World
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date | event | tags | firsts |
1953 Oct
195- |
Zunilda de Palacios arrived on Chiloé Island and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:450] | - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Chile; Chiloé Island, Chile; Latin America; Zunilda de Palacios | |
1953 19 Dec
195- |
Yan Kee Leong became a Bahá'í, the first person to accept the Faith in Malaya. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; British Malaya; Malaysia; Yan Kee Leong | first Bahá'í in Malaya |
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 |
1953 7 Oct
195- |
William Danjon Dieudonné arrived in Andorra and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW12:449]
|
- Europe; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Andorra | |
1952 (In the year)
195- |
Walli Khan, a Fiji Indian, became a Bahá'í, the first person in Fiji to accept the Faith. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Fiji | first Bahá'í in Fiji |
1953 11 Aug
195- |
Virginia Orbison arrived in the Balearic Islands from a pioneer post in Spain and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for the Balearic Islands. [BW13:449]
It was neither her first nor her last pioneer experience. Between 1942 and 1946 she pioneered to Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. After World War II she went to Madrid, Spain where she helped raise the first local spiritual assembly and she did the same thing in Barcelona the following year. In July of 1953 she went to the Stockholm Intercontinental Teaching Conference where she offered to pioneer to Mallorca in one of the Balearic Islands, She stayed about one year before returning to Barcelona in August of 1954 where she attended the Iberian Teaching Conference that was attended by 60 people. Late that nine, she and nine others were arrested by the police and interrogated for 18 hours. They had thought that the Bahá'í were Communists. In 1956 she moved to Portugal where she was elected to the first Iberian Regional Spiritual Assembly. After three years she was forced to leave by the authorities because of her Bahá'í activities, holding property and owning a telephone. She was asked to go to Luxembourg where she spent nine years but made little progress in establishing the Faith. She was then asked to got to Malaga, Spain and by 1972 Malaga had a local spiritual assembly so she pioneered to Margella in 1979. The National Spiritual Assembly asked her to write a history of the Faith in Spain which was completed in 1980. As was her wish, she passed to the Abha Kingdom in 1985, still a pioneer. [KoB346-347; Wikipedia] See also Also see Bahá'í World 19 pages 715-721 or 692-697 in the print version and Bahá'í News #586 January 1980 p2-5. |
- Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Argentina; Balearic Islands, Spain; Bolivia; Brazil; Chile; Ecuador; Luxembourg; Mallorca, Spain; Peru; Portugal; Spain; Spain; Virginia Orbison | |
1954 Jan
195- |
Virginia Breaks arrived on the island of Truk and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for the Caroline Islands. [BW13:450; MBW57] | - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Caroline Islands; Truk, Caroline Islands; Virginia Breaks | |
1954 5 Jul
195- |
Violet Hoehnke, an Australian, arrived in Papua New Guinea and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for the Admiralty Islands. [BW13:449] | - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Admiralty Islands, Papua New Guinea; Papua New Guinea | |
1953 Oct
195- |
Ursula von Brunn arrived in the Frisian Islands and was named Knights of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:452] | - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Frisian Islands; Ursula von Brunn | |
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]
|
Custodians; India; Myanmar; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; National Spiritual Assembly of India; National Spiritual Assembly of Myanmar (Burma) | first NSA Burma |
1953 13 Oct
195- |
Una Townshend arrived in Malta and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:454, BWNS234] | - Islands; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Malta; Una Townshend | |
1953 4 Oct
195- |
Una Townshend arrived at her pioneer post. It was planed that her father, Hand of the Cause George Townshend, accompany her to Malta where the warm climate might improve his health. He was not well enough to go so Una went alone. Unfortunately his illness advanced and Shoghi Effendi asked her to return home to care for him so she left at the end of 1954. Una and her brother Brian helped him to complete Christ and Bahá'u'lláh by writing down his dictations as he was dying from Parkinson's. Shoghi Effendi called the book Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend's 'crowning achievement'. [KoB359-360] | - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Malta | |
1953 Aug
195- |
Udai Narain Singh arrived in Sikkim and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW13:455; PH63] | - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; India; Sikkim, India; Udai Narain Singh | |
1955 (In the year)
195- |
Twenty–two African Bahá'ís were expelled from the Belgian Congo. | - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Congo, Democratic Republic of; Persecution, Belgian Congo | |
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.
|
- Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; India; Sikkim, India; Tibet; Udai Narain Singh | |
1951 (In the year)
195- |
Throughout Iran, the government introduced repressive measures against Bahá'ís. [BW18:390]
|
* Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Iran; Mashhad, Iran | |
1959 1 Feb
195- |
The 'first Dependency of the Mashriqul-Adhkár in Wilmette', the Bahá'í Home for the Aged, opened. [BW13:747]
|
- 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’ |
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; Property | |
1954 1 Oct
195- |
The title of the a parcel of land on Mount Carmel was transferred to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada, Israel Branch. The title deed was for Parcel No. 304, Block 10811 Mount Carmel, Haifa. | - Bahá'í World Centre; Haifa, Israel; Israel; Mount Carmel; Purchases and exchanges | |
1958 2–4 May
195- |
The third Intercontinental Conference was held at the mid-point of the Crusade convened in Wilmette, Illinois. [BW13:323]
|
- 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 | |
1950 24–27 Jul
195- |
The third European Teaching Conference was held in Copenhagen. [BW12:49; SBBR14p243]
|
- Conferences, International; - Europe; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Copenhagen, Denmark; Denmark | |
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]
|
- Hands of the Cause; Abu'l-Qásim Faizí; 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; Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir; William Sears | |
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]
|
- Hands of the Cause; Akka, Israel; Bahji, Israel; Charles Mason Remey; Covenant-breaking; Guardianship; Hands of the Cause, Activities | |
1953 Oct
195- |
The superstructure of the Shrine of the Báb was completed. [BBD210; CB324–5; PP235; ZK85–6]
|
* 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; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Báb, Shrine of (Haifa); Chiampo, Italy; Haifa, Israel; Italy; Marble; Margraf; Mount Carmel; Shoghi Effendi, Works of | |
1954 spring
195- |
The Síyáh-Chál and some surrounding property was acquired by the Bahá'ís. [BW12:64–5; SE153; SS45]
|
Iran; Purchases and exchanges; Síyáh-Chál (Black Pit, Tehran); Tehran, Iran | |
1954 Apr
195- |
The site for the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkár of the Holy Land was selected. [DH175; MBW63] | - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Haifa, Israel; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Haifa | first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the Holy Land |
1953 20 Apr
195- |
The Second Seven Year Plan ended with 2,425 localities, 611 local spiritual assemblies, 100 countries, islands and dependencies opened to the Faith. There were 12 national assemblies to this date; [UC43]
|
* Teaching Plans; Localities where Bahá'ís reside; Second Seven Year Plan, US and CA (1946-1953); Statistics | |
1958 21–24 Mar
195- |
The second Intercontinental Conference was held at the mid-point of the Crusade convenes in Sydney, Australia. [BW13:319]
|
- 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 21–28 Nov
195- |
The Second Conclave of the Hands of the Cause convened at Bahjí. [BW13:347–8; MoC55-125]
|
- Hands of the Cause; Akka, Israel; Centenaries; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hands of the Cause, Conclaves; Most Great Jubilee (1963) | |
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 |
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]
|
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 |
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]
|
Jamaica; Kingston, ON; National Spiritual Assembly, formation | first NSA Greater Antilles |
1957 Ridván
195- |
The Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux Countries was formed with its seat in Brussels, Belgium. [BW13:274]
|
Belgium; Benelux, Europe; Brussels, Belgium; Luxembourg; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Netherlands | first NSA Benelux Countries |
1957 Ridván
195- |
The Regional Spiritual Assembly of South East Asia was formed with its seat in Djakarta. [BW13:289,302]
|
Indonesia; Jakarta, Indonesia; National Spiritual Assembly, formation | first NSA South East Asia |
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; PHBFp9-11]
|
Johannesburg, South Africa; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; South Africa | first Regional Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa |
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 |
1956 Ridván
195- |
The Regional Spiritual Assembly of North West Africa was formed with its seat in Tunis, Tunisia. [BW13:284]
|
National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Tunis, Tunisia; Tunisia | first Regional Spiritual Assembly of North West Africa |
1957 Ridván
195- |
The Regional Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia was formed with its seat in Tokyo, Japan. [BW13:304]
|
Japan; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Northeast Asia; Tokyo, Japan | first NSA North East Asia |
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]
|
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 |
1957 Ridván
195- |
The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Mexico and the Republics of Central America was formed at Panama City, Panama. [BW13:257]
|
Costa Rica; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Mexico; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Nicaragua; Panama | first NSA Mexico and the Republics of Central America |
1956 Ridván
195- |
The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Central and East Africa was formed with its seat in Kampala, Uganda. [BW13:284; MBW71-72]
|
Kampala, Uganda; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Uganda | first Regional Spiritual Assembly of Central and East Africa |
1957 Ridván
195- |
The Regional Spiritual Assembly of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela was formed at Lima, Peru. [BW13:257]
|
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]
|
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 for the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) was formed with its seat in Madrid, Spain. [BW13:274]
|
Madrid, Spain; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Portugal; Spain | first NSA Iberian Peninsula |
1954 (In the year)
195- |
The purchase of the House of Bahá'u'lláh in Istanbul was concluded. [SS38] | House of Bahá'u'lláh (Istanbul); Istanbul, Turkey; Purchases and exchanges; Turkey | |
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]
|
* Publications; Horace Holley | |
1950 (In the year)
195- |
The publication of Prescription for Living by Rúhíyyih Rabbani by George Ronald. The first edition was a run of 300 copies, done in a dark blue cloth, serial numbered and autographed by the author. There were subsequent printings in 1950, 1960, 1972, and 1978. [Collins7.2181-2185; CBN No 13 May 1950]
|
* Publications; Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum | |
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]
|
- Indigenous Messengers of God; - Native Americans; Canada; Iroquois people | |
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]
|
* `Abdu'l-Bahá, Writings and talks of; Illinois, USA; Marzieh Gail; United States (USA); Wilmette, IL | |
1953 (In the Year)
195- |
The publication of Questions about the Second Coming by George Townshend by the Bahá'í Publishing Committee in Wilmette in response to questions asked of him by the Bahá'ís of Kampala.
|
* Christianity; George Townshend; Uganda; United States (USA); Wilmette, IL | |
1950 (In the year)
195- |
The publication of The Covenant, An Analysis by George Townshend. It was published in Manchester by the Bahá'í Publishing Trust 15p. [Collins7.2578] | Covenant; Manchester, England | |
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 | |
1951 7 Mar
195- |
The Prime Minister of Iran, Haj 'Alí Razmara was assassinated during a memorial service in a mosque in Tehran. He had planned to have the Bahá'í prisoners including the members of the Spiritual Assembly of Yazd and others, killed on their way to Tehran. [SCF123note63] | - Prime Ministers; - Prime Ministers of Iran; Haj Ali Razmara; Iran; Tehran, Iran | |
1955 2 May
195- |
The police locked the doors of the National Bahá'í Centre in Tihrán thus preventing the holding of the final day of the National Bahá'í Convention. [BW18:390] | * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Conventions, National; Haziratul-Quds (Bahá'í centres); Iran; Tehran, Iran | |
1957 26 Dec
195- |
The passing of Mirzā Asad-Allāh, known as Fāżel Māzandarāni (b. Bábol, Persia 1881).
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) | |
1954 25 Mar
195- |
The passing of Marion Jack (General Jack) (b. St. John, New Brunswick) at her pioneer post in Sofia, Bulgaria at the age of 87. She had been at her post since 1931. [BWNS385; Never be Afraid to Dare p. 227]
|
- Biography; - Births and deaths; - In Memoriam; - Pioneers; - Pioneers; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bulgaria; Marion Jack; Sofia, Bulgaria | |
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] |
- Biography; - In Memoriam; Mabel Hyde Paine; Rockville, CT; Urbana, IL | |
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 | |
1956 9 Dec
195- |
The passing of Juliet Thompson (b. Washington, DC 1873 - d. December 9th, 1956 New York). [BW13:862-864]
"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 | |
1952 10 Jan
195- |
The passing of Honoré Jaxon (b. 1861 as William Henry Jackson in the village of Wingham, ON). He died one month after his eviction from his basement apartment where he hoarded three tons of archival material which he hoped would become a library for the study of the Métis people of Saskatchewan.
See Speechless 4 December 2009 for a chronological biography as well as a bibliography / webliography of other works on him. See NUVO for a photo of his eviction from the New York Daily News archive and a short biography. See as well BFA1p90-93; OBCC18-21, 25-26. |
- Biography; - In Memoriam; Honoré Jaxon; Metis people; New York, USA | |
1954 3 Jan
195- |
The passing of Helen "Nellie" Stevison French (b.19 Oct 1868 Peoria, Illinois) in Monaco. She was buried in the Rosehill Cemetery and Mausoleum in Chicago.
In September 1953 Nellie French, 85, became the first Bahá'í to arrive in Monaco, but she passed away a few months later. For her act of service in bringing the Faith to the country, she received the accolade Knight of Baha'u'llah from Shoghi Effendi. A celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Bahá'í Faith in the Principality was held on 24-25 April 2004 at the Theatre des Varietes in Monte Carlo, and opened with the reading of a welcoming message from the National Council of the Principality. [Newspaper Archive on BLO] |
- Biography; - In Memoriam; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Monaco; Nellie French; Peoria, IL; United States (USA) | |
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; Khodadad M. Fozdar; Shirin Fozdar; Singapore | first Indian Parsi to accept the Faith |
1956 20 Mar
195- |
The passing of Beatrice Irwin (b. July 16, 1877, Dagshai, India - March 20, 1953, San Diego, California). She was an actress, poet, designer and promoter of the Baháʼí Faith. Born Alice Beatrice Simpson, she took Beatrice Irwin as her stage name and later adopted it as her real name. [Wikipedia] Note: ABF3; 343, 509 gives the year of her passing as 1956.
See her "In Memoriam" in BW13p882-884. |
- In Memoriam; Beatrice Irwin | |
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.
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. |
- Biography; - In Memoriam; Albert Windust; Chicago, IL | |
1954 9 Jun
195- |
The passing of Alain LeRoy Locke (b. September 13, 1885, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) in New York. He was laid to rest in Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC.
|
* Philosophy; - Biography; - In Memoriam; African Americans; Alain Locke; Harlem Renaissance; New York, USA; Philadelphia, PA; Race amity; Race unity | the first African-American Rhodes Scholar, |
1952 Mar
195- |
The Octagonal component of the Shrine of the Báb was completed. [The Bahá'í Faith 1844-1952 Information Statistical & Comparative p6] | Báb, Shrine of (Haifa); Haifa, Israel; Mount Carmel | |
1951 Ridván
195- |
The number of sovereign states and dependencies open to the Faith was 106, while some of the Writings had been translated into more than 80 languages. [MBW11] | - Bahá'í World Centre; Statistics | |
1959 Ridván
195- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of Turkey was formed.
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National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Turkey | first NSA Turkey |
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) | |
1951 Ridván
195- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Central America, Mexico and the Antilles was elected at an international convention in Panama City. Those elected were: Srta. Raquel J. Francois, Mrs. Cora H. Oliver, Srta. Elena Marsella, Srta. Natalia Chavez, James V. Facey
Srta. Zenayda Jurado C, Mrs. Louise Caswell, Dr. David Escalante, Artemus Lamb. [BW12:60; Bahá'í News No 244 June 1951 p12]
|
Artemus Lamb; Cora Oliver; David Escalante; Elena Marsella; James Facey; Louise Caswell; Natalia Chavez; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Central America, Mexico and the Antilles; Panama; Raquel Francois; Zenayda Jurado C. | first NSA of Central America |
1951 Ridván
195- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of India, Pakistan and Burma launched the Indian Nineteen Month Plan (1951-1953). [Ruhi 8.2 p46; BBRSM158; DND148–50]
Some goals were: |
* Teaching Plans; - Teaching Plans, National; India; Myanmar; Pakistan | |
1952 Ridván
195- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Central America launched a One Year Plan (1952-1953). [Ruhi 8.2 p46; The Spiritual Conquest of the Planet (Supplement) p2]
Shoghi Effendi provided the following advice for the aims of the Central American Assembly: |
* Teaching Plans; - Teaching Plans, National; Central America; Central America One Year Plan | |
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] |
Aden Protectorate; Arabian Peninsula; Bahrain; Manama, Bahrain; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Yemen | |
1951 Ridván
195- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of South America was elected at an international convention in Lima, Peru. Elected were: Edmund J. Miessler (Sao Paulo), Mrs. Margot Worley (Bahia), Miss Eve Nicklin (Lima), Manuel Vera (Lima), Dr. Alejandro Reid (Punta Arenas), Mrs. Gayle Woolson (Bogota), Esteban Canales L. (Asuncion), Srta. Mercedes Sanchez (Lima), Rangvald Taetz (Montevideo) [BW12:60; Bahá'í News No 244 June 1951 p12]
|
Lima, Peru; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Peru | first NSA of South America |
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]
|
Karachi, Pakistan; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Pakistan | first NSA Pakistan |
1953 Ridván
195- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of Italy and Switzerland was established. Elected were: Prof. Mario Fiorentini, Mrs. Anna Kunz, Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Miss Elsa Steinmetz, Mrs. Stella Lonzar, Mrs. Anne Lynch, Friedrich Schar, Mrs. Marion Little, and Prof. Alessandro Bausani.
|
Italy; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Switzerland | first NSA Italy and Switzerland |
1951 Ridván
195- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma launched a Nineteen Month Teaching Plan (1951-1953). The Plan included both homefront and international goals. [DND149-154; The Spiritual Conquest of the Planet (Supplement) p2] | * Teaching Plans; India, Pakistan and Burma Nineteen Month Plan | |
1958 Ridván
195- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of France was formed. [BW13p274]
|
France; National Spiritual Assembly, formation | first Local Spiritual Assembly France |
1957 Ridván
195- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand formed separate National Assemblies. [BW13p306]
|
National Spiritual Assembly, formation; New Zealand | first NSA New Zealand |
1957 Ridván
195- |
The National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska was formed and incorporated immediately upon formation. [HE31]
|
Alaska, USA; Incorporation; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; United States (USA) | first NSA Alaska; first time a political entity subdivided to form NSA |
1952 Ridván
195- |
The National Convention of the Bahá'ís of Central America was scheduled to be held in a prestigious hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica. When a distinguish believer, Mr Matthew Bullock, was not allowed to register at the hotel because of his race, the National Assembly moved the Convention to another venue and registered guests moved to small pensions rather than staying at the hotel. [SDSC65]
|
Central America; Conventions, National; Costa Rica; Elsie Austin; Matthew Bullock; NSA; Race; San Jose, CA | |
1958 1 Nov
195- |
The monument marking Shoghi Effendi's resting place was completed. [MC117]
|
Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bahá'u'lláh, Shrine of (Bahjí); London, England; Margraf; Shoghi Effendi, Resting place of (London); United Kingdom | |
1953 5 Dec
195- |
The Miller family arrived in South Africa from the United States. They pioneered to Johannesburg and to Durban. [PHBF16] | - Travel teachers and pioneers, First; Durban, South Africa; Johannesburg, South Africa | |
1954 1 Nov
195- |
The members of the Algerian National Liberation Front initiated an armed conflict on French targets to start the Algerian War, also known as the Algerian Revolution or the War of Independence which lasted until 1962 and lead to the independence of Algeria from France. This decolonization war was marked by guerrilla warfare, war crimes, and civil strife. The conflict ended with the signing of the Évian Accords.
The war had a profound human cost, with estimates of Algerian casualties ranging from 400,000 to 1.5 million, alongside 25,600 French soldiers and 6,000 Europeans. The war also saw the perpetration of war crimes, including massacres, rape, torture, the destruction of villages, and the displacement of over 2 million Algerians. Upon independence, approximately 900,000 European-Algerians fled to France. The FLN targeted the Harkis, Algerian Muslims who served with the French army, for retribution, with many facing brutal violence. About 90,000 Harkis found refuge in France, where they and their descendants form a significant community. [Wikipedia] |
Algeria; Colonialism and imperialism; France; History (general) | |
1953 26 Sep
195- |
The martyrdom of Rahmán Kulayní Mamaqání. He was stabbed by a ruffian in a mob. [BW12p710-711] | * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution, Deaths; - Persecution, Mobs; Durúd, Iran; Iran | |
1952 26 Aug
195- |
The martyrdom of Nuri'd-Dín Fath-'Azam near Tehran. [BW12p690-692] | * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; Iran; Tehran, Iran | |
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) | |
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 |
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 (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 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 | |
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 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 | |
1953 2 May
195- |
The House of Worship in Wilmette, the Mother Temple of the West, was dedicated in a public ceremony. [BW12:142, BWNS218]
Administration: On the same day as the internment of the sacred remains of the Báb on Mount Carmel, March 21st, 1909, the first American Bahá'í Convention opened in Chicago. The Convention established the 'Bahá'í Temple Unity', incorporated to hold title to the Temple property and to provide for its construction. A constitution was framed and an Executive Board of the Bahá'í Temple Unity elected. This body became the future National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada. [BBD39; BBRSM:106; BW10:179; GPB349; PP397; SBBH1:146; BFA2:XVII, 309; BW13:849; MBW142–3] Foundation Stone: by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 1 May, 1912 Construction Period:The purchase of the site completed: 1914. Design Chosen: 1920. Superstructure: 1921 – 1 May 1931. External Ornamentation: June 1932 -1943. Interior: 1951 Dedication: 1 May 1953 Architects: Louis Bourgeois with Alfred Shaw (interior cladding) Bourgeois became a Baha'i in New York City in 1907, and two years later responded to the call for designs for the Temple. In 1920, delegates from across the country unanimously selected his innovative design. Bourgeois traveled to Haifa to consult with 'Abdu'l-Bahá. With 'Abdu'l-Bahá's encouragement, Bourgeois refined and scaled down the size of his design. [The House of Worship Architecture] Seating: 1,191 [DP220] Dimensions: 203ft at the base and 49ft high Cost: $2.6 million (another source) $51,500 (land) plus $3,212,517.60 (construction costs 1921-1953) Dependencies: Construction of a home for the aged was began in December, 1957 and inaugurated on 1 February, 1959. It is located about three blocks away. Note: In GPB349 Shoghi Effendi states that "…this enterprise—the crowning achievement of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh in the first Bahá'í century…". References: CEBF236-241,GPB348-353, MDM121-239, The Dawning Place, The Bahá'í Faith 1844-1963 Information Statistical & Comparative p36-37. iiiii |
* Shoghi Effendi (chronology); - Architects; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Dependencies of; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Mother Temples; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Quick facts; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Alfred Shaw; Archives; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Dedications; Gifts; Homes for the aged; Lawh-i-Ahmad (Tablet of Ahmad (Arabic)); Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Continental; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Wilmette; United States (USA); Wilmette, IL | |
1953 1 May
195- |
The House of Worship in Wilmette was consecrated in a simple ceremony for Bahá'ís only. [BW12:143, 152; ZK93]
A most wonderful and thrilling motion will appear in the world of existence," are 'Abdu'l-Bahá's own words, predicting the release of spiritual forces that must accompany the completion of this most hallowed House of Worship. "From that point of light," He, further glorifying that edifice, has written, "the spirit of teaching … will permeate to all parts of the world." And again: "Out of this Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, without doubt, thousands of Mashriqu'l-Adhkárs will be born." "It marks the inception of the Kingdom of God on earth.[CoF69 Message of 21 March 1949] |
- Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Dedications; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Wilmette; United States (USA); Wilmette, IL | |
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 | |
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) | |
1957 10 Nov
195- |
The Hands of the Cause met in London. [TG157]
|
- Hands of the Cause; Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; Hands of the Cause, Activities; London, England; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; United Kingdom | |
1959 4 Nov
195- |
The Hands of the Cause issued a message from their third Conclave. [MC166–70]
|
- 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 | |
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 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]
|
- Bahá'í World Centre; Bahji, Israel; Covenant-breaking; Haifa, Israel | |
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 | |
1953 23 May
195- |
The Hand of the Cause of God, Mr. Valiollah Vargha, arrived in Guayaquil accompanied by Miss Eve Nicklin, a pioneer and the spiritual mother of Perú. He also visited Quito and left the country in early July to attend the conference in Stockholm. [Heroes of God pp53-54] | Ecuador; Ecuador; Eve Nicklin; Guayaquil, Ecuador; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Quito, Ecuador; Valiollah Vargha | |
1950 15 Dec
195- |
The Guardian appealed directly to Israel's Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion to recognize the interest of the Bahá'í community in the property known as Mazra'ih as a holy place. After a protracted struggle to obtain ownership of the property, then a Moslem religious endowment, he leased the site from the Department of Moslem and Druze affairs in the Ministry of Religions. [DH93, GBF137, PP290, CB331, MBW7, Bahá'í News, no. 244, June 1951, p. 4] | Akka, Israel; David Ben-Gurion; Haifa, Israel; House of Bahá'u'lláh (Mazra'ih); Israel; Mazraih, Israel | |
1952 12 Nov
195- |
The government of Israel exchanged 145,000 square metres of land surrounding Bahjí for property at Ein Gev on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee belonging to the descendants of Bahá'u'lláh's brother Mírzá Muhammad-Qulí and given to the Faith for this purpose. [DH118, 208; PP233, SETPE1p134-125, MBW454-46]
|
- Bahá'í World Centre; Bahji, Israel; Haifa, Israel; Israel; Mírzá Muhammad-Quli; Sea of Galilee, Israel | |
1957 9 Nov
195- |
The funeral of Shoghi Effendi took place in the Great Northern Cemetery, London. [BW13:222; PP448]
|
London, England; Shoghi Effendi, Passing of; United Kingdom | |
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]
|
- 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 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]
|
- Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; Foundation stones and groundbreaking; Kampala, Uganda; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Kampala; Músá Banání; Uganda | first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Africa |
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 |
1957 Ridván
195- |
The formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Arabian Peninsula with its seat in Bahrayn (Bahrain). [BW15p296]
|
National Spiritual Assembly, formation | |
1953 20 Nov
195- |
The formation of the Israel Branch of the Bahá'ís of Canada. | Canada; Israel; Israel Branch of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada | |
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 |
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 |
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 |
1955 c. Jan
195- |
The first Tswana Bahá'í, Stanlake Kukama, enrolled in Mafikeng. | - First believers by background; Mahikeng, South Africa; South Africa | first Tswana Bahá’í |
1955 4 Mar
195- |
The first Tongan to become a Bahá'í in Tonga, Tevita Ngalo'afe, enrolled. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; - First believers by background; Tonga | first Tongan Bahá’í in Tonga |
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 |
1954 (In the year)
195- |
The first Tlinget from Alaska to become a Bahá'í, Eugene King, enrolled. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Alaska, USA; United States (USA) | first Tlinget Bahá'í |
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 |
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 | |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Tenerife in the Canary Islands was formed.
|
Local Spiritual Assembly, formation; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands | the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Tenerife in the Canary Islands |
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.
|
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. |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Monaco was established.
The first person to become a Bahá'í in Monaco was Margaret Lantz, of Luxembourg. Soon after her a Frenchman, Mr. Charbonnet, who owed an antique shop in Monaco, also accepted the Faith. Charlottte Campana was the first person of Monegasque nationality to become a Bahá'í. Bahá'í writings translated into Monegasque were officially presented to Crown Prince Albert in 2001. [Newspaper Archive on BLO] |
Monaco | first LSA in Monaco |
1954 12 Jul
195- |
The first South African to become a Bahá'í enrolled in the Faith on this day. [That Promising Continent 20] | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Pretoria, South Africa; South Africa | first South African to become a Bahá'í |
1954 Second half of the year
195- |
The first Somali to become a Bahá'í in Djibouti, 'Alí 'Abdu'lláh, a 21-year old employee of a commercial firm, enrolled. | - Africa; - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Djibouti, East Africa; Somalia | first Somali Bahá’í |
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 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 |
1954 20 Nov
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in Tonga, Harry Terepo, born in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, enrolled.
|
- First Bahá'ís by country or area; Tonga | first Bahá’í in Tonga |
1955 Mar
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in the Solomon Islands, William Gina, a 43-year-old Solomon Islander from the Western Solomon Islands, enrolled. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Oceania; Solomon Islands | first Bahá’í in Solomon Islands |
1955 (In the year)
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in The Gambia, Mr Nichola Banna, a Lebanese merchant, enrolled. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Gambia, The | first Bahá’í in The Gambia |
1954 (In the year)
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in the Balearic Islands, C. Miguel, enrolled. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; - Islands; Balearic Islands, Spain | first Bahá’í in Balearic Islands |
1955 Apr
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in the Bahamas, Molly Newbold, enrolled.
|
- First Bahá'ís by country or area; - Islands; Bahamas | first Bahá’í in Bahamas |
1955 (In the year)
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in Spanish Sahara, 'Abdu'l-Salam Salím Al-Sbintí, enrolled. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Spanish Sahara | first Bahá’í in Spanish Sahara |
1954 Oct
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in Nassau, Bahamas, Winfield Small, a young police officer from Barbados, enrolled.
|
- First Bahá'ís by country or area; Bahamas; Barbados; Nassau, Bahamas | first Bahá’í in Nassau, Bahamas |
1954 15 Jul
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in Macau, Harry P. F. Yim (Yim Pui Foung), a 45-year-old small business proprietor born in Canton, China, enrolled. | Harry P. F. Yim (Yim Pui Foung); Macau | first Bahá’í in Macau |
1955 14 Mar
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in Guam, Charles T. Mackey, a United States civil service employee, enrolled. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Guam | first Bahá’í in Guam |
1955 (In the year)
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in Grenada, John Protain, a waiter at the Santa Maria Hotel, enrolled. | Grenada; John Protain | first Bahá’í in Grenada |
1954 Jul c.
195- |
The first person to become a Bahá'í in Brunei, Daphne Hassan, enrolled. | Brunei; Daphne Hassan | first Bahá’í in Brunei |
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 |
1955 8–15 Feb
195- |
The first people to become Bahá'ís in Réunion, Paul and Françoise Tayllamin (8 Feb) and Jean Donat and Julien Araye (15 Feb), enrolled. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; France; Reunion Island | first Bahá’ís in Réunion |
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 |
1954 6 Sep
195- |
The first people to become Bahá'ís in Bechuanaland (Lesotho), Chadwick and 'Maselai (Mary) Mohapi, enrolled. [BW17:449–52] | - Africa; Bechuanaland; Lesotho, South Africa | first Bahá’ís in Bechuanaland (Lesotho) |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first native Mozambican Bahá'í, Festas Chambeni, took the Bahá'í Faith to Angola. [BW13:290] | Angola; Festas Chambeni | first native Mozambican Bahá’í |
1954 26 Sep
195- |
The first native Greek to become a Bahá'í, Emmanuel Petrakis, enrolled in Crete. | Crete, Greece; Emmanuel Petrakis | first native Greek Bahá’í |
1954 (Prior to)
195- |
The first native Fijian, the first Pygmy, the first Berber and the first Greenlander to accept the Bahá'í Faith enrolled. [MBWp62] | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; - First believers by background; Greenland | |
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 |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual in Mozambique was established in Lourenço Marques. [BW13:290] | Local Spiritual Assemblies; Lourenco Marques, Mozambique; Mozambique | first Local Spiritual Assembly in Mozambique |
1956 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly was formed in Morocco (International Zone). | Local Spiritual Assemblies; Morocco | first Local Spiritual Assembly Morocco |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed in Johannesburg, South Africa. [PHBF9]
Some of the members were: William Sears, Reginald Turvey, Bahiyyih Ford, Helen Miller, Robert Miller, Marguerite Sears and Doris Ballard. |
Johannesburg, South Africa; Local Spiritual Assembly, formation | first Local Spiritual Assembly was formed in Johannesburg, South Africa. |
1954 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly was formed in in Usumbura (later Bujumbura, Burundi) and it composed entirely of Congolese. At that time the area was called Ruanda-Urundi. In 1962 Ruanda-Urundi became the two independent states of Rwanda and Burundi. [A Remarkable Response Film 26:55] | Bujumbura, Burundi; Burundi; Local Spiritual Assemblies | first Local Spiritual Assembly Ruanda-Urundi (Burundi) |
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 |
1954 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly was formed in British Cameroons. | British Cameroon; Local Spiritual Assemblies | first Local Spiritual Assembly British Cameroons |
1952 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly of Uganda was established in Kampala.
|
Kampala, Uganda; Local Spiritual Assemblies | first Local Spiritual Assembly of Uganda |
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 |
1952 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly of Singapore City was established. [BW12:573; PH58, 67] | Local Spiritual Assemblies; Singapore | first Local Spiritual Assembly Singapore City |
1958 (In the year)
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly of Nepal was formed in Kathmandu.
|
Kathmandu, Nepal; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Nepal | first Local Spiritual Assembly Nepal |
1958 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly of Macau was formed. | Local Spiritual Assemblies; Macau | first Local Spiritual Assembly Macau |
1956 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly of Hong Kong was formed. | Hong Kong; Local Spiritual Assemblies | first Local Spiritual Assembly Hong Kong |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly of French Togoland (Togo) formed at Lomé. | French Togoland (Togo); Local Spiritual Assemblies; Lomé, Togo; Togo | first Local Spiritual Assembly in French Togoland (Togo) |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Zanzibar (Tanzania) was formed. | Local Spiritual Assembly, formation; Zanzibar, Tanzania | firstLocal Spiritual Assembly in Zanzibar |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Vietnam was formed at Saigon-Cholon (Cholon is the Chinese section of Saigon).
[BN No 293 July 1955 p5; Bahá'í Religion in Community Education in Vietnam by Vu Van Chung]
|
Local Spiritual Assembly, formation; Saigon, Vietnam; Vietnam | first Local Spiritual Assembly in Vietnam |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in the Seychelles was formed in Victoria. | Limbé, Camaroon; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Seychelles | first Local Spiritual Assembly in Seychelles |
1954 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in the Malay Peninsula was established in Seremban. | British Malaya; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Seremban, Malaysia | first Local Spiritual Assembly Malay Peninsula |
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 |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in the Bahamas was formed in Nassau.
|
Bahamas; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Nassau, Bahamas | first Local Spiritual Assembly in Bahamas |
1952 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Tanganyika was established in Dar-es-Salaam. Jalal Nakhjavani, Hassan Sabri, Isobel Sabri, Leslie Matola, Khanum Darakshandeh Nakhjavani, Dudley Denis-Smith Kutendele, Eustace Mwalimu, and Naimi Frahang Nayer Gopalkrishnan were among its members; Matola belonged to the Yao tribe, while Mwalimu belonged to another. [History of the Bahá'í Faith in Tanzania] | Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania; Local Spiritual Assemblies | first Local Spiritual Assembly in Tanganyika |
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 |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) was formed in Salisbury (Harare). [CG21] | Harare, Zimbabwe; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Southern Rhodesia | first Local Spiritual Assembly in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Réunion was formed. | France; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Reunion Island | first Local Spiritual Assembly in Réunion |
1958 May
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Papua New Guinea was formed in Madina Village, in New Ireland.
|
Local Spiritual Assemblies; New Ireland, Papua New Guinea | first Local Spiritual Assembly Papua New Guinea; first all-indigenous Local Spiritual Assembly in South Pacific |
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 |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Madagascar was formed in Tananarive (Antananarivo). | Local Spiritual Assemblies; Madagascar; Tananarive, Madagascar | first Local Spiritual Assembly in Madagascar |
1953 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Kenya was established in Nairobi. | Kenya; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Nairobi, Kenya | first Local Spiritual Assembly in Kenya |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first Local Spiritual Assembly in Italian Somalia was formed in Mogadishu. [KoB50] | Italian Somaliland; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Mogadishu, Somalia | first LSA in Italian Somaliland |
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 |
1953 Apr
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Finland was established in Helsinki. | Helsinki, Finland; Local Spiritual Assemblies | first Local Spiritual Assembly in Finland |
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 |
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 |
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 |
1956 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Bermuda was formed. | Bermuda; Local Spiritual Assemblies | firstLocal Spiritual Assembly Bermuda |
1954 Ridván
195- |
The first local spiritual assembly in Algeria was formed in Algiers. [BWIM114] | Algeria; Algiers, Algeria; Local Spiritual Assemblies | first Local Spiritual Assembly Algeria |
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 |
1955 Feb
195- |
The first local person to become a Bahá'í in Mauritius, Mr Yam-Lim, a Chinese Catholic, enrolled. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Mauritius | first local Bahá’í in Mauritius |
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]
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Cambodia; Lim Incchin; Professor Avaregan | first Bahá’í in Cambodia |
1954 -09-17-01
195- |
The first Italo-Swiss Joint Summer School was held September 17-24 in Bex les Bains in Switzerland, and was attended by as many as 75 friends. Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Hand of the Cause, discussed the Ten-Year Crusade, and Prof. Zeine-Zeine of Beirut lectured on the Kitáb-i-Iqán. For these sessions all the friends were together. Smaller groups, by language, were formed for study of Bahá’í Administration. [Baha'i News. Issue 286, December 1954p4]
|
Bex-les-Bains, Switzerland | first Italo-Swiss Summer School in Bex-les-Bains Switzerland |
1954 17 - 24 Sep
195- |
The first Italo-Swiss Joint Summer School was held September 17-24 in Bex les Bains in Switzerland, and was attended by as many as 75 friends. Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Hand of the Cause, discussed the Ten-Year Crusade, and Prof. Zeine-Zeine of Beirut lectured on the Kitáb-i-Iqán. For these sessions all the friends were together. Smaller groups, by language, were formed for study of Bahá’í Administration. [Baha'i News Issue 286, December 1954 p4]
|
The first Italo-Swiss Joint Summer School | |
1954 18 Jun
195- |
The first islander to become a Bahá'í in the Seychelles, Marshall Delcy, a local school teacher, enrolled. | - First Bahá'ís by country or area; - Islands; Seychelles | first islander Bahá'í in Seychelles |
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 |
1953 12–18 Feb
195- |
The first Intercontinental Teaching Conference was convened by the British National Spiritual Assembly in Kampala, Uganda. [BW12:121, MBW135-140; BN No 267 May 1953 p5-7]
|
- Africa; - Conferences, Intercontinental; - First conferences; - Hands of the Cause; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Teaching; Guardianship; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Kampala, Uganda; Teaching; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963); Uganda | first Intercontinental Teaching Conference; first international conference held in Africa |
1958 23–28 Jan
195- |
The first Intercontinental Conference held at the mid-point of the Crusade convened in Kampala, Uganda. [BW13:317]
|
- Africa; - Conferences, Intercontinental; - First conferences; Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; 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 |
1955 (In the year)
195- |
The first indigenous Samoan to become a Bahá'í, Sa'ialala Tamasese, enrolled.
|
- Bahá'í royalty; - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Royalty; Samoa | first indigenous Samoan Bahá’í |
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 |
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) |
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 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 |
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 |
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 |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first four local spiritual assemblies in The Gambia were formed in Bathurst (Banjul), Serrekunda, Lamin and Brikama. | Banjul (Bathurst), The Gambia; Gambia, The; Lamin and Brikama, The Gambia; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Serrekunda, The Gambia | first four Local Spiritual Assemblies in The Gambia |
1955 Ridván
195- |
The first five local assemblies in Bechuanaland (Botswana) were formed in Seqonoka, Maseru, Mafeteng, Maphohloane and Sephapos' Gate. | Lesotho, South Africa; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Mafeteng, Lesotho; Maphohloane and Sephapos Gate, Botswana; Maseru, Botswana; Seqonoka, Botswana | first five Local Spiritual Assemblies in what is now Lesotho |
1950 28 - 30 Jul
195- |
The First European Teaching Summer School was held in Elsinore, Denmark. [SBBR14p243] | Denmark; Elsinore, Denmark; Summer schools | First European teaching summer School |
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