# Memoirs of Nora Crossley (1893-1977)

*Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-21 — 1 clipping.*

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> Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Nora Crossley, Memoirs of Nora Crossley (1893-1977), bahai-library.com.
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> 
> MEMOIRS OF NORA CROSSLEY*
> 
> 1921
> 
> I was born in 1893, in Old Trafford, Manchester. I came from a wealthy Manchester family who,
> however, completely disowned me when I ran away from home to marry my uncle's apprentice;
> a lad without a penny to bless himself with. Crazy? - but a lot of crazy things were done in the
> First World War. We thought they were all heroes, if they had been serving in France, as he had
> been.
> 
> My father was a ladies underclothing manufacturer and my mother a headmistress. It was a
> disastrous marriage. You could not have found two people more unlike, and they separated
> because they could not get on with each other. This made it very difficult for me, as I adored my
> father who was a gay, irresponsible Irishman. He was born in Kildare and his family, a military
> one, had been "on the strength" for many years. My grandfather, John Harbourne, was the
> Barrack Master at Chester Castle just before he died, and had served in the Boer War. My father
> and I were like two peas in a pod, but I could not get on with my mother, who was a strict
> disciplinarian; yet she had me educated, and did her utmost to bring me up properly. Actually,
> she did far more for me than my father, and only in recent years have I realised how much I
> really owed to her.
> 
> I was always running away to my beloved father, who immediately brought me back home
> again, but it was a very unhappy childhood. I was educated at the High School, at Chorlton-cum-
> Hardy, then the Higher Grade School at Urmston; going on to the High School in Portland Street,
> Manchester, and then across to the Technical College, where I learnt French and German. I was
> restless at home and insisted on going out to work, but as I was always in bad health (sixteen of
> my father's family had died of T.B.) I had to have a job where I would not be sacked when I kept
> staying off because of ill-health; so I was apprenticed to my uncle, the Director of Jesse Broads,
> the Printers, Manchester.
> 
> My salary was five shillings a week (and my fare to get there from Urmston each day was eight
> shillings - so, actually, I was working all day and every day, for nothing). My husband, then a lad
> of thirteen, was a book-binder's apprentice, in the same room. We just loathed each other, so
> MUCH so, that the other binders used to chaff us and call us sweethearts.
> 
> Then one day they had a works picnic. Each man had to choose a girl to take, and MY partner
> 
> *
> From the UK National Bahá'í Archives, unpublished.
> was a young man called Tom - but for some queer reason, my husband attached himself to us
> and would not leave my side. After that, each morning he would be at the station, waiting to
> escort me to work, and insisted on seeing me safely on the train at night. That was the start of an
> intensely tragic life.
> 
> My husband's mother had died, and his father had gone off years before and my husband was
> brought up by a guardian, a friend of his mother. This man, however, was as strict a
> disciplinarian as my mother was, and my husband, too, was always running away. When I first
> knew him he was living in a tiny attic, for which he paid three shillings out of the five shillings a
> week he earned. Coming from a good home, as I was, I was shocked to find him practically
> starving, and used to help him out with my pocket money.
> 
> Then, in 1914, he was conscripted and sent to France. Every day, throughout the war, he wrote
> begging me to marry him, even though his army pay was only twelve and sixpence a week. But I
> was not only sorry for him; he seemed such a waif and stray that I not only became attached to
> him, but in some queer way, felt I was responsible for him.
> 
> When he was demobbed in 1917, I was then working at the Ministry of Munitions in
> Manchester, as cashier. It was a very responsible job. I had my own office, with a staff under me.
> During the day (in which I did practically nothing) the staff made the wages up to pay the men
> out at the various munition works. Then, when the staff went home, I, with two armed escorts,
> took a car, and at each munition works I paid the day staff as they went off, and the night staff as
> they came on. I was still doing this job when my husband came home on seven days' leave. I had
> a good income (to supplement his twelve and sixpence per week) and a nice furnished flat in
> Raby Street, Manchester - and while he was on leave, we married at Saint Margaret's Church,
> Whalley Range, Manchester.
> 
> I did not see him again, until he came home for good, in 1917. The future looked quite healthy.
> As my first-born son was eighteen months old, I had had to give up my splendid job, but my
> husband was still apprenticed to my uncle, and provided nothing went wrong, had a job for life
> as a book-binder. He was very good at his trade and would eventually have been foreman at the
> work, but instead of going back to his job, he sat at home twelve months and would not move.
> He was not lazy and would work until the early hours of the morning making little books to give
> to friends, or repairing hymn books for a church, but nothing on earth would induce him to work
> for money to support his family. That was the beginning of over half a century of tragedy.
> 
> He also had a real soul for music and was a wonderful organist. He would give his services to
> any church who asked him; but again, he would not give his services for any kind of payment. I
> could not understand it, and not for many years afterwards did I realise he was a schizophrenic, a
> man with a split personality who was not responsible for the queer actions he took.
> 
> I am referring to these personal things because it was solely because of them, and not only
> because of my small gift to the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, that the Beloved Master, and Shoghi Effendi,
> took such an interest in me. Nearly all their letters to me were not about the Faith, as was usual,
> but about my husband and my family.
> 
> When I first joined the Bahá'ís I was scrubbing café floors for ten shillings a week, in order to try
> and feed my children and keep a roof of some sort over our heads. The Bahá'ís were very
> distressed at the poverty-stricken way in which we were living, and tried all ways to help; but I
> refused all help offered. It is extraordinary how proud one can be when one has NOTHING.
> 
> Only once, since 1921, have I ever accepted help from one of the friends; that was Doctor J.
> Esslemont, who insisted on installing me in a fancy-goods shop in Northendon. He was sure it
> would give me a chance to get on my feet, but unfortunately it failed as my health broke down. I
> was once more taken to hospital (as I was every year) - and all the time I was away, all the
> overhead expenses were going on, and there was no one to look after the shop for me. So that
> when I came out, I had to sell the shop in order to pay the accumulated debts. I shall never forget
> how distressed I was at having to write and tell Doctor Esslemont the project had failed, after all
> he had done to help; but all he was said, "Never mind, my dear, there is always another day." Did
> anyone ever have a truer friend?
> 
> I am often asked how I came into the Cause. This is what happened. On the morning of Tuesday,
> 24th May 1921, I reached breaking point and could not take any more; so I walked out, leaving
> my husband sat in front of the fire, with my two sons. All that day I tramped the streets, heedless
> of the pouring rain that was soaking me through, but when dusk came - I knew I would have to
> go back on account of the children. They had no one else to care for them, and I could not desert
> them; so I brought an evening paper, and boarded a tram for home. While waiting for the
> conductor to arrive, I scanned the advertisements, and a notice caught my eye. It said there was a
> lecture being given that night about the Holy Land. I had always been deeply religious, and
> vitally interested in anything to do with the Holy Land - and I thought that if only I could attend
> that lecture, before I went home, it might tend to raise my drooping spirits a little. So I got OFF
> the tram, and made my way to the Raglan Café, Mosely Street, where I found a man named
> Charles Mason Remy was going to speak. He impressed me greatly. `Abdu'l-Bahá once said,
> "His face shone with the beauty of holiness." It certainly did THAT night. When the meeting was
> over, a friend (who I found out afterwards was Edward E.T. Hall) came up to me and asked me
> how I liked the meeting? I told him I was thrilled at all I had heard, but "Who?", I asked, "is the
> `Abdu'l-Bahá the speaker kept referring to?" He laughed, and explained a little; but as the hour
> was late he suggested that I go and have tea with his wife and him the next day, when he would
> tell me more about the Cause. I went home as though walking on air, and my husband was
> astonished when he saw my face - as it was very different to what he had anticipated. The next
> day I went to the Halls' home, and that was beginning of a new era for ME. I was so full of
> enthusiasm that I went day after day, learning more and more - until I became one of the Bahá'ís.
> 
> Several important things happened at this time, and we were told that Doctor Esslemont, who
> was in London at that time, was appealing for funds to build the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in Chicago.
> All the other friends were contributing but I had no means of any kind, and was both
> embarrassed and unhappy. Then I remembered I had just ONE thing of any value - my hair.
> 
> As a girl I was known all over the North for my lovely hair. It was a beautiful auburn, and my
> mother was so proud of it that she used to brush it for an hour night and morn, until it shone like
> gold. Artists used to come from far and wide to paint me, usually sitting in meadows et cetera. It
> was so long, it almost reached the bottom of my dress, and I knew that hairdressers would offer a
> good deal for hair of my colour. It was a sacrifice, as it was the only beauty I had - but I had
> nothing else to give - so I cut it off; but I could not summon enough courage to sell it myself - so
> I just parcelled it up and sent it to Doctor Esslemont - just as it was.
> 
> It was just a simple action on my part. All I was conscious of, was to try and do something to
> please the Beloved Master; but even I never dreamt how far-reaching the effects were going to
> be. Doctor Esslemont showed the hair to the National Spiritual Assembly and Zia'u'llah
> Asgharzadih, a Persian Bahá'í, asked that the hair should be valued; then he himself would give
> one pound more than the highest offer as he wanted the hair for a special purpose. I learned
> afterwards that he intended to send it to Persia, to be woven into an ornament, which would later
> be placed in the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár itself, and preserved for all time. You can imagine how
> thrilled I was - but that was not all.
> 
> Doctor Esslemont sent a letter to Doctor Lutfu'lláh S. Hakím in Haifa, telling him about my
> gift; and Lutfu'lláh told the ladies of the Holy Household. While they were reading the letter in
> the garden, the Beloved Master came by and asked them what they were reading. Lutfu'lláh read
> the letter to Him, and He said, "I must write her at once." And standing there in the garden He
> wrote (on the palm of His hand) my first Tablet. Lutfu'lláh translated it, and sent me a copy
> signed by the Beloved Master.
> 
> Then this article appeared in the Bahá'í News, 1921:
> 
> ENGLAND The Holy Cause is spreading all over the world and the wonderful spirit of
> love and sacrifice is manifested by the friends of God. We have read with great pleasure
> the real heartfelt sympathy expressed by our dear sister, Mrs Norah Crossley of
> Manchester, in giving her beautiful hair to the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in Chicago. The
> Mashriqu'l-Adhkár that will be built, will be the greatest edifice of the solidarity of the
> whole human race; the Unity of East and West, and it will be built with the sincere
> efforts of Bahá'ís all over the world. We quote the words of our dear sister Norah
> Crossley, from her to Doctor Esslemont, dated July 6th, 1921, for the information of the
> friends.
> 
> She writes: "I am a stranger to you personally, but have recently joined the Manchester
> Bahá'ís, and have heard a great deal of you from Mr Hall. He told me about the
> Mashriqu'l-Adhkár - that you are the Collector for it in England, therefore I am sending
> you my share, small though it is. You may think mine a very strange share, but I am
> poor, and penniless, so I have cut off my hair and wish you to sell it for me.
> Hairdressers are only too anxious to obtain hair my colour, but it cost me a great deal to
> cut off, and I feel I could not possibly sell it myself. If it only does a little good, I shall
> be content. It has been a sacrifice I admit, as it was the only beauty I possessed, but it is
> nothing to what the Beloved Master has given me. He has given me a wonderful,
> boundless joy that no one can take from me. He has also chosen me for a great part in
> spreading the Cause and I am trying to make myself as worthy as possible of His trust.
> 
> At present, I am very incompetent, but He is training me in His own way. My deep
> gratitude to the other Bahá'ís, who have shown me so much sympathy, passeth all
> understanding, in my need - and I am only too anxious to do some little service for the
> Cause in return. It is only a small gift, but it is all I possess, so I hope you will be able to
> make use of it in some way, and send the proceeds to the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. If you
> ever know of ANYTHING I can do to help the Cause, I will even give my life if need
> be - for it belongs to the Beloved Master after all."
> 
> The hair was purchased by Ziá'u'lláh, a Persian Bahá'í, who offered one pound more
> than the rest. HOW VERY SIGNIFICANT THAT A SISTER IN MANCHESTER
> OFFERS HER BEAUTIFUL HAIR FOR A BAHA'I TEMPLE TO BE BUILT IN
> CHICAGO AND THE HAIR IS PURCHASED BY A BROTHER FROM PERSIA.
> Hearts throb with joy when news of such love is received. We congratulate our dear
> sister, Norah Crossley, for the wonderful confirmations of God which she receives, and
> pray to God that she may receive eternal and wonderful confirmation from the Kingdom
> of Abhá."
> 
> Then the Beloved Master wrote the beautiful Tablet to Najaf-Abád. Doctor Esslemont paid us a
> visit in the late half of August and told us that the Beloved Master had asked Shoghi Effendi,
> who was studying at Balliol College, Oxford, at the time to come to Manchester and read the
> Najaf-Abád Tablet to us. This made us all very happy. Shoghi Effendi arrived on the first day of
> the month, October. Never shall I forget the night he arrived.
> 
> Eighteen of the friends were gathered in Mr Jeff Joseph's office. For an hour we sat in silence,
> hardly daring to breathe. Then the door opened, and THERE HE WAS, in all the prime of his
> young manhood. How can one describe Shoghi Effendi? He was so full of vitality, like a piece of
> quicksilver, his face glowing with love and eagerness. And his eyes -`Abdu'l-Bahá once said
> they were like "pools of liquid light" - keen, alert, infinitely loving. Because he said he wished to
> tell them of the Master's pleasure at my gift, they placed my chair next to his. He also brought
> me gifts from the Beloved Master - a lovely Persian silk handkerchief, with a tiny photo of
> Himself lain in its folds - and the beautiful Bahá'í ring I now wear.
> 
> Shoghi Effendi gave us all the news from Haifa, and then read to us the Tablet of Najaf-Abád. I
> did not know whether I was on my head or my heels. How could all this be happening to ME?
> He also told us the beautiful story of Qurratu'l-'Ayn, the great Persian heroine, who was so foully
> murdered.
> 
> The next day we all met again in the office, and in the evening gathered at the home of Mr and
> Mrs Heald in Miles Platting. Shoghi Effendi was greatly interested in our hymn singing, and
> told us how the Master would ask Lua Getsinger to go out on the terrace of the house in Haifa, in
> the cool, fragrant night, in the clear moonlight, and sing the hymn which always pleased Him:
> "Nearer my God to Thee". Her voice, Shoghi Effendi said, "would rise and fall clear as a
> nightingale", to the joy of the Master.
> 
> Shoghi Effendi had purchased a quantity of purple grapes. At eight o'clock, twenty-three people
> had assembled, and Shoghi Effendi chanted a prayer. To understand music, was to hear Shoghi
> Effendi chant. He then said he would endeavour to give us an idea of the meetings in Haifa and
> the East, and saying this, he proceeded to divide the grapes and hand them out, nine grapes to
> each; telling us to think of our brethren in all lands as we consumed this "fruit of the vine". This
> caused much cheerfulness yet, underlying the material side of it, we knew there was a profound
> and sweet inner meaning of the "vine", fruit of life, and the new Communion. We were strangely
> moved.
> 
> He had been sitting down a little while, after distributing the grapes, when he rose again and
> showed us a small bottle of Attar of Roses. This, he told us, had been given him by `Abdu'l-
> Bahá's sister, the Greatest Holy Leaf. When she gave it to him, she expressed a wish that he
> would use it for enfragrancing an Assembly ONLY when he felt that the right spiritual
> atmosphere prevailed, when there was complete peace and harmony, and when his heart was
> moved to use it. He said that among us, he felt strongly moved to use it, and would now
> enfragrance us. He asked each of us to hold out a hand, palm upwards, and as he passed round
> the room, he placed a little of this quintessence of rose-fragrance upon it; then we each,
> following the example of Zia'u'lláh, rubbed our hands together, and stroked our palms over our
> hair and foreheads, until ourselves and the whole atmosphere was deliciously fragrant. Then he
> told us beautiful things of the great Fellowship, and tender things of the Holy places, until we
> were no longer in Manchester, but rather in the spirit of the Holy Land. We knew, then, that the
> breath of the Holy Spirit had been upon us, and that we had passed through a natural, yet
> wonderfully spiritual Confirmation Service. Our hearts rejoiced, with a joy that will never die
> out. It was on this day, too, that a supplication was penned to the Master, and signed by twentyfour people, asking Him to pray for us, that we might become more and more worthy, and
> stronger in spirit.
> 
> The Master's answer to this was the Holy Assurance of God's Love, in the Tablet to the "Beloved
> of the Lord, in the City of Manchester"; a Tablet now well known. The next day, Tuesday 4th
> October, Mr Craven caused Shoghi Effendi to be shown through the great lino-type works at
> Broadheath, the management of which was very sympathetic towards Bahá'í aims; and in the
> evening he met some friends in Mr Craven's front room in Altringham. On Wednesday, 5th
> October, all the friends gathered again in the office in Mosely Street, at about seven p.m., as
> Shoghi Effendi had requested that a photo should be taken of him, with the whole assembly.
> 
> It has always been said that Shoghi Effendi utterly disliked his photo taken, and would do
> anything to avoid it; but on this occasion it was something he ardently desired. Zia'u'lláh
> distributed silk handkerchiefs and cornelian stones among the friends, also enfragrancing them
> again with the scent from Haifa (Mount Carmel), and at eight p.m. we all strolled off to Van
> Ralty's, the Photographer in Oldham Street, who took an excellent picture of the group.
> 
> We walked back to Piccadilly, where I and other friends were to say goodbye to Shoghi Effendi.
> Can I possibly describe how I felt? Infinitely sad that he was going, yet bubbling over with
> enthusiasm because of his visit, and that I had had the privilege of accompanying him for a
> whole week, going around from one place and another. I was so wound up and exalted that after
> saying farewell and seeing him walk off with Mr Hall and Mr Joseph, I crossed Piccadilly. In the
> centre was a big statue of Queen Victoria, and obeying a sudden impulse I climbed to the top of
> the statue, and stood, holding on to Queen Victoria's shoulder. It was very dangerous. I could
> easily have fallen and broken my neck - and I would certainly have been arrested - had a
> policeman been passing; but I was not thinking about broken necks, or policemen - all I could
> think of was that a great light was going out of our city, and I remember crying out loud (though
> I was so high that no one could hear me): "Oh, why do you let him go? Cannot you understand
> WHO has been in your midst?" Somehow it did not occur to me that the milling crowd surging
> along like little ants below, had probably never even heard of Shoghi Effendi. So, one of the
> greatest weeks of my whole life came to an end.
> I was still very distressed by my domestic problems, however, and again wrote and consulted the
> Beloved Master. He had become like a Father to me, and at that time I thought it quite natural to
> consult Him before I ever did ANYTHING of any importance. Since then I have realised how
> presumptuous it was to bother Him about my personal affairs; but they WERE drastic, and all the
> letters I had from the Beloved Master, and Shoghi Effendi, were never about the Cause, as they
> were to the other friends, but always about either my husband, or my family. They were specially
> concerned about my children. Things had come to such a pass, however, that I could not stand
> the life any more, and wanted a divorce from my husband -who had no intention of ever being
> any different - but I could not take a step like this without consulting the Beloved Master.
> 
> I was already so sure of the assurance and help He would give me - so that when I received His
> second Tablet to me on 20th October, 1921, it was a complete shock. He said:
> 
> To Mrs Norah Crossley,
> 
> O' Dearly Beloved Hand-maid of the Lord,
> 
> Thou art indeed well favoured in the Kingdom of God, and in the eyes of `Abdu'l-
> Bahá, highly praiseworthy. In the path of the Holy Spirit, thou art in truth selfsacrificing, whilst thine heart and soul shine with the Light of Divine Guidance. It is
> incumbent upon thee however, to forbear with thine husband, - to do thine utmost to
> please him, and show unto him the utmost respect, that he may see how the Teachings of
> His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh have raised the husband in the sight of his wife, and how thy
> faith hath conduced to a still greater love and regard for him."
> 
> Signed, `Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas.
> 
> Revealed on Carmel, October 20th 1921. Translated by Shoghi Effendi.
> 
> On receiving this I was stunned, to say the least of it. I loved Him so much. He was my Beloved
> Father. How could He expect me to carry on, when He knew my life was such a misery, and I
> was so unhappy? And I was very ANGRY. Can any Bahá'í ever imagine being ANGRY with
> `Abdu'l-Bahá, when most people remained on their knees in His presence? But I WAS angry. I
> told myself that, after all, He was an Easterner and, as such, could never understand the problems
> of a Western woman - but it was no use. My love for the Beloved Master was far greater than
> any anger could have been; so, after giving myself time to cool down - I wrote to Him and told
> Him I would obey His wishes, even though it meant so much distress to me. Then I received my
> first letter from Shoghi Effendi, who had then gone back to Balliol, Oxford. He said:
> "To Mrs Nonie Crossley,
> 
> Let me assure you that the Bahá'í affection and admiration I have felt for you, has by
> no means diminished. On the contrary, it has blazed afresh ever since the second Tablet
> of the Master was revealed for you.
> 
> Pressure of work, and my absorption in my translation work, including "The Hidden
> Words" have intervened and hampered my correspondence with the friends.
> Nevertheless, I have been thinking of them and praying for their spiritual advancement.
> 
> The intensity, and peculiar difficulty of the test which the Master made, in His
> unfathomable wisdom (sent you), is but an indication of the noble station He is
> reserving for you, if you overly persist in your efforts to surmount the many obstacles in
> your way. Your supplication to Him, has touched me profoundly, as I remember that
> among the multitude of supplications that I have had to translate for Him, few have
> revealed so profound a sentiment of attachment, of sincerity and of Faith.
> 
> I pray earnestly for your success in overcoming the difficulties that beset you, and I
> am confident that your noble spirit of faith and love will ultimately triumph.
> 
> Yours in His Name, Shoghi.”
> 
> Two things emerged from this; first, that all the honours that were showered on me by the
> Beloved Master, were NOT solely because of my gift to the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, as most people
> think, but because I loved Him so much, I was prepared to obey Him, and carry out His wishes,
> AT ALL COST. In order to do that, I forgave my husband his many desertions, picked him off
> the streets and set him on his feet again et cetera, exactly twenty-six times; and when he finally
> died of cancer, I was at his side. A letter I have before me from Mr Hall, says: "Never again will
> Bahá'ís ask you to undertake such a terrible load for such a person. Nevertheless, as you have
> done it for our sakes, God will surely reward you, in His good and best way. Henceforth be
> absolutely in peace in your heart, for you have carried out the last extremity of the Bahá'í Law -
> AND NO ONE WILL EVER AGAIN EXPECT ANY FURTHER FROM YOU".
> 
> After Shoghi Effendi's visit things went back to normal. Then after four short weeks we received
> the dreadful news that the Beloved Master had passed away. We were stunned. We could not
> believe it. I myself was devastated. My Beloved Father, the ONLY one in whose hands I felt
> perfectly safe - had gone. Not only that, but I had been invited to go to Haifa, and as they knew I
> could not possibly have found the fares, they had offered to pay all my expenses. And I
> REFUSED the offer. Why? Because of my pride, which I felt was the only thing I had left. It is
> extraordinary how proud one can be - when one has nothing; but had I known my Beloved was
> going to be taken from me - I WOULD HAVE SWAM THERE!
> 
> Hour after hour I lay on the cold floor, too numb with misery and grief to either eat, sleep or
> even speak. It was as though we had been left with a beautiful lamp, in which the Light had gone
> out, and I could not imagine a world now, without `Abdu'l-Bahá in it. The other Bahá'ís were
> also silent. Our grief was so intense, all we wanted was to live in silence.
> 
> Then one day I received a letter from Mr Hall. I had not SEEN the Master, but he HAD and I
> knew how much he loved Him too. In his letter he said: "Do you remember the Disciples
> gathered together in the upper room after the Crucifixion? They were too stunned with grief to
> even go outside - but Mary Magdalene (to whom the Eastern Bahá'ís liken YOU!) put aside her
> own grief and went to the disciples and did all she could to cheer them, and bring them back to
> normal. AND I EXPECT YOU TO DO THE SAME."
> 
> So I rose, and went to find the friends. We heard that Shoghi Effendi was so heartbroken, that he
> had had to go out into the wilderness, feeling the necessity to be entirely alone. We all tried to
> pick up the threads, knowing that nothing would ever be the same again. Finally, we heard that
> Shoghi Effendi, in spite of intense opposition, had become the Guardian of the Bahá'í Cause.
> 
> On 7th February, 1922, we were told that Shoghi Effendi had taken up his duties as Guardian,
> and the first steps towards the wonderful organisation the Bahá'í Faith was to become, according
> to the plan laid down in the Master's Will. Mr Hall was chosen to represent the group in
> Manchester, while Doctor Esslemont would represent the Bournemouth group, so that these
> groups might work harmoniously with the London group, which had elected, in all, seven
> representatives towards the same end. These nine representatives formed the first ALL
> ENGLAND Bahá'í COUNCIL, the first meeting of which was held in London, at the home of
> Mrs Thornburgh Cropper in Westminster on 6th June 1922.
> 
> During all that year we quietly continued our meetings in Mr Joseph's office in Mosley Street,
> doing our best to promote the Cause. On Wednesday, 5th July, a special meeting was called,
> when Mr and Mrs Stanwood Cobb (from Washington, U.S.A.) arrived - en route for Haifa.
> There were twenty-seven people gathered, whom Mr Cobb addressed. These friends were the
> only visitors during all that year. Then came Avareh, at the bidding of Shoghi Effendi,
> accompanied by beloved Doctor Lutfu'lláh S. Hakím and Mrs and Mrs Zia'u'lláh Asgharzádih.
> They stayed for nine days and on the Saturday evening, 3rd March, Avareh addressed twenty
> friends, on the best method of teaching people about the Cause, also about the New Spiritual
> Springtime. On Sunday afternoon, 4th March, Avareh addressed the men's class at Dunham
> Road Unitarian School, Altringham. In the evening, he addressed the congregation of the
> Unitarian Chapel, from the pulpit, and it was great to hear Doctor Lutf'ulláh translate the
> beautiful prayer and the masterly address which the Persian teacher delivered. After this service,
> about fifty people from the congregation gathered in the schoolroom to ask questions. Avareh
> delivered convincing answers, all appertaining to the History and Principles of the Cause of
> Peace and Reconciliation. On Tuesday, 6th March, there was an interview with the Reverend
> H.H. Johnson, at his house, and Avareh carefully explained the Bahá'í principle of a World
> Council for the purpose of preserving peace in the world. Mr Johnson was deeply interested.
> 
> On Wednesday, 7th March, Avareh addressed another meeting at Mr Hall's house, thirty-two
> friends being present. He spoke eloquently of the life of Quarratu'l Ayn, the beautiful Persian
> poetess, who became a martyr to the Bahá'í Cause. He showed how all creation is built up by the
> wonderful power of Love, and how, if Love were withdrawn, creation would collapse. It was that
> love which glorified Christ and Bahá'u'lláh. Lutfu'lláh's translation was splendid, never pausing
> once for a word. On Friday, 9th March, the visitors were taken through the linotype works at
> Broadheath, and took lunch with two Superintendents. On Saturday, 10th March, he addressed
> another meeting at Mr Hall's, concluding his story of Quarratu'l Ayn, and her martyrdom. The
> twenty-five people present marvelled at the courage of that noble pioneer of womens'
> emancipation in the East. It was at this meeting that Avareh suggested a Council of five Bahá'ís
> should be elected as early as possible, to conduct the Movement in Manchester.
> 
> On Sunday, 11th March, Avareh addressed fifty people at the Gorton Adults School, in the
> afternoon; and in the evening he addressed about three hundred people in Cross Street Chapel, in
> the very heart of Manchester. His words rang out clearly, "The Light has come; and that Light is
> Bahá'u'lláh".
> 
> On 24th March, twelve days after the departure of jenabi Avareh, Doctor Lutfu'lláh and the other
> friends, the group elected a group of five members. But for various reasons, we thought it best to
> consult Avareh, and after some correspondence, he came again from London to assist us with his
> advice. To our joy Lutfu'lláh again accompanied him, and in the evening of Good Friday, March
> 30th, the friends assembled at Mr Hall's, and under the kindly eyes of Avareh and Lutf'ulláh, our
> first local Council of nine Members was formed; Mr Joseph being Chairman, Mr Heald Vice-
> Chairman, Mr Hall - Secretary, Mr Craven - Treasurer; the other members being Mrs
> Sugar, Mrs Crossley, Mr Chessell, Mr Ibrahim Joseph and Mr H Jarvis. Such was the
> general history of the formation of the Council, fulfilling the request of our beloved Shoghi
> Effendi. Later, Mr Hall was chosen as Secretary for Haifa, London and America and Mrs Norah
> Crossley chosen as Secretary for Bombay, Karachi and Tehran.
> 
> One thing we found never failed to impress people, and that was that neither `Abdu'l-Bahá, or
> His Father, Bahá'u'lláh, were ever taught the learning of men, yet scientific men from different
> parts of the world went to question `Abdu'l-Bahá about various matters. Learned men, priests of
> the different systems, and even those in authority, went to consult Him, and they all regarded
> Him as their Friend and Adviser.
> 
> Zia'u'lláh Asgharzádih, about this time, sent me the photo taken with the friends, with Shoghi
> Effendi in our midst, and on one corner he had written an inscription in Arabic which, translated,
> said:
> 
> "To Mrs Norah Crossley,
> 
> O Bahá'í Sister, Blessed are you that His Holiness `Abdu'l-Bahá calleth you His
> "Daughter of the Kingdom". This is a great favour from the Master, I present to you this
> photograph as a remembrance. (October 1921)
> 
> One other thing I shall always remember, one day when Shoghi Effendi, during his visit, turned
> to me and said, "Your name is Norah, and you were born on June 7th, 1893, in the month of Nur,
> which means Light".
> 
> I never saw Shoghi Effendi again, but he became my dearest of brothers, always signing himself
> "Your true Brother", in his letters to me; but one could never forget him. He was so alert, always
> dashing about, like a piece of quicksilver, always busy for his Cause. His voice, while vibrant
> and eager, was reassuring, his manners perfect, and his features beautiful, especially his eyes,
> which, as `Abdu'l-Bahá had said, were like pools of clear water. He was also as one, having full
> control of himself, was able to control others. He commanded respect wherever he went, and his
> words and thoughts were tender and vibrant. He never had to raise his voice to emphasise
> anything, but was always clear and lucid. Life to me has been very tragic, but two things have
> made it worthwhile; first, that I had the great privilege of serving the Beloved Master, IN HIS
> DAY, and secondly, that I had held the hand of Shoghi Effendi, and received his commendation.
> 
> After such vital happenings, all should have gone well and smoothly. I had the affection of the
> friends, and the privilege of serving them - but it was not long before a serpent entered my
> Garden of Eden. One of the friends, an old Bahá'í, became very jealous of all the fuss, as he
> called it, that had been made of me. I could quite understand his attitude. He had been a Bahá'í
> for many years, had met `Abdu'l-Bahá, and served the Cause - yet during all that time, he had
> never been honoured as I was. Then an unknown woman, from one of the worst slums in
> Manchester, suddenly arrives on the horizon and immediately she is commended everywhere,
> even receiving TWO Tablets from the Beloved Master, within two months. One could
> understand, but the time came when the jealousy became gross and vindictive, and he did
> everything possible to drive me out. Then when Mr Hall discovered what was happening and
> tried to defend me, he threatened him also. Even this, we might have been able to counter, but we
> were afraid his vindictiveness might reach to the Group itself. One of the chief things which had
> attracted me to the Group in the first place, was the love and harmony and peace which prevailed
> among the group. My domestic life being in turmoil, this peace and harmony was something
> vital to me. Again, the friends had gone out of their way to show me every kindness within their
> power. How then, could I stand by and see that harmony destroyed by insane jealousy, caused by
> ME, of all people? Try as I could, I could only see ONE way out; that was to remove the bone of
> contention - namely myself. So, although they meant everything in the world to me - and I had
> NOTHING else to console me - I disappeared, leaving no trace - as I knew that if the friends
> knew where I had gone, they would never have rested until I was back among them again. I
> consulted Shoghi Effendi (the only one who knew where I had gone, and with whom I remained
> in touch during the whole long exile), but although he was very sad at the turn of events - even
> he could find no solution.
> 
> So, for forty long years, I went out into the wilderness, rather than bring the slightest discord to
> the Group I loved so well. I had, however, always served God in some capacity, even in the
> worst of times - so I decided to find a church that was as near to the Bahá'í principles as I could
> get. I found a Universal Church in London, which catered for all religions, all creeds, all races -
> and more or less held much the same principles as the Bahá'ís themselves. First, I went in the
> Choir -then was elected a Deaconess and, finally, was ordained as a Free Church Minister. This
> meant that I was sent out preaching all over the country - but wherever I went, instead of
> preaching Christianity, I spoke ALWAYS of the Beloved Master, and the Bahá'í Cause. Our
> Archbishop (now passed away) did not prevent me, as he too was interested in the
> 
> Cause, but because of his position, would never become a Bahá'í. Everywhere I went, I was
> always known as a Bahá'í-Christian (as were Mr Hall, Doctor Esslemont and other early
> Bahá'ís).
> 
> Although I missed the friends so much and, at times, found the agony of separation almost
> intolerable, I was fairly happy in the Church. It was a Faith-healing Church - and people used to
> flock in all day long for healing, even bringing their pets to be cured. Lady Munnings, wife of Sir
> Albert Munnings, the artist, used to bring her famous poodle Black Knight to me, about once a
> fortnight, for healing. Frankly, I never found much wrong with him - but I seemed to soothe him,
> which pleased Lady Munnings very much.
> 
> I tended the altars, took services - and assisted generally in the Church work. I left home at 6.00
> a.m. and did not return until the midnight train each day - but it was at least some consolation for
> all I had lost. Then one day I was watching television, when I saw the Centenary of the Cause
> (1963) - and the friends coming from all over the world to the event - but the tears flowed faster
> still when they showed the Shrine of Shoghi Effendi. I had not been in touch with Shoghi Effendi
> for some time, as I did not feel I should burden him with MY troubles - when he had so many of
> his own. Also, I knew I could always contact him at any time, should the need arise - and would
> receive the same love and friendship he had always afforded me. But I could not believe he had
> passed away - and in ENGLAND too. Had I known he was here, it is just possible, I MIGHT
> have made some effort to see him. Naturally I was anxious to know why he had passed away in
> OUR country - but I still could not bring myself to contact the Bahá'íS - in case the whole trouble
> was reaped up again.
> 
> So more months passed, then my companion (Leonora Miller), who has lived with me and cared
> for me for thirty-eight years, came home one day and said: "There is something in the `Southend
> Standard' that will interest you." It said there was a meeting of Bahá'ís in Southend the following
> week. I was too ill to go myself, but asked my companion to go in my place, as I had not known
> there were any Bahá'ís in Southend. The meeting was addressed by Meherangiz Munsiff, and
> my companion came home full of excitement. It was the first time she had met a Bahá'í, with the
> exception of myself. It was to prove a memorable meeting, for I also learned that the man who
> had caused all the trouble, all those years ago, had also passed away - and at long last, I was free
> to join the friends again - which I did - as fast as my legs could carry me. I thought that this
> generation of friends would look dubiously at me, after hearing I had been out of their midst all
> those years - but everywhere I have gone I have had a great welcome, and receive all the love
> and affection I received in the old days. It seems there are hardly any of the friends left who can
> tell them of all the happenings of the early days - and as one young girl said, it was the first time
> she had ever heard anything of the Cause FIRST-HAND, from someone who had BEEN there,
> and taken part in the events that had been so vital.
> 
> Today, June 7th, 1976, I am eighty-three. I thought, owing to continued ill-health, my usefulness
> was over - but I seem to be as much in demand as I ever was. Added to which, time has brought
> maturity and deepened my faith in the Faith - and throughout the long years of loneliness and
> trial - the Beloved Master has never left me. He promised, that when he passed away, He would
> always help and guide me, from the Other side of life - as He had always done in this - and He
> has never failed me.
> 
> My one hope now, is that I shall never fail HIM.
> 
> Yours in His Love,
> 
> (Nonie Crossley)
> 
> P.S. In spite of all my ill-health, and the fact that I was given only six months to live, TWO
> YEARS AGO, I am still writing and typing twelve hours a day for the Cause and World Peace -
> and do not believe I shall be called until my work is done (if it ever IS).
> 
> On the desk in front of me, I have the following text - taken from 1 Chronicles 28 - Verse 20. It
> says - "HE WILL NOT FAIL THEE - until thou hast finished the work". On that promise - I
> rely.
> The Anchorage
> 276 Rayleigh Road
> Eastwood
> Essex SS9 5XN
> June 4th 1977
> 
> Allah'u'Abhá - Dear Bahá'í Friends,
> 
> Thanks for one of the nicest letters I have ever received in my life. I shall always keep it along
> with all my other Bahá'í Treasures. It is all the more incredible, owing to my having had to ask
> for the loan back, owing to such distressing circumstances. I shall never forget your quick
> response when I needed help. My trouble has always been because my Social position never
> fitted in with my financial position. NONE of the Bahá'ís (apart from the early Bahá'ís in
> Manchester) have ever had the faintest idea of the poverty existence I have led for over half a
> century. Whenever I have been asked to go anywhere, I have received the warmest of welcomes,
> feted, put up in the best hotels, cars at my disposal every day etc. -but None of them ever realised
> my financial position. This was due to the fact that when my husband, a Schizophrenic, died, he
> had wandered around the country for 40 years living like a hobo. Therefore he did not have the
> right amount of stamps on his cards - and all the pension offered me was 14 shillings a week. I
> was very bitter about it - and thought it a very poor reward for fighting and struggling for half a
> century, striving to bring 5 children up, and keeping a roof over their heads, and also my husband
> (the 26 times he was back home). I have been fighting this for years - and have gradually got it
> up to £10 a week, which is all I will get for the rest of my life. I have no other income of any
> kind - and was forced to apply for Social Security.
> 
> It was because the Beloved Master KNEW of my struggles - that He took such an interest in us -
> and NOT solely on account of my little gift to the Mashrek, as people think. What I now receive
> is not enough to keep the home going - and I have to keep selling things - so that when I get
> months in bed, there are endless extra expenses. I deeply regretted having to ask for the loan
> back but I had no alternative. I am sure you will understand.
> 
> Re. my Social position - I have always been at the TOP. The last place I went to was Eastbourne,
> where we have so many friends. I had been very ill, and the Drs said I MUST have a change. The
> very day we arrived, Mrs Azizi and other friends came round to try and persuade me to go to the
> meeting - but I was not well enough. Then Mrs Azizi begged me to promise to have a CUP OF
> TEA with her, at her own house on the Sat. I agreed, for Leo, my companion's sake. They
> brought the car for us - and we were taken to one of the most magnificent houses I have ever
> been in. Even the loo seat was pure white marble. After we had been shown all the lovely things
> in a vast room, I was taken to the dining room - to DINE with the family (NO CUP OF TEA). It
> seems they had asked Leo what I would like to eat - and she said "a piece of chicken" - but they
> dumped a whole chicken on my plate, along with some Persian food - which of course I could
> not touch. Then we were taken back to the vast room where, to our surprise, we found at least 39
> friends, apart from the youngsters, sat around. I thought we were going to listen to an interesting
> evening. Abbas Mehrnoosh took charge of the meeting, and sat opposite to me, on the other side
> of the room - but he was too far away for me to hear what he was saying. Then Leo, who was sat
> next to me, gave me a nudge, and said "They are waiting for you to begin." "Begin WHAT?" I
> gasped. It seemed they had brought friends from far and wide to hear me tell them about the
> early days in Manchester. I was stunned. I had nothing prepared, was ill, and could not remember
> anything. I closed my eyes and sent up a desperate prayer for help to Bahá'u'lláh and the Beloved
> Master. Then a wonderful sense of peace and calm came over me. I opened my eyes, smiled
> round at everyone, pulled my chair forward, and BEGAN. And never in my life did I speak so
> well. The friends made a great fuss of me, and I was still sat there at midnight, signing
> autographs. One lady said "She looks like Elizabeth Taylor, signing her autographs."! Then a tall
> Persian stood near, said: "The name of Nonie Crossley will be remembered long after Elizabeth
> Taylor is forgotten". I cannot tell you how I felt. It was the nicest tribute I had ever had. Then
> Abbas Mehrnoosh got the car out and drove us all the way back to our hotel, in the early hours of
> the morning. I have received the same kind of welcome at Croydon and other friends who have
> wanted us - but NONE knew my financial position. I often wonder if I shall ever see them again?
> I have been so ill, I nearly lost my life several times - but I STILL believe I shall be spared to
> finish my work (if one ever does finish).
> 
> But to return to the loan. There are no other Bahá'ís down here, except Leo and myself, and I am
> in a dilemma. I WON the £100 in a competition, and should have reported it at once to the Social
> Security, but I kept looking at the cheque and remembering how interested I had always been in
> the Publishing Trust, so I banged the cheque off to YOU instead, but HOW can I get the return
> of income tax? Of course I do not pay income tax, and if I approach the Social Security NOW, I
> might not only find myself in trouble for not telling them in the first place, but there would be
> endless officials coming round, asking all kind of questions, who have probably never even
> heard of the Bahá'ís, and I am still far too ill to go through all that. So I can see no alternative,
> but to lose the £7 odd that was deducted for income tax. I knew it was wrong of me not to tell
> them at first, but I much preferred the Publishing Trust to benefit - rather than the Social
> Security.
> 
> The only other one at home now is my son Ralph (59). He is divorced from his wife, and came
> home to look after me when my husband died 15 years ago. He adores me - and will never leave
> me - but he is a disabled person, having injured his leg playing football. He had to have the
> cartilage taken out - and has had terribly ulcerated legs ever since. He can only work as a Gents
> Hairdresser (his trade for 38 years) in a tiny shop, just his boss and himself - but he only gets £12
> a week, and out of that he has all his insurances, expensive bus rides to and from work each day,
> and also maintenance to pay his wife - so he cannot help me in any way.
> 
> You will know by now that I managed to get the MEMOIRS finished, and sent off - and sent a
> brief copy to our N.S.A. I would like you to keep the enclosed copy for yourselves - so that you
> could refer to it any time you needed anything.
> 
> I can only say once more, God Bless you both for your love, sympathy and understanding. I pray
> night and day for your welfare and happiness.
> 
> Yours in His love,
> 
> (signed) Nonie Crossley
> 
> -------------------------
> 
> Two of my other children died & the other 2 are no longer interested in the home now they are
> able to stand on their own feet! They have not been near us for years even when they were told I
> had gone stone blind for 2 years! My youngest daughter Rose (40) is Assistant Sec to the Lord
> Chief Justice in the High Court - but we never hear from her now.
> 
> -------------------------
> 
> Norah Crossley passed away on 20th November 1977 (aged 84) from abdominal cancer.
> TABLETS OF `ABDU'L-BAHA
> 
> 1. TABLET TO CROSSLEY          *
> 
> 62. O my well-beloved daughter of the Kingdom! The letter thou hadst written to Dr. Esslemont
> was forwarded by him to the Land of Desire [The Holy Land]. I read it all through with the
> greatest attention. On the one hand, I was deeply touched, for thou hadst sheared off those fair
> tresses of thine with the shears of detachment from this world and of self-sacrifice in the path of
> the Kingdom of God. And on the other, I was greatly pleased, for that dearly-beloved daughter
> hath evinced so great a spirit of self-sacrifice as to offer up so precious a part of her body in the
> pathway of the Cause of God. Hadst thou sought my opinion, I would in no wise have consented
> that thou wouldst shear off even a single thread of thy comely and wavy locks; nay, I myself
> would have contributed in thy name for the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. This deed of thine is, however,
> an eloquent testimony to thy noble spirit of self-sacrifice. Thou hast, verily, sacrificed thy life
> and great will be the spiritual results thou shalt obtain. Rest thou confident that day by day thou
> shalt progress and wax greater in firmness and in constancy. The bounties of Baha'u'llah shall
> compass thee about and the joyful tidings from on high shall time and again be imparted unto
> thee. And though it be thine hair that thou hast sacrificed, yet thou shalt be filled with the Spirit,
> and though it be this perishable member of thy body which thou hast laid down in the path of
> God, yet thou shalt find the Divine Gift, shalt behold the Celestial Beauty, obtain imperishable
> glory and attain unto everlasting life.
> 
> 2. TABLET MENTIONING CROSSLEY †
> 
> 63. O ye blessed souls!‡ The letter ye had written to Rahmatu'lláh hath been perused. Many and
> various were the joyful tidings it conveyed, namely, that through the power of faith and
> constancy in the Covenant, numerous gatherings have been convened, and the loved ones are
> everywhere astir and active.
> 
> `Abdu'l-Bahá's ardent desire hath ever been that the soil of that hallowed spot, which in the
> 
> *
> See https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/SAB/sab-63.html
> †
> See https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/SAB/sab-64.html and https://www.bahaiblog.net/2021/06/atribute-to-nora-crossley
> ‡
> The Bahá'ís of Najaf-Abad.
> earliest days of the Cause hath been refreshed and made verdant with the spring showers of
> grace, may so bloom and blossom as to fill every heart with joy.
> 
> Praised be the Lord, the Cause of God hath been proclaimed and promoted throughout the East
> and the West in such wise that no mind had ever conceived that the sweet savours of the Lord
> would so rapidly perfume all regions. This, verily, is only through the consummate bounties of
> the ever-blessed Beauty, Whose grace and Whose triumphing power are time and again
> abundantly received.
> 
> One of the wondrous events that has of late come to pass is this, that the edifice of the
> Mashriqu'l-Adhkár is being raised in the very heart of the American continent, and numerous
> souls from the surrounding regions are contributing for the erection of this holy Temple. Among
> these is a highly esteemed lady of the city of Manchester, who hath been moved to offer her
> share.
> 
> Having no portion of goods and earthly riches, she sheared off with her own hands the fine, long
> and precious tresses that adorned her head so gracefully, and offered them for sale, that the price
> thereof might promote the cause of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár.
> 
> Consider ye, that though in the eyes of women nothing is more precious than rich and flowing
> locks, yet notwithstanding this, that highly-honoured lady hath evinced so rare and beautiful a
> spirit of self-sacrifice.
> 
> And though this was uncalled for, and `Abdu'l-Bahá would not have consented to such a deed,
> yet as it doth reveal so high and noble a spirit of devotion, He was deeply touched thereby.
> Precious though the hair be in the sight of western women, nay, more precious than life itself, yet
> she offered it up as a sacrifice for the cause of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár.
> 
> It is related that once in the days of the Apostle of God * He signified His desire that an army
> should advance in a certain direction, and leave was granted unto the faithful to raise
> contributions for the holy war. Among many was one man who gave a thousand camels, each
> laden with corn, another who gave half his substance, and still another who offered all that he
> had. But a woman stricken in years, whose sole possession was a handful of dates, came to the
> Apostle and laid at His feet her humble contribution. Thereupon the Prophet of God - may my
> life be offered up as a sacrifice unto Him - bade that this handful of dates be placed over and
> above all the contributions that had been gathered, thus asserting the merit and superiority
> thereof over all the rest. This was done because that elderly woman had no other earthly
> possessions but these.
> 
> *
> Muhammad.
> And in like manner this esteemed lady had nothing else to contribute but her precious locks, and
> these she gloriously sacrificed in the cause of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár.
> 
> Nay, this is but a lesson unto them that perceive.
> 
> In conclusion I am greatly pleased with the loved ones in Najaf-Abád for, from the very early
> dawn of the Cause unto this day they have one and all under all conditions evinced a great spirit
> of self-sacrifice.
> 
> Zaynu'l-Muqarrabín hath throughout his lifetime prayed with all the sincerity of his stainless soul
> on behalf of the believers in Najaf-Abád and implored for them the grace of God and His divine
> confirmation.
> 
> The Lord be praised that the prayers of this gracious soul have been answered, for the effects
> thereof are everywhere manifest.
>
> — *Memoirs of Nora Crossley (1893-1977) (Used by permission of the curator)*