Dunnville's Commemoration of the Master's Visit to Montreal

Today's Badi' Blog Essay

Message from badijet@gmail.com:

We are having our annual commemoration of the Master's visit soon. Here is the letter to the editor sent to the local paper announcing this event by Betty Frost on behalf of the LSA of Haldimand.


To the Editor

 

This coming Wednesday, September 8^th marks a very special time for the Baha'is of Canada as it is one of the days in the 11 day period which 'Abdu'l-Baha, Son of the Founder of the Baha'i Faith, spent in Canada in 1912.

 

From His early childhood he had suffered prison, being exiled on four occasions and undergoing innumerable trials and difficulties. It was not until the downfall of the Ottoman empire (Turkish) and the subsequent release of all religious and political prisoners that He was able, in His 69th year, to make the eagerly anticipated visit to the Americas. For many months He visited various parts of the United States often giving two or three talks in a day to people coming from all different backgrounds and religions eager to hear His voice.

 

Although only a short time could be spent in Canada, His visit to Montreal was a memorable one. He spoke in some large homes and in a number of Churches and other halls where people gathered to hear the "Apostle of Peace". Many newspaper articles appeared describing His talks, one of which said:

 

"'Abdu'l-Baha has preached Universal Peace for fifty years...In a word, 'Abdu'l-Baha is the great protagonist of Peace in the world today. To bring about its accomplishment is the practical corollary of the two tenets which are the foundation of his creed - the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. For forty years he was persecuted for preaching it...." The article goes on to say that although He preached peace, He was very much aware that Europe was a tinder box and that a war would certainly break out.

 

Despite the fact that He had never spoken from a public platform before, His talks in the various places He visited are remarkably diverse and form a large body of inspiring literature. In fact our community has been advised to concentrate this year on the specific concept of the need to regard all of humanity even as one family. 'Abdu'l-Baha said: "See ye no strangers, rather see all men as friends, for love and unity come hard when ye fix your gaze on otherness."

 

When He was leaving Chicago in May of that year He said to the believers: "Be in perfect unity. Never become angry with one another.... Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for themselves... Humanity is not perfect. There are imperfections in every human being and you will always become unhappy if you look towards the people themselves. But if you look toward God you will love them, and be kind to them....Therefore do not look at the shortcomings of anybody; see with the sight of forgiveness. The imperfect eye beholds imperfections...."

 

This, of course, is only part of what was said. When we meet together next Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. in the Garfield Disher Room of Dunnville's Library, we will no doubt hear many other inspirational words. We hope that you will join us. A social hour and refreshments will ensue.

 

Betty Frost

Haldimand Baha'i Community

AROUND TOWN

Wed. Sept.  8

 

You are warmly invited to enjoy the commemoration of the visit of the son of the Founder of the Baha'i Faith, 'Abdu'l Baha in 1912.  The meeting will take place in the Garfield Disher Room of Dunnville's Library at 8:00 p.m.  The talk and slides will focus on His teaching about the need to regard all of humanity as one family. 

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