April 19, 1912 Divine Fragrance

The last day in New York--for now! One can only imagine how Juliet and others felt as the Master prepared to go to Washington D.C. after such a whirlwind reception in New York.

 Juliet in her studio

Mahmud writes: "It was the last day of `Abdu'l-Bahá's stay in New York. From early morning until noon there were the usual comings and goings of numerous friends and believers at the Master's hotel. In the evening a large meeting was arranged for the Master's talk at Earl Hall at Columbia University. In addition to students and professors, there were many other interested people, as well as the Bahá'ís. `Abdu'l-Bahá's talk was most penetrating and dealt with the supernatural powers of human nature and the results achieved from education and knowledge, and gave an explanation of peace and so on. After the meeting, those who had already met `Abdu'l-Bahá brought other seekers to meet Him in another room. These meetings were so long that the professors' plan to give the Master a tour of the university had to be abandoned.

Earl Hall

"From both the friends and inquirers was frequently heard the remark, `Oh, that this meeting would never end, for we do not want to leave Him.'

"As it was `Abdu'l-Bahá's last night in the city, many believers remained longer than usual in His company. Each was a Majnún, enchanted with the beauty of the Center of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant and attracted to the divine fragrances.

"The friends continued to arrive until late at night. `Abdu'l-Bahá bade farewell to all and promised to be back among them when He returned."

Earl Hall

Earl Hall

One can sense that Mahmud is striving to record the objective facts and not give way to effusive descriptions.  Yet, if we think about how the Master's talk was "most penetrating" we can imagine being thrilled to have Him voicing "reality" about the "supernatural powers of human nature"--the very mystery of life of the soul. He must have awakened and enkindled His hearers--even though who perhaps came to hear Him out of curiosity.  It was an age in which public lectures were popular, and no doubt many clung to any word He uttered. Some Westerners even understood Him without an interpreter. What we would give to have Him in our midst now!

We went to Earl Hall on the Columbia campus, just last week, to take some footage and photos. Above the door, a stunning inscription: "Erected for the students that religion and learning may go hand in hand and character grow with knowledge." Yes! 

Agnes and Jeffrey Parsons, in Washington, have arranged to have Him come to their house, where He will stay only with His translator Dr. Fareed, though they invited the whole party to stay with them. The others will be housed in a rented house. Edward Getsinger and Louise Boyle had sent a letter "speaking of the food and the hours for it which Abdu'l-Baha is accustomed to." (AP Diary) Can you imagine preparing your home for His arrival?