intricate problems and upon His fol­ out in the least disturbing Baha’i unity. To
lowers showered His divine love and kind­ quote ‘Abdu’l-Baha: "God’s Will is inde­
ness. pendent of human opinion.” . . . "Compare
As it was necessary to share these precious the days of the Manifestation of the Beauty
instructions, certain believers voluntarily of Abha (Bahá’u’lláh) with the days of
arose in different parts of the country and Christ; consider this is identically like that
had the great privilege of making typewrit­ and the same doubts and opposition are put
ten copies of these Tablets which were given forth (by the people).”
wide circulation among the Bahd’is not only Another unusual teaching activity at that
in this country and Canada, but throughout time was the tour of two American Bahd’i
the world, and this effort might in truth be teachers (Hooper Harris and Harlan Ober)
called the first Bahá’í teaching service from to India, for the purpose of visiting the be­
America to other countries. One friend in lievers and spreading the Baha’i Message.
particular developed what might well have Wide publicity was given to the Cause every
been called an International Bureau of In­ place they visited, and their teaching activ­
formation, for it was a big teaching activ­ ities took them to most of the large cities
ity; through these Tablets ‘Abdu’l-Baha be­ in India. This is mentioned because the tour
stowed the Water of Life Eternal not only was undertaken in obedience to an instruc­
upon the recipients of the Tablets but upon tion from ‘Abdu’l-Baha. It shows how from
many others. the early times He called American believers
No matter what question was asked and to teach even in foreign lands.
answered (and every conceivable question At this period of the Cause there were no
was presented to Him frorj the naming of regularly organized teaching plans. Teach­
children to the most complicated scientific ing was an individual matter and it was
and philosophical subjects and the most pro­ accomplished through study of the Revealed
found spiritual and religious doctrines), He Words and the power of the Holy Spirit.
invariably stressed over and vover again very However, it just so happened that many
specific subjects such as firmness in the Cov­ Bahd’is were always traveling to and fro
enant, unity of the believers, ^he peace of the across the Continent for one purpose or
world, the oneness of mankind—and the another, mostly for business reasons, and as
greatest of these was firmness in the Cov­ the greatest business in the world to a Baha’i
enant for upon this depended success in is to spread the Message of this New Day,
every effort and in all teaching plans. This traveling meant that the seeds of Truth
instruction so often repeated, prepared His were widely scattered. Furthermore as soon
followers in no uncertain way té meet the as it was known that a Bahd’i could speak
inevitable tests and trials which would come to groups, that Baha’i was invited to nearby
to them some day, for they could hot al­ cities, and many a fireside group was con­
ways carry on amid such spiritual sweětness firmed in this way.
160 THE B A H Á ’1 C E N T E N A R Y

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: "I have summoned all were in one sense official for in some cases
to the conveying of the Message.” . . . the friends elected them. Aside from these
"Whosoever has a greater power of speech, committees, the affairs of the Cause were
whosoever has a greater power of attraction, administered by individuals who seemed
whosoever has a greater sincerity, will ad­ naturally to have the necessary ability to
vance, no matter what happens.” . . . "This function. However, even the committees
is an innate Cause.” Again, spiritual history did not preclude the friends from serving
repeating itself, only in a larger way. Christ and teaching in accordance with their own
said, "And unto one He gave five talents, to guidance. Those were the days when the
another two, and to another one; to every "rugged individualism” of the Americans
man according to his several ability.” So was greatly in evidence in the promulgation
the friends used their talents according to of the Cause.
their capacity and training, and each one As the years passed it was evident that
arose in his own way and according to his these committees were rendering most valu­
own guidance, hoping the capacity he had able services. It was the House of Spiritu­
and his longing to serve would attract di­ ality in Chicago that initiated the work of
vine assistance. the Mashriq’ul-Adhkdr in supplicating to
A community of Baha’is was by now ťAbdu’l-Bahá for permission to build a Baexisting in many of the large cities, as well há’í House of Worship in this country. This
as small towns, of the United States, and in request was granted. From its very incep­
Montreal, P. Q., Canada. In these Bahd’i tion the Bahd’i House of Worship was still
communities were gathered former Protes­ another teaching effort of the utmost im­
tants from many sects, also Christian Scien­ portance, for ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s statements in
tists, Catholics, Jews, Muhammadans, Theo- many of His Tablets and in notes of pil­
sophists, and some who had never before grims witness to the glory of this effort
been interested in any religion, as well as a and its definite linking with teaching, in
representation from different races— all hap­ fact one seemed to be inseparable from the
pily cooperating and enjoying true fellow­ other. "It is an expression of the elevation
ship. Through the effect of the Holy Re­ of the Word of God,” said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
vealed Words in this Dispensation, Bahd’is A very important teaching activity for
had taken a new flight, antagonisms had Bahd’is themselves was organized during
vanished, the Light of the New Age pre­ this period, namely, the inauguration offi­
cluded hatreds and suspicions, they com­ cially of the Institution in the Cause known
muned together sympathetically, brother­ as Unity Feasts, which are observed every
hood and true fraternity had become an nineteen days. The program for, and con­
actual fact. "And the Lord shall be King duct of, this meeting, has been a teaching
over all the earth: in that day shall there and training medium for Bahd’is.
be one Lord and His Name one.” What were the most important teaching
In the pioneering days the Baha’i Faith events of the pioneer period of the Baha’i
was not organized. Of course religion in its Cause in the United States and Canada? The
purest spiritual realities, that is, the funda­ answer is that it would be unwise to make
mentals, the essential or spiritual teachings even a guess, for the whole period from
of the Word of God, cannot be organized; 1894 to 1911 inclusive, was a continued
but there is a second division—the laws and miracle— a miracle because it was made pos­
ordinances which concern human transac­ sible not because of human words and works,
tions and relations. Briefly, there was noth­ but because of Divine intervention and as­
ing in the way of official committees to ad­ sistance. The believers themselves were, for
minister the affairs of the Cause except in the most part, not entirely conscious that a
certain cities, for instance in Chicago, the Mysterious Power was the dynamic back of
House of Spirituality, in New York the all achievement. However, a few of the out­
Board of Council, and in other cities there standing features of that time were:
were committees designated as Working 1st. The teaching about the importance
Committees, Service Committees, etc. They of the Covenant, which teaching safe-
B A H A ’I T E A C H I N G IN NORTH AMERICA 161

guarded the religion so that the Faith of cruel incarceration,” He left Haifa suddenly
Bahá’u’lláh could not be divided into sects. and began a journey which included Egypt,
2nd. The whole-hearted obedience to the France and England, and then a return to
Center of the Covenant at every point in Egypt.
teaching and in all that this attitude means. Many in the United States and Canada
3rd. It was fully demonstrated that longed to see Him, to hear Him expound the
"Faith is a wonder working power.” The Baha’i Teachings, and the longing was con­
faith manifested by the believers was sub­ stant and intense. However, it seemed that
lime, and some day the world will realize the actual realization of such hopes was
how marvelous a thing it was, and what unbelievable.
these people of faith were accomplishing in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s followers in America, as
their midst; it was like the faith of the well as Americans who met Him abroad
early Christians, they believed truly and were insistent; they constantly appealed to
deeply, it was "the normal accent of life” Him and with a poignancy which, as stated
and they translated it into the world of by Shoghi Effendi, He "found Himself un­
action. able to resist. . . . Their passionate entreaty
4th. The spread of the Baha’i Message had, moreover, been reinforced by the nu­
far and wide without any organization, no merous invitations which representatives of
paid teachers, nor any official Baha’i Fund. various interested organizations, whether
5th. It was the dawn in this country of religious, educational or humanitarian, had
the greatest seed sowing of Truth in all reli­ extended to Him, expressing their eagerness
gious history. The dawn-breakers of the to reecive from His own mouth an exposi­
Occident were at work in the springtime of tion of His Father’s teachings.”
the Kingdom of God on earth. The believers in America finally were in
6th. Great emphasis at all times from such a state of spiritual joy as they contem­
the very beginning on the removal of preju­ plated ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s coming to this coun­
dice of all kinds, the promulgation of uni­ try that no words could give expression to
versal peace, and the establishment of the their feelings. The very thought of His
principle of the oneness of mankind. presence here was overwhelming. The ful­
In 1908 the people of Turkey established fillment of all the hopes and prayers of His
a constitutional government through the devoted followers was the historic event of
coming into power of the Young Turks and His arrival in New York in April, 1912.
their "Union and Progress Society.” All the
political prisoners were immediately freed,
3. ‘A bdu ’l -Baha in A merica
and ‘Abdu’l-Baha left the gloomy prison
city for the freedom of the world. When The Places Where He Delivered the
asked later how he regarded His freedom, Addresses Published in "Promulgation
He replied: "Freedom is not a matter of of Universal Peace”
place. It is a condition. I was thankful for
the prison, and the lack of liberty was very New York, 780 West End Ave.
pleasing to me for those days were passed Brooklyn, 93 5 Eastern Parkway
in the path of service under the utmost diffi­ New York, 39 West 67th Street
culties and trials, bearing fruits and results. 141 East 21st Street
. . . I was happy all that time in prison. Church of the Ascension
When one is released from the prison of self, Carnegie Lyceum
that is indeed release, for that is the greater 327 West End Avenue
prison. When this release takes place, then Hotel Ansonia
one cannot be outwardly imprisoned. . . . 273 West 90th Street
Release comes by making of the will a Door Columbia University
through which the confirmations of the Bowery Mission
Spirit come.” Washington, Public Library Hall
Some time after £Abdu’l-Bahá had been 1219 Connecticut Avenue
"delivered from the shackles of a long and Universalist Church
162 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

1700 18th Street Eliot, Green Acre, Maine
Howard University Boston, New Thought Forum
1700 18th Street Franklin Square House
Metropolitan African M. E. Church Metaphysical Club
1937 13th Street Malden, Mass., 34 Hillside Avenue
Chicago, Masonic Temple Montreal, Church of the Messiah
Hull House 716 Pine Avenue
Handel Hall St. James Methodist Church
Hotel Plaza Chicago, 5338 Kenmore Avenue
Hotel LaSalle Minneapolis, 2030 Queen Avenue, South
Hotel LaSalle St. Paul, 870 Laurel Avenue
Hotel Plaza Denver, Home of Mrs. Roberts
Hotel Plaza Second Divine Science Church
Hotel Plaza Oakland, Japanese Independent Church
Hotel Plaza Palo Alto, Leland Stanford Junior University
Northwestern University San Francisco, Open Forum
Hotel Plaza Temple Enimanu-El
Plymouth Congregational Church Sacramento, Hotel Sacramento
All Souls Church Assembly Hall
Wilmette, Temple Grounds Cincinnati, Grand Hotel
Cleveland, Euclid Hall Washington, Universalist Church
Sanatorium Jewish Synagogue
Pittsburgh, Hotel Schenley Rauscher’s Hall
New York, 227 Riverside Drive 1252 8th Street
Montclair, Unity Church 1901 18th Street .
New York, Grace M. E. Church New York, 48 West 10th Street
Hotel Astor Genealogical Hall
Church of Divine Paternity 575 Riverside Drive
Jersey City, Brotherhood Church Great Northern Hotel
New York, Metropolitan Temple 2228 Broadway
Cambridge, 367 Howard Street Steamship Celtic
Boston Huntington Chambers
Unitarian Conference 4. T ea ch in g A ctiv ity , 1912-1921
New York, Mount Morris Baptist Church
Metropolitan Temple The followers of Baha’u’lldh had many
Theosophical Lodge varied and exceptional opportunities for
Fan wood, Town Hall spreading the glad tidings of the New Day
New York, Church of the Ascension during the period of 1912 to 1921. The
309 West 78th Street first few months of the year 1912 were
Philadelphia, Unitarian Church devoted to preparations for that momentous
Baptist Temple event— the coming of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to this
Brooklyn, 93 5 Eastern Parkway country. After His arrival on that historic
Fourth Unitarian Church (Flatbush) day of April eleventh, there was literally
Central Congregational Church almost endless teaching effort, for the Ba­
Montclair ha’is were privileged to arrange one of the
West Englewood greatest teaching tours the world has ever
New York known.
All-Souls Unitarian Church Many invitations had been sent to
Boston, Hotel Victoria ‘Abdu’l-Baha before He arrived in this
The Kensington country, but after His arrival requests
Hotel Victoria poured in from distinguished individuals,
Dublin, N. H. Dublin Inn from groups, from churches, peace societies,
Home of A. J. Parsons and many other types of organizations re-
BA H Á ’Í " T E A C H I N G IN NORTH AMERICA 163

questing the privilege of hearing ‘Abdu’l- ťAbdu’l-Bahá sailed from this country in
Bahá, and to receive from Him those in­ December 1912, but His going did not mean
structions which all evidently believed inactivity on the part of His followers. In­
would enlighten them and guide their foot­ deed He had created by His Word a family
steps on the right path toward the goal of of Bahd’is who were alive to the require­
their hopes. He repeated often, "I have ments of teaching the great principles and
come to voice the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.” religious faith which He had promulgated so
Those who lived through almost nine wisely.
months of hearing ‘Abdu’l-Baha voice the "I have planted the seeds in America,”
great Laws for this New Age and were close said this Divine Educator. "You must nur­
to His perfect ministry to the people of ture them and care for them. If you do
this country, recall that there seemed to be this, they will yield an abundant harvest.
no end to the procession o£ real seekers, . . . You must arise with superhuman
those devout souls everywhere who had been strength to spread the Teachings for the
"ripened by the Holy Spirit” and who Cause is great; and whosoever shall arise in
seemed to be awaiting some great spiritual this Day to teach, know thou he will be
event. assisted by the Divine Concourse. . . . It is
So from the Bowery Mission in New the Day of the proclamation of the King­
York, where the downcast and forlorn re­ dom!” . . . "Ere long this Call shall yield
ceived ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s spiritual and material the most glorious results and will fill the
blessings, to high government officials, dip­ world with its fruits.”
lomats, rabbis, clergymen, educators, scien­ The firm followers of the Faith arose to
tists, workers for peace, and many others, water the seeds ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had sown;
‘Abdu’l-Bahá "voiced the teachings of they never stopped for an instant but were
Baha’u’lldh,” always emphasizing the prin­ working with all heart and with infinite
ciple of the oneness of mankind and the resolution to advance the Teachings of
Most Great Peace of the world; these were Baha’u’lldh. They realized more and more
the fundamentals, which, expanded and elu­ the greatness of the work and the greatness
cidated, included practically all other ques­ of the Power behind it. Reports from all
tions. over the country indicated firmness and
By invitation, ‘Abdu’l-Baha spoke in steadfastness. A loving and compassionate
protestant churches of nearly all denomina­ Master had endowed the Baha’is and their
tions, in synagogues, in universities, to work with a celestial potency; they had
children’s classes and groups, in the homes of definite teaching plans. Contributions, too,
the rich and the poor, to Theosophists, Es- were voluntarily and regularly sent to the
perantists, and others, in most of the prin­ Temple Fund, for they were aware of the
cipal cities from coast to coast. The meet­ significance of the Bahd’i House of Wor­
ings were crowded to overflowing. The ship as a teacher of the Word of God; they
Presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá glorified every were not just helping to erect a building but
scene, every place, every meeting, "The laying the foundation for unity among
brilliant Light of God shone upon the West mankind.
and brightened the western world.” All Not a day passed without some effective
things are under the working of divine law, work being accomplished. Efforts were be­
and it was evident how Divine Laws were ing universalized. Heretofore in most of
working out in every act and every word the cities meetings were held in the homes
of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. How brilliantly shone the of the Bahá’ís, but now public meetings
Light which He brought into the confused were being arranged in halls, libraries, hotel
thought of the world! The lofty spiritual parlors, offices (whenever large enough),
tone of all meetings cannot be forgotten for and, in a few cities halls were rented and
God the Almighty protects such meetings controlled exclusively by Bahá’ís, sometimes
and preserves spiritual history in the making. an entire house was rented or bought and
God’s Kingdom, not man’s was being estab­ such a place became a Baha’i Center.
lished on earth. Traveling Baha’i teachers were numerous,
164 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

for one of the activities initiated at this joined the many teaching classes already
time was classes for developing teachers. organized in different parts of Chicago
These traveling teachers served both Bahd’is or in other cities. It was a very impor­
and non-Baha’is faithfully, effectively and tant teaching activity. The Convention of
spiritually. Deep gratitude was always 1912 cannot be compared to any other Con­
given to these illumined souls who, without vention for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Presence gave it
money and without price, gave and gave a unique spiritual atmosphere impossible to
gloriously of the spiritual knowledge which describe. He Himself had said that a deep
had been so freely given unto them. Bahá’- spiritual experience cannot be expressed in
u’llah was using them to serve His people, words. The Convention of 1920 was memo­
to stimulate and encourage the groups. rable and glorious. Mr. Louis Bourgeois’s
Hearts of the older believers, undoubtedly model for the Bahd’i House of Worship was
thrill now at the sacrificial services they chosen at that time, and the most important
rendered, and the generations of the future magazines and newspapers of the entire
will rise up and call them blessed. country (and even the press of foreign
These teachers traveled quite extensively, countries) featured the Temple during and
visiting almost all Bahá’i groups in this after this Convention.
country; they also served in Canada, in the The Woman’s Assembly of Teaching in
Hawaiian Islands, and in Alaska. Be it re­ Chicago was organized during this period
corded here also that even during those early and it functioned vigorously for a number
years, there were American Bahá’í teachers of years.
serving in Persia (now Iran), Egypt, India, The Bahd’i Congress held in San Fran­
Japan, and the first tvorld tour of a Baha’i cisco at the time of the Panama-Pacific
teacher was accomplished. Indeed the Ba- Exposition was a wonderful teaching proj­
há’í teachers worked a mighty work for ect, the international’aspects of which were
they themselves, by their own acts, attracted far-reaching.
divine confirmations. The first Amity Convention for harmony
There were all types of teachers— those between the races was held in Washington,
who could speak to crowds of people, those D. C., and certainly this, too, was a teaching
who wished to speak to small groups, and activity far-reaching in its effect, for it was
those whose personal work was effective be­ the first time in the history of this country
yond any description. Often persons would that a Convention had been held for that
cross the path of Baha’is, and in conversa­ purpose. It was organized through the in­
tion, it would be disclosed that they had structions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and was founded
heard ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and longed to hear more upon the heavenly teachings revealed in this
about the Bahá’i Cause. The Baha’is would Day. It resulted in the organization of many
become radiantly happy, for in this way other Amity Conventions, and in the for­
they would often find real Truth-seekers. mation of National and Local Amity Com­
One of the greatest teaching activities mittees which functioned successfully and
was the Annual Baha’i Convention, pri­ became an institution of the Administrative
marily of course devoted to the subject of Order in this country.
the building of the Bahá’í House of Wor­ Of all teaching activities during this pe­
ship, but also to discuss teaching activities. riod perhaps the fireside groups were the
Something of a mighty nature happened to most effective. Some Baha’is who are now
the delegates to these Conventions; they in the front ranks serving the Faith bril­
became alive, refreshed, alert, and returned liantly, joined the Cause in this way during
to their respective homes resolved to increase those years.
their teaching efforts. Well known people throughout the coun­
At the time of each Convention there was try, distinguished in one way or another,
also held a Baha’i Congress for three succes­ heard the Baha’i Message at these fireside
sive nights. Important and eloquent Baha’i groups or through very effective personal
speakers proclaimed the teachings of Bahá’- work, and as a result some officials, clergy­
u’lláh. Attracted individuals thereafter men, prominent peace advocates and others
BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 165

were the recipients of Tablets (letters) from with delivering the Bahd’i Message to a wait­
‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ing world, to declare that the prophecies in
During these years the Tablets revealed all the Holy Books had been fulfilled in the
by this Divine Exemplar from His home in Revelation of Baha’u’lldh. Similar gather­
the Holy Land on the subject of the peace ings were held in New York and other cities.
of the world were voluminous. He firmly, The organization of Bahd’i Children’s
and with no equivocation whatsoever, indi­ Classes was also a very definite work of this
cated that purely political questions must be period. Bahd’i groups in all the larger cities
subordinated to this great question of peace. devoted much effort to this very important
In August 1920 and in January 1921 activity.
‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Tablets "'To the Central From year to year the publishing of
Organization for a Durable Peace” at The Bahd’i literature was one of the great teach­
Hague, were published in America and these ing efforts, for the then National Commit­
fortified the Baha’i teachers with added tee known as the Bahd’i Temple Unity was
spiritual knowledge for ‘Abdu’l-Baha fully giving this subject a more or less organized
explained Baha’u’llah Revealed Words on and authoritative status. Non-Baha’is were
Peace and recorded in detail the Baha’i Plans eager for Bahd’i literature, they wanted the
and requirements for Universal Peace. Holy Words to study, something that would
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s emphasis on the subject of bring them closer to the Faith. It was pro­
religious unity was given wide publicity— vided through the work of those indefati­
that there must be a new vision, a complete gable servers who realized its importance.
sincerity of intent and purpose in this great Study of this branch of teaching indicates
study, a united effort, definite progress in what a big and vital work was accomplished,
the field of pure religion for the foundation because the faith and devotion of the work­
of all divine religion is one, and understand­ ers was so deep and real.
ing of this fundamental truth was of the The Bahd’i Magazine, "Star of the West,”
first importance. Some ripe souls in the continued to develop through this period
churches attended Bahá’i meetings and and proved to be one of the greatest teach­
classes, were convinced of the divine origin ing mediums for therein were published
of the Baha’i Faith, and in time did strive many of the Addresses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and
as Baha’is in teaching the unity of religious vitally important Tablets. Precious indeed
thought of the whole world. beyond any material value are the bound
Another teaching activity of this period volumes of these magazines.
which was most successful was the gather­ About this time ‘Abdu’l-Baha revealed
ing of the Baha’is and their friends every what are known as the Teaching Tablets,
summer at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine. Teach­ now printed under the title America's Spir­
ers and friends traveled to this Center every itual Mission. According to these instruc­
year, proclaimed the Bahá’i Faith definitely tions the country was divided into sections
and directly at well arranged public meet­ or regions, including the Northeastern
ings and taught classes and individuals. States, Southern States, Central States, Pa­
Many Baha’is have told their story of being cific Coast area, Dominion of Canada, etc.
confirmed and brought into the Faith in These Tablets were so stimulating that al­
that Center, which later developed into the most immediately there were new journeys
first Baha’i Summer School and Baha’i Sum­ for teaching. Many times two teachers trav­
mer Colony. eled together. A special effort was made in
The One Hundredth Anniversary of the the Southern States, and hundreds and thou­
birth of Bahd’u’llah was an occasion "for sands both white and colored people heard
the universal proclamation of the supreme the Baha’i Message. Several teachers also
mission of that great and radiant Manifesta­ traveled throughout the West and it is re­
tion.” On November 12 , 1917 a memorable called that one teacher reported speaking to
Festival and Convention for Teaching was one hundred and thirty-three different
held in Chicago, and proved a most wonder­ groups on just a short tour. One has only
ful opportunity for the Baha’is, charged to review the history of this period to realize
166 THE BAHÁ1 CENTENARY

how faithfully the teachers shared their this really enhanced the working of mystic
knowledge of the Baha’i Teachings with the forces. The Bahd’is prayed and worked and
world. faithfully tried to translate into the world
In 1920 a National Teaching Committee of action the divine and sublime instructions
was appointed, as well as Regional and Lo­ they had received. ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s followers
cal Teaching Committees throughout the had a spiritual mission; they tried to ac­
country. These Committees and their work complish it. They lived in and for their mis­
constituted an immense forward movement, sion, they were building on the bedrock of
they functioned marvelously, there was life reality, and they kept the balance most of
— the life of the spirit—in their work, there the world had lost.
was intense fervor and enthusiasm. W ith the ascension of ‘Abdu’l Bahá in
Undoubtedly the crowning event of the 1921, the Baha’i Faith passed into another
latter part of this entire period was the ar­ and distinctly different period of develop­
rival in this country of the distinguished ment. The Tree of the Covenant continued
Bahd’i teacher from Persia, a precious gift to grow, and from His Supreme Heights of
from ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the Bahd’i teaching Glory ‘Abdu’l-Baha must have witnessed
program in America for ‘Abdu’l-Baha had how His wishes were being fulfilled. He had
said He would send us "a ripened soul.” He said: "When I leave the world I want My
did fulfill this promise in the person of heart to be assured that the Blessed Beauty
Jenab-i-Fadil who He said had been "grow­ (Baha’u’lldh) has self-sacrificing servants
ing for a long time,” that "he was wise, well who, in the utmost reverence, arose to serve
informed and a thinker, a revered person, the Cause of God.” Many self-sacrificing
learned, sincere, humble and severed from servants and maid-servants did arise and
mortal things.” serve, and historians of the future will re­
Jenab-i-Fadil’s arrival in this country cord the stirring details of their loyal
produced the greatest happiness, and he was services.
welcomed with true Bahá’í hospitality. To make a beginning of the future record
Literally volumes could be written about his of teaching activity in those years associated
brilliant services to all, Bahd’is and non- with the Master, the following list has been
Baha’is. He traveled from the Atlantic to compiled by one of the friends having first­
the Pacific, visiting every Baha’i Center hand knowledge of the Bahd’i work in var­
enroute and in each Center he spoke before ious parts of North America. These teachers
crowded audiences in churches, colleges, or­ have accomplished their work and passed on
ganizations of every kind. Indeed he trav­ to their reward in the Abhá Kingdom.
eled a pathway of Light, the Light of the Thornton Chase
Kingdom, and there is no doubt that thou­ Lua Getsinger
sands and thousands heard the Baha’is Mes­ Howard MacNutt
sage proclaimed by him in a scholarly man­ Arthur Pillsbury Dodge
ner. He served sincerely and brilliantly, Hooper Harris
and, with wisdom, graciousness and elo­ Helen S. Goodall
quence. He proved to be indeed ‘Abdu’l- Nathan Ward Fitzgerald
Bahd’s "gift to America.” The story of his Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons
teaching tour when recorded in detail will Charles F. Haney
form a unique and brilliant chapter in the Henrietta Wagner
Baha’i history of this country. This blessed Mrs. Ida Finch
sage and revered Baha’i teacher was loved Mother Beecher
by every Baha’i, and his work was so deeply Mr. J. W. Latimer
appreciated that it greatly surpassed any Mr. and Mrs. Myron Potter
adequate expression of gratitude. Wm. H. Randall
During World War I, in progress during May Maxwell
some of the years of this period, outer com­ Dr. D ’Evelyn
munication between ‘Abdu’l-Baha and His Annie Parmerton
followers was almost completely cut oif, but Claudia Coles
B A H Á 5Í T E A C H I N G IN NORTH AMERICA 167

Joseph Hannen Bahá during the latter years of the first
Alma Knobloch world war in 1916-1917, the news of His
Mr. and Mrs. Nash ascension to the Abhá Kingdom on No­
Mrs. Katherine Ives vember 28 came as a sudden and over­
Mr. and Mrs. Paul K. Dealy whelming blow. The greatest Teacher and
Isabella D. Brittingham Exemplar of the Faith was no longer pres­
Edward Getsinger ent with His unerring guidance and it took
Mary Stokes MacNutt the friends some time to realize that the
William H. Hoar Light of the Covenant had been transferred
Mrs. Pearl Battee Doty from the eye to the heart and that His words:
Mr. Charles Ioas "I am always with you, whether living or
Mrs. Clark dead, I am with you to the end,” would
Nathaniel Clark serve as an eternal inspiration for the even­
Mrs. Barbee tual fulfillment of His Divine Plan.
Sarah J. Farmer However, the Master, anticipating His
Albert H. Hall final call, began to lay the foundation for
Grace Ober His vast teaching program with His in­
Alfred E. Lunt structions to believers and returning pil­
Mabel Rice-Wray Ives grims that now was the time for the estab­
Howard Colby Ives lishment of Spiritual Assemblies throughout
Mrs. Mary Revell the United States and Canada, for one of the
Shahnaz Waite main functions of these administrative
Mrs. Ida B. Slater bodies was the promulgation of the Word
Josephine Cowles deLagnel of God in their particular city or town. To
Pauline Hannen assist with this new responsibility, he sent
Dr. Clement Woolson the renowned Persian teacher, Jinab’i-Fadl
Charles Sprague to America to explain the method of for­
Dr. Zia Bagdadi mation and the functions of trusteeship in­
Helen Ellis Cole vested in a Spiritual Assembly.
Mrs. Dixon In order to initiate the teaching program
Mrs. Fred Woodward outlined in the Teaching Tablets, the North
Charles Greenleaf American continent, for some years, had
Elizabeth Greenleaf been divided into five sections— the N orth­
Byron S. Lane eastern States, the Southern States, the Cen­
Mrs. Grace Krug tral States, the Western States and the Prov­
Gertrude Buikema inces of the Dominion of Canada, and a
Dr. Thatcher National Teaching Committee of nineteen
Dr. and Mrs. Rufus Bartlett members with regional secretaries had been
Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford appointed to direct the teaching activities
Mrs. Emma Foster in each section and to assist local Assemblies
George Lesch to enhance the scope of their teaching work.
Mrs. Aimée Jaxon This committee published a series of Bul­
Mrs. Eva Webster Russell letins, replete with the news of activities in
Dr. Susan I. Moody each section of the country and stimulating
Mrs. Frances A. Rowe quotations from the Master’s talks and Tab­
lets, ably edited by Mrs. Mariam Haney.
5. T ea ch in g A ctiv ity , 1922-1936 Such a large committee proved to be un­
wieldy, and in 1922 a committee of five
The year 1921 was a momentous one for members was appointed with its headquar­
the American Bahd’i community for just as ters on the eastern Coast. Later on, during
it started to accelerate the vast teaching this period, this program was again changed
program outlined in the remarkable series and a National Teaching Committee was
of Teaching Tablets revealed by ‘Abdu’l- appointed with a representative in each of
168 THE B A H Á 5Í CENTENARY

Program, First Bahá’í Race Amity Conference, Initiated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha.
B A H Á ’Í T E A C H I N G IN NORTH AMERICA 169

the five divisions and coordinated by a sity serving as honorary chairman, and such
chairman and secretary. With the ever- outstanding speakers as Dr. Aurelia Rein­
expanding growth of the Bahá’i Faith came hardt, President of Mills College, Professor
the need for greater concentration, and a Kenneth Saunders, Professor J. V. Breitnational committee was created with mem­ wieser, Rabbi Rudolph I. Coffee, Dr. W. J.
bers representing an eastern and western J. Byers, representing the Negro race, Dr.
section of the country headed by a chairman Ng Poon Chew, a Chinese editor, Dr. Torao
in one section and a vice-chairman in the Kawasaki, the Honorable Clinton N. How­
other section. Finally toward the end of ard and Jinab’i-Fadl who pointed the way
this period, a smaller committee, centered to real peace and world brotherhood.
on the Pacific Coast was appointed and was In 1922 the first Western States Teaching
assigned the additional functions of train­ Conference was inaugurated in San Fran­
ing teachers; directing the itinerary of cisco with delegates in attendance repre­
traveling teachers; enrolling isolated be­ senting all the Western and Rocky
lievers and preparing groups for the forma­ Mountain States, the Hawaiian Islands and
tion of Spiritual Assemblies. British Columbia. A second successful con­
About a year after Shoghi Effendi took ference was held in 1924. During this same
up his mission as the appointed Guardian of period a number of conferences and public
the Baha’i Faith in accordance with the meetings were held in the Chicago area for
provisions of the Will and Testament of the Central States and Green Acre pro­
Abdu’l-Bahá, his second message (March, vided a summer session for similar programs
1922) to the western friends contained for the eastern friends.
these words: "Now is the time to set aside, The National Spiritual Assembly in 1926
nay, to forget altogether, minor considera­ sent a special appeal to forty-five "thor­
tions regarding our internal relationships, oughly informed, capable, experienced and
and to present a solid and united front to distinguished Bahd’is” of this continent to
the world, animated by no other desire but arise as teachers directly representing that
to serve and propagate His Cause.” A year body to make a supreme effort to spread the
later he further aroused us from the inertia Glad Tidings in their respective localities
which followed the passing of the Master by and elsewhere as their resources and per­
this clarion call: "How great our privilege sonal plans would permit. This step was
to labor in this Day in the Divine Vineyard! an early fore-runner of the effective appeals
Is it not incumbent upon us to arise and that were later to make the goal of the
teach His Cause with such an ardor which Divine Plan nearer of attainment.
no worldly adversity can quell, nor any The year 1926 also witnessed the start of
measure of success can satiate?” To further a series of World Unity Conferences at
reinforce the friends in their united efforts which leaders in the fields of education,
he again sent Jinab’i-Fadl to America to science, philosophy, ethics and religion were
aid the inauguration of a nation-wide teach­ called upon to interpret the fundamental
ing campaign. principles of human association capable of
The results of the teaching tour of this overcoming traditional prejudices and pro­
learned Persian teacher were manifold. N u­ moting the ideals of brotherhood and world
merous societies for peace, international peace. Several prominent Baha’is in col­
clubs, women’s organizations and progres­ laboration with liberal ministers, college
sive movements offered their platforms for professors and scientists sponsored this
his lectures which so impressed these organ­ movement which became a strong factor
izations that in later years they were again of indirect teaching of the principles of the
happy to open their doors to other visiting Bahá’í Faith. From March 1926 to June
Bahá’í teachers. One of the outstanding 1927, these conferences we/e held in the
meetings of this period was a two-day con­ following cities: Worcester, Green Acre,
ference for World Unity held in San Fran­ Philadelphia, Buffalo, Cleveland, Boston,
cisco, March 20-22, 192 5, with Dr. David Dayton, Chicago, New York, Springfield,
Starr Jordon, President of Stanford Univer­ Mass.; New Haven, Rochester, Hartford,
170 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Montreal, Quebec, and Toronto, Ontario. 193 5 showed that there were 12 States
A few of the prominent speakers at these without a registered believer. It was at this
conferences included: Dr. Herbert Adams time that the Guardian made his first appeal
Gibbons, the noted historian, Chancellor for Bahd’i pioneers to go forth to teach and
Capen of Buffalo University, Professors to settle in these areas. The time for lec­
Kirtley F. Mather and William E. Hocking tures on the philosophy of the Faith had
of Harvard, Professor Joshi of Dartmouth, temporarily passed, for in the words of
Dr. Teh-yi Hsieh, Professor Adolphus Miller, Shoghi Effendi: "The Cause is not a system
Rabbi Silver of Cleveland, Alfred W. Martin of philosophy; it is essentially a way of life,
of the Ethical Culture Society, Rev. John a religious faith that seeks to unite all
Herman Randall, Mr. Mountfort Mills, Mr. people on a common basis of mutual under­
Horace Holley and Jinab’i-Fadl. In com­ standing and love and in common devotion
menting on these conferences, the Boston to God.” Pioneers and teachers started out
Evening Transcript on December 11, 1926 into virgin territory to carry the banner of
printed the following: "Whether we regard Bahd’u’lldh. The National Spiritual As­
world unity as a feasible program or a sembly accepting its responsibility for sus­
remote, unattainable ideal, the fact that tained teaching assistance in the new areas,
prominent scientists, educators and states­ especially in the Southern States, began to
men, as well as representative Christians, hold its sessions in new cities with public
Jews and followers of other faiths are willing meetings, in order to stimulate the teaching
to participate in a public meeting devoted work. The first of these meetings was held
to this object is a very significant indica­ in Nashville which was the occasion of a
tion of the new trend.” The Institute of historic event for the South, as a public
World Unity was founded as a result of presentation of the Faith was held in the
these conferences and for some years pub­ large ball-room of the leading hotel of this
lished a monthly magazine interpreting City with a mixed audience assembled for
the spirit of the New Age. the first time without segregation. Other
The National Teaching Committee of meetings of this type were held in Knox­
1929 made definite plans to develop plat­ ville, Washington, D. C., Lima, Urbana, Los
forms for the unity between fundamental­ Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, New
ists and modernists; for the solution of the York and Chicago.
social-economic problems based upon the During this period dating from the pass­
Baha’i Teachings; for an approach to social ing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the National Assembly
service workers; to study modern educa­ issued a series of printed leaflets, titled "A
tional methods in order to develop a Baha’i New World Order,” which were mailed to
program and for the study of movements a large selected list of prominent people. It
and groups working for racial unity. This also maintained Mr. Louis Gregory and
period was marked by a series of inter­ another teacher constantly in the teaching
assembly teaching conferences held in dif­ field for a number of years. Space does not
ferent parts of the country which were permit a complete list of the many teachers
productive of far-reaching results. In 1931, who lent their aid at this time, but the fol­
the National Teaching Committee an­ lowing list includes a number who made
nounced nineteen different methods for the extensive and nation-wide teaching tours
presentation of the Faith and the following throughout the States and Canada: Martha
year a series of instructive teaching bul­ L. Root, May Maxwell, Keith Ransomletins was started. The next few years Kehler, Elizabeth Greenleaf, Lorrol Schopwitnessed the development of many teach­ flocher, Orcella Rexford, Dr. Susan I.
ing circuits and groups of traveling teachers Moody, Wm. H. Randall, Howard and
toured surrounding areas, thereby widening Mabel Ives, Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan, Howard
the scope of interest in new fields which M cNutt and Mason Remey.
later were productive of many new Baha’i When the annual Baha’i Convention was
groups and Assemblies. assembled in the Baha’i House of Worship in
A survey of the American community in 1936, the delegates were greeted with the
BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 171

cabled appeal from the Guardian which must turn back to the pregnant years of
urged them to "Ponder historic appeal 1932-33. For in that period the exterior
voiced by ťAbdu’l-Bahá (in) Tablets (of) ornamentation of the Temple was started,
Divine Plan. . . . Would to God every State and a reconstructed plan for our teaching
within American Republic and every Re­ work projected. The purpose of this plan
public in American continent might ere was to release a new creative spirit in each
termination this glorious century embrace individual, causing them to arise to new
light (of the) Faith of Baha’u’lldh and heights of sacrificial teaching service of
establish structural basis of His World increasing intensity; to coordinate all these
Order.” This appeal set in motion a nation­ pulsating and driving efforts into a con­
wide and systematic teaching campaign and structive dynamic whole; to reinforce the
a special teaching fund of $30,000.00, to pioneer teachers with not only the spiritual
which the Guardian, himself, was the first and moral, but also the material and or­
contributor, was budgeted for this purpose. ganized strength of the entire community.
Thus the foundation for the intensified Thus the power of the Holy Spirit might
Seven Year Plan was laid. be canalized and more effectively brought
to the people, perishing in their thirst for
6. T e a c h in g A ctivity , 1937-1944
the water of life. Therefore, the recon­
The last seven years of the first Bahd’i structed teaching plan, while seeking to
century gave to the American believers the renew individual acts of heroism for the
epochal opportunity to inaugurate the world Faith, yet reinforced those services by the
mission to which ‘Abdu’l-Baha called them, united influence of all the Baha’is, and the
in the tablets of the Divine Plan. "Every one pioneer teacher became a strong outpost of
of the important souls must arise, blowing the new world order of Bahá’u’lláh. The
over all parts of America the breath of life.” spirit of the reconstructed plan was to raise
Calling upon them to follow in the foot­ individual effort to collective service; and
steps of the heroes of the first seven years in so doing laid the foundation for the
of the first Baha’i century, the Guardian work of the Seven Year Plan, which the
cabled on October 29, 1933: "The Dawn- Guardian referred to, as "the greatest col­
Breakers in previous age have on Persian lective undertaking in the annals of the first
soil signalized by their acts, the birth of the Baha’i Century.”
Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Might not American The Seven Year Plan was inaugurated by
believers, their spiritual descendants, prove the Guardian by his message to the 1936
themselves in turn capable of ushering in on Convention: "Would to God, every State
world scale the civilization of which that within American Republic and every Re­
Faith is the direct source and sole be­ public in American continent, might ere
getter.” termination of this glorious century em­
To parallel the spirit, dedication, and brace the light of the Faith of BaháVlláh,
self-sacrifice of the Dawn-Breakers, the and establish structural basis of His World
American Baha’is arose to achieve the goal Order.” At that time there were Spiritual
set for the seven year plan, and in so doing Assemblies in twenty-six of the sixty States
to lay the foundation for the world teaching and Provinces of the United States and
mission envisaged in the Divine Plan. Did Canada, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the
not Shoghi Eifendi call for this spirit of District of Columbia. During the first
dramatic and dynamic effort on their part, forty-three years of the development of the
in his message of June 21st, 1932: "Feel Faith in N orth America, the Faith had es­
impelled to appeal to entire body of Ameri­ tablished its administrative posts in twentycan believers to henceforth regard Nabil’s six States and Provinces, whereas the Seven
soul-stirring Narrative as essential adjunct Year Plan contemplated establishment of
to reconstructed teaching program.” Spiritual Assemblies in a seven year period
In fact, in order to get the spiritual in the remaining thirty-four areas. At that
setting for the accomplishment of the time ten States and Provinces did not have
arduous tasks of the Seven Year Plan, we even one Baha’i. Furthermore, these States
172 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

and Provinces were found to be the most As the Plan progressed and its needs be­
backward of the country, not only from the came more apparent, many souls arose to test
standpoint of religious intolerance, but also their strength in the field of spiritual serv­
from the standpoint of educational develop­ ice, so that since the inception of the Plan
ment, cultural achievements, and economic 22 5 "holy souls,, have "scattered more
welfare. widely throughout the length and breadth
The status of the Faith then, in North of the American continent”—and earned
America, in 1937 presented a picture of the "lasting gratitude of the present genera­
seventy-two Spiritual Assemblies in twenty- tion of believers in both the East and West,”
six States and Provinces; twenty-four and have, as the Guardian in his latest mes­
Bahá’í Groups, 246 isolated Bahd’is, with sage acclaimed, "vouchsafed the special
the Faith established in 303 cities. benediction of the Concourse on High, and
On December 31, 1943 (five months made the recipients of the imperishable
before the close of the Seven Year Plan), bounties of Him Who is the Divine Author
there were 132 Spiritual Assemblies, 220 of the Plan itself.”
Bahá’í Groups, 984 isolated Bahd’is, with The first year, of the Plan was marked
the Faith established in every State and by a deepening of consciousness on the part
Province, and in over 700 cities. On the of all the friends of the magnitude of their
same date there were only five areas without task, and the sacrifice and devotion required
Spiritual Assemblies, but the Bahd’is in the for "resounding victory.” Some twenty
key cities are working diligently and Spir­ pioneers left their homes and established
itual Assemblies should be formed shortly. themselves in virgin areas; circuit teaching
Thus as the Bahá’í year draws to a close, we was expanded, and follow-up work and
see before us the attainment of the complete assistance aggressively carried forward.
victory of the Seven Year Plan. The second year found deepening con­
Little did the Bahá’ís, assembled at the sciousness and devotion to duty translated
1936 Convention, realize the sacrifices, ef­ into action on all fronts. Action on the
forts and deeds of spiritual valor, the tasks part of individuals, action on the part of
which they were assuming would entail; as groups, action on the part of Assemblies;
well as the separations from home and and a more complete orientation of our
family, the continuous adjustment of the collective activities to the tasks of the great
lives and fortunes of so many to the greatest teaching program. The doors of guidance
spiritual campaign ever attempted. The opened and the confirmations became so
friends however were firmly united in their overpowering, that no effort, however feeble,
determination to fulfill the divine tasks was without result. The Guardian himself,
assigned them by their beloved Master, and expatiating on the confirmations of the
now set in motion by the Guardian. While Holy Spirit on the intrepid pioneers of the
they planned on itinerant teachers to carry new day, dramatically challenged every
the work forward, with carefully laid plans Baha’i with his urgent appeal: "Let the
of follow-up; yet the achievement of the doubter arise and himself verify the truth
goal required the settlement of ever- of such assertions.”
increasing numbers of Bahá’í pioneers in the In January, 1939, the Guardian aroused
virgin areas of the country. This was greater enthusiasm and created a spiritual
brought poignantly before the believers by upheaval by his call for the settlement of
Shoghi Effendi, by his cable of May 19, the nine remaining virgin areas by "nine
1936: "Convention plea addressed to Ameri­ holy souls, who, independently or as depu­
can believers cannot achieve its purpose ties, will promptly, fearlessly volunteer to
unless dauntless pioneers promptly arise and, forsake their homes, cast away their attach­
forsaking their homeland, permanently re­ ments and definitely settle in these terri­
side in countries where light of Faith has tories to lay firm anchorage of the Admin­
not yet penetrated.” Some twenty daring istrative order of this undefeatable Faith.”
souls immediately left their home ties, and Within a few weeks the National Spiritual
went to the newly opened areas as settlers. Assembly had approved the application of
BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 173

three of these holy souls; and before the new areas. Up to this time, teaching work
Impetus of this call had waned, not only in the virgin areas had been directly super­
nine had offered their lives and services for vised by the National Teaching Committee,
this divine mission, but nine times nine, a but with the settlement of these virgin
total of eight-one had arisen for the victory areas, and the increasing work in connection
of the Faith. with the developing projects throughout the
The third year was marked by an energy country, it was found desirable to place all
of enthusiastic service such as the Faith had sections of the country under auxiliaries of
never demonstrated in this country. The the National Teaching Committee, and thus
entire continent arose as one unit, throbbing ten additional Regional Teaching Commit­
with an insatiable desire for service in this tees were appointed, bringing the total to
greatest spiritual drama. twenty-two. During this year, while many
Early in the third year, all the virgin areas were strengthened, the over-all pic­
areas were settled; teaching circuits for the ture found seven less Assemblies at the end
newly established centers were arranged, of the year, and an increase in the virgin
and follow-up work actively under way. areas from twenty-six to twenty-nine.
In the sixteen Southern States the Faith The fifth and critical year of the Seven
spread very rapidly. Up to the beginning Year Plan, found a new resurgence to
of the Seven Year Plan, there were only sacrificial service, and increase in the number
eight Assemblies, two groups and sixteen of pioneers and settlers, as well as sustained
isolated Baha’is; while in six states there teaching activity throughout the country.
were no Baha’is. By the end of the third During this year the Guardian gave
year, the sixteen States could boast of nine greater responsibility to the believers by
Assemblies, twelve groups, and ninety iso­ indicating that each State and Province
lated Baha’is, with some Baha’is in every must have a Spiritual Assembly by the end
State. of the first Bahd’i Century. With this in­
In Canada likewise the Faith spread like creased responsibility, there was increased
wildfire from East to West. In 1936 there activity on the part of the friends. This
were two Assemblies, no groups, and only enlarged task, at the same time, necessitated
four isolated Bahd’is. By the end of the third the focusing of all activities on the unfin­
year, there were five Assemblies, and all ished tasks of the Seven Year Plan; and con­
virgin areas settled. Teaching circuits were centration on key cities in each virgin area.
taking place everywhere and study groups During this year the problems were
developing in most of the larger cities. further increased by a great many As­
Even the most northern outpost of the semblies reverting to group status through
United States, Alaska, felt the warmth of the application of the administrative prin­
the Bahd’i spirit by settlement of one of ciple that only Bahd’is living in the civil
the "holy souls,” followed quickly by limits could belong to an organized com­
another pioneer, and the confirmation of munity. Thus during the fourth and fifth
the first Bahá’í in Alaska under the Seven years of the plan twenty-two Assemblies
Year Plan. reverted to group status.
During the third year, the Guardian Notwithstanding these problems, the new
spurred the Baha’is to even further effort, resurgence of spirit and service brought the
by calling for 100 Spiritual Assemblies by virgin areas without Assemblies down from
the end of the Bahá’í year. Notwithstand­ thirty-one to twenty-four, and the number
ing two Assemblies were disbanded during of Spiritual Assemblies in the country up
the year, the Convention found 102 Spirit­ from ninety-five to 101.
ual Assemblies in the roll call, as contrasted "Upon the crucial year ahead hinge the
to the 100 suggested by Shoghi Effendi. fortunes of this historic crusade,” was the
The fourth year (1940-1941) called for challenge of the Guardian to the Bahd’is
close consolidation of the gains won during at the 1942 Convention. The "fate of the
the first three years of the plan, as well as seven year plan is periously hanging in the
steady expansion of the Faith in all these balance.” "The present tempo of teaching
174 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

activities is clearly insufficient to insure ing campaign to fittingly close the first
definite all-embracing victory.” “Swift century of the Bahá’í Era, and third, prep­
action, boldly conceived, unanimously sup­ aration for the great celebrations and
ported, systematically conducted, can alone teaching activities of the Centennial period.
retrieve present situation.” At this writing there are only five re­
The Convention of this sixth year fo­ maining virgin areas without Spiritual As­
cussed its entire attention on the unfinished semblies, requiring only nine Bahd’is to
tasks of the Seven Year Plan. The “Guard­ complete the task, and thus fulfill, in its
ian’s Summons to Teaching” was issued in entirety, the Seven Year Plan, and achieve
September, carrying the startling informa­ for America the first step in its glorious
tion that our progress had not been suf­ spiritual mission.
ficient since the Convention to insure suc­ The One Hundreth Year teaching cam­
cess, and calling for eighty-one pioneers to paign throughout the country surrounds
complete the establishment of Spiritual four main themes, the principle causes of
Assemblies in all the virgin areas. Within a the ills of the world today, as well as the
few weeks the National Teaching Commit­ pillars of the divine plan of Baha’u’lldh for
tee received a flood of pioneer offers, and by the healing of the nations:—Race Unity,
January 1943, over thirty-two were in the Religious Unity, World Unity, and The
new fields of service. Manifestation of God. This national pro­
The spirit of activity aroused by the gram gives for the first time, an over-all
seriousness of the plight of the Seven Year teaching program toward which the teach­
Plan, brought new victories, and the most ing resources of the Faith might be oriented,
critical year, on whose activities hung the and the plans of all National committees,
fate of the Seven Year Plan turned out to Assemblies, Regional Committees, Groups
be the most successful year of the Plan. and Isolated Bahd’is be focussed. Thus the
During the year, 105 pioneer settlers entered entire Bahá’í Community, from East to
the virgin areas; there were established West, from N orth to South, shining in
twenty-eight Spiritual Assemblies, the the splendor of complete and resounding
largest number in any one year of the victory of the Seven Year Plan, has set the
history of the Faith in North America; and country aglow with a conflagration of
the virgin areas were reduced from twenty- spiritual power, bringing to a fitting climax
four to seven. The total number of As­ the power of Bahá’u’lláh in these closing
semblies rose from 101 to 124, the number days of the first Bahd’i century.
of groups from 203 to 220, and the number While, of course, statistics do not carry
of isolated Bahá’ís from 872 to 984. anything of the spirit, or devotion of those
The Guardian indicated his joy over the who make the history they portray, yet the
manner in which the believers had responded fortunes of the Seven Year Plan may be
to the crying needs of the eleventh hour, followed in the statement appended to this
with his usual gracious words of encourage­ report, which shows how the Faith has ex­
ment: “I acclaim magnificent victory in panded during the period when the Seven
the teaching field during the course of the Year Plan was successfully carried to its
sixth year of the Seven Year Plan. I appointed goal.
heartily congratulate the National Teaching It is entirely impossible to portray even
Committee and feel proud of its high in the slightest degree the inspiring services
endeavors; and of the self-sacrifice of the of the friends individually or collectively
beloved pioneers.” in the greatest spiritual drama of American
The last year of the first Baha’i Century, History; nor to pay proper tribute to the
the last year of the Seven Year Plan, set sacrifices of our glorious pioneers—to say
for its unique goal, and service to the Faith nothing of the deep gratitude for their
of Baha’u’llah, three distinct teaching activ­ spiritual conquests. Each and every one
ities; first, the completion of the unfinished has recounted how the doors of guidance
tasks of the Seven Year Plan; second, the have opened before them—each has most
carrying forward of a great national teach­ enthusiastically told of the overwhelming
BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 175

confirmations which have come to them of the two local centers, East and West.
from the realms on High— all have felt The most significant fact concerning the
themselves drawn ever nearer to Baha’u’llah Faith in Montreal is that when ‘Abdu’las they have striven to grow closer to Him. Bahá came to North America in 1912 there
Indeed, the spiritual tum ult of the past were devoted Baha’is in that city to attract
seven years has deepened the spirit of faith the Master and to arrange for meetings at
in every heart; has enlarged the vision of which He might address representative
every one; and laid a firm foundation for audiences. 'Abdu’l-Baha was introduced to
the more glorious teaching work of the the Montreal public by the Rector of Christ
second Baha’i Century. It is the prayer of Church Cathedral, Dr. Herbert Symonds.
the American Baha’i Community that it It was on September first of that year that
may be found worthy to serve the Beloved ‘Abdu’l-Baha delivered an address at the
Master, follow in His Footsteps, respond Church of the Messiah, Dr. Frederick G rif­
to His behests, in the Divine Plan, and thus fin, Minister. On the same day He spoke
aid in more quickly establishing the World twice at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William
Order of Bahd’u’llah. Sutherland Maxwell, the pioneer believers of

America During Period of Seven Year Plan
■1944

8. B a h a ’1 T e a c h in g I n C a n a d a Canada, and a third time on the following
day, while on September 5 the Master
The Baha’i Faith has spread through addressed the congregation of St. James
Canada from two centers, Montreal and Methodist Church. During this visit He
Vancouver. Believers were active in Mon­ spoke to a meeting of Socialists, but this
treal as early as 1902. In Vancouver the address is not included in the two volumes
date of active participation in the Faith is of "The Promulgation of Universal Peace.”
1920. From the local communities of be­ The Montreal "Star” published interviews
lievers in these cities the Message of Bahá’- with ‘Abdu’l-Baha obtained by Archie Ed­
u’lláh has been carried out to other cities dington, of the editorial staff.
and Provinces, reinforced since 1937 by The master remained three days and four
pioneers and settlers who have established nights at the Maxwell home, 1 548 Pine
residence in Canada under arrangements Avenue West, and the remainder of the
made by the National and Regional Teach­ visit He was a guest at Windsor Hotel.
ing Committees. As the first Baha’i Century At that time, the daughter of Mr. and
draws to a close we see an active Baha’i Mrs. Maxwell, Mary, now Ruhiyyih Khanum
community of Canada, but the historical rec­ Rabbani, the wife of the Guardian, was a
ord of development requires consideration child of two years.
176 THE B ^ H Á ’Í CENTENARY

In 1916 and 1917, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahd Delegates representing all local communi­
revealed Tablets to the Baha’is of five ties of the United States and Canada met
regional areas in which He divided the in Montreal for their Nineteenth Annual
Bahd’i communities of the United States Convention and Congress in 1927, bringing
and Canada, the two Tablets addressed to to the Canadian friends a strong reinforce­
Canada were sent through Mrs. May Max­ ment and encouragement. The public
well, and these messages gave the believers of World Unity conference held in the Uni­
Montreal a vivid realization of the spiritual versity auditorium presented a program of
bounties destined for their country. distinguished speakers advocating the Bahd’i
Mrs. Maxwell, whose Memorial designed ideals.
by Mr. W. S. Maxwell stands in white and The eminent Persian Bahd’i teacher,
radiant beauty at her grave near Buenos Jenabi-Fadil, held many meetings in Mon­
Aires, was a teacher distinguished by rare treal during the winter of 1920-21, and
intuition, sympathetic understanding of again during his second American visit,
personality, clear perception of the Bahd’i making many contacts for the Bahd’i com­
teachings and a spirit of intense activity. munity.
Despite her physical frailty she traveled In April, 193 5, the Spiritual Assembly
extensively, carried on a large correspond­ adopted incorporation papers registered with
ence, lectured frequently, and conducted the authorities of the Province, the first
study classes and informal home meetings official recognition by the civil government
whenever possible. The Maxwell home was of the Dominion. More recently, the Na­
for years the Bahd’i center not only of tional Spiritual Assembly has obtained trade
Montreal but for the entire Dominion. It mark registration in Canada of the symbol
was there, on December 10, 1922, that the of the Greatest Name and of the word
first local Spiritual Assembly of Canada "Bahd’i” ; and has filed with the Defense
was established in accordance with the Ministry a statement concerning the Bahd’i
directions issued that year by Shoghi Effendi. Teaching on Universal Peace.
The cities developed by the Montreal Turning now to the development of the
Baha’is through travel and correspondence Faith in Vancouver:
were St. John, N. B., Toronto, and Van­ The story begins with the journey of
couver in those days. As public interest Marion Jack to Vancouver in 1920 to lay
developed following the inspiration released the foundation for the coming of Jenabiby £Abdu’l-Bahd, a number of important Fadil in January of 1921. Accompanying
public meetings and conferences became this distinguished Persian teacher, besides
landmarks of quiet, steady growth. Thus, an interpreter, were George O. Latimer of
William H. Randall presented the Bahd’i Portland and Laura Luther from Seattle.
peace program to the Men’s Canadian Club Jenabi-Fadil’s stay in Vancouver lasted
during the war years 1914-1917, a series about five or six days and included as many
of Race Amity Conferences was conducted, public lectures and private gatherings as
and a strong Bahd’i youth group later the time would allow, as well as brief visits
evolved whose experience and activity stimu­ to West Vancouver, New Westminster and
lated a national youth activity cherished Victoria.
by the Guardian and administered by a Many hundreds heard of the Faith during
Committee of the National Spiritual As­ this short but intensive teaching campaign
sembly. More recently, summer teaching and the first five believers were confirmed.
classes and conferences have greatly stimu­ These were Mrs. Rhoda Anne Harvey, Mrs.
lated the work of the believers in the Grace Ethel Joyce, Mrs. Frances Elizabeth
eastern Provinces. Collin and Austin F. L. Collin, who were
Besides the Maxwell home, Bahd’i centers joined by Mrs. Christine Monroe, a Seattle
conducted in Montreal have been situated Bahd’i, who took up residence in Vancouver
in Fellowship Hall, St. Catherine Street at that time.
West, in the Guy Block and in the Corona­ Miss Marion Jack and Mrs. Laura Luther
tion Building. remained in Vancouver for several months
BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 177

after Jenabi-Fadil’s departure, leaving books followed by the settlement in Vancouver of
and literature and encouraging the con­ Rowland Estall, who had been active in
tinuance of a study class. Between the period Youth groups in Montreal for some years.
from January 1921 to the forming of the It was largely from the influx of new young
first local Spiritual Assembly in 1927 many believers in the following years that the
early teachers came to help, including such Vancouver community was able to supply
nationally known figures as Louis G. pioneer settlers and teachers to the other
Gregory, Charles Mason Remey, George O. western provinces.
Latimer, Horace Holley, Elizabeth Green- With the help of these recent additions
leaf and May Maxwell. Mrs. Maxwell and to the community who rapidly equipped
Mrs. Greenleaf visited Vancouver together themselves with a good knowledge of the
in June, 1926, the latter going on to Vic­ Faith, especially its humanitarian aspects,
toria. Mrs. Maxwell gave many talks and this mother Assembly of Western Canada
lectures, leaving behind a study group of ten was able to lend its assistance during the
which met faithfully together for weekly Seven Year Plan to the expansion of the
meetings during the remainder of the year. Faith to Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatche­
In January, 1927, John Bosch and George wan. In the Fall of 1937, at the opening
O. Latimer visited the group and the first of the Seven Year Plan, an eleven weeks’
Spiritual Assembly was subsequently formed, radio program, one of the first of its kind
with the following members: George Mon­ undertaken by any Bahá’í community, car­
roe, Stanley Kemp, Mrs. Evelyn Kemp, ried the principles of the Faith to a large
Mrs. Rhoda Harvey, Mrs. Christine Mon­ potential audience, and invited listeners to
roe, Mrs. Seifert, Mrs. Warnicker, Mrs. Flor­ attend fireside meetings held simultaneously
ence Sherborne, Mrs. M. Clark. to discuss the subject of the evening. Mrs.
A milestone had been passed with the Dorothy K. Baker, representing the National
establishment of the first Spiritual Assembly Spiritual Assembly, went to Vancouver
in Western Canada. From then on the be­ during this time and laid special stress on
lievers in Vancouver met frequently to the needs of the Seven Year Plan, which
study and search the teachings for them­ was also emphasized by a later visit from
selves. None of them knew very much Mrs. Mamie L. Seto. Teacher training
about the Faith and were left alone for long classes were organized and with the help
periods at a time. They owed much in sub­ of the Regional Teaching Committee efforts
sequent years to the Portland believers and were made to establish the Cause in West
especially to the Latimers, Louise Caswell Vancouver, New Westminster and Victoria.
and Helen and Charles Bishop. After the Here was laid the foundation for the con­
first few years a steady stream of teachers tribution which members of this community
visited Vancouver, notable among them be­ were subsequently able to make towards the
ing Keith Ransom-Kehler. success of the Seven Year Plan and made
This period was also one of integration Vancouver a reservoir of teaching assist­
into the national Bahd’i community. Be­ ance to the three. Prairie Provinces. Pioneer
lievers from Vancouver attended the first settlers from Vancouver were Doris Skinner,
summer school at Geyserville in 1927 and Rowland Estall, Ann McGee and Cliff
an important teaching conference in Seattle Gardiner, and visiting teachers were Kath­
in 1929. Delegates went to the 193 8 con­ erine Moscrop, Ruby China, Evelyn Cliff
vention; the Assembly sought and obtained and Muriel Warnicker, who were able to
incorporation in 1939. Important contacts spend some months in pioneer cities.
were made with the various racial groups Outside of Vancouver, as far as is known,
in Vancouver which served to establish the and up until 1937, other teaching develop­
Bahá’ís as ardent promoters of race unity. ments in Western Canada were meagre.
The Youth Group idea, encouraged by Scattered visits had been made to Victoria
similar development in other communities, and New Westminster from time to time.
received special impetus from a further visit Mrs. Collin and Mrs. Joyce lived in Vic­
of Mrs. Maxwell in the summer of 1934 toria for a time and then settled in Arm-
178 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

strong, B. C., from which city Mrs. Pine of Rowland Estall later in the same year,
became a Bahá’í and moved to Vermilion, But these left few definite traces, and it was
Alberta, later assisting in the early develop- not until settlement under the Seven Year
ment of the Edmonton community. In Plan that work in Alberta, Manitoba and
1934, Mrs. Maxwell visited Calgary, staying Saskatchewan went ahead. This, however,
for some weeks, followed by a similar visit is another story and is told elsewhere.

BAHA’I T E A C H E R S GO T O EUROPE,
ASIA AND A F R IC A

1. F oreword who likewise provided teachers like Eliza­
beth Stewart, Lillian Kappes, Genevieve L.
T h e world upheavals of these years have Coy, Dr. Clock, and Clara and Adelaide
sent millions of the youth of America to Sharp; the teachers who undertook to main­
distant lands. They have been made by des­ tain the International Baha’i Bureau in Ge­
tiny to mingle with all races and peoples, to neva, Switzerland, such as Helen Bishop;
witness for themselves the underlying unity the part played by American Bahá’ís in es­
which the Creator imprinted upon His tablishing the Faith in Paris, London, S tutt­
Image borne in the souls of all men. Here is gart and many other places; the fund do­
enacted the supreme dispersal of history, the nated for a monument at the grave of the
great shattering of molds and the over­ revered Abul-Fadl in Cairo; and the full
throwing of all frontiers. responsibility assumed in the development
Preceding them went out the confirming of the Faith in Latin America.
light of truth revealed by Baha’u’llah, re­ One of the most significant international
flected through a host of pioneer souls in­ Baha’i matters in which American believers
tent upon bringing the world back into the have taken an active part was the case of the
divine embrace of peace and brotherhood. House of Baha’u’llih in Baghdad, seized
The outposts of this outpouring of spirit some ten years ago by hostile religious lead­
are today symbolized by five monuments ers and later sequestrated by the civil gov­
raised over the graves of heroic martyrs: ernment. The Bahá’i claim was eventually
Dr. Susan I. Moody, Tihrán, Persia; Keith carried to the League of Nations on appeal
Ransom-Kehler, Isfahan, Persia; Lua Get- and the verdict called upon the Mandatory
singer, Cairo; Martha L. Root, Honolulu; power to see that the House was restored.
and May Maxwell, Buenos Aires. They rest W ritten appeals were sent to Baghdad by
in soil which has become part of the destiny the American local Baha’i Assemblies, while
of America. Before the nations could be the legal papers were prepared by Mountfort
prepared for political and economic union, Mills under the direction of the Guardian
these souls realized that in reality the nations of the Faith.
are one. At the time of the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-
But scores of others also served the Faith Bahá, the keys to the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh
in distant lands, fulfilling each one his or in ‘Akka were wrested from the Bahá’i cus­
her trust under the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l- todian by Mohamet-Ali, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s
Bahá. younger brother and for years the center
The following brief statements are but of dissention and antagonism seeking to de­
glimpses at these great scenes. The full stroy the Center of Baha’u’llah’s Covenant.
panorama can only be depicted by later Immediately the American believers pro­
students who gather the records together in tested this spoliation of the sacred Shrine
times of peace. and violation of the Will and Testament of
One can, however, at least point to cer­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in letters addressed to the
tain salient features in the historic record: Mandatory Power, joining with the believers
For example— the founding of the Tarbiat of the entire world in a mighty demonstra­
Schools for boys and for girls in Tihrán, to tion of unity of faith. The keys were soon
which Dr. Moody devoted her life, gener­ given to Shoghi Effendi, named Bahá’i
ously supported by the American believers Guardian in that Will.
180 THE BA H Á ’í CENTENARY

Over a long period of years beginning Pressing on to Japan I observed in Agnes
with the era of the Master, the American Alexander that untiring service that has
Bahá’ís have prepared and dispatched ap­ made her the trusted agent of ‘Abdufl-Bahá
peals to the authorities of various countries and of Shoghi Effendi in this ancient and
in behalf of the believers suffering oppres­ remarkable land; a land to which ‘Abdu’lsion: Turkey, Persia, Iráq, Germany, Egypt Bahá has given such unqualified promises of
and the U. S. S. R. Funds have also been do­ spiritual expansion and attainment.
nated for relief, as for example following How simple a thing when trees have been
the disastrous floods in Nayriz. felled and underbrush cleared, the unyield­
ing earth broken, the seed sown, tended and
2. A Survey by K e it h R a n s o m -K e h l e r watered; drought, hail, hurricane and flood
withstood; how exceedingly simple to walk
To have spread and established a religion "through the land at eve . . . and pluck the
throughout the world in less than four score ripened ears!” No name is worthy of men­
years is eloquent testimony to the spiritual tion in any country except the name of those
quantum contained in the message of Bahá’- who with heroism and intrepidity first went
u’lldh. forth to face the odds and difficulties, yes,
Historians record as phenomenal the ac­ terrors of the untried and the unknown in
complishment of the followers of Muham­ order to plant the mighty standard of Bahá’-
mad in carrying His teachings from the Red u’lláh in the midmost heart of the world.
Sea to the Baltic, from India to Gibraltar, in The names of Dr. Augur and of Agnes Alex­
eighty years; but in a corresponding period ander must ever remain the names to which
the Bahd’i Faith has become firmly rooted on all others are subsidiary in recounting the
all the continents of the earth. history of the Cause in Japan. Mrs. Ida
Needless to say this has not taken place of Finch, Mrs. Greeven (then Inez Cook),
itself. The divine rapture that sent our Per­ Martha Root, and later Mrs. Schopflocher
sian martyrs dancing to their death had its and Mr. George Spendlove have assisted in
more practical reflex in the worldwide pro­ furthering Bahá’í interests in this fascinat­
jects of those who, scattering near and far, ing country.
bore to mankind the "imperishable evangel Reaching China I encountered for the first
of eternal salvation,” reiterated today by time on my journey the illustrious name of
Bahi’u’lldh. Martha Root as the pioneer Baha’i teacher.
Leaving California where the historic pio­ She had sojourned in other lands that I had
neers Thornton Chase, Lua, Mrs. Goodall, visited, but like myself was treading in the
Mrs. Cooper, and others prepared the way footsteps of others. Here she herself had
for the coming of *Abdu’l-Bahá, my first been the first to bring this great evangel, and
objective was Japan. Calling en route at the evidences of her strenuous and ceaseless
Honolulu, consecrated by the labors of Dr, toil in that great vineyard will be immortal.
Augur and Agnes Alexander, I found a bril­ In America she had given the message to
liant Bahd’i Community; alert, active, zeal­ President C. S. Liu of Sun Yat Sen Agricul­
ous, ably abetted by the tireless enthusiasm tural College while he was an undergraduate
of Miss Julia Goldman. Charles Mason at Cornell; and later to his sister, President
Remey and George Orr Latimer, Mr. and Fung Ling Liu of Union Normal College,
Mrs. Charles R. Bishop, Orcella Rexford, then a graduate student at the University
Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, on their journey of Michigan.
to Australia, Martha Root who had left a At Tsing Hua University she confirmed
few months before my arrival; and since my President Y. S. Tsao and his wife in the
departure from America, Mrs. Schopflocher, Cause, and the Bahd’i world is aware of his
Mrs. Loulie Mathews and Mrs. Marion Little outstanding service in translating ‘Abdu’lare among the Bahá’ís who have made their Bahá and Dr. Esslemont into Chinese.
contribution to the advancement of the On her journeys through the Celestial
Cause in Hawaii: which incidentally I think Empire Martha carried on in her great tra­
the most beautiful spot in all this earth. dition; interviewing statesmen, publicists
TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 181

and dignitaries; speaking in the foremost spiritual attributes fit him peculiarly to
Universities; obtaining constant publicity teach the Bahá’í Cause. Mrs. Dunn has a
for the Cause through the newspapers; quality of faith that I have seldom met. She
broadcasting; receiving innumerable visit­ lives in the Presence of God with a kind of
ors. It was rewarding to meet those whom awe and candor that assure men of His
she had interested and gratifying to witness Power and Benignity; while her service is
the steadfast devotion of those whom she like the service of the earth to the sun, of
had confirmed. the magnet to the pole, of the lover to his
Miss Alexander and Mrs. Schopflocher beloved. When so ill, with a dangerous ill­
have also paid several visits to China. ness, that any other woman would have been
The traces of a world pioneer I have found in a hospital, she was still ministering and
in many places where his foot has never serving and helping and soothing, until her
trod; our "ambassador without portfolio” as very persistence in doing carried its own
it were, Roy C. Wilhelm. Carrying on great message.
a world-wide correspondence, his cordial and What a simple matter then to harvest all
cheerful letters, his gifts of reading matter this effort and sacrifice and self-effacement
and Bahá’í books, his continuous encour­ in my joyous visits to Australia and New
agement and helpfulness to those scattered Zealand. Martha and Effie Baker, one of th:
beyond the confines of ordinary Bahá’í asso­ first Australian Bahd’is, visited New Zea­
ciation, have made him, though personally land before me; and Martha and Seigfried
unseen, one of the most popular and beloved Schopflocher, Australia.
of the Bahá’í teachers. There was much activity among the
No more romantic story will embellish friends to receive me. Full and interesting
the history of the Cause than the recital of programs had been arranged, resulting in
how Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, then well confirmations in the various centers visited,
past middle-life, burning all their bridges and in the formation of active study classes.
behind them, answered the summons of Perhaps fuller details will be furnished by
‘Abdu’l-Baha and arose to carry the Bahd’i the friends in the Southern Hemisphere;
message to Australia and New Zealand. "Down Under” as they say.
Their endeavors have been indefatigable, No tribute that I could pay would be ade­
their accomplishments stupendous. "Whoso quate to express the heartfelt gratitude and
maketh efforts for Me in My way will I appreciation of the entire Baha’i world, for
guide them.” The trials, difficulties and vi­ the cordial welcome and sincere cooperation
cissitudes that they faced and conquered which is everywhere and continuously ex­
must be recorded at length in a suitable me­ tended to us by the Theosophical Society.
morial. Wherever we may go this is alwiys the first
At last there was a happy, issue out of all platform open to us; these audiences, always
their afflictions. Mr.. Dunn found an excel­ intelligent and responsive, offer us our first
lent position that necessitated his travelling encouragement.
over the whole Commonwealth, so that he In Sydney I spoke twice in the great The­
has actually given the message in every set­ osophical Auditorium and from their station
tlement on that vast continent. my lectures were broadcast to thousands of
Equally persevering, Mrs. Dunn remained listeners. I was entertained at "the Manor,”
behind in the larger cities, consolidated their their community center, and sent off with
joint labors, formed classes, conducted meet­ letters of introduction to other lodges in
ings, fostered Assemblies, until at last, as a different countries. Mr. and Mrs. van Gelder
reward of their efforts, the National Spir­ and their family, who live in beautiful Blaitual Assembly is in process of formation. vatsky Park in Batavia, extended to me the
Mr. and Mrs. Dunn (lovingly called Fa­ most exemplary kindness and hospitality at
ther and Mother by all Baha’is) are of sin- the request of the Sydney Theosophists. All
gular beauty both of person and character. over the world this Society displays toward
Mr. Dunn has the rarest and most charming us the same spirit and the same goodwill.
disposition: loving, forgiving, genial, his Mr. Grosfeld, our dear Bahá’í pioneer in
182 THE B A H Á ’í CENTENARY

Java, is awaiting' the arrival of an Egyptian ity, and the sincerity of their lives these
Bahá’í friend of his in order to carry on a village Bahd’is are a source of pride and
fuller program of activities. pleasure to the Western visitor.
My stay in Malay was not kmg enough to The Rangoon friends had arranged a com­
admit of more than newspaper reports and prehensive program for me that they may
private interviews. perhaps discuss in their report. They were
Sharing the ardors and rewards of the first very efficient in their cooperation, arranging
mission to India and Burma were, among my conferences so that I met the most intel­
others who assisted the saintly Jamál Ef- ligent, progressive and inquiring in the city.
fendi, Dr. *Abdu’l-Hakim, now of Ran­ By now their H aziratu’l-Quds must be
goon, Burma, an<í Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí of completed, which will greatly increase the
Mandalay, the latter accompanying Bahá’- prestige of the Cause.
u’lláh’s great emissary on his extensive jour­ The crowning joy of my visit was meet­
neys to the East. ing in person those great pioneers of the Day
Arriving in Burma I went at once to of Bahá’u’lláh, Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí and
Mandalay where to my great delight I met Dr. Hakim, who had in their youth, with
Mrs. Schopflocher and Lionel Loveday just Jamál Effendi, helped establish the Cause in
down from a thousand-mile trip on the India and Burma.
Irrawaddy, "where the flyin’ fishes play.” The calm beauty of their lives seems a
These flying fish, by-the-bye, were the miracle amidst the haste and noise and vul­
women who plied back and forth on the garity of our disintegrating civilization. I
river boats. know that they belong to that host whose
In addition to my many engagements in tread is measured to the tap of an unseen
Mandalay, we drove twice to the hill station drummer. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá expresses it,
of Maymyo where I spoke to the Young "the horse gallopeth though the rider is in­
Men’s Union. I was very cordially received visible.” Their ears were constantly listening
throughout Burma and was especially happy for commands that mine were too gross to
in the great house of Ma Tin in Mandalay; hear.
designed and built to accommodate ‘Abdu’l- Later several Western teachers visited In­
Bahá on His hoped-for but never accom­ dia; among, them Hooper Harris and Harlan
plished journey to Burma. Ober; Dr. and Mrs. Getsinger; Mrs. Lorol
Very handsome properties are owned by Schopflocher; on three occasions Mrs. Gree­
the Bahá’í Community of Mandalay, the ven, Mrs. Stannard and Martha Root.
most recent acquisition being the estate of A large number of the Bahá’ís of Western
Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí, in which he is now India (Karachi, Bombay, Poona) are Persian
merely holding a life trust. Zoroastrians or Parsis. There are no Bahá’ís
Our tireless Martha has preceded me there in the world superior to those recruited from
as usual and has written a lively record of the Zoroastrian group. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá again
her visit. and again attested to their sincerity, their
The grace and charm of the Burmese simple faith, their purity of motive, their
young people are worthy of comment. The sacrifice and their utter devotion.
beautiful and accomplished daughters and A generous account of my activities in
grand-daughter of U. Nyunyu, chairman of Bombay and Karachi appeared in the pre­
the Assembly; the son and daughter of Dr. vious number of this series. Professor Pri-
Hakim, so earnest and devoted; the lovely tam Singh, M. A., late of the chair of eco­
and gentle Baha’i children that I met wher­ nomics in Allah Abad University, Secretary
ever I went, impressed me deeply. of the National Spiritual Assembly of the
So much has already been written about Bahá’ís of India and Burma, was designated
Daidenow Kalazoo Kungjangoon, "the vil­ to accompany me and to arrange my meet­
lage of ‘Abdu’l-Baha,” that I cannot ings. Due to his initiative and connections
heighten the descriptions of Mrs. Greeven I spoke in all the great universities in the
and Mrs. Schopflocher. In the warmth of various Indian cities that I visited, and to
their welcome, the extent of their hospital­ many associations, churches, clubs and so-
TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 183

cial groups, where the message was cordially language and supporting themselves as they
received. But it is practically impossible for established the Cause, their conquest of diffi­
me to write of my own activities; I never culties, their unremitting perseverance, is
seem to myself to be accomplishing any­ surely written in ineffaceable letters "upon
thing. the preserved Tablet of God.”
Through the kind offices of Sir Akbar Martha Root has also visited several South
Hydarí I received an official invitation from American cities.
Hyderabad Deccan to be the guest of the Leonora had preceded me to some of the
state. I cannot sufficiently thank Mr. Růs­ islands of the West Indies, but to a few of
tům Khosrove, Secretary of the Spiritual them I was the first to carry the message.
Assembly of Poona who accompanied me, My longest teaching period on that tour was
acting as my personal secretary as well. in Barbadoes where Leonora had ably paved
It was very gratifying to meet here the the way for me a year or two before.
Minister of Finance, the Minister of Justice, Let me record that I have found nowhere
the Minister of Education, the Minister of people more eager, more receptive, more
Court, the former Prime Minister, the Min­ alert or kinder than the Barbadians. God
ister of State, Nabob Mehdi Yar Jung Ba- willing, I yearn to go back there for further
hádur, and others of the nobility and cabi­ teaching. I was very gratified to hear of the
net, and to discuss with them our teachings. visit of Miss Ella Robarts to this beloved
The programs arranged in Poona and Su­ spot.
rat, respectively, afforded me the liveliest Returning to Haifa for further instruc­
pleasure, for the meetings proved very popu­ tions, Shoghi Effendi graciously permitted
lar and were attended by the representative me to come to the land of God’s pioneers,
people of these cities. Sir ‘Ali Delavi, Prime the Báb and Baha’u’llah; to walk the earth
Minister of the Bombay Presidency, acted deified by Their Presence; to visit the scenes
as my chairman on one occasion, and spoke sanctified by Their noble army of martyrs;
with great appreciation of the Baha’i teach­ to read in the lives of their survivors those
ings. lessons of sacrifice, patience and steadfast
The next continent that I touched upon faith that illumine the Cause.
was Africa, which I had visited several En route I spent a few days in the holy
times before; but alas! I was not able to city of Baghdad where Bahá’u’lláh declared
follow in the hallowed footsteps of Miss His Mission and, finally sojourning in the
Fanny Knobloch, who with her sister, Mrs. Garden of Ridván, gave to our Faith its
Pauline Hannan, established the Cause in most joyous festival.
South Africa. I disembarked at the Soudan These Bahá’ís are full of spirit and energy,
but approached no nearer to the scene of her and though I met only a few representatives
repeated activities. More advanced in age from other ‘Iráqí Assemblies I was im­
than Mr. and Mrs. Dunn when she under­ mensely assured ^>f their devotion and zeal.
took this trip, with extremely straitened fi­ The monumental work of Mountfort
nances, again and again she literally taught Mills in representing before the League of
until she dropped; due to the exigencies of Nations Baha’i interests in Baghdad has al­
the climate that brought on a dilatation of ready been fully recorded, in a volume of
the heart. Who can estimate the incalculable The Baha’i World.
harvests that will one day be garnered from Mrs. Schopflocher’s visit left a deep im­
her love and sacrifice? pression and wrought good results. She had
My brief visit to the Northern coast of several audiences with His Majesty, the late
South America some years ago was equally King Feisal, and Martha, following her, also
remote from the pioneer work of Leonora had an audience with the King.
Holsapple and Maude Mickle; who like the Incidentally I know of no better place to
other American pioneers already mentioned, mention Mrs. Schopflocher’s memorable visit
answered the summons of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, to Russia; the only American Bahá’í, so far
proceeding to Bahia, Brazil. Their gallantry, as I am informed, to teach in the Soviet
their hard work in mastering an unknown Union.
184 THE B A H A ’i CENTENARY

Years since, M. and Mme. Dreyfus- ridden, so unconquerable is her spirit, so
Barney and Mason Remey had come to Per­ cheerful her disposition, so intense her eager­
sia; then, to the Tarbiyat School, Miss Kap- ness for the Cause and its welfare, that
pes, Miss Coy, Miss and Mrs. Sharp; Dr. young and old throng to see her, and her
Clock had come to be near Miss Kappes; presence is a blessing to every meeting that
Mrs. Schopflocher had visited Persia on two she finds strength to attend.
occasions; Martha traveled through some She always reminds me of the lines of
of the provinces; and Effie Baker, photo­ Stevenson:
graphing for The Dawn-Breakers, reached
places that no western Bahá’í has seen before "I knew a silver head was bright beyond
or since. compare,
The important work of Miss Lillian Kap­ I knew a queen of toil, with a crown of
pes, who gave her life to the Bahá’í Cause silver hair;
in Persia, is attested by the present position Garland of valor and sorrow, of beauty
of the Tarbiyat School, so ably managed and renown;
by Miss Adelaide Sharp. She has today Life that honors the brave crowned her
brought it to a position of preeminence in himself with the crown.”
this educational field. Her unflagging zeal,
her sound management, her personal dedi­ Some of my most impressive experiences
cation to teaching as a profession, are here have been recorded in letters to Mrs.
crowning with success the hardships and Helen P. Bishop, published in the Bahd’i
difficulties that still surround the educa­ Magazine. At present (August, 1933) I am
tional activities of Persia. in Tihrán and have not yet visited the South
But foremost amongst the Western pio­ of Persia.
neers in this sacred land must ever stand the This would seem the appropriate moment
name of Susan Isabel Moody, M. D., who, to mention those immortal Persian pioneers
blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, was entrusted with to America, sent us through the bounty of
the great mission of spreading scientific ‘Abdu’l-Baha: Mí rzá Abu’l-Fadl-i-Gulpayimethods and hygienic measures amongst the gání, and Jináb-i-Fádil Mázindaráni. My
women of Persia. advent to the Holy Cause of God is so recent
At the time of her arrival not only crude that it exactly corresponds with Jináb-ibut barbarous practices sometimes obtained FádiPs first visit, but all America bears tes­
in obstetrical work; infant mortality still timony to the outstanding achievements of
remains very high; the care and feeding of these powerful and notable pioneers.
children was little understood. For many Having been identified with the Baha’i
years she labored valiantly against the hosts Cause for only twelve years, there must have
of ignorance and resistance to change, work­ been countless teachers in the early days
ing on against great obstacles until the vio­ with whose names I am unfamiliar. I hope
lent fanaticism that ended in the murder of that all such oversights will be forgiven. I
Major Imbrie made it inadvisable for foreign have mentioned the name of every teacher
Bahá’ís to remain longer in Persia. in foreign fields known to me. Undoubtedly
When under the enlightened regime of the Jináb-i-Fádil in his forthcoming history
present ruler, Ridá Sháh Pahlavi, all danger will record the work of those whose names
was obviated, so deep was her devotion to I have unintentionally omitted.
her spiritual fatherland that she determined Though residing in Europe during several
to end her days in this beloved country; and years my itinerary has not yet taken me, as
though nearing eighty, took the long and a Bahá’í, to the scenes made memorable by
difficult trip from America back to Persia, early Bahá’í teachers. May Ellis Maxwell,
a few years ago. who also established the Cause in Canada,
Her work in founding the girls’ Sunday Alma Knobloch, George Latimer and Mason
School and in assisting the Tarbiyat School Remey, Dr. and Mrs. Getsinger and more
is still another monument to her greatness. recently Mrs. Louise Gregory, Miss Marion
Although very feeble and partially bed­ Jack, Orcella Rexford, Mr. Kluss, Mrs.
TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 185

Emogene Hoagg, Miss Julia Culver, Mrs. Builder and Maker is God” ; that Holy City,
Stannard, Dr. and Mrs. Howard Carpenter, New Jerusalem, shall descend to earth and
Lady Blomfield, Mrs. Stuart French, Mrs. that the tabernacle of God shall be among
Amelia Collins, Miss Louise Drake Wright, men. The doors of that city "shall never be
and others have taught on the continent; closed by day and night; there shall be none;
but preeminently Martha Root, who has and into it will the kings of earth bring their
spread the message not only in the leading glories.” It is for the speedy fulfillment oi
universities and highest circles of Europe, this promise that Bahá’i pioneers are labor­
but to royalty, confirming the present Dow­ ing so arduously throughout the world.
ager Marie, then Queen of Rumania, in the
Cause. 3. A St a t e m e n t by C h arles M aso n
Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher, a veteran R em e y
world traveler, has supplemented his fre­
quent business voyages with Bahá’í teach­ In 1901 I made my first pilgrimage to
ing. Haifa to visit ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and in connec­
In 1932 the Guardian bade me good-bye tion with this journey I spent several days
with a smile; that smile that soars like a bird with the Bahd’is in Egypt.
from his lips to its heavenly nest. "You Apart from having heard the Bahi’i mes­
should be very grateful to Bahá’u’lláh for sage in France in 1899 and having spent the
extending to you this opportunity for serv­ first three years and a half as a believer in
ice,” he said. that country engaged in the work of the
Amidst the perplexities, hardships and Cause, my first real Bahá’í teaching travels
problems that often beset my path I think in foreign lands began in the summer of
that my abiding protection is a sense of deep 1907 when in company with Frank Phipps
and reverent gratitude; gratitude that I of Washington, I visited the Master,
have been privileged, not to hear about, but ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in ‘Akka, going over by way
to witness, in a thousand gleaming camp of the Mediterranean by ship to Egypt and
fires round the world the marshalling of the Syria. There Frank and I parted, he return­
army of the Lord of Hosts; to behold in ing direct to America, I going up the Le­
every land the unsheathing of His terrible, vantine Coast visiting Baha’i friends in
swift sword; to see, with mine eyes, the Beirut and Alesandretto on my way to Con­
Glory of the Coming of the Lord. Men and stantinople and from there on to Munich in
women from every tribe and kindred of the ^Germany.
earth, forgetting their age-old tutelage of In Munich, I had several Bahd’i contacts
hatred and antagonism, abandoning their with people interested in the Faith, so re­
prejudices and racial inhibitions, rejecting mained there for two days before going on
the animosities of ancient creed and dogma, to Stuttgardt. In this latter place I spent
learning new and shining lessons of forbear­ several days with Dr. Fisher who was at that
ance, love and forgiveness; pressing forward time interesting a few people in the Cause.
in deadly, deadly earnest against man’s eter­ We spent some time going about calling on
nal foes: ignorance, oppression, superstition, people and talking with them, but there
greed, crime, war, poverty, injustice; put­ were no gatherings that could be called
ting aside every personal consideration to "meetings.”
serve the mighty ends of peace and right­ From Stuttgardt, I went on to Paris where
eousness. Surely gratitude is the only appro­ I spent six weeks busily engaged in looking
priate emotion with which to regard the up the friends and attending gatherings. It
spectacle of life at the flood tide of its spir­ had been but less than four years since I had
itual ardor. For in this Cause every Baha’i lived there, so I was able to follow up a
is a pioneer; a pioneer in a new manner of number of former personal contacts as well
living, a new outlook on life; a new assur­ as meet with the groups of Bahd’is at that
ance; a new fortitude, because ours is a new time, continuing the work as established
promise; the promise that at last that celes­ there seven or eight years previously by
tial city "eternal in the heavens, whose May (Bolles) Maxwell.
186 THE B A H Á ’í CENTENARY

While in Paris, I went over to England to ‘Ishqábád—back to Bakou and into
for a two weeks’ stay in London with Syd­ Persia as far as Tihrán. This, however, could
ney Sprague who had made many contacts not come under the classification of Bahá’i
there. Our time was busily spent meeting teaching, since I was learning from the
the Bahd’i friends and attending meetings many old and firm Believers in those parts
of various kinds of thought where Sydney rather than teaching, although here and
had made openings to speak of the Cause. there I did meet people attracted to the
On my return to America at the Master’s Faith and talked with them.
instruction, I made some travels to Mon­ Leaving Sydney Sprague in Persia I re­
treal in Canada and visiting the Baha’i turned to the Holy Land by way of Bakou,
centers as far West as Chicago and the near Batoum and Constantinople, meeting the
points in Wisconsin— Racine, Kenosha and Baha’i friends in Beirut.
Milwaukee. While Stanwood Cobb was the only Ba-
The following year, in 1908, I sailed early há’í I met at that time in Turkey, at the
in April for England where I visited the Master’s definite instructions on going out
Bahá’ís in Manchester where Miss Ridgeway to Persia I called on the Persian Ambassador
had attracted a small group that was found­ to Constantinople who was a friend of the
ing the Bahá’í cause in those parts. From Master’s and was kindly disposed toward the
there I went on to London for a few days Cause. This gentleman received me very
with the friends where Sydney and I made graciously and gave me several books of his
the round of contacts as we had done the own w riting on World Peace. (These are
previous *summer. with my other documents now in the Na­
Then on to Paris for a week where I at­ tional Archives in the Temple in Wilmette.)
tended several gatherings of friends and I had a few days with the Master in
those interested, from there going on to ‘Akká. The Revolution of 1908 had taken
Stuttgardt in Germany. By then Miss place while I was in Persia and the land
Alma Knobloch of Washington had settled was then under the Young Turk rule. It
herself in Stuttgardt at the Master’s, was easy for the Baha’i pilgrims to come
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s, instruction, as a Baha’i and to go to and from the Holy City—the
teacher and already a group of enthusiastic old Turkish reign of oppression was at its
believers was in progress. There I remained end.
for several days before going on to Italy (by On my return through Europe I visited
way of Vienna), where in Florence I spent Sr. Bonsignori in Milan, then went on to
a day or two with Sr. Artura Regini, the Stuttgardt, Paris, London and Manchester,
leader of a group of Philosophers who re­ meeting the friends in those cities. „
ceived me very kindly. I had been in corre­ It was in the Fall of the following year
spondence with this gentleman for some that Howard Struven and I started forth on
time, had fuťnished him with Baha’i litera­ our world tour. I am under the impression
ture and he had published some articles on that we were the first Baha’is to make the
the Cause locally in Florence. entire tour of the world, but I may be in
So far as I know Sr. Edouardo Bonsignori fault on this point.
of Milan was the first Baha’i in Italy. He Leaving Washington and Baltimore, in
received his message from Mrs. H. Emogene June, we traveled westward visiting almost
Hoagg in about 1900. I had met him in all of the centers of Baha’i teaching in this
Paris some years .before this visit to Italy. country from Green Acre on the East to the
From Italy I went on to Egypt, to the length of the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles
Holy Land, where I spent some days near to Seattle and Spokane. It was in November
the Master— then on to Constantinople that we sailed for Hawaii where we spent
where I visited Stanwood Cobb at Robert three weeks with the friends of the Group in
College, meeting with him and his friends Honolulu that Agnes Alexander had formed,
and there joining up with Sydney Sprague, and it was Christmas week before we
we two going from there by sea to Odessa reached Japan where we spent some days in
and acrcss Southern Russia to Bakou—east Tokyo meeting with individuals and groups
TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 187

attracted to the cause. Our first meeting in
Tokyo was in the Chapel of the American Mirza Mahmoud Irani to Baroda to teach,
Y.M.C.A. and numbered about 12 5 people. therefore we placed ourselves in correspond­
The Honourable Mrs. Gordon, an Eng­ ence with Mirza Mahmoud who asked us to
lish lady who had lived for years in Japan, include Baroda in our travels.
Professor and Mrs. Dodge (American) and On our arrival in Baroda the Gaikwar was
others were most friendly and were instru­ absent from the City. We therefore awaited
mental in arranging this one very large for some days his return. A day or two
meeting as well as several smaller ones. after his arrival the Gaikwar received us
Shanghai was our next Bahá’í field of and we stated our cause with the result that
activity. There we met with the groups of a few days later a meeting was arranged for
Persian believers of the "Ommid Tea Com­ us in the rotunda of the University presided
pany.” Through these friends we met the over by the President of the University (an
Rev. Timothy Richard, a Missionary Amer­ Englishman whose name I do not recall)
ican who, unlike most American Mission­ and attended by the Gaikwar and his court
aries, had been most friendly to the Cause. and the principal people of the city, both
His associate, the Rev. Gilbert Reid was also British and native.
most cordial and on his return to America It was an impressive gathering and I must
shortly before his death, was associated with say a somewhat terrifying one to me, at
the Baha’is in meetings in New York and least so until I was launched in my talk,
Washington. when embarrassment passes from one.
These Missionaries founded "The Interna­ We were all assembled when the Gaikwar
tional Institute of China” for the harmoni­ arrived and seated himself on a throne ele­
ous relations between the Religions of the vated on a dais and flanked by two attend­
Far East, and in their publications men­ ants who fanned him with large long-han­
tioned the Cause and gave it publicity. dled fans throughout the ceremony.
Our next Baha’i contacts were in Burma The introduction by the President was
in Rangoon and Mandalay and in Quongoon very friendly as was the entire procedure.
not far from the former place. In these So far as I have been able to ascertain this
parts we spent six weeks—very busy ones— occasion was the first time in the history
holding meetings daily and meeting people of our Cause for a king or ruler to openly
of many religious groups, Christian, Mus­ receive in a friendly way representatives of
lim, Hindu, and Buddhist. the Bahd’i Faith. The earliest recognition
Calcutta in India wa% our next Bahd’i of the Bahá’í Cause by Persian kings was to
field of activity. Here the community of persecute, but this kingly gesture of the
friends had a house for their center of ac­ Gaikwar was friendly. This meeting was on
tivity. We visited neighboring towns, made March 20, 1910.
contacts with educational and other groups, From Baroda we went to Bombay where
both Muslim and Hindu, one week or there­ we spent six weeks or thereabouts teaching,
abouts passed quickly with these friends. meeting groups of Hindus, Muslim and
Twice during the two or three years be­ Parsees. One meeting that stands out in my
fore the time of which I write, the Maha­ memory was in the auditorium of Elphmisrajah of Baroda, or more commonly known ton University attended by several hundred
as the Gaikwar of Baroda, traveled in Amer­ students. We were kept very busy in Bom­
ica and on each occasion he visited Wash­ bay. From Bombay we went to the Holy
ington. It was in Washington that I first Land where we had some days with the
met him and spoke with him about the Master before parting one with the other,
Bahá’í Cause. Some others of the Bahd’is Howard returning to America by one route,
made similar contacts with him and he re­ I by another, my travels taking me by the
sponded by showing his friendliness to our quickest way possible to America while
Faith. About the time that Howard Stru- Howard visited the friends in Germany be­
ven and I started on our travels we learned fore returning home.
that the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, had sent In the early summer of 1913 George O.
Latimer and I spent some time in Honolulu
188 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

engaged in Bahd’i activities and in the fol­ Late in September of that year we four
lowing spring of 1914, at the Master’s call traveling Bahd’is left Germany going into
we went to Europe on a teaching mission, Switzerland and Italy where we embarked
landing in France and spending three months at Venice for Egypt and the Holy Land.
in Paris holding gatherings and meeting We remained on Mount Carmel for about
many people. two weeks with ‘Abdu’i-Bahd at the end of
From Paris we went to London for sev­ which time George and I returned to Egypt
eral weeks. By that time there was a very and from there to Italy and America arriv­
active Baha’i community in London with ing home shortly before the end of Decem­
several large meetings each week and small ber, having been able to travel in comfort
groups meeting in homes. during these first few months of the World
This was a momentous time for during War I.
our visit Fareed and his family arrived in Commissioned by the Master to visit the
London from the East and the Master ca­ Bahd’i communities in this country and
bled to us in London that they should be Canada, George and I went to Montreal for
"avoided” by all Bahd’is. These were in­ some days arriving there during the upset
deed turbulent times. For the most part the occasioned by the adherence of the Wood­
friends obeyed without question, but a very cock family to Fareed and his family.
few clung to Fareed. Finally the division or During the years of World War I, George
separation was formed and established and and I made two visits to Hawaii and I alone
the problem was solved definitely, and made one visit there— then for several years
shortly after that George and I took a ship foreign travel wa% not possible.
from England for the Netherlands. There Finally after peace had been established
in Blaricum in North Holland we visited the Master instructed me to go to Germany
Mr. Van Winkle, a Theosophist, with whom on my way to the Holy Land. I sailed in
I had been in correspondence for some time June, 1920, landing in Rotterdam, going on
and who was interested in and attracted to to The Hague where I met Jenab Eben
the Faith. We first met this gentleman in Astaque of Russia whom the Master had
Paris, then in Amsterdam, and while in the sent thither as bearer of His Tablet to The
Netherlands through his kindness we went Committee on Durable Peace. There with
to The Hague and there spoke of the Cause this Persian friend and his companions, I
to some members of the Netherlands For­ met people attracted to the Cause— then I
eign Service. went on to Amsterdam where Mr. Van
The last few days in that country were Winkle was there living and through him
spent with Mr. and Mrs. Van Winkle at I was introduced to some Theosophists who
their home in Blaricum where we met a were sympathetic to the Bahd’i teaching.
number of people to whom we talked. Several days passed with these friendly peo­
From North Holland we went to Berlin ple in Amsterdam and through a Theoso­
and to Leipzig arriving at this latter place phist, Miss B. Kerdike, I was invited by her
the day of the Declaration of World War I. brother and his wife to visit them at Appel-
There we met Miss Alma Knobloch and a doorn in Eastern Holland on my way to
group of friends in a public meeting on the Germany. Mr. Kerdike was an architect and
night of our arrival carried out as planned during the two days I spent in that home, I
regardless of the tumult of war that was met several of their friends, whose names I
going on in the city about us. no longer recall, but who were all responsive
From Leipzig we traveled to Stuttgardt and friendly to the Bahd’i teachings.
where we remained for several weeks teach­ That season I spent about six months in
ing and holding Bahd’i meetings in that city Germany. This was a time of much Bahd’i
and the towns nearby. Here our efforts activity among the believers there. The war
were reinforced by those of two Persian was over and the Revolution was also at an
Baha’is, Mirza Azizullah Bahadur and Mirza end. Most of my time was spent in the
Habibellah Khodabasah whom the Master vicinity of Stuttgardt. I did much traveling
had also sent there to teach. about making repeated visits to Karlsenke,
TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 189

Heidelburg, Tubingen, Leipzig, Manheim, in Paris attending the gatherings of the Ba­
Ludwigshafen, Freiburg and several other ha’is and meeting former old friends there
small towns in Wurtenberg. Also I made of many years of service in the Cause.
five different trips going to Switzerland to
hold meetings in Zurich where a group of 4. A R eport o n I n t e r n a t io n a l
Bahá’ís was formed. A ctivities of M a r t h a L. R oot
While in Germany I met Malcolm Mac- Space is not available for the description
Gillvray from America who was there for of all the teaching activities carried on by
several weeks and we were associated to­ Martha L. Root since her first journey to
gether in Bahá’í work. South America in 1919 and up to the time
Late in December I left Germany and the of her lamented passing in Honolulu twenty
friends with whom I had been so happy and years afterward. Hailed by the Guardian
started for the Holy Land by way of Italy. of the Faith as the foremost teacher and
In Naples I met Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg Hand of the Cause, Miss Root exemplified
and others of the Faith. A few days— then complete and immediate response to ‘Abdu’ltook ship for the Holy Land where I re­ Bahá’s call for teachers uttered to America
mained for almost two months, during in 1916 and 1917 in Tablets which could
which time I was joined by my brother not be conveyed to their destination until
William and other American Believers on the termination of the war.
pilgrimages to the Holy Places. This believer traveled well-nigh continu­
My brother and I made the return to­ ously in Europe, Asia and Africa, as well
gether to Italy where we spent some days in as Australia, New Zealand, and Central and
Naples with Mrs. Hoagg and her small South America. She interviewed prominent
group of believers. From there my brother persons, educators, statesmen and rulers,
returned home by the Mediterranean and and she carried the banner of the Faith to
Gibraltar while I went across Europe stop­ heights beyond the capacity of her fellowping in Milan to see Sr. Bonsignori and from believers in those years.
there to Stuttgardt and the vicinity where The following brief notes, taken from
I met with the believers— then to Paris, "The Bahd’i World,” Volume VII, cover a
London and Manchester, contacting with period of two years only but are typical of
the friends of the Cause in these places, her effort and achievement throughout her
sailing for Canada f(fom Liverpool, with a twenty years of service in the teaching field.
visit in Montreal, then home. A firmly established faith, a centered will,
In 1922 I visited the Holy Land, Switzer­ and indefatigable activity, have given to
land, Germany and France, and in subse­ Miss Martha L. Root an international sphere
quent summers in 192 5 and 1927, I went in the realm of teaching. In her, the ordi­
to Europe, on the former occasion going nary restrictions placed upon personal life,
direct from New York to Italy where I spent limiting it to one local environment, have
several months engaged first in Baha’i activ­ been broken through and the world is be­
ity with Mrs. Hoagg in Florence and then come her spiritual home.
going to Geneva, Switzerland, for some days Miss Root’s activities from April, 1936,
with a group that Mrs. Elizabeth B. Nourse to April, 193 8, were successively, the United
and her family had assembled there during States, Japan, China and India. The follow­
their stay of several months in that city. ing reports can but briefly indicate and out­
From Geneva I went again to Stuttgardt line the full story of her Bahi’i teaching
and the vicinity holding meetings there, during those two years.
and in neighboring towns including Karl- Miss Martha L. Root had served the
senke. Then to Paris for a few days with the Bahá’í Faith vigorously with great efficiency
Baha’is and again to Manchester on my way and without stopping for rest and comfort
to Liverpool and back to America. for many years, but in the summer of 1936,
In 1927 I repeated my visit to Florence, our beloved Guardian cabled her (she was
going to Paris, but not to England, and working in Europe) to return to United
again in 1930 and 1931 I spent some time States for a rest. She returned July 29,
190 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

1936, very broken in health. Mr. Roy C. in that important island country. Jamal
Wilhelm invited her to 'Evergreen Camp,* Effendi had gone to Colombo for a few days
his summer home in Maine, for two months, in 1877 and met a few merchants
where everything was done for her recupera­ Miss Root reached Bombay, India, Octo­
tion. ber 15, 1937; the N. S. A. of India and
Then she met the friends and lectured in Burma and several hundred Bombay Baha’is
Green Acre, the Northeastern States, the welcomed her warmly. After the N. S. A.
Regional Committee arranging very care­ meeting of consultation, and working under
fully to protect her health. This was fol­ the fine planning of the N. S. A. of India
lowed by a short program of lectures in and Burma, Martha Root has done great
New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and service in India and Burma with their help.
Washington, D. C. She first visited Surat and Poona, then
In January, 1937, when she was on a lec­ crossed the continent from Bombay to Cal­
ture tour, she was very ill with influenza cutta and on tó Burma. She toured Burma
in Buffalo and as soon as she was able to where many lectures had been arranged for
travel she went across the continent to Cali­ her in Rangoon, Mandalay, Toungoo and
fornia, stopping over in Lima, Ohio, and in Daidanaw and Kunjangoon. Returning to
Chicago, where she spoke once in each city Calcutta she took part in the Second Allto believers, on teaching the Cause. People India Cultural Conference and the First
came to Lima from all the Bahá’i cities in Convention of Religions, both held in Cal­
the State of Ohio. cutta in December, 1937. Her talks on the
Resting in California for several weeks, Cause were broadcast throughout India.
she later addressed the friends in Los An­ After the lectures and work in Calcutta, she
geles, San Francisco and Portland. These next visited Dr. Rabindra Nath Tagore.
were really regional gatherings, for believers Miss Martha Root arrived in India from
came from many surrounding cities. Ceylon on October 15. The believers of
Miss Root sailed May 20, 1937, from San Bombay accorded her a right royal reception.
Francisco for a Far Eastern tour. June was The National Spiritual Assembly had also
spent in Japan where several lectures were fixed their half-yearly meeting to be held in
given in Tokyo, Kyoto and Kobe. Editors Bombay in order to meet the beloved sister.
used Bahá’í articles, and she visited nearly Miss Root stayed in Bombay for five days
every Baha’i in Japan. and these five days were gala days for the
Sailing to Shanghai the last of June, she believers of the place. While the Bombay
was working in China with the devoted friends held meetings and arranged for lec­
faithful Bahá’ís when the war came. She tures, which were fully reported by the press,
was in the deadly bombings in Shanghai in the N. S. A. in consultation with Miss Root,
August and barely escaped alive. A refugee chalked out a program for her.
on the steamship President Jefferson, she After attending the public meeting on
reached Manila, August 20 in the evening, the Birthday of the Báb, which was presided
and five minutes later endured the worst over by an ex-Mayor of the Town, Miss Root
earthquake Manila has known in a century. left for Surat.
Still, though ill and with a temperature of Su r at —During her two days’ stay here
102, she courageously gave the Message in Miss Root met lawyers, judges and other
Manila. notables of the town at the home of Mr.
Miss Root took the first ship on which Vakil and delivered a public lecture in the
she could get passage out from Manila and Arya Samaj Hall. This was attended by 2 50
came to Colombo, Ceylon. Here she recu­ to 300 people— students, lawyers and other
perated and during the month met the notables. The press published elaborate ar­
Mayor of Colombo, gave three radio talks, ticles and thus good publicity was achieved
spoke before the League of Nations Union, for the Divine Faith.
the university students and was one of the P o o n a —Owing to her brief stay here no
first Bahá’í teachers to go to Ceylon to lec­ public lecture was arranged; but she met
ture, work and try to establish the Faith press representatives and the believers of the
TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 191

place. She visited the Baha’i School and the later on to see Miss Root and asked ques­
Baha’i Cemetery. To the friends she deliv­ tions. Baha’is who live in towns near Man­
ered a talk on teaching. Miss Root will visit dalay came all the way to see their beloved
Poona again when she returns from her tour guest.
in South India. T o u n g o o —On leaving Mandalay Miss
R a n g o o n —Leaving Poona on October Root detrained at this town of about 23,000
26 she stayed one day at Bombay and then inhabitants. No Bahá’i teacher has ever be­
left for Burma where she arrived on Novem­ fore visited this place. It was through the
ber 2. The believers of Rangoon had efforts of Dr. M. A. Latiff, that the town
chalked out a busy and elaborate program was opened. He had gone to the place and
for her. She spoke at the Y. M. C. A. had arranged for a lecture in the Jubilee
(Town Branch), Arya Samaj (Central), Library. Dr. Bahl, Civil Surgeon of the
Theosophical Society, Brahmo Samaj, Mala­ district, presided. He also gave a dinner in
bar Club and Rotary Club. Press publicity his home after the lecture and four inter­
had preceded her arrival and when she ar­ ested people came to meet the Bahd’i teacher.
rived all the leading dailies of Rangoon pub­ Miss Root took the train that same night
lished glowing articles about her and about and nine people who had attended the lec­
the Cause she had come to teach. Rangoon ture were on the station to see her off. It is a
"Times,” widely circulated English daily, great thing for our Faith that Toungoo is
published an interview with her about Bahd’i opened and we have our dear brother Dr.
work in Shanghai. Rangoon "Times” has M. A. Latiff to thank for it.
been devoting weekly two to three column D a id a n a w (Kunjangoon) —Accompanied
space to Bahd’i articles for the last eleven by Siyyid ‘Abdu’l Hussain Shirdzi and Mr.
months. Rangoon "Gazette,” another Eng­ Siyyid Ghulám Murtaza ‘Ali, Miss Root
lish daily, had an equally fine interview of reached this Bahd’i village of 800 believers
more than a column and in addition there on November 20. The believers of the place
was an editorial about the history of the had made elaborate preparations for the re­
Baha’i Faith. Miss Root’s lectures attracted ception of their beloved guest. A special
a large number of hearers and were presided roadway was cut through the grass from the
over by religiously inclined public men. In main road to the Assembly Hall, which was
fact, Miss Martha Root created a stir in the tastefully decorated. The Assembly Com­
religious circles of that great city of 500,000 pound was full of believers when Miss
souls comprised of almost all civilized na­ Root’s car arrived. Mrs. Kahn garlanded
tions of the world. her amidst the acclamations of Ya-Bahd’u’l-
Miss Root had two meetings with the Abhá. She met these friends and they
Bahá’ís of Rangoon in the H aziratu’l-Quds chanted holy songs and prayers.
(Bahá’í H all). The meetings with the chil­ At 4 p. m. Miss Root drove to Kunjan­
dren were very interesting. She started a goon, an important town of 6,000 people
children’s class and gave first lesson to situated about three miles from the Bahd’i
youngsters. This class the Rangoon Spiritual Village. The lecture was held in the N a­
Assembly is determined* to continue in ré- tional School under the Chairmanship of Dr.
membrance of the visit of our beloved sister. Gurbaksh Singh. It was translated into
M a n d a l a y —Miss Root arrived in this Burmese by U. Sein, the headmaster of the
ancient city of Upper Burma on November School. There were about 150 people pres­
10. She was received at the station by the ent including the Township judge, the staffs
believers led by our revered Baha’i teacher of the National and Board Girls’ High
Siyyid Mustafa Roumie. She delivered a Schools. The lecture was well received. Dr.
public lecture in Mandalay Municipal Li­ and Mrs. Gurbaksh Singh called on Miss
brary. The attendance was the largest of Root that evening and had a long talk with
any public Baha’i lecture given up to this her.
time in Mandalay. The Headmaster of the Next day the friends again met in the
Normal School, U. Thet Swe, B. A., B. L., Assembly Hall. After the usual prayers,
was Chairman. Some of the hearers came Mr. M. I. Kahn read a beautiful address of
192 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

welcome to which Miss Root replied in suit­ Questions were asked and answered. They
able words and the meeting closed in an brought all the Bahá’i books for an exhi­
atmosphere of spiritual joy and happiness. bition in the hall, and near the close of the
Mr. Murtaza ‘Ali describes the scene of lecture I explained the books, one by one.
Daidanaw as follows: Mr. BaHitiari was invited to chant some
"The friends of Daidanaw gave a right Bahá’i prayers in íránian. (Many of the
royal reception to our sister Miss Martha cultured people of India know íránian, and
Root. She was deeply moved. They laid out the Urdu language, which is used by several
the heavenly table for us for supper that millions of people, is akin to íránian).
night and each family brought in their share The Associated Press and the United
to feed us. We were immensely touched and Press used interviews and one professor
we thanked Bahá’u’lláh for the love and whom I had known in Marburg University
spirit of service which He has taught to His and who knows the Cause well wrote an
followers. We spent one heavenly night in article about the lectures for the Associated
this village of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá who used to call Press of India.
it fondly 'Deed-a-Naw’ which in Persian When can a Chair of the Bahá’i Faith be
means the 'New Sight/ ” established at Shantiniketan? Bahá’ís must
Miss Root returned to Rangoon on Nov. help in this.
21 and attended the farewell meeting at the T r iv a n d r u m , T r a v a n c o r e . Mr. Baldi-
H aziratu’l-Quds (Bahá’i H all). * tiari and I worked in Trivandrum, Decem­
On Tuesday, November 23, Miss Root ber 19-23, 1937. I do not know that any
sailed for Calcutta. Bahá’i teachers had ever visited Trivandrum
Sh a n t i n i k e t a n , India, at the Interna­ and given lectures and press interviews be­
tional University of Dr. Rabindra Nath fore. It is a very progressive State where the
Tagore. Miss Root’s own report follows. young Maharaja of Travancore, twenty-six
Mr. Isfándiar Bakhtiari of Karachi, a years old, has recently opened the Hindu
member of the National Spiritual Assembly State Temples to peoples of all castes—a
of India and Burma, and I visited Shanti­ most courageous, thrilling move that may
niketan on February 13, 14, 1938. We were help untouchables in other States likewise to
guests in the School Guest House. It was a receive similar privileges.
great privilege to meet Dr. Tagore and to We had a charming, illuminating audi­
hear him talk with deep love and apprecia­ ence with the Maharaja of Travancore and
tion of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá whom he had met in his very cultured progressive mother the
Chicago in 1912. I am writing the inter­ Maharani of Travancore, at the Palace. I am
view for Baha’i World, volume VII. Dr. sure they know very well all the modern re­
Tagore said that the Baha’i Faith is a great ligious movements, for they are most liberal
ideal to establish and that they in Shanti­ Hindus, and awake to the needs of world
niketan welcome all great religious aims and unity. (I am writing an article about the
will be most glad if a Bahd’i Chair of Reli­ audience.)
gion can be arranged in their school. Mr. Clarmont P. Skrine, British Resident
He and Mr. BaHitiari spoke of Írán (Mr. of Madras States, received us graciously, at
BaMitiari is an Iranian, he came from Yazd the British Residency in Trivandrum. He
to India about twenty years ago), and of Dr. has known much about the Bahá’í Teachings
Tagore’s trip to Írán. The Poet asked par­ and met many Bahá’ís during his visits to
ticularly about the progress of the Bahá’í Írán. We learned from him that the late
Faith in the land of its birth, and praised the F. H. Skrine of London, who wrote a book
tolerance and fineness of the Bahá’is. about the Bahá’í Faith nearly thirty years
Dr. Tagore’s School has a very excellent ago, was his father. The Resident told us his
selection of Bahá’í books in the Library and father had been very interested in the Cause.
they take great interest to have it as com­ We lectured in the Theosophical Hall of
plete and up-to-date as possible. Trivandrum. The President of the Lodge,
A lecture was given in the hall before the Professor R. Srinivasan, Principal of the
whole student body and the professors. Maharaja’s College of Science, arranged it.
TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 193

Dr. and Mrs. Jayaram Cousins were present but up to this time he had never met a
and both spoke a little. Dr. Cousins, one of Bahá’i. His face is full of light. He said the
the great scholars of Travancore, said that Bahá’i books are drawn out and much read.
thirty years ago they had been given Eric (We later found many who have been read­
Hammond’s Book "The Splendour of God” ing the books.)
and that they have always loved this Bahd’i Adyar Theosophical Library, at Adyar,
book. Mrs. Cousins who is a friend of Lady Madras, also has a good collection of Baha’i
Blomfield stopped over in Haifa on her’way books, and we found that many university
to India and visited Shoghi Effendi. She students living in that section háve been
spoke with enthusiasm of Shoghi Effendi, his reading these books. We visited editors of
spirit, his culture, his charm. Dr. Cousins all the leading newspapers of Madras and all
sometimes accompanies the Maharaja on the used interviews followed by other articles
latter’s trips abroad. I hear from others, but about the Faith and résumés of our lectures
I do not know, that the great Dewan (Prime later. Over two hundred articles about the
Minister) of Travancore is a fervent The- Bahá’i Faith have appeared in the news­
osophist. papers of Ceylon and India from September
One reason that we went to Trivandrum 13 to February 13, 1938.
just at this time was because the N inth All- A large public lecture was given in Ra-
India Oriental Conference, which convenes nade Hall, a cultural center whose directors
only once in two years, was to be held there are connected with the university and some
December 20-22, and it seemed most impor­ newspapers. Dewan Bahadur K. S. Ramastant to try to get the Bahd’i Teachings to as wami Sastri, retired District Sessions Judge
many Oriental scholars as possible—for who and one of the brilliant scholars of Madras,
will be the Professor Edward G. Brownes, presided; the lecture was under the auspices
the Count Gobineaus, the Baron Rosens of of the South Indian Cultural Association.
India if we do not interest the scholars? We In introducing us he spoke concisely about
wish the great Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, the Cause, quoted "The Dawn-Breakers” and
Zoroastrian scholars to write about the Ba­ Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, has since presided
ha’i Faith in its relation to their own Faiths. again and has written for me to use in the
I gave a very short talk in the Conference West, two short articles, which were really
on the Bahd’i Faith from the standpoint of his introductions. These are most interest­
great Oriental scholars. Mr. BaHitiari gave ing because they show the Bahá’í Faith in
a short talk about Qurratu’l-‘Ayn, Iran’s its relation to Hinduism. He is a great
great woman poet. Hindu Indian scholar who has arisen to
Articles about the Cause were prepared write about the Faith. I lectured in the
for the press from the very first day we Y. M. C. A. in Madras, Mr. BaHitiari
arrived, and then the Travancore Journal­ chanted and we both spoke before the
ists’ Association gave a tea in our honor in Brahmo-Samaj Soci^y of Madras. Brahmotheir clubhouse. They wrote several articles Samaj is a very quickened spiritual move­
and they will write articles in future about ment of India, a little like our Unitarianism
the Cause. They wish news of the progress of the West, its members are always friendly
of the Cause in different parts of the world. and very sympathetic to the Bahá’í Teach­
M adras . Mr. Bakhtiari and I worked in ings. The Madras Brahmo-Samaj has since
Madras, December 25-January 3, 1938. We translated into Telugu language, "What is
met the few friends and talked about how the Bahd’i Movement?” and one thousand
to promote the Faith, and had the Feast. copies are being distributed. This is the first
We visited all the large libraries to see what booklet, I think, that has ever been published
Baha’i books they have. The University of in Telugu, and it is a fruit of the visit to
Madras Library has an excellent collection Madras.
and the Librarian, Mr. S. R. Ranganathan, Also, two thousand booklets, "The Dawn
is keenly interested to build up the depart­ of the New Day” translated into Tamil lan­
ment of Bahá’í books. He is in correspond­ guage, are being published (were to be finence with American Baha’is, and the N.S.A., ished by February 15). Mr. Ishaq Pahlaván,
194 THE BAHÁ1 CENTENARY

a devoted faithful Bahd’i in Madras, helped out to Adyar to three sessions of the Inter­
with this. The Tamil newspaper that pub­ national Theosophical Convention held De­
lished the booklet used the history and prin­ cember 26 to January 3, 1938; we met many
ciples in a nearly three column article that friends. The Vice-President of the Inter­
has a circulation of twenty thousand. We national Theosophical Society, Mr. Datta,
felt very happy about these booklets because said to me that the Bahd’i Teachings are the
Tamil is much used in Southern India, highest essence of Hinduism.
Ceylon, Straits Settlements and a large col­ Mr. Bakhtiari, who did such great work,
ony in Durban, South Africa. returned to Karachi the evening of January
Mr. BaMitiari, Mr. Pahlaván and I went third.

i
BAHÁ1 T E A C H I N G I N LATI N
AMERICA TO 1940
A St a t e m e n t by L o ulie A. M a t h e w s

VV ELL do I remember the day and the fierce scramble to reach the wharf before the
hour that my husband announced that we steamer moved on. I remember one short
might visit China, India and the Islands of cut that led under three successive water­
the South Seas. I could scarcely believe my falls without a pause to undo the damage.
ears! To journey through the Arabian Sometimes the boat, proud and independ­
Nights on a magic carpet. That night I ent, would have begun to move out from
unfolded ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Tablet and read the shore, when we dashed up. Then, with
again the transforming words: "Be thou tooting and churning of water beneath the
humble, be thou submissive and some day big paddle, it would back up so that we
thou wilt become ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s lion and could be pulled and pushed on board.
roar across the seven seas.” At the head of the largest lake is the town,
We sailed from San Francisco towards the of Bariloche. Here a brand new train service
lands where the sun is rising as our sun sets. had been just opened. Each Sunday a train
Wonderful Bahá’í experiences we had and left for Buenos Aires where it arrived some
thus emboldened we wrote Shoghi Effendi time Thursday. It was considered a miracle
upon our return and asked him if there of rapid transit. And was the occasion for
was a special mission we could undertake. a special festival. Young girls carrying
A country, perhaps, that would be helpful bright colored silks pretended to polish the
for us to visit. While waiting for a reply spotless engine. Children sold bunches of
we talked of various lands to which we might wild flowers to those favored beings travel­
be called, but never thought of the continent ing on the magic road.
at our doors. It was a great surprise when Leaving the Argentine for Brazil the cities
the Guardian wrote that Central and South of Bahia and Belam can be reached only by
America and the West Indies must be sur­ water, no road exists to connect them with
veyed. The destiny of the Americas was in Rio de Janeiro. In all the vast continent we
the making. We should serve the Cause of knew only one Baha’i, Leonora Holsapple.
BaháVlláh by such a journey. We spoke neither Spanish nor Portuguese.
It was early in the Autumn of 193 5 that An entrenched religion barred our^path. A
we started on a long trek that covered the new adaptation was required as we moved
countries designated by the Guardian. from one country to the other. It was like
Travel by air was, in that day, reserved for no other voyage. It was set apart. We real­
aviators, the earth was still the medium of ized that a great spiritual drama was about
travel for common mortals. There were to be enacted and the land must needs be
stretches of country that had no means of accurately remembered.
communication except by decrepit motors. Upon our return, Shoghi Effendi inaugu­
The wild lakes of Chile connected by small rated the work of sending pioneers to these
islands were navigated by old fashioned side countries. We scarcely realized the scope
wheelers. They cast you up on one of the and meaning of the undertaking. We took
islands and departed leaving you for an in­ one step at a time, guided by the Guardian,
definite period, as there were no time tables until the Convention of 1939 when Shoghi
and no regular schedules. You remained on Effendi sent to America a strong appeal for
the island until the shrill blast of an incom­ settlement of the Faith in Latin America.
ing steamer announced itself. Then ensued a His book on "The Advent of Divine Justice”
196 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

opened our eyes to the gravity of the under­ Bahia. Loulie and Edward Mathews jour­
taking. Believers young and old pressed for­ neyed throughout South America in 193 5
ward to share in the settling of Latin and again in 1937. Nellie and Stuart W.
America. French were there in 1936. Frances Stewart
The Bahd’is of the second century will taught in 1937 and again in 1939.
want to know who made these early journeys B o livia : La Paz had no early pioneer.
so I have affixed a list known to me. Visitor Sra. Cravioto, wife of the Mexican ambas­
indicates one who stayed less than six sador, who had embraced the faith in Mex­
months; teacher or pioneer indicates those ico City, lived there for one year. She could
who remained longer. not teach publicly, but interested her friends
M e x ic o : City of Mexico was first visited in the Faith.
by Mr. and Mrs. Frankland of California C o l o m b ia : City of Bogota had no early
in 1912 at the suggestion of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. pioneer. Mrs. W. D. McMillan lived for
Mark Toby went there in 1919. Mathews awhile in the El Canada Mines at Pasto.
in 1939. Early in 1937 Beatrice Irwin be­ E c u a d o r : Quito has had John Stearns of
came a resident teacher and later that same Jamestown, N. Y., since 1939.
year Frances Stewart brought into the Faith P e r u : City of Lima. Here the first resi­
the first Latin American Assembly. Orcella dent teachers were Mrs. Joel Stebbins and
Rexford spent a winter teaching on the Isabel Dodge in 1936. Sra. E. R. de Garcia
Mexican border. Rosell, a well known writer and lecturer,
Y u c a t a n once an independent country, opened her home for their meetings. Iris
now part of Mexico, was visited by us in Wigington, married to a Peruvian, inter­
1939. The newspaper "El Yucatan” cham­ ested many people at Huanta, Peru in the
pioned the Cause and printed articles on the early days.
Bahd’i principles. C h il e : City of Santiago. Frances Stew­
G u a t e m a l a : Guatemala City had Ger- art taught in 1937 and 1939. Otto and
rard Sluter as pioneft- in 1939. Ruth Maier lived here for a year in 193 8
E l Sal v a d o r : City of San Salvador was and the de Burmuihts of Puerto Varas sur,
settled by our youngest pioneer, John taught a large group between the years of
Eichenauer, Jr., who was not quite eighteen 1935 and 1939.
when he went there. Clarence Iverson soon A r g e n t in a : City of Buenos Aires.
followed and worked with him. Frances Stewart gathered a large group that
H o n d u r a s : City of Telucigalpa had as its became an Assembly in 193 8. Here May
earliest teacher, Antonio Roca of Milwaukee, Maxwell died in March 1940. The teachers,
in 1939. pioneers, groups and Assemblies of South
N ic a r a g u a : Mathew Kaszab arrived here America, Central America, the West Indies,
in 1939 and taught in the cities of Managua, united with the friends in North America
Cortino, Granada and in the mines of Blue- for a memorial service on April 26th at 8
fields. His untimely death in 1943 was due o’clock. This marked the first unified action
to the hardships he had endured. of the Americas. Under Maria Casati and
C osta R ic a : Amelia Ford and Gayle Frances Stewart the leaders of the Pata­
Woolson settled in San Jose in 1939. Roy gonia Indians received the Message. The
C. Wilhelm spent the year of 1896 in Costa Hon. Ernin Arslan, who had been one of
Rica. the leaders of the Young Turk’s revolution
T h e P a n a m a C a n a l Z o n e : Louise Cas­ in 1908 that freed ‘Abdu’l-Baha, assisted
well and Cora Oliver went out as the first the growing Assembly, though not himself
pioneers in 1939. a Bahá’í.
P a r a g u a y : Our pioneer teacher was Sra.
So u t h A m erica
Maria Casati of Formosa, whose untimely
The first journey to South America was death in January, 1940 was greatly la­
made by Martha L. Root in 1921. That mented.
same year Leonora Holsapple left her home U r u g u a y : City of Montevideo had Wil­
in California and settled permanently in frid Barton, who arrived in 1939.
BA H Á ’Í T E A C H I N G IN LATIN AMERICA 197

B r a zil : Resident pioneer, Leonora Hols- following year. They became our first pio­
apple. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Worley were sta­ neers.
tioned at Santos in 1939. Miss Eve Nicklin H a it i : Mr. and Mrs. Louis G. Gregory
spent some months in Bahia in 1937. In the spent six months here in 1934. Our first
early days our literature was distributed in pioneers were Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell of
South America through the courtesy of Chicago.
Charles O’Hanion. J a m a ic a : An English believer, Mrs. Con­
British G u i a n a : Georgetown was vis­ nie Langdon-Davies, spent the winter here
ited by Dudley and Elsa Blakeley in 1936. in 193 8, sending constant news of her prog­
D u t c h G u i a n a : Taught by Miss Hols- ress in teaching to the Inter-America Com­
apple in 1927. mittee. Our first pioneers were Mr. and
V e n e z u e l a : City of Caracas visited by Mrs. John Shaw of San Francisco in the
Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley in 1936. Our first Autumn of 1939.
pioneers were the Emeric Salas of Canada D o m in ic a n R e p u b l ic : William de Forge
and Priscilla Rhoades of New York, March, visited here in 193 8 and Margaret Lentz
1939. became our resident teacher in 1939.
T r in id a d : Visited by the Blakeleys in
T h e I slands
1937 and by the Mathews in 193 5 and 1937.
P uerto R ic o : Visited by William de C u r a c a o : Miss Holsapple taught here
Forge in 193 8. Pioneers, Katharine Disdier in 1927.
and Rouhieh Jones in the Spring of 1940. B e r m u d a and B a h a m a s : Visited by the
C u b a : Havana visited by Mr. and Mrs. Mathews in 1935.
Ward Calhoon in 1938; also by Philip Ma- B ar bado s : Visited by Wilfrid Barton on
rengella, who returned with his wife the his way to South America.
BAHA’I T E A C H I N G I N LATIN
AMERICA, 1940-1944
T o SUMMARIZE the wonderful growth ess. Portuguese translations are to be had in
of the Faith in Latin America during Brazil.
these three years is a difficult task. So much One of the most outstanding accomplish­
is due to the splendid foundation work done ments cf the recent period has been the
before by those intrepid pioneers who either work done with children in Havana where
went to Latin America to reside perma­ the classes are constantly increasing and
nently or traveled throughout the Re­ where the children are memorizing the
publics sparing no effort to awaken the Words and the Prayers and are sparkling
people and building a permanent base upon with enthusiasm and love for the Faith.
which to rear a superstructure of surpass- Many Youth Groups throughout Latin
ing glory. America have participated in the annual
By 1941 there were already three local celebration of Baha’i Youth Day in co­
Spiritual Assemblies, those of Mexico City, operation with the National Youth Com­
Buenos Aires and San José, Costa Rica. mittee of North America.
Much valuable publicity had been secured Radio has played an important part in
especially in Costa Rica and Chile; traveling introducing the Faith, notably in Buenos
teachers were addressing public meetings in Aires where brief quotations for some time
most of the Republics and some radio work formed part of a regular program, but
also ha<f been done. During that year, from especially in San Salvador and Quito, Ecua­
Convention time to Convention time, a re­ dor. In this latter city a season of regular
markable growth took place and by the broadcasts sponsored by our resident pioneer
Convention of 1942 beside the local Spirit­ teacher has presented Baha’i Readings in
ual Assemblies already mentioned there were connection with classical musical programs
added to the list those of Montevideo, offered by the Symphony Orchestra of
Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Port-au-Prince, Quito.
Havana, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, San Sal­ A Spanish presentation of the history and
vador and Puebla, Mexico. During the past teachings of the Faith made by one of our
year, while two local Assemblies were dis­ pioneers was graciously received by a select
solved because of changes of residence, Gua­ group of members and friends of the Uni­
temala City, Santiago, Chile, and Bahia, versity of Chile at Santiago and the Press
Brazil were added to the list while in Ecua­ of that city has been most cooperative.
dor, Panama, Mexico and Argentina there The Alma Tica magazine of San José, Costa
are groups lacking only one or two members Rica, has repeatedly published lengthy ar­
to reach the required nine to form a Spir­ ticles with rich illustrations and Central
itual Assembly. America generally has been very well pub­
The question of literature has been a most licized. The Costa Rican Government has
anxious one as translations can only be made legally recognized the Faith and granted a
by those who understand the Faith and charter to the Local Assemblies of which
have become accustomed to its unique there are two in that country.
phraseology. Of French books there were The Inter-America Committee has issued
almost none to supply the need of Haiti monthly bulletins to all pioneers, Assem­
as the abundant supply reposing in France blies and groups, contributing in this way
was unavailable. However little by little a to the unification of the two continents and
limited library in Spanish and French has advancing the teaching work as much as
been provided with other additions in proc­ possible.
BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN LATIN AMERICA 199

Too much cannot be said in appreciation fulfill the requirements set by the Guardian
of the services of our pioneers and also of for the Seven Year Plan, which is now
the local believers who have arisen so sin­ drawing to an end, there remains still some
cerely and with so much enthusiasm to fu r­ very important work to be done. As we es­
ther the spread of the Faith. Our teachers timate the growth and awakening of Latin
have encountered many difficulties not the America, however, we appreciate that the
least of which was the acquisition of the steps there have been more rapid than was
language, for to teach and speak eloquently our progress in the early years of the Faith
in so short a time is a task which could only in North America and we raise our hearts
have been accomplished with the assistance in prayerful gratitude for what has already
of the Hosts of the Supreme Concourse. been attained, rejoicing at the same time
At the present writing and in order to in the glorious promise of the future.
AMERI CAN BAHA'I TEACHERS
W H O SE R V E D I N O T H E R LANDS

1. E urope Louise Erickson
May Ellis Maxwell Sylvia Matteson
Laura D. Barney Julia Goldman
Charles Mason Remey Bertha Matthisen
H. Emogene Hoagg Ruhanghiz Bolles
Herbert Hopper Jeanne Bolles
Marie Hopper Loulie A. Mathews
Edith Sanderson
Edwin Scott 2. A frica
Mrs. Scott Martha L. Root
Mountfort Mills Fanny Knobloch
George O. Latimer Pauline Hannen
Sydney Sprague Charles Mason Remey
Martha L. Root Lorol Schopflocher
Bertha D. Herbert E. R. Mathews
Howard Struven Loulie A. Mathews
Alma Knobloch
Dr. Fisher 3. A sia
Malcolm MacGilvray
Juliet Thompson Dr. Susan I. Moody
Grace Krug Martha L. Root
Lua Getsinger Elizabeth Stewart
Edwarď C. Getsinger Lillian Kappes
Stanwood Cobb Genevieve L. Coy
Horace Holley Keith Ransom-Kehler
Harry Romer Laura D. Barney
Annie Romer Charles Mason Remey
Charles Bishop Howard Struven
Helen Bishop Lorol Schopflocher
Mary Maxwell Howard Carpenter
Siegfried Schopflocher Marzieh Carpenter
Lorol Schopflocher R. Y. Mottahedeh
Amelia E. Collins Mildred Mottahedeh
Mrs. Emery Clara Sharp
Marion Jack Adelaide Sharp
Louise Gregory Agnes Alexander
Gita Orlova Dr. George Augur
Nellie S. French Ida Finch
Julia Culver Inez Cook
Claudia S. Coles George Spendlove
Mr. Wragg Mark Tobey
Mary Hanford Ford Siegfried Schopflocher
Albert R. Windust Hooper Harris
Marjorie Morten Harlan Ober
T E A C H E R S W H O SERV ED IN O T H E R L A N D S 201

Sydney Sprague Iris Wiginton
Lua Getsinger Elisabeth Cheney
Lionel Loveday Wilfrid Barton
Stanwood Cobb Roy Worley
Mountfort Mills Eve Nicklin
Marjorie Morten Emeric Sala
Dr. Frank Clark Rosemary Sala
Mrs. Clark Priscilla Rhodes
William de Forge
4. C e n t r a l a n d So u t h A merica Katherine Disdier
Martha L. Root Rouhieh Jones
Roy C. Wilhelm Ward Calhoon
Leonora Sterling Holsapple Mrs. Calhoon
Maud Mickle Ellsworth Blackwell
Keith Ransom-Kehler Ruth Blackwell
Mr. Frankland John Shaw
Kathryn Frankland Mrs. Shaw
May Ellis Maxwell Mary Barton
Frances B. Stewart R. Y. Mottahedeh
E. R. Mathews Mildred Mottahedeh
Loulie A. Mathews Carol Wood
Louis G. Gregory Gertrude Eisenberg
Louise Gregory C. E. Hamilton
Isobel Stebbins Dodge Mrs. Hamilton
May Stebbins Benjamin Schreibman
Philip Marangella Eve Nicklin
June Marangella Ella Guthrie
Dudley W. Blakeley Edith Marangella
Elsa Blakeley Lucien McComb
Amelia E. Collins Ayned McComb
Philip G. Sprague Marcia Stewart Atwater
Mark Tobey Margaret Lentz
Margarita Smyth Josephine Kruka
Juliet Thompson H. Emogene Hoagg
Helen Campbell Jean Silver
Charles Bishop Eleanor Adler
Helen Bishop Flora Hottes
Beatrice Irwin Ruth Shook
Orcella Rexford Winnie Lou Baker
Gerrard Sluter Gwenne D. Sholtis
Mathew Kaszab Dr. Malcolm King
John Eichenauer, Jr. Lorol Schopflocher
Marshall Eichenauer Siegfried Schopflocher
Clarence Iverson Virginia Orbison
Antonio Roca Julia Regal
Amelie Ford Florence Keemer
Gayle Woolson 5. Ic e l a n d
Louise Caswell Martha L. Root
Cora Oliver Amelia E. Collins
Nellie S. French 6. T a h iti
Mrs. W. D. McMillan John Bosch
John Stearns Louise Bosch
TEACHING ACTIVITY SERVING
RACE U N I T Y
HEN the Lights of the Splendor of Word, has revealed universal ideals for
the King of Oneness are seated upon the world betterment and among these there is
throne of the heart and soul, His Light none more important than that which di­
becomes manifest in all the parts and mem­ rects the unity of mankind. In no uncertain
bers.”—Bahd’u’lldh. terms He directs His followers to work for
Race unity as a title suggests the new that exalted aim. ‘Abdu’l-Baha during the
treatment of an old disease. Old theories, years of His ministry, held before His Amer­
however popular, are now largely discred­ ican friends the great service they could
ited by their evident ineffectiveness to re­ render the nation, and the nation in turn
solve the most difficult of human problems. the world, by proclaiming and acting upon
If the right talisman is discovered it will the principle of the oneness of humanity
work a mighty transformation on earth. It as the foundation for universal peace. He
will call into action the hidden springs often mentioned this to His visitors; among
and motives of life. It will oil the machin­ these were two colored Americans to whom
ery of civilization. It will elevate mankind he was especially gracious and kind, perhaps
to the highest plane and aid every one’s in view of their state of oppression. Tablets
quest for God. What is needed is to widen to His friends in various forms conveyed the
the circle of our thoughts so as to consider same significances. During His visit to
world as well as local conditions. What will America which covered a period of nine
make people truly friendly to those of all months in 1912, this absorbing theme
races? As all men have the ills of maladjust­ reached many audiences with overpowering
ment vividly and increasingly forced upon eloquence. As exemplar of the Teachings,
their attention, what is now needed is not He put these ideals into visible action at
diagnosis, but the remedy for existing ills every opportunity.
caused by. prejudices. The only answer is Following the former world war, He gave
that of Guidance from the Supreme World. instructions for the first convention for race
The more man knows about his Maker the unity to be held. This was undertaken and
more he realizes his own being and his duty carried through with great success in Wash­
to be God-like in striving for the well-being ington, D. C., in 1921. He was well pleased
of all his fellow men. with this historic gathering and to it sent
The Bahá’í Teachings are a reservoir of the following message through Mountfort
inspiration and power freely supplied to all Mills:
who would put into action new ideals for "Say to this convention that never since
the New Day. The Holy Books of the past the beginning of time has one more impor­
record the Promise of God to remove the tant been held. This convention stands for
veils and clouds that cover mankind in the the oneness of humanity; it will become the
latter days. The creational days of Moses, cause of th^ enlightenment of America. It
Jesus and Muhammad were progressive steps will, if wisely managed and continued, check
to the Great Day of God which has now the deadly struggle between these races
appeared. In this Day of Days, God has which otherwise will inevitably break out.”
vowed to remove the superstition, preju­ The effect of this effort upon the atmos­
dices, oppressions and idol worship which phere of the national capital was truly won­
obscure the reality of man. Wisdom testi­ derful. It lifted the gloom of a bloody riot of
fies that His promises do not fail. races about a year before. It restored hope
Bahá’u’lláh, the mighty Speaker of the and confidence to hearts inflamed by hatred.
TEACHING ACTIVITY SERVING RACE UNITY 203

It unfolded a vision of reality, the high local Race Unity Committees in holding
possibilities of humanity when aided and conferences. It has been especially success­
guided by Divine Favor. It brought a wave ful in arranging circuits for Bahá’i lecturers
of spirituality which was life to many. It to convey the Divine Plan of race relations
had wide publicity and assembled great au­ to many colleges North and South. Such
diences in which could be seen a number of tours have brought cordial receptions and
the most eminent and influential people, as happy responses from many progressive souls,
well as the rank and file, whose need may be eagerly looking for a way out of the impend­
greater. ing and deepening gloom. This activity is
The following is a partial list of its work­ continuous. Press acceptances of Baha’i edi­
ers and helpers: Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons, the torials extend the teachings over a vast area.
noble Bahá’í lady whose sacrifices financed Social sciences have sprung up in this
it and who in consultation directed it; Dr. new day, doubtless due to the creative Spirit
Jason Noble Pierce, pastor of the First Con­ of the Manifestation of God. Special courses
gregational Church in which all the meet­ have been arranged in Baha’i schools in
ings were held; Hon. Moses E. Clapp, former which the Bahd’i teachings have been cor­
Senator from Minnesota; Senator Samuel related with facts and laws scientifically
Shortridge of California; C. Lee Cook, fa­ brought to light. Hearts and minds are thus
mous southern business man and philanthro­ trained. And thus we may discover that
pist; Dr. Alain L. Locke, professor of philos­ human beings, regardless of race, have the
ophy, Howard University; Hon. Martin B. same essential human characteristics; that
Madden, Congressman from Illinois; Alfred the soil of human minds and hearts is a
W. Martin, leader of the Ethical Culture So­ most fertile field, with amazing possibilities
ciety of New York; Dean and Mrs. George of development through education, environ­
W. Cook of Howard University; Lieut. Gen. ment, better economics and spirituality; that
Nelson A. Miles, commanding the American cultural excellence has been limited to no
Army. Prominent among the Baha’is who race; that the savage is lacking in no basic
rendered whole-hearted aid were Howard trait found in civilized man; that the fore­
MacNutt; Albert Vail; Mountfort Mills; front of civilization has veered during the
Martha L. Root; Roy C. Wilhelm; Mariam ages from one group to another; that pro­
Haney; Louise D. Boyle; William H. Ran­ gressive peoples learn from each other; that
dall and Janab-i-Fadil-i-Mazandarani of the amassing of wealth is not necessarily a
Irán. proof of culture; that the civilized man can
This activity led to the holding of thirty- learn much from, as well as bestow much
five similar conventions or conferences in upon, his savage brother; that the mingling
Washington and other cities as follows: of races so increasingly apparent today, need
Springfield, Mass.; New York City; Phila­ not cause fear, since it has happened before
delphia; Dayton, Ohio; Green Acre, Maine; during the ages without debasing mankind;
Chicago; Montreal, Canada; Urbana, 111.; that due to the overlapping of races, a uni­
Wilmette, 111.; Geneva, N. Y.; Portsmouth, versal condition, racial differences are fanci­
N. H.; Rochester, N. Y.; Boston, Mass.; ful rather than real; that "as humanity
Detroit, Mich.; Atlantic City, N. J.; Pitts­ advances the idea of race recedes” ; that in
burgh, Pa.; Cincinnati, Ohio. Besides these, the past similar cultures have appeared on
racial amity dinners and meetings on a all the continents; that as God is one, Truth
smaller scale have been held in many cities, is one, humanity is also one.
those in New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, The Baha’i Teachings are an inexhaustible
Peoria, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Urbana, treasury of both scientific and spiritual
Chicago, Columbus and Cincinnati, being knowledge. They establish divine justice and
the most outstanding. Over a period of years prove the oneness of humanity beyond all
a National Race Unity Committee has been possible doubt. The majestic Utterances of
an arm of service to the National Spiritual Bahá’u’lláh are a veritable Sun of Truth.
Assembly. It has stimulated this phase of Other sources of knowledge are the Tablets,
service nationally and has cooperated with printed addresses in Paris and America of
THE
BA H Á ’Í
CENTENARY
Third Annual Amity Conference, August, 1929, at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine.
T E A C H IN G A C T IV IT Y S E R V IN G R A C E U N IT Y 205

‘Abdu’l-Baha, and His Instructions to next great letter, "The Promised Day is
friends who find joy in the great work of Come,” he classifies racialism as one of three
reconciliation. Harmony in diversity is the idols, all of which are being demolished by
noble, inspiring theme. the greatest upheaval known to mankind.
Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith, has The Bahd’i Publishing Committee has
vigorously yet with loving kindness, upheld many books of the Faith. The Baha’i
the standards of the Great Ones Who pre­ World, biennial publication, includes ar­
ceded him; but as a wise approach to in­ ticles on this all important subject through
quirers and a willingness to give everyone all of its numbers. The World Order Maga­
an opportunity, he has authorized separate zine and the Baha’i News, the former con­
study classes, in the South, for those inves­ tacting the general public and the latter
tigating the Faith. But he maintains the the confirmed Bahá’ís, not infrequently
highest standard of justice and freedom carry articles on this subject and record
from prejudices on the part of those who ac­ activities.
cept the Faith. The wisdom of this is clear. The fiftieth year of the evolution of the
It cannot be expected that the college en­ Faith in America may well record pleasing
trant should have a college education; but gain within the Faith as well as much en­
when he gets knowledge he is guided to act couragement visible without, as the world
with wisdom. Those who are heart-attracted develops through afflictions and trials,
find themselves becoming free from the lim­ greater capacity to evaluate and execute the
itations of the old order. Divine Will, which today calls into being a
The Guardian has summarized in his let­ limited world.
ter, "The Advent of Divine Justice,” the Bahá’u’lláh enjoins it upon His followers
Teachings on Race Unity. This summary, "not to fear in a day when all men fear.”
though brief, is most comprehensive, cover­ ‘Abdufl-Bahá gives this assurance:
ing every aspect of race relations and stimu­ "If ye make an effort, this Light shall
lating the highest and noblest efforts on the shine; this soul-refreshing Breeze shall waft;
part of mortals regardless of race. In his this sweet-scented nectar shall be diffused.”
T H E BAHA’I FAITH I N T H E
C OLLEGES
O v E R a long period of years, Baha’is mittee, later known as the Bahi’i College
have, without organized assistance, inter­ Speakers Bureau, definitely transferred the
ested themselves in presenting the spirit of college emphasis from the field of race re­
the Bahá’i Faith to colleges. The well- lations to the general teaching field.
received lectures of Mrs. Beatrice Irwin in Under the direction of the Race Unity
the west, the Carolina college contacts of Committee alone, one hundred and sixty
Mrs. Gail Woolson and Mrs. Marguerite schools have entertained Baha’i speakers.
Sears, the twenty-seven colleges and nine­ Mrs. Joy Earl visited eight Southern col­
teen high schools visited, and in many in­ leges, spending a number of days in each
stances revisited, by Mrs. Ruth Moffet, and one; Mr. Lothar Schurgast visited two lively
finally, the twenty-five years of magnificent schools; Mr. Louis Gregory lent inspiration
service in the Negro Institutions of the to no less than fifty schools, covering a large
South by Mr. Louis Gregory, whose achieve­ area of the South; and Mrs. Dorothy Baker
ment at Tuskegee in forming a permanent visited over a hundred schools and col­
Baha’i Group, leads the list, all these and leges of the South and Southwest, including
undoubtedly other unrecorded adventures Indian territory and coming as far north as
in meeting American youth, have helped Iowa. Under the subsequent committee
immeasurably to carry news of the World Mrs. Baker’s college visits have been ex­
Faith to American colleges. tended to Vermont, Ohio, Michigan, and
It was in the winter of 1940, under the upper New York. The total number of
auspices of the Bahd’i Race Unity Commit­ schools and colleges to receive Bahd’i speak­
tee, that the colleges received the first or­ ers is now over two hundred and it is esti­
ganized service from Baha’i Institutions. mated that some three hundred and fifty
The southern college project came out of actual talks have been delivered before
keen awareness of the problem that exists chapels, assemblies, classrooms, and student
between the two great races of that area clubs.
and the conviction that such a problem, Books have been left in all school libra­
spiritual in its nature, could be solved by ries and pamphlet literature distributed
the healing agencies of the Message of freely to all students. Special interest was
Baha’u’lldh to a stricken world. shown in the "World Order” pamphlets
Under the Race Unity auspices, Mrs. written by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the
Dorothy Baker undertook a tour of investi­ Baha’i Faith, and there was no. little interest
gation through Southern colleges to ascer­ in the Guardian himself as a point of stabil­
tain whether interest in the South war­ ity in a rising civilization. One youth, at
ranted speaking tours especially built the close of a discussion period, came for­
around college platforms. Thirty confer­ ward and said, "Where does the Guardian
ences were held with college leaders, with live? I am to be inducted next week, and
the result that eleven colleges made imme­ may find myself in Haifa! Perhaps I shall
diate openings for talks, and the rest, with see the Guardian of the new civilization
few exceptions, encouraged a project of before you do!”
platforms scheduled with advance notice. Older school men showed like interest in
Thereupon the Race Unity Committee the writings of Shoghi Effendi. At one col­
launched its campaign in earnest, a cam­ lege in North Carolina the president sympa­
paign lasting from 1940 to 1943 when the thetically prepared the speaker for a bleak
formation of the College Foundation Com­ reception. "My students,” he remarked,
THE BA H Á ’Í FAITH IN THE COLLEGES 207

"almost stopped the last speaker who men­ Spanish-American Normal College. These
tioned peace, and he is a minister wearing students spoke Spanish and English equally
the cloth, mind you!” Looking carefully well. They were fiery, ardent young people,
through the Baha’i pamphlet, "A Pattern who felt keenly the Baha’i view of Ameri­
For Future Society,” he said, "O but I un­ ca’s spiritual leadership. One young woman
derstand. You Bahá’is do not teach paci­ said, "After the war we might be able to
fism; you offer a program. Every college travel, as you do, and go about in the Latin
should hear this.” The talented head of an countries, telling these things in Spanish!”
Indian Normal College where no speaking On the campus of a large State Negro
appointment had previously been made, said, University, the members of the faculty
after scanning the pamphlet, that if neces­ came forward at the close of Chapel, and
sary, classes could be disbanded to hear such talked for almost an hour, giving up their
a subject. As a matter of fact, a tubercu­ lunch period to do so. The Bahi’i princi­
losis clinic of some importance was actually ples interested them not at all, but they
postponed the following Monday because were held by the thought that a spiritual
that was the only day that could be offered. commonwealth had been born, indivis­
The subject almost always dealt with the ible in its nature, and committed to a uni­
need for a unified world with a universal fied racial life in its essential pattern; that
Faith at its heart. Class-room discussions it could never be rent apart religiously, and
often followed the chapel presentations and that its unique organism, under the Guar­
in these instances the great, warm, spiritual dian, was already an actual, living, breath­
side of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh were ing civilization, slowly growing up. This
more fully given. Questions moved around was no hollow promise but a tested Reality.
the historic religious cultures of the past The race question came up occasionally
and the hope of a great, new upward sweep but never offensively. The friendly reac­
of civilization today through the spiritual tions of the Southern white schools to a
potency of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. colored Baha’i speaker, in the light of exist­
Most of the colleges were on the beaten ing prejudices, are of deep interest. In the
track of civilization and city life. One, heart of Mississippi, where race feeling runs
however, offered a real contact with the high, the students waited in long rows in
"hill” type of youth. It was a Kentucky the hall to shake his hand and wish him
Junior College, so far removed that the well. It was their first adventure in re­
speaker was strongly advised not to go. She ceiving a colored speaker, and only their
persisted in her intention, and was well re­ second experience with the Faith of Bahá’-
warded. She found that graduates of this u’lláh. Proof of the rising tide of sympathy
two-year college are accepted with full was the invitation of a white West Virginia
credit by every university in the country. College to this speaker to attend and ad­
They have an International Relations Club, dress state-wide seminar on race relations
and invited the speaker to spend the week­ held by teachers and students in the college
end there and hold discussions. Unfortu­ auditorium in June of this year. A white
nately this invitation could not be accepted, speaker, while visiting one of the Negro
but the Club made the pamphlets the sub­ schools, found that a young Negro dean of
ject of discussion for several meetings, and unusual thoughtfulness and charm enter­
requested further literature. So courteous tained some doubt of the wisdom of the
were these shy, soft-spoken people that after pattern of unity required in Bahd’i com­
luncheon in the candlelighted, rustic dining munity life. "Don’t you think we might
hall, one of the young men offered to ride compromise a little because of the Ku Klux
over the mountain with her lest she be Klan?” he asked. A listener quickly rose to
fearful of going alone. It would be only a defense of the Baha’i pattern, saying: "The
short stretch back on foot, he assured her! speaker has said that this Faith is the King­
Sixteen miles of Southern courtesy! dom of God in practice. If this is true you
A unique institution to hear the Message cannot compromise or divide it without los­
of the Baha’i Faith and its Guardian was a ing it. In Europe we have class war; in India
208 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

we have caste war; in the Holy Land we press the speakers to stay on for a day or
have religious strife; if Baha’is do not com­ two, or send others. There were Baptist
promise the issue of a Ku Klux Klan in this schools, Presbyterian schools, Methodist
country then they are our hope of a real schools, and State Colleges; colored schools,
world community in all countries. There white schools, Indian schools; city schools
is enough unorganized aspiration and senti­ and hill schools, and one was a large and
mental feeling in every country and in every beautiful Quaker College. These schools
religion, but where except among the Ba- were worlds within a world, each college a
há’ís do we see a world organism with unit unto itself. Sometimes a college head
unbroken standards?” The dean became feared that his young world was hopelessly
thoughtful and then slowly said, "This is a self-sufficient, hopelessly disinterested in the
world Faith then. This Faith is different. world outside, and hopelessly disinterested
This Faith may be worth dying for.” in God. Often he would say, "The Bahá’í
One could never tell where the interest viewpoint is needed here; come often to our
would flare most brightly. Here an aristo­ young people; it is the thing they have been
cratic college in the heart of the "blue- waiting for.”
grass,” there a four-year business college of And so the long trek goes on, to win
practical turn of mind, and again one of American youth for God, for a common
the state colleges, colored or white, would humanity, and for World Order.
t e a c h i n g at t h e h o u s e o f
WORSHIP
Imette,
N THE Baha’i Hdusc of Worship at Wil- and see and learn about it for themselves.
the American believers have raised Records of daily visitors kept since July 1,
up their most potent and significant center 1932 show that the total number who
of spiritual influence, produced their great­ went through the building with Bahd’i
est instrument for public teaching of the guides up to October 1, 1943, was 164,360.
Faith. To deal with this throng of inquirers a body
Between 1919 and 1931, when the super­ of Temple guides has been rendering serv­
structure was finished, the Baha’i Temple ice, its members prepared by a special course
constituted a unique subject for publicity. of instruction based upon long experience
The selection of the Bourgeois design with the types of question asked and the
by Convention delegates authorized by information desired.
'Abdu’l-Baha to make the final choice, and In addition, the score of scaled models
the exhibit of Mr. Bourgeois’ model in New exhibited in cities throughout North Amer­
York and Chicago, produced immediate ica in recent years, and especially at the
response. Newspaper and magazine articles three World Fairs in Chicago, New York
appeared not only in North America but in and San Francisco, the Canadian National
Europe and the Orient. The world became Exposition and many State Fairs, have de­
familiar with the nine-sided, domed struc­ veloped an even larger range of general
ture and recognized in it an expression of interest. The registry at the House of Wor­
principles needed to give direction and pur­ ship itself lists visitors from countries in
pose to the vast chaos of modern civilization. all parts of the world. Many come in parties
Later, when the superstructure gave ac­ and groups of members representing organi­
tual substance to the Temple design, a zations located in the Temple area or con­
mighty tide began to impel individuals and vening in Chicago and visiting the Baha’i
groups to visit this new type of institution Temple as one of the points of interest.

Fellowship House, Green Acre School, Eliot, Maine.

Interior of Green Acre Fellowship House.
PART S E V E N
BAHÁÍ SCHOOLS
1. G reen A cre

JtheULY 1, 1890, Moses Farmer signed on topics which will quicken and energize the
first line of the first Hotel Register— spiritual, mental, and moral natures.” On
Green Acre, Eliot, Maine. Green Acre Inn the opening day, July 3, 1894, a great white
had been built the year before on a high flag bearing the green lettered word "Peace”
point of land already famous as a spot was unfurled and Green Acre was dedicated
from which to view the beautiful sunsets to a unified humanity. Sixty-one lectures
over the New Hampshire hills across the were given that summer.
broad Piscataqua River. It was planned to The foreword of the second year’s pro­
bring more summer boarders to Eliot. The gram read: "for the express purpose of
four townsmen who formed the partnership bringing together all who are seeking earn­
for the undertaking were soon joined by a estly for the new day which is surely
woman, Sarah Jane Farmer. The Inn was a breaking over the entire world.” That year
success from the start. But it was not des­ there were eighty lectures. The third sea­
tined to remain a simple summer boarding son’s program added: ". . . and by the recog­
place. The Farmers were always mindful of nition of truths held in common, to bring
the welfare of man. peace and unity throughout the world.” In
One day in June, 1892, Miss Farmer conferences for Peace, Comparative Reli­
was in Boston listening to a lecture. She gions, Education, Home, Anthropology,
recounts her experience: "The day was hot Evolution, Nature, Art, Sociology, there
and through the open window came a noise were eighty-two lectures. There were Peace
of traffic that almost drowned the speaker’s Day, Emerson Day, W.C.T.U. Field Day
voice. The people were so eager for knowl­ and a reunion of the Concord School of
edge that they sat patiently two hours at a Philosophy. The Green Acre School of Mu­
time. I looked at them and thought of the sic provided entertainment of the finest
spot which Whittier loved and found so kind. There was no charge. "All classes
restful—Green Acre— and I saw them are open to those who apply to the secre­
seated in a large tent on the green bank of tary, Miss Farmer. These and the lectures
the beautiful river, the cool breeze from are maintained through the generous co­
the water fanning their cheeks, and I real­ operation of those in attendance.”
ized how much more receptive the mind and The Ideal of Green Acre caught fire in
heart would be in such a cool and healthful many hearts. Sometimes as many as two
environment. The details of the work came thousand attended the lectures in the big
quickly before my mind and when we left tent. People from all walks of life and
the room I had it all. Green Acre had a many races, nationalities and religious be­
part in the great work of unification.” Her liefs mingled freely.
conception of a universal platform was con­ In 1900 Miss Farmer sailed for Egypt for
firmed the next year by her experiences at a much needed rest. On the ship were two
the World Congress of Religions at the Co­ friends who were on their way to visit
lumbian Exposition in Chicago. She invited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the prisoner of ‘Akká, son of
some of the outstanding speakers to Green Baha’u’llah the Bearer of a new divine Rev­
Acre. elation. Instantly attracted, she sought anil
Her first program of Lectures appeared obtained permission to visit Him. Record­
in 1894. In the foreword, "Green Acre ing the meeting with ťAbdu’l-Bahá, she
proposes to add to its rural attractions and wrote in her diary, "I have found my Lord.”
comforts a series of lectures and classes on "Green Acre confirmed.”
212 THE BAH Á ’Í CENTENARY

The next year her Green Acre program In 1925, a resolution was adopted to place
announced "Believing that the Revelation Green Acre under the control and supervi­
of Bahá’u’lláh of Persia is the announce­ sion of the National Spiritual Assembly of
ment of this great day . . . and finding that the Baha’is of the United States and Canada.
it provides a platform on which all great This was consummated, August 12, 1929,
religious bodies can stand together in love by a deed legally transferring to them the
and harmony, Miss Farmer feels that her title to all Green Acre properties. In 1941,
previous work has been but the preparation the N.S.A. voted that Green Acre be
for the greatest of all joys the giving of the known as "Green Acre Bahá’í School.”
Message to all who are willing and ready to The major properties of the school, the
receive it.” There were quotations from Inn and cottage annexes, a lecture hall, arts
‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Bahá’u’lláh. Names of and crafts studio, Fellowship House, over
Bahá’í teachers appeared in the Monsalvat sixty acres of land on Monsalvat, forty acres
School. of the Pines, and other smaller plots, are
In 1902, the great Bahd’i scholar, Mirza but the visible housing for something more
Abul Fadl, was sent by ‘Abdu’l-Baha to intangible, the Spirit of Green Acre. There,
teach at Green Acre. Mirza Ali-Kuli Kahn for fifty years, men and women have given
was his interpreter. their energies and resources to an ideal. For
In these first years, Miss Farmer was re­ half a century, people have come seeking
sponsible for the program and the financing and left with gain. Today the Message
of it. Now her health began to fail. Partly taught there is vitally needed. It offers
to relieve her, the Green Acre Fellowship peace of heart and security in a war torn
was incorporated in the State of Maine in world. It is a place where brotherhood is
1902 to "perpetuate the work of the Green real, where prejudice is erased, where unity
Acre Conferences.” It began to function is practical.
in 1904. Members pledged two dollars an­ "In the future, God willing, Green Acre
nually, more or less, for the support of the shall be a great center, the cause of the
school. unity of the world of humanity, the cause
Miss Farmer, in 1905 stated in her pro­ of uniting the hearts and binding together
gram that the Bahd’i religion "is not a new the East and the West.”—‘Abdu’l-Baha
*ism’ to stand side by side with and rival It is interesting today to compare two
former religious systems, but is a completion summer programs, one at the height of Miss
and fulfillment of all that has preceded it.” Sarah J. Farmer’s success and one con­
Again Confirmation came. In the sum­ ducted since Green Acre became wholly
mer of 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd spent a week at Bahi’i.
Green Acre. Once more He and Miss Farmer The program of 1901 was announced as
met. He lectured, held interviews, ex­ "The Monsalvat School for the Compara­
amined the Fellowship properties, served a tive Study of Religion.”
feast for the people of the Community. He Topics
attended a picnic on Monsalvat, walked Lectures on Social Science and Applied
about on the summit, prayed, sent word to Religion—Fillmore Moore, M. D.
Miss Farmer that the great University Lectures on Social Conditions and Mission­
which she had envisioned there was a reality. ary Work in India—M. L. Rallia Ram
At the annual meeting in 1913, the by­ Lecture on the Religious Systems of Japan
laws of the Green Acre Fellowship were —Rev. Joseph S. Motoda
amended. A nine-member Board of Trus­ Lectures on the Revelations of the Báb and
tees was established. A majority of the new Bahá’u’lláh of Persia—Mirza Abu’l-Fazl
Board were Bahd’is. The Conferences were Lectures on the Eastern Wisdom—Charles
continued. However, the World War Johnston, M. R. A. S.
brought about a change of emphasis. More Lectures on Science and Philosophy—Pro­
and more the teaching centered on the fessor Egbert Morse Chesley
World Order of Baha’u’llah as the lasting Lecture on Ecclesiastical History—Rev. Al­
solution for Peace. bert Danker, Ph. D.
r

B A H Á ’Í SCHOOLS 213

Bahá’í Hall, Green Acre School.
214 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY

Lecture on Science and Theism—Professor five sessions, with a final summary and re­
A. C. Dolbear view.
Lectures on Literature—Mrs. Mary Han­ As Green Acre is the only Bahd’i School
ford Ford blesssed by the Master’s presence, His tab­
Lecture for Training for Workers—Rev­ lets revealed at different stages in its devel­
erend H. B. Frizzell, S. T. D. opment are cherished by all who participate
Lecture on the Kingdom of God— Rev. in the work today. The collection of Tab­
Edward Everett Hale, D. D. lets addressed to Miss Farmer between 1900
Lectures on the Talmud and Jewish History and 1908, now preserved in the National
— Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf, D. D. Archives, lay a bridge across the wide
Lectures on Heredity— Rev. E. P. Powell chasm between general religious and philo­
Lecture on the Persian Revelation—Fred­ sophical culture on the one hand, and faith
erick Reed in the Manifestation of God on the other.
Lecture on Philosophers— Frank S. Sanborn To her He said: "I hope that through the
Lectures on History—Miss Jane De Groff favor of the Blessed Perfection thou wilt
Thompson become the lamp of the society of Green
Lectures on the Old Testament and Swe­ Acre, and wilt become the cup bearer of
denborg— Professor J. E. Werren the wine of the love of God; that thou wilt
Miss Sarah Farmer herself opened the invite a great number unto the Kingdom
season on July 3 with an address on "The of the powerful Lord, and wilt teach nu­
Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh and Its Relation merous souls. . . . O thou beloved maid­
to the Monsalvat School.” In addition to servant of God, exert thyself with all heart
the above list of lecturers, we note the and soul that Green Acre may become the
name of Prof. Nathaniel Schmidt, who arena for the action of the beloved of Bahá
spoke on "The New Jerusalem, or the and its administration pass into the hands
City We W ant,” and the name of Sister of the friends. If such become the case,
Mariam of England, whose topic was "U t­ good results will ensue, otherwise all en­
terances of Bahá’u’lláh.” Mrs. Mary Han­ deavors will come to naught.”
ford Ford, who lectured on Literature, later In 1933, the Guardian wrote to the Eliot
wrote books and pamphlets on the Faith Bahá’í community: "Your group occupies
and taught the Message continuously for an important position in the Bahd’i world
many years in a number of cities. for you are situated in that locality where
In 193 8 a program was conducted in the Green Acre Summer School is held— the
which the early lecture method had become most important institution of its kind in
superseded by the study class and discus­ the world.”
sion. The courses prepared by the School 2. G eyserville
Committee included: Education for the "O my brother, the gems of the Supreme
New Humanity, Dr. G. A. Shook; The Knowledge can only be obtained from the
Art of Growing Up, Orcella Rexford; Spir­ Divine Mine; the Fragrance of the Ideal
itual Development and Law, Dorothy Myrtle can only be inhaled from the Rose-
Baker; Esperanto, Lidia Zamenhof; Com­ garden of Reality; and the Flowers of the
parative Religion, Doris and Willard Knowledge of Unity only grow in the city
McKay; Prayer and Meditation, Lorol of pure hearts!”—Baha’u’lldh
Schopflocher; The Transformation of H u­ "Everyone without exception is urged to
man Society, Horace Holley, a general take advantage of attending it (summer
study of the teachings, conducted by Mamie school)—Let him consider such an occasion
L. Seto. In addition a youth program, pre­ as a welcome and precious opportunity so
pared by a committee of young people, fea­ to enrich, through lectures, study and dis­
tured a course by Dorothy Baker on The cussion, his knowledge of the fundamentals
Bahd’i Life, a discussion of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s of his Faith as to be able to transmit, with
Will and Testament by Caroline Rogers, greater confidence and effectiveness, the
and a series of lectures by different youth Message that has been entrusted to his
on Bahá’í books. Each course consisted of care.”—Shoghi Effendi
B A H Á ’1 S C H OOL S 215

Early in 1927 great interest was being north of San Francisco on one of the main
displayed by the public in the social and highways serving the entire Pacific Coast,
spiritual teachings of the Baha’i Faith, re­ and on a railroad, facilities are excellent for
sulting in the establishment of many Bahá’í public and private transportation. There
study classes. There were an insufficient were two ranch houses, a small dormitory,
number of teachers, and thus the work of with accessory buildings, permitting the
caring for these classes devolved on too few housing of approximately forty people on
of the believers. This led to the suggestion the property.
that steps be taken to establish a school on The first sessions of the school were held
the Pacific Coast for the training of Baha’i in 1927 during the entire month of August.
Teachers, and the deepening of the under­ The Committee felt that for this first
standing of the Faith. year, if only nine believers sincerely desirous
In response to this suggestion, the N a­ of perfecting their services in the Faith
tional Spiritual Assembly appointed a Com­ could come together, it would be a most
mittee consisting of Mr. John D. Bosch, successful beginning. However, the open­
of Geyserville, Mr. George O. Latimer, of ing Unity Feast, held under the wide-
Portland, and Mr. Leroy Ioas of San Fran­ spreading boughs of a majestic fir tree,
cisco, to study the possibility of working found some 130 friends from various parts
out plans for a summer school in the West, of the Pacific Coast gathered in spiritual
and its development into a permanent in­ joy and enthusiasm to open the school and
stitution. dedicate the property to the Cause of God.
While a number of locations were sug­ Over forty remained throughout the school
gested, it was decided that the Bosch prop­ for study and preparation for teaching
erty in Geyserville, California, should be work; as well as fellowship and association
selected as the site of the first Baha’i School under the benign influence of the spirit
of the West; in fact, the first Baha’i educa­ of the new day of unity and order.
tional institution in North America, con­ In the succeeding years, the numbers in
ceived for, and dedicated exclusively to the attendance increased steadily, until there
training of Bahá’i teachers, and the study was insufficient housing on the property for
of the teachings of Baha’u’lldh. In connec­ those in attendance, making it necessary to
tion with this selection, it developed that the secure accommodations at various homes in
owners of the property, Mr. and Mrs. John the vicinity.
D. Bosch, had for years planned on their In the ninth year, Mr. and Mrs. Bosch
property being dedicated to Bahd’i service. deeded the property to Trustees for the
In fact, they had written ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly.
1911: During this nine year period they had been
"May this simple place on the hills, and hosts to the friends, housing them without
directly west of Geyser Peak be dedicated cost, demonstrating that hospitality which
to the Universal Spirit of the Teachings of is the new spirit of the social principles of
Bahá’u’lláh, combining the good of all the the Faith; and is the touchstone of love
Messengers of God. which melts all hearts into one— and estab­
"I pray that the atmosphere here will lishing the basis of creative and unified
henceforth be filled with the true spiritual­ service.
ity and power, and be guided by the strong The Geyserville school grew in this spirit
hand of the Almighty; that it may be a of fellowship, lov£, and eagerness for activ­
natural source of pure water for the be­ ity in the Faith. Studies and activities were
lievers to drink and to flow to all good participated in by young and old alike—
hearts which are earnestly seeking enlight- establishing a social institution catering to
ment.” all ages, and becoming a true prototype of
The property consisted of some forty- the Bahá’í "way of life.” The Guardian
two acres of land in the beautiful rolling commenting on this aspect of the Geyser­
foothills in and behind the village of Gey­ ville school, wrote: "It would be no exag­
serville. Located about seventy-five miles geration to say that the unique contribution
216 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

The Dormitory, Geyserville Summer School.

Interior of Bahd’i Hall, Geyserville Bahá’i School.
BA H Á ’Í SCHOOLS 217

which the Geyserville Summer School has the Redwood Highway Association includes
made to the extension of the teaching work the Bahá’í Summer School as one of the
during the last few years has been to teach places to visit on this famous motor high­
the friends, and inspire them to live up to way.
the high standard which the Teachings in­ In 1936 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Collins
culcate, and thus teach the Cause through erected and presented to the Cause a very
the power of example.” attractive Baha’i Hall of rustic redwood,
Illustrating how effective the spirit oi for the study classes and public meetings.
love and unified action is, the following This generous contribution was followed
is quoted from a noted educator of the West in 1937 by the gift of a then much-needed
who attended one of the sessions of the dormitory of corresponding rustic material,
school: . "My greetings I send to you; and fully equipped and modern in every detail,
everlasting gratitude for an experience that with a housing capacity for approximately
has enriched my whole life. May I not send fifty people.
through you my sincerest expression of lov­ Since that time two friends have built
ing appreciation to all those dear Baha’is attractive cottages on the property and
with whom I have just enjoyed a season of others have plans to erect summer homes in
unique happiness and spiritual growth.” the future.
Also this same spirit is portrayed in the The Baha’i Hall was dedicated on July
annual *report of the 1942 program Com­ 12, 1936 in a simple, direct, and spiritually
mittee:. "For the Geyserville school leaves impressive ceremony. Beautiful bouquets of
with those.who take part in it, a rich and flowers were received from Geyserville citi­
lasting memory— a memory of peaceful, zens. Opening with the words of Shoghi
orchard-covered hills, where believers from Effendi received by cablegram: "Heartily
near and far gather to know one another, join celebration opening Auditorium gen­
to acquire a more comprehensive view of the erously founded by well beloved distin­
Cause; to be cheered and inspired by living guished friends Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Assure
and working together as one Bahá’í Com­ them profound abiding gratitude. Love to
munity, the proving ground for a new assembled friends.” A short history of the
world.” development of the summer school was
Many are the stories of the effect the dy­ given by Leroy Ioas. Then followed a beau­
namic and spiritual lives of the Baha’is tiful presentation of the services of the
have had on non-Bahá’ís, especially in the School by Mrs. Louise Bosch and the turn­
early days of the Faith. This same influence ing over of the property to the Trustees by
was felt in the village at Geyserville, as the Mrs. Robert Norton of San Francisco, a
school grew into a permanent part of the cousin of Mrs. Collins. Mr. George O. Lati­
life of the city. Originally the local citizens mer acted as chairman and received the
were quite opposed to the Faith. They even property on behalf of the Bosch Trustees
went so far as to warn newcomers to beware for the benefit of the National Spiritual
of the Bahd’is and their "pernicious teach­ Assembly. Fitting messages were sent to the
ings.” Disregarding such attitudes, the Guardian and to Mr. and Mrs. Collins, who
Bahd’is followed their teachings of serving were in Bad Nauheim at that time. The
those who dispitefully use you— and seeing meeting was closed with the reading of a
only the good in every one. This resulted in cablegram just received from Mrs. Collins:
those who were warned against us investi­ "Utmost gratitude for the Name that has
gating the teachings, and some becoming taught us there is no separation.”
declared Bahd’is. Furthermore, the local The following year on July 3, there was
press gradually increased the space devoted a dedication of the new dormitory, follow­
to the School activities, and now full page ing the Annual Reunion and Feast of
announcements are made of the school pro­ friends and their guests, with about 2 50 in
gram and messages of welcome by the attendance. Attractive pictures of both
Chamber of Commerce and business men buildings were taken for the permanent rec­
carried regularly. A brochure published by ords of the School. A truly international
218 THE B A H Á 5f CENTENARY

spirit was manifest at this opening gather­ tailed presentation; which is followed by
ing of the school, there being ten nationali­ creative discussion, questions, answers, and
ties represented at the meeting, with ad­ contributions by students. Many teachers
dresses in Esperanto and French. are used, instead of one lecturer; thus giv­
After the dedication of the Dormitory, ing a more rounded out program; and at the
Mr. Leroy Ioas read a fitting memorial serv­ same time, permitting the development of
ice for Mr. Thomas Collins who had passed Bahá’í teachers^ not only through their
from this life shortly before the opening of study, but also their participation in the
the School. All present felt the great loss conduct of the classes themselves.
of this friend who had done so much to­ The youth have their own round table dis­
ward the recent development of the Gey- cussion group, arranged and conducted by
serville educational institution and his mem­ themselves. In all other respects they are
ory will be enshrined in the hearts of all an integral part of the school, attending
students who attend the school sessions in regular classes, assisting with the devotional
the future. meetings, providing entertainment for the
The school library has been dedicated to recreational hours, contributing to the mu­
the memory of Mr. Collins, being named sical programs, etc. They participate in full
the "Collins Memorial Library.” The li­ measure with the adults in the entire activ­
brary now contains over 500 books. Re­ ities of the Baha’i community life.
cently Mr. Leroy Ioas arranged a gift from Separate classes are conducted for the
the Estate of Mrs. Mary M. Rabb of a full children. Skilled supervisors teach the chil­
set of the bound volumes of the "Star of dren the true bases of religion and the effect
the West,” containing those early volumes upon the life of the individual as well as
which are now out of print. society. There are classes also in the useful
The curriculum of Bahd’i Schools is of a arts, and suitable recreational arrangements.
distinctive type; distinctive, because the The School has always undertaken public
Word of God is the measure against which teaching meetings, not only in Geyserville,
the civilizations and cultures of the world but also in surrounding cities such as Cloare oriented. The findings of history and verdale, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, etc.
social science have their true meaning in re­ The Summer School provides an educa­
lation to the development of world religion. tional center where the believers can gather
The faith and devotion of people, under together in large numbers to study the
the creative influence of the teachings of the Teachings of Baha’u’llah, and their effect
Prophets, are the elements which evolve on society; exchange views and experiences,
society; and only an understanding of the associate with one another in an active com­
emergent which the Holy Spirit gives to munity life, and thus deepen their knowl­
human aspiration, can give meaning to a edge and understanding of the Faith in a
planned evolutionary process for the hu­ distinctive Bahá’í atmosphere. The impor­
man race. All truth is rooted in the teach­ tance of these institutions has been stressed
ings of the Prophets; all human knowledge over and over by the Guardian. The Gey­
is derived from our search of the realities serville Committee is ever seeking the goal
of life and nature. This search is ever set by Shoghi Effendi for the Geyserville
pushed forward by the impact of a soul­ School; namely, he "hopes that through the
stirring message calling humanity to wider combined and united efforts of the friends,
horizons, and a more universal civilization. the Geyserville Summer School, which is so
Thus knowledge, scientific and spiritual find ideally situated, will draw an increasing
their true relationship in the Bahá’í teach­ number of visitors, both believers and non­
ing that these are the two wings upon believers, and will thus gradually develop
which the soul of man may reach the into an important and world-wide known
realms on high. center for the training of Bahd’i scholars
Classes at the Geyserville school are con­ and teachers. The first pioneers under the
ducted on the creative discussion plan. The Seven Year Plan went forth with the
speaker introduces the subject with a de­ inspiration of this School.
B A H A ’I SCHOOLS 219

Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Michigan, the site of the Bahá’í School of the Central States.

3. Lo u h elen building. This not only furnished a place
for books and study, but made it possible
On the first day of August, 1931, a
to have a short winter session of the School.
score of Baha’is and their friends, respond­
There has been a gradual enlargement of
ing to an invitation issued by Mr. and Mrs.
the scope of the School and an increase in
L. W. Eggleston after consultation with
the number of sessions until now Louhelen
Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í
Baha’i School has five summer sessions and
Faith, and with the National Spiritual As­
is in active operation during most of July
sembly, gathered at a farm near Davison,
and August, besides the winter session of a
Michigan, which had recently been acquired
week. Many conferences and special cele­
by Mr. Eggleston, to study and spread the
brations have been held there and even sev­
Baha’i Faith. Others came later for a day
eral Bahd’i weddings.
or more so that all told some ninety souls The aim of the school is three-fold: to
were present that first summer. Mr. and have a real school, a place to learn Truth, to
Mrs. Harlan Ober and Mr. and Mrs. How­ find the root of all knowledge, the knowl­
ard Ives planned the splendid nine days’ edge of God and of His Will for today as
program and did much of the teaching. revealed by Baha’u’lldh; to have a place
Among others who contributed to the suc­ where people may live for a time as a
cess of this first session were Miss Fannie Baha’i community, practicing the oneness
Knobloch and Mrs. Dorothy Baker. At the of mankind, promoting unity in the Cause;
end of the nine days all agreed that plans and to have one more spot whence the Light
should be made for the next summer. of the New Day is radiated. The plan so far
By the summer of 1932 the school had be­ has been for short sessions, eight to twelve
come more fully organized and publicized days, or even as few as four for some youth
through the program committee appointed sessions, with three or four teachers who
by the National Spiritual Assembly. It give daily lectures or talk or conduct
was now a recognized Bahd’i institution. classes on some specified subject. Thus a
During the year the Egglestons had added great amount of ground is covered in a short
buildings to the property. Since then other time at each session. This rather intensive
buildings have been added so that now work at the school furnishes a basis for
seventy-five or more can be accommodated more study at home and a stimulus to teach
in summer and about twenty-five in win­ others. There are hours for freedom and
ter. In 1939 through gifts from Mrs. recreation, fellowship, conferences with
Amelia Collins and Mrs. Dorothy Graf it teachers or each other. All this with the
was possible to erect a long desired library common dining rooms, the nearby lodgings,

I
220 THE BA H Á ’í CENTENARY

the outdoor life gives opportunity for real ence with him gave a constant urge to the
Baha’i community life. Committee to make these summer sessions
From year to year study courses and even more of an aid in learning to really
projects in all sessions have varied to in­ study, in deepening in the Faith and in
clude such subjects as: History and Prin­ learning to teach others. In 1938, therefore,
ciples of the Bahd’i Faith, Understanding a ten day session was planned with two spe­
and Practice of the Baha’i Administrative cial projects, one a course of study care­
Order, Studies in the Islámic Faith, Studies fully outlined by Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg,
in Christian and Jewish Prophecy, History the other a project in systematically spread­
of the Christian Church, Prayer and Medi­ ing a knowledge of the Cause in neighbor­
tation, Deepening in the Spiritual Life, ing places. Volunteers in this project went
Survey and Classification of Bahd’i Sacred out in pairs to nearby communities, litera­
Writings, Teaching Methods and Problems, ture was left in libraries or with individuals
Public Speaking, History and Culture of and an invitation extended to come to a
Latin America. special public meeting at the school. Sim­
The development of Louhelen Bahd’i ilar sessions but with varied projects each
Youth School is outstanding. For the first year since have attracted a large number
three summers just one joint session for of earnest students and workers. Much val­
adult and youth was held. The young peo­ uable study aid has been developed at these
ple were the first to call for another session. sessions and made available to others.
A strong group of young people was pres­ The School has used various means be­
ent the second summer which increased so sides the one just mentioned to reach out
much in number and enthusiasm the third to the general public. Newspapers have co­
summer, that plans were made at the request operated in publishing feature articles and
of the young people themselves for a sepa­ announcing public lectures. Many individ­
rate youth session and in 1934 this became a uals and groups who have some common
reality under the direction of Mrs. Dorothy interest with Baha’is have been invited and
Baker. This Bahd’i school attracted youth come to the school. Teachers at the school
from nearby and a distance since it was the have been invited by Rotary and other clubs
only Bahá’í school distinctly for young peo­ to give talks. The library, which contains
ple. It grew so rapidly that in a few years over 2700 books on many subjects, is free
it was necessary to have two youth sessions. to the public. Hundreds of Bahd’i books
At first only youth over fifteen were al­ have been sold at the school in the thirteen
lowed to come but now they are divided years of its history and much free literature
according to age, those from twelve to fif­ distributed. The Flint .Bahd’i community
teen making one group and those over fif­ was rebuilt and strengthened through its
teen another. Young people of any and all influence and the Davison Township Bahd’i
races and creeds are welcome to come and community is in the process of building.
learn about the Bahd’i Teachings of the A recent project using part of the school
New Age and to live the Baha’i life. Rec­ grounds and equipment is a play school for
reational activities reflect the Baha’i spirit young children. This is privately conducted
of cooperation and high standards of con­ on Bahd’i principles for children from both
duct and fellowship. From the beginning Bahd’i and non-Baha’i families and is an­
the young people have been consulted in other link connecting the school with the
regard to study program, teachers, recrea­ public.
tion and simple necessary rules and in 1942 Although the School is in active session
the National Spiritual Assembly added only eight or nine weeks in the year its
three young people to the Louhelen program influence is continuous since it is the home
committee. of the Eggleston family and Bahd’i gather­
Another distinguishing feature of Lou­ ings are held there throughout the year.
helen Bahd’i School is the so-called Labora­ And who can estimate the influence of the
tory Session. Suggestions which came from magic words "Bahd’i School” swinging in
the Guardian through annual correspond- full sight of passers on state highway Ml 5?
BA H Á ’Í SCHOOLS 221

4. I n ternatio nal Public meetings are held in the city of
The International School in Pine Valley, Colorado Springs to further the teaching
Colorado Springs, is the youngest member work and a Regional Conference is held
of our Baha’i summer schools. It held its whenever possible.
initial session in 1940, having been deeded A cable, dated June 13, 1940, was re­
to Trustees for the benefit of the National ceived from Shoghi Effendi at the opening
Spiritual Assembly by Loulie Mathews to of the School:
supply a future gathering place for Bahd’is "Delighted at opening of school. Praying
from Latin-America and other countries. for increasing success, loving appreciation.”
Its present program, as suggested by Shoghi (signed) Shoghi Rabbani.
Effendi, is devoted to Latin-America. On June 10, 1940, the National Baha’i
Temerity accommodates only about six­ Assembly sent this message:
teen guests; therefore, we try to fill this "Loving best wishes for successs of school
quota from those believers who have ded­ session representing foundation structure
icated their lives to teaching. of institution dedicated to education for in­
Each year we bring out a few notes that ternational teaching of the New World
our efforts may have a wider field through­ Order.” The conference teaching method is
out the Baha’i world. employed.

International Baha’i School, Pine Valley, Colorado Springs.
PART E I G H T

T H E A M E R I C A N BAHA’I C O M M U N I T Y

1. Cities and Townships having Assemblies C o nnecticut
New Haven
A labama
West Haven
Birmingham
D elaware
A laska
Wilmington
Anchorage
D istrict of C olumbia
A rkansas
Washington, D. C.
Little Rock
A rizona Florida
Phoenix Jacksonville
East Phoenix Rural Miami
St. Augustine
C alifornia
G eorgia
Alhambra
Berkeley Atlanta
Beverly Hills H awaii
. Burbank
Honolulu
Burlingame
Maui
Cloverdale Township
Glendale Idaho
Los Angeles Boise
Oakland
Pasadena Illinois
Sacramento Chicago
San Diego Danville
San Francisco Evanston
Santa Barbara Maywood
C anada Peoria
Springfield
Edmonton, Alberta
Urbana
Vancouver, British Columbia
Waukegan
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Wilmette
Moncton, New Brunswick
Winnetka
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Toronto, Ontario I ndia na
Charlottetown, P.E.I. Indianapolis
Montreal, Quebec South Bend
St. Lambert, Quebec
Regina, Sask. I owa
Cedar Rapids
C olorado
Colorado Springs K ansas
Denver Topeka
THE AMERICAN BA H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 223

K entucky Newark
Teaneck
Louisville
N ew M exico
Louisiana
Albuquerque
New Orleans
N ew Y ork
M aine
Binghamton
Eliot
Buffalo
Maryland Geneva
Baltimore Jamestown
Cabin John New York
Chevy Chase— Bethesda Rochester
Syracuse
M assachusetts • Yonkers
Beverly
N orth C arolina
Brookline
Boston Greensboro
Springfield N orth D akota
Worcester
Fargo
Michigan
O hio
Ann Arbor
Cincinnati
Detroit
Cleveland
Flint
Columbus
Grand Rapids
Dayton
Lansing
East Cleveland
Muskegon
Lima
Minnesota Toledo
Minneapolis
O klahom a
St. Paul
Oklahoma City
Mississippi
O regon
Jackson
Portland
Missouri
P en n sylvania
Kansas City
Philadelphia
Mo n t a n a Pittsburgh
Helena Scranton
West Chester
N ebraska
P uerto R ico
Omaha
San Juan
N evada
R hode I sland
Reno
Providence
N ew H ampshire
So u th C arolina
Portsmouth
Greenville
N ew J ersey
So u th D akota
East Orange
Montclair Sioux Falls
224 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

T ennessee C alifornia
Memphis Atascadero
Bakersfield
T exas Big Bear Lake
Houston Compton
Elsinore
U tah Fresno
Huntington Pk.
Salt Lake City Inglewood Township
Inglewood
V erm ont Knightsen
Brattleboro Long Beach
Lynwood
V irginia Monrovia
Alexandria Monrovia Twp.
Arlington Napa
Pacific Palisades
W ashington Pasadena Twp.
Piedmont
Richmond Highlands
Riverside
Seattle San Bernardino
Spokane San Marino
Tacoma San Mateo
Santa Barbara
W est V irginia Santa Rosa (Analy Twp.)
Charleston Santa Rosa
South Gate
W isconsin
C anada
Kenosha
Madison Calgary, Alberta
Milwaukee Armstrong, British Columbia
Racine Vernon, British Columbia
Shorewood West Vancouver, British Columbia
Wauwatosa Hamilton, Ont.
Ottawa, Ontario
W yoming Westmount, Quebec
Laramie C a na l Z one
Balboa
2. Cities having Groups
C o nnecticut
A labama Hamden
Tuskegee Hartford
Norwich
A rizona Orange
Washington
Glendale Rural
Phoenix Rural (West) Florida
Poston Florida City
Tucson Pine Castle
THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 225

Illinois Plainville
Cicero Princeton
Glenview Salem
Hollywood Sharon
Melrose Park Upton
Melrose Township Wenham
Moline West Brookfield
Northbrook Woburn
Oak Park
M ichigan
Park Ridge
Pekin Davison
Limestone Township Dearborn
Rockford Flint (Burton Twp.)
Villa Park Fruitport
Western Springs Grand Haven
Grosse lie
India n a Grosse Pointe
Fort Wayne Highland Park
Kalamazoo
I owa Lake Harbor
Independence Lansing
Waterloo Lincoln Park
Marysville
Kansas Muskegon Heights
Burlingame Nirvana
Elwood Pentwater
Topeka (Mission Township) Plymouth
Wichita Roseville
St. Clair Shores
Louisiana Smith’s Creek
Covington Van Dyke
Wyoming Park
M aine
Canaan M innesota
Portland Duluth
South Windham
Stoneham M issouri
Independence
Massachusetts St. Louis
Arlington St. Louis County
Auburn
Belchertown M o n ta n a
East Hampton Butte
East Longmeadow
Fitchburg N ew H am pshire
Ipswich Ashuelot
Malden Dover
Natick Hinsdale
Needham New Market
Newton
No. Scituate N ew J ersey
Norton Atlantic City
Palmer Bloomfield
226 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Dumont So uth D akota
Englewood Lead
Hackensack
Haworth T ennessee
Jersey City Knoxville
Marlton Nashville
Maywood
T exas
Neptune
Red Bank Carrizo Springs
Riverton Winter Haven (Dimmit County)
Tenafly San Antonio
Weehawken
V irginia
N ew Y ork Loudoun County (Waterford)
Albany Franklin
Ballston Spa Newport News
Little Falls
W ashington
Mamaroneck
Ransomville Brooklyn
Roscoe Halford
Geneva (Seneca Township) Kirkland
Victor Monroe
Waterloo Sultan

O hio W isconsin
Akron Bristol
Bucyrus Chenequa
Circleville Eagle River (Lincoln Twp.)
Cleveland Heights Green Bay
Columbus Grove Lake Geneva
Cuyahoga Falls Manitowoc
Dayton (Harrison Twp.) Oconomowoc
Findlay Somers Twp. (Kenosha)
Lakewood Whitefish Bay
Mansfield Wisconsin Rapids
Medina (Granger Township)
Mechanicsburg (Union Township) 3. Cities and Postal Zones having Isolated
Hinckley Twp. (Medina County) Believers
Waynesville
A labama
P en n sylvania Birmingham (Homewood)
Ingomar Birmingham (Jefferson County)
New Castle Fair hope
Wilkensburg Huntsville
Mobile
R hode I sland Springhill
Pawtucket Tuskegee
Warren
A rizona
So u th C arolina Buckeye
Charleston Coolidge
Columbia Douglas
N orth Augusta Glendale
THE AMERICAN B A H A ’I COMMUNITY 227

Kingman Puente
Payson Reedley
Phoenix Richmond
Prescott Sacramento
Sonita St. Helena
Tucson Salinas
San Bruno
A rkansas San Diego
Camp Robinson San Francisco
Eldorado San Gabriel
Harrison San José
Malvern San Pablo
No. Little Rock Santa Barbara
Ola Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
C alifornia Santa Maria
Alma Santa Paula
Arcadia Santa Rosa
Arroyo Grande Sausalito
Beaumont South Laguna
Bell South Pasadena
Beverly Hills Twp. (Los Angeles) Templeton
Chula Vista Turlock
Claremont Valley Center
Corte Madera Walnut Park
Culver City West Los Angeles
Downey Whittier
El Monte Wilmar
Escondido Woodlake
Exeter
Fresno C anada
Gardena Ardmore, Alberta
LaCanada (Glendale Twp.) Calahad, Alta.
Verdugo City (Glendale Twp.) Taber, Alberta
Montrose (Glendale Twp.) Cultus Lake, British Columbia
Glen Ellen Kamloops, British Columbia
Gridley Penticton, British Columbia
Hayward Victoria, British Columbia
Healdsburg Elgin, New Brunswick
Hondo Lewisville, New Brunswick
Kenwood Debert, Nova Scotia
Lakeport Halifax, Nova Scotia
La Mesa Bartonville, Ont.
Livermore Bluevale, Ontario
Long Beach Farran Point, Ontario
Los Angeles (outside city limits) Rice Lake, Ontario
Los Gatos London, Ontario
Millbrae Toronto, Ontario (York County)
Modesto Summerside^ Prince Edward Island
Oakland Arvida, P. Q.
Palo Alto Huntingdon, P. Q.
Palmdale Longueuil, P. Q.
Paso Robles Montreal West, P. Q.
228 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Mount Royal, P. Q. Keesville
Outremont, P. Q. Midville
Riv. Beaudette, P. Q. Savannah
Verdun, P. Q. Wrens
Carmichael, Sask.
H awaii, T. H.
C anal Zone
Naalehu
Corundo, C.Z.
Idaho
C olorado
Boise
Arvada Coeur d’Alene
Boulder
Climax Illinois
Denver Alton
Pine Valley, Colorado Springs Antioch
Fountain Batavia
Loveland Champaign
Wheat Ridge Charleston
C onnecticut Chillicothe
DeKalb
Bridgeport
Dixon
N orth Stoning ton
Downers Grove
Meriden
Elmhurst
Norwalk
Glen Ellyn
Y alesville
Glenview
D elaware Greenup
Arden Harvey
Henry
Florida Highwood
Boynton Hinsdale
Coral Gables Jacksonville
Daytona Beach Joliet
Fernandina LaGrange
Gainesville LaGrange Park
Hollywood Lake Forest
Jacksonville Beach Lincolnwood
Lakeland McHenry
Miami Marengo
Miami Shores Markham
Okechobee Melrose Park
Orlando Morrison
Palm Beach Morton
Ruskin Oak Lawn
St. Petersburg Peoria
West Palm Beach Peoria Heights
Winter Haven Phoenix
Quincy
G eorgia River Forest
Atlanta Riverside
Augusta St. Charles
Daniel Field Serena
Decatur Tower Hill
Griffin Watseka
THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’1 C O M M U N I T Y 229

Waukegan Halethorpe
West Peoria Hyattsville
Wheaton Laurel
Silver Spring
Indiana
Taney town
Anderson
Bloomington Massachusetts
Fort Wayne Belmont
Gary Bernardston
Mishawaka Buzzards Bay
Monroeville Cambridge
Monticello Everett
Muncie Fitchburg
New Haven Marblehead
South Bend Marlboro
Winamac Medford
Iowa Norfolk
Petersham
Belknap Sherborn
Correctionville South Dartmouth
Davenport South Hamilton
Des Moines Springfield
Dubuque Wellesley Hills
Independence West Somerville
Walker Whitman
Waterloo
Michigan
Kansas
Ann Arbor
Kansas City
Battle Creek
Kentucky Berkley
Cave City Birmingham
Elizabethtown Brighton
Franklin Cassopolis
Louisville Clio
Coloma
Louisiana Dearborn
Baton Rouge E. Fruitport
Ferry sburg
Maine Flint
Bangor Goodrich
Cortland Grand Rapids
Gardiner Grosse Pointe
Lovell Hazel Park
South Berwick Inkster
South Portland Lansing (Grand River Twp.)
Springvale Lawrence
Wells Lawton
Ludington
Maryland Mears
Chestertown Mt. Clemens
Cheverly, HyattsvilK Mt. Morris
Dundalk Muskegon
Essex Niles
230 THE BA FI Á ’ f CENTENARY

Olivet Bradley Beach
Port Huron Cranford
Selfridge Field Grenloch
Ypsilanti Hamburg
Harrington Park
Minnesota
Irvington
Detroit Lakes Little Falls
Halsted Maywood
Hopkins Millburn
Mankato Morristown
Moorehead Ocean Grove
Northfield Palisades Park
Preston Passaic
Red Wing Paterson
Sabin Point Pleasant
Mississippi Princeton
Ridgefield Park
Columbus Ridgewood
Greenwood Rochelle Park
Money Short Hills
Vicksburg South Orange
Missouri Spring Lake
Tenafly
Carthage
Westfield
Independence
Wyckoff
Jefferson
Kansas City N ew Mexico
Poplar Bluff
Alamogordo
St. Joseph
Las Vegas
St. Louis
Albuquerque
Montana
N ew Y ork
Fairview
Winifred Babylon
Bayshore
N ebraska Bellmore
Brock Farmingdale
Waterbury Floral Park
Glenwood Landing
N evada Hempstead Gardens
Boulder City Locust Manor
Hawthorne Lynbrook
Las Vegas Mineola
Reno Auburn
Binghamton
N ew H ampshire Cortland
Fitzwilliam Dunkirk
Eden
N ew J ersey Elmira
Basking Ridge Freehold
Bayonne Geneva
Bergenfield Hamburg
Bogota Jamestown
Bordentown Jamesville
THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’1 C O M M U N I T Y 231

Johnstown Cleveland
Kenmore Dayton
Lima Doyles town
Linwood Eaton
Little Falls Fremont
Lockport Geneva
Massena * Jerry City
Mayville Kent
Norwich Lima
Penn Yan Loudonville
Pike Loveland
Port Chester Marietta
Port Dickinson Milford
Port Washington Montezuma
Potsdam North Bloomfield
Rochester North Olmsted
Rye Norwood
Saratoga Springs Rocky River
Schenectady Salem
Snyder Springfield
Trumansburg Upper Arlington
Unadilla Urbana
Union Worthington
Utica Xenia
Wolcott
Woodbourne O klahoma
Youngstown Carmen
Briarcliife Manor
Mt. Vernon Oregon
Port Jervis Corbett
Mt. Kisco Corvallis
Merrill
N orth Carolina Newport
Asheville Seaside
Durham Taft
Hendersonville Talent
Kannapolis The Dalles
Lenoir Timber
New River
Raleigh Pennsylvania
Rich Square Allentown
Winston-Salem Bellevue
Breinigsville
N orth D akota Broomall
Glenfield Cheney
Sutton Clifton Heights
Dunmore
O hio Elkins Park
Bethesda Fallsington
Brady Lake Glenolden
Bryan North Hills
Celina Oxford
Chagrin Falls Upper Darby
232 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

West Chester Outside city limits Tooele
Cambridge Springs Topaz
Eau Claire
Gettysburg V ermont
Needmore Burlington
Saltsburg Rutland
Union City
Warfordsburg V irginia
Wesley ville Cartersville
Puerto R ico Farm ville
Fredericksburg
Arecibo Grottoes
Juncos McLean
Rio Grande Millers Tavern
Petersburg
R hode Island
Richmond
Ashton Staunton
Cranston
Newport W ashington
Almira
South C arolina
Bothell
Aiken Bremerton
Belvedere Chelan
North Augusta Ferndale
Monroe
South D akota Moran Prairie
Wall Olympia
Watertown Omak
Seattle
T ennessee Snohomish
Knoxville Vancouver
McMinnville
Manchester W est V irginia
Nashville Huntington
Oliver Springs
W isconsin
T exas Eagle River
Austin Madison
Big Springs Manitowoc
Conroe Mauston
Corpus Christi Milwaukee—Fox Point
Dallas Oshkosh
Flatonia Racine
Greenville Ripon
Houston Schofield
Lubbock Stoughton
Port Arthur Waukesha
South Houston Wauwatosa
West Allis
U tah
Murray Wyoming
Salt Lake City Cheyenne
THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’1 C O M M U N I T Y 233

4. Incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies,
5. Bahd’i Properties Held in Trust
North America a. Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette,
Illinois
1932— Chicago, New York
b. Bahd’i Headquarters, Wilmette, Illi­
1933— Teaneck, Washington, D. C. nois
193 5—Montreal c. Green Acre Bahá’i School, Eliot,
1937— Detroit, Kenosha Maine
d. Geyserville Baha’i School, Geyserville,
1938— Racine, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Calif.
Minneapolis, Cleveland, Seattle, e. Wilhelm Estate, West Englewood,
Cincinnati, San Francisco, Co­ N. J.
lumbus f. Wilson House, Malden, Mass.
1939— Lima, Vancouver, Portland, Phoe­ g. International Bahá’í School, Pine Val­
nix, Philadelphia, Jersey City, ley, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Winnetka
1940— Wilmette, Boston, Peoria, Helena, 6 . Literature Distributed by the Publishing
Honolulu, Miami, Binghamton Committee
1941— Pasadena, Urbana, Berkeley, Oak­
land, Indianapolis, St. Paul
1943— Springfield, Illinois, Flint, Evans­
ton
B AH A I S A CR E D R E L I C S I N
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
( L I S T O F 1934 )
1. TABLETS. Ten framed Tablets of “The Divine
Illuminated Tablet containing in one Plan.”
section, the original handwriting of Two framed Tablets of General Tablets.
BaháVlláh. Original Tablet to Counsel Board, Chi­
The “Cock” Tablets, illuminated. cago, prior to organization of the
“Star” Tablet (photographic copy of “House of Justice,” framed.
original in the British Museum. This Original Tablets to “House of Justice,”
Tablet is in the form of a five-pointed Chicago and to the Ladies of Assem­
star. It was written by the Báb to bly of Teaching.
celebrate the Station of the Greatest Illuminated Tablet done by Mishkin
Name, and is said to contain 365 Qalam of the Tablet to the “House
derivatives of this N am e). of Justice.”
Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to American Seventeen Tablets to the “House of
believers and to Spiritual Assemblies Spirituality,” Chicago. Originals and
or Bahd’i Communities. translations.
(a) The first group of approxi­ Letters from Shoghi Effendi, a number
mately 600 to 700 Tablets, arranged of envelopes containing letters to As­
in alphabetical order, according to semblies and individuals also an en­
names of those to whom Tablets are velope containing cables to the NSA.
addresssed, those to a given individ­ Probably not over 50 letters in all.
ual or Assembly being filed together It is reported that there are several
in a single large envelope. Original manuscripts in this country contain­
translations are filed with the Tablets ing the hand-writing or signature of
in this group and copies have been BaháVlláh. There is only one Tablet
made of each translation. in the archives with a small section
(b) The second group of approx­ containing His writing. Perhaps more
imately 3 50 to 400 Tablets has been than one-third of the Tablets ad­
arranged in a similar manner to those dressed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha to American
in the first group, but no copies have friends have never been forwarded to
been made, because the originals in the archives.
many cases are not accompanied by
translations. (It is also true that 2. OBJECTS OF SACRED OR HISTOR­
many translations of Tablets which ICAL INTEREST.
have been sent in to the Archives are
copies of original translations and Coat of BaháVlláh.
have been accompanied by neither the Master record of the voice of ‘Abdu’loriginal Tablet nor the original trans­ Bahá.
lation.) Book of íqán used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
(c) A third group of Tablets, Pens, pen case, and case covers used by
have neither been collected and ar­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
ranged alphabetically nor copied. ‘AbduVBahá^ comb.
There are probably half as many of Locket containing two hairs of Bahá-
these as are in the second group. u’lláh and one hair of ‘AbduJ-Bahá.
BAHÁ’Í SACRED RELICS lN NATIONAL ARCHIVES 235

Cup and saucer used by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in of Mr. Wm. H. Randall as Treasurer.
New York. Package containing receipt records of
Cup and saucer used by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Baha’i Temple Unity for August 5,
Minneapolis. 1907 to April 17, 1913.
Spiced apple presented to Mrs. Bonds Report of Baha’i Committee of Inves­
by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. tigation 1917-1918.
Silk handkerchief and bottle of attar Printed Book containing history of Baof rose with history. há’i Cause in Manchester, England
Sheet taken from bed on which ‘Abdu’l- sent by Mr. E. T. Hall.
Bahá slept while at the Wilson home Notes on "The Death and Burial of
in Minneapolis. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.” By Louise Bosch.
Diaries, travel records, report 1920-
RECORDS AND MANUSCRIPTS OF 1924 by Chas. Mason Remey.
HISTORICAL INTEREST.
List of Bahd’is in America in 1912. 4. P H O T O G R A P H S , N E G A T IV E S ,
Seven bound books (journal form) DRAWINGS.
containing names in order in which Package containing about forty un­
believers entered the Cause in the mounted photographs of \Abdu’l-Bahá
following cities: Chicago, Kenosha, alone and in groups, America and
Cincinnati, New York, Baltimore, Europe, published in the "Star.”
Washington, California and miscel­ Architects drawing of Mashriqu’llaneous locations. Adhkár in ‘Ishqábád (framed).
Directory of Bahd’is, Chicago and vi­ Large mounted photographs of New
cinity. York, Baltimore and Kenosha Assem­
Record book containing entries of blies.
monthly contributions by names, Package containing about 20 to 25 pho­
Chicago 1897-1900. tographs, chiefly of Chicago Baha’is.
Paper bound note-book containing "In­ Package of used photographs published
formation concerning the Cause,” in the "Star.”
from Mrs. I. D. Brittingham. Photograph of Baha’i friends of Central
Wooden box 12"xl 8"x6" containing States attending first meeting held in
letters, papers, early pamphlets, etc., Temple structure, July 9, 1922, in
preserved for the archives by Mrs. commemoration of the martyrdom of
Eva W. Russel. the Báb.
About fifty 9 "x l2 // envelopes labeled Photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s hand.
"National Baha’i Archives Experi­ Photograph of first all-India Baha’i
ences” (Name of oné of early Amer­ Convention.
ican Believers) and containing rec­ Photographs of Baha’is of Western
ords of personal experiences. States, chiefly California, sent by M.
List of first subscribers to the Baha’i L. Fenn, La Jolla, Calif.
News. Photograph of Baha’i martyrs in Persia.
Loose-leaf account book showing finan­ Elevation for the Temple—blue print
cial receipts classified by foreign of drawing by Mr. Brush.
countries and by cities of the United Approximately 200 negatives (on glass
States and Canada, with entries of in­ plates) of Bahd’i subjects taken in the
dividual donors and amounts for the United States, Palestine and Persia by
years 1907 to 1913. Total receipts the companion of Dr. Moody, Mrs.
shown $52,430.20. Eva Russel.
Similar account book showing receipts
1913-1923 which, with those of 5. MISCELLANEOUS MATERIAL.
1907-1913, total $343,099.51. Two black metal cases, about 22//12//x
Account book of Building Fund and 10" sent to the archives by Mr. Chas.
Bahá’i Temple Unity during service Mason Remey and containing miscel-
23 6 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

laneous printed matter published by Proof of Abu’l-Fadl’s book "The Baha’i
Baha’is, and copies of newspapers and Proofs,” given to Mr. Windust by
periodicals containing articles on the ‘Abdu’l-Baha.
Cause. Manuscript used by printer in setting up
Three 9"x 12" envelopes containing ma­ Hidden Words, Seven Valleys and
terial similar to above. Tablet of Ishrdqdt.
Plat of Temple Grounds on tracing Original copy, Persian section of the
cloth (large scale) made by Chicago "Star” marked ‘for preservation.’
Guaranty Survey Co.
Abstract of Title to Temple Grounds, (Supplementary List, 1943)
Wilmette.
A. -R E L IC S OF B A H Á ’U ’L L Á H :
Volume 1 of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Tablets,
GIFTS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI.
containing writing by the Master.
Two printed copies, "Letters of 'Abdu’l- Illuminated Tablet in the hand-writing
Bahá to the children.” of Bahd’u’llah containing a prayer
Baha’i hymn book by Mrs. Waite con­ revealed for the Greatest Holy Leaf.
taining ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s statement re­ Two illuminated' Tablets in the hand­
garding the "Benediction.” writing of Bahd’u’llah which were
Music Plates— "The New Jerusalem,” addressed to ‘Abdu’l-Baha.
by Mrs. Waite. Three Locks of Hair of Bahd’u’lldh ar­
Bound book containing translations of ranged by the Greatest Holy Leaf.
all Tablets, 86 in number, ‘Abdu’l- (Contained in silver case bearing the
Bahá to Chas. Mason Remey. Greatest Name on cover.) ,
Architectural designs of Baha’i edifices G ifts of Believers
by Chas. Mason Remey, some of
Four original Tablets of BaháVlláh,
which were made at the request of
one in His Hand. (From Dr. Moody
Shoghi Eifendi.
collection.)
Bound documents of Chas. Mason Re­
Illuminated Cock Tablet, framed, done
mey, regarding the Mashriqu’lby Mishkin-Qalam. (From Dr.
Adhkdr.
Moody collection.)
Five miscellaneous bound manuscripts
Three separate gifts of dried Blood of
of Chas. Mason Remey, 1922-1923.
Bahd’u’lldh. (One of these gifts is
Framed letter of Mrs. Josephine Cowles
contained in two small gold boxes.)
as a memorial to her father.
Eight separate gifts of Hair of Baha’u’­
Two packages of miscellaneous printed lldh. (Four of these are contained in
matter labelled, "Windust.” gold lockets. They vary in number
Mr. Louis Bourgeois’ architectural from one to many hairs from the
Plans for the Baha’i Temple. Head of Bahd’u’lldh.)
Comb of Bahd’u’lldh.
"COPY” AND PROOF USED IN THE Red silk handkerchief used by Bahd-
‘STAR OF THE WEST’ AND BOOKS u’lldh.
ON THE CAUSE. Pieces of sugar "made by the Blessed
Perfection.”
Original translation of the Ishrdkat and
the Glad Tidings by Ali Kuli Khan. Piece of wood from the window frame
Proof sheets of addresses of ‘Abdu’l-Baha of Bahd’u’llahs room in the prison of
in America sent by Howard Mac- ‘Akkd.
Gold ring mounted with ruby which
N utt.
Proofs, Vols. 1, 2 and 3 of the Tablets was blessed by Bahd’u’lldh.
Small gold coin which belonged to
of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.
Bahd’u’lldh.
Original manuscript of Addresses of
‘Abdu’l-Baha published in the Star of * It appears that the Guardian uses the term "Sacred
Relics” or "sacred objects” with a meaning which
the West. would include Tablets.
BAHAI SACRED RELICS IN NATIONAL ARCHIVES 237

B. RELICS OF THE BÁB. Steamer rug blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Ringlet of a single Hair of the Báb Comb used by ťAbdu’l-Bahá.
mounted between transparent paper Five Bahá’í rings and unmounted ring
at center of an illuminated matt stones blessed by the Master.
contained in small circular frame. Cut glass flask "containing attar of
Photographic reproduction of miniature rose.”
of the Báb. Brass bowl, cut glass pitcher, and towel,
used in ablutions by the Master.
C. RELICS OF ‘ABDUT-BAHÁ. Several pieces of bread, rock candy, etc.,
Eight framed Tablets of the Divine from the Master’s plate.
Plan. (This is a correction of the Seventeen British gold pound coins
1934 report of ten framed Tablets, brought to America by the Master.
since two of the long Tablets to the Turkish gold guinea which belonged to
United States and Canada are con­ the Master.
tained in two frames each. These One negative and one positive 3 5 mm.
Tablets bear the Persian signature of motion picture film taken of ‘Abdu’l-
‘Abdu’l-Bahá.) Bahá in New York and Brooklyn,
Six original Tablets of the Divine Plan, 1912. (The original matrix record of
unframed. (These six Tablets of the ‘Abdud-Bahá^ voice was listed in the
1917 series bear numerous hand w rit­ 1934 report.)
ten corrections made by the Master.)
Approximately 2000 original Persian or D. RELICS OF THE GREATEST HOLY
Arabic Tablets bearing the seal and LEAF.
initials or the signature of ‘Abdu’l- Three handkerchiefs and five scarfs be­
Bahá, addressed to Assemblies, groups longing to the Greatest Holy Leaf,
and individual believers in America some of which were made by her.
and other parts of the world. (1934 Shawl made by the Greatest Holy Leaf.
report contained about 1050 Tablets.) Undergarment worn by the Greatest
Three coats or cloaks (abas) worn by Holy Leaf.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá. One of these was Three old Persian coins owned by the
ripped apart, and left in this condi­ Greatest Holy Leaf.
tion, in order to obtain a pattern for Fan and eye stick used by the Greatest
a new cloak. Holy Leaf.
Five taj or fez type caps and one turban Approximately twenty-five original let­
worn by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ters in English bearing the seal or
Six gifts of ringlets or locks of hair of signature or both seal and signature
\Abdu’l-Bahá. of the Greatest Holy Leaf. All of
Seven Persian scarfs or large handker­ these were written to American be­
chiefs used by the Master. lievers.
Two rosaries used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
A pair of Persian shoes or boots and a E. RELICS OF OTHER MEMBERS OF
pair of woolen socks, both worn by THE HOLY FAMILY.
ťAbdu’l-Bahá. The boots were used Eye stick used by the Mother of
in America. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
A small leather handbag used by the Handkerchief which belonged to the
Master for carrying important Tab­ Holy Mother.
lets of BaháVlláh.
Pen with which ‘Abdul-Bahá signed the F. MISCELLANEOUS RELICS.
Divine Plan Tablets. Large white cloth with the Greatest
Metal tube in which the Master buried Name worked in beads.
His Will and Testament. Glass plaque bearing an inscription of
Pen case, pen, inkwell and scissors used the Greatest Name.
by the Master. (These two gifts came from the Na-
238 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

tional Spiritual Assembly of India with illuminated title page, the Tab­
through Martha Root.) lets to the Kings, and numerous Tab­
The Greatest Name embroidered and or­ lets and poems of Bahá’u’lláh.
namented in colors by Bahi’i Zoroas- Bahá’í seal made and used by Thornton
trián women of Bombay. Chase.
Three copies of the Greatest Name Phonograph record, Tablet of Ahmad
written on parchment and paper by and prayer, Martha Root’s voice.
Mishkin-Qalam. "Finger nail” copies of the Writings,
Collection of fifty-five copies of Baha’i done by Mishkin-Qalam.
Writings in Persian and Arabic from Tile from the Bahd’i House of Worship,
Dr. Moody. This collection includes ‘Ishqábád.
numerous handwritten as well as "Star tile” from the Masjid-i-Vahil,
printed volumes. Among them are a Shiráz, where the Báb spoke to the
beautifully illuminated, unbound congregation. #
copy of the Aqdas, the Persian Bayán
BAHA'I LITERATURE
1. W ritings of Bah A’u ’llAh Promulgation of U niversal Peace
Edited by Howard MacNutt. Public ad­
(Book of Certitude)
K it A b - i - Í q A n
dresses delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Baha through­
Translated by Sboghi Effendi. An interpre­ out the United States and Canada in 1912.
tation of the Sacred Scriptures of the past This work contains ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s spiritual
to demonstrate the oneness of the Prophets message to the American people, whom He
and their significance as the expression of summoned to establish the "Most Great
the Will of God. 198 pp. Peace.” 492 pp.
H idden W ords T ablets of ‘A bdu ’l -Bah A
Translated by Shoghi Effendi. The essence Edited by Albert Windust. Intimate letters
of the teachings of all the Prophets. 54 pp. written by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in reply to ques­
T he Seven V alleys and T he tions addressed by individuals and groups.
Four V alleys Volumes I, II, III, 238-730.
Two treatises revealed by Baha’u’llah on the T he Bah A’í Peace Program
nature of spiritual evolution. Translated by (Tablet to the Committee on Durable
Ali-Kuli Khan, N. D. 60 pp. Peace, the Hague, and Tablet written by
Gleanings from the W ritings ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the late Dr. Forel of
of Bah A’u ’llAh Switzerland.) An exposition of the princi­
ples of Universal Peace. 48 pp.
Excerpts from the Sacred Writings of BaháV lláh selected by the Guardian of the ‘Abdu’l-B ahA in N ew Y ork
Faith. This work presents the largest vol­ Selected addresses delivered by ‘Abdu’lume of Baha’u’lldh’s writings available in Bahá at Columbia University, a number of
the English language. 3 54 pp. churches, and at public meetings of peace
Epistle to the Son of the W olf societies and other organizations. Issued by
the Bahd’i Community of New York to
Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Revealed by
commemorate ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s visit during
Bahd’u’llah toward the end of His earthly
1912. 78 pp.
mission, this text is a majestic and deeply -
moving exposition of His fundamental prin­ A merica’s Spiritual Mission
ciples and laws and of the sufferings en­ Teaching Tablets revealed to Baha’is of the
dured by the Manifestation for the sake of United States and Canada by ‘Abdu’l-Baha
mankind. 186 pp. during 1916-1917. 54 pp.
Prayers and M editations by
T he Foundations of W orld U nity
B a h A’u ’l l A h
This work is a compilation of published ad­
Translated by Shoghi Effendi. This supreme dresses from "Promulgation of Universal
book of devotions is issued in the same style
Peace.” 112 pp.
as the Gleanings. 348 pp.
T he R eality of Man
T hree O bligatory D aily Prayers
Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha explaining the na­
Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 14 pp. ture of mind, soul and eternal life. 52 pp.
2. W ritings of ‘A bdu ’l -Bah A W ill and T estament of £A bdu ’l -Bah A
Some A nswered Q uestions Selected passages from the document consti­
Edited by Laura Clifford Barney. An expo­ tuting the authority under which the Ba­
sition of fundamental spiritual and philo­ ha’is have, since the Ascension of ‘Abdu’lsophic problems. 3 50 pp. Baha in 1921, administered their collective
240 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

activities. These excerpts are accompanied ment of ťAbdu’l-Bahá concerning the
by passages from the Writings of the Báb organic development of the Bahá’í com­
and BaháVlláh which reveal the continuity munity. This volume constitutes the au­
of the Faith, and by passages from the com­ thoritative interpretation of that Will and
munications of Shoghi Effendi explaining of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on the subject of
the significance of the Will and Testament the principles determining the character of
itself. A pamphlet, uniform in size and the Faith as an evolving religious society.
appearance with the series of World Order These letters define the institutions of local,
letters of Shoghi Effendi. national and international Bahá’í adminis­
trative bodies forming the nucleus of the
3. W orks C ompiled from W ritings of new world order of BaháVlláh. The vol­
Bahá V lláh and ‘A bdu ’l -Bahá ume also contains excerpts from ‘Abdu’l-
Bahá’s Will, and an Index. 198 pp.
Baha ’i Prayers
A selection of the prayers revealed by Bahá­ T he W orld O rder of Baha ’u ’llah
V lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which By Shoghi Effendi. A letter (dated February
have been translated by Shoghi Effendi. 27, 1929) from the Guardian of the Bahá’í
72 pp. Faith explaining the continuity of the Faith
after the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and re­
Peace a D ivine Creation
lating Bahá’í institutions to the ideal of
Excerpts from the Writings of BaháVlláh world order and peace. 16 pp.
and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and statement on World
Order by Shoghi Effendi. 30 pp. T he W orld O rder of Bahá V lláh :
Further C onsiderations
Selected W ritings
By Shoghi Effendi. This letter (dated
Three 4 8-page pamphlets, one containing March 21, 1930) develops the subject with
selections from writings of BaháVlláh, one remarks on the distinguishing features of
from ťAbdu’l-Bahá, and one from writings Bahá’í world order, and on the essential
of Shoghi Effendi. differences between the Bahá’í Faith and
ecclesiastical organizations. 16 pp.
Bahá ’í W ritings
Prayers and passages for meditation chosen T he G oal of a N ew W orld Order
from the writings of BaháVlláh, the Báb, By Shoghi Effendi. In this communication
and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. (dated November 28, 1931) the Guardian
analyzes the existing international, political,
C ommunion with G od economic and social problems, points to the
A brief collection of Bahá’í prayers. signs of impending chaos, and emphasizes
the guiding principles of world order estab­
Baha ’i' W orld Faith lished by BaháVlláh. The goal of world
The most extensive selection of Bahá’í w rit­ federation is upheld, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s
ings in one volume. 465 pp. Index. Refer­ prophecy of the failure of the present civili­
ences to sources. zation is called to the attention of Bahá’ís.
32 pp.
4. W ritings of Shoghi Effendi
T he G olden A ge of the Cause of
Bahá ’í A dministration Bahá V lláh
The letters written by Shoghi Effendi to the By Shoghi Effendi. The Guardian’s letter
American Bahá’í community, from Janu­ (dated March 21, 1932) referring to the
ary, 1922, to July, 1932, in his capacity of spiritual importance of America in the new
Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, to encourage, world order, the progressive character of
guide and instruct the believers in carrying divine Revelation, the station of the Báb,
out the provisions of the Will and Testa­ the release of spiritual forces for human
BA H Á ’Í LITERATURE 241

regeneration, and the non-political charac­ istrative bodies, and the virtue of chastity.
ter of the Baha’i Faith. 24 pp. It refers to the increasingly crucial charac­
ter of the old order, and summons the
A merica and the Most Great Peace American believers to extend the Faith to
By Shoghi Effendi. A letter addressed to other nations.
American Bahd’is, dated April 21, 1933.
This communication summarizes the forty Spiritual Potencies of T hat
years of American Bahd’i History (1893- C onsecrated Spot
1933), and develops in greater detail than This letter from Shoghi Effendi, dated Oc­
in the preceding letter, the responsibility tober 25, 1939, conveys to the Bahd’is of
laid upon America in the divine plan for the the West the significance of the interment
establishment of universal peace. 28 pp. of members of Bahd’u’lldh’s Family near the
Shrine on Mount Carmel. 8 pp.
T he D ispensation of Bah A’u ’llAh
By Shogbi Effendi. A letter addressed to the Messages from the G uardian
Bahd’is of the West, dated February 7, 1934. Messages from Shoghi Effendi t>o the Ameri­
In this letter the Guardian of the Baha’i can Bahd’is, between the years 1932-1940,
Faith clarifies, with numerous quotations written in the form of cablegrams and as
from Bahd’i sacred writings, the spiritual postscripts to letters written through his
station and mission of Bahd’u’lldh, the Báb, Secretary. This text has not been included
‘Abdu’l-Bahd and the nature of the World in "Bahd’i Administration” or "The World
Order which Bahd’u’lldh established. In Order of Bahd’u’lldh” but was published
this statement, prepared by the one author­ for the Bahd’is in "Bahd’i News.” 80 pp.
ized in ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Will and Testament
to be the sole interpreter of Bahd’i writings, T he Promised D ay Is C ome
students of the Faith possess the first com­
By Shoghi Effendi. General communication
plete and authentic outline and summary
addressed to the believers throughout the
of the Bahd’i Faith in its development from
West, dated March 28, 1941. This work is
the Announcement of the Báb in 1844 to
a powerful exposition of the thesis that cur­
the Administrative Order defined by
rent world events reflect the results of the
‘Abdu’l-Bahd for the era following His
repudiation of the Message of the Báb and
departure from this world in 1921. 66 pp.
of Bahd’u’lldh by the religious and civil
leaders of this age. 130 pp. and Index.
T he U nfoldment of W orld
Civilization
G od Passes by
By the Guardian of the Faith. A letter
By Shoghi Effendi, with Introduction by
dated March 11, 1936, giving an analysis
George Townshend, Archdeacon of Clonfert
of the death of the old order and the birth
and Canon of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dub­
of the new. 46 pp.
lin. The Guardian’s survey of the first cen­
tury of the Bahd’i era: a vivid narrative of
T he W orld O rder of Bah A’u ’llAh
its history, presenting the Báb, Bahd’u’lldh
This book contains the seven successive and Abdu’l-Bahd in Their lives, Their mis­
World Order letters from the Guardian. sions and Their written teachings and expo­
February 1929 to March 1936. 226 pp. sition of the Faith; delineating the evolu­
tion of the religion through its successive
T he A dvent of D ivine Justice stages; etching the heroism of its heroes and
A general letter written by Shoghi Effendi saints, and the motives of its enemies and
to the American Bahd’is, dated December betrayers; with a summary of the Bahd’i
25, 1938. This communication emphasizes truths and principles against the background
the Bahd’i teachings in the encouragement of the time and place where these truths
and protection of racial and religious mi­ were given life and effect. (On the press at
norities, the quality of integrity in admin­ time of this writing.)
242 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

5. W ritings on the Bahá ’í Faith contemporary Persian scholar, the manu­
script having been presented to the trans­
T he D aw n -Breakers: N abi'l ’s lator by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Printed from the
N arrative of the Early D ays original plates by Cambridge University
of the Baha ’i' R evelation Press. 178 pp.
Translated by Shoghi Effendi. This work is
Baha ’u ’llah and the N ew Era
essential to a true understanding and appre­
ciation of the spiritual character of the By J. E. Esslemont. An authoritative and
Bahá’í Faith. The text was written by an comprehensive survey of Bahá’í history and
eye-witness to many of the most moving teachings as related to present religious, sci­
incidents of the early days of the Faith, and entific and social conditions in Europe and
contains a detailed account of the m artyr­ America, with many quotations from the
dom of the Báb on July 9, 18 50. The trans­ writings. New edition revised by the Na­
lator has added an Introduction, a Conclu­ tional Spiritual Assembly under the direc­
sion and footnotes which amplify the vivid tion of Shoghi Effendi. 3 50 pp.
narrative with important historical refer­ T he Bahá ’í Proofs
ences. 736 pp. Standard Edition, bound in
By Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl Gulpaygan. The bestleather.
known book of this Oriental scholar, philos­
T ranslation of French Footnotes opher and disciple of Bahá’u’lláh translated
of the D a w n -Breakers into English. It presents the reality of the
Bahá’í Revelation as the true theology, with
Translated by Emily McBride Périgord.
a biographical outline of the lives of the
Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. 288 pp.
A T raveller’s N arrative
Translated by Edward G. Browne, M.A., T he Promise of A ll A ges
M.B. The Episode of the Báb written by a By George Toivnshend. An important con-

Bahá’í Book Exhibit.
An exhibit of Bahá’í books placed on view at the Dean Hobbs Blanchard Memorial
Library in Santa Paula, California.
BA H Á ’Í LITERATURE 243

tribution to the literature expounding the T áhirih the Pure
significance of the Baha’i Faith. The author By Martha L. Root. A study of the great
traces the true spiritual content of religion Bahd’i heroine by one who has travelled to
through the Dispensations of the past, to the places in Írán which are consecrated to
culminate in the World Order revealed by her memory. Miss Root’s book was com­
Bahd’u’lldh. Originally published in London, pleted in India and published in that coun­
England. American edition, 2 54 pp. try.
T he U niversal R eligion T he G lorious Kingdom of the
By Hippolyte Dreyfus. An introductory Father Foretold
work on the Baha’i Faith by a French Ori­ By Virgie Vail. A book dealing with proph­
entalist, who translated many of the w rit­ ecy referring to the Cause of Baha’u’llah.
ings of Bahd’u’lldh. 176 pp. Bound in dark blue fabrikoid stamped in
gold. 262 pp.
T he H eart of the G ospel
A ppreciations of the Bahá ’í Faith
By George Toumshend. Helpful in present­
ing the Faith to students of the Christian The series of remarkable statements made
Revelation. 188 pp. about the Cause by prominent persons in
many countries, which have been a feature
Security for a Failing W orld in successive volumes of The Baha’i World,
By Stanwood Cobb. A study of the Faith have been reprinted in pamphlet form.
as sole spiritual power able to overcome the Baha ’i' C entenary : 1844-1944
political and economic differences of the
A volume compiled by the National Spiritual
nations today.
Assembly to commemorate the first century
T he C hosen H ighway of the Bahd’i era. Illustrated. Selections
from writings of the Báb, Bahd’u’lldh,
By Lady Blompeld. An intimate and heart-
‘Abdu’l-Bahd and Shoghi Effendi. Articles
moving history of the Faith developed
narrating the development of Bahd’i activi­
through the experiences of its Founder and
ties and institutions in North America since
the Center of His Covenant.
1894 by a number of contributors.
Two Shall A ppear
6. Bahá ’í R eprints
By Olivia Kelsey. A five act drama based The following titles provide reprints of
upon vivid scenes in the actual history of some of the passages in the Writings of
the Cause. Bahd’u’lldh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and Shoghi E f­
R ace and Man fendi which throw clear light on important
current problems and situations.
Edited by Maye Harvey G ift and Alice
Simmons Cox. The most comprehensive No. 1. T he Image of G od
selection yet made of current writings on By ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. Address delivered at the
race from non-Baha’i and Baha’i sources. Fourth Annual Conference of the National
Association for the Advancement of Col­
A W orld Faith ored People. Chicago, April 30, 1912. 4 pp.
Studies in the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh de­
veloped by ten different contributors to a N o. 2. C hristians, J ews and
symposium published in World Order Mag­ Muhammadans
azine. 68 pp. By ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. Excerpts from address
delivered at Temple Emmanu-El, San Fran­
Lessons in R eligion cisco, October 12, 1912. 8 pp.
By Shay kb Muhammad ‘Ali Qd’ini; Trans­
lated by Edith Roohie Sanderson. Lessons N o. 3. Industrial J ustice
prepared especially for children by a Persian By 'Abdu’l-Bahd. An answer to a question
Bahá’i feacher. 98 pp. addressed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahd by Laura Clif-
244 THE B A H Á ’1 C E N T E N A R Y

ford Barney in 1907 and incorporated into dias and public organizations to be filed by
the work published under title of “Some An­ them for reference. Four-page folder, let­
swered Questions.” 8 pp. terhead size.

No. 4. R eligion a Living O rganism T he Bahá ’í Faith
By Shoghi Effendi. Excerpts from a letter By Horace Holley. Reprint of a magazine
addressed to the Baha’is of the West by the article explaining the nature of the Baha’i
Guardian of the Bahd’i Faith on March 21, community and outlining the history and
1930. 8 pp.
teachings of the Faith. 14 pp.
No. 5. A Pattern for Future Society
T he Bahá ’í T eachings on
By Shoghi Effendi. Excerpt from a letter U niversal Peace
addressed to the Baha’is of the West by the
Guardian of the Bahd’i Faith on March 11, Reprint of statement submitted by the Na­
1936. 4 pp. tional Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of
the United States and Canada to the United
No. 6. T he D estiny of A merica States Government in 1934 and to the Gov­
By Shoghi Effendi. Excerpt from “The ernment of the Dominion of Canada in
Advent of Divine Justice,” a communica­ 193 5, as an authorized, authoritative and
tion irom the Guardian of the Bahd’i accurate explanation of the relation of
Faith, addressed to the Baha’is of the United Baha’is to war. 12 pp.
States and Canada, dated December 25,
A ssurance of Immortality
1938. 8 pp.
A Compilation. A selection of passages
7. Pamphlets from the Writings of Baha’u’llah and
‘Abdu’l-Baha which create firm assurance
T he W orld R eligion that the spirit survives physical death and
A brief outline of the aims, teachings and is conscious of itself and of its new, heav­
history of the Baha’i Faith, by Shoghi Ef­ enly environment. 4 pp.
fendi.
T he Baha ’i Movement
T he W orld Moves on to Its D estiny A statement of the history, purpose and
By Shoghi Effendi. A four-page leaflet re­ administrative principles of the Bahd’i Faith
printing excerpts from recent words of the reprinted from The Bahd’i World, followed
Guardian, including passages from The by excerpts from Bahd’i sacred writings.
Promised Day Is Come, explaining the spir­ 48 pp.
itual significance of the present worldstruggle. D eclaration of T rust
The Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of
T hree Spiritual T ruths for a the National Spiritual Assembly of the
W orld C ivilization Baha’is of the United States and Canada,
Words of Baha’u’lldh with explanation and with amendments adopted to April 1, 1933.
application to current conditions taken The legal instrument defining the nature
from the Guardian’s World Order letters. and functions of the institutions existing
Temple illustration as frontispiece. in the American Baha’i community, with
the By-Laws approved for use by Local
Bahá ’í T eachings for a W orld Faith Spiritual Assemblies. (Reprinted from “Ba­
A compilation briefly outlining the Baha’i hd’i Administration.” ) 24 pp.
principles. 16 pp.
T he O neness of Mankind
T he W orld Faith of Baha ’u ’llah By Hussein Rabbani. An exposition of the
A brief outline and summary of the Faith Bahd’i teachings on the unity of races.
prepared for newspaper editors, encyclope­ 24 pp.
B A H Á ’Í LITERATURE 245

Victory of the Spirit available Bahá’í texts in the English lan­
By Dorothy Baker. Presenting the Faith as guage, classified according to their source.
the power to regenerate personal life and A guide to the literature for all Baha’i stu­
remold society. 24 pp. dents. Paper pamphlet, eight pp.

Baha ’i' Principle of Civilization Baha ’i' Procedure
By Horace Holley. How the unifying spirit Compiled by the National Spiritual Assem­
of divine truth is creating the future so­ bly. A compilation and codification of sec­
ciety. 32 pp. ondary administrative material. Revised
edition 1942. 116 pp.
T he Spiritual Meaning of A dversity
Formerly under the name of Tests., Baha ’i' Study C ourse
By Mamie L. Seto. 2 8 pp. An invaluable aid for individual students
of the Teachings and for Baha’i Communi­
T he Lesser and the Most Great Peace ties and Groups who desire to follow a defi­
By George O. Latimer. nite course of study. The Course may be
A discussion of the evolution of World Peace obtained with or without the two books
from Political to Spiritual civilization. 32 pp. needed for reference.
T he Manifestation T he D ispensation of Baha ’u ’llah
By Albert P. Entzminger. Expounds the Compiled by the Study Outline Committee.
central mystery of religion: the relation of
the Messiah or Law Giver to God, and His Study O utline for the Kitáb-i-Í qán
relation to man. 32 pp.
(Bahá’u’lláh’s Book of Certitude) by Horace
R eligion and the N ew A ge Holley. Revised edition 1942, 6 pp.
By George Towns bend. This New Age is Study G uide for T he D a w n -Breakers
marked oif from previous eras by the knowl­
edge of the Unity of God. 24 pp. An aid for classes and individuals in making
a careful study of this historical work.
Feast D ay and A nniversary Calendar 34 pp.
This four-page, card-size pocket reference
contains the list and the dates of the Bahd’i Study C ourse Based on Baha ’u ’llah
and the N ew Era
Anniversaries, Festivals, Days of Fasting,
Holy Days on which work should be sus­ By Gertrude Robinson. 8 pp.
pended, dates of the Nineteen Day Feasts,
and the Guardian’s letter of explanation. Information A bout the Baha ’i'
H ouse of W orship
Bahá ’í T emple , H ouse of W orship A source book prepared for Temple guides.
of a W orld Faith
48 pp.
Statements on the meaning, architecture,
construction and history of the Bahd’i Study O utline on Public Speaking
House of Worship at Wilmette. 34 pp. Prepared by Study Outline Committee. 4 pp.
Illustrated.
Study O utline on the E ssential
T he Bahá ’í T emple . 16 pp.
Principles of Creative W riting
Illustrated teaching pamphlet in smaller size.
Prepared by Study Outline Committee. 7 pp.
8. O utlines and G uides for Baha ’i'
Study O utline and A ids for T he
Study C lasses
A dvent of D ivine J ustice
Classification of Bahá ’í Study Sources Prepared by Study Outline Committee 1942.
By William Kenneth Christian. A list of all 26 pp.
246 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Introduction to the Study of the 10. Baha ’i' Literature in Foreign
Q ur ’an Languages
Prepared by Study Outline Committee 1942. Spanish
25 pp. Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era
Muhammad a n £> the Founding Some Answered Questions
of Islam
Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd
Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh
By Study Outline Committee. 36 pp.
French
D eepening the Spiritual Life
Bahd’u’lldh and the New Era
By Horace Holley. 4 pp. Le Vrai Baha’i
Les Sept Vallées. Seven Valleys in French.
T he W orld O rder of Baha ’u ’llah
44 pp.
By Horace Holley. 5 pp. Les Paroles Cachées. Hidden Words in
French. 52 pp.
Fundamentals of Bahá ’í Membership
L’Economie Mondiale de Bahd’u’lldh. By
Prepared by Study Outline Committee. Horace Holley. 32 pp.
11 pp.
Chinese
Study O utline and A ids for Bahd’u’lldh and the New Era
W orld O rder Some Ahswered Questions
Introduction to the Bahá’í Teachings. A ten
Dutch
lesson study course by Mamie L. Seto.
Bahd’u’lldh and the New Era
Prepared by Study Outline Committee. Let­
ters of Shoghi Effendi. Paper cover, 70 pp. Russian
Bahd’u’lldh and the New Era
Index to Bahá ’í N ews
Kitáb-i-íqán
A key to the contents of Bahd’i News from
December, 1924 to November, 1933: No. 1 Esperanto
to No. 79. 58 pp. Parolado de Báb. Words of the Báb ad­
Index to Bahá ’í N ews
dressed to Letters of the Living. 4-page
leaflet.
A key to the contents of Bahd’i News from
1934 to 1936: No. 80 to No. 104. 2 5 pp. Icelandic
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.
9. C hildren ’s C ourses
Creation . How to present the theme of 11. Periodicals
divine creation to small children. With pic­ W orld O rder
tures. Fifteen lessons. A monthly magazine, the public organ of
To Live the Life . Lessons and stories, the National Spiritual Assembly, of the
with cutouts of the Temple. Twenty-four Bahd’is of the United States and Canada.
lessons for children of six to ten. It aims to clarify the vital elements of the
Bahd’i Faith in relation to the problem of
Study C ourse for Bah A’u ’llah and social regeneration. First issue April, 1935.
the N ew Era for children. Vol. I April 1935-March 1936. Vol. II
C omprehensive Study O utline for April 1936-March 1937. Vol. Ill April
Children . In three parts, Creation, Pro­ 1937-March 1938. Vol. IV April 1938-
gressive Revelation, Bahd’i World. Twenty- March 1939. Vol. V April 1939-March
five lessons. For children in intermediate 1940. Vol. VI April 1940-March 1941.
and upper grades. Vol. VII April 1941-March 1942. Vol.
VIII April 1942-March 1943. Vol. IX April
C hild ’s Prayer Book. 36 pp. 1943-March 1944.
B A H Á ’Í LITERATURE 247

T he Baha ’i Magazine relations of the Bahd’i Faith to present-day
Founded in 1910 as Baha’i Netvs, later pub­ world problems. Each volume illustrated
lished as Star of the West. Name changed with many photographs. Bound in cloth.
to World Order, April 1935. The back Volume I, for the period April, 192 5-April,
numbers and bound volumes of this pe­ 1926. Published under the title of "Baha’i
riodical form an important part of the stu­ Year Book.” 174 pp.
dent’s library of Baha’i literature. Vols. I, Volume II, April, 1926-April, 1928. 304 pp.
II and III incomplete. Vols. IV to XXV in Volume III, April, 1928-April, 1930.
half leather. 378 pp.
Volume IV, April, 1930-April, 1932.
12. T he Bahá ’í W orld 548 pp.
Prepared by an International Editorial Com­ Volume V, April, 1932-April, 1934. 712 pp.
mittee under the direction of Shoghi Ef- Volume VI, April, 1934-April, 1936.
fendi. The record of international Baha’i 772 pp.
activity; lists of Baha’i centers in America, Volume VII, April, 1936-April, 1938.
Europe and the East; Bibliographies of Ba- 916 pp.
há’i literature in various languages; trans­ Volume VIII, April, 1938-April, 1940.
lations of many important selections from 1088 pp.
the text of BaháVlláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l- Volume IX, April, 1940-April, 1944, on the
Bahá; and general articles dealing with the press.
PART N I N E

APPRECIATIONS OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH

A lfred W. Martin said deserves—nay, compels—our respectful
Excerpts from Comparative Religion and recognition and sincere appreciation.
the Religion of the Future, pages 81-91. . . . Taking precedence over all else in its
gospel is the message of unity in religion.

I NASMUCH a5 a fellowship of faiths is at
once the dearest hope and ultimate goal of
. . . It is the crowning glory of the Baha’i
movement that, while deprecating sectarian­
ism in its preaching, it has faithfully prac­
the Bahd’i movement, it behooves us to take tised what it preached by refraining from
cognizance of it and its mission. . . . Todaybecoming itself a sect. . . . Its representa­
this religious movement has a million and tives do not attempt to impose any beliefs
more adherents, including people from all upon others, whether by argument or brib­
parts of the globe and representing a re­ ery; rather do they seek to put beliefs that
markable variety of race, color, class and have illumined their own lives within the
creed. It has been given literary expression reach of those who feel they need illumina­
in a veritable library of Asiatic, European, tion. No, not a sect, not a part of human­
and American works to which additions are ity cut off from all the rest, living for itself
annually made as the movement grows and and aiming to convert all the rest into ma­
grapples with the great problems that grow terial for its own growth; no, not that, but
out of its cardinal teachings. It has a long a leaven, causing spiritual fermentation in
roll of martyrs for the cause for which it all religions, quickening them with the spirit
stands, twenty thousand in Persia alone, of catholicity and fraternalism.
proving it to be a movement worth dying . . . Who shall say but that just as the
for as well as worth living by. little company of the Mayflower, landing
From its inception it has been identified on Plymouth Rock, proved to be the small
with Bahá’u’lláh, who paid the price of pro­ beginning of a mighty nation, the ideal
longed exile, imprisonment, bodily suffering,germ of a democracy which, if true to its
and mental anguish for the faith he cher­ principles, shall yet overspread the habitable
ished— a man of imposing personality as globe, so the little company of Baha’is exiled
revealed in his writings, characterized by from their Persian home may yet prove to
intense moral earnestness and profound be the small beginning of the world-wide
spirituality, gifted with the selfsame power movement, the ideal germ of democracy in
so conspicuous in the character of Jesus, thereligion, the Universal Church of Mankind?
power to appreciate people ideally, that is,
to see them at the level of their best and to D r . H enry H. J essup, D.D.
make even the lowest types think well of From the World’s Parliament of Religion;
themselves because of potentialities within Volume II, 13 th Day, under Criticism
them to which he pointed, but of which and Discussion of Missionary Methods,
they were wholly unaware; a prophet whose page 1122. At the Columbian Exposi­
greatest contribution was not any specific tion of 1893, at Chicago. Edited by the
doctrine he proclaimed, but an informing Rev. John Henry Barrows, D.D. (The
spiritual power breathed into the world Parliament Publishing Company, Chi­
through the example of his life and thereby cago, 1893.)
quickening souls into new spiritual activity. This, then, is our mission: that we who
Surely a movement of which all this can be248 are made in the image of God should re-
APPRECIATIONS OF THE B A H Á ’Í FAITH 249

member that all men are made in God’s there is no true sense of proportion. I have
image. To this divine knowledge we owe never met any one concerned with the phi­
all we are, all we hope for. We are rising losophies of life whose judgment might seem
gradually toward that image, and we owe so reliable in matters of practical conduct.
to our fellowmen to aid them in returning My regret is that my meetings with him
to it in the Glory of God and the Beauty of were so few and that I could not benefit by
Holiness. It is a celestial privilege and with a lengthier contact with a personality com­
it comes a high responsibility, from which bining a dignity so impressive with human
there is no escape. traits so engaging.
In the Palace of Bahji, or Delight, just I wish that he could be multiplied!
outside the Fortress of ‘Akká, on the Syr­
ian coast, there died a few months since, a C harles H. Prisk
famous Persian sage, the Bábi Saint, named Editor, Pasadena Star News
BaháVlláh—the "Glory of God”— the head
Humanity is the better, the nobler, for
of that vast reform party of Persian Mus­
the Bahd’i Faith. It is a Faith that en­
lims, who accept the New Testament as the riches the soul; that takes from life its dross.
Word of God and Christ as the Deliverer of
I am prompted thus to express myself
men, who regard all nations as one, and all
because of what I have seen, what I have
men as brothers. Three years ago he was
heard, what I have read of the results of the
visited by a Cambridge scholar and gave
Movement founded by the Reverend Bahá-
utterance to sentiments so noble, so Christ-
’u’lldh. Embodied within that Movement
like, that we repeat them as our closing
is the spirit of world brotherhood; that
words: brotherhood that makes for unity of
"That all nations should become one in
thought and action.
faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds
Though not a member of the Bahá’i
of affection and unity between the sons of
Faith, I sense its tremendous potency for
men should be strengthened; that diversity
good. Ever is it helping to usher in the
of religions should cease and differences of
dawn of the day of "Peace on Earth Good
race be annulled. What harm is there in
Will to Men.” By the spread of its teach­
this? Yet so it shall be. These fruitless
ings, the Bahd’i cause is slowly, yet steadily,
strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away,
making the Golden Rule a practical reality.
and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come. Do
With the high idealism of Bahá’u’lláh as
not you in Europe need this also? Let not its guide, the Bahá’í Faith is as the shining
a man glory in this, that he loves his coun­
light that shineth more and more unto the
try; let him rather glory in this, that he
perfect day. Countless are its good works.
loves his kind.” For example, to the pressing economic prob­
H erbert Putnam lems it gives a new interpretation, a new
Librarian of Congress solution. But above all else it is causing
peoples everywhere to realize they are as one,
The dominant impression that survives
by heart and spirit divinely united.
in my memory of ‘Abdu’l-Baha is that of
And so I find joy in paying this little trib­
an extraordinary nobility: physically, in the
ute to a cause that is adding to the sweet­
head so massive yet so finely poised, and the
ness, the happiness, the cleanness of life.
modeling of the features; but spiritually, in
the serenity of expression, and the sugges­
Prof. H erbert A. Miller
tion of grave and responsible meditation in
the deeper lines of the face. But there was In World Unity Magazine
also, in his complexion, carriage, and ex­ The central drive of the Baha’i Move­
pression, an assurance of the complete health ment is for human unity. It would secure
which is a requisite of a sane judgment. And this through unprejudiced search for truth,
when, as in a lighter mood, his features re­ making religion conform to scientific dis­
laxed into the playful, the assurance was covery and insisting that fundamentally
added of a sense of humor without which all religions are alike. For the coming of
250 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY

universal peace, there is great foresight and your kind thought of me, and for the inspi­
wisdom as to details. Among other things ration which even the most cursory reading
there should be a universal language; so the of Bahd’u’llah’s life cannot fail to impart.
Baha’is take a great interest in Esperanto What nobler theme than the "good of the
though they do not insist on it as the ulti­ world and the happiness of the nations”
mate language. No other religious move­ can occupy our lives? The message of uni­
ment has put so much emphasis on the versal peace will surely prevail. It is use­
emancipation and education of women. less to combine or conspire against an idea
Everyone should work whether rich or poor which has in it potency to create a new
and poverty should be abolished. . . . What earth and a new heaven and to quicken
will be the course of the Bahd’i Movement human beings with a holy passion of service.
no one can prophesy, but I think it is no (In a personal letter written to an American
exaggeration to claim that the program is Baha’i after having read something from
the finest fruit of the religious contribution the Braille edition of "Bahd’u’lldh and the
of Asia. New Era.” )
. . . Shoghi Effendi’s statement cannot
be improved upon. The Baha’is have had D avid Starr J ordan
the soundest position on the race question
of any religion. They not only accept the Late President of Stanford University
scientific conclusions but they also imple­ ‘Abdu’l-Baha will surely unite the East
ment them with spiritual force. This latter and the West: for He treads the mystic
is necessary because there is no other way way with practical feet.
to overcome the emotional element which
is basic in the race problem. . . . Ex -G overnor W illiam Sulzer
I have not said enough perhaps in the While sectarians squabble over creeds,
first paragraph. Please add the following: the Bahd’i Movement goes on apace. It is
The task of learning to live together, growing by leaps and bounds. It is hope
though different, is the most difficult and and progress. It is a world movement—
the most imperative that the world faces. and it is destined to spread its effulgent
The economic problem will be relatively rays of enlightenment throughout the earth
easy in comparison. There are differences in until every mind is free and every fear is
the qualities of cultures but there are no banished. The friends of the Bahd’i Cause
differences in qualities of races that corre­ believe they see the dawn of the new day—
spond. This being recognized by minorities the better day— the day of Truth, of Jus­
leads them to resist methods of force to tice, of Liberty, of Magnanimity, of Uni­
keep them in subordination. There is no versal Peace, and of International Brother­
solution except cooperation and the grant­ hood, the day when one shall work for all,
ing of self-respect. and all shall work for one.
Miss H elen K eller (Excerpt from the Roy croft Magazine)
The philosophy of Bahd’u’lldh deserves
the best thought we can give it. I am re­ Luther Burbank
turning the book so that other blind people I am heartily in accord with the Bahd’i
who have more leisure than myself may be Movement, in which I have been interested
"shown a ray of Divinity” and their hearts for several years. The religion of peace is
be "bathed in an inundation of eternal the religion we need and always have needed,
love.” and in this Bahd’i is more truly the religion
I take this opportunity to thank you for of peace than any other.
R E F E R E N C E S TO T H E BAHA'I F A I T H
IN BOOKS A N D PAMPHLETS
Adams, Rev. Isaac: Persia by a Persian, Dos Passos, John: Between Journeys.
1900. Edwards, Arthur Cecil: A Persian Caravan.
Andrews, Fannie Fern: The Holy Land Harper, New York, 1928.
Under Mandate. Houghton Mifflin Com­ Ehrenpreis, Marcus: The Soul of the East.
pany, Boston, 1931. Viking Press, New York, 1928.
Annual Report, by Near East College Asso­
Ellwood: Reconstruction of Religion.
ciation, 1930-1931.
Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Atherton, Gertrude: Julia France and Her
Times. Stokes and Co., New York, 1912. Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences, Vol. 7,
Atkins, Gaius Glenn: Modern Religious Macmillan, New York, 1932.
Cults and Movements. Fleming Revell, Ferguson, Charles W.: The Confusion of
New York, 1923. Tongues. Doubleday, Doran and Co.,
Barrows, Rev. John Henry: The World’s Inc., Garden City, New York, 1928.
Parliament of Religions. 2 Vols. The Gazvini, M. J.: A Brief History of Bahd’-
Parliament Publishing Co., Chicago, 1893. u’lldh, the Founder of the Bahd’i Religion.
Baudouin, Charles: Contemporary Studies. San Diego, Calif., 1914.
Fr. trans., E. and C. Paul. E. P. Dutton, Gibbons, Herbert Adams: Wider Horizons.
New York, 1925. Century Co., New York, 1930.
Bell, Archie: The Spell of the Holy Land. Hammond, Eric: The Splendor of God. E.
The Page Co., Boston, 1915. P. Dutton & Co., New York, June, 1919.
Benjamin, S. G. W.: Persia and the Persians. Harmon, W. W.: Microcosm, Macrocosm.
Ticknor & Co., Boston, 1886. By the Author, Boston, 1915.
Bentwich, Norman: The Religious Founda­
Harrison, Marguerite: There’s Always To­
tions of Internationalism. George Allen
morrow. Farrar and Rinehart, New York,
& Unwin, London, 1933.
1935.
Bibesco, Princess G. V.: The Eight Paradises.
Harry, Myriam: A Springtide in Palestine.
English translation. E. P. Dutton, New
Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1924.
York, 1923.
Higgins, Harold H.: Shadows to the Unseen.
Chapman, John Jay, and His Letters, by
The Driftwood Press, Montpelier, Vt.,
M. E. De Wolfe Howe. Houghton Mifflin,
1937.
Boston, 1937.
History of the nineteenth Century Year by
Columbia Encyclopedia. Columbia Univer­
Year. 3 Vols. (See page 1131.) P. F.
sity Press, New York, 1935.
Collier & Son, New York, 1902.
Cowles, Alton House: The Conquering
Horsemen. Christopher Publishing Co., Holmes, John Haynes: Palestine: Today and
1923. Tomorrow. Macmillan, New York, 1929.
De Lorey, Eustache and Sladěn, Douglas: Hoover, W. I. T.: Religionisms and Chris­
Queer Things About Persia. Lippincott, tianity. The Stratford Co., Boston, 1924.
Philadelphia, 1907. Hubbard, Elbert: Selected Writings. Vol. X.
Dodd, Edward M. and Rose Wilson Dodd: Jessup, Henry Harris: Fifty-three Years in
Mecca and Beyond. Committee on United Syria. Fleming Revell, New York, 1910.
Study of Foreign Missions. Jewett, Mary: Reminiscences of My Life in
Donaldson, Dwight M., D.D., Ph.D.: The Persia. Torch Press, Cedar Rapids, 1909.
Shi’it e Religion. Luzac Co., London, Jordan, Rev. F. M.: The Muhammadan
W.C. 1, 1933. World of To-day, 1929.
252 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY

Kennedy, J. M.: The Religions and Philoso­ Sinclair, Upton: The Profits of Religion.
phies of the East. Werner Laurie, London, Pasadena, 18.
1911. Spear, R. E.: Missions and Modern History.
Keyserling, Hermann: Travel Diary of a 2 Vols.
Philosopher. Harcourt, Brace & Co., New Spengler, Oswald: The Decline of the West
York, 1925. —Perspectives of World History. Alfred
Kohn, Hans: A History of Nationalism in Knopf, 1928.
the East. Harcourt, Brace, New York, Stark, Freya: Baghdad Sketches. E. P. D ut­
1929. ton and Co., Inc., 193 8.
Linton, Bishop J. H., D.D.: Persian Titus, Murray T.: The Young Moslem
Sketches. London. Looks at Life. New York, Friendship
Malcolm, Napier: Five Years in a Persian Press.
Town. E. P. Dutton, New York, 1907. Todd, A. J.: Theories of Social Progress.
Martin, Alfred W.: Comparative Religion Macmillan & Co., New York, 1924.
and the Religion of the Future. Appleton Vail, Albert: Heroic Lives. Beacon Press,
Co., New York, 1926. Boston, 1917.
Matthews, J. B., and Duvall, Sylvanus M.: Vaughan, John Gaines: Religion, a Com­
Conflict or Co-operation, A Study Out­ parative Study. Abingdon Press, Cincin­
line. The American Committee, World nati, 1919.
Youth Peace Congress. New York, 1928. Walstrum, Mary Price: The Nineteenth and
Miller: Bahd’ism: Its Origin, History, Twentieth Centuries Reminiscences. Dor­
Teachings. Fleming Revell Co., New rance & Co., Philadelphia, Í935.
York, 1931. Watson, Albert Durant: Birth Through
Miller, Herbert A.: The Beginnings of To­ Death. McClelland & Stewart, Toronto,
morrow. F. A. Stokes, New York, 1932. 1920.
Miller, Janet: Camel-Bells of Baghdad. Watson, Albert Durant: The Poetical
Houghton, New York, 1934. Works of. Ryerson Press, Toronto, 1924.
Pemberton, L. B.: A Modern Pilgrimage to Watson, Albert Durant: The Twentieth
Palestine. Dorrance & Co., Philadelphia, Plane. George W. Jacobs & Co., Phila­
1925. delphia, 1919.
Randall, John Herman: A World Com­ Wells, Lady Dorothy: Beyond the Bospho­
munity. F. A. Stokes, New York, 1930. rus.
Reinach, Salomon: A History of Religions. Wilson, Rev. S. G.: Bahd’ism and Its
Religious Bodies, 1926: Department of Claims. Fleming Revell Co., New York,
Commerce, Bureau of the Census. 2 1915.
Vols. Washington, D. C., 1929. Wilson, Rev. S. G.: Persian Life and Cus­
Rudhyar, D.: Cycle of Culture and Sacri­ toms. Fleming Revell Co., New York,
fice. Harbinson and Harbinson, Oceano, 1895.
Calif. Wood, Clement: The Outline of Manys
Rudhyar, D.: Synthetic Drama As a Seed of Knowledge. Grosset and Dunlap, New
Civilization. Harbinson and Harbinson, York, 1927.
Oceano, Calif. World Fellowship, edited by Charles F.
Rudhyar, Dane: The New World Religion. Weller. Liveright Publishing Co., 193 5.
Article in American Astrology for No­ Zwemer, Samuel M.: Islam, a Challenge to
vember, 1939. Faith. New York, 1907.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

T h e articles and data which have gone into the making of this Centenary book have
been contributed by a number of Bahd’i workers, and the National Spiritual Assembly
makes grateful acknowledgment. In addition, the book reprints selected passages from
Bahd’i literature already published, and these selections are each identified in the text.

In Part Three, “The Baha’i Faith Comes to America” is by Garreta Busey; “ ‘Abdu’l-
Bahá in America” was written by Marzieh Gail for “The Baha’i World” several years
ago.

In Part Four, “Formation of an Organic Religious Community” is by Horace Holley;
“Bahd’i Properties” by George O. Latimer.

Part Five: The articles on the subject of the Temple are by Horace Holley, Corinne
True, Carl Scheffler and Allen B. McDaniel.

Part Six: Corinne True and Mariam Haney provided information for the list of be­
lievers who made pilgrimage to ‘Akka and Haifa. “Persian Teachers Sent to America,”
by Fannie Lesch. Data for “The Development of Baha’i Publications” was provided
by Mary Lesch, Albert R. Windust, Horace Holley, and Clara R. Wood. “Bahd’i Teach­
ing in North America” : “Early Years” by Thornton Chase; “ 1894-1911” and “ 1912-
1921” by Mariam Haney; “ 1922-1936” by George O. Latimer; “ 1937-1944” by Leroy
Ioas; “Eastern Canada” from information compiled by Anne Savage, Ernest Harrison,
and Elizabeth Cowles; “Western Canada” by Rowland Estall; “Baha’i Teaching in Latin-
America to 1940” by Loulie A. Mathews; “Baha’i Teaching in Latin-America 1940-
1944” by Nellie S. French; “Baha’i Teaching for Race Unity” by Louis G. Gregory;
“The Bahd’i Faith Presented to Colleges” by Dorothy Baker; “Teaching at the House
of Worship” from data compiled by Mary Haggard.

Part Seven: “Bahd’i Schools”— “Green Acre” by Bahiyyih Randall Ford; “Geyserville” by Leroy Ioas; “Louhelen” by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick; “International” by
Loulie A. Mathews.

Part Eight: “The American Bahd’i Community,” data compiled by Sophie Loeding;
“Bahd’i Sacred Relics,” reported by the National Archives Committee through Edwin
W. Mattoon.

Foreword and Introduction by Horace Holley.