May 7, 1912 Extraordinary power . . .

Cleveland to Pittsburgh

Mahmud writes:  "Early in the morning `Abdu'l-Bahá received newspapers giving news of His arrival, His addresses and the meetings of the Bahá'ís, and describing the respect shown to Him, each report having a photograph of Him taken with us."

Ward details aspects of press coverage in chapter 5 of 239 Days.  May 5 Cleveland Plain Dealer: "GIVES NEW CREED TALK . . . Abd-ul Baha . . . comes to Cleveland from Chicago, where his ardent followers recently dedicated a temple. . . It is expected a branch will be formed here."  May 6:  "BAHAISTS TO HEAR VENERABLE LEADER . . . There are a number of followers of the Bahist movement in Cleveland.  Converts are expected as a result of the visit of Abdul Baha.  Some Cleveland believers when to Chicago last week to the dedication of the Bahaist temple. . . ." 

And in the May 6 Cleveland News:  "WED RACES? SURE . . . Perfect results follow the marriage of black and white races.  All men are the progeny of one. . . . They are of different colors, but the color is nothing."--`Abdu'l-Bahá . . . "I believe Abdu'l Baha is absolutely right.  It is inevitable that all races will unite. Black and white and yellow will intermarry and make one perfect race.  It is the only logical conclusion."--Mrs. C.M. Swingle"

Logic aside, that must have been a dramatic article for 1912. [See Ward for more coverage on subject of intermarriage.]

Lua behind the Master, bearing tea service
(at the Wilhelm house in Teaneck, NJ) 

Interesting to note:  Lua and Edward Getsinger were living in Cleveland and had gone to Chicago for the meetings there. They must have been thrilled to have the Master come to Cleveland--perhaps they even arranged it.  There were about 100 Baha'is in Cleveland at the time. 

Lua

Mahmud continues his May 7 account:  "Shortly afterwards He received a letter from a dignitary of the city, who stated that after reading the newspapers and reflecting on the teachings of the Cause, he was convinced of its truth and greatness and wished to submit to `Abdu'l-Bahá a statement of his conviction and recognition of the Faith.

We left Cleveland at 8:00 a.m., arriving in Pittsburgh around noon. The friends in Pittsburgh, who had been informed by telegram of `Abdu'l-Bahá's arrival, were waiting at the station. When the train pulled in, they were overjoyed to see Him and followed Him to the Hotel Schenley where He was staying.

After an hour's brief rest, `Abdu'l-Bahá received many people who had been invited by the friends to meet Him. Some were leaders of the Jewish community who invited Him to address their congregations. However, owing to a previous commitment at the Peace Congress in New York City, He was not able to accept their invitation.

There was a large meeting in the evening at the hotel for the friends in Pittsburgh. `Abdu'l-Bahá spoke on the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, His address ending with these words: `The East must acquire material civilization from the West and the West must learn divine civilization from the East.' Everyone expressed their appreciation of the teachings with the utmost sincerity.

A little later a group of philosophers, doctors and journalists met with `Abdu'l-Bahá. He spoke to them in detail about composition and decomposition and the diagnosis of disease:

If one is fully cognizant of the reason for the incursion of disease and can determine the balance of elements, he can cure diseases by administering the food that can restore the normal level of the deficient element. In this way there will be no need for medicines and other difficulties will not arise.

After a detailed discussion of this subject, He asked them, `Although animals do not know the science of medicine, why, when they are sick, do they abstain instinctively from what is injurious to them and eat foods that are beneficial, while man, when ailing, inclines more to that which is injurious to him?' They had no answer to this question and stated that the Master knew the answer better than they.

`Abdu'l-Bahá then gave a description of the extraordinary power of the world of humanity and the freedom of man from the limitations of nature:

Since man's attention is not confined to one interest, his negligence is greater; while his comprehension is greater than that of all other creatures when it is focused and fixed on one subject.

Thus did the Master speak to the group of journalists, philosophers and doctors, who thanked Him for His discourse."

Ward notes that the friends in Pittsburg kept asking `Abdu'l-Bahá if He liked His rooms in the Hotel Schenley.  He kept responding "Very good!" but later exclaimed to Dr. Zia Bagdadi, "They do not know what we had to go through in the past," then referred to the conditions of imprisonment and exile and the fact that He had to accept the morgue of the barracks and lived there for about two years. "Now the kind friends here wish to know if I like these magnificent rooms!" 

May 6, 1912 Moths around a light / new life!

"Like moths around a light"--may we be thus! 

Not sure of location

Picture being in the crowd to say goodbye to `Abdu'l-Bahá in Chicago, OR boarding that train to Cleveland, OR being there at the station in Cleveland to receive Him.  The excitement!

Mahmud writes:  "`Abdu'l-Bahá left Chicago for Cleveland in the morning. As He was leaving, Bahá'ís and non-Bahá'ís surrounded Him like moths around a light, their hearts burning with thoughts of separation and tears flowing from their eyes.

The train reached Cleveland in the afternoon. [Ward's book specifies 4 pm.]  Many friends and newspaper reporters were at the station to welcome Him. The reporters photographed Him with His companions and asked for an interview.

After making arrangements at the Euclid Hotel for His stay, `Abdu'l-Bahá gave the reporters permission to visit. He gave them an account of the history and teachings of the Cause. One of them questioned Him about His mission. He replied:

My message is the oneness of humanity and universal peace; the harmony of true science and religion; the equality of rights; the elimination of religious, racial and political prejudices; the truth of all the divine religions; the removal of religious imitations and superstitions; the education of women to such a degree that they may have equal rights with men; the adjustment of the economic condition of all people so that if a rich man enjoys honor and affluence, the poor man may also have a mat to lie on and a house to dwell in; the establishment of spiritual civilization; the reformation of human morals; the unity of all religions, so that when the people of the world recognize the truth of all religions, they may become united since truth is one -- if they follow imitation, war and dissension shall remain, because imitations are the cause of differences. [How's that for a mission statement?]

After an hour, He left the hotel for Dr Swingle's home for a meeting with the Bahá'ís. [Differing translations of this talk appear in PUP and SofW.  Both indicate that the talk was given at Dr. Swingle's sanatorium.] After He had some tea, He entered a room that was filled to capacity. He spoke to the friends about the prosperity of America and the perfecting of material civilization with spiritual refinement, the rising of the Sun of Truth, the raising of the divine call and spreading the teachings of God. The friends were deeply moved and full of admiration. Through their meeting with Him, they had found new life. At the beginning of the meeting, a photograph was taken of Him with His companions and some of the friends.

In the evening, the auditorium of the Euclid Hotel was full and there was standing room only. About five hundred Bahá'ís and non-Bahá'ís were enchanted by His charm and speech. The meeting began and ended with music. The audience was most appreciative of `Abdu'l-Bahá's talk on the necessity of religion, the dangers of war and the benefits of love, unity and harmony."

Wonder if that photo is available. . . . 

I am at the "Wings to the Spirit" arts conference in Pensacola and had such an amazing time today presenting about our film.  Meanwhile, Tim is home working on a 10-min. piece for the DC commemoration next week. I will be costuming a few people--as I did in Chicago last weekend. What a life! I feel like a moth following the Light--and new life prevails. 

May 5, 1912 The breezes of paradise . . .

[See May 4 post to understand all that happened on May 5, as there is some date discrepancy.  May 5 is a Sunday, so it is likely that `Abdu'l-Bahá did speak at the two churches on that day, as PUP and Ward propose.]

Plymouth Congregational Church, Chicago

Mahmud’s account for the 4^th ends as follows, but I think we can safely say this was on the  5^th, after He went to the Congregational Church:

“In the early evening `Abdu'l-Bahá went to the All-Souls Church.  A great excitement was also created among the people of this church. His eloquent address, given in sweet and melodious tones, concerned the missions of the Divine Manifestations of God and the peace and unity of humanity. He concluded His talk with a detailed account of the Most Great Manifestation, Bahá'u'lláh, and the influence of His exalted Word.

After members of the audience came to Him to shake His hand and express their thanks and devotion, He went to the home of Dr Melborne, the rector of the Congregational Church. There He gave a most impressive and eloquent talk on the benefits of peace and harmony and the harm caused by war and strife. He discussed the requisites for prosperity and the unity of humankind. It was the last night of His stay and the effect of His words was so deep and far-reaching that it is beyond description.”

[The last night would have been May 5.  According to Mahmud's account, the Master left Chicago on the morning of May 6.]

Regarding the 5^th, Mahmud recounts:

“As it was the last day of the Master's stay, there was much commotion among the friends visiting the Master's apartment. A large number of Bahá'ís and their children had gathered in the hotel's salon. `Abdu'l-Bahá embraced and kissed each child with love and kindness. Giving them flowers and sweets, He said to them:

According to Christ you are the children of the Kingdom and according to Bahá'u'lláh, the candles of the world of man, for your hearts are in the utmost purity and your spirits are sanctified. You are not soiled with the things of this world. Your hearts are pure and clean like the mirror. Your parents must bring you up with great kindness and must educate you in morals and praiseworthy attributes so that the virtues of the world of man may be exemplified perfectly in your characters and conduct, that you may progress in all fields of endeavor, may acquire knowledge of the arts and sciences, and may become the cause of the manifestation of eternal bounties and universal advancement.”

Ward adds that an observer wrote, “The children’s joy and his own happiness seemed to culminate when one dear little tot ran to him and fairly threw herself into his arms.  When he let her go she stood for a second and then suddenly laughed aloud with perfect joy. . . .” (56) Ward also describes how He took a bouquet from the table and divided it among the children and gave each one an envelope of rose petals (don’t you wonder if any of these still exist?) 

Mahmud says [I have bolded some parts], 

     “Then addressing the entire assembly, He said:

I am going, but you must rise up to serve the Cause of God. Endeavor to keep your hearts sanctified and your intentions pure so that you may attract divine bounties. . . . This is the day in which only pure and chaste hearts can derive benefit from the eternal bounties and only pious souls can receive light from the ever-existent splendors. Praise be to God that ye believe in God, have faith in His words and are turned to His Kingdom. You have heard the voice of God and your hearts are delighted with the breezes of the Abhá paradise. Your intentions are good; your object is the will of God; and your desire is to render service to the Kingdom of God.

     Therefore, you must gird up your loins with unswerving determination, you must be united among yourselves and you must not be irritated by one another. Your eyes must be turned always to the kingdom of God and not to the world of man. You must love His creation for His sake and not for your own. When you love one another for the sake of God you shall never be perturbed. No human being is perfect, every person has some flaw. If you look to your fellowman you will always be upset; but if you look to God it shall not be so, because the world of God is a world of perfection and endless mercy; therefore, you will love and show kindness to all for His sake. You must not look to the faults of others; you must look with the eye of forgiveness and pardon. The eye that regards faults sees nothing but faults and the eye that overlooks faults is fixed on the Creator of the souls. It is He Who has created all, has nurtured all, has endowed all with life and spirit and has given to all eyes and ears. Thus all are the signs of His power and for His sake we must love all, and show kindness to all, assist the poor, render help to the weak, heal the sick and educate the ignorant.

It is my desire that the union and harmony of the friends of Chicago may be an example for all the friends in America and that all creation may derive benefit from their behavior; that they may lead all. Then and only then shall the confirmations of the Abhá Kingdom and the bounties of the Sun of Reality encircle you.”

All creation might be affected by our thoughts and behavior! Oh, my! 

Remembering the story of a few days ago, when He instructed the friends not to focus on each other’s flaws, I am thinking that somehow this was one of His important messages in Chicago.

Ward describes that after the talk, He took them all out into the park for a photograph.  “After a time He expressed His wish to be alone and walked over to the statue of Abraham Lincoln and stood gazing up at it.” (239 Days, 56)

Abdu'l-Baha with statue of Lincoln

 This was rather amazing for me to discover, since we shot footage in Lincoln Park and focused on that statue--not knowing then He had gazed up at it. (Click on photo & you can see it better.)

Statue of Lincoln, from our shoot

Later, the events at the two churches and the situation with Mr. Forde’s car would have occurred. To repeat what M. said on the 4^th but probably meant occurred on the 5^th:  “It was the last night of His stay and the effect of His words was so deep and far-reaching that it is beyond description.”  Indeed!

___________

I write from the "Wings to the Spirit" Arts Conference in Pensacola, FL, where I presented a session on our film today.  I am experiencing the breezes of paradise--so many special souls and talents and moments.  Hooper Dunbar is here, and Hong Foo, and a host of other friends.  Tonight we danced after the program--and after everyone left, I walked on the beach and moon-bathed under the full moon.  What bounties surround us!

May 4, 1912 Cheers of joy

There are some discrepancies between Mahmud’s account and those of PUP and Allan Ward re. May 4 and 5.  Mahmud’s account dated May 4 says that the talks at the Plymouth Congregational Church and the All-Souls Church occurred on that Saturday; both PUP and Ward say they occurred on Sunday the 5^th—more likely for church services anyway.  Also, Mahmud calls the 4^th the “last night” in Chicago, but then says He left on the morning of the 6^th.  He has no mention of `Abdu'l-Bahá's talk to the Theosophical Society at Northwestern University, which is mentioned as occurring on the 4^th in Ward’s book and is printed as such in PUP.  The talk ends with one of the prayers for gatherings Baha’is are familiar with—“We are as plants, and Thy bounty is as the rain. . . .”

It is likely that Mahmud was exhausted and perhaps forgot to record the event(s) on the 4^th and confused them with those of the 5^th—perhaps looking back at his notes after a whirlwind time in Chicago.  In any event, I think we can all imagine the enormous challenging of recording the details of this journey. 

A sentence stands out for me in the following account:  “The effect of His words was so deep and far-reaching that it is beyond description. . . .”  Yet this man, day after day, tried to describe what was indescribable.  I’ve put some other things in bold in this particular account.

Mahmud writes:

     “As `Abdu'l-Bahá's stay in Chicago was drawing to a close, there were numerous meetings and receptions. In the morning some clergymen visited Him in His hotel room. . . .  He then went to the Plymouth Congregational Church, which was magnificent and most beautifully decorated. Its rector, Dr [Joseph A.] Milburn,  had seen the Master several times and was greatly attracted to Him. After the customary service, the rector introduced `Abdu'l-Bahá . . . as the Herald of Peace and the Son of God, `Abbás Effendi.

Plymouth Congregational Church
(now First Baptist) 

Photo by Charles Nolley

As the Master approached the pulpit, the congregation rose to their feet, and although they were in church, they greeted Him with prolonged applause and cheers of joy. `Abdu'l-Bahá called them to order then spoke about the manifestation of the center of illumination and the Sun of Truth which appears at different times at different points of the zodiac, thus illustrating the renewal of religions and the unity of the Messengers and the Holy Books. At the end of His talk He chanted a prayer in Persian in a melodious voice.

The hearts of the listeners were so attracted that the church seemed to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The people crowded around `Abdu'l-Bahá to the extent such that it became difficult for the Master and His companions to leave. Groups of people surrounded Him to shake His hand and to ask for His blessing. The most surprising thing about these meetings was that although most of the people had never before heard of the Bahá'í teachings, they were so attracted and fascinated that they would follow the Master in their cars from one meeting to another. . . .”

Imagine spontaneously running into the Master and then spending your day following Him around the city! 

Then, there’s a rather funny story, perhaps related to `Abdu'l-Bahá's intuitive sense, though it does not claim to be about that:

 “`Abdu'l-Bahá had lunch at the home of Dr Forde and after meeting with a few people, He left for the hotel, saying, `Let us walk for a while, and then take the tram.' Our host and some of us suggested that the distance was great and pointed out that Mr Forde's car was available. At our insistence, `Abdu'l-Bahá rode in the car but as it twice punctured its tires, He took the tram.”

Then, Mahmud provides a long section about questions people asked `Abdu'l-Bahá at the hotel, after His arrival. One person asked him about the future affairs of Asia and the countries in the East, and at the end of that answer `Abdu'l-Bahá said, “Today, whichever nation raises the standard of the oneness of humanity and comes under the shelter of this divine power will ultimately lead the whole world.”  Do you suppose He was referring to the United States?

Then, Mahmud notes, “After answering these questions, `Abdu'l-Bahá went with Mrs [Corinne] True and other friends to a Chicago cemetery to offer prayers for the departed.”  The note in the book mentions that Corinne’s son Davis had died shortly after His arrival in Chicago (and, of course, we know that she lost other sons--and her husband).  Can you imagine the great grief she was experiencing, even as the Temple grounds were being dedicated?  Surely the personal loss and comingled victory of having the Master visit the Temple ground was a great case of crisis and victory. The Master must have been such a balm to her spirit. . . . 

I must read the book about her!  Here's the George Ronald description of it: 

Few realize that the Hand of the Cause of God, Corinne True, long honoured for her major role in the erection of the first Bahá'í House of Worship in the Western Hemisphere, was not only 'Mother of the Temple' but, before all else, a mother, devoted to the care of husband and four daughters and four sons. Between 1892 and 1912 this close-knit, affectionate family was reduced in number, as death claimed its first-born child, then every son and their father too, leaving three daughters to support their mother in the remarkable services of the True family to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh.
It was in 1899, soon after the death of three-year-old Nathanael, that Corinne True encountered and accepted the Bahá'í Faith. Her first letter from 'Abdu'l-Bahá brought understanding, resolve and hope, as did the fifty subsequent messages. For her He envisaged a continuous activity in rearing the Temple, and many a time hers was the creative and guiding voice. But there were other fields to which He called her: active defence of the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh, public teaching, the participation of women in the administration of the Faith. And thus her steadfast response contributed significantly to the evolution of the American Bahá'í Community.
Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Faith, praised Corinne True as 'truly a tower of strength in these days of stress and trial, worthy of the unquestioning confidence reposed in you by 'Abdu'l-Bahá.'

May 3, 1912 Struck with charm

Last year on this day Farhad Naderi sent an e-message: "When I read this passage [below] this morning I felt inspired to share it with the team." 

“There hath branched from the Sadratu'l-Muntaha this sacred and glorious Being, this Branch of Holiness; well is it with him that hath sought His shelter and abideth beneath His shadow. Verily the Limb of the Law of God hath sprung forth from this Root which God hath firmly implanted in the Ground of His Will, and Whose Branch hath been so uplifted as to encompass the whole of creation. Magnified be He, therefore, for this sublime, this blessed, this mighty, this exalted Handiwork! . . . A Word hath, as a token of Our grace, gone forth from the Most Great Tablet -- a Word which God hath adorned with the ornament of His own Self, and made it sovereign over the earth and all that is therein, and a sign of His greatness and power among its people . . . Render thanks unto God, O people, for His appearance; for verily He is the most great Favour unto you, the most perfect bounty upon you; and through Him every mouldering bone is quickened. Whoso turneth towards Him hath turned towards God, and whoso turneth away from Him hath turned away from My Beauty, hath repudiated My Proof, and transgressed against Me. He is the Trust of God amongst you, His charge within you, His manifestation unto you and His appearance among His favoured servants . . . We have sent Him down in the form of a human temple. Blest and sanctified be God Who createth whatsoever He willeth through His inviolable His infallible decree. They who deprive themselves of the shadow of the Branch, are lost in the wilderness of error are consumed by the heat of worldly desires, and are of those who will assuredly perish.” (Baha’u’llah, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in 'The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah')

Sacred and glorious . . . Branch of Holiness . . . exalted Handiwork . . . most great Favor . . . Trust of God. . . . How lucky we are to have the person of Abdu'l-Baha in this dispensation!  And I feel "favored" to be considered as part of the team that has arisen to study and promote dialogue around Baha'i research and this sacred journey of the Master to the West.

Teamwork, we are building teamwork as we deepen our knowledge of this sacred journey. Far from distracting us from our central purpose, I feel it is drawing us to a more sublime comprehension of our current-day opportunities and challenges. For one, there is a mystical reality in drawing closer to the Master. We forget some of our petty worries and sense of separation from others by gazing upon His face, listening to His words, following stories of His days. I am galvanized! 

Meanwhile,  May 3 in Chicago

Mahmud writes:  "From early morning friends and inquirers visited `Abdu'l-Bahá in twos and threes, all profusely offering their thanks and praise for the favors they had received from Him.

     "Today the members of an association of Indians residing in Chicago, who had previously attended `Abdu'l-Bahá's receptions, arrived as one body and after obtaining His permission, read Him an address of welcome:

     "From the Society of Indians Residing in Chicago to His Holiness `Abdu'l-Bahá `Abbás. In the Name of God! We, the members of the Society of Indians Residing in Chicago welcome you to this country. The Cause that has brought your Excellency to this country is most surely a source of honor and grace to us. Asia has always been the dawning-place of religions: Muhammad, Christ, Buddha and Confucius were born in that enlightened continent; and we confidently believe that at this time, too, Asia will again usher in the universal principles of accord. The Bahá'í Cause, like the Cause of the Buddha, will be a source of uniting nations and will be a fulfillment of the teachings of our forefathers. . . . 

     "We feel happy when we realize that through your Excellency, the means for the acquisition of Western arts and sciences will become available for those in the East and that the youth of Persia will come to these parts to acquire material knowledge and broaden their thinking and will return to their homes to benefit their brothers and sisters in the East on the road to progress.

   "Further, we believe that our country, India, will greatly benefit from a visit from your Excellency. The lack of unity between the Hindus and Muslims has kept them in the utmost contention and strife. As your Excellency's teachings are very much like the teachings of our religious leaders, they will undoubtedly unite them and make these contending nations one. We are certain that you will receive the same warmth and honor in India as here in America.

We pray to God to give your Excellency long life so that you may be enabled to convey your message to all mankind.

     "We are, most beloved Master, your sincere friends, the members of the Society of Indians Residing in Chicago.

     "More people gathered, forming a large group. The Master gave a public talk at the hotel on the gradual weakening of man's physical and material powers and the effect on man of divine civilization and spiritual education. All were struck with the charm of `Abdu'l-Bahá's expression and the power of His argument. They openly expressed their conviction that the true salvation of the world of humanity lay in following the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. The address by the Society of Indians and the testimony of others are examples for the fair-minded of the degree of attachment and attraction of the people, just as `a drop expresses oceans.'"

Then, Mahmud shares an interesting story related to the House of Worship: 

"In the evening the Bahá'ís consulted. `Abdu'l-Bahá sent us there and later joined us. He spoke briefly to the meeting but on the subject of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, the Master said, `I will not discuss this matter. It is the business of the consultative assembly.' Later He added: `If I were to speak about the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, it would have to be built at once.'"

What do you make of this? I suppose He wanted the process to unfold naturally, given the Baha'i resources and strength. 

There is a confusion about Mahmud's chronology in the next paragraph:  "In the early evening `Abdu'l-Bahá gave a very eloquent and impressive address for the Theosophical Society, which fascinated the audience, especially the members of the society." [This talk was actually given the next day. See PUP 87–91.]

Mahmud then notes:  "Some of the friends had asked whether they could take photographs of `Abdu'l-Bahá. Several photographs were therefore taken in the park across from the hotel by Mr and Mrs Killius, two of the devoted believers. In one of the photographs `Abdu'l-Bahá is standing with a flower in His hand. In another He is with His entourage and in the third He is standing among the believers. Although photographs of the Master had been taken in other cities, these are better and more lifelike."

Allan Ward notes that the newspapers chronicled the news that 223 were indicted for a lynching in Fort Smith, Arkansas (p. 54).  Sad!

Ward also notes that `Abdu'l-Bahá  often walked in the morning and evening through Lincoln Park and through the zoo, taking the friends with Him and talking, sometimes allowing photographs.  A story he relates is as follows:

     From the zoo He led the friends toward the lake, sat on a bench, motioned the friends to do likewise, and discussed unity with them. He said, “Some of you may have observed that I have not called attention to any of your individual shortcomings. I would suggest to you, that if you shall be similarly considerate in your treatment of each other, it will be greatly conducive to the harmony of your association with each other. . . .”

So--here's a great lesson for us to remember, from His time in Chicago. 

May 2, 1912 Smiles like roses in bloom

Chicago:

 [“Waves” of visitors; Federation of Women’s Clubs; Unitarian Congregation]

Mahmud notes: “From morning until noon `Abdu'l-Bahá received successive waves of visitors, both friends and inquirers, in His private room. When the numbers grew too large, He went into the outer room and spoke to the visitors about unity, fellowship and the importance of overcoming hatred and enmity. . . .  [no transcript of this talk, but Mahmud gives more details.] In the afternoon there were two public meetings at the LaSalle Hotel. One was for the Federation of Women's Clubs [see PUP 74–77] and the other for the Unitarian congregation. [See PUP 79–83, but no indication this talk was given to Unitarians.] `Abdu'l-Bahá's first talk was on education and the rights of women and in the latter He spoke about human powers and gave proofs of the existence of God. Both talks were so impressive, charming and attractive that all the friends from the East and West offered thanks and glorification to the Abhá Kingdom, with smiles on their faces that were like roses in bloom.

Back at the Plaza Hotel, `Abdu'l-Bahá responded to questions about the differences in capacities and talents among people . . . [and the] Question: `How should one associate with people of bad character?' [See Mahmud for Master’s responses] . . . Several learned men, scientists, engineers and government officials visited `Abdu'l-Bahá today.”

Of course, it would be nice to have a list of such visitors!  And of all the friends making arrangements for all of this activity!

Allan Ward says that on May 2 `Abdu'l-Bahá “accepted an invitation to address a meeting of suffrage workers this evening at Hotel LaSalle. ‘I believe in suffrage for women, he said, ‘but no, it should not be striven for by window-smashing, and by what are called militant methods.’” (53) Before leaving for the suffrage meeting, He spoke to “successive waves” of people—some He saw individually and some in groups (the large parlor at His disposal could hold up to 150 people).  Ward reports that the ballroom at the LaSalle was filled with more than a thousand women of the federated clubs, whom He addressed on the subject of equality.  A second meeting “closely followed the first, for the Baha’i women had invited all of the women’s clubs’ representatives to a reception in `Abdu'l-Bahá’s honor in the same ballroom. Ten speakers praised Him, and then He spoke again.”  [No mention of the Unitarians.] 

Whatever the source, one gets the distinct impression that the story is too large to tell by any one individual. I miss Juliet's impassioned entries.  Her thread and that of Agnes and others will be picked up later when He returns to to the East coast.  But there are a few more days in Chicago. . . .  

May 1, 1912 The Temple is already built!

The Master is in Chicago (in 1912), dedicating the Temple grounds!

Mahmud writes: "In the morning `Abdu'l-Bahá looked at some buildings from His balcony and enjoyed the lovely view of the park. He spoke to us, until visitors arrived, about the early days of the Most Great Prison and the sufferings of the Blessed Beauty. He sent several telegrams today to the assemblies of the East, sharing with them the glad tidings of the assistance of Bahá'u'lláh.

He spoke with the friends for a time and bestowed upon them His love. About an hour later He went to the proposed site of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship) located outside the city, where property had been purchased for the construction of this great building. By the time He arrived the friends had already assembled and had pitched a large tent for the meeting.

`Abdu'l-Bahá first drove around the site, inspecting its boundaries, and then entered the tent. The friends stood all about Him, their eyes intently fixed on His luminous face. It was in these circumstances that `Abdu'l-Bahá gave His talk on the power of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh to unite the people of the East and the West beneath the shadow of the Word of God. He also spoke about the Mashriqu'l-Adhkárs of `Ishqábád and America. He then went to the spot where He was to lay the cornerstone with His own hands. Miss Holmes presented Him with a golden trowel especially prepared for the occasion. He took it in His hand and dug the earth for the foundation stone.  Then the delegates from the American assemblies, followed by representatives of the Eastern friends, each took the trowel and continued digging the foundation. Among them were Mihtar Ardishír Bahrám Surúsh representing the Bahá'ís of Pársí background, Siyyid Asadu'lláh representing the Bahá'ís of Muslim origin, Zia Bagdadi representing the Arabian friends and Ghodsieh (Qudsíyyih) Khánum Ashraf representing the Bahá'í women of the East. When the digging was completed, the Master set the stone in place with His own hand. He then showered His love and affection on the friends and left the site. Most of the friends remained and had lunch inside the tent.

There was a reception at the Plaza Hotel later that afternoon at which the Master spoke on divine civilization and spiritual qualities. Both before and after the meeting friends and inquirers requested interviews and asked Him questions on several subjects."

Temple Dedication

Of course, there is the famous story of Nettie Tobin and the cornerstone.  This version is from Wikipedia:

"Esther Tobin, known as Nettie, was a widow and mother of two, who worked as a seamstress in Chicago around the turn of the 20th Century. Tobin, who wished to contribute to the construction of the Bahá'í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois was not able to contribute monetarily. Instead, during her elder years, she found a stone north of downtown Chicago which had been set aside as unacceptable for construction, at a site near her home, and offered it for the Bahá'í House of Worship. Due to her age, she struggled to move it from downtown to the northern suburb of Wilmette, occasionally with the help of neighbors and strangers. Although many stones had been sent for the dedication ceremony for the Temple, only her stone arrived when in 1912 `Abdu'l-Bahá declared that it be used as the corner stone of the Bahá'í House of Worship. It remains today in a place of honor inside a room set aside for prayers and contemplation."

"In dedicating the temple with a cornerstone brought by Nettie Tobin, he admonished that 'The outer edifice is a symbol of the inner' which was built on 'faith' and in the Bahá'í dispensation was dedicated to 'unity.' It was at the dedication ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone of the Bahá'í House of Worship that `Abdu'l-Bahá revealed the prayer for America as it called: (Actually, I think this prayer was part of His address to the convention the night before. AP)

O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad tidings. O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees, and render this just government victorious. Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world. O God! This American nation is worthy of Thy favors and is deserving of Thy mercy. Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal.”

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Having just come back from the Chicago commemoration--with the incredible program downtown and then the devotions, archives, and tea tent the next day, I am steeped with appreciation for the Temple!  But I am also too tired to describe it all.  I will create a separate posting, with images, when I can!