United Kingdom: Restoration Project Honors enduring impact of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Message of Peace

1. Transcript (see video below)

The Baha'is of the United Kingdom recently marked the completion of the restoration of an apartment at 17 Royal York Crescent in Bristol, where Abdu'l-Baha stayed and gave public presentations in 1911 and again in 1913 during his historic travels to the West. Members of the Baha'i National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom, along with the architectural team and other invited guests, gathered to dedicate the apartment which will now be open for visits. In his welcoming remarks, a member of the National Assembly highlighted how Abdu'l-Baha promoted the teachings of Baha'u'llah and their application to many contemporary issues. Abdu'l-Baha served all who crossed his path, no matter what their class, their race or their religion. He was a loving father and friend, a wise counsellor and a refuge for all in need. ... [Music] ... Another member of the National Assembly recounted how Abdu'l-Baha dedicated each room of the house to the service of humanity, declaring that the house would serve as a centre of peace and rest for pilgrims from east and west - symbolizing unity and a meeting point of diverse cultures. ... [Music] ... In January, 1913, Abdu'l-Baha again came to Bristol during his return journey from North America to the Holy Land. On this occasion he addressed approximately one hundred and fifty attendees in the guest house, elaborating on several profound themes, including the necessity of universal peace and the importance of unity across racial and religious divides. ...[Music] ... Shortly afterwards, a local newspaper published a message from him to the people of Bristol expressing his aspirations for them: "It is my hope that they will be assisted to serve the whole of humanity. May they become the means of creating good fellowship among the children of men."

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