# In Memoriam *Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-19 — 1 clipping.* --- > Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: unknown, In Memoriam, New York: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1939, bahai-library.com. > ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── > > THE BAHA' I WORLD > A Biennial International Record > > Prepared under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly > of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada > with the approval of Shoghi Effendi > > Volume VII > 93 AND 94 OF THE BAHA'I ERA > > APRIL 1936-1938 A.D. > > Baha'i Publishing Committee > New York, N. Y., U. S. A. > 1939 > xii CONTENTS > P\C,E > > 54. Arthur Moore 529 > 55. Prof. Dr. Jan Rypka, Charles University, Praha, Czechoslovakia 529 > 56. A. L. M. Nicolas . 529 > 57. President Eduard Benes of Czechoslovakia 530 > III. In Memoriam 531 > 1. Alfred E. Lunt 531 > 2. Dr. Zia Bagdadi 535 > 3. Mrs. Laurie C. Wilhelm 539 > 4. Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford 541 > 5. Elmore E. Duckett 543 > 6. Colonel Dr. I. Piruzbakht 545 > 7. Mirza Muhammad Kazim-Pur 547 > 8. Dr. Y. S. Tsao 548 > 9. Dr. Muhammad Basjhir 549 > 10. Miss Malakat Nusjhugati 550 > 11. Extracts from "Baha'i News" 551 > > PART THREE > Baha'i Directory, 1937-1938 555 > 1. Baha'i National Spiritual Assemblies 555 > 2. Baha'i Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups Alphabetically listed ac- > cording to Nations % > Abyssinia 556 > Albania 556 > Australia 556 > Austria 556 > Belgium 556 > Brazil 556 > Bulgaria 556 > Burma 556 > Canada 556 > Caucasus 556 > China 556 > Czechoslovakia 556 > Denmark 557 > Egypt 557 > France 557 > Germany 557 > Great Britain and Ireland 557 > Hawaiian Islands 558 > Holland 558 > Hungary 558 > Iceland 558 > India 558 > Iran 559 > 'Iraq 559 > Islands (Society Islands) 559 > Italy 559 > Japan 559 > Jugoslavia . 559 > IN MEMORIAM > ALFRED EASTMAN LUNT > BY Louis G. GREGORY AND HARLAN OBER > > A,.LFRED EASTMAN LUNT departed it successful as a business enterprise. While > this life, August 12, 1937, at his home in in college he was chosen President of its > > Beverly, Massachusetts. His immediate fam- Republican Club, and then President of the > ily a widow and five children, and a host National Republican College League, which > of friends mourn his loss. His funeral was included clubs organized in most of the col- > attended by his relatives, neighbors and vis- leges of the United States. He served ac- > iting Baha'is from Green Acre and neigh- tively in this capacity in several Presidential > boring centers. The service in its simplicity, campaigns, and those acquainted with his > contained the solace of Heavenly Teachings achievements, and the respect with which > and prayers, and proved to be a means of he was held, are confident that had he not > > teaching others the Faith that he loved. chosen to turn his energies with concen- > The National Spiritual Assembly, on trated attention toward the Baha'i Faith, > > August 16, 1937, received the following ca- realizing that all other means were ineffec- > blegram from the Guardian: tive, he would have risen to positions of > "Shocked distressed premature passing es- great importance in the government. > teemed beloved Lunt. Future generations As a lawyer, he became Solicitor of his na- > will appraise his manifold outstanding con- tive city,and an associate in a well estab- > tributions to rise and establishment Faith lished and popular law firm in Boston. > BahaVllah American continent. Commu- Called by Miss Sarah J. Farmer to act as het > > nity his bereaved co-workers could ill afford legal counsel, he took the leadership in evolv- > lose such critical period so fearless champion ing those plans that protected her spiritual > their Cause. Request entire body their Na- program and the Green Acre properties. > tional representatives assemble his grave pay His services to the Green Acre Fellow- > tribute behalf to him who so long and > my ship, at a very critical period in its existence, > since inception acted as pillar institution as well as over a number of years, were > they represent. Convey Boston community perhaps among the most valuable of his ca- > assurance prayers, deepest brotherly sympa- reer, a career noteworthy for the variety and > > thy their cruel irreparable loss." number of its accomplishments. Although > He was for more than a generation one of the opposition retained very able counsel and > the most distinguished and useful servants aroused adverse public sentiment and wide- > of BahaVllah. He was well prepared by newspaper criticism, carrying the > spread > college and legal education at Harvard Uni- matter to the Supreme Court of the State of > versity. As a student he heard the Great Maine, the final decision was a complete vic- > Message from Dr. 'Ali-Kuli Khan, lecturing tory for the Baha'is and the friends of Miss > in the University. He obtained from it a Farmer. A > few years later, this victory hav- > new life and inspiration toward achievement. ing established a new trend, Green Acre > He had very unusual abilities which shone came under the jurisdiction of the National > in the field of writing and in his chosen Spiritual Assembly, as the first Bah'i Sum- > profession, the law. mer School in America. > As a youth he edited and published a Although greatly pleased with this evi- > > weekly newspaper. As a Harvard student, dence of the legal and organizing ability of > he managed its Illustrated Magazine, making Mr. Lunt, the head of his law business was > 532 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > Alfred E. Lunt. > > greatly disturbed by the poignant press revealed his exceptional ability and leader- > criticism, linking his associate with the ship, but also gave him an enormous fund > Baha'i Faith. To the demand that he choose of experience which was destined to be of > between his activity in the Faith and his great service to The Cause in the upbuilding > remunerative position, Mr. Lunt chose to of the Administrative Order. In frequent > open his own office. discussions with these important men he was > In his work he was ever guided by the able to show them that the spirit and the > Baha'i ideal of service, and his clientele was wisdom revealed in the Teachings of Baha'- > a very broad one. His wise and sympa- u'llah alone offered that solid foundation > thetic understanding brought many clients upon which industrial peace could be built. > of foreign birth, and though often poor and He was a patient and tireless worker, al- > unable to pay adequately for his services, he ways devoted to principle and showing a > never failed them, but with wise guidance, faith and courage worthy of the heroic age. > increased their > understanding, and ac- His personal interests were seemingly for- > quainted them with the spirit and point of gotten in his devotion to the Faith. But a > view which was the inspiration of his own few years ago, when actually in the midst of > life. great financial difficulties, a very wealthy > For many years he was counsel for an im- friend offered to associate him in a law firm > > portant Massachusetts Committee of Manu- with a minimum guarantee of an income an- > facturers and Merchants in the handling of nually of ten thousand dollars. Although > their legislative problems. This position it > required no commitments on his part, > bringing him in close contact with outstand- save to work, yet because it came from a > ing industrialists and merchants, not only source which he felt might wish to affect > IN MEMORIAM 533 > > unfavorably his allegiance to his Faith, the neglected, poor and weak, a mark of true > offer was refused. nobility. He made himself one with people > The trials and vicissitudes of fortune ap- of various races, classes and nationalities in > peared only to confirm his faith, for in all the line of service. He had his place also > situations he showed those characteristics, among the strong, who drew upon his fine > which 'Abdu'1-Baha, in referring to the endowment of power, and from whom, his > Green Acre controversy, described as "lion capacities and virtues won admiration. > hearted." Faithful unto death was he, traveling long > He was from the beginning of the Cause distances over the country for administra- > in Boston, a member of its governing body. tion and teaching when his body was weak- > > During many years he was elected by the ened with a malady which finally proved > Boston friends as one of the delegates to the fatal. Meanwhile he showed no lessening of > Annual Convention. Of this body, he was spiritual attraction, devotion and power. > many times chosen Chairman, the duties of Just two days before his passing, he wrote > which office he discharged with extraordi- a most cheerful and hopeful letter to one of > nary ability. He conceived it to be his duty, his friends, telling of his plans for future > not only to be acquainted with all the im- activities. > > portant matters under consideration, and to Those who mourned his passing were con- > act with justice, but to stimulate all the del- soled by the spiritual fragrance that attended > > egates, in the assumption and exercise of it, and by the eloquent tributes paid him > their privileges and responsibilities. by the Guardian's cables, as well as by the > He was a member of the Baha'i Temple testimony of many friends. An extraordi- > Unity, the first corporation organized to nary honor was shown him by the members > build the Mashriqu'l Adhkar. With the ex- of the National Spiritual Assembly, which > ception of two short intervals he had mem- body at the Guardian's request, and in his > bership in the National Spiritual Assembly behalf, journeyed to his grave, to offer > > during the entire period of its existence. In prayers. Truly his was the victorious life. > these two national bodies, serving sometimes "The true man appeareth before the Mer- > aschairman, sometimes as secretary, and as ciful like unto the Heavens. His bright > a memberof its various committees, he and shining qualities are the stars. His traces > showed signal devotion and ability. are the educators of existence." From the > This brief account does not of course per- Will of Baha'u'llah. > mit a detailed report of a > life of singular It is impossible, even for those who love > dedication, of great breadth of interest, of him, properly to evaluate his life, which the > remarkable sincerity and courage. Those future alone will truly disclose. It may be > privileged to have corresponded with him, said with absolute certainty, however, that > appreciated his understanding heart, and the he lived and moved in the Divine Teach- > firmness and inspiration of his faith. ings, and especially in his later years, in the > Mention, however, should be made of the advices, the assurances and the sympathetic > fact that he was not only outstanding as understanding of the Guardian. The entire > an administrator with great range of vision loyalty of a heart, singularly pure and de- > and exact knowledge of details regarding voted, turned completely toward his Guard- > the Cause in America, but he was also a ian and the Guardian of the world. > teacher whose addresses and writings were In a letter to one of the American friends, > characterized by spiritual insight, knowledge Shoghi Effendi wrote: "The passing of Mr. > of the Divine Teachings and understanding Lunt constitutes yet another blow to the > of the needs of the soul. He delved deeply American Baha'i Community, and leaves a > into the inner meanings of the Sacred Writ- void in both the teaching and administrative > ings,and followed closely those movements fields, which few of our present day be- > which were affecting a rapidly changing so- lievers can fill. The memory of his mani- > ciety. fold and undeniably rich and valuable serv- > He was affectionate and kind, reflecting ices will be deeply enshrined in the hearts > the Divine love in his readiness to serve the and minds of those who had the privilege > THE BAHA'f WORLD > of working closely with him, or had been From that hour > sufficiently informed about his tireless 'activi- When first the Light of Revelation broke > ties for the Faith. . . . > upon these Western Shores > "Words fail to express the sorrow and re- You labored till out of the chaos and the > gret the untimely death of such a > I feel at groping loomed > precious, ardent and capable champion of The pattern of a "New World Order!" > our beloved Faith. The loss is indeed irrep- Labored ceaselessly, > arable, for he was the living embodiment Until the Divine of Plans revealed its thrill- > of such a rare combination of qualities as ing goal! > few can display and none can surpass. I How must He, its Source and Center > will continue to pray for his dear departed Whose thoughts turned toward us > soul from the depths of my sorrowful yet Whose heart leaped at our mention, have re- > grateful heart." joiced, > To see, amid "this jungle of materialism" > thy challenge > ALFRED EASTMAN LUNT Hurling certainty against the fury of an un- > believing age! > "Haste forth > To thy Celestial Habitation, Veil-beloved,' Poets! Seers! > 'Lion of God's Cause'!" Shall ring thy epic, chronicled in love and > We rejoice to hear of thy release! service! > Yet That the unborn may recapture may re- > Might not God have shared thee had we live with pride and gratitude thy story! > loved more? How you stood, undaunted in an epoch > How may a soul "aglow with flame of the "steeped in falsity," > undying fire" live An advocate unfalterirtg in principle! > Except midst love? To compromise unyielding > A pillar! in this Cause "so far beyond the > "Forty years" you sought, with "iron-sight" ken of men and angels!" > to elevate this Truth! > To hasten justice, to conquer pettiness and "Martyr hosts, > lust for power, Who guard man's station, acclaim thee: > The curse of prejudice, the fear of failure, 'Servant!'" > the blight of intellect! Thou, who in this Day "that casts a mighty > "Forty years" braving a wilderness of trials tumult in men's hearts" > knowing Refused to swerve hailing this passage "a > That phantasmal human hopes were doomed spiritual adventure!" > to traceless dust! We, who aspire to pioneer for God, and dare > One of the "living" of the chosen few en- to build anew a broken world, > > gaged to point a nation's course Guard sacredly the faith thy love renewed, > Toward spiritual dominion! when stilled thy noble heart! > IN MEMORIAM 535 > > MEMORIAL SERVICE TO DR. ZIA MABSUT > BAGDADI, HELD IN THE BAHA'I HOUSE > OF WORSHIP, MAY 8, 1937 > INTRODUCTORY WORDS BY MRS. TRUE > Mrs. Corinne True, this a joyous and not a sad occasion. May > Mr. Albert Windust, all who are present here turn in mind and > > O Chairmen. > N April llth, less than a month ago, > the Baha'i friends assembled in this House > heart toward the Holy Shrine of BahaVllah, > as we read this supplication (known as the > "Midnight Prayer") : > > of Worship commemorating the Twenty- O Lord, I have turned my face unto the > fifth Anniversary of the Arrival of 'Abdu'i- kingdom of Thy oneness and am immersed > Bahd in America, were shocked by the news in the sea of Thy mercy. > of the sudden death of their beloved Baha'i O Lord, enlighten my spirit by beholding > brother, Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, at Augusta, Thy light in this dark night and make me > Georgia. Sincere expressions of sympathy happy by the wine of Thy love in this won- > for his bereaved family were heard among derful age. O Lord, make me hear Thy call, > the friends and all were anxious to learn and open before my face the doors of heaven, > more of the details of his passing. A few so that I may behold Thy glory and become > > days later it was learned that the cause of attracted to Thy beauty. > death was heart failure; that his body had Verily, Thou art the light, the gift and > been laid away in the burial lot of one of the giver, the ancient and the merciful! > the Baha'is of that city; that his widow > DR. BAGDADI' s GRANDFATHER AND FATHER > Zeenat, and daughter Parvene were coura- > geously endeavoring to adjust themselves Referring to NabiPs Narrative, The > and were planning to go to Beirut, Syria, Dawn-Breakers, pages 272 and 273, we find > the home of Dr. Bagdadi's family in that that Dr. Bagdadi's grandfather, "Shaykh > > country. Muhammad-i-Shibl and his youthful son, > The loss suffered by the Cause in America Muhammad-Mustafa," accompanied Tahirih > began to be realized by the Baha'is and from 'Iraq to Iran. > found full expression in a cablegram from A > little over a year after Dr. Bagdadi ar- > > our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, to rived in America, word was received of the > the National Spiritual Assembly, as follows: death of his father, Muhammad-Mustafa > (Bagdadi), whose portrait and the news of > "Distressed sudden passing dearly beloved his passing were published in Babd'i News > Dr. Bagdadi. Loss inflicted (upon) national (Vol. I of the Star of the West), No. 17 > interests (of) Faith irreparable. His exem- issue, wherein is recorded: "In him the Cause > > plary faith, audacity, unquestioning loyalty, has lost a great and useful servant. All > indefatigable exertions unforgettable. Ad- loved and revered him and looked up to him > vise Baha'i communities (,of ) Chicago (and) as one of the spiritual souls of the earlier > surrounding regions hold befitting memorial days. His winsome manner and gentleness > gathering (in) Temple for which he so of heart attracted all those who came in con- > valiantly labored. Ardently praying for him tact with him and carried away the sweet > and bereaved family. fragrance of his life." > (Signed) Shoghi." In a Tablet from 'Abdu'1-Baha published > in the Star of the West, Volume X, No. 12, > Friends: In response to the request of our are these endearing words of the beloved > beloved Guardian and the desire of our Master: "Convey on my behalf, to Dr. Zia > hearts to hold a memorial service for our Bagdadi the utmost love and kindness. In > departed brother, Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, we my estimation, he is very near, for he is the > have gathered here this evening. son of his honor Agha Muhammad- > We feel that he would wish us to make Mustafa." > 536 THE BAHA ' > I WORLD > > Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi. > > DR. BAGDADI'S WORK ON THE STAR OF from the Chicago College of Medicine and > THE WEST Surgery in May of this year (1911). He > intends to practice in America and be en- > Mr. Windust, who was one of the found- gaged in serving the Cause of BahaVllah. > ers and editors of the Star of the West, spoke We are confident the Star of the West has > of Dr. Bagdadi 's services to that magazine, in him an able and willing associate." > as follows Dr. Bagdadi became associate In the Star of the West, Volume III, No. > editor of this Baha'i publication, June 5, 15 issue, we find the following: "A word of > 1911, beginning with issue No. 5, Volume explanation is given regarding the re-appear- > II, wherein we read: "It gives us pleasure to ance of our Persian section after many > welcome to the editorial staff of the Star of months. As the editor, Mirza Ahmad > the West, Dr. Zia Mabsut Bagdadi ("Zia Sohrab, accompanied 'Abdu'l-Baha on most > Effendi"), the youngest son of the late M. of His journeyings throughout America, it > Mustafa Bagdadi. Dr. Bagdadi received was almost impossible for him to look after > his early education in the Orient at the the Persian section, and now that he has > Arabian Literature school, Turkish Govern- returned to the East, it has become neces- > > ment school and the American school. His sary to place that department in other hands. > childhood was blessed by seeing and being Dr. Zia Bagdadi, who has been associated > with the Blessed Perfection BahaVllah, and with him in this work, has consented to > in every year of his youth he visited the render this service. He is located in Chi- > Center of the Covenant, 'Abdu'l-Baha. He cago." > came to America in September, 1909, to > Throughout the remainder of the issues > > complete a course in medicine, graduating of Volume III, and all of Volumes IV and V > IN MEMORIAM 537 > > there were 19 issues in each volume Dr. line with Haifa from the center of the build- > > Bagdad! compiled and wrote the manuscript ing. In this photograph Dr. Bagdadi is seen > in the form of pages, which were photo- digging the first shovelful of earth the > graphed, reduced to page size, etched on other friends present following him in break- > zinc, which became the printing plates for ing the ground. It was indeed fitting that > the Persian sections of the Star of the West Dr. Bagdadi should have this honor, and his > 262 pages. His beautiful style > a total of association with this great event * is suffi- > > of writing was distinctly Arabic in char- cient evidence of the esteem his fellow- > acter. This labor was accomplished by Dr. believers had for his valiant and devoted la- > Bagdadi in addition to translating Tablets bors for the Temple and the Cause of > of 'Abdu'1-Baha and speaking on the*Cause BahaVllah. > wherever the opportunity arose all this > aside from his practice of medicine and sur- NOTEWORTHY QUALITIES OF DR. BAGDADI > gery. Mr. Windust spoke of the time when his > family met 'Abdu'1-Baha in an upper room > DR. BAGDADI WITH 'ABDU'L-BAHA at the home of Mrs. Davies in Chicago. > IN CHICAGO When He saw the youngest child, He took > Reference was made to the photograph of her upon His lap and called for someone to > 'Abdu'1-Baha, together with five of the Ori- bring candy for the little one. Dr. Bagdadi > ental Baha'is, taken by Mr. Killius in Lin- instantly responded, leaping down the stairs > coln Park, Chicago, in 1912. Standing di- two or more steps at a time, obtained the > rectly behind 'Abdu'1-Baha, on the right, is candy, and sprang up stairs with it, handing > Dr. Bagdadi. In looking at this photograph, the bowl to 'Abdu'1-Baha as a courier would > one is impressed with the thought that our present an urgent message to a king. It was > beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, has, in an impressive demonstration to many who > his cablegram, perfectly described the quali- witnessed it, of the divine qualities of "in- > ties of Dr. Bagdadi. stant, exact and complete obedience" Dr. > This photograph was taken directly across Bagdadi so remarkably possessed. > the street from the Plaza Hotel. In this Mrs. Grace Ober also testified to this out- > connection, it is interesting to note that standing characteristic of Dr. Bagdadi, by > when it was taken, no one dreamed that in telling the following experience: "I was > this same part of Lincoln Park, the Chi- keeping house in New York for 'Abdu'l- > cago Historical Society would erect the Baha and His party of interpreters at the > splendid museum which stands there today. time when He attended the Peace Confer- > ence at Lake Mohonk. Late at night, the > DR. BAGDADI'S DEVOTED LABOR FOR THE bell rang furiously and at the door stood Dr. > TEMPLE > Bagdadi, no hat upon his head, his hair > Shoghi Effendi, in his cablegram request- disheveled, and his clothes covered with dust. > ing the holding of this memorial gathering He rushed into the house saying 'Abdu'l- > for Dr. Bagdadi, states: "Advise Baha'i . . . Baha had sent him to bring a rug to Lake > Communities of Chicago and surrounding Mohonk at the earliest possible moment. I > > regions hold befitting memorial gathering in begged him to have something to eat, to > > Temple for which he so valiantly and de- bathe and rest for a little while. But quickly > votedly labored." . . . > finding what he wanted he rushed away with > In this connection we were reminded by it. > During the short time he was in the > Mrs. True, of the photograph taken on this house I learned that 'Abdu'1-Baha wished to > Temple March 21, 1921, and published > site present a gift to the Secretary of the Peace > in the Star of the West, Volume XII, No. 2. Conference, Mr. W. H. Short, Sec'y of the > It was the beginning of actual work for the > 1 This > breaking of ground for the actual construc- > construction of the first MasJhriqu'l-Adhkar tion of the caissons to bed rock should not be > in America; that is, the breaking of ground confused with the boring operations begun on Sep- > tember 24, 1920, to obtain a core of soil strata > for the digging of the first of the nine > before beginning the digging of the caissons, which > caissons to bed rock the one directly in began March 21, 1921. Editors > 538 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > Friends assembled on Mashriqu'l-Adhkar grounds, Chicago, March 21, 1921. > Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi digging first shovelful of earth. > > New York Peace Society, before the close During these years Dr. Bagdadi was a > of its sessions next day, and that it was nec- pillar of strength to the Baha'is of America > essary that some one of His party go to the manifesting firmness in the Covenant and > city for it and return at once. Dr. Bagdadi all that it implies. He alone seemed to un- > had instantly volunteered. He discovered derstand the deep meanings of this most > there was no passenger train at that great characteristic that is: through the > hour and boarded a freight train, arriving power of the Covenant no one can create a > in the condition I described. I learned sect or division in the Baha'i Faith; through > later that in returning he again rode on a this most great characteristic, the Center of > > freight train as there was no other trans- the Covenant will protect the Cause from > portation at that early morning hour. Dr. now until at least one thousand years, and > Bagdadi was the embodiment of the perhaps until thousands of years have passed > quality of "Instant, exact and complete away. > obedience." Those who attended the eighth session of > The chairman expressed the thought that the Baha'i Congress at Hotel McAlpin, New > every one present at this memorial gather- York City, April 30th, 1919, will never for- > ing, who knew Dr. Bagdadi, no doubt cher- get Dr. Bagdadi's presentation of this most > ished in his heart and memory some par- important matter. Although he had been > ticular remembrance or many remembrances ill for three days, he arose to astonishing > of our dearly beloved Dr. Bagdadi. heights and depths of understanding in this > address, unfolding all the qualities Shoghi > FIRMNESS IN THE COVENANT, AN OUT- Eflfendi mentions in the cablegram prompt- > STANDING QUALITY OF DR. BAGDADI this memorial gathering of "exem- > ing > When 'Abdu'1-Baha came to America in plary faith, audacity, unquestioning loyalty, > 1912, He awakened and began to educate indefatigable exertion" combined with a > the Baha'is to the Most Great Characteristic dramatic appeal that was arresting and soul > of the Revelation of BahaVllah, namely, stirring. This outstanding address of that > The Center of the Covenant that which remarkable Congress was taken stenographi- > the previous Divine Manifestations did cally and printed in Volume XI of the Star > not bring. From that time until the day of the West. > of His ascension in 1921, He stressed its > DR. BAGDADI WRITES OF SEEING AND BEING > importance with ever increasing emphasis, > thus preparing them for the hour when WITH BAHA'U'LLAH > His Will and Testament was brought to In the year 1929, Dr. Bagdadi wrote a > > light. book telling of his birthplace and travels in > IN MEMORIAM 539 > > the Orient under the title, Treasures of the MRS. LAURIE C. WILHELM > East. In it he describes the peerless pano- > BY ROY C. WILHELM > rama of the Plain of 'Akka surrounded by > mountains and sea, in the center of which Mother's strong religious tendency began > is the Mansion of Bahji, located about one with her mother who was religious funda- > mile from the Mediterranean and three miles mentally though I do not recall her ever > from the town of 'Akk, Palestine. It was having attended a church; and she did not > here Baha'u'llah lived the last few years of believe that a system in which professional > His exile until He departed to the Supreme preached for hire was in accord > religionists > World in 1892. Dr. Bagdad! tells that here, with the admonitions and example of Jesus. > when he was a child, he had the great privi- During my early years Grandmother often > lege of seeing and being with Baha'u'llah. spoke to me of so many of the Bible prophe- > He wrote: cies being fulfilled and said she believed the > "I had the greatest honor and privilege to Promised Age was near and we must all be > see BahaVllah and sit at His feet many days watchful to recognize the Great Day when > and nights in this Mansion. Here He used it came. Mother and father were members > to hold my hand while walking to and fro of a denomination to which they sent me in > in His large room, revealing Tablets, chant- my youth though they were not orthodox > ing the prayers with the most charming and in their views, rather they shared Grand- > melodious voice, while one of the attendants mother's beliefs that the Creator of all hu- > took them down. Here I saw Him teaching manity was interested in all humanity. > and blessing the pilgrims who came from all About 1890 Mother became dissatisfied > lands. On hot days He would take me with with the churches and began searching for > Him to the outer alcove of the Mansion reality. She investigated various teachings > where it was somewhat cooler. I would including the philosophies of the East, Chris- > stand in a corner with folded arms, my eyes tian Science, etc. I sometimes wondered, > fixed on His incomparable countenance, "What next?" Mother also felt deeply that > while the gentle breezes blew on His soft jet the Great Day was near, that it might come > black hair which reached almost to the waist, even in our time and how would we be > flowing beneath the taj, like a crown, that able to recognize its fulfillment! > covered His head and a part of His broad, Mother had a friend, kindred in thought, > full, high forehead. in Miss Laura Jones, also of our old home > "From His light-colored garments which town Zanesville, Ohio: they often met to- > were similar to those of all the ancient gether, and wondered if the Spirit might be > prophets, I had always inhaled the fragrance upon the earth at this time: how shall we > of the pure attar of roses. At times He find Him, etc. Shortly after the early 90's > would spend half an hour on the alcove, and Miss Laura moved to Chicago. > There she > my eyes would remain fixed on His majestic heard of the Baha'i Faith, and wrote to > face. But whenever He glanced at me with Mother that she had found that for which > His brown, piercing, yet most affectionate they had been seeking. In her letter she in- > eyes, then I had to turn mine away and look cluded some pamphlets, among which was a > down on the floor. copy of the "Hidden Words." Mother read > "At my birth, Baha'u'llah named me these, and accepted immediately. About > 'Zia' (Light) and gave me the Turkish title 1898 or 1899, when I was a traveling sales- > But on my first visit to Him, > 'Effendi.' man, Mother mailed me a page from a news- > when He inquired about my health, I re- paper containing a photograph of 'Abdu'l- > plied in Arabic 'Mabsoot' (I am happy). He Baha and an article in which something was > questioned, 'How is your father?' I an- said to the effect that many regarded Him as > swered, 'Mabsoot'; and 'How is your a return of the Spirit. Having in mind > mother?' He asked. 'Mabsoot' was > my re- Mother's various explorations I was not so > ply. He laughed heartily and after that He deeply impressed, but wrote upon the mar- > always called me Mabsoot Eflfendi (The gin, "Strange if true" and returned it to her. > Happy One)." In 1901 and 1902, Mother and Father vis- > 540 THE BAHA ' > I WORLD > > Mrs. Laurie C. Wilhelm. > > ited me in New York. We went about to from His bowl He told us to eat, and as we > various meetings and among them the Baha'i had received food from His bowl, now we > meetings at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ar- must return to America and likewise offer > thur P. Dodge: there we met May Maxwell, His food to the people. > Mr. and Mrs. Hoar, Dr. Getsinger and In 1908 we moved from New York to > others. I was conscious of a strong heart West Englewood. During this summer a > attraction before much understanding came. hundred or more of the Baha'i friends of > I recall that two or three years later a fare- New York and vicinity assembled for a picnic > well reception was given to Mirza Abu'l- in the woods near our home. In those days > Fadl at the Dodge home. it was very difficult to awaken interest. > Mother devoted much time to studying Meetings were held in two or three homes, > the Bible: she became so impressed with the and a dozen or so persons were attracted, but > connection and with the and reason- > spirit several moved away, two passed from this > and ex- > ableness of 'Abdu'l-Baha's teachings world, and such changes took place that it > planations that her waking hours seemed was several years more before a group was > mainly devoted to plans for reaching other permanently started. I am reminded of a re- > sections. In 1907 Mother and I went to mark that 'Abdu'1-Baha once made, that > 'Akka. 'Abdu'1-Baha told Mother she was it > required a great expenditure of effort to > the cock which crowed preceding the dawn. accomplish even small things in this world. > During the dinner, our last day there, He Mother devoted her life to corresponding > took an unusually large bowl and filled it with friends and inquirers far and near. Even > with bread and broth: then He asked for our during those last two and a half years of > bowls, and filling them with bread and broth physical helplessness, her mind was centered > IN MEMORIAM 541 > > Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford. > > upon means for the advancement of the associated with leading intellectuals in the > Faith. These past few weeks, when she could United States and Europe. > speak only with difficulty, she would often In 1901 Mrs. Ford was residing in Chicago > make suggestions, or perhaps inquire whether in an environment typical of her varied in- > I had heard from this person or another, or terests. Her household consisted of her > had written them recently. three children, Roland, Lynette and Gareth; > It is indeed comforting to now have the of a German woman and her young child; of > assurance of the Guardian that Mother is an American woman and her son; of a young > making a near approach to the Beloved. Negro student of Shakespeare. An account > of her home, known as "The Haunted > House" has, through Dr. Richard Hodgson, > MARY HANFORD FORD (Nov. 1, 1856 > reached the archives of the American So- > FEB. 2, 1937) > ciety for Psychical Research. At this time > BY RUHANIYYIH (MADAME 'Au'-KuLi) Mrs. Ford was a "Spiritist," her chief inter- > KHANUM est, however, lying not in psychic phenomena > > Daughter of a Meadville, > Pennsylvania, but in the spiritual life. An atheist during > banker, wife of the owner and editor of the her youth, she had regained faith at her > Kansas City, Missouri, Evening Mail, Mary father's death-bed, feeling that the continu- > Hanford Ford was widely known as an au- ity of the soul had there been revealed to > thority on art, literature and music, and as a her, and she had begun an exhaustive study > student of economic problems and of devel- of religion.Her personal library, including > opments in the field of science. At one time many first editions, ran the length of the > art critic on the Kansas City Star, she was house. She now began a course in compara- > 542 THE BAHA'l WORLD > tive religions, the ninth lesson of which the All Nations Club: "When we speak of > proved to be a presentation of the Baha'i the saints I think she was the reincarnation > Faith. The following summer she attended of all of them." Mr. D. A. Mott, leader of > the Green Acre School of Religions, heard the Vegetarian Society: "She belonged to > Mirza Abu'1-Fadl and 'Ali-Kuli Khan, and everybody. We never thought of her with > became a Baha'i; shortly thereafter, aided a family and children; the human race was > > by Miss Florence Breed, she began to teach her family . . . Some day . . . the truth of > the Baha'i Cause in Boston. her statements will be recognized, and also > To Madame 'Ali-Kuli Khan when she her greatness as a teacher." Mrs. Villa Faulk- > visited 'Akka in 1906, 'Abdu'l-Bah4 said of ner Page, Founder-Leader of the Fellowship > Mrs. Ford: "It is true that Mrs. Ford has Life More Abundant: "We have listened > served humanity long and faithfully. Now with hearts deeply moved to the words > tell her, if she will arise to serve the Cause spoken of one whom we all so dearly love; > of Baha'u'llah with equal zeal and fidelity, not loved . but lov e" Dr. C. G. Pease, > . . > > her name will be mentioned in all the worlds President of the Non-Smokers League: "Let > of God." The remainder of her long life us follow in her footsteps." Mr. Aldo Ran- > was devoted to fulfilling the Master's wish, degger, noted composer, played his "The > and in many tablets He addressed her as "O Apotheosis of the Soul" in her memory. > thou herald of the Kingdom of God!" Not Baha'i speakers included Mr. James F. Mor- > > only in the United States but also in Italy, ton, former President of the American Es- > Switzerland, France and England she taught peranto Society, who said: "She opened the > the Baha'i Faith > unceasingly, attracting eyes of many of us to visions that otherwise > thousands of people through her devotion, we could not have had. In the Esperanto > and her objective, brilliant, well-stocked Movement she was a tower of strength." > mind. Meanwhile she continued her work Mrs. Annie Romer: "The prayers which . . . > > as an art critic and writer; among her pub- she offered ... on behalf of others filled > lished books are "The Oriental Rose," > "The many hours. She said we did not ask enough > World of 'Abdu'1-Baha" and "The Secret of of the bounty of God." Mr. afa Kinney: > Life." Even during her last months, she "For years upon years we worked shoulder > taught the Cause and worked on a novel to shoulder, like two horses at the plough; > dealing with industrial conditions. Accom- ploughing God's field that His plants might > panied by her daughter, Mrs. Lynette Storm, grow there . . ." Madame 'Ali-Kuli Khan, > Mrs. Ford was in Clearwater, Florida, when chairman of the gathering: "Mrs. Ford's > the end came. She died whispering, "It is so friends all know how clear and sure were her > > beautiful, Lynette, it is so very beautiful!" faith and her spiritual mission." 'Ali-Kuli > At a distinguished gathering held at the Khan: "A saying of Goethe's is paraphrased > Baha'i Center in New > York City to com- thus: 'To live in a great idea is to think as > memorate the passing of Mrs. Ford, many possible, things that seem impossible. So is > non-Baha'i friends paid her tribute. 1 Among the case with a great character; when both > them, Mr. Clarence Howells of the Fellow- the great idea and the great character meet > > ship of Reconciliation said, "A religion can in thesame person, things appear which fill > be proven best by the lives of those who prac- the world with wonders for thousands of > tise it. The proof of the value of those years' "; he then read the following from a > teachings she gave, was expressed in the life letter of Shoghi EfFendi regarding Mrs. Ford: > of Mary Hanford Ford. Surely the Baha'i "Her unique and outstanding gifts enabled > Teachings are true, for they are effective in her to promote effectively the best interests > that light." Miss Frances R. Grant, Vice- of the Faith in its new-born and divinely- > President of the Roerich Museum, New York conceived institutions. I will pray for her > > City: "About Mrs. Ford there was this joy of soul from the depths of my heart. Her serv- > devotion, and I must believe that though ices will always be remembered and extolled." > > duty pleases God, it is joy that best gladdens 1 > There was given also, several days alter, a beau- > Him, and it is the joyous devotee that is tiful musicale, by Miss Rata Present, of Buffalo, in > closest to His heart." Mr. H. T. Mason of loving tribute to Mrs. Ford. > IN MEMORIAM 543 > > Elmore Eugene Duckett. > > ELMORE EUGENE DUCKETT Baha'i World Religion, in addressing an au- > dience gathered together at Hull House, in > BY WILLARD P. HATCH > Chicago, on April 30, 1912, said in part: > "Verily, thy Lord is the All-Knowing, His "One of the important questions which > authority embraceth all things, rest thou as- affect the unity and solidarity of human- > sured in the gracious favor of thy Lord. kind is the fellowship and equality of the > The eye of His loving-kindness shall ever- white and colored races. . . . > > lastingly be directed towards thee." "In this country, the United States of > "Gleanings From The Writings of Baha'- America, patriotism is common to both > u'llah." races; all have equal rights in citizenship, > speak one language, receive the blessings of > "We work and pray for the Unity of Man- > the same civilization, and follow the precepts > kind, that all the races of the earth may of the same religion. the one point of > . . . > > become one race, all the countries one coun- > distinction is that of color. God is not . . . > > try, and that all hearts may beat as one heart, > pleased with, neither should any reasonable > working together for perfect Unity and or intelligent man be willing to recognize, > Brotherhood." 'Abdu'1-Baha, in "The One- > inequality in the races because of this dis- > ness of Mankind." > tinction. . . . His Holiness BahaVllah has > Mr. Elmore Eugene Duckett was thirty- proclaimed the oneness of the world of hu- > nine years old when he passed away on Janu- manity." > ary 1, 1937. He possessed a "remarkable Elmore Duckett did not find it difficult, as > spiritual insight." a Baha'i,to become free from racial ani- > 'Abdu'1-Baha, the great Exemplar of the mosity. A "remarkable spiritual insight," > 544 THE&BAHA'f WORLD > however, was not the only gift he possessed. such an extent that he was publicly awarded > All of his life he worked hard with the a badge of hofcor before his follow-workmen, > > strength that was his. To a casual observer, by those at the head of the factory, for over > Elmore was, in a happy way, one of those ten years of commendable service. He took > classified as belonging to Labor; but he this award for el&ctly what it was worth, > showed how different the Baha'i conception for he kneW that, if such action was not > of Labor is, by taking part in "no rebellious based upon the knowledge and love of God, > demands," and by being completely free then it was most likely an inexpensive way > from any deep-seated feeling of animosity of trying to keep the men satisfied; but he > against capitalists. evidenced forbearance and patience, as Ba- > Concerning a phase of Labor problems, ha'i s are taught to do. > 'Abdu'1-Baha writes, expressing the Baha'i True it is that the length of one's days, > attitude: as hasbeen pointed out by the Divine Ex- > ". . . . Rules and laws should be estab- emplar, is not important; to bear fruit in > lished to regulate the excessive fortunes of one's life is what counts. Elmore Duckett, > certain private individuals, and limit the in his relatively short life, was a tree that > > misery of millions of the poor masses How- bore a quantity of fruit. > ever, absolute equality is just as impossible, Elmore was born in Cripple Creek, Colo- > for absolute equality in fortunes, honors, rado, November 17, 1898. His family moved > commerce, agriculture, industry would end to Denver, Colorado, when he was ten years > in want of comfort, in discouragement. . . . of age. Thereafter they traveled to Arizona, > It therefore preferable for moderation to > is and it was in Bisbee, in 1915, that Elmore's > do its work. The main point is by means of cousin, who was to become his wife three > laws and regulations to hinder the constitu- years later, convinced him of the truth of > tion of the excessive fortunes of certain in- the Baha'i Faith. This she did, aided by her > dividuals and to protect the essential needs mother. > of the masses. . . The owner of the Of- this period Elmore Duckett's widow > . > factory > will no longer put aside daily a treasure which writes: "He (Elmore) became a wonderful > he has absolutely no need of (without taking Baha'i in a very short time as he had never > into consideration that, if the fortune is dis- taken any interest in any religious faith, he > proportionate, the capitalist succumbs under was free from all dogmas and creeds. . . . > > a formidable burden, and gets into great He studied Spanish and became very pro- > difficulties and troubles; the administration ficient, with the thought in mind of going > of an excessive fortune is very difficult and to Old Mexico to work and teach the Cause. > exhausts man's natural strength), and the In his study of the Spanish language, he met > workmen and artisans will no longer be in the many people in High School, and the private > greatest misery and -want, they will no longer nightclasses, who were entertained in our > be submitted to the worst privations at the home, and given the Baha'i Message. . . . > > end of their life. We were married in Houston, Texas, June 5, > "As now man is not forced by the Govern- 1918. We moved to Los Angeles May 1 9 2 2 , , > > ment, if by the natural tendency of his good where Kenneth (their only child) was born > heart, with the great^t spirituality he goes August 17, 1922." > to this expense for the poor, this will be a Unity was the one thing Elmore loved > thing very much praised, approved and pleas- most and he had a quiet and unobtrusive na- > ' > > ing." \ ture which attracted many friends to him. > Elmore Duckett was fully aware of 'Abd- He lived in Monrovia, California, suburb of > u'1-Baha's words yet was he aware that one Los Angeles, at the time of his passing away. > man alone, except He be a Christ or Baha'u- The Monrovia paper carried a notice of his > 'llah,could not bring about the change of death, and, among other things, wrote: "Mr. > conditions mentioned therein. Therefore he Duckett was chairman of the Spiritual As- > put his affair^ in the hands of God, and as sembly of the Bah'is of Los Angeles and > one of the great body of workmen in a had been a member of the Community of > Jwge factory, labored in the Baha'i spirit to the Baha'is of that city for many years. > IN MEMORIAL 545 > > His entire time, other than what was neces- was voted at the meeting that each member > sary for the maintenance of *the material of the Assembly should mention one good > needs of his family, was devoted to the quality of the deceased. The result was a > promulgation of the oneness of humanity moving compilation. Among the qualities > and he 'consorted with all people with love mentioned were: "sincerity; sacrifice of time > and fragrance.' He believed in the funda- for the Cause; devotion to the Cause; > mental oneness of religion and prayed con- thoughtfulness of others; a good Baha'i in > stantly for 'the most great peace/ that has the use of time; kindness, generosity to the > been visioned by the Prophets and poets of Cause and to his friends; humility; his lack > the past, and which surely must be the con- of fault-finding; a peace-maker." > summation of the evolution of man on this At his expressed wish, Elmore was buried > plane." in the last grave remaining in the plot of > When Elmore Duckett's final illness over- ground where Thornton Chase, first Ameri- > took him, he firmly believed that it was be- can Baha'i, is at rest, in Inglewood Ceme- > cause of the fumes he was forced to breathe tery, outside of Los Angeles, California. > daily in the prosecution of his work. He be- On March 8, 1937, Shoghi Effendi sent the > lieved that the inflammation of his heart following message to Mrs. Finks, Secretary of > and the lining of his lungs was an inevitable the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, Cali- > result of the conditions surrounding his fornia. > labor, a result that was hidden from him "Please convey to the relatives of the late > until it was too late to do anything about it. Mr. Duckett the Guardian's sympathy and > His unusual physical strength gave way condolences on the occasion of the passing > slowly, after he was obliged to stop work, away of their beloved and esteemed friend. > before the onslaught of this insidious inflam- The services which he has rendered the Cause > mation. Before its fatal effect was clear to Shoghi Effendi deeply appreciates and he will > him, he planned, on recovery, never to return specially pray for the progress of his soul in > to the factory position he had previously the Abha Kingdom." > held, which, as he expressed he thought > it, > > would be suicide; but intended to take part > in the effort to carry the Baha'i Faith to > COLONEL DR. IBRAHIM PIRUZBAKHT > one of the few states where it was not already BY ZIKRULLAH KHADEM > established. His wish was to move to Reno, > Nevada. Colonel Dr. Piruzbakht was the eldest son > These hopes of moving to Nevada gave of the late Kazim Khan Amir Tuman, a dis- > way before the increasing encroachments of tinguished Commanding Officer of his time, > Elmore's illness. Finally he learned that, very pious and devoted to his duty, belonging > should he live, he would become a bed- to the family of Caucasian refugees. The > ridden and helpless invalid. Having always following is a brief description of this family. > been so strong physically, he could not bear One of the notorious events of the Qajar > to contemplate this thought. He did not regime was the war breaking out between > think, perhaps, of the spiritual uses of suffer- fran and Russia, in consequence of which > ing, nor of the spiritual services he could some important provinces of Caucasia in Iran > render, even if ill. He preferred to die, and fell into the hand of the Russians. Groups > itwas reported that he implored Baha'u'llah of nobility, urged by > patriotic feelings, > left > > to release him into the next world. His Caucasia for fran and were then called im- > prayer was granted. migrants. A number of them entered mili- > To indicate something of the love Elmore tary services and others occupied high posi- > had inspired in the hearts of his fellow- tions. At this happy era of the reign of > believers, as part of their love for God in the H. M. Rida Shah Pahlavi under whose care > qualities they saw reflected, it is only neces- and wise policy marvellous progress has been > sary to write of the meeting of the Spiritual made in the country, a number* of the Re- > Assembly, of which he had been chairman, called immigrants are also numbered among > > gathered together to discuss his funeral. It the devoted and reliable officers and conv > 546 THE BAHA'f > manding Officers of the Army. D/. Piruz- Cormack and Mr. Colnman. In 192J, he > bakht was also of this f ran-loving family, received appointment as Director of the > born in fmrsm in the year 34 of the Baha'i Sepah Hospital (a military hospital) and > era corresponding with the year 1878 of during the last years of his life he served > the Christian era. He carried on his studies with the rank of Colonel as the Director of > in the Cossak house, in the Iranian College the Health Dept. of the Military Schools. > and in the Medical School from which he He discharged his duty most faithfully and > received his diploma in medicine. sincerely throughout the entire course of his > Early in his youth, he married his cousin, services. > Farah Angiz Khanum, but feeling the need of In the year 1914, Dr. Piruzbakht was > completing his studies he traveled to Russia, serving as Vice-Director at the Gendarmerie > France and Belgium, getting his diploma in Dept., having already completed his studies in > medicine, surgery and midwifery from the medicine. He began to investigate the Baha'i > > Liege School of the latter country in 1907, religion. His official position, as well as his > corresponding with the year 63 of the Baha'i family situation, were such as did not allow > era, and returning to his country in the same him to have any contact with the Baha'i folk, > year, after 7 years of absence. It should also owing to adverse religious feelings in Iran > be mentioned that at Colonel Piruzbakht's which threatened to put him and a number > time there were no means for one to educate of Baha'is in grave difficulties. Therefore > himself in frn such as are available now-a- religious conversations were confined to the > > days and his special efforts in such lines were Doctor and myself for several months. He > indicative of ability and love for education. was meanwhile given a number of Baha'i > After his return from Europe Dr. Piruz- books which he studied very carefully and > bakht was employed as physician in the Cos- it was not long before this holy being became > > saks* quarters. He later accompanied his a believer and he bought many volumes of > > father on a journey to Luristan and Adhir- Baha'i books which were available at that > > bayjan and after staying in those provinces time. He was so inspired and inflamed by > for some time he returned to Tihran where the Baha'i books and tablets that, disregard- > he spent the rest of his life. He attained the ing his official position and personal restraint, > rank of Captain during his services in the he expressed his enthusiastic willingness to > Cossaks* Quarters. meet the believers. The first meeting took > The writer has been in frequent contact place in the house of the late Mirza Azizollah > with this honorable Doctor since he began Vargha, one of the devoted servants of the > Gendarmerie Dept. (Road > his service in the Cause and a distinguished believer; and the > Guards Dept.) and the following is an ac- late Semandar Qazvini and Mirza 'AH Akbar > > count of my personal knowledge of the de- Rafsanjani two well-known teachers of the > ceased. Cause were present at this little reception. > During the early formation of the Gendar- In the course of the discussions he displayed > merie Dept. in Iran in the year 1914, Dr. such a spiritual zeal and depth of knowledge > Piruzbakht served as Vice-Director and later of intellectual matters that he was heartily > as Comptroller General and physician for a admired by all those present. After that > number of years and finally attained the meeting he recklessly maintained contact > rank of Major. After the dissolution of the with the Baha'i groups and individuals and > Gendarmerie Dept. in 1918, he was appointed his admirable character and faith earned him > > by the General Health Dept. as Head of the such love and endearment in the Baha'i com- > Sanitation Office at Karej, 42 kilometers munity that he was appointed, in 1919, as > from Tihran, where a quarantine was being member of the Spiritual Assembly of Tihran > maintained. In 1920, he was employed as and also as Chief of the Tarbiyat School for > Doctor to the Provincial Dept. of Finance, Boys. Dr. Piruzbakht meanwhile undertook > Public Domains and Alimentation of Tihrdn to pay the tuition for some poor pupils. > which was an important Government Dept. After his conversion, Dr. Piruzbakht kept > and he carried on this duty during the office in contact with the members of his family > of the American Advisors, Colonel Mc- attempting to convert them to the Faith. He > IN JVfEMORIAM 547 > > did convert a number of them and some of senior officers of the Army, with a large > > the rest became friendly to the Cause. Mean- crowd of Baha'is and non-Baha'is were pres - > while, notwithstanding his busy time, he ent at the funeral. They followed* the bier > managed to have talks with some of the men afoot some distance up the street and then > of high position and even with the Swedish drove their cars to the cemetery. The > Officers in the Gendarmerie, giving them funeral was carried through in > service > books and tablets to read and acquainting the most honorable manner worthy of the > them with the importance of the Baha'i position of a devoted Colonel and a learned > Cause and the great material and moral bene- Doctor. > fits which the principles of the Cause ren- A memorial service in his name was held > dered to the > country and to > of Iran at the house of the deceased for several days, > the world. The deceased, being so keen in which thousands of people > in the course of > > serving the Cause, was always chosen as came to condole with the members of his > a member of important Baha'i Com- family and to take part in the ceremony of > mittees in Tihran where he permanent- chanting prayers and reading tablets. All > ly stayed after embracing the Cause. felt as if they really had lost a dear relative > This year he was a member of both the or friend. > Teaching and the East and West Commit- Let us pray that the surviving members of > tees. his family will all follow his example in > Three Tablets from 'Abdu'1-Baha and two serving the Cause and attaining the high > letters from the Guardian, all showing his spiritual position he attained. > ideal position and conferring on him his- > torical honors, have been issued. > As was stated above, this admirable soul MIRZA MUHAMMAD KAZIM-PUR > spent his dear time in fran and abroad in Mirza Muhammad Kazim-Pur was the son > the field of education. During his hours of of Haji Muhammad Kazim-i-Shirazi, a de- > leisurefrom official duty, he held a private vout Muslim business-man, widely known > dispensary at his house which he used not for for his charitable activities, who had left > > personal interest but for serving the poor and Shiraz and settled in Yazd in the year > promoting the Cause. He paid medical visits 1236 (Persian date, ca. 1857). With > to friends and strangers, usually without re- his three brothers, Ahmad, 'Abdu'llah and > > ceiving fees. He was so kind to all classes 'Ali-Akbar, Mirza Muhammad became a > of people without distinction of faith, that Baha'i during the lifetime of Baha'u'llah, > even some of the Muslim religious authori- and like them was an active servant of the > ties, while knowing him to be a Baha'i, re- Faith. > ferred to him because of their confidence in In 1281 the people of Yazd rose against > his good faith and right conduct. Men of the Baha'is, plundered the home of 'Abdu- > various creeds often called at the Doctor's 'llah and put him to death. The remaining > dispensary and when he was through with his three brothers were spared, Muhammad and > > patients he had a friendly meeting with the 'Ali-Akbar being in Shahrud on business, and > visitors. Ahmad in 'Ishq4bad. > After a serious illness, Dr. Piruzbakht's Following the Yazd upheaval, the family > noble life ended at the age of 5 9 on Saturday of Mirzd Muhammad moved to Shahrud; > the 5th of Shahr of the Baha'i year 93 cor- some years later, Mirza Muhammad, 'Ali- > responding with January 23, 1937. num- A Akbar and their households left for 'Ishqa- > ber of his non-Bahd'i relatives insisted on bad, and during this journey, were blessed > burial in a Moslem grave, but thanks to the with a visit to 'Abdu'1-Baha in 1289. Re- > admirable courage and efforts of his daughter, turning to 'Ishq&bad, Mirza Muhammad > Miss Furughu'z-Zamdn, a graduate of mid- some years later went back to Shdhrud, > wifery from the French Faculty of Medicine where he engaged in business activities and > in Beirut, the deceased was taken to Gulastdn service to the Cause. He was so energetic in > > Javad, the Bah4'i cemetery. Hundreds of spreading the Faith that he provoked the > officers including Commanding Officers and anger of the townspeople, who, incited by > 548 THE BAHA'i WORLD > > Mirza Muhammad Kazim-Pur. > > the mujtahid Shaykh- Ahmad, rose against all DR. Y. S. TSAO > the Baha'is of Shahrud. > For four years, he and his family were sub- The sad news has reached me from Shang- > jected to daily persecution, and finally in hai that our beloved Chinese brother, Dr. Y. > 1298 a crisis was reached, when, by order of S. Tsao, died suddenly in his car on the way > the same mujtahid, a mob of some 4,000 to his home, on February 8, at 4:30 p. m. > people, armed with sticks, stones and knives, Our brother, Mr. M. H. A. Ouskouli, writes > broke into his house to kill him and his two me that Dr. Tsao had not been sick and also > sons, 'Abdu'l-Husayn Kazim-Pur-i-Amri, he asked me to write the BAHA'I MAGAZINE > and 'Abbas. They seized Muhammad and and ask if Dr. Tsao's picture could be pub- > his elder son 'Abdu'l-Husayn, and after beat- lished with a short article. > > ing them and subjecting them to extreme The work which Dr. Tsao has done for the > torture, threw them into the streets for dead. Cause of God in China is an everlasting > Mirza Muhammad and his son survived, monument. It was he who translated Essle- > were treated by two doctors for about a mont's book into Chinese. He was working > month and left for Tihran. Here Mirza on the translation of "Some Answered Ques- > Muhammad continued in his devoted services tions." About a month ago, his helper, Mr. > to the Faith. 1309 he and his wife > In Tang, died and so there was a setback and > Sakinih-Banu visited the Guardian in Haifa. now Dr. Tsao has flown to the Kingdom of > On Wednesday the 22nd of Dayman 1316 BahaVllah, as Mr. Ouskouli writes me. > (1937) he passed away suddenly at his place Dr. Tsao first heard of the Baha'i Faith > of business; he was seventy-three years of through Martha Root when he was the Presi- > age. dent of Tsing Hua College, the Boxer In- > IN MEMORIAM 549 > > Dr. Muhammad Bashir of Alexandria, Egypt. > > dcmnity College. Martha bravely went out DR. MUHAMMAD BASHIR > to the College without any previous intro- > Baha'is and non-Baha'is throughout Egypt > duction, but was received most kindly by > mourn the unexpected death on De- > still > Dr. Tsao and his wife, who is Swedish by > cember 21, 1936, of a leading pioneer and > birth, but American naturalized. After- > -philanthropist, Dr. Muhammad Bashir of > wards Dr. and Mrs. Tsao entertained us in > Alexandria, former chairman of the National > their home and invited me to speak in the > Spiritual Assembly of this country. > Auditorium of the College on the Baha'i > Son of a distinguished early believer, the > Faith to the whole student body, and a sec- > lateIbrahim Efrendi 'All, Dr. Bashir was > ond time he called a meeting for any students > born at Port Said November 30, 1891. Re- > who might be interested to meet and talk > ceiving his primary education in Port Said, > with us. > he graduated from high school in the Syrian > After eight years of service at Tsing Hua > Anglican College of Haifa and in August, > College, Peiping, Dr. and Mrs. Tsao moved to > 1909, proceeded to the United States with > Shanghai, where they have lived since, and Dr. Zia Bagdad! arriving in New York on > , > where they have formed the bond with the > September 14 of that year. In 1913 he com- > Iranian Baha'is who also live in Shanghai. > pleted his medical course at Valparaiso Col- > Dr. Tsao was educated at Yale University > lege. > and also studied at Harvard. > The following quotations are from the > May the Baha'is pray for this wonderful > diary of the late doctor: "In May, 1911, I > soul who has so suddenly left us, and also for > left for Chicago to attend the Annual Con- > his devoted wife who must now carry on > vention ... I saw a great number of friends > alone. > and had the pleasure of ac- > in attendance, > In His love and service, companying Mrs. True and a group of > Baha'is to the grounds of the Mashriqu'l- > AGNES B. ALEXANDER. > Adhkar. I had the honor of meeting 'Abd- > Tokyo, February 17, 1937. u'l-Baha on September 3, 1912, at the house > 550 THE BAHA'f WORLD > > Miss Malakat Nushugati of Port Said, Egypt. > > of Mrs. True. The Master received me with Islam, and marked a marvellous achievement > His lordly kindness and love, saying, 'Your in freeing Baha'is from its outworn dogmas. > father is a blessed father, and God willing, The passing away of Miss Malakat Nushu- > you shall be a blessed son; God willing, you gati, daughter of Mahmud Effendi Nushu- > shall be the herald of the Glad-tidings of gati, a distinguished Baha'i of Port Said, on > God/ " September the 17th, 1937, crowned the Faith > It was during that critical period of some of Baha'u'llah with a fresh triumph. En- > nine years ago, when the Baha'is resolved to couraged by the father of the deceased the > approach the Government with a view to Spiritual Assembly of Port Said resolved to > clarifying their position in Egypt, that Dr. perform, for the first time, the funeral cere- > Basjbir was chairman of the National Spirit- mony according to purely Baha'i rites. This > ual Assembly, and his courage strengthened firm resolution was met with bitter opposi- > and inspired every believer. He did much to tion on the part of Miss Nushiigati's non- > > promote the Annual Conventions and to con- Baha'i relatives. These relatives not only in- > solidate the Administrative Order. His serv- sisted that the funeral be held according to > ices to the Cause in Egypt can never be Muslim rites, but threatened the Baha'is that > forgotten. unless they yielded to their request, they > would seize the body by force and create a > public disturbance. When they saw that the > Miss MALAKAT NUSHUGAT! Baha'is remained inflexible in their resolve to > A recent event, though outwardly sad, perform a purely Baha'i ceremony, they > served to signalize the severing of one of the pleaded that at least the body should be car- > last links of the chain of ancient fetters of ried to the Mosque and there the Muslim > IN MEMORIAM 551 > > prayers be read, but the Baha'is courageously honor and extending every courtesy to the > persisted in their plan. dead. Crowds had gathered along the way to > A letter was sent by the Spiritual Assem- The body > witness this first Baha'i funeral. > > bly to the Commandant of Police, informing was then placed in a car and, followed by > him of the situation. The funeral at 4 ten automobiles, proceeded to the cemetery. > o'clock proceeded to the burial place; in the At the grave Baha'i burial tablets were > front marched a band playing suitable music chanted and as a considerable number of > and followed by the girls of the American non-Baha'is were present, it was noted with > School, dressed in white and carrying bou- what keen interest they followed the service. > quets of roses. The body was borne for The same evening Baha'is as well as large > about a half mile by loving Baha'i friends, numbers of Muslims, Christians and Jews at- > the coffin was draped in pink and decorated tended the meeting in -the Baha'i Hall and > with flowers. The police, as a result of the offered their condolences and sympathy. > much-appreciated action of the authorities, During the whole occasion only the Baha'i > joined the procession, forming a guard of tablets were chanted. > > APRIL, 1936 APRIL, 1938 > IN MEMORIAM > Death proffereth unto every confident be- Miss Elizabeth Chandler, Ithaca, New > liever the cup that is life indeed. It be- York. > stoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. Mrs. Elizabeth Hurlbut, San Francisco, > It conferreth the gift of everlasing life. California. > BAHA'U'LLAH. Miss Lillie Kendall, Aptos, California. > Mr. S. A. Roberts, Kelvin, Arizona. > Mrs. Kate Burke, Chicago. Mrs. Frances Carre, Mariposa, California. > Mrs. Carolyn Harbin, Miami Beach, Dr. Albert Johnston, Montreal, Quebec, > Florida. Canada. > Mr. Maurice Cohen, New Haven, Conn. Mrs. Evelyn Moore, Cambridge, Massa- > Mrs. E. B. Bullock, San Francisco, Cali- chusetts. > fornia. Miss Antoinette Sealts, Lima, Ohio. > Mrs. Louise Herman, Columbus, Ohio. Mr. William Z. Ralph, Portland, Oregon. > Mrs. Anna Steinmetz, Minneapolis, Minn. Miss A. R. Phipps, Oriskany, N. Y. > Dr. Edwin Karl Fisher, Los Angeles, Calif. Mrs. Cunningham, Montreal, Quebec, > Mrs. Elizabeth McGwan, Buffalo, N. Y. Canada. > Mrs. Rosa Harmon, Kenosha, Wis. Mrs. A. B. Spear, Los Angeles, Calif. > Mrs. Dora Dunbar Maule, McMinville, Mrs. Phoebe R. Nelson, Chicago, 111. > Oregon. Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wilkinson, Brookline, > Mr. Myron Potter, Cleveland, Ohio. Mass. > Mrs. Edyth Blindt Bloom, Burlington, Mr. Elmore E. Duckett, Los Angeles, Calif. > Iowa. Mr. Worsley G. Hambrough, San Diego, > Mrs. Helen Bell, Cleveland, Ohio. Calif. > Miss Helen Clevenger, New York. Mr. Claude Warren, Binghamton, N. Y. > Mrs. Gertrude Harris, New York. Mrs. Laurie C. Wilhelm, West Englewood, > Mr. Irving Johnson, Chicago. New Jersey. > Mr. Charles N. Dible, Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. Samuel Hadsell, Phoenix, Arizona. > (Not reported at the time of his passing, Mrs. Muriel Rucker, Toronto, Canada. > September, 1934.) Mrs. Mary Arch, Washington, D. C > Mrs. Gertrude Anderson, Chicago, 111. Mrs. Edward Ruppers, Phoenix, Arizona. > Mr. Jacob Schmit, St. Paul, Minn. Mrs. Daisy G. Fry, Visalia, Calif. > Miss Jessie Bush, Newark, New Jersey. Miss Avis Morris, San Francisco, Calif. > J52 THE BAHA'f WORLD > Mr. Paul K. Dealy, Fairhope, Alabama. Mr. Cecil Carmody, New York. > Mr. T. C. Gunning-Davis, Chicago, 111. Dr. Hettie West, Los Angeles, Calif. > Mr. Charles Parker', Hales Corners, Wise. Mrs. Laura L. Drum, Washington, D. C. > Mrs. Rose Henderson, Toronto, Canada. Mrs. Elizabeth Stein, Lima, Ohio. > Mrs. Mae Stone, Topeka, Kansas. Mr. J. B. Gordon Hall, Fernandina, Fla. > Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford, Toledo, Ohio. Mr. James Coe (former member of Racine > Mr. Worsley G. Hambrough, San Diego, Baha'i community). > Calif. Mrs. Mary A. Meredith, Buffalo, N. Y. > Mr. Claude Warren, Binghamton, N. Y. Mrs. Margaret Lyons, Colorado Springs, > Mr. Charles Edsall, Montclair, N. J. Col. > Mrs. Addie L. Cole, Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. Dudley J. Stevison, Chicago, 111. > Mrs. Cecile Hill, Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Gordon Hall, Fernandina, Fla. > Mrs. Mary D. Culver, Eliot, Maine. Mr. Howard Fenton, Akron, Ohio. > Mrs. E. L. Cavanee, Urbana, 111. Mrs. Andrew Fleming, Brooklyn, N. Y. > Mrs. Flora P. Stone, Urbana, 111. Mrs. Cordie C. Cline, Yuba City, Calif. > Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Augusta, Ga. Mrs. Mabel Nickerson, Chicago, 111. > Miss Harriet Williams, Boston, Mass. > Miss Mary Ruth Nitsche, Muskegon, Mich. > Some notable Iranian believers who passed > Miss Bertha L. Lackey, Worcester, Mass. > away during 1936-37. > Mrs. Carrie Timleck, Geneva, N. Y. > Mr. Lloyd C. Hawley, San Francisco, Zaynu'l-'Abidin Abrari, Yazd. > fcalif. Qabil Abadi'i, Abadih. > Miss Esther Davis, La Jolla, Calif. Muhammad-Husayn Ulfat, Tihran. > Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Beverly, Mass. Muhammad-Natiq. > Mrs. Lucy A. Northrop, Oakland, Calif. Hasan Fu'adi, Tihran. > Mrs. Abbie Campbell, Los Angeles, Calif. Mihdi-Quli Mirza Mawzun, Hamadan. > > — *In Memoriam (Used by permission of the curator)*