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WINDOWSTOTHEPAST
byGraceL.Shahrokh
In this series of Windows to thePast,letusopenthisoneto
theWest,and seehowsomespirituallydistinguishedsoulscaught
thelightof theearliestraysoftherisingsunofBaha'u'llah's
revelationcomingfromtheEast.
Regrettably,becauseoflimitedtimeonaudiotape,thispresentation
can tell you brief storiesof only a fewbelievers. Many other
outstanding teachers and Hands of the Cause deserve to be
remembered. Highlights of their lives can be found in volumes
of TheBaha'i World, an internationalrecord or inbiographies.
The following brief accounts are likegazing ata smallportion
ofthebrilliantgalaxyofimmortalheroinesandheroeswhodevoted
their energies, talents, their very lives to the Faith of
Baha'u'llah. May the examples of devotion these souls bequeath
to us inspireusto loveand livetheFaithwithallthefervor
ofourhearts.
THORNTONCHASE
Whatadistinction! HeisknownasthefirstintheWesternworld
to embracetheCauseof Baha'u'llah, thefirstAmericanbeliever.
Abdu'l-Baha calledhimSabet,meaningSteadfast.Mr.Chaseattended
classes given by Ibrahim Kheiralla inChicagoin 1894and 1895.
While there were four others at the same timewho professed to
believeinBaha'u'llah,theydidnotremaincommittedtothatbelief
asMr. Chase did. Hissteadfastness earnedhimthedistinction
ofbeingthefirstBaha'iinAmerica. Kheiralla'srefusaltoaccept
Abdu'l-Baha asthesoleauthorized head of theBaha'i Faithled
toacrisisattheturnofthecentury.
Some became disheartened by the rebellion of Kheiralla against
Abdu'l-Baha, but not Thornton Chase. Such were his qualities
of heart and mind that nothing could remove his devotion to
Abdu'l-Baha astheoneappointedby Baha'u'llah tobethesingular
leaderoftheBaha'i Faith.
Mr. Chasewasaveryarticulateman,bothinspeakingandwriting.
In 1911hewroteanineteenversepoem entitled ElAbha,anode
to the mysteriousspiritualpowersof Abdu'l-Baha, which canbe
foundinStaroftheWestmagazine,volumethree,number12.
Mr. Chase made a pilgrimage in April, 1907,to the Shrineof
Baha'u'llah andattainedthepresenceof Abdu'l-Baha whowasthen
a prisoner of the Turkish Empire. Undoubtedly this was the
greatest event of his life. He wrote of his experiences there
in a booklet called In Galilee. One quote from it,referring
to Abdu'l-Baha "...aseachhungry pilgrimcomestothatprison
house,that banquet hallof heavenly gifts,he takeshim inhis
armsanddrawshimtohisbreastwithsuchsincerityandenthusiasm
of lovethat the petty cares...of theworld vanish away,andone
isatpeaceandinhappinessbecausehehasreachedhomeandfound
lovethere." (SomeEarlyBaha'is,p.6)
Interestingly,thebirthdayofThorntonChaseisFebruary22,1847,
which 115 years earlier, was the birthday of President George
Washington. HisfamilyinSpringfield,MassachussettswasNorthern
Baptist,andhewasgiventhebesteducationpossible. Hisearliest
time of manhood foundhimservingontheNorthernforcesof the
Civil War, becoming a captain. Mr. Chase loved music, had a
magnificentsingingvoice,andwasastudentofreligiousthought,
searching for a cause thatwould embody The Day of God. Great
expectationof the return of Christ swept the westernworld in
the1840's. Thereligiousfervormusthavemadeadeepimpression
on the young Thornton Chase. For some time beforeheheard of
the Baha'i Faith,he was a follower of the noble and mystical
teachingsofErnanuelSwedenborg. (SomeEarlyBaha'is,p.3)
Mr. Chasewasworking asaninsurancesalesman,basedinChicago,
when a friend told him what he had learned of Baha'u'llah and
Abdu'l-Baha fromIbrahimKheiralla,aSyrianbelieverwhoemigrated
to theUnited States, notprimarilyasaBaha'i teacher,butfor
businessventures. (TheBaha'iFaithinAmericap. 26,30)
Eversearching,Mr. ChaseenteredtheclassesofferedbyKheiralla.
However, Kheiralla mixed his own imaginings and doubts about
Abdu'l-BahaintohispresentationsontheBaha'iFaith.
To counter the effects of this, Abdu'l-Baha, in 1900and 1901,
sentteacherstoAmericawhowere completelyloyaltotheCenter
of theCovenantandwell-informedontheteachingsofBaha'u'llah.
TheywereMirzaAbu'l-Fad1 andMirzaAsad'u'llah. Mr.Chasewrote,
11
With theseteacherscamethefirstopportunityforacorrectand
intimate knowledge of the true Baha'i teachings...rather than
psychic and occult experiments...Many personswho had conceived
views imbued with imaginationsand superstitions fellaway from
the Cause, but those who remained discovered such spiritual
light,...andpowerintheteachings,thattheyweredeeplyconfirmed
intheirbelief,and clungtoit..." Thisisfromashortpaper
entitled 'A BriefHistoryoftheAmericanDevelopmentoftheBaha'i
Movement,' printed in Star of the West, Volume V, number 17.
It is fascinating to observe that notwithstanding Mr. Chase's
obvious position as one of the greatest pillars of the Baha'i
CommunityinAmerica,inthispaperhemakesnoreferencetohimself
whatsoever. Whatanexampleofself-effacementandhumility!
Mr. Chase's businesscareerinvolved agreatdealof travel. In
eachcityhe visited,hewouldintroducetheFaithtomanypeople
and spend a good deal of time teaching seriously interested
individuals. The insurance company heworked fortransferredhim
toLosAngeles,California,by oneaccountabouttwoyearsbefore
hepassed away. (StaroftheWest,Vol111,#12) Itisreported
thatthecompanydecidedtodothisinthehopethat,onceremoved
fromthecenterofBaha'i activityinChicago,hewouldspendmore
time working and less time on theFaith. Itdid not turn out
thatway. InCalifornia,hebecameaclosefriend ofJohnDavid
Bosch,whosestorywillalsobetoldlateron.
ThorntonChasewasavery tallandhandsomefigurewhosesecurity
andjoyintheFaithcamethroughhispersonality. Itiswritten
thatasecretaryinanofficewhichhevisitedfromtimetotime,
spokeinlateryearsoftheelectrifyingpresenceofThorntonChase.
She recalled that whenever he came into the room,people felt
elated;joy wafted in with him;hisfaceradiatedlight. (Some
EarlyBaha'isoftheWest,p. 8)
Otherswroteofhimthatheinspiredloveandtrust,thatonenever
heard a word of condemnationorcriticismfromhim,thathewas
a man of great loving character,with aheart thatdrewtohim
warm friendsand a lovewhich seemed toreachout,surround and
envelop you. (Star of the West Vol. 3,#12) He wrote many
pamphlets to help in teaching the Baha'i Faith and abook,The
Baha'i Revelation,which filleda greatneed atthattimefora
clearlywrittenexpositionoftheteachings.
1912 was the exciting year of Abdu'l-Baha's journey through
America. The Baha'is in Californiawereeagerlyanticipatingthe
arrivalof Abdu'l-Baha inOctober. InSeptemberMr.Chasesuffered
anillnessandnever recovered.
Abdu'1-Baha traveled to Los Angeles and visited his grave in
InglewoodCemetery. Standingattheheadofthegrave,Heturned
towardstheEast,raisedHishandstoheavenandchantedaprayer,
then spoke in praise ofMr. Chase,saying,"Thisisapersonage
whowillnotbeforgotten.Forthepresenthisworthisnotknown,
but inthefutureitwillbe inestimablydear. Hissunwillbe
evershining,hisstarwilleverbestowthelight."
At alatermeeting,theMaster said,"Asmany timesaspossible,
atleastonceayear,youshouldmakeitapointtovisithistomb,
for his spirit will be exhilarated through the loyalty of the
friends,and intheworld of God willitbe happy. Thefriends
ofGodmustbekindtooneanother,whetheritbeinlifeorafter
death...I lovedMr. Chasevery much indeed. Hisheartwaspure.
He had no other aim except serviceto the Cause...The Blessed
Perfection has invited him to HisKingdom. At thisvery moment
heissubmergedintheSeaofHisBounty."
JOHNDAVIDBOSCH
Many of ushaveheard of and,possibly,traveled toBoschBaha'i
School,now locatedintheredwood-forested hillsnorthof Santa
Cruz, California. Do we know it had its beginnings in another
location asagiftof land in1927froma very generouscouple,
JohnDavidBoschandhiswifeLouise?
JohnDavid BoschwasborninSwitzerlandin1855. Hisfamilywas
very religiousfollowersof aProtestantfaith. Healsoknewthe
teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg,a Swedish mystic of the 18th
century. Inhisteens,he lefthomeand went toGermany,France
and Spain to study wine-making. When 24years old,he cameto
America,firsttoNebraskawhereheworkedonrailroadconstruction,
then in Oklahomaasacowboy. Theserugged occupationspossibly
gavehimincentivetofindaplacewherehecouldusehiseducation
as a wine-maker, which he did as superintendent ofawinery in
California. His career was extremely successfuland heacquired
much land inthreeCaliforniacounties. Butmaterialsuccessdid
notdeterhimfromhisspiritualquest.
In 1905as John was traveling by train,hehappened tomeet an
acquaintance who was reading a book called Abbas Effendi,His
Life and Teachings. (This refers to Abdu'l-Baha, whose given
name was Abbas.) Justthink,insuchamoment,hislifework,
which seemed so settled and satisfying,was about to be turned
toanothercourse. Hewanted togetacopy of thebookandthe
friend referred him to contact Mrs. Helen Goodall of Oakland.
He attended meetings at her home which were not totally tohis
tasteashewastheonlymaninagroupofthirtytofortywomen,
inateapartysortofsetting. Yettheirfocusontheteachings
of Baha'u'llah kept him attending,and that same year he wrote
to Abdu'l-Baha requestingacceptanceasabeliever.
Before long came a great test of faith, of detachment, and
obedience. In 1910 he received a tablet from Abdu'l-Baha,
"AccordingtothetextsoftheBookofAqdas,bothlightandstrong
drinksareprohibited...Ihopethoumayestbecomeexhilaratedwith
the wine of the love of God...The after-effect of drinking is
depression,but thewineof the loveofGod bestowethexaltation
ofthespirit." (WorldOrder,Fall1971,p. 36) Hedivested
himself of his positionsinthewine-makingbusinessinobedience
to the teachings he loved. What bounties would eventually be
showered upon him by Abdu'l-Baha for giving up a business that
he no doubt enjoyed and was a recognized expert, being the
supervisoroffourwineries.
WhenJohnheardthat Abdu'l-Baha wouldsoonbearrivinginAmerica,
he simply could not wait for the possibility that Abdu'l-Baha
might be able to come to California. Sohe tooka trainbound
fortheEastandarrivedatthehotelinNewYorkwheretheMaster
was staying. Of his first moments in Abdu'l-Baha's majestic
presence,Johnreminisced,"Iwentasabusinessman. Ihadsome
questions to ask. When IsawHim Iforgoteverything..." Then
Abdu'l-Baha toldJohnallthethingsheplannedtoask.
He said to Abdu'l-Baha, "Oh,Abdu'l-Baha, Icamethreethousand
miles to see you." Abdu'l-Baha responded with hearty laughter
andsaid,"Icameeightthousandmilestoseeyou!"
An unexpected privilege soon came to John. Abdu'l-Baha said to
him, "You are one of the family, ...come...anytime youwant to."
A tour ofNewYork by carwasplannedfor Abdu'l-Baha, whomade
Johnsitnext tohim. Assoonasthedrivestarted,Johnrelates
that Abdu'l-Baha sighed deeply,put Hishead onJohn's shoulder,
close,likeachild,andwenttosleep.
Canyouimaginetheblessed head of Abdu'l-Baha restingonyour
shoulder,thetouchofHispurewhitesilkyhair,andthefragrance
ofholinessarisingtosurroundyou? NowonderJohnwasenthralled
and entranced. Abdu'l-Baha gave John the name Nurani,meaning
filledwith light. He followedtheMastereverywhere for about
three weeks and then returned to California. He petitioned
Abdu'l-Baha toextendhistriptoCaliforniaand itwasaccepted.
John must have been overjoyed when Thornton Chase moved to
California. They becameclosefriends,but sadly,Mr. Chase,who
waseight yearsolderthanJohn,passed away suddenlyafewdays
before Abdu'l-Baha arrived in California. Another good friend
of John's was Luther Burbank,horticulturalscientistand genius
inplanthybridizing,wholivedinthesameregionastheBosches.
John made Burbankwell-acquainted with the Baha'i teachings and
hewasfavorablyimpressed.
When the Tabletsof the DivinePlancamefrom Abdu'l-Baha, Mr.
andMrs. Boscheagerly respondedby goingtoTahitiin1920. The
TahitiansbestowedatitleonJohnmeaning"firstkingofthegreat
family of Baha'is arrived among us." In1921,they embarkedon
ateachingtripthroughEuropeontheirwaytoHaifaforpilgrimage,
arriving mid-November. What joy and happiness to see their
belovedMasteragainafternineyears. JohnwasthelastWesterner
toreceivefromthehandsof Abdu'l-Baha afruitfromHisgarden.
Atthatmoment,noonecouldimaginethatinthreedaystheMaster
would be gone. JohnrecalledthattheMasterwalkedstraightand
vigorously~like ayoungman. Helookedwellandstrong.
Inthepre-dawn of November 28,JohnandLouisewereawakenedto
thestunningandawfulword that Abdu'l-Bahahadsuddenlypassed
away. Johnwasaskedtohelpliftthecoffin. Exceptforenemies
of thelight,Abdu'l-Baha wasadoredand reveredby highandlow
inPalestine. ItwastheBosch'sdestinytowitnessthatadoration
by seeingtenthousandmournersfollowingthecortegeupMt.Carmel
totheplaceofinterment,intheShrineoftheBab. (WorldOrder
Fall1971p.44)
The Greatest Holy Leaf,Abdu'l-Baha's sister,requestedJohnand
LouisetoremaininHaifaforthefortydaysofmourning. During
this time, ShoghiEffendi returned from England. Hegave them
thefirstcopyofthetranslatedWillandTestamentof Abdu'l-Baha
fortheBaha'is inAmerica.
Back home again,they made frequent teaching trips in the west
coast States, in the service of the Beloved Guardian, Shoghi
Effendi. In 1927 the National Spiritual Assembly appointed a
committee to find a locationforawesternstatesBaha'i summer
school. JohnBosch was on that committeeand recalled that in
1919he had offered his Geyservilleproperty to Abdu'l-Baha to
be used for Baha'i gatherings. Thiswas accepted and the first
session opened on his seventy-second birthday. Thismade the
Guardianvery happy whowrotethattheschoolwould "flourishand
attract anincreasingnumber of spiritually-minded,capablesouls
...who would reinforce the work that is being achieved for our
belovedCause."
John lived to see twenty sessionsat GeyservilleBaha'i Summer
School. Howhappy itmusthavemade thembothtoseewhattheir
giftmeanttothespiritualgrowthofsomanyBaha'is andseekers.
Some yearslater the schoolwasrenamedBoschBaha'i Schooland
relocatednearSantaCruz.
Johnpassed away July22,1946. Solovedwashethatthevillage
storesclosedonthedayofhisfuneral. TheGuardian'scablegram
read, in part, "Profoundly grieve passing dearly-beloved,
great-hearted, high-minded distinguished servant of Baha'u'llah,
John Bosch. His saintly life, pioneer services, historic
contributionofinstitutionof summerschool,entitlehimtorank
amongoutstandingfiguresoftheclosingyearofheroic,andopening
yearsofformativeageoftheBaha'iDispensation..."
(MostofaboveinformationistakenfromTheBaha'iWorldVolumeXI)
LUAMOOREGETSINGER
In 1897,about two years after Thornton Chase was confirmed as
a follower of Baha'u'llah, another classof IbrahimKheiralla's
included a young woman,who,afterher passing,wasextolled by
the Guardian as the mother-teacher of the West,and oneofthe
nineteen Disciples of Abdu'l-Baha and Heralds of the Covenant
in the West. (Baha'i Dictionary,p. 71) What were theevents
inhershortlifeofonlyforty-fiveyearsthatculminatedinsuch
astationofgreatness?
Louisa Aurora Moore wasbornNovember 1,1871,toafarmfamily
nearthevillageofHumeinupstateNewYork.
Shewasanunusually
talented child,speakingeloquentlyand singingbeautifully. She
was encouraged to develop these talents,and inexplicably chose
to study in Chicago instead of thecloserand recognizedcenter
oftheatrearts,NewYorkCity. (TheFlame,p. 17-18)
Shemay haveheard ofKheiralla's classesontheBaha'i Faithin
Chicago from Dr. Chester Thacher,aBaha'i,forwhom sheworked
asahousekeeper. Shortlyaftercompletingtheclassshemarried
another student,Dr. Edward Getsinger,who accepted Baha'u'llah
afewmonthslater. Herzealandfervorforthenewly-foundFaith
wereintenseasshehadbeenbroughtupinanatmosphereofgreat
religious excitement about the imminent return of Christ. She
returned toNew YorkstatetosharethenewFaithwithherfamily
andfriends.
Dr. Getsinger and Lua also went to the West Coast upon the
invitationofPhoebeHearst,thewifeofCaliforniasenatorGeorge
Hearst. According to Dr. Getsinger's memoirs, Mrs. Hearst had
read of him inanewspaperin1897. TheGetsingersorganized a
class to share the Baha'i teachings, as much as was understood
at that time. Mrs. Hearst and many othersaccepted the Faith.
Later in 1898,Mrs. Hearst's butler, Robert Turner also became
a believer. He was the firstblack American to have become a
Baha'i. ThesenewBaha'is longedtosee Abdu'l-Baha, theliving
centeroftheFaithofHisFather.
Mrs. Hearst had a tour of Egypt planned for the fall of 1898.
Then it became possible to attain the presence of the Master
Abdu'l-Baha, Who was a prisoner of theTurkishEmpirein Akka,
notveryfarfromEgypt. SheinvitedtheGetsingers,RobertTurner,
and several others to be her guests on this historic first
pilgrimage of Western believers. The party broke their journey
by stoppingatMrs. Hearst's apartmentinParis. FriendsofMrs.
Hearstand twoofhernieceswerealready attheapartment. The
friendswere May Ellis Bolles,then twenty-eight yearsold,her
mother and brother. Thestory ofMayandherhusband,Sutherland
Maxwell,willbetoldnext.
WhenMay realized therewasareligiousmissionwithinthetravel
plans,shebecame eagerly interested. Luatold her allsheknew
ofthewondersofthenewRevelation. MayandMrs.Hearst'snieces
became believers ina short time and were invited to join the
pilgirmage.
Becauseof thedangerssurrounding Abdu'l-Baha, onlyafewcould
gotoAkkaatonetime. TheyhadtogofirsttoCairo,Egyptand
await instructionsfrom Abdu'l-Baha. Dr. and LuaGetsingerwere
chosentobethefirstNorthAmericanBaha'istoattainthepresence
of the Master. Itwas December 10,1898when theywereushered
intoHispresence,anexperienceof suchspiritualmagnitudethat
theirliveswerechangedforever.
Lua wrote to Thornton Chase,'I.. .When Ileft America Ithought
Iknewa good deal...but after seeing the Master...I amsureI
know nothing...The Face of the Master is gloriously beautiful-
Hiseyesread one's very soul-stilltheyarefullofdivinelove
andfairlymeltone'sheart!'' Dr.Getsingerwrote,"WhenIfirst
saw...theServantofBaha...in spiteofmy formerbelief(atheism)
Istillhad enough spiritualperception...to seeatonceaholy
man,adivinecharacter...asoulthatIcouldnotcomprehend,and
at that moment Iconsecrated my life and alltotheprinciples
forwhichHestands..."
Abdu'l-Baha permitted the Getsingers to stay in Akka forfive
months to learn Persian and to acquire deeper knowledge of the
Baha'i Faith. They found discrepancies between what Kheiralla
had taughtthemand whattheywerenowlearningfrom Abdu'l-Baha
Himself,suchasreincarnation,which isrejected intheBaha'i
teachings.
WhentheGetsingersreturnedtoAmericainMay 1899,theyhadsome
preciousgiftstosharewiththefriendsinadditiontoagreatly
expanded and corrected knowledge. The gifts were the first
photograph ever taken of Abdu'l-Baha. Thiswasmade in 1868in
AdrianoplewhenAbdu'l-Baha was24 yearsold;alsoacalligraphic
designof theGreatestName,anArabiccopyoftheKitab-i-Aqdas,
and a wax cylinder recording of Abdu'l-Baha chanting. Dr.
Getsingerhadactuallytakenaphonographwithhim,and Abdu'l-Baha
graciously consented totherecording,whichexiststothisday.
Canyouimaginetheexcitementandjoyof theAmerican believers
to have these infinitely precious thingsbrought tothem! How
many Baha'is were there in America in 1899? According to the
carefully researched and fascinating book, The Baha'i Faith in
America, Volume Iby Dr. Robert Stockman,membership had grown
fromtwobelieversin1894,to1,467bySeptember1899.
As mentioned in the story on Thornton Chase,IbrahimKheiralla
became proud and ambitious,and was maneuvering tomakehimself
theofficialleaderoftheBaha'isinAmerica,indirectopposition
totheexplicitcommandsof theWillandTestamentofBaha'u'llah
which appointed His Son Abdu'l-Baha as the only authority and
interpreteroftheFaith. WhentheGetsingersreturnedtoAmerica,
they found the infant Baha'i community being sorely tried and
dividedovertheissue. TheGetsingers,amongothersofcapacity,
immediatelytookupthechallengeofstrengtheningtheunderstanding
andloyaltyoftheirfellow-believerstowards Abdu'l-Baha.
Luamade severaltripsto AkkaandservedAbdu'l-Baha inspecial
ways. Onceshestayed inAkka forayearand taughtEnglish in
the household of Abdu'l-Baha. Abdu'l-Baha loved to hear her
sing. Whenshesang"NearerMy GodtoThee"itwouldbringtears
toHiseyes.
AnothertimewhenLuawasbackinAmerica,shereceivedastunning
letterandcommandfrom Abdu'l-Baha. Enclosedwasaletterwritten
by Abdu'l-Baha totheShahofPersia,whowasinParisatthetime,
and Lua was instructedto personally deliver it to the Shah.
ItwasatimeofgreatpersecutionandkillingofBaha'isinPersia,
and Abdu'l-Baha waspetitioningtheShahtostoptheshamefuland
barbaric actions. Lua traveled toParispost-haste only to be
turned away because the son of the prime ministerwasvery ill
and not expected to live. She extracted the promise of an
appointment if thechildwould be healed overnight. Luaunited
withtheBaha'is inParisinanallnightprayervigil. Withno
doubtabouttheoutcome,shereturnedtotheprimeminister'soffice
the next day and was told that the childwasrecovering. The
petition was thus presented to the -Shah,and for a time the
persecution washalted.
Abdu'l-Baha's trip to America in 1912 filled the Baha'is with
indescribableexcitementandjoy. Manywhowouldneverhavebeen
abletogoto AkkatoattainHispresencenowfoundtheirheart's
desirecomingtothem! Luawasonaspeaking tourinCalifornia
whenAbdu'l-Baha arrived inNewYorkinApril. OnApril29thHe
arrived in Chicago and addressed the concluding sessionof the
Baha'i TempleUnity conventionthe nextday. ThisiswhereLua
first sawher beloved Master inAmerica. May 1,1912,wasthe
very special day when under a large tent, surrounded by the
spellbound believers, Abdu'l-Baha laid the cornerstone for the
future Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, or House of Worship. After that,
Abdu'1-~ahareturnedto NewYorkandLuafollowedHim.
InNew York,the Baha'i artist,JulietThompson,had gained the
permission of Abdu'l-Baha to paint His portrait. Luawasthere
also in Juliet's studio. AsHesatvery stillforthepainter,
Heseemed tobe goingtosleep,but suddenlyopenedHiseyesand
addressed the women on the meaning of the CovenantofGod with
such power that they were awe-struck. Juliet's diary records
that it was at that moment that Abdu'l-Baha spoke directly to
Lua and said "Iappoint you Lua,as a Herald of theCovenant.
Goforthandproclaimthistruth."
Heinstructedher togo toCaliforniaandcontinueteaching. She
wasadynamicspeakerand drewlargeaudiences. Shevery badly
wanted to staynearAbdu'l-Baha and tried somedelaying tactics,
onewasthewell-knownstoryofwalkinginpoisonivy. Thepainful
conditionwasquicklyhealedwitharemedyfromtheMaster. With
anewunderstandingaboutobediencebeing theexpressionoflove,
shetraveledtoCaliforniawhereshewasblessed by thepresence
of Abdu'l-Bahaagaininthefall.
In 1914 Abdu'l-Baha directed Lua to teach in India,especially
to further acquaint the Maharajah of Jalowar with the Baha'i
teachings. The Maharajah had met Abdu'l-Baha in London and
admiredHimandtheBaha'iCause. Lua'shealthwasnotverystrong.
Her husband wrote,"...she never spared herself...in astateof
utter exhaustion...she would pull herself togetherby sheerwill
power in order to keep her appointments." Upon returning from
India she stayed in Haifa with Abdu'l-Baha's family for seven
months.
It was the summer of 1915 and the world war had started.
Abdu'l-Baha told Lua she must return to America as He knew
conditions would become very dangerous inPalestine. The ship
shetookstoppedinCairo,andLuadisembarkedtoseetheBaha'is
there. She became very illand unabletocontinueherjourney.
She wascaredforby aBaha'i family,and intimesofreturning
strength was engaged inteachingtheFaith and English lessons.
OnMay2,shepassedawayfromheartfailure.
Abdu'l-Baha wrote a loving tribute and supplication,in part,
"0Lord,GrantherapalaceintheneighbourhoodofThyMostGreat
Mercy;causehertodwellinthegardensofThyparadise,theMost
High, illumine her countenance with the effulgence of Thy
good-pleasureintheKingdomofThyGlory..."
A fewwords about Dr. Edward Getsingerwhowasbornin1866in
Frankenmuth,Michigan. At age seven,heranaway andwastaken
intothehome of aprofessorwhomust havehadagreatinfluence
onthelad. Edwardgotamedicaleducationandalsowasalifelong
studentofastronomyandtheBible.
HewasanatheistbeforebecomingaBaha'i,findingitsclearlogic
powerful enough to dispel his disbelief in a divine Creator.
Withtheassistanceof Mrs. PhoebeHearst,hepublishedthefirst
book of Baha'i holy writings and The HiddenWords in America.
Hepassedawayin1935.
(ReferencesonDr. and LuaGetsingerarefromTheFlame,by Hand
of the CauseWilliam Searsand Robert Quigley; Abdu'l-Baha, by
Hand of theCauseH. Balyuzi;TheBaha'i FaithinAmerica,Vol.1,
by Dr. RobertStockman;TheBaha'i World,VolumeVI;Starofthe
West,Vol.VII,No.19.)
MAYELLISBOLLESMAXWELL
When Mrs. PhoebeHearst,Lua,and Dr. Getsinger,and others in
her company made the historical first pilgrimage of Western
believers to see Abdu'l-Baha in Akka,Palestine,in1898,they
stopped enroute at Mrs. Hearst's apartment in Paris. Residing
therewereher twoniecesandher friend,Mary MartinBollesand
Mrs. Bolles'adultchildren,MayandRandolph. Whocouldimagine
that thevery fragileMay,whohad been almostbedriddenfortwo
years,would soonbecomesuchastalwartand courageousfollower
ofBaha'u'llah thatforty-twoyearslater,afterceaselessactivity
fortheFaith,would laydownher lifeasamartyr inaforeign
land.
May EllisBolleswasborn onJanuary 14,1870,inEnglewood,New
Jersey. As a young girl, she had very unusual spiritual
sensitivity. Whenshewasonlyeleven,sheexperiencedinadream
a light so brilliant that upon awakening shewasblinded fora
day. Anothertimeshehad avisionof theMaster, Abdu'l-Baha,
thinking theidentityof the visionwasJesus,untiltherealiza-
tioncametoheraftermeetingtheMaster. Shespentelevenyears
in Pariswith hermotherand brotherwhowasattendingaschool
forarchitecturalstudies.
WhenMrs.Hearst's travelingcompanionsmetMayforthefirsttime,
she sensed something special about Lua Getsinger. When May's
inquiries revealed that therewas a religiousmission to their
trip, Lua's explanation of the return of Christ changed the
directionofMay's lifealmostinaninstant. Shealwayscalled
Lua her spiritualmother and they became closestfriends. May
and Mrs. Heart's nieces in a short time declared their belief
inBaha'u'llah, and by theirearnestdesirewere invited tojoin
thepilgrimage.
Because of the restrictions on Abdu'l-Baha, a prisoner of the
Turkish Empire,the pilgrims could not go in one group. May's
turncameinFebruary1899. Foronesospirituallyattuned,the
first encounterwith Abdu'l-Baha was almost too powerful. She
wrote,"Ifoundmyself atHisfeet,and He gently raisedme and
seated me beside Him,allthewhile sayingsomelovingwordsin
Persianinavoicethatshookmyheart...I hadbeencarriedsuddenly
totoogreataheight;my soulhadcomeincontactwiththeDivine
Spirit;andthisforcesopure,soholy,somighty,hadoverwhelmed
me...Tome,Hesaid...Youareliketherainwhichispouredupon
theearthmaking itbud andblossomandbecomefruitful;soshall
the Spiritof God descend uponyou,fillingwithfruitfulnessand
you shall go forth and water His vineyard. Now your troubles
areendedandyoumustwipeawayyourtears..."
Shewas troubledwith illnesswhile onpilgrimage. At onetime
theMastercancelled ameeting onMountCarmelwiththepilgrims,
saying "...we could not go and leaveoneof thebeloved of God
aloneandsick. Wecouldnoneofusbehappyunlessallthebeloved
werehappy." A littlelaterathreeday tripwasplanned tothe
shrineof Baha'u'llah, butMay foundherselfillagainthenight
before. Confiding in Lua that she didn't think Abdu'l-Baha
realized shewas tooweak fortheoccasion,Luasaid,"Youwill
soonrealizesomethingofthepowerof Abdu'l-Baha." Mayrelates
inherrecordcalled AnEarlyPilgrimage,"Itwasaboutdawnwhen
Iawoke,feelingmyself stirred by abreeze. Icannotdescribe
whatfollowed,butthroughmy soulwasflowinganessence;amighty
unseen force was penetrating all my being, expanding it with
boundless lifeand love and happiness,lifting and enfoldingme
in itsmighty strength and peace. Iknewthen itwastheHoly
Spirit ofGod and that our Lordwaspraying forHisservantsin
that blessed dawn...Iarose...prayedandwas quitewell." After
experiencing such a spiritualhealing,no wonder May's lovefor
theMasterwasboundlessandsheeagerlyobeyedHisbidding.
All toosoon,thetimeofdeparturefromHisblessedpresencewas
athand. Hecomfortedtheweepingpilgrimswiththesewords,"Now
the timehascomewhenwemust part,but theseparationisonly
of our bodies,inspiritweareunited. Yearethelightswhich
shallbediffused;yearethewavesofthatseawhichshallspread
and overflowtheworld...Another commandmentIgiveuntoyou,that
yeloveoneanotherevenasIloveyou...LookatMe andbeasI
am;ye must die toyourselvesand totheworld,soshallyebe
bornagainandentertheKingdomofHeaven..."
Abdu'l-Baha directedMaytoreturntoParisandteach. Herfellow-
pilgrims returned to America. She was the lone Baha'i on the
European continent,but not for long. Infouryears,theParis
group of Baha'is numbered between 25and 30. With her spirit
ablazefromtheexperienceofherpilgrimage,shetaughtherfriends
and their friends. The ever-widening ripples of interpersonal
contactdrew insoulsofgreatcapacity,suchasthefirstFrench
believer, Hippolyte Dreyfus; the first English believer,Thomas
Breakwell;AgnesAlexanderwhobecame aHandoftheCause. This
extensive teaching was donewith very little literature,onlya
fewprayersand TheHiddenWordswere availableinEnglish. In
1901theMaster sentthegreatBaha'i scholar,MirzaAbu'l Fadl,
withtranslatorstofurthereducatetheParisgroup.
She became engaged to William Sutherland Maxwell,of Montreal,
Canada,an architecturalstudentatthesame schoolherbrother
attended. Theyweremarried inLondoninMay,1902,andsheleft
the lively group in Paristo begin married lifeinMontreal,a
loneBaha'i again;nootherBaha'i inallofvastCanada,butnot
for long. In 1903 her husband entered the Faith,becoming the
first Canadian Baha'i. Their home was a radiant center of
hospitality and teaching,fromwhich themselves and many others
travelled to allpartsof Canada,establishingnewBaha'i groups
andAssemblies.
Whatwashermethod? Itwaspureloveandpatience. Fromaletter
shewrotein 1915,"Wemust firsttouchtheheart toawakenit;
if itopensand respondswemustsowthepricelessseed...Prepare
the soilwith thewarmth of yourlove,justasthesunprepares
the soil in the spring...in a kind way try to remove
prejudices...Never opposepeople's ideasand statements,but give
themalittlenoblerwayofseeinglife...Mygreatandwiseteacher,
MirzaAbu'l-Fadl,laiddownthesedivineprinciplesofteaching...He
showed me that it isthe Spiritof God thatisdoing thework;
wemustwaitupontheSpiritanddoitsbiddingonly"
Tenyearspassed and shehadtheprivilegeofanotherpilgrimage,
this time with her husband. Theirprayerand longingwasto be
able to have a child, which came true a few years later.
Abdu'l-Baha wrote,"Praisebe toGod thatthy prayer isanswered
and thy desire realized. Inthe garden of existencearosehas
blossomed withtheutmostfreshness,fragranceand beauty...Ibeg
of God that thislittlechildmay become greatand wonderful in
theDivineKingdom." TheynamedherMary. In1937, theGuardian,
Shoghi Effendi,choseher for his wife. How perfectly was the
prayer oftheMaster fulfilledforthischild. Shewaselevated
to the rank of Hand of the Cause in 1952,a talented author,
world-traveler,eloquent speaker,all fortheadvancementofthe
Faith;sheisknowntousasAmatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyihmanum.
May Maxwellwasalsoacivicleader. ShesupportedaChildren's
Court in Montreal and a milk distribution serviceforchildren,
started the first Montessori school in Canada. Such was her
admirablereputationasaBaha'i inthecitythatwhentheMaster
cametoMontrealin1912,therewas,inHiswords,"noantagonist
andnoadversary."
What excitement and joy for the believers in Montreal when the
Master came. May made themajority ofarrangements. Abdu'l-Baha
gave seven public lectures;at one in a Methodist church there
were twelve hundred in attendance. He addressed four meetings
intheMaxwellhome,whichisnowaBaha'i sacredplace.
The Maxwells' service on Baha'i institutions in Canada included
yearsontheSpiritualAssemblyofMontreal,theNationalSpiritual
Assembly, plus many other activities for Baha'i publications,
schools,youthandracialunity.
Her love for the Master was so deep that His passing away was
extremely hard on her. Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum writes,
". . .shesufferedacompletebreakdowninhealthcauszbytheshock
of His death...for a yearwe did notknowifshewould liveor
die...My father felt that the only hope of dispelling the
grief...was for her to make thepilgrimageto Haifaagain,this
time to see the young successorof Abdu'l-Baha. InApril 1923
we arrived in Haifa and it was Shoghi Effendi who literally
resurrected a woman whowassoillshecould...not walk astep.
...From that time the love ofmy mother's heart becameentirely
centered in the Guardian...She oncemore served the Cause very
actively."
In1935,inspired by theGuardian's appealforpioneerstogoto
Europe,shespenttwoyearsthere,withMr.Maxwell,theirdaughter,
and two relatives teaching in Germany, Belgium and France,
concluding the sojournwith a pilgrimage to the SacredShrines.
TheMaxwellsreturnedtoMontreal infall1937,but withoutMary
whothenmadeHaifaherhome.
TheGuardian'scallforpioneerstogotoCentralandSouthAmerica
captivatedMay'srestlessspirit. WiththeapprovaloftheGuardian
andher husband,May and her niecemade thelongjourneyby ship
to South America, arriving in Buenos Aires in February,1940.
Buther spiritualinfluencetherewasdestined to be frombeyond
this world of time and space. Three days after arriving, she
suddenlypassedaway.
The Guardian's tribute entitled her as Abdu'l-Baha's beloved
handmaid and distinguished disciple,and gave her the priceless
honor of amartyr's crownbecauseshelaiddownherlifein such
aspiritofconsecrationandself-sacrifice.
Somewordsofthespiritualattractionsheradiatedareremarkable.
Abdu'l-Baha wrote, "May Maxwell isreally a Baha'i...Whosoever
meets her feelsfromher associationthesusceptibilitiesof the
Kingdom. Hercompanyupliftsanddevelopsthesoul." Herdaughter
wrote,"...I don't thinkIeverknewanyonewhoinspiredthelove
Mother did-so thatitwaslikeaneventwhenonewasgoingtosee
her. AndthisIfeltallmylife...itneverbecamecommonplace!"
JulietThompson,aclosefriend,wroteof May being "so fragile,
so luminous...the most delicate,perfect beauty, flower-likeand
star-like."
HANDOFTHECAUSEWILLIAMSUTHERLANDMAXWELL
William Sutherland Maxwell occupiesa unique position in Baha'i
history as he became in 1903 the first Canadian Baha'i.
Thirty-seven years later the Guardian appointed him to be the
architect of themajestic Shrineof theBab,and in 1951hewas
thefirstCanadianBaha'i tobenamedaHandoftheCause.
He was born into a distinguished familyof Montrealand studied
architectureat theEcoledesBeauxArtsinParis. Hebecameone
of the finest architects in Canada and held the positions of
president of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and
Vice-PresidentoftheRoyalCanadianAcademy.
Immediatelyafterthepassing ofMr. Maxwell's wife,theGuardian
invitedhimtocomeandresideinHaifa. HebecametheGuardian's
closefriend and trusted and gifted collaboratorindesigningthe
superstructure of white marble over the Shrine of the Bab on
Mt. Carmel. After twoyearsofwork on the preparations,onthe
100thanniversary of the Declarationof the Bab,May 22, 1944,
the Guardian announced that the design was chosen. Because of
theaftermathof thewaryears,actualworkonitcouldnotstart
until1948.
After elevenyearsinHaifa,Mr. Maxwellmade a triptoMontreal
to visit relatives. While there,hepassed away inMarch 1952.
The Maxwells had willed their historic home in Montreal to the
CanadianNationalAssembly.
The Guardian's memorial extolled his saintly life,his services
inCanada,and pronouncedthatoneofthedoorsoftheBab's tomb
isnamedafterhimastributetohisservices.
(ReferencesonHand of theCauseWm. MaxwellandMayMaxwellare
from Messages to America 1932-46, by Shoghi Effendi; An Early
Pilgrimage,by May Maxwell;The PricelessPearl,by Hand of the
CauseAmatu'l-Baha RuhiyyihKhanurn; TheBaha'i World,Vol.VIII;
GeorgeTownshend, byDavid ofman)
THOMASBREAKWELL
This isa brief account of Thomas Breakwell,the firstEnglish
Baha'i, whowasmentioned inthestoryaboutMay BollesMaxwell.
Abdu'l-Baha refused to give permission for May to leave Paris
inthe summerof 1901,much to theannoyanceofMay's motherwho
wanted her to leave for a vacation place. The reason for
Abdu'l-Baha's decisionsoonbecameapparentwhenafriendofhers
broughtayoungEnglishmantomeet May,feelingthathewouldbe
interestedinhearingabouttheBaha'i teachings.
ThefollowingareexcerptsfromMay's reminiscenceaboutBreakwell:
"Ishallnever forget opening the door and seeing him standing
there. Itwaslikelookingataveiled light. Isawatoncehis
pure heart, his burning spirit,his thirsty soul...he stayed a
short time. As he was leaving,he said thatMrs. Milner...told
himthatIhad receivedsometeachingswhichhad... agreateffect
onmy life,and...he would liketo...hear what Icouldtellhim.
Wemadeanappointmentforthefollowingmorning...Attheappointed
hour... hearrived,hiseyesshining,hisfaceillumined,hisvoice
vibratingunderthestressofgreatemotion. Helookedatmevery
intentlyandthensaid,"Ihavecometoyoutohelpme. Yesterday
afterIleftyou,Iwalked alonedowntheboulevardandsuddenly
some great forcenearly sweptme offmy feet. Istood stillas
thoughawaiting somethingand avoiceannouncedtomedistinctly,
'Christhascome!' Thenhesaid,'Whatdoyouthinkthismeans?'
ThenIgavehim theMessageandteachingsfromthebeginning...He
waslikeablazinglight. Suchwashiscapacity,thathereceived
the Message inall its fulness and all itsstrengthand beauty
withinthreedays,and onthethirddayhewrotehissupplication
toAbdu'l-Baha whichinitsforceandsimplicityIhaveneverseen
equalled..."
ThesupplicationwhichThomaswroteto Abdu'l-Bahawasthis:
''My Lord! Ibelieve;forgiveme,Thy servant,ThomasBreakwell"
What isitthatheimploresforgivenessfromtheMaster? Wewill
learnthatinalittlewhile. Thomasnowhadonlyonegreatlonging
-to meet the Master. May wrote totheMasteraskingpermission
for her young friend to make the pilgrimage and enclosed his
supplication. Thatsameday whenMaywenttogethermail,there
was a cablegram from Abdu'l-Baha. It said "You may leave Paris
atany time." May joined her mother and brother attheseaside.
When her mother learned that Abdu'l-Baha's permission came the
very day that Thomas became confirmed,sheburst intotearsand
exclaimed,"Youhave,indeed,awonderfulMaster."
May describesThomas as being of medium height,slender,erect,
and graceful with intenseeyesand anindescribablecharm. She
learned thathe had an importantpositionina cottonmill ina
southernstateof America and usually spentlongsummervacations
inEurope.
Beforelong,permission camefrom Abdu'l-Baha forThomastomake
thepilgrimage. HewasthefirstEnglishmantogoasapilgrim.
Hetraveledinthecompanyofanotheryoungman,anAmericanBaha'i.
Upontheirarrivalatthehouseof Abdu'l-Baha inAkka,theywere
ushered intoalargeroomwheretheyexpectedtofindtheirMaster.
AgroupofEasternmenstoodatoneendoftheroom. Thomasbecame
distressed and disappointed as he saw no one therewhohad any
effectonhim. Hewasafraidthathehadfailedtorecognizethe
beloved Master. Suddenly a door opened and he beheld what seemed
to him the rising Sun. He sprang to his feet to approachthe
dazzling splendor and majesty of Abdu'l- Baha, his despair
instantlytransformedtoindescribablejoy.
What had troubled Thomassomuch that he hoped fortheMaster's
forgiveness? He confided to Abdu'l-Baha that although hehad a
high-paying positioninacottonmill,herealizedthatthechild-
laborused therewaswrong. Abdu'l-Baha had threewords,"Cable
yourresignation."Thomasinstantlyobeyed.Becauseofrestrictions
imposedby thecivilauthorities,Thomascouldstayonlytwodays
intheprisoncity,Akka.
Dr. Yunis -Khan, a secretary for Abdu'l-Baha, wrote his
impressions:
71
The fervour and the faithof thisyoungmanwere
sosublimeincharacterthathisblessednameshallringthroughout
centuries, and shall be rememberedwith deep affection in many
chronicles. Verses fromtheGospelswhichattest to theglories
of the Kingdom were alwaysonhislips...Whenever hewas inthe
presence of our peerless Master he was rapt inwonderment...The
day heleft,theMaster told him,"Stay inParis." Asbiddenby
theMaster,Iaccompanied himonhisreturnjourneytoHaifa,the
pointofembarkation. Awayfrom Akka,itwaspossibletoenter-
tainhim foranhouror twointhehomeofoneofthebelievers
before hisboatwasreadytosail...wewereinaroomthatlooked
towards Akka. Therehewouldstandeverynowandthen,perfectly
still,facing Akkainastateofcommunion. Whilsthiseyeswelled
with tears,his tongue uttered words of supplication... Inthat
state of ecstasy he asked me whether he could correspond with
me...My lettersin answertohis,he said, would conveytohim
the fragrancesof the effulgent city of Akka. Wewere allin
tearswhenwebadefarewelltohim."
Back in Paris,Thomasimmediatelybecameengaged inteachingthe
Cause. Maywrote,"Hehadbecometheguidingstarofourgroup...In
the meetings he spoke with asimplicityand eloquencewhichwon
the heartsand quickenedthesouls." Whenever he visitedMay's
family,he gavemost of hisattentiontohermother,whohadnot
recognized the station of Abdu'l-Baha and was in need of love
and kindness. May wrote,"...hiskindnessand lovetomy mother
during those days in Paris produced a great effect on her...he
wasalwaysajoyand aconsolationtoher...before sheunderstood
thegloryoftheCause."
Dear listeners, let us pause for a moment's reflectionon the
example of Breakwell's sensitivity and specialkindnesstoMay's
mother. Howoftendoesithappenthatwhenweareinthecompany
of both believers and thosewho have not yet been touched,we
sometimesignore the latter because we havemany thingsto talk
aboutwithour fellow-Baha'is. May wealways,always,causethe
spouse,the parents,relativesand friendsof believers to feel
that they areincludedand loved asdeeplyasweloveourBaha'i
friends.
Thomas's parents came toseehim inParis. Theywantedhim to
return toLondon,butheexplainedtothem thathemuststay in
ParisastheMasterhad askedhimtodoso. Thomasledhisfather
into the Cause, and enclosed his father's supplication to
Abdu'l-Baha with his own letter to Dr. Khan, Abdu'l-Baha's
secretary. Abdu'1-BaharespondedwithatabletforThomas'sfather.
Thentherewasatragicdevelopment. Thomaswasinthelaststages
of tuberculosisand ingreat pain. HewrotetoDr.&an thathe
found the suffering enabledhim to drawnearer to hisLord. A
fewdays after receiving this letter,Dr. Khan relates that he
waswalkingwith theMasteroneeveningwhen"~e turnedtomeand
said:Haveyouheard? No,Master,Ireplied,andHesaid:Breakwell
has passed away. Iam grieved,very grieved. Ihavewrittena
prayer of visitationforhim. Itisvery moving,somoving that
twiceIcould notwithhold my tearswhen Iwaswritingit. You
musttranslateitwell,sothatwhoeverreadsitwillweep.
11
Thisiswhat Abdull-Bahawrote. Herearesomeextractsfromthat
eulogy: 0 Breakwell,MyBeloved!
Whereisthybeautifulcountenance,
Andwhereisthyeloquenttongue?
Whereisthyradiantbrow,
AndwhereisThybrilliantface?
0 MyDear,0 Breakwell!
Wherearethybrighteyes,
Andwherearethysmilinglips?
Wherearethygentlecheeks,
Andwhereisthygracefulstature?
0 MyDear,0 Breakwell!
Verily,thouhastabandonedthistransitoryworld,
AndsoaredupwardtotheKindgom,
HastattainedtothegraceoftheInvisibleRealm,
Andsacrificedthyselfatthe
ThresholdoftheLordofMight.
0 MyBeloved,0 Breakwell!
Verily,thyLordhathchosentheeforHislove,
GuidedtheetotheCourtofHisHoliness,
CausedtheetoenterintotheRidvanofHiscompany,
AndgrantedtheetobeholdHisbeauty.
0 MyBeloved,0 Breakwell!
ThouhastbecomeastarintheMostExaltedHorizon,
Alampamongtheangelsofheaven,
AlivingspiritintheSupremeWorld,
AndartestablisheduponthethroneofImmortality.
0 MyAdoredOne,0 Breakwell!
Imentionthynamecontinually,Ineverforgetthee,
Iprayfortheedayandnight,
AndIseetheeclearlyandmanifestly,
0 myadoredone,0Breakwell.
Dr. Khan writes that a year later Abdu'l-Baha picked out an
envelGe unopened from the day's mail and said to him, "How
pleasingisthefragrancethatemanatesfromthisenvelope. Make
hastetoopenitand seewhere itcomesfrom." Inittherewas
a postcard colored abeautifulshadeand attachedtoitwasone
solitary flower...Written in letters of gold were these words:
"He isnotdead. HelivesonintheKingdomofGod...Thisflower
was picked from Breakwell's grave...Praise be to the Lord that
my sonleftthisworldforthenextwiththerecognitionandlove
ofAbdu'1-Baha." As soonasDr.m a n translatedit,theMaster
atonceroseupfromHisseat,tookthecard,putitonHisblessed
brow,andtearsfloweddownHischeeks.
Inacablegramin1957,onthepassingofHandoftheCauseGeorge
Townshend, the Guardianwrote that ThomasBreakwell,along with
Mr. Townshend and Dr. Esslemont were three luminariesshedding
brilliantlustreontheannalsoftheIrish,English,andScottish
Baha'icommunities.
(ReferencesonThomasBreakwellwerefromStarof theWest,Vol.
V, No. 19; Abdu'l-Baha, by Hand of theCauseH. Balyuzi; Some
EarlyBaha'is oftheWest,by O.Z. Whitehead; TheBaha'i World,
Vol.XIII.)
HANDOFTHECAUSEJOHNEBENEZERESSLEMONT,M.D.
AfterBreakwell,thesecondofthethreeluminariesoftheBritish
Isles is Dr. John Esslemont. The Guardian also designated him
asoneofthenineteenDisciplesof Abdu'l-Baha.
He was the author of Baha'u'llah and theNew Era,abook which
theGuardianwroteisthetextbookoftheFaithandwould"inspire
generationsyet unborn to'treadthepath oftruthand service.'!
Itwasfirstpublished in1923andhasbeeninprintcontinuously
eversince,overseventy-twoyearsatthetimeofthispresentation
in1996;inadditionitistranslatedintonumerouslanguages.
Whowasthisremarkableman? JohnEsslemontwasborninScotland
in 1874into a very distinguished family. He graduated from a
medicalschoolinScotlandwithmedalsandhonors,wentontowin
aresearchscholarshipinpharmacologyatauniversityinGermany.
In addition to medical and scientific studies,he investigated
many religiousbeliefs,andwasfluentinFrench,Spanish,German,
Esperanto,and Persian. Butthetragedy ofhislifewasthathe
contracted tuberculosis while in college. In 1901 he went to
Australia for two years, becoming a hospital staffdoctor,also
adistrict surgeonand healthofficerinAlexanderCounty. While
in Australia,hewasmarried briefly. HereturnedtoScotland,
but,forabetterclimate,soonproceededtoSouthAfricaandworked
thereforfiveyears. HisnextmovewastoBournemouth,England
where he was the resident medical officer in a sanatorium for
patientsafflictedwithtuberculosis.
ThetreatmentofthediseasebecameoneofDr.Esslemont'sprincipal
interests. Hedevelopedaplanfortheeradicationoftuberculosis
which was presented to the British Medical Association, but it
wasnotputintopracticebythemedicalprofessionandgovernment;
however, his research and work in promoting a national health
serviceculminatedintheformationoftheBritishNationalHealth
Service.
He first heard of the Baha'i Faith in 1914fromthewife ofa
colleaguewho had met Abdu'l-Baha .inLondon. Hewasinstantly
attractedtotheteachings. Hewrote"Theyimpressedmeasmeeting
the greatneedsof themodernworldmorefullyandsatisfactorily
thanany otherpresentationof religionwhichIhadcomeacross."
Dr. Esslemont's enthusiasm and happinessknewno bounds and he
quickly became involved inteachingthefaithinBournemouth,in
boththesanatoriumandthecityitself. In1916hestartedwriting
abookon theFaith.
A friend,Major Tudor Pole,visited Abdu'l-Baha in 1918,and
spokeso highly of Dr. Esslemont's servicesthatShoghiEffendi
commenced a correspondence with him, the beginning of a warm
friendship. Dr. Esslemont received a tablet of encouragement
and praise from Abdu'l-Baha, who also requested to see a copy
of his book. In November 1919,Dr. Esslemont arrived in Haifa
to visit theMasterand brought thealmostcompletedmanuscript.
At thesametimetherewasalsoa groupof Americanand Persian
pilgrims. Dr. Esslemont interviewed them all and gained more
material for thebook. Themost importantsourceof information
was,ofcourse,thetalksof Abdu'l-Baha tothepilgrims.
Dr. Esslemont stayed in Haifa for two months, and inthattime
tookPersianlanguagelessons,gaveEsperantolessons,andvisited
thesacredandhistoricalplaces. Abdu'l-Baha discussedhisbook
with him and suggested that it should be shortened. Sincehe
had justacquired a lotof newmaterial fromtheotherpilgrims,
hedecidedtoreturntoEnglandandredothemanuscript. Abdu'l-
BahaplannedtohaveittranslatedintoPersiansoHecouldcorrect
andperfectit. Itmustnotbeforgottenthatduringhispilgrimage
Dr. Esslemont had the great bounty of meeting his engaging
correspondent, the young Shoghi Effendi, and deepening their
friendship.
By August 1920, Dr. Esslemont sent the new manuscript to
Abdu'l-Baha, writing "Ihope theMasterwill be pleasedwith it,
but themore he altersitthebetter Ishallbe pleased,forit
isnotmyownideasbuttheBaha'iTruthsthatIwishtopresent..."
ThenextmonthShoghiEffendivisitedDr.EsslemontinBournemouth.
As you recall ShoghiEffendi went to England in 1920toattend
college at Oxford University. Thereis a shortbiographyonDr.
Esslemont by Dr. Moojan Momen in which he writes, "To gauge
something of the great mental energy of Dr. Esslemontitshould
be realized that atthistime,apartfromhisfull-timework at
the sanatorium, he was engaged in Persian studies, local and
nationalBaha'iwork...Esperantoworkandinaddition,hehadbecome
secretary of thelocalLeagueof NationsUnionwherehehopedhe
might find individuals who would be interested in the Faith."
Because of the ever-increasing work of the Faith, Abdu'l-Baha
was able to correct only three and a half of the chaptersof
Esslemont's book by thetimeof HisAscensioninNovember,1921.
Dr. Esslemont turned with eager devotion to Shoghi Effendi who
had to return toHaifa,andwho,throughtheWill and Testament
ofAbdu'l-Baha, wascalledtobetheGuardianoftheBaha'i Faith.
He hoped Shoghi Effendi would be able to finish correcting the
manuscript,which he did inearly 1923,and wrote "Your book,I
am sure,is the finest presentation that has sofarbeen given
of the Cause, and Iam confident that it will arouse immense
interest." It was published in England that same year and in
Americain1924.
His biographer writes: "The importance of Esslemont's book at
the time...wasmonumental. For four decades the Faithhad been
spreading in the West, being taughtby eminentBaha'is, eachof
whom had placed their personal interpretationsand understandings
upon it...Esslemont's book,somuchmoreaccurate,clearlywritten
and easy to read, was a spark of light coinciding with the
commencement of one of the most important periods of Baha'i
history."
Dr. Esslemont suffered times of incapacity due to poor health,
but otherwise served the Cause with all his energy. In 1922,
he became a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Baha'is of theBritish Isles. Thenext year inApril,thefirst
SpiritualAssemblywasformedinBournemouth,butinthesamemonth,
Dr. Esslemont left the city,as the sanatorium where he worked
wassoldandhispositionended. Hereturnedtohisnativecity,
Aberdeen,Scotland,forthesummerandmadeseveralspeakingtrips
throughout England and Scotland in 1923and 1924. Hisphysical
conditionmadeitimperativethatheshouldnotstayanotherwinter
inScotland. TheGuardian,whowaslookingforanableassistant,
extendedhim aninvitationtocometoHaifa,whichhegratefully
acceptedandarrivedinHaifainNovember1924.
HeassistedtheGuardianinthetranslationoftheTabletofAhmad,
TheHiddenWordsandsomepassagesfromtheWritingsofBaha'u'llah.
1925 found Dr. Esslemont strugglingwith more severe spellsof
illness. In November,one year after his arrival in Haifa,he
sufferedafatalstroke,acomplicationoftuberculosis. Hewas
only 51 yearsold. ShoghiEffendistayedup allnightwithhis
dying friend. On Esslemont's finger Shoghi Effendi placed his
ownBaha'iring,andhelpedcarrythecaskettotheBaha'icemetery
onMount CarmelwhereitisinterrednexttoacousinoftheBab.
The grief-stricken Guardianwrote to the Baha'i world,inpart:
"Onthe 22ndNovember 1925thatmemorableandsacreddayinwhich
the Baha'is of the Orient celebrated the twin festivalsof the
Declarationof theBab and thebirthdayof Abdu'l-Baha, Dr.John
E. Esslemont passed on to the Abha Kingdom...With tearful eyes
Isupplicate at the Threshold of Baha'u'llah...and request you
alltojoininmy ardentprayersforthefullerunfoldinginthe
realms beyond of a soul that has already achieved so high a
spiritual standing in this world. For by the beauty of his
character, by his knowledge of the Cause,by the conspicuous
achievementsof his book,he has imrnortalised his name,and by
sheermerit deserved torankasoneoftheHandsoftheCauseof
God."
(ReferencesonDr.Esslemontarefrom Baha'iDictionary;
Dr.JohnEbenezerEsslemont,byMoojanMomen;TheBaha'iWorld,
Vol.VIII,pp.929-35.)
HANDOFTHECAUSEGEORGETOWNSHEND
OneofthethreegreatluminariesoftheBaha'iFaithintheBritish
IslesisGeorgeTownshendofIreland. Heoccupiesauniqueposition
inBaha'ihistoryashewasthefirstordainedpriestinChristendom
torenouncehisvowsinordertobecomeaBaha'i, thefirstHand
of the Cause in Europe,calledby theGuardian the "pre-eminent
Baha'iwriter"and"Baha'u'llah's choseninstrument." Heassisted
the Guardian for many yearswith English translationof Baha'i
scripture.
The following account is condensed from the excellent and
fascinating biography written by DavidHofman,retiredmember of
theUniversalHouseofJustice,whoknewhimpersonally.
GeorgeTownshendwasbornonJune14,1876inDublintoaneminent,
wealthy and philanthropic family,one of fourteenchildren. He
graduated fromHertford CollegeatOxford,having studiedclassic
literature and English. A tall fellow,he excelled in running
sports. A literary and administrative talent began to emerge.
Back inDublinhewroteforTheIrishTimesand worked inalaw
firm, earning a law degree, but he became unhappy in this
occupation. His generous father offered to supporthim fortwo
years in any countryhewould choose. Canyoubelievehe chose
SaltLakeCity,Utah? WhatadrasticchangefromtheEmeraldIsle!
Fortwoyearshecampedandexplored,goingonhorsebackintothe
Rocky Mountains and to Yellowstone Park,sometimesworkingasa
logger.
During this time,he came across a copy of the Bhagavad Gita,
the Holy Book of the Hindu religion. It initiated within him
aspirituallongingtoknowand to serveGod. Hebecameactive
inthechurchofhisfamily,theAnglicanChurch,knowninAmerica
astheEpiscopalchurch. I-Iewasordainedasapriestin1906in
St.Mark'sCathedral,SaltLakeCity,andwasinchargeofamission
totheMormonsandIndiansatProvoandSpringville,Utah. However,
in1909hebecameinterestedinamystical,ethicalmovementcalled
The Great Work,left the ministry,andworked oneyear teaching
inSaltLakeHighSchool.
Thenextyearhemet amanfromtheUniversity of theSouth,an
Episcopalian-owned college in Sewannee, Tennessee, who offered
ReverendTownshendapositionthere,anditwasaccepted.Hislife
washappilyfilledwithacademicaccomplishments,bothasaspecial
theology student and assistant professor of English. More
importantly he found a love; Nellie Roche, a schoolteacherin
Nashville.Theyplannedtogetmarriedinsummerof1913atGeorge's
familyhomeinIrelandandtoreturntoSewaneeinautumn. George
wasnowanAmericancitizen. Heleftfirsttomakearrangements,
andNelliewastofollow.
The prospect of security in academia and a beautiful, talented
bridemusthavebroughthimtoapinnacleofjoyfulanticipation,
but bewildering disappointmentsand defeatswereabouttobreak.
In Ireland awaiting the arrival of Nellie, he received a
heartbreaking telegram from her. Nellie broke theirengagement
inordertohelpasisterwhohadnooneelsetoturntobutNellie.
Georgereturnedto Sewaneeand taughtthereforthreemoreyears.
NelliebecameasuccessfullifeinsuranceunderwriterinNashville.
Shenevermarried. But don't forgether. Theirpathswillcross
manyyearslaterinabeautifulway.
Another crushing disappointment was three years later when the
movement, The Great Work, which hehad supportedforsixyears,
wasfoundtobefinanciallyfraudulentandfellapart. Thatsummer
he traveled to Irelandand planned toreturntoSewaneeforthe
autumnterm. Athird blowof suffering,thistimephysical,was
George's lot. He had been prone toeyetroubleinthepast and
it came again,causing blindness for severalweeks. Hecabled
hisresignationtotheUniversity. AsMr. Hofmanwrote,"Inone
great wave of calamity,he had lost his bride, his sight,his
spiritualallegianceandhisemployment." Hissightwaseventually
restored,but attheageof 41he had todecidewhatto do for
a livelihood. His mother encouraged him to return to the work
of the priesthood in the Church of Ireland. While he was
recovering from blindness in the winter of 1916,he received a
litle gift from a friend at Sewanee,a fewpamphletsaboutthe
Baha'i Faith. Ever the truth-seeker, it interested him and he
wrote for the books offered, receiving three volumesofTablets
ofAbdu'l-Baha.
In 1918 he married Anna SarahMaxwell, called Nancy, and soon
acceptedthepositionofrectoratasmallvillagechurchinwestern
Ireland. Son Brian was born in 1920and daughterUnain1921.
Later he would be electedaCanonof St.Patrick's Cathedralin
DublinandArchdeaconofClonfert. Hewassuggestedforabishopric
but declined the honor. He was highly esteemed by his fellow
clergymenand regardedby manyasthebestpreacherintheChurch
ofIreland.
SoonaftersettlingintothespaciousparsonageatAhascragh,County
Galway,George wrote to Abdu'l-Baha expressinghisattractionto
theBaha'i teachingsand prayers. An extensiveandlovingreply
came from Abdu'l-Baha. Before long, George wrote again to
Abdu'l-Baha declaring his belief through a beautiful poem - the
firstlines"HailtoThee,ScionofGlory,Whoseutterancepoureth
abroad the joy of the heavenly knowledge and the light of the
greatestofdays!" Theloving,encouragingreplyfrom Abdu'l-Baha
promisedhimtheconfirmationsoftheKingdomofGod,andexpressed
Abdu'l-Baha's hope that
I'
thy churchwillcomeundertheHeavenly
Jerusalem." This phrase became George's charter of action and
for the rest of his life,hestruggledto fulfillthishopeof
Abdu'l-Baha's.
November 16,1921,Georgewrotealongletterto Abdu'l-Baha of
remarkablehumilityandlongingforself-sacrifice. Itwasreceived
in Haifa on December 8,1921,ten days after the Ascension of
Abdu' l-Baha. We can feelassured,however,that Abdu'l-Baha was
alwaystotallyawareofGeorge's pureheartandgreatdestinyfrom
theverybeginning.
George immediately turned his pure-hearted devotion to Shoghi
Effendi, the grandson of Abdu'l-Baha appointed inHis will and
testamenttobe theGuardianoftheCauseofGod. In1926George
wrotetotheGuardianoffering tohelp himwithrefiningEnglish
translationsofsomeoftheWritingsofBaha'u'llah. Theoverworked
Guardian immediatelyandwarmlywelcomed thiscollaborationwhich
continuedforthenexteighteenyears. ThefirstprojectwasThe
Hidden Words. For this,and many moreafter that,theGuardian
wrote warm praise "...your excellent judgement, your literary
ability and your keen sympathy and devoted care in revising
...passages which I have rendered into English are deeply
appreciated by me and Ishallmake use of your suggestions ...I
hopetosendyousomemoreinfuture..." Inaddition,theGuardian
askedGeorgetoreviewand editthemanuscriptsofGodPassesBy
and The Unfoldment of World Civilization, and to write the
introductionstoTheDawn-Breakersand God PassesBy,plusessays
forTheBaha'i Worldvolumes. HisessayonTheHiddenWordsbecame
theintroductiontoitinsomeeditions.
George'sliteraryandspiritualgiftsalsoproducedthreepersuasive
books on the Baha'i Faith for Christian readerswhich will be
brieflydescribedlater.
This close collaboration developed into a deep and loving
friendship. Overtheyears,theGuardianinvitedGeorgefivetimes
tocometoHaifaashisguest,butpoorGeorgewasneverableto
accept. In the years prior tohisresignationfromthechurch,
his responsibilites as a rector did not allow enough time off,
and afterhisresignation,hisrestrictedfinancialsituationand
failinghealthpreventedhim.
His assistance to the Guardian afforded George a very thorough
Baha'i education. TheflameofhisloveforBaha'u'llah grewmore
andmoreconsuming,andhebegantolongforthedaywhenhecould
findawaytobeindependentfromhistiestothechurchanddevote
allhistimeandstrengthtotheCause.
Priorto 1926,Georgebelievedthatby stayingasaclergymanand
workingwithinthechurch,hecouldgraduallyinfluenceitsleaders
tobringthewholechurchintotheCauseofBaha'u'llah. Heplanned
to do this mainly throughhiswriting. Hisfirsteffortwasa
book of prayers and meditations emphasizing renewed revelation
of truth from God and anewspiritualcivilization,but without
directly mentioning the revelation of Baha'u'llah. Called
AltarontheHearth,itwaspopularandsoldwell.
ForovertwentyyearsGeorgetriedtofreehimselffromthechurch,
but two serious obstacles continuously frustrated every effort.
The first was the oppositionof his wife,who,whilehaving an
appreciation for theBaha'i Faithand George's attachmentto it,
would not agree to his leaving the priesthood because of the
financialdifficultiesthatwould result. Thethoughtofpoverty
and insecurity for herself and the two young childrenwas just
morethanshecouldbear. Secondly,anyothertypeofemployment
he pursued either fell through or offeredno realjobsecurity.
Hisanamolouspositionofbeingadeclaredyetunofficialbeliever
puzzled many. The Guardian, always compassionate,wrote to a
NationalSpiritualAssembly in 1946,"...our dearBaha'i brother,
George Townshend,can best serve the Faith at the present time
wherehe is;he isnowcontactingmany high ecclesiasticsinhis
church...Perhapsinthefuturethewaywillopenforhimtotravel
andteach.. . "
George's duties as the rector of a country church fortunately
affordedhimenoughfreetimeforthreeimportantthings:hiswork
fortheGuardian, authoringhisownbooks,andtimetospendwith
hischildren. Excursionstoparksandforests;whimsicalstories;
producing achildren'splay repletewith leprechaunsandfairies,
and tender spiritualtraining were the delightof BrianandUna
whosefondmemories ofhim asawonderfulfatherarerecordedin
hisbiography.
His next book after The Altar ontheHearthwasThePromiseof
AllAges,publishedin1934,whichforthrightlydeclaredprogressive
revelation,themission of Baha'u'llah, and thesignsChristgave
alluding to this, theDay ofGod. Fortunately,itisstillin
print,andtranslatedintomany languages. TheGuardianwashighly
pleasedwithGeorge's literaryabilitiesandsaid,"Heisthebest
writer we have...He is the pre-eminent Baha'i writer." George
hopedthatThePromiseofAllAgeswouldopenthewayforhischurch
to become informed and accept Baha'u'llah as Christ returned.
We should appreciate the very great bravery and detachment in
George's character to do this bold proclamation. In 1934 the
orthodoxy of the churchwas not to be questioned;anyone doing
sowould be thought to be derangedor heretical. Georgewrote
to the Guardian, 'I.. .the author...will very soon lose both his
reputation and hislivelihood...The publicity and thecontroversy
which will ensue...are highly distastefultome...I rely onBaha
togiveme courageand serenityindealingwith thedifficulties
thatwillarise." Hefullyexpectedtobeexpelledfromthechurch
for proclaiming the Baha'i Faith,but this did not happen,not
evenareprimand.
George's longingto be freefromthechurchpromptedhimtowrite
totheNationalSpiritualAssembly of theBritishIsles,offering
to sell to them the copyrightsto his books. Hebelieved that
the proceeds would be sufficient to support his family. The
Assembly's responsewaspositiveand resulted inthefoundingof
the British Baha'i Publishing Trust. All business details were
worked out with the exception of one, overlooked in all the
excitement,andthatwastherequiredcooperationofGeorge'swife,
Nancy. WhenshebecameawarethatGeorgeplannedtosuddenlyleave
the churchand rely ontheuncertainsaleofhiswritingsfora
livelihood,shewasappalledandthreatenedtoleavehim. Realizing
that the break-up of his home and marriage would be disastrous
forthereputationof theCauseand forhimself,hegaveupsuch
aplan. Freedomwasstilltenlongyearsaway.
George's next book wasTheHeartof theGospel,writtenin1938,
a brilliant appeal to Christians to hearken to the call of
Baha'u'llah. 1t elucidateshistory asspiritualevolution,man's
ultimatedestiny,andexaminesGospelteachingsoverlookedbychurch
theology. When it was published in 1939,hesentacopy of it
tohisBishop,expectinganegativeresponse,buttheBishopgave
itacommendation,andwroteGeorgethatheshouldhavetoldmuch
moreaboutBaha'u'llahforHisteachingswerewonderful!
GeorgethenopenlydeclaredtotheBishophisstand,"Ihavefound
today no original spiritual leadership...except in the writings
ofBaha'u'llah...IhaveacceptedHisteachingsintheirentirety,
have identified myself with His Cause and joined the Baha'i
fellowship.'' TheBishop ignoredthisslapattheEstablishment,
andwrotethathewould liketoread George's otherBaha'i book,
ThePromiseof All Ages. Itseemsthathisreputationforsolid
scholarship,hisintegrity,hishumilitywouldnotallowhisBishop
nor the majority of his colleaguesto labelhim asderanged or
heretical,ashe had thought they would. Georgewasreally in
adilemmato findaway outofthechurch. Hecouldnotresign
because hiswife utterly opposed sucha step,and hecouldnot
get himself dismissedevenby themost forthrightdeclarationof
beliefandfellowshipinanotherreligioussystem.
But he did notgiveup. Histwogoalswere towinhiswifeto
completeallegiancetotheBaha'i Faith,gainingherapprovalfor
leaving the church, and to proclaim evenmore strenuously that
the fulfillment ofChristianitywas toacceptChrist's returnin
the revelation of Baha'u'llah. He senthundreds of copiesof
his two books to clergymenand laymen in Ireland,and received
somefavorablereviewsinnewspapers.
A fantastic proclamation opportunity occurred when he preached
thesermononJune30,1940inthenationalcathedral,St.Patricks
inDublin.Hewrotelater,"...Ispokeofharmony andconcordas
thepurposeofChristianityandalltruereligion,saidthereligion
of Baha'u'llah was today the only religion Icould find living
up to this,and pleaded that we should followsuit,and closed
by affirmingthatthefuturebelongstotheChurchthatdidfollow
suit...the DeanoftheCathedraldidwhatheneverdidtomebefore-
hevolunteeredhowmuch he liked thesermonandwhatachangeit
wasfromwhattheyhadbeenlisteningtooflate!"
Howsadtorealizethatinspiteoftheirfavorableattitudetowards
George's proclamation,notoneotherclergymanatthattimefelt
movedtoenterhimselfandhiscongregationintotheNewJerusalem.
Let us go back totwoyearsearlier. In1938somethingtotally
amazing and undreamed of happened. George received a letter
fromhis former fiancee,Nellie Roche of Tennessee. Itwas in
1916thattheyhadlastmet. GeorgewenttoIrelandforthesummer
of 1916, intending to return to the University in Sewanee,
Tennessee,but illnessand possibly the heartache of thebroken
engagementdecidedhimtostayinIrelandandstartover. Nellie
hadbecomeaBaha'iin1937. George'swritingsappearedinBaha'i
publicationswhichNelliesawand,of course,recognizedhisname
asher long-ago love. George's reply brought her up-to-date on
all that had transpired inthelasttwenty-two years,especially
his hopesof findingaway to supporthisfamilyoutsideofhis
position in the church. Nellie's responsetothiswasto offer
him her newly-received inheritance of $5,000asa loanuntilhe
could receive steady income. This filled him with hope and
happiness.
GeorgewastheloneBaha'i inthewholeofIrelandformanyyears
untilhissonand daughterwereoldenoughtounderstandandjoin
him in activity. Hewould haveinfrequentvisitsfromtraveling
Baha'is and sometimes travel to London to meet with Baha'is.
ThecorrespondencewithNelliegavehimgreatspiritualcomradeship
and encouragementinhis isolation. With thesafetynet ofher
loan,heresolvedto resignassoonasthewarwasover,moveto
Dublin and work as a freelance writer. Nancy wavered between
cooperatingwith thisand boutsofanxiety. ShewrotetoNellie
askinghertoappealtoGeorgetowaituntilhereachedretirement
age in order to receivehispension. Nellie's responsewasso
wise and understanding that Nancy was inspired to host weekly
firesides where George taught the Faith to their friends and
neighbors. HewrotethattheBaha'i meetings,startedinNovember
1942,wereanastonishingsuccess.
Shortages caused by thewar increased. Kind and generousNellie
sentfood parcels to the Townshend family. Nelliepassed away
in1958,survivingGeorgebysixteenmonths.
In1946,Georgewasfilledwithhappinessandpridebecausetheir
daughterUna,then25yearsold,becamethefirstpioneertoDublin.
GeorgesenttheGuardian's history of thefirsthundred yearsof
theBaha'iFaith,entitledGodPassesBy,withlettersproclaiming
thereturnofChrist,toseniorclergyinIreland,nodoubthoping
thatoneofthemwouldtakeoffenseandforcehimoutofthechurch.
Finallysomeoneobjected tohim. Inspring1947,George's Bishop
showed him aletterfromanAnglicanmissionary complainingthat
George's book, The Promise of~ l l Ages, exalted ~aha'u'llahat
theexpenseofChrist. GeorgerespondedtotheBishop'squestioning
by plainly declaring his belief inBaha'u'llah asthereturnof
Christ. Hewrote theGuardianthattheBishopwaskindbutvery
narrowandutterlyperplexed,anddeparturefromthechurchappeared
tobeathand.
On the advise of the NationalSpiritualAssembly of theBritish
Isles,GeorgedecidedtoresignfromthechurchinSeptember1947,
andmovetoDublintohelpestablishthefirstlocalBaha'iAssembly
in Ireland. TheAssembly pledged toassisthimfinancially,and
tosupportNancy if shewouldbecomewidowed. AllnineNational
Baha'i Assemblies in the world at that time felt honored to
contribute support. By leaving thechurch,Georgeforfeitedall
insuranceand pensionhehadpaid into. Hewas71yearsoldand
had no real assets other than some royalties from his books.
A smallhousewasfoundinasuburbofDublinandpurchasedwith
thehelpofNellie'sloan,andtheymovedinOctober1947.
George'sresignationwasreceivedkindlybyhisBishop,whopraised
himforhischaracterandhismanyyearsoffaithfulandefficient
work. To explain his unprecedented actand topromotetheCause
of Baha'u'llah as the revitalizing,unifying forcefor all the
sects of Christianity,Georgewrote a clear and beautifulessay
calledTheOldChurchesandtheNewWorldFaith,whichcanbefound
inhisbiographyandinVolumeXI11oftheBaha'iWorld.
Itisinterestingtonotetheextentofthedistributionofcopies:
BritishIsles,8,122; Australia5,000;UnitedStates2,000;Canada
4,000,plus an unknown number inEgyptand Germany. Thesewere
sent to the clergy,politicians,professionalsand leaders,even
totheKingoftheBritishEmpirewhoreturnedanacknowledgement.
AllnineNational SpiritualAssembliescontributed totheeffort.
Plansandpersonnelsetuptodealwiththeexpectedresponseproved
unnecessary. Theresponsewasslight,mostly formalacknowledge-
ments. Itmusthavebeenatremendousdisappointmenttoallwho
workedsohardontheproject.TheGuardianwrote,"Yourchallenging
letterto theChristians- sowellconceived- hasshownclearly
how deep is the sleep of theheedlessthesedays. Itislike
knockingonagrave;thedeadmakenoresponse!"
The sudden change from the spacious country house,the Rectory
at Ahascragh with a maid and gardener, to thesmallhome,tiny
yard,and nohouseholdhelpwastoodifficultachangeforNancy.
Shemissed her many friends,knowingnooneinDublinatfirst.
NeverthelesssheactuallyenrolledintheFaithandbecameamember
of thefirstSpiritualAssembly inDublin. Georgewasdelighted
withhiswifefinallybyhissidespiritually.Theywentonteaching
tripsandattendedsummerschools. Butitwasashort-livedevent
as Nancy never adjusted well to living in Dublin and became
withdrawn,refusing to participate intheBaha'i hospitalityand
activitieswhichGeorgewantedtodo.
WhenAdib Taherzadeh,wholaterbecameawell-known Baha'i author
and member of the Universal House of Justice,moved to Dublin,
GeorgewasoverjoyedasAdib provided thespiritualcompanionship
and stimulation he needed. George was chairman of the local
Assembly and delegate to the national convention,activeinall
kindsof teachingand studymeetings,yetNovember1951foundhim
descending into depression. He wrote to the Guardian deploring
his waning enthusiasm,feeling that he had somehowfailed to do
whattheGuardianand Abdu'l-Baha expectedofhim. Amonthpassed
before he had a reply which, to his utter astonishment,was a
personalcablefromtheGuardianinforminghimthathewaselevated
totherankofaHandoftheCauseofGod,thefirstinEurope.
George became imbuedwitharenewed spiritand arosetohisnew
responsibilitieswith allthefervorofhisgreat,lovingheart.
In 1953, four IntercontinentalTeaching Conferences were held.
George,accompaniedby Nancy,attendedtheoneinStockholm,Sweden
asarepresentativeoftheGuardian. Headdressedtheconference
on "The Sufferings of Baha'u'llah and Their Significance," a
masterpiece which isreproducedinTheBaha'i World,VolumesXI1
andXVI. AsaHandoftheCausehefosteredthespiritualwelfare
of the Baha'is in the British Isles,Norway,FaEoe Islandsand
Iceland. A new forceof loveand enthusiasm poured forth from
him. His great knowledge of the Baha'i Faith and Christian
scripturesconfirmedsoulsbeyondnurrtber.
Inhislastdays,illandweakfromParkinson'sdisease,instead
of resting,George gavehisutmost exertiontofinishabook he
had started many years before, called Christ and Baha'u'llah.
Unable tospeakorwrite,hewhisperedthefinalpagestohisson
and daughter. It expounds the vision of historypas spiritual
evolution and was written explicitly for Christians, clearly
explaininghowBaha'u'llah isChristreturnedinthegloryofthe
Father. TheGuardiancalleditGeorge's crowningachievementand
urged its use in vigorous teaching and publicity programs in
English-speaking countries. David Hofman,hispublisherand bio-
grapher,callsthe book "anepic...amasterpiece...indeed awork
of genius.'' Fortunately,it is still in print, and, Ifeel,
essential reading for any thoughtfulChristianwho isstruggling
to understand the relationship between Christ and Baha'u'llah.
GeorgepassedawayonMarch25,1957,afewdaysafterhiscrowning
achievementcameintoprint.
Tributespoured in,many fromthosehehad servedasaclergyman
in Ahascragh. Una wrote, "...a Roman Catholic told us how she
andmany otherswent tohimforadvice...theyknewhewouldnever
breathe a word to anyone. She spoke of his absolute goodness
andsaidthelocalpeopleallsaidhewasasaint."
George was also deeply mystical and expressed it in thrilling
poetry. His poems and prayers of spiritual longing,collected
ina book calledTheMissionofBaha'u'llah, bring tearstothe
eyesandjoytothesoul.
ThetributefromtheGuardiancalledGeorge"dearlyloved...greatly
gifted most distinguished collaborator...''his sterling qualities
his scholarshiphis challengingwritings his high ecclesiastical
positionunrivalledanyBaha'i westernworldentitlehimrankwith
Thomas Breakwell Dr. Esslemont one of three luminariesshedding
brilliantlustreannalsIrishEnglishScottishBaha'i communities.
His fearless championship Cause he loved so dearly served so
valiantlyconstitutessignificantlandmarkBritishBaha'ihistory.. ' I
HANDOFTHECAUSEHORACEH.HOLLEY
HoraceHolley fulfilledanimportantmissionintheestablishment
of theBaha'i AdministrativeOrderintheWesternworldunderthe
direction of the Guardian. For those who have become Baha'is
in recent years,itispossible thatthey arenot familiarwith
the self-sacrifice and accomplishments of this great American
believerwhowaselevatedtotherankofHandoftheCausein1951.
WhilethetermAdministrativeOrdermightsoundlessthanexciting,
let us consider that without proper administration, any great
endeavorwill break downand dissipatefornumerousreasons,such
as lack of communication, confusion in line of command,
factionalism,andthelike. WeknowthattheBaha'iAdministrative
Orderisnotofman-madedesign,butisfirmlybasedontherevealed
word of Baha'u'llah and the authorized interpretations of
Abdu'l-Baha, and after Him,Shoghi Effendi. It is the vehicle
by which the world-unifying teachingsofBaha'u'llah willattain
the supremely noblegoal,that ofunifying thedisparatepeoples
oftheworldandapplyingjustice.
Horace Holley became the Guardian's right hand man in America,
socompletelyreliable,efficientandcapablewasheinimplementing
theGuardian'sdirectivesontheestablishmentoftheAdministrative
Order.
Horace HotchkissHolley was born in1887 inConnecticutand his
ancestors included many educators and ministers. His major in
college was literature. Hehad abrilliant,analyticalmind and
alsohad another side;that of an idealist andmystic. Hewas
apublished poet. After college,hewent toEuropein1909. He
met a young lady who showed himabook thatchanged thecourse
ofhislife. Thebookwas AbbasEffendi,HisLifeandTeachings.
Mr.Holleywrotethatatfirsthethoughtit"possibletoencompass
the Revelation of Baha'u'llah by reducing it to a formula
...gradually my ventures proved ...that I myself was to be
encompassed,re-oriented, re-mouldedinalltherealmsofmybeing."
Mr. HolleymarriedandwaslivinginItalyin1911whentheyheard
thatAbdu'l-Baha wasinFrance. Theyimmediatelytraveledtoattain
thepresenceof theMaster. Horaceunderwentakindofinstant-
aneous spiritual rebirth at his first glimpse of Abdu'l-Baha
atadistance. "My wholebodyunderwentashock. My heartleapt,
my kneesweakened,athrillofacutereceptivefeelingflowedfrom
head to foot...While my own personalitywasflowingaway,anew
being,not my own assumed its place. A glory...poured intome
andIwasconsciousofamostintenseimpulsetoadmire."
FromItaly,Mr.Holley,hiswifeandlittledaughtermovedtoParis
whereheoperatedanartgallery. In1913hewrotehisfirstbook
about the Baha'i Faith, entitled Baha'ism-The Modern Social
Religion. Itwaspraisedby Abdu'l-Baha. Anothermove,thistime
toNewYorkCity in1914,whereheworkedforapublishingcompany
andthenanadvertisingagency.
The first National SpiritualAssembly of the United States and
Canada was formed in 1922. The next year Horacewaselecteda
member and was re-elected for a total of thirty-six years. He
served as the secretary for thirty-four years. That must be a
record! In1925Mr. Holleygaveuphispersonalcareertodevote
his entire time to Baha'i work. Imaginethesacrifice!Togive
upahighsalaryandbig citycareertoworkforareligionlittle
knownandunappreciatedby theworldatlargewithonlyverymodest
compensationfromtheBaha'i Fund. Don't forgetthatduringthose
years thepressing need and overwhelmingfinancialresponsibility
fortheBaha'iswassupportingtheconstructionoftheMotherTemple
of the West and the superstructure of the Shrine of the Bab.
However,Mr. Holley must have found working for the Faith much
moresatisfyingthananythingelse.
ShoghiEffendiwasextremelyappreciativeofhisefficientservice
and reallywanted andneededMr. HolleytohelphiminHaifa,but
sacrificed thiswish ashe realized Horacewas indispensableto
thefledglingBaha'i administrationinAmerica. TheGuardianwrote
him,"My dearestco-worker...Your personalcontributiontosomany
aspectsand phases of the Movement, performed sodiligently,so
effectively, and so thoroughly are truly a source of joy and
inspirationtome. Howmuch Ifeeltheneedofasimilarworker
by my side in Haifa,as competent,as thorough,as methodical,
asalertasyourself. You cannotand shouldnot leaveyourpost
forthe present. Haifawillhavetotakecareofitselfforsome
time. Yourgratefulbrother,Shoghi.''
Mr. Holley's literarytalentswere givenfreelyinservicetothe
Faith. He wrote two more booksplusabook-length collectionof
histalksand essays. In1921 heedited the firstcomprehensive
compilationofthewordsofBaha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha inEnglish.
ItwaslaterrevisedandpublishedasBaha'iWorldFaith. Hewrote
fortheearlyBaha'imagazineStaroftheWest,wasontheeditorial
board and wrote for the publication World Order,and hewason
the Baha'i Publishing Committee. Mr. Holley conceived the idea
of a series of books recording the internationalactivitiesof
the Faith. The Guardian enthusiasticallyaccepted thisideaand
thusthevolumescalled TheBaha'i Worldcameintobeing. Shoghi
Effendi acted asthe editor-in-chief, and Holley,the executor.
Mr.HolleywrotethesectionInternationalSurveyofCurrentBaha'i
Activitiesforeveryvolumeuptothetimeofhispassingin1960.
Itwas he who gave titles to the long generallettersfromthe
Guardian, picking out key phrases that captured the imagination
of the readers,and put subtitlesthroughouttofacilitatetheir
study.
Mr. Holley created and the Guardian approved publication of a
regularnewsletterfortheBaha'is nationwide,thusbeganin1925
themagazineBaha'i Newsfor65years,nowevolvedintothepaper
called The American Baha'i. With the help of a Baha'i lawyer,
he wrote the Declarationof Trust of the National Assembly and
theBy-lawsofaLocalAssemblywhichtheGuardianmadethepattern
forsimilarlegalinstrumentsoftheFaithinallothercountries.
TheNationalSecretariatwasinNewYorkCity,naturally,asthat
was where the National secretary lived. However,in 1939 the
time camewhen Shoghi Effendiwished thesecretariattomoveto
thevicinity of theTempleinWilmette,Illinoissothespiritual
and administrative centers in America would be fused into one.
Another major sacrifice forMr. Holley to give up allthatwas
familiarand enjoyableinNew York,and relocatetoasmalltown
intheMidwest. Thistrusted,deeply devotedservant,ofcourse,
realized the needs of the Faithwereof greaterimportancethan
his own. In Wilmette,he quicklymade newfriends,wasaccepted
into Rotarians, and founded the Wilmette Historical Commission.
Inaddition to his outstandingwriting and publishing abilities,
hewasadistinguishedspeaker,givingpubliclecturesandcourses
atBaha'isummerschools.
December1951,ShoghiEffendiannouncedtheappointmentofHorace
HolleyasaHand of theCauseinAmerica,alongwithtwoothers,
Dorothy Baker and Leroy Ioas. But this rank and honor did not
takehim from continuing hiswork as secretary of the National
SpiritualAssembly.
Did Mr. Holley ever get to meet theGuardianhelovedsomuch?
Yes, in 1953 after attending Intercontinental Conferences in
Chicago,Europe,Africa and IndiaattherequestoftheGuardian.
After the passing of Shoghi Effendi in 1957, Mr. Holley's
fellow-HandsdesiredhimtocomeandserveasoneofthenineHands
intheHolyLand;thereforeheresignedfromtheNationalAssembly
in1959andarrivedinHaifaonthelastdayofthatyear. Another
sacrificialmoveashewas then72yearsold,inillhealthand
very frail. Six months later he passed away. The cablegram,
a loving tribute from his fellow-Hands read "Grieved announce
passing(in)HaifamuchloveddistinguishedHandCauseHoraceHolley
outstanding champion (of the) Faith sincedays (of the) Master,
praisedbybelovedGuardianforuniquecontribution(in)development
AdministrativeOrder. His indefatigableservices(in) protection,
teaching,administrativefields,culminatingservice(inthe)Holy
Land(is)inspiringexamplepresent,futuregenerationsBaha'is."
Now almost forty years later,arewenot that futuregeneration
which is inspired by the example of truedevotion,reliability,
and detachment from selfwhich Hand of the Cause Horace Holley
leftasapricelesslegacy?
(ReferencesourceforabovefromTheBaha'iWorld,volumeXIII.)
Now thattheaccountsofafewdedicatedservantsof Baha'u'llah
were related to you, it is timely to contemplatesomeof the
oustandingqualiteswhichmadethemsounique.
ThonrtonChase,May Maxwelland GeorgeTownshendwereforatime
the only Baha'is in their entire country;Chase in the United
States;May, inEurope and later Canada;and Hand of theCause
Mr. Townshend in Ireland. What steadfastnessthis takes,to be
sofirminconvictionthatnokindofisolationcoulddiscourage!
Tostandoutasdifferentfromtheirunawakened friendsandfamily
wasnotfrighteningtothem.
Theepitomeofthewordsspokenby theMastertoMayattheclose
ofherpilgrimagein1899:
'I
And now Igiveyouacommandmentwhichshallbe foracovenant
between you and Me - that ye have faith, that your faith be
steadfast as a rock that no stormscanmove, that nothing can
disturb,andthatitendurethroughallthingseventotheend...be
notshakeninyourfaith;forIamwithyoualways,whetherliving
or dead, Iamwithyoutotheend. As youhavefaithsoshall
yourpowersand blessingsbe. Thisisthebalance...this isthe
balance...thisisthebalance." (AnEarlyPilgrimage,p. 40)
It's obvious that all these souls had the supreme quality of
steadfastness,like a rock that nostormscouldmove,and those
who lived to be elderly never became content that they had
accomplishedenoughandsettledbackforrestfulinactivity.
TheearlyAmericanbelieversexhibitedfirmnessintheirattachment
totheCenterof theCovenantwhenconfrontedwiththespiritof
rebellioninsomecontemporaries.
John Bosch is an inspiring example of obedience to the law of
Baha'u'llah by givinguphistiestoliquorproduction. Inthis
Faith,soonerorlaterwebecomeawareofthebountiesandblessings
that descend into our lives as an unavoidable consequence of
obediencetothesacredlaws.
All of them showedgreatlovetoall,thatkind of lovethatis
bornfromthewordsof Abdu'l-Baha, ''Realloveisimpossibleunless
one turn his facetowardsGod and be attracted toHisbeauty."
(Baha'iWorldFaith,p. 364)
And all had innate self-effacement and humility about their
considerable accomplishments, feeling themselves to be only
instrumentsforthepurposesoftheBeloved. Surely,theyacutely
understoodthisprayerfrom Abdu'l-Baha:
"0 SunofBounty,senddownashaftoflight.
Grantuspity,grantusgrace.
ByThybeauty,wecomewithnoprovisionsbutoursins,
withnogooddeedstotellof,onlyhopes."
(SelectionsWritingsof Abdu'l-Baha, p. 7)