Austria

 Austria was opened to the Faith during the ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá (1892-1921). The story of Tahirih had inspired Mme Hainisch and the poetess Marie Von Najmajer as early as 1870.[1]  Martha Root visited in 1920s. The NSA of Germany and Austria was formed in 1923. In the 1920s Austria was listed as one of the 'leading local Bahá'í Centres' in Europe.[2]  Herr F. Pollinger.  Before 1926 the Vienna Bahá'ís had published Esslemontâs What is the Bahá'í Movement?  By 1925 there were centres in Graz & Vienna. A photo of the Bahá'í group in Vienna appears in Bahá'í World 1926-28, p.137. The NSA of Germany and Austria was dissolved in 1937, and re-established in 1946.

            Austria was a Consolidation Territory in Europe allocated to the NSA of Germany and Austria during the Crusade. Austrian Bahá'ís called on the attend the Stockholm Conference (Messages to the Bahá'í World, 18). A National Hazíratuâl-Quds was purchased in Vienna by Ridvan 1955 (Messages to the Bahá'í World, 81). The First Austrian Teaching Conference held in Gosau by Ridvan 1957 (Messages to the Bahá'í World, 112).Photo of the NSA elected in 1961 appears in Bahá'í World 1954-63, 275.

            Austria ended the Ten Year plan with 6 LSAs; 1 group & 4 isolated Bahais.  The site for a future Mashriquâl-Adhkár was purchased in Vienna. The Austrian NSA, upon its formation, was made responsible for the Bahá'í communities of Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Yugoslavia. Barrett notes (p.157) growth from 7 LSAs in 1964 to 11 in 1973, and 48 other isolated centres or groups.

Bibliography

God Passes By 226, 261, 281, 287, 330, 383, 388