Bahai Library Online

Chronology of the Bahá'í Faith

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Date 195-, sorted by date, descending

date event tags firsts
1959 4 Nov
195-
The Hands of the Cause issued a message from their third Conclave. [MC166–70]
  • The date for the election of the Universal House of Justice was fixed at Ridván 1963. [MC166]
  • They called for the election at Ridván 1961 of 21 national spiritual assemblies in Latin America. [MC167–8]
  • They called for the election at Ridván 1962 of 11 national spiritual assemblies in Europe. [MC168]
  • They called for the election at Ridván 1961 of the International Bahá'í Council by postal ballot of the members of the national and regional spiritual assemblies constituted at Ridván 1960. [MC168]
  • The name of Hand of the Cause Charles Mason Remey was missing from the list of signatories to this letter. [MC170]
  • - Hands of the Cause; Akka, Israel; Charles Mason Remey; Covenant-breaking; Hands of the Cause, Activities; International Bahá'í Council; Universal House of Justice, Election of
    1959 23 Oct - 1 Nov
    195-
    The third Conclave of the Hands of the Cause of God was convened at Bahjí. [BW13:351; MC127-173]
  • For the agenda of the meeting see MC163–4.
  • Charles Mason Remey unsuccessfully attempted to convince his fellow Hands that the Guardianship should continue. [BBRSM130; MC217]
  • - Hands of the Cause; Akka, Israel; Bahji, Israel; Charles Mason Remey; Covenant-breaking; Guardianship; Hands of the Cause, Activities
    1959 Sep
    195-
    Clifford and Catherine Huxtable arrived in the Gulf Islands and were named Knights of Bahá'u'lláh (albeit on 14 September 1969 see LNW101). [BW13:457] - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Catherine Huxtable; Clifford Huxtable; Gulf Islands, BC first pioneers Gulf Islands
    1959 19 Aug
    195-
    John Chang, his wife and child visited Hainan Island, just off China. He thought someone with a family would attract less attention than a single man but he was asked to leave by authorities after only 14 days. [KoB 3,171] - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Hainan Island, China; John Chang shortest duration of stay for any Knight of Baha'u'llah
    1959 18 Aug
    195-
    Cheong Siu Choi (John Z. T. Chang), the Chinese headmaster of the Leng Nam Middle School and a highly respected leader in Macau, arrived with his family on Hainan Island and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:452]
  • PH75 says this was August 1958.
  • - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Hainan Island, China
    1950 Aug
    195-
    John Z. T. Chang arrived in Hainan Island and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:452] - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Hainan Island, China first pioneer Hainan Island
    1959 14 Jun
    195-
    The Hands of the Cause announced that the remains of the cousin of the Báb had been identified and had been transferred to a cemetery. [MC161] - Hands of the Cause; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities
    1959 2 Jun
    195-
    The first Greek woman to become a Bahá'í, Ketty Antoniou, enrolled in Greece. Greece; Ketty Antoniou first Greek Bahá'í woman
    1959 7 May
    195-
    Donald Corbin, a pioneer to Grenada Island, made a trip to Dominica specifically to try to reach the Carib Indians. [BN No 343 September 1959 p10-11] - Indigenous people; - Pioneers; Dominica; Donald Corbin; Grenada
    1959 Ridván
    195-
    The Custodians announced that the resting place of the remains of the father of Bahá'u'lláh had been identified. [MC144] Bahá'u'lláh, Family of; Haifa, Israel
    1959 Ridván
    195-
    The Custodians announced that the number of national and regional spiritual assemblies had risen to 31, the Faith was established in 255 countries, Bahá'ís lived in over 5,200 localities and had formed nearly 1,275 local spiritual assemblies, and Bahá'í literature had been translated into 261 languages. [MC137–8] - Worldwide; Custodians; Growth; Statistics; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963)
    1959 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Cambodia was formed in Phnom Penh. Cambodia; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Phnom Penh, Cambodia first Local Spiritual Assembly in Cambodia
    1959 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Grenada was formed in St George's Parish. Grenada; Local Spiritual Assemblies; St. Georges, Grenada first Local Spiritual Assembly in Grenada
    1959 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific Islands was formed with its seat in Suva, Fiji. [BN No 267 MY 1953 P1]
  • Its area of jurisdiction comprised of ten island groups: Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Loyalty Islands, Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, and Tonga. [BW13:308]
  • For the letter of the Custodians to the national convention see MC151–5.
  • In 1963 the Universal House of Justice announced that the Assembly was to be dissolved and succeeded by a National Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific Ocean, and a National Spiritual Assembly of the South West Pacific Ocean, with the new Assemblies being formed the following year.
  • Cook Islands; Fiji; Gilbert and Ellice Islands; Loyalty Islands; Marshall Islands; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; New Caledonia; Samoa; Solomon Islands; Suva, Fiji; Tonga; Vanuatu first NSA South Pacific Islands
    1959 Ridván
    195-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Turkey was formed.
  • For the letter of the Custodians to the national convention see MoC148–51.
  • Election of the first National Assembly of Turkey had to be carried on by mailed ballots because difficulties visited upon the Faith in that country prevented the holding of the Convention. Hand of the Cause Dhikru'lláh Khádem, officially representing the Hands of the Cause, was able to visit Turkey for the occasion, as did Professor Manfichihr Ḥakím, representing the National Assembly of Persia. [BW19p297-298]
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Turkey first NSA Turkey
    1959 Ridván
    195-
    Upon the establishment of an independent Spiritual Assembly for Burma, the Regional Assembly of India and Burma was succeeded by the present-day National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of India. Up until 1957 this group had included Pakistan.[BW13p300]
  • For the letter of the Custodians to the national convention of Burma see MC155–7.
  • See a picture of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Burma.
  • Custodians; India; Myanmar; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; National Spiritual Assembly of India; National Spiritual Assembly of Myanmar (Burma) first NSA Burma
    1959 Ridván
    195-
    The first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Niagara Falls, ON was formed by joint declaration. The members were: Carol and David Bowie, Charlie and Florence Grindlay, Ben and Mary Koltermann, Amy Putnam, Joy Carter and Vi Dutoff.
  • The first Bahá'í in Niagara Falls was Charlie Grindlay.
  • The first native Niagara Falls resident to become a Bahá'í was Carol Bowie. [Ref: email from David Bowie dated 28 August 2024]
  • Amy Putnam; Ben Koltermann; Carol Bowie; Charles Grindlay; David Bowie; Florence Grindlay; Joy Carter; Mary Koltermann; Niagara Falls, ON; Vi Dutoff The first Bahá'í in Niagara Falls was Charlie Grindlay. ; The first native Niagara Falls resident to become a Bahá'í was Carol Bowie.
    1959 Ridván
    195-
    Separate national spiritual assemblies were formed for Germany and Austria. [BW13p274, 283; BBRSM186]
  • For the letter of the Custodians to the national convention of Austria see MC158–60.
  • For a photo of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Austria see WMSH244. The members were: Johanna (Hauff) von Werthern, Franz Pollinger, Bertha Matthisen, Leopoldine Heilinger, Dr Mehdi Varqá, Gunther Hang, Ursula Kohler, Dr Masoud Berdjis and Dr Aminolláh Ahmedzadeh.
  • Austria; Germany; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Austria; first NSA for Germany
    1959 10 Apr
    195-
    Representatives of the Bahá'í International Community presented to the President of the Human Rights Commission, Ambassador Gunewardene of Ceylon, a statement endorsing the Genocide Convention. [BW13:791–4] - BIC statements; - Statements; Bahá'í International Community; Genocide; Human rights; New York, USA; United Nations; United States (USA)
    1959 Mar
    195-
    A number of Bahá'ís, members of the local spiritual assembly, were arrested in Ankara, Turkey. [MC306]
  • The incident received wide coverage in the press and the Bahá'ís were eventually released from prison. [MC306]
  • A court case was subsequently brought against the Bahá'ís by the public prosecutor, who claimed that the Faith is a 'Tarighat', a sect forbidden by the law of the land, and lengthy litigation followed. [MC306–7]
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Court cases; Ankara, Turkey; Court cases; LSA; Persecution, Turkey; Turkey
    1959 1 Feb
    195-
    The 'first Dependency of the Mashriqul-Adhkár in Wilmette', the Bahá'í Home for the Aged, opened. [BW13:747]
  • For the history of its building see BW13:743–8.
  • For pictures see BW13:742, 744–7.
  • See National Bahá'í Review No 4 April 1968 p11.
  • - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Dependencies of; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Homes for the aged; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Wilmette; United States (USA); Wilmette, IL first Dependency the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár Wilmette’
    1959 (In the year)
    195-
    The House of 'Abbúd was renovated and restored. [MC219] - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Restoration and renovation; Akka, Israel; Haifa, Israel; House of Abbud (Akká)
    1959 (In the year)
    195-
    Bahá'í communities in the United States began the observation of World Peace Day to call attention to the need for world peace. [BBD175]
  • This was replaced in 1985 by the observance of the UN International Day of Peace, which occurs on the third Tuesday in September. [BBD175]
  • International Day of Peace; Peace; United Nations; United States (USA); World Peace Day; World peace
    1959 (In the year)
    195-
    The first Inuit in Alaska to become a Bahá'í, William Wiloya, enrolled in Nome. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; - First believers by background; Alaska, USA; Inuit people; Nome, AK; United States (USA) first Inuit Bahá’í Alaska
    1959 (In the year)
    195-
    The mansion at Mazra'ih was renovated. [MC219] - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Restoration and renovation; Akka, Israel; Haifa, Israel; House of Bahá'u'lláh (Mazra'ih)
    1959 (In the year)
    195-
    The establishment of a Bahá'í Publishing Trust in Iran.

    Since 1899, Bahá'í sacred texts had been hectographed and mimeographed by Mīrzā ʿAlī-Akbar Rūḥānī (known as Moḥebb-al-Solṭān) and others. Although the restrictive laws of the country prohibited the Bahá'ís from printing their literature by letterpress, through the establishment of the Trust, Bahá'í literature was regularly and systematically published in typewritten or calligraphic form until 1979 when the Trust was closed under the Islamic régime. Between 1959 and 1979, several hundred titles were produced and distributed. The trust was also responsible for the publication of circulars, newsletters, pamphlets, and magazines. In 1975 alone, it produced 181,390 copies of books and pamphlets totaling 31 million pages. In the early 1970s an audiovisual center was established in Iran which made rapid growth during the few years of its existence. In the mid-1970s the centre produced 27 cassette programs containing prayers, songs, and speeches amounting to 40,000 copies. They also produced 28 reels of film. [BW12p292; BW16p263; BW12p570; BAHAISM v. The Bahai Community in Iran by V. Rafati]

    - Publishing Trusts; Iran; Mírzá `Alí-Akbar Rúhání; Mohebb-al-Soltan
    1958 21–28 Nov
    195-
    The Second Conclave of the Hands of the Cause convened at Bahjí. [BW13:347–8; MoC55-125]
  • It was attended by 25 of the 27 Hands of the Cause. [BW13:347; MoC118]
  • The Hands of the Cause called for the election of the Universal House of Justice at the time of the Most Great Jubilee in 1963. [BBRSM129; BW13:351; MoC122]
  • Picture of the Hands gathered in the house of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
  • - Hands of the Cause; Akka, Israel; Centenaries; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hands of the Cause, Conclaves; Most Great Jubilee (1963)
    1958 1 Nov
    195-
    The monument marking Shoghi Effendi's resting place was completed. [MC117]
  • Dust from the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh was placed in the foundations. [MC117] li>For a description of the resting place see BBD194–5 and MC135–6.
  • The monument was paid for from a Memorial Fund established after Shoghi Effendi's passing. Money in excess of the amount required was spent on the teaching work and on the construction of the Temples. [MC132]
  • Marble for the monument came from Chiampo, Italy as for the Archives Building, the Shine of the Báb, the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, The Terraces project, the Monument Gardens and the Houses of Worship in India and Samoa. It was cut and chiseled by a firm called Margraf, formerly known as Industria Marmi Vincentini. [BWNS1223; PP450 ]
  • Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'u'lláh, Shrine of (Bahjí); London, England; Margraf; Shoghi Effendi, Resting place of (London); United Kingdom
    1958 27 – 29 Sep
    195-
    The fifth Intercontinental Conference was held at the mid-point of the Crusade and convened in Singapore. [BW13:331]
  • Hand of the Cause Leroy Ioas, who had been designated by the Guardian as his representative, attended, accompanied by eight other Hands of the Cause. [BW13:331–2]
  • For the message of the Custodians to the conference see MC111–6.
  • For a report of the conference see BW13:331–2.
  • - Asia; - Conferences, Intercontinental; - Hands of the Cause; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Leroy Ioas; Singapore; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963)
    1958 23 Sep
    195-
    Chartered planes took the conference delegates to Singapore. Singapore
    1958 21 Sep
    195-
    Hand of the Cause Leroy Ioas arrived in Indonesia and was plunged into negotiations regarding the holding of the conference.
  • He met with local Bahá'ís and anointed them with attar of roses as they passed to the room to view the portrait of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:331–2]
  • - Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Indonesia; Leroy Ioas
    1958 14 Sep
    195-
    A week before the fifth Intercontinental conference is due to convene in Djakarta, Indonesia, the government withdrew the permit to hold the conference. [BW13:331]
  • For the story of why the permit was revoked see DM83–5.
  • The cancellation of the conference in Djakarta began a period of severe repression of the Faith in Indonesia which eventually led to the Faith being banned in 1962. [DM85, 88]
  • - Conferences, Intercontinental; - Persecution; - Persecution, Bans; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Indonesia; Persecution, Indonesia; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963)
    1958 25–29 Jul
    195-
    The fourth Intercontinental Conference was held at the mid-point of the Crusade and convened in Frankfurt, Germany. [BW13:327]
  • Amelia Collins, who had been designated by the Guardian as his representative, attended, accompanied by ten other Hands of the Cause. [BW13:327]
  • For the message of the Custodians to the conference see MC102–6.
  • For a report of the conference see BW13:327–9.
  • - Conferences, Intercontinental; - Europe; - Hands of the Cause; Amelia Collins; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Frankfurt, Germany; Germany; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963)
    1958 26 Jun
    195-
    Paul Adams, from Reading, England, having obtained permission to accompany Svalbard's chief hunter on a fishing tour in the summer and to spend the winter with him in Sassen Fjord, arrived in Spitzbergen and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:456]
  • See also Adams, Arctic Island Hunter published by George Ronald in 1961. iiiii
  • - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Svalbard, Norway
    1958 21 Jun
    195-
    The South Australian Government Gazette announced that Mr. Harold Collis Featherstone had been registered as an officiating registrar under the Marriage Act, 1936-1937. This meant that local spiritual assemblies in South Australia could now conduct marriages in conjunction with the Officiating Registrar. [BN No 333 November 1958 p8] Australia; Recognition (legal)
    1958 12 Jun
    195-
    The Custodians released the 'Statement regarding the Guardianship', explaining that Shoghi Effendi had left no heir, that only he could appoint a second Guardian and that the Bahá'ís must dismiss all hopeful expectation that a Will appointing a second Guardian will be found. [MC100-2] Guardianship; Haifa, Israel
    1958 2–4 May
    195-
    The third Intercontinental Conference was held at the mid-point of the Crusade convened in Wilmette, Illinois. [BW13:323]
  • Hand of the Cause Dr Ugo Giachery, who had been designated by the Guardian as his representative, attended, accompanied by four other Hands of the Cause. [BW13:323]
  • For the message of the Custodians to the conference see MC90–8.
  • For a report of the conference see BW13:323–5.
  • See Notes by Emma Maxie Jones and Anonymous.
  • - Conferences, Intercontinental; - Hands of the Cause; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Illinois, USA; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963); Ugo Giachery; United States (USA); United States (USA); Wilmette, IL
    1958 May
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Papua New Guinea was formed in Madina Village, in New Ireland.
  • This was the first all-indigenous local spiritual assembly in the South Pacific.
  • Local Spiritual Assemblies; New Ireland, Papua New Guinea first Local Spiritual Assembly Papua New Guinea; first all-indigenous Local Spiritual Assembly in South Pacific
    1958 26 Apr
    195-
    The passing of Dr M Khodad Fozdar in Singapore.

    He was the first Indian Parsi to accept the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. In 1950 he and his wife Shirin moved to Singapore. He pioneered to the Andaman Islands and became a Knight of Baha'u'lláh in response to the Indian seven-year plan. [BW13p892]

    - Biography; - In Memoriam; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; M Khodad Fozdar; Shirin Fozdar; Singapore first Indian Parsi to accept the Faith
    1958 22 - 25 Apr
    195-
    The second Annual Regional National Convention for the South American countries of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela was held in Guayaquil. This was the highlight of the year for Ecuador being that it was their first time to host a National Convention. The delegates for Ecuador were: Juan Luis Aguirre and Alberto Carbo Medina from Guayaquil community and Gayle Woolson and Guillermo Sotomayer from Quito. At the time Ecuador still had only two local assemblies, four isolated centers and only two new believers for the year. [Heroes of God: History of the Bahá'í Faith in Ecuador, 1940-1979 by Helen Bassett Hornby p96] Conventions, National; Ecuador; Guayaquil, Ecuador; Latin America first National Convention held in Ecuador
    1958 Ridván
    195-
    The first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (the Southern Rhodesia. [KoB111] Bulawayo, Zimbabwe The first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
    1958 Ridván
    195-
    The first Spiritual Assembly was formed on Terceira Island in the Azores. It was not until December of that year that the first two native believers embraced the Faith. [BW14p317] Local Spiritual Assembly, formation; Terceira, Azores
    1958 Ridván
    195-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of France was formed. [BW13p274]
  • For the message of the Custodians to the French National Convention see MC86–9.
  • France; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first Local Spiritual Assembly France
    1958 Ridván
    195-
    The formation of the first local spiritual assembly of Taipei. [The Taiwan Bahá'í Chronicle by Barbara R. Sims p25] Local Spiritual Assemblies; Taipei, Taiwan; Taiwan The formation of the first local spiritual assembly of Taipei, Taiwan
    1958 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly of Macau was formed. Local Spiritual Assemblies; Macau first Local Spiritual Assembly Macau
    1958 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly in the Kingdom of Tonga was formed at Nuku'alofa. Local Spiritual Assemblies; Nukualofa, Tonga; Tonga first Local Spiritual Assembly Kingdom of Tonga
    1958 20 Apr
    195-
    Mírzá Ahmad (Esphahani) Sohrab, the Covenant-breaker who rebelled against Shoghi Effendi, died. [MC90; CBN No 102 July 1958 p1]
  • For the story of his defection from the Faith see CB343–7.
  • He was buried in the Saint Paul Episcopal Church Cemetery, Glen Cove, Nassau County, New York.iiiii
  • Bahaipedia.
  • - Biography; Ahmad Sohrab; Covenant-breaking; Glen Cove, NY; New History Society; New York, USA; United States (USA)
    1958 22 Mar
    195-
    The foundation stone of the first Mashriqul-Adhkár of the Antipodes in Sydney was laid by Hands of the Cause Charles Mason Remey and Clara Dunn. [BW13:321] - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Australia; Charles Mason Remey; Clara Dunn; Foundation stones and groundbreaking; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Sydney; Sydney, Australia first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the Antipodes
    1958 21–24 Mar
    195-
    The second Intercontinental Conference was held at the mid-point of the Crusade convenes in Sydney, Australia. [BW13:319]
  • Hand of the Cause Charles Mason Remey, who had been designated by the Guardian as his representative and who was the architect of the Mother Temple of Australasia, attended, accompanied by four other Hands of the Cause. [BW13:317]
  • For the message of the Custodians to the conference see MC72–5.
  • For a report of the conference see BW13:319–21.
  • - Architects; - Australasia; - Conferences, Intercontinental; - Hands of the Cause; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Design; Architecture; Australia; Charles Mason Remey; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Sydney; Sydney, Australia; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963)
    1958 26 Jan
    195-
    The foundation stone of the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkár of Africa was laid by Hands of the Cause Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and Músá Banání. [BW13:317]
  • The Guardian had sent special gifts to be presented during the laying of the foundation stone. These included a Persian carpet from the Holy Shrine at Bahji, some plaster from the prison of Máh-Kú and a silver box containing the earth from Bahá'u'lláh's Shrine. These last two items were placed beneath the foundation stone by Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum and Hand of the Cause Músá Banání. [CG44]
  • - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Foundation stones and groundbreaking; Kampala, Uganda; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Kampala; Musa Banani; Uganda first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Africa
    1958 23–28 Jan
    195-
    The first Intercontinental Conference held at the mid-point of the Crusade convened in Kampala, Uganda. [BW13:317]
  • Hand of the Cause Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, who had been designated by the Guardian as his representative, attended, accompanied by Dr Lutfu'lláh Hakím.
  • For the message of the Custodians to the conference see MC56–60.
  • For a report of the conference see BW13:317.
  • - Africa; - Conferences, Intercontinental; - First conferences; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Kampala, Uganda; Lutfullah Hakim; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963); Uganda first Intercontinental Conference at the mid-point of Crusade in Kampala
    1958 1 Jan
    195-
    The passing of Lillian Stevens, a founding member of the first Torquay Spiritual Assembly in 1938. - Biography; - In Memoriam; Lillian Stevens; Torquay, England
    1958 (In the year)
    195-
    A new edition of Some Answered Questions was published by the Bahá'í Publishing Committee which resulted in some discussion with Laura Dreyfus Barney. At some point she had given the copyright to the Bahá'í Publishing Committee but she expected to be consulted on matters related to the book. She said that she did not consider Some Answered Questions "my book" but that "it is in my trust".

    When she received a copy of the new edition in March she made suggestions about the Introduction of the last printing of the book as she did not feel the length and character of the Introduction did not "harmonize" with the text that followed and they did not make any point about the authenticity of the material with was equivalent to a Tablet that had been signed and sealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá. She clarified that when posing questions and obtaining the answers she had not wished to trust her notes and that was why at least four people were present during the sessions. She also clarified that all of the talks had taken place in Akka, not in Haifa. Three hundred copies if the book had been printed and it would have been costly to eliminate the Introduction and the dust jacket so a promise was made to include her suggestions on subsequent printings. [LB322-327]

    This was probably about the 8th edition of Some Answered Questions in English. Subsequent editions were done in 1964, 1968, 1970, 1971 and in 2014 by the Bahá'í World Centre. [BEL3.117-3.130]

  • It had been published in Germany in 1959, the first nine chapters had been published in Korean in 1960 and in Italian by the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy and Switzerland in 1961. [LB236]
  • Chicago, IL; Laura Clifford Barney; Some Answered Questions (book)
    1958 (In the year)
    195-
    Adrienne and Dempsey Morgan went to Vietnam and over succeeding years helped establish administrative procedures among the Local Spiritual Assemblies of Vietnam. For lack of visa they left for Thailand in 1959, staying for two years before continuing to Phnom Penh. They returned to Saigon in 1961 before the end of the year. [Servants of the Glory p5-9; Bahaipedia] Adrienne Morgan; Dempsey Morgan; Vietnam
    1958 In the late 1950's
    195-
    In the late 1950s a meeting that was held in Famagusta at which representatives of all three main generations of Bahá'ís were present including: Jalal Azal representing the followers of Mirza Yahya (Bayanic), `Ismat and others represented the followers of Mirza Muhammad `Ali (Unitarian Baha'is), and Ahmad Sohrab represented those opposed to any form of administration. One of the aims of this conference was to build a mausoleum over the grave of Mirza Yahya. [The Cyprus Exiles p102 by Moojan Momen] Ahmad Sohrab; Covenant-breaking; Cyprus; Famagusta, Cyprus; Ismat; Jalal Azal; Mírzá Yaḥyá (Subh-i-Azal)
    1958 (In the year)
    195-
    The first Aleut to become a Bahá'í, Vassa Lekanoff, enrolled in Unalaska. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Alaska, USA; Unalaska, AK; United States (USA) first Aleut Bahá’í
    1958 (In the year)
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly of Nepal was formed in Kathmandu.
  • Prof. Anil Sarwal says it was 1960-1961
  • The first Local Spiritual Assembly was established in the capital city Kathmandu in 1961. [Yellow Place]
  • Kathmandu, Nepal; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Nepal first Local Spiritual Assembly Nepal
    1957 26 Dec
    195-
    The passing of Mirzā Asad-Allāh, known as Fāżel Māzandarāni (b. Bábol, Persia 1881).
  • He became a Bahá'í in Tehran in 1909. He travelled to Egypt in 1919-1911 where he met with 'Abdu'l-Bahá and was send to India and Burma to promote the Faith.
  • 'Abdu'l-Bahá sent him to North America for the period 1920-1921. He arrived in North America with Manúchihr Khán in time to speak at the National Convention. His purpose was to assist and stimulate the Bahá'í communities. He departed for the Holy Land on the 9th of July, 1921. [AB443; SBR88]
  • Mírzá Asadu'lláh Fádil-i-Mázandarání visited North America again in 1923-1925 at the request of Shoghi Effendi. [Fádl Mázandarání, Mírzá Asadu'lláh by Moojan Momen]
  • See Jináb-i-Fádil Mazandarání in the United States by Fadl Mazandarani (published as Jinab-i-Fadil Mazandarani) compiled by Omeed Rameshni for transcripts of his talks.
  • In about 1924 Shoghi Effendi wrote to the Central Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Persia, asking them to gather materials towards the compilation of a general history of the Bahá'í faith. Initially this work was handed to a committee and Fāżel served as the liaison between this committee and the Assembly, of which he was himself a member at the time. However, after the committee failed to make significant progress, Fāżel took on the responsibility to compile this work himself. His work, Ẓohur-al-Ḥaqq (variously also called Tāriḵ-e Ẓohur-al-Ḥaqq and Ketāb-e Ẓohur-al-Ḥaqq) is said to be the most comprehensive history of the first century of the Bahá'í faith yet written. It records the full biographies of the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh, and ʿAbdu'l-Baháʾ, the Faith's leading disciples and learned members, poets, martyrs, and other prominent personalities. It covers the history of the persecutions of the Bahá'ís; discusses the internal crises of the faith and, more significantly, contains excerpts from the holy writings and includes documentation and a considerable number of pictures. It was compiled in nine volumes: volumes 1-3 completed in May of 1932, the fourth in February, 1936, and the final volume in 1943. For various reasons it has not been translated into English. [Ẓohur-al-Ḥaqq]
  • Other works of Fāżel include his dictionary of commonly used proper terms and titles in Bahá'í literature, Asrār al-āṯār, which was published in five volumes (1967-72) of more than 1,600 pages.
  • Fāżel's other major work, Amr wa ḵalq, contains hundreds of selections from the Bahá'í holy writings grouped under topics related to philosophical, theological, religious, and administrative matters. The work was published in Iran (1954-74) in four volumes.
  • The Collected Works of Asadu'llah Fadil Mazandarani.
  • Wikipedia page.

    Note: There is some question about whether Shoghi Effendi considered him a Hand of the Cause. See letter addressed to Dr Peter Smith sent on behalf of the Universal House of Justice 11 August 1998 found on Baha'i Library Online. The message concludes by saying that the Universal House of Justice, in a memorandum dated 1 April 1979, has instructed that additional names should not be included in the list of the Hands of the Cause. The list of Hands of the Cause can be found at BW14p445-466.

  • * Translation; - Biography; - Births and deaths; - In Memoriam; Amr va Khalq (compilation); Babul (Barfurush), Iran; Bahá'í history; Bahá'í studies; India; Iran; Mírzá Asadullah Fadil-i-Mazandarani; Myanmar; Tehran, Iran; United States (USA); Zuhur al-Haqq (Zuhurul-Haqq)
    1957 25 Dec
    195-
    The Hands of the Cause announced the destruction of the long, two-storey house previously occupied by Covenant-breakers which was located near the garden wall of the Mansion of Bahá'u'lláh and of which Shoghi Effendi had acquired legal possession shortly before his passing. [MC11, 51]
  • The rubble was used to complete the terraces begun by Shoghi Effendi north of the mansion and forcompleting the northern gardens planned by him. iiiii
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Bahji, Israel; Covenant-breaking; Haifa, Israel
    1957 2 Dec
    195-
    On the advice of their lawyer, Dr Abraham Weinshall, the Custodians ask each National and Regional Assembly to send a letter recognizing them as the supreme body in the Cause. [MC40–1] Haifa, Israel; National Spiritual Assemblies
    1957 2 Dec
    195-
    The titles to the Shrine of the Báb, the Mansion of Bahjí, and all other buildings and lands which the Covenant-Breakers had owned were transferred to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States. - Bahá'í World Centre; Bahji, Israel; Covenant-breaking; Haifa, Israel; Mount Carmel; Ownership
    1957 Dec
    195-
    The first summer school in Malaysia was held at Malacca. First summer and winter schools; Malacca, Malaysia; Malaysia; Summer schools first summer school in Malaysia
    1957 Nov-1963 Apr
    195-
    Interregnum

    Following the passing of Shoghi Effendi the international administration of the Faith was carried on by the Hands of the Cause of God with the complete agreement and loyalty of the National Spiritual Assemblies and the body of the believers. This was in accordance with the Guardian's designation of the Hands as the "Chief Stewards of Bahá'u'lláh's embryonic World Commonwealth." [Message of 9 March 1965]

    The beginning of the six year ministry of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land, or 'Custodians'. [BW16:90; WG45–6]

  • This period is known as the 'interregnum'. [BBD 120]
  • See BW14:467 for a summary of the work of the Hands of the Cause during this period.
  • The International Bahá'í Council continued to perform its duties at the World Centre under the direction of the Custodians. The appointed Council was replaced by an elected Council at Ridván of 1961. All National Assemblies and Regional National Assemblies participated in the election by postal ballot. [BBD118]
  • See alsoThe Ministry of the Custodians 1957-1963: An Account of the Stewardship of the Hands of the Cause.
  • * Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Hands of the Cause; Appointed arm; Covenant; Custodians; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; International Bahá'í Council; Interregnum (1957-1963); Ministry of The Custodians (book); Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; Universal House of Justice
    1957 25 Nov
    195-
    Nine Hands were chosen to serve as Custodians of the Faith residing in the Holy Land. [BBD57; BW13:342; DH215]
  • The Hands residing in the Holy Land were established as a legal body under the title 'The Custodians of the Bahá'í World Faith'.
  • The Hands chosen as first Custodians are Rúhíyyih Khánum, Mason Remey, Amelia Collins, Leroy Ioas, Hasan Balyuzi, 'Alí Akbar Furútan, Jalál Kházeh, Paul Haney and Adelbert Mühlschlegel. [BW13:345–6; MC40–1]
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; - Hands of the Cause; - Hands of the Cause, Institution; Adelbert Muhlschlegel; `Alí-Akbar Furútan; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Amelia Collins; Appointed arm; Charles Mason Remey; Custodians; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hasan Balyuzi; Jalal Khazeh; Leroy Ioas; Paul Haney; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of
    1957 25 Nov
    195-
    A proclamation was issued stating that Shoghi Effendi left no heir and made no appointment of another Guardian. [BW13:341–5; MC25–30]
  • See LOG310 for an explanation of the various meanings of the word 'Guardianship'.
  • See CB388–9 for a discussion of the continuation of the institution of the Guardianship.
  • * Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; * Shoghi Effendi (chronology); - Bahá'í World Centre; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Appointed arm; Covenant; Custodians; Guardianship; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of
    1957 19 Nov
    195-
    Nine Hands of the Cause were chosen by Rúhíyyih Khánum to examine Shoghi Effendi's apartment. [BW 13:341]
  • They were the five members of the International Bahá'í Council (Rúhíyyih Khánum, Mason Remey, Amelia Collins, Ugo Giachery and Leroy Ioas), an Afnán (Hasan Balyuzi), a representative of the Hands of the Western Hemisphere (Horace Holley), a representative of the Hands of the African continent (Músá Banání) and the Trustee of the Huqúqu'lláh ('Alí Muhammad Varqá). [BW13:341]
  • After seeing that the seals were intact, the Hands examined the contents of Shoghi Effendi's safe and desk. [BW13:341]
  • The nine Hands signed a document testifying that no Will or Testament of any nature executed by Shoghi Effendi had been found. This was reported to the entire body of Hands assembled in the Mansion of Bahjí. [BW13:341]
  • See CB378–9 for an explanation of why Shoghi Effendi left no Will.
  • - Hands of the Cause; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Amelia Collins; Bahji, Israel; Charles Mason Remey; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hasan Balyuzi; Horace Holley; International Bahá'í Council; Leroy Ioas; Musa Banani; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; Ugo Giachery; Varqá, `Alí-Muhammad
    1957 18 Nov
    195-
    The Hands of the Cause conducted a memorial meeting for Shoghi Effendi in the Haram-i-Aqdas. [BW13:341; MoC35] - Hands of the Cause; Akka, Israel; Bahji, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Haram-i-Aqdas
    1957 18–25 Nov
    195-
    The first conclave of the Hands of the Cause of God convened at Bahjí. Twenty-three Hands were present. [BBRSM128; DH215; MoC8–11, 25-51; TG158]
  • This was the first meeting of the Hands of the Cause as a group.
  • For a personal account of the Conclave by Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem. see ZK119.
  • For the nature of the six Conclaves see MoC9–10, 12.
  • For picture see MoCiv.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; - Hands of the Cause; Akka, Israel; Bahji, Israel; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hands of the Cause, Conclaves; Zikrullah Khadem
    1957 15 Nov
    195-
    Hands of the Cause Rúhíyyih Khánum, Mason Remey, Amelia Collins and Leroy Ioas, accompanied by Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery, entered the apartment of Shoghi Effendi and sealed with tape and wax the safe where his important documents were kept as well as the drawers to his desk. [BW13:341]
  • The keys to the safe were placed in an envelope, which was sealed and signed by the five Hands and then placed in the safe of Leroy Ioas. BW13:341]
  • - Hands of the Cause; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Amelia Collins; Charles Mason Remey; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Leroy Ioas; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; Ugo Giachery
    1957 10 Nov
    195-
    The Hands of the Cause met in London. [TG157]
  • See SDSC191-195 and SDSC430 note 8 for excerpts from the transcript of the talk recorded in shorthand by Rose M Wade and given by Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum to the gathered Hands and other friends.
  • - Hands of the Cause; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Hands of the Cause, Activities; London, England; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; United Kingdom
    1957 9 Nov
    195-
    The funeral of Shoghi Effendi took place in the Great Northern Cemetery, London. [BW13:222; PP448]
  • See BW13:222 for details of the funeral service.
  • See BW13:222–5 and PP449–50 for a description of the funeral.
  • For an a account of the funeral see AY314-319.
  • The Resting Place is located at 51°37'21.85"N, 0°8'35.41" W.
  • London, England; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; United Kingdom
    1957 4 Nov
    195-
    Passing of Shoghi Effendi

    Shoghi Effendi passed away in London of coronary thrombosis after a bout of Asian influenza. [CB377; PP446 BW13:207-225]

    • The 1957 influenza pandemic (the "Asian flu") was a category 2 flu pandemic outbreak of avian influenza that originated in China in early 1956 lasting until 1958. It originated from a mutation in wild ducks combining with a pre-existing human strain. A vaccine for H2N2 was introduced in 1957, and the pandemic slowed down. There was a second wave in 1958, and H2N2 went on to become part of the regular wave of seasonal flu. Estimates of worldwide deaths vary widely depending on the source, ranging from 1 million to 4 million, with WHO settling on "about two million". [Sino Biological website]
  • He was in London to purchase some furniture to complete the interior of the International Archives Building at the time of his passing. [PP445]
  • For a tribute to Shoghi Effendi written by Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum see BW13:58–226.]
      In it she lists four major aspects of his life: (Copied and arranged in point form here.)
    • "his translations of the Words of Bahá'u'lláh, the Báb, Àbdu'l-Bahá and Nabil's Narrative;
    • his own writings such as the history of a century, published as God Passes By, as well as an uninterrupted stream of instructive communications from his pen which pointed out to the believer the significance, the time and the method of the building up of their administrative institutions;
    • an unremitting programme to expand and consolidate the material assets of a world-wide Faith, which not only involved the completion, erection or beautification of the Bahá'í Holy Places at the World Centre but the construction of Houses of Worship and the acquisition of national and local headquarters and endowments in various countries throughout the East and the West;
    • a masterly orientation of thought towards the concepts enshrined in the teachings of the Faith and the orderly classification of those teachings into what might well be described as a vast panoramic view of the meaning, implications, testing and purpose of the religion of Bahá'u'lláh, indeed of religious truth itself in its portrayal of man as the apogee of God's creation, evolving towards the consummation of his development-the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth." [PP226-227]
  • See also Rabbání, The Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith and The Priceless Pearl.
  • * Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; * Shoghi Effendi (chronology); - Basic timeline, Condensed; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Biography; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Appointed arm; Covenant; International Archives Building (Haifa); London, England; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; Shoghi Effendi, Travels of; Shoghi Effendi, Works of; United Kingdom
    1957 Oct
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced the appointment of a second Auxiliary Board responsible for the protection of the Faith. [MBW127–128; PP442] - Bahá'í World Centre; Appointed arm; Assistants; Auxiliary board members
    1957 Oct
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi called for the convocation of a series of Intercontinental Conferences to be held successively in Kampala, Uganda (Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Central and East Africa); Sydney, Australia (National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia); Chicago, United States (National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States of America,; Frankfurt, Germany (National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Germany and: Austria); and Djakarta, Indonesia (Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of South-East Asia). [BW13:311–12; MBW125]

    The five-fold purpose of the International Conferences was:

    1. offering humble thanksgiving to the Divine Author of our Faith, Who has graciously enabled His followers, during a period of deepening anxiety and amidst the confusion and uncertainties of a critical phase in the fortunes of mankind,
    2. to prosecute uninterruptedly the Ten-Year Plan formulated for the execution of the Grand Design conceived by 'Abdu'l-Bahá,
    3. of reviewing and celebrating the series of signal victories won so rapidly in the course of each of the campaigns of this world-encircling Crusade,
    4. of deliberating on ways and means that will insure its triumphant consummation,
    5. and of lending simultaneously a powerful impetus, the world over, to the vital process of individual conversion -the preeminent purpose underlying the Plan in all its ramifications - and to the construction and completion of the three Mother Temples to be built in the European, the African, and Australian continents. [CBN No 94 Nov 1957 p1]
    - Bahá'í World Centre; - Conferences, Intercontinental; Australia; Chicago, IL; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Frankfurt, Germany; Germany; Indonesia; Jakarta, Indonesia; Kampala, Uganda; Sydney, Australia; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963); Uganda; United States (USA)
    1957 Oct
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi designated the Hands of the Cause the 'Chief Stewards of Bahá'u'lláh's embryonic World commonwealth'. [MBW127] * Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; * Shoghi Effendi (chronology); - Bahá'í World Centre; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Hands of the Cause; - Hands of the Cause, Institution; Appointed arm; Shoghi Effendi, Works of
    1957 Oct
    195-
    From a message from the Guardian dated October 1957
  • Number of Bahá'í Centres from 2500 to 4500
  • Number of sovereign States and Dependencies: from 128 to 254
  • Number of National and Regional Spiritual Assemblies; from 12 to 26
  • Number of Local Spiritual Assemblies; more than 1,000
  • Number of islands open to the Faith: 70
  • The erection and completion of the International Bahá'í Archives Building at a cost of $250M
  • The enlargement of the scope of Bahá'í international endowments in the twin cities of 'Akka and Haifa at a present value of $5.5m
  • The Bahá'í holdings in Iran estimated at over 40m tumans
  • The acquisition of 48 National Haziratu'l-Quds at more than $500
  • The founding of Bahá'í national endowments in no less than 50 capitals and chief cities on all five continents, at a cost of at least $150,000
  • The initiation of the construction of the Mother Temples of both Africa and Australia
  • The purchase of 11 Temple sites for over $400,000
  • The incorporation of over 90 national and local Spiritual assemblies raising the global total to over 200
  • The translation of Bahá'í literature into 148 languages bringing the total to 237
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Endowments; Statistics
    1957 Oct
    195-
    The third contingent of Hands of the Cause of God was appointed: Enoch Olinga, William Sears, John Robarts, Hasan Balyuzi, John Ferraby, Collis Featherstone, Rahmatu'lláh Muhájir and Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. [GBF111; MBW127; PP254, 442; SS47]
  • See TG160 for the story of how Enoch Olinga reacted to the news of being appointed a Hand of the Cause of God.
  • - Hands of the Cause; Abu'l-Qasim Faizi; Collis Featherstone; Enoch Olinga; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Appointments; Hands of the Cause, Contingents; Hands of the Cause, Third Contingent; Hasan Balyuzi; John Ferraby; John Robarts; Rahmatullah Muhajir; William Sears
    1957 28 - 30 Sep
    195-
    First Bahá'í Summer School held in Taiwan. [The Taiwan Bahá'í Chronicle by Barbara R. Sims p21] First summer and winter schools; Summer schools; Taiwan first Bahá'í Summer School held in Taiwan
    1957 6 Sep
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced 'the complete evacuation of the remnant of Covenant-breakers and the transfer of all their belongings from the precincts of the Most Holy Shrine'. [MBW124]
  • See VSE166 for Audrey Robarts' observation of the Covenant-breakers at Bahjí during her pilgrimage in 1955.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Akka, Israel; Bahá'u'lláh, Shrine of (Bahjí); Bahji, Israel; Covenant-breaking; Haifa, Israel
    1957 27 Jul
    195-
    In July, 1957 the sacred remains of Mirzá Buzurg, the father of Bahá'u'lláh, were identified and removed to a Bahá'í cemetery. On July 27 of that year, Hands of the Cause 'Ali Akbar Furfltan, Shu'é'u'llah 'Alá'í and 'Ali Muhammad Varqa arrived from Ṭihrán to join Hand of the Cause Tarézu'lláh Samandari in paying homage, on behalf of the Guardian, to the memory of that "blessed and highly revered personage." [BW13p297 ] Baghdad, Iraq; Iraq; Mírzá Buzurg
    1957 18 Jul
    195-
    It was reported in the Canadian Bahá'í News, based on the Guardian's message of the 18th of July, that the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran had the intention of publishing a newsletter every 60 days. The publication was to be sent to all National Spiritual Assemblies as well as their local communities. They reported that:
  • The Faith had been established in more than 1060 centres in Iran, this was up from 750 when the persecutions started in 1955.
  • They reported that the persecutions were gradually subsiding. The government agreed to return the Haziratu'l-Quds and the National Hazira to the Bahá'is under the proviso that no meetings be held in the buildings.
  • They disseminate the news of the victories in other parts of the world to all the communities in Iran.
  • They said, "One fortunate circumstance that compensates for all the persecution of the Friends in Iran is the constant communication with the World Centre of the Cause of God and the Beloved Guardian.
  • The Friends are going on pilgrimage and upon their return shared the messages and news from the Holy Land. There were 64 pilgrims in the year 113.
  • Since the National Spiritual Assembly was responsible for the administration of the Faith in Turkey, the Turkish pilgrims have been providing the Iranians with their messages and glad-tidings. There were 32 pilgrims from Turkey the previous year. [CBN No 93 Oct 1957 p5]
  • * Persecution, Iran; Iran; Statistics
    1957 Jul
    195-
    Margaret Bates and her daughter Jean Frankel of the United States arrived in the Nicobar Islands and were named Knights of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:454; PH63] - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
    1957 9 Jun
    195-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States designated the second Sunday in June as Race Amity Day. (In 1965 it was renamed "Race Unity Day") The purpose of Race Unity Day is to promote racial harmony and understanding and to focus attention on racial prejudice, which Bahá'ís believe is the most challenging moral issue facing our nation. Since then, communities throughout the country have held celebrations, open to the public, every year on the second Sunday in June. [Race Unity Day by Christopher Buck published in Religious Celebrations, pages 727-732] Race Unity Day; United States (USA)
    1957 8 – 21 Jun
    195-
    Hokkaido Island was opened to the Faith by Rouhollah Mumtazi and Gekie Nakajima with the enrolment of new believers Kinkichi Shimatani and Yoshiro Sasaki of Sapporo, Japan. Hokkaido Island, Japan; Japan first Bahá'í on Hokkaido Island
    1957 4 Jun
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi added protection of the Cause to the duties of the Hands of the Cause. They were to perform this function in collaboration with the national spiritual assemblies. [BBRSM127; CB380; MBW122–3; CBN No 93 Oct 1957 p3] - Bahá'í World Centre; - Hands of the Cause; - Hands of the Cause, Institution; Appointed arm; Haifa, Israel; Protection
    1957 Jun
    195-
    The Covenant-breakers completely abandoned Bahjí. [CB367–9; DH215; MBW120–2; PP233–4] Akka, Israel; Bahji, Israel; Covenant-breaking
    1957 31 May
    195-
    The judgement of the Supreme Court of Israel against the Covenant-Breakers appeal, resulted in their removal from the properties in Bahjí. - Bahá'í World Centre; Bahji, Israel; Covenant-breaking; Haifa, Israel
    1957 7 May
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi sent a fragment of the plaster from the room of the Báb in the Fortress of Máh-Kú to Australia to be set in the foundations of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in Sydney. [LANZ134; SBR172] * Shoghi Effendi (chronology); - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Australia; Boxes containing dust, earth or plaster; Fortress of Mah-Ku, Iran; Gifts; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Sydney; Relics; Sydney, Australia
    1957 May
    195-
    Pouva Murday of Mauritius arrived in the Chagos Archipelago and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Chagos Archipelago
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Arabian Peninsula was established at the first National Convention of Arabia which was held in Manama, Bahrain. [BWIM249]

    By 1962, the regions with Bahá'í communities under the Assembly's jurisdiction were the Aden Protectorate, Bahrain, Hijaz, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. [BW13p955]

  • From 1962 until 30 November 1967, British administered the Aden Protectorate in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. The constituent territories were the following: Aden (including the city of Aden and its surrounding areas), Hadhramaut, Mahra, Upper Aulaqi Sultanate, Lower Aulaqi Sultanate, Dhala, Fadhli Sultanate, and Beihan. It was known as the Federation of South Arabia and it was to become, for the most part, The Peoples Republic of South Yemen.
  • Prior to their unification on the 22 of May, 1990. North Yemen, (the Yemen Arab Republic), and South Yemen, (the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen), existed as separate countries with distinct political systems.
  • Aden Protectorate; Arabian Peninsula; Bahrain; Manama, Bahrain; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Yemen
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Brunei had already been formed. [BW 13:302] Brunei; Local Spiritual Assemblies first Local Spiritual Assembly Brunei
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Apia, Western Samoa was formed. The members were: Lilian Ala'i, Ghodsieh Ala'i, Nemat Ala'i, To'alima Sa'ialala, Lotoa Rock, Emanuel Rock, William I Laing, Sa'ialala Tamasese, and Suhayl A Ala'i. [CBN No99 April, 1958 p5] Apia, Samoa; Emanuel Rock; Ghodsieh Alai; Lilian Alai; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Lotoa Rock; Nemat Alai; Saialala Tamasese; Samoa; Suhayl A Alai; Toalima Saialala; William I Laing first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Apia
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The formation of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canberra, the last capital city in Australia to form. Australia; Canberra, Australia; Local Spiritual Assemblies first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canberra
    1957 - 1963
    195-
    The launch of the Northeast Asia Six Year Plan (1957-1963)

    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia had an area of jurisdiction embracing Japan, Korea, Formosa, Macao, Hong Kong, Hainan Island, and Sakhalin Island. [JTA80-86]

    * Teaching Plans; Hainan Island, China; Hong Kong; Japan; Korea; Macau; Northeast Asia Six Year Plan; Sakhalin Island; Taiwan
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    In his last Ridván message Shoghi Effendi announced that the exterior of International Bahá'í Archives had been completed and that the roof was in place. [VBHP38; DH169; GBF63–4; PP264–6]
      It had cost approximately a quarter of a million dollars and was, like the Shrine of the Báb, ordered in Italy, entirely carved and completed there, and shipped to Haifa for erection; not only was each separate stone numbered, but charts showing where each on went facilitated its being place in its proper position." [PP265]
  • Ugo Giachery supervised the work in Italy and Leroy Ioas in Haifa. Because the landscaping had been completed prior to the completion of the construction, it had to be built from the rear with only a space of about 5 metres on three sides to work in. [PP265]
  • For details of its construction and photographs see BW13:403–33.
  • * Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; * Shoghi Effendi (chronology); - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Bahá'í World Centre buildings, monuments and gardens; - Basic timeline, Expanded; Haifa, Israel; International Archives Building (Haifa); Leroy Ioas; Mount Carmel; Shoghi Effendi, Works of; Ugo Giachery
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Nyasaland was formed at Lilongwe. Lilongwe, Malawi; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Malawi first Local Spiritual Assembly Nyasaland
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Cape Verde was formed in Praia. Cape Verde; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Praia, Cape Verde first Local Spiritual Assembly Cape Verde
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Arabian Peninsula with its seat in Bahrayn (Bahrain). [BW15p296]
  • The area was altered in 1972 for the formation of two National Spiritual Assemblies, Eastern Arabian and Kuwait. [BW15p297]
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden) plus Denmark and Finland was formed with its seat in Stockholm, Sweden. [BW13:274] National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Stockholm, Sweden; Sweden first NSA Scandinavia and Finland
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska was formed and incorporated immediately upon formation. [HE31]
  • This was the first time a political entity (i.e. the United States) was subdivided to form a national spiritual assembly. [BW13:270]
  • In 1927 the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada resolved, in their Declaration of Trust and By-law of the National Spiritual Assembly, to exclude Alaska and Hawaii and all United States trusts and territories including Puerto Rico from their jurisdiction. [Constitution of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States]
  • Picture.
  • Alaska, USA; Incorporation; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; United States (USA) first NSA Alaska; first time a political entity subdivided to form NSA
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand formed separate National Assemblies. [BW13p306]
  • Since 1934 they were part of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; New Zealand first NSA New Zealand
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Pakistan was formed with its first National Convention in Karachi. Previously it was administered by the Regional Assembly of India, Pakistán and Burma. The "mother assembly" reverted by to its former name, The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of India and Burma and was so until 1959. [BW13p299]
  • On May 28th the Assembly was incorporated. [BW13p300]
  • Karachi, Pakistan; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Pakistan first NSA Pakistan
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of South East Asia was formed with its seat in Djakarta. [BW13:289,302]
  • Its area of jurisdiction was Borneo, Indo-China, Indonesia, Malaya, Sarawak, Siam, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Philippines, Dutch New Guinea, Mentawai Islands, Cocos Islands, Portuguese Timor and Brunei.
  • A subsidiary Six-Year Plan was formed. [BW13:302]
  • This assembly was dissolved in 1964. [BW14p99]
  • Indonesia; Jakarta, Indonesia; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA South East Asia
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia was formed with its seat in Tokyo, Japan. [BW13:304]
  • Its area of jurisdiction was Japan, Korea, Formosa, Macau, Hong Kong, Hainan Island and Sakhalin Island.
  • Japan; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Northeast Asia; Tokyo, Japan first NSA North East Asia
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Greater Antilles was formed with its seat in Kingston, Jamaica The Assembly was disbanded in 1961 when individual National Assemblies were formed for the constituent countries.. [BW13:257]
  • The countries involved: Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic [BN No 312 p7]
  • Jamaica; Kingston, ON; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Greater Antilles
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela was formed at Lima, Peru. [BW13:257]
  • Prior to this time, since 1951 it had been administer by the National Spiritual Assembly of South America. [Bahaipedia NSA; South America]
  • Lima, Peru; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Peru first NSA Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia was formed at Buenos Aires, Argentina. [BW13:257]
  • Prior to this time, since 1951 it had been administer by the National Spiritual Assembly of South America. [Bahaipedia NSA; South America]
  • Argentina; Bolivia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Chile; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Paraguay; Uruguay first NSA Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Mexico and the Republics of Central America was formed at Panama City, Panama. [BW13:257]
  • The countries involved were: Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico.
  • Costa Rica; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Mexico; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Nicaragua; Panama first NSA Mexico and the Republics of Central America
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly for the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) was formed with its seat in Madrid, Spain. [BW13:274]
  • The Assembly was disbanded in 1962 when Spain and Portugal established independent National Assemblies.
  • Madrid, Spain; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Portugal; Spain first NSA Iberian Peninsula
    1957 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux Countries was formed with its seat in Brussels, Belgium. [BW13:274]
  • Its area of jurisdiction was Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
  • Belgium; Benelux, Europe; Brussels, Belgium; Luxembourg; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Netherlands first NSA Benelux Countries
    1957 Apr
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced that the Treasury Department of Israel had issued an expropriation order for the remaining property held by Covenant-breakers at Bahjí, mainly the dilapidated building north of the mansion. [MBW109] Akka, Israel; Bahji, Israel; Covenant-breaking
    1957 Apr
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced that the Faith had been established in 251 countries, that there were more than a thousand local spiritual assemblies, that Bahá'ís lived in more than 4,200 localities, and that every territory mentioned in the Tablets of the Divine Plan had been opened to the Faith. Bahá'í literature had been translated into 230 languages. [MBW105–6] * Shoghi Effendi (chronology); Shoghi Effendi, Works of; Statistics
    1957 c. Apr - 1958 Apr
    195-
    The first Tuareg to become a Bahá'í enrolled in Rabat, Morocco. - First believers by background; Morocco; Rabát, Morocco first Tuareg Bahá’í
    1957 27 Mar
    195-
    Agnes Alexander was appointed a Hand of the Cause of God on the passing of Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend. [GBF112; MBW174; PP255] - Hands of the Cause; Agnes Alexander; George Townshend; Hands of the Cause, Appointments
    1957 25 Mar
    195-
    Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend passed away in Dublin, Ireland. (b.14 June, 1896) [BBD226, BW02-03p169]
  • For his obituary see BW13:841–846.
  • Shoghi Effendi had appointed him among the first contingent on the 24th of December, 1951. [MoCxxiii]
  • His pamphlet entitled The Old Churches and the New World Faith was his statement upon severing his relationship with his colleagues in the Anglican Church. [CBN No 89 June 1957 p1]
  • A talk given by O.Z. (Zebby) Whitehead at an Irish Bahá'í Summer School.
  • See The Covenant: An Analysis, a study guide on the idea of a covenant, Messengers and their missions, the covenant between the Messenger and the faithful, and covenant-breaking. Includes an appendix, compilation on the covenant. It was published in Manchester in 1950.
  • See his essay The Way of the Master.
  • Christ and Bahá'u'lláh was published by George Ronald in 1957. Also published by George Ronald were: Àbdu'l-Bahá - The Master, Mission of Baha'u'llah - Essays, Poems and Meditations, of One Who was Appointed a Hand of the Cause, Promise of All Ages - A Classic Description of the Baha'i Faith, and The Heart of the Gospel - The Story of the Spiritual Evolution of Humanity Using Bible Texts.
  • See George Townshend - Biography from Church Canon to Hand of the Cause of God by David Hofman.
  • See Shoghi Effendi: The Range and Power of His Pen by 'Ai Nakhjavani p83 for his contribution in assisting Shogh Effendi with his translation work.
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - Hands of the Cause; - In Memoriam; Dublin, Ireland; George Townshend; Hands of the Cause, Births and deaths; Hands of the Cause, First Contingent; Ireland
    1957 3 Feb
    195-
    Enoch Olinga arrived in the Holy Land, the first black African Bahá'í to go on pilgrimage. [BW13p288] - First pilgrims; Enoch Olinga; Haifa, Israel; Pilgrims first black African Bahá’í on pilgrimage.
    1957 Feb
    195-
    As authorized by the Guardian, Mrs. Morassa (Yazdi) Rawhani arrived as a pioneer to Rabat, Morocco. She actively participated in the formation of two Assemblies, that of Rabat and Sale, and although of advanced age, she was occupied in deepening the friends and teaching the children in these two localities.

    She was born in 1887 and named Akkawiya (the one who belongs to ‘Akká) by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. She was the granddaughter of Hadji Abderrehim Yazdi, one of the first bearers of the Sacred Standard. Born in the fortress of ‘Akká, she grew up in the Sacred Household under the shelter of the Greatest Holy Leaf.
    With her mother, she moved to Alexandria, Egypt where for a few months she was in charge of cleaning the private room of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and was asked by Him several times to sew some of His clothes. She was entrusted to be the Early Prayer Reader of His private quarters.She was the first woman to become a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Alexandria, and dedicated her time to deepening the women in her locality.
    She passed away on October 6, 1971 and was buried in the Bahá’í Cemetery at Rabat, Morocco. Her funeral was attended by a large number of believers of Morocco, the majority native believers; also in attendance was a representative from the Íránian Embassy in Rabat. A message was sent from the Universal House of Justice to honour her life of service. [BN No 490 January 1972 p7]

    - Biography; Morocco the first woman to become a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Alexandria
    1957 1 Jan
    195-
    In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian it was state that there were no Bahá'ís in the republics of the Soviet Union.
      Republics of Russia with no Bahá'ís: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Ukraine, and White Russia (Belarus)
      Satellite countries with no Bahá'ís: Albania Roumania (Romania) Mongolia, Sakhalin Island, and Hainan Island. [1 January 1957]
    Soviet Union; Statistics
    1957 (In the year)
    195-
    The publication of The Secret of Divine Civilization by 'Abdu'l-Bahá as translated by Marzieh Gail in Wilmette Il by the Bahá'í Publishing Trust. It was earlier translated as The Mysterious Forces of Civilization by another translator, this was 'Abdu'l-Bahá's message to the government, clergy and people of Iran on the requirements of true civilization. It applies as well to the present as mankind's traditional political and social philosophies have shown themselves incapable of renewing human civilization. [Collins3-107 p13]
  • See Bahá'í-library.org for documents related to the work by 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
  • * `Abdu'l-Bahá, Writings and talks of; Illinois, USA; Marzieh Gail; United States (USA); Wilmette, IL
    1957 (In the year)
    195-
    The land for the future Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in Langenhain was acquired. [from the pamphlet "First European Bahá'í House of Worship" published by the NSA of Germany] - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Germany; Langenhain, Germany; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Langenhain
    1957 c.
    195-
    The first local person to become a Bahá'í in Cambodia, Mr Lim Incchin, a young Chinese, enrolled. [Servants of the Glory page23]
  • The country was first settled by two pioneers one of whom was a Professor Avaregan. [Servants of the Glory page21]
  • Cambodia; Lim Incchin; Professor Avaregan first Bahá’í in Cambodia
    1957 (In the year)
    195-
    Nagoya, Japan, became the only spiritual assembly to be made up entirely of Japanese believers. Japan; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Nagoya, Japan first Local Spiritual Assembly all Japanese
    1957 (In the year)
    195-
    Bahá'í activity in Czechoslovakia was banned by the authorities, several members of the Prague community were arrested and Vuk Echtner was imprisoned for two years. [BW20p196] - Persecution; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Other; Czech Republic; Persecution, Czechoslovakia; Prague, Czech Republic
    1957 (In the year)
    195-
    The Berbers in Algeria were first contacted by the Bahá'ís and a number of Berber families enrolled. - First believers by background; Algeria; Berbers (people) first Berber Bahá'ís
    1957 (In the year)
    195-
    Charles Winfield Small, a native of Barbados and the first to become a Bahá'í in the Bahamas, returned to Barbados, the first Bahá'í to settle in the country. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Barbados; Central America first Bahá’í in the Bahamas; first Bahá’í to settle in Barbados
    1957 (In the year)
    195-
    The first member of the Newari ethnic group of Nepal to become a Bahá'í, Rishi Prasad Joshi, enrolled. - First believers by background; Nepal first Newari Bahá'í of Nepal
    1957 (In the year)
    195-
    The first indigenous person to become a Bahá'í in the Dutch West Indies, Rhoma Matthew enrolled. - First believers by background; Lesser Antilles first indigenous Bahá’í in the Dutch West Indies
    1957 (In the year)
    195-
    The first contacts with the Aboriginal people were made in Kampong Jus in Malacca by Saurajen, as reported at a special meeting held with Hand of the Cause of God, Dr. Muhajir in Malacca on 29 December 1957. [Jewel Among Nations, Splendour Publications, Author A. Manisegaran. Pages 221-222] - Aboriginal people; Firsts, other; G. Saurajen; Malacca, Malaysia; Malaysia; Rahmatullah Muhajir; Selandar, Malaysia first contact with aboriginal population of Malayan peninsula
    1956 20 Dec
    195-
    The publication in the Official Gazette of the government of Israel of the issue of an expropriation order against the Covenant-Breakers in possession of the holy Shrines at Bahji. This order was immediately appealed by the Covenant-Breakers to the Supreme Court. - Bahá'í World Centre; Bahji, Israel; Covenant-breaking; Haifa, Israel
    1956 9 Dec
    195-
    The passing of Juliet Thompson (b. Washington, DC 1873 - d. December 9th, 1956 New York). [BW13:862-864]
  • For her memorial service at the House of Worship see Bahá'í News p475, 493.
  • After learning of the Bahá'í Faith in Washington DC near 1898 she traveled to Paris at the invitation of Laura Dreyfus-Barney's mother. Later in 1901 in Paris she met Thomas Breakwell, who gave her Arthur de Gobineau's description in French of the Execution of the Báb which confirmed her faith. In Paris she took classes on the religion from Mírzá Abu'l-Fadl. [Wiki]
  • She published her book I, Mary Magdalene in 1940. It is available at bahai-library.com/. The Diary of Juliet Thompson was published by Kalimat Press in 1983 from her 1947 typescript.
  • The restoration of Juliet's grave took place on December 5, 2010. After a 54 year delay, the new gravestone, commissioned by the NSA, was unveiled in the Beechwood Cemetery in New Rochelle, New York, engraved with this moving tribute from Shoghi Effendi:

    "Deplore loss of much-loved, greatly admired Juliet Thompson, outstanding, exemplary handmaid of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Over half-century record of manifold, meritorious services, embracing the concluding years of Heroic and opening decades of Formative Ages of Bahá'í Dispensation, won her enviable position in the glorious company of triumphant disciples of the beloved Master in the Abha Kingdom. Advise hold memorial gathering in Mashriqu'l-Adhkar to pay befitting tribute to the imperishable memory of one so wholly consecrated to the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, and fired with such consuming devotion to the Center of His Covenant."

    [December 6, 1956] (Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 170)

  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; - Restoration and renovation; Juliet Thompson; New Rochelle, NY; New York, USA
    1956 Dec
    195-
    It was announced that Mr Ugo Giachery, Mr Navidi, Mr John Ferraby, Mrs Mildred Mottahedeh and Mr Amin Banani had been appointed to an international committee to represent the Bahá'í International Community in relation to the United Nations in matters connect with the persecution of the Bahá'ís of Persia. [CBN No 83 December, 1956 p2] - Bahá'í World Centre; Amin Banani; Aziz Navidi; Bahá'í International Community; John Ferraby; Mildred Mottahedeh; Ugo Giachery
    1956 11 - 12 Nov
    195-
    First All-Taiwan Teaching Conference was held in Tainan, Taiwan. The conference was attended by then Auxiliary Board Member Agnes Alexander from Japan. She would visit Taiwan two more times, in 1958 and 1962-as a Hand of the Cause. [The Taiwan Bahá'í Chronicle by Barbara R. Sims p17] - First conferences; Agnes Alexander; Auxiliary board members; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Tainan, Taiwan; Taiwan; Teaching first Teaching Conference held in Taiwan
    1956 21 Jul
    195-
    As a result of the intervention of the UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold in July of 1955, promises were given by the Iranian government officials that the persecutions would cease however, that was not the case. The Bahá'í International Community, as an accredited member of the Non-Governmental Organizations at the United Nations, sent delegates to Geneva to attend the meetings of the Economic and Social Council and to present the Bahá'í case to the sub-Committee on the Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. At Geneva the Bahá'í representatives met a number of delegates to the Economic and Social Council enlisting their sympathy in the case and requesting them to inform their Foreign Offices. Following a news conference held by the Bahá'í representatives a full story appeared in the New YorkTimes of July 21, 1956. [CBN No 81 October 1956 p1-2] * Persecution, Iran; Iran
    1956 20 May
    195-
    Louisa Mathew Gregory, (b. 1 February 1866 in Penge, Kent, England) whose wedding to Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory in 1912 was the first interracial western Bahá'í marriage, passed away in Eliot, Maine. [BW13:878; SYH19, 239]
  • She had been introduced to the Faith by Edith Sanderson in Paris in about December of 1909. Edith had been taught by May Maxwell in 1902. [SYH5, 206]
  • For her obituary see BW13:376–8. Error in this article
    • There was no Bahá'í Congress in Prague in 1928
    • She did not attend Cambridge but rather the examination for her credentials were administered by Cambridge.
    • 'Abdu'l-Bahá did not attend her marriage on the 27 September 1912. He was in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. [SYHvii-viii; 28]
  • Her biography, A Seed in Your Heart - The Life of Louise Mathew Gregory by Janet Fleming Rose was published by George Ronald in 2018.
  • See a brief biography in The Bahá'í Community of the British Isles 1844-1963 p462-464 and for the story of his learning of the Faith, p453-454
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - Hands of the Cause; Edith Sanderson; Eliot, ME; Firsts, other; Hands of the Cause, Births and deaths; Kent, England; Louisa Mathew Gregory; Louise Gregory; Maine, USA; Penge, England; United States (USA) first interracial western Bahá’í marriage
    1956 May
    195-
    Mary Zabolotny (later Mrs Ken McCulloch), of Ukrainian background, arrived on Anticosti Island, Canada, and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:449] - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Anticosti Island, QC; Canada; Mary Zabolotny McCulloch
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    After their pilgrimage Harlan and Elizabeth Ober travelled to South Africa where they helped form the first all-African Local Spiritual Assembly in Pretoria as had previously been request of them by the Guardian. They returned in December as pioneers. [BW13869] - Pioneers; Elizabeth Kidder Ober; Haifa, Israel; Harlan Ober; Pretoria, South Africa first all-African Local Spiritual Assembly
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Taiwan was formed in Tainan. [The Taiwan Bahá'í Chronicle by Barbara R. Sims p15] Local Spiritual Assemblies; Tainan, Taiwan; Taiwan first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Tainan, Taiwan
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    Formation of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Guam. Guam; Local Spiritual Assemblies first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Guam.
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    The local spiritual assembly of Addis Ababa incorporated, the first one in Africa to do so. [BW13:287] Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Local Spiritual Assembly, incorporation first Local Spiritual Assembly to incorporate in Africa
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly of Hong Kong was formed. Hong Kong; Local Spiritual Assemblies first Local Spiritual Assembly Hong Kong
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    With the enrolment of the first Micronesian Bahá'í, the first local spiritual assembly of Guam was formed. Guam; Local Spiritual Assemblies first Local Spiritual Assembly Guam
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assemblies in Korea were formed at Seoul and at Kwangju. Gwangju, South Korea; Korea; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Seoul, South Korea first Local Spiritual Assemblies Korea
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Bermuda was formed. Bermuda; Local Spiritual Assemblies firstLocal Spiritual Assembly Bermuda
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    In his message to the four African Conventions for the National Spiritual Assemblies of Central and East Africa, North East Africa, North-West Africa, and South and West Africa, the Guardian announced that there were "over three thousand avowed supporters, five-sixths of whom belong to the Negro race, scattered throughout more than fifty territories and islands, and residing in over four hundred localities. Representatives of no less than one hundred and forty of its tribes have, moreover, enlisted under the banner of the Faith. Over a hundred and twenty Bahá'í Local Assemblies are already functioning throughout its territories. Into more than fifty of its indigenous languages Bahá'í literature has been and is being translated. The process of incorporating the newly formed Local Assemblies has furthermore been inaugurated. A National Administrative Headquarters has been established in each one of its four pivotal centres, while three Temple sites situated within its confines have been recently purchased, on one of which the Mother Temple of Africa is soon to be erected." [That Promising Continent 24-26] - Africa; Statistics
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa was formed by expanding the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of Egypt and Sudan. [BW13:284]
  • Its area of jurisdiction now included Egypt, Sudan, Abyssinia, Libya, Eritrea, British, French and Italian Somaliland and Socotra Island.
  • From this date forward all African territories originally allocated to the United States, the Persian, the Egyptian, the Indian, and the British National Spiritual Assemblies became, in the course of the Ten-Year Plan, to benefit from the advantages of sustained assistance by these Assemblies Spiritual Assemblies. [MBW71-72]
  • Since 1956 National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa had been led by the former National Spiritual Assembly of Egypt and the Sudan. In 1960 difficulties in Egypt made it impossible to administer territories outside of Egypt a regional administrative committee was formed and this, in turn, was replaced with a new (regional) National Spiritual Assembly with its headquarters in Addis Abba. [BW13p287]
  • Abyssinia; British Somaliland; Djibouti, East Africa; Egypt; Eritrea; Eritrea; Ethiopia; French Somaliland; Italian Somaliland; Libya; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Socotra Island; Sudan first Regional Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    The first local spiritual assembly was formed in Morocco (International Zone). Local Spiritual Assemblies; Morocco first Local Spiritual Assembly Morocco
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of North West Africa was formed with its seat in Tunis, Tunisia. [BW13:284]
  • Its area of jurisdiction was Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco (International Zone), Spanish Morocco, French Morocco, Rio de Oro, Spanish Sahara, French West Africa, Gambia, Portuguese Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gold Coast, Ashanti Protectorate, British Togoland, French Togoland, Nigeria, British Cameroons, French Cameroons, Northern Territories Protectorate, Spanish Guinea, St Thomas Island, Cape Verde Islands, Canary Islands and Madeira. [MBW71-72]
  • See the Guardian's message to this Assembly. [That Promising Continent 27, 32]
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Tunis, Tunisia; Tunisia first Regional Spiritual Assembly of North West Africa
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Central and East Africa was formed with its seat in Kampala, Uganda. [BW13:284; MBW71-72]
  • Its area of jurisdiction was Uganda, Tanganyika, Kenya, Belgian Congo, Ruanda-Urundi, French Equatorial Africa, Zanzibar, Comoro Islands and Seychelles Islands. See the Guardian's message to this Assembly. [That Promising Continent 30]
  • Ali Nakhjavani, Hassan Sabri, Philip Hainsworth, Oloro Epyeruj, Jalal Nakhjavani, Aziz Yazdi, Tito Wanantsusit, Max Kenyerezi, and Sylvester Okurut were members of the first regional national assembly. [History of the Bahá'í Faith in Tanzania]
  • This regional assembly was dissolved at Ridván 1964. [BW14p96]
  • Kampala, Uganda; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Uganda first Regional Spiritual Assembly of Central and East Africa
    1956 Ridván
    195-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa was formed with its seat in Johannesburg, South Africa. The National Convention was held at the Sears farm. Those elected to serve were: John Allen, Festus Chembeni, Walter Dlamini, William Masehla, Robert Miller, Andrew Mofokeng, John Robarts, William Sears and Max Seepe. In January 1957 Walter Dlamini resigned and Marguerite Sears was elected to replace him. [BW13:284; MBW71-72; BN no608 November 1981 p11]
  • Its area of jurisdiction was the Union of South Africa, Basutoland, Zululand, Swaziland, Bechuanaland, South West Africa, Angola, Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, Nyasaland, Mozambique, Madagascar, Réunion Island, Mauritius and St Helena Island. See the Guardian's message to this Assembly. [That Promising Continent 28-29]
  • Johannesburg, South Africa; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; South Africa first Regional Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa
    1956 7 Apr
    195-
    The first indigenous person to become a Bahá'í in Micronesia, 22-year-old Joe Erie Ilengelkei from Palau, Caroline Islands, enrolled. Caroline Islands; Joe Erie Ilengelkei; Palau first indigenous Bahá’í in Micronesia
    1956 Apr
    195-
    The publication of Ade-rih-wa-nie-ton On-kwe-on-we Neh-ha: A Message to the Iroquois Indians in the Canadian Bahá'í News. This pamphlet was translated to the Mohawk language by Mr. Charles Cooke of Ottawa and there is reason to believe the translation was commissioned by the Québec Regional Teaching Committee. [Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly to Dr. C Buck 6 January 2021; CBN No69 Oct 1955 p4; CBN 45 April 1956 p.11]
  • See Deganawida, the Peacemaker by Dr Christopher Buck published in American Writers: A Collection of Literary Biographies Supplement XXVI (2015)
  • See as well Native Messengers of God in Canada?: A Test Case for Bahá'í Universalism by Christopher Buck published in Bahá'í Studies Review, 6, pages 97-133 London: Association for Bahá'í Studies English-Speaking Europe, 1996. Also Native Messengers of God in Canada? A test case for Bahá'í universalism, by Christopher Buck:Commentary by William P. Collins.
  • Also of interest on the same subject is his article Dr. David Ruhe's Tribute to Indigenous Messengers of God.
  • See as well Messengers of God in North America, Revisited: An Exegesis of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablet to Amír Khán by Christopher Buck and Donald Addison.
  • For information about the Tablet to Amír Khán see Tablet to Amir Khan and Tablet of the Holy Mariner by / on behalf of Universal House of Justice.
  • Bahá'í Universalism and Native Prophets by Christopher Buck.
  • See the series Indigenous Messengers of God.
  • - Indigenous Messengers of God; Canada; Iroquois people; Native Americans
    1956 Apr
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced the extension to Egyptian Bahá'í women of the right to be elected to the National Spiritual Assembly and to participate in the national convention. [MBW96–7] - Middle East; Egypt; Equality; National Spiritual Assembly, women; Women
    1956 Apr
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced that the Bahá'í Faith was established in 247 countries, in 3,700 localities and that there were more than 900 local spiritual assemblies, of which 168 were incorporated. Bahá'í literature had been translated into 190 languages. [MBW92–3] Statistics
    1956 Apr
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced that the remaining 22 pillars of the International Bahá'í Archives had been erected and that the last half of the 900 tons of marble from Italy had been delivered. Forty-four tons of glazed green tiles from Utrecht had been placed in position. [MBW108]
    He also announced that:
  • the dilapidated house located near the Mansion had been restored,
  • Negotiations were underway with the Development Authority of the State of Israel for the acquisition of two plots to the north and south of the Shrine.
  • the destruction of a row of sheds near the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh,
  • that an expropriation order had been published in the Israel Official Gazette related to the buildings enclosed within the Haram-i-Aqdas regarding the occupancy of these buildings of the Covenant-breakers. [MBW108-109]
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; `Abdu'l-Bahá, Tea House of (Bajji); Bahji, Israel; Covenant-breaking; Haram-i-Aqdas; International Archives Building (Haifa)
    1956 9 Mar
    195-
    The passing of Albert R Windust (b. 28 March 1874 in Chicago) in Berrien County, Michigan. He was buried in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Chicago.

    Albert, in spite of his meagre education, was a deep student of the Writings, an able speaker, and a profound teacher of the Laws and Ordinances. His classes on the Covenant and Bahá'í Administration were most helpful both to newcomers and Bahá'ís of long association with the Faith. There was a freshness and vigor in his teaching; he radiated a love that reached the hearts. In his every-day life he demonstrated the power of the revealed Word of Bahá'u'lláh.

      "Deeply grieved passing much loved greatly admired staunch ardent promoter Faith, Albert Windust, Herald Covenant, whose notable services Heroic Formative Ages Faith unforgettable. Assure friends relatives fervently supplicating progress soul Kingdom." – Shoghi [BW13p873-874]

    At the age of fourteen Albert became an apprentice in the printing firm where his father worked. Later he became the first publisher of the Writings of the Faith in America. He printed booklets, early editions of prayers, and the Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh (16 March 1900 BFA2p25). In 1910 he founded and started printing the first Bahá'í monthly publication, Star of the West. He gathered and published the well-known three volumes of Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá from Tablets written to the Bahá'ís in North America. He also assisted Howard MacNutt in publishing Promulgation of Universal Peace. Albert also helped in the compilation and publication of the first five volumes of The Bahá'í World for the years 1926 to 1934.

    When his father died on May 21st, 1913 Albert wrote to 'Abdu'l-Bahá and asked Him to pray for him. 'Abdu'l-Bahá responded by sending a Tablet with a prayer. It was published in SoW Vol 11 Issue 19 p219 and has been printed in Spiritual Strength for Men p82-83 published by Kalimat Press and in Family Worship p66 compiled by Wendi Momen and published by George Ronald.

  • See also Prayer for Fathers by 'Abdu'l-Bahá as translated by Ahmad Sohrab.
  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; Albert Windust; Chicago, IL
    1956 (Early)
    195-
    In early 1956, Rudolfo Duna, his wife Angelica, and eleven year old daughter Julia, early Mozambican Bahá'ís, undertook the arduous train journey from Johannesburg, South Africa to Luanda, Angola, covering over 5,000 kilometers. Within a week after their arrival in Luanda, a community large enough to establish a Local Spiritual Assembly was formed.

    Another example of a new African believer arising was the case of Dorothy Chivunda in Zambia. When word of the Faith reached the church Dorothy attended, it aroused the curiosity of the congregation. The church decided to send Dorothy to investigate the claims of this new religion. Within three weeks, she declared as a Bahá'í, promptly organizing a teaching trip to her native village in Kawiku, in Chibwakata area of North Western Province. This trip, and the others that followed, involved over 300 kilometers of travel over rough terrain. It set in motion a process that would lead to the enrolment of thousands of her fellow tribesmen, the Lunda of Zambia, into the Faith.

    [A Brief Account of the Progress of the Bahá'í Faith in Africa Since 1953 by Nancy Oloro-Robarts and Selam Ahderom p3]

    - Pioneers; Angelica Duna; Angola; Dorothy Chivunda; Julia Duna; Luanda, Angola; Rudolfo Duna
    1956 25 Feb
    195-
    Husayn Uskuli, (b. 1875) long-time pioneer to Shanghai from 'Ishqábád, passed away in Shanghai at the age of 82 and was buried in the Kiangwan Cemetery in Shanghai. [PH29, BW13p871-873]
  • He had heard about the Faith at the age of 18 from Mírzá Haydar-'Alí. After his marriage he moved to 'Ishqábád where he was very active in the community. After his move to Shanghai his home was the centre of activity and hospitality for all those passing through. He was the only foreign-born Bahá'í to remain in China after the regime change. The xenophobic attitude of the government precluded any meaningful contact with the local citizenry.
  • He was survived by four daughters and a son.
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - In Memoriam; Ashgabat; China; Husayn Uskuli; Shanghai, China; Turkmenistan
    1956 21 Feb
    195-
    The first Bahá'í pioneer, Marguerite Allman, (later Miners), formerly of Hamilton and her pioneer post in the Queen Charlotte Islands (now Haida Gwaii), arrived in 1956. She taught the second Icelandic Bahá'í, Erica Petursson. [BN No 487 October 1971 p20; BN303 May 1956 p13] - Pioneers; - Travel teachers and pioneers, First; Hamilton, ON; Iceland; Reykjavik, Iceland
    1956 12 Feb
    195-
    The first four people to become Bahá'ís in Hong Kong, Nari Sherwani, Ng Ying Kay, Chan Lie Kun and Chan Lie Fun, enrolled. [PH75] - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Hong Kong first four Bahá’ís in Hong Kong
    1956 Jan
    195-
    The first Bahá'í pioneer in what is now the Central African Republic, Samson Nkeng, arrived in Bangui from the British Cameroons1 - Pioneers; - Travel teachers and pioneers, First; Central African Republic; Samson Nkeng first pioneer in Central African Republic
    1956 c.
    195-
    The first person in Tibet to become a Bahá'í, Chiten Tashi, a young businessman from the village of Chombethan, enrolled. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Tibet first Bahá'í in Tibet
    1956 (In the year)
    195-
    A Roman Catholic priest lodged a complaint against the Bahá'ís of Morocco with the Moroccan Security Service. Morocco; Persecution, Morocco
    1956 (In the year)
    195-
    Kedarnath Pradhan, from neighbouring Sikkim, arrived in Nepal, the first pioneer to the country. [Bahá'í Faith In Nepal by Prof. Anil Sarwal] - Travel teachers and pioneers, First; India; Nepal; Sikkim, India first pioneer to Nepal
    1956 (In the year)
    195-
    The first indigenous person to become a Bahá'í in New Guinea, Apelis Mazakmat, a school teacher and member of the local government council, enrolled. Apelis Mazakmat; New Guinea first indigenous Bahá’í in New Guinea
    1956 (In the year)
    195-
    The first people to become Bahá'ís in Cape Verde enrolled. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; - Islands; Cape Verde first Bahá’ís in Cape Verde
    1956 (In the year)
    195-
    The first Tlinget to become a Bahá'í in Alaska, Joyce Anderson Combs, enrolled. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Alaska, USA; United States (USA) first Tlinget Bahá’í in Alaska
    1956 (In the year)
    195-
    The first indigenous person to become a Bahá'í in Dutch Guiana (Suriname), George van Axel Dongen, enrolled. Dutch Guiana (Suriname); George van Axel Dongen; Suriname first indigenous Bahá’í in Dutch Guiana (Suriname)
    c. 1956
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi acquired the title to the Pilgrim House at Bahjí from the Israeli government as part of the exchange for the Bahá'í properties at Ein Gev. [BBD177; DH226] - Bahá'í World Centre; Bahji, Israel; Haifa, Israel; Pilgrim Houses; Pilgrim house, Bahji; Purchases and exchanges
    1956 (In the year)
    195-
    The publication of Religion for Mankind by Horace Holley. There were subsequent publications by George Ronald in 1966, 1969, and 1976 and the Bahá'í Publishing Trust in Wilmette and a printing in 1967. It was transcribed into braille in 1970. [Collins7.1222-7.1226; 8.100]
  • "A collection of cogent essays on several aspects of the Bahá'í social programme and the dynamic of community and administrative life. [Collins7.1222]
  • * Publications; Horace Holley
    1955 Dec
    195-
    The first Samoan woman to become a Bahá'í, Mrs Lotoa Refiti (later Lotoa Rock), enrolled. [Koala News, No. 22, February 1956] Lotoa Refiti; Samoa first Samoan woman Bahá'í
    1955 15 Nov
    195-
    'Alí Muhammad Varqá was appointed a Hand of the Cause to succeed his father. [GBF111; MBW91] - Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Appointments; Varqa; Varqá, `Alí-Muhammad
    1955 15 Nov
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced that for the construction of the International Bahá'í Archives thirty of the fifty-two pillars, each over seven metres high, had been raised and that half of the nine hundred tons of stone ordered from Italy had been safely delivered at the Port of Haifa. He also said that a contract for over $15,000 had been placed with the tile factory in Utrecht for over 7,000 green tiles to cover the 500 square metres of the roof. [MBW95]
    He announced as well:
  • the purchase of a plot of land adjacent to the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf for $100,000,
  • the purchase of the dilapidated house situated south of the Mansion at Bahjí in which 'Abdu'l-Bahá used to receive friends, among them the first party of Western pilgrims after Bahá'u'lláh's passing,
  • a plot of land situated in the neighbourhood of the Shrine of the Báb,
  • and that the formalities had been completed in the purchase of the site of the future Mashriqu'lAdhkár on Mount Carmel. [MBW78-79, 95]
  • The transfer of the deeds for the above plots of land were being transferred to the name of the Israel branches of the United States, The British, the Persian the Canadian and the Australian Baháa'í National Spiritual Assemblies. [MBW95]
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; `Abdu'l-Bahá, Tea House of (Bajji); Báb, Shrine of (Haifa); Bahji, Israel; International Archives Building (Haifa); Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Haifa; Utrecht, Netherlands
    1955 12 Nov
    195-
    Hand of the Cause of God Valíyu'lláh Varqá passed away in Stuttgart.
  • For his obituary see BW13:831–834.
  • Shoghi Effendi had appointed him among the first contingent on the 24th of December, 1951. [MoCxxiii]
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - Hands of the Cause; - In Memoriam; Germany; Hands of the Cause, Births and deaths; Stuttgart, Germany; Varqa; Varqa, Valiyullah
    1955 Oct
    195-
    Daniel Haumont arrived in the Loyalty Islands and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:453] - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Loyalty Islands
    1955 23 - 25 Sep
    195-
    International Teaching Conference was held in Nikko, Japan. [Japan Will Turn Ablaze p87, 97] - Conferences, International; - First conferences; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Japan; Nikko, Japan; Teaching first conference held in Japan
    1955 Sep
    195-
    Fowzieh Sobhi arrived in British Somaliland from Egypt, the first Bahá'í to reside in the country. British Somaliland; Fowzieh Sobhi first pioneer to British Somaliland
    1955 Sep-Oct
    195-
    Bahá'ís in Iran continued to be dismissed from their employment. Bahá'í students were expelled from Shíráz University. [BW18p391] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution, Other; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran; Shíráz, Iran
    1955 23 Aug
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced plans to begin construction on the House of Worship in Kampala, Uganda in light of the fact that the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár that had been planned for Tehran during the Ten Year Crusade had to be postponed due to circumstances in Iran. [MBW90; PP312; BW13p713; CG42-43; Bahá'í Faith, The: 1844-1963: Information Statistical and Comparative, Including the Achievements of the Ten Year International Bahá'í Teaching & Consolidation Plan 1953-1963 compiled by Hands of the Cause Residing in the Holy Land] * Shoghi Effendi (chronology); Iran; Kampala, Uganda; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Kampala; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Tihran; Tehran, Iran; Uganda
    1955 15 Aug
    195-
    The passing of Mabel Hyde Paine (b. 7 December 1877 in Rockville, CT, d. 15 August 1955 in Urbana, IL). She was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana. [Find a Grave]

    Mabel Paine was a Bahá'í teacher and an author. She is remembered as the compiler of The Divine Art of Living that was first published by the Bahá'í Publishing Committee in Chicago in 1944 and saw numerous reprints and revisions until the four revisions. It is still in publication. [Collins4.114 - 4.117]

  • See also Paine, Mable Hyde; Obituary by Garrett Busey.
  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; Mabel Hyde Paine; Rockville, CT; Urbana, IL
    1955 5 Aug
    195-
    In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles he requested that Bahá'ís withdraw from Churches, Synagogues, Freemasonry and other secret societies. A number of letters had been written before and were written after on the same subject. [LoGno.1387; LoGno.1388 (1956); LoGno.1389 (1956); LoGno.1390 (1956); LoGno.1391 (1951)]
  • 'Abdu'l-Bahá had previously permitted such membership in the Masons. [ABL127]
  • Masonry; Masons; Membership of other organizations; Secret Societies
    1955 Aug
    195-
    Appeals were made by National Spiritual Assemblies around the world through the Bahá'í International Community to the UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld to ask the Iranian government to halt the attacks on the Bahá'ís. [BW13:789–91; BW16:329; MBW88–9; PP304, 311; CBN No 81 October 1956 p1]
  • The intervention of the Secretary-General of the UN, along with the efforts of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, brought an end to the physical persecution of the Bahá'ís, although their human rights are still denied. [BW13:790; BW16:329]
  • This marked the first time the Faith was able to defend itself with its newly born administrative agencies. An "Aid the Persecuted Fund" was established.
  • Historian Mohamad Tavakoli-Targhi noted that the 1955 anti-Bahá'í campaign was both the apogee and the point of separation of the state-clergy co-operation. The Shah succumbing to international pressure to provide human rights, withdrew support. The result was that the period from the late fifties until 1977-1978 was a period of relative safety. [Towards a History of Iran's Bahá'í Community During the Reign of Mohammad Reza Shah, 1941-1979 by Mina Yazdani.]
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Bahá'í International Community; Human rights; Iran; NSA; New York, USA; United Nations; United States (USA)
    1955 28 Jul
    195-
    Seven Bahá'ís were stabbed and beaten to death by a mob in Hurmuzak, Iran. [BW18p391; Towards a History of Iran's Baha'i Community During the Reign of Mohammad Reza Shah, 1941-1979 by Mina Yazdani.]
  • Several other Bahá'ís, including women, were beaten and injured; Bahá'í houses and property were damaged. [BW18:391]
  • See also M. Labíb, The Seven Martyrs of Hurmuzak.
  • See entry for 26 September, 2016.
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution, Mobs; Hurmuzak, Yazd; Iran; Seven martyrs of Hurmuzak
    1955 4 Jun
    195-
    Frank Wyss of Australia arrived on Cocos and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:450] - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia
    1955 3 Jun
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced that a thousand groups and local Assemblies telegraphed appeals to the Iranian authorities and that all National Assemblies addressed written communication to the Shah, the government, and to parliament pleading for justice and protection. [MBW89] * Persecution, Iran; - Bahá'í World Centre
    1955 3 Jun
    195-
    Shoghi Effendi announced to all National Assemblies that Majdi'd-Din, "the most redoubtable enemy of 'Abdu'l-Baha" and "the incarnation of Satan", someone who played a leading role in the kindling of the hostility of 'Abdu'l-Hamíd and Jamál Páshá and who was the instigator of Covenant-breaking and archbreaker of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant, died at the age of one hundred after being struck with paralysis affecting his limbs and his tongue. [MBW87-88, 94]
  • He was the son of Bahá'u'lláh's only full brother Mírzá Músá, also know as Áqáy-i-Kalím. He was married to Samadiyyih, Bahá'u'lláh's daughter from his second wife Fatimih Khanum making him brother-in-law to Mírzá Muhammad `Alí.
  • Both Majdi'd-Dín and Samadiyyih were eventually declared Covenant-breakers for supporting Mírzá Muhammad `Alí. Majdi'd-Din was a scribe for Bahá'u'lláh. It was he who on June 6th or 7th, 1892, read the Kitáb-i-'Ahd to a large crowd in front of the Tomb of Bahá'u'lláh in which Bahá'u'lláh appointed 'Abdu'l-Bahá as his successor. [CBN No69 Oct 1955 p2]
  • - Biography; `Abdu'l-Hamid; Covenant-breaking; Fatimih Khanum; Jamal Pasha; Majdid-Din; Mírzá Musa (Aqay-i-Kalim); Samadiyyih Khanum
    1955 2 Jun
    195-
    The first pioneer to settle in Laos, Dr Heshmat Ta'eed, arrived in the country from Thailand. - Travel teachers and pioneers, First; Laos first pioneer to Laos
    1955 1 Jun
    195-
    The House of Bahá'u'lláh in Tákur, Mázandarán, Iran, was taken over. [BW18p391] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; House of Bahá'u'lláh (Takur); Iran; Mazandaran, Iran; Takur, Iran
    1955 (Spring)
    195-
    Travelling by foot, Udai Narain Singh arrived in Tibet from Gangtok, Sikkim, and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh, his second such distinction.
  • He was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh in spring 1956. [BW13:456]
  • - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; India; Sikkim, India; Tibet; Udai Narain Singh
    1955 30 May
    195-
    Bahá'ís were attacked and wounded and their houses attacked at Ábádih, Iran. [BW18p391] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Ábádih, Iran; Iran
    1955 27 May
    195-
    The Bahá'í centre at Máhfurúzak, Iran, was demolished. [BW18p391] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Destruction; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran; Mahfurúzak, Iran
    1955 24 May
    195-
    The Bahá'í centre at Karaj, Iran, was taken over. [BW18p391] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran; Karaj, Iran
    1955 23 May
    195-
    The Bahá'í International Community submitted its Proposals for Charter Revision to the United Nations for the Conference for Revision of the UN Charter. [BW13:788, 795–802] Bahá'í International Community; New York, USA; United Nations; United Nations Charter; United States (USA)
    1955 22 May
    195-
    The dome of the National Bahá'í Centre in Tihrán was demolished with the personal participation of several high-ranking army officers. The Haziratu'l-Quds had been taken over on the 7th of May. The publication of the pictures of the demolition encouraged a widespread outburst of persecution of Bahá'ís throughout Iran. [BW18:391; Archives of Bahá'í Persecution in Iran]
  • After the coup in 1953 the Shah was indebted to the clergy for their support and so they were given a greater latitude to persecute the Bahá'ís. In an attempt to show his gratitude the Shah sent a high ranking officer to ask if they had any special requests and they called for the Bahá'í Centre in Tehran to be destroyed. The army occupied the Centre and high-ranking officers and clerics jointly demolished the dome. [Towards a History of Iran's Bahá'í Community During the Reign of Mohammad Reza Shah, 1941-1979 by Mina Yazdani.]
  • For pictures see BW13:293–4.
  • Photo.
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution, Other; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran; Tehran, Iran
    1955 17 May
    195-
    The Iranian Minister of the Interior announced in parliament that the Government had issued orders for the suppression of the 'Bahá'í sect' and the liquidation of the Bahá'í centres. [BBRSM174; BW18p391] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran
    1955 16 May
    195-
    The Bahá'í centre at Isfahán, Iran, was taken over. [BW18:390] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran; Isfahan, Iran
    1955 9 May
    195-
    The Bahá'í centre at Ahváz, Iran, was taken over. [BW18:390] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Ahvaz, Iran; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran
    1955 9 May
    195-
    Bahá'í houses were attacked and looted at Shíráz, Iran. [BW18:390] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Iran; Shíráz, Iran
    1955 8 May
    195-
    The Bahá'í centre at Rasht, Iran, was attacked and taken over. [BW18:390] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran; Rasht, Iran
    1955 8 May
    195-
    Bahá'ís were beaten at Dámghán, Khurásán, Iran. [BW18:390] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Damghan, Iran; Iran; Khurásán, Iran
    1955 7 May
    195-
    The Iranian army occupied the National Bahá'í Centre in Tihrán. [BW18:390] * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran; Tehran, Iran

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