Bahai Library Online

Chronology of the Bahá'í Faith

World Canada
   

Date 195-, sorted by event description, descending

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]
  • He continued to live in the country.
  • By 1979 Andorra had a Bahá'í Local Spiritual Assembly in Andorra-la-Vella and three localities. [BN No 581 August 1979 p11]
  • - 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]
  • 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
    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.
  • 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
    1951 (In the year)
    195-
    Throughout Iran, the government introduced repressive measures against Bahá'ís. [BW18:390]
  • Bahá'ís were dismissed from government positions. [BW18:390]
  • Fifty Bahá'í employees of the public hospital in Mashhad were dismissed. [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]
  • 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’
    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]
  • 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
    1950 24–27 Jul
    195-
    The third European Teaching Conference was held in Copenhagen. [BW12:49; SBBR14p243]
  • 177 Bahá'ís from 22 countries attended.
  • - 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]
  • 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-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]
  • 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
    1953 Oct
    195-
    The superstructure of the Shrine of the Báb was completed. [BBD210; CB324–5; PP235; ZK85–6]
  • Marble for the Shrine of the Báb came from Chiampo, Italy as did marble for the Archives Building, the Resting Place of Shoghi Effendi, 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]
  • 'Abdu'l-Bahá described the Shrine of the Báb as the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkár. [ABF18]
  • In a letter from the International Bahá'í Council dated the 2nd of May 1955, they reported on the great interest that has been taken in the Shrine of the Báb since the completion. [CBN No65 Jun 1955 p1; BN 292 Jun 1955 p4]
  • * 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]
  • The purchase cost was $400,000 which was contributed by a Persian believer Habib Sabet. [BW12:65; CBN No 53 June 1954 Insert p2] iiiii
  • 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]
      Accomplishments:
    • NSAs in Canada, Central and South America;
    • Assisted the systematic spread of Faith in Europe, incl. forming 10 LSAs in goal cities;
    • Interior ornamentation complete;
    • Supported the building of the Shrine of the Báb;
    • Expansion and more LSAs on homefront. [The Spiritual Conquest of the Planet (Supplement) p2]
  • From 1921 to this time the Faith had expanded to 128 countries and territories, 15 during the time of Baha'u'llah, 20 during the time of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and an additional 58 under the stewardship of the Guardian. [Patheos website]
  • * 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]
  • 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 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 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]
  • 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
    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 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 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
    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]
  • 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: Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, the Writings and Letters of Shoghi Effendi and the Letters Written on his Behalf on Africa p 28-29]
  • 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]
  • 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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
    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]
  • "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
    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]
  • In 1971-1972 the book was transcribed by Gertrude D. Schurgast of Tuscon, AZ into braille. Another "printing" was done by the Service for the Blind Committee in Stevenage, England in 1983. [Collins8.118-119]
  • * 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]
  • 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; - 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]
  • 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
    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.
  • The publication is available in PDF.
  • * 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).
  • 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)
    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]
  • Shoghi Effendi called her 'a shining example to pioneers of present and future generations of East and West'. [CF163]
  • For her obituary see BW12:674–7.
  • See also BFA2155; MC359.
  • For a photo of her gravestone see CBNOct1972p.10.
  • See Bahá'í Chronicles for a biography.
  • For a photo by the Bahá'ís of Sofia see BW5p464.
  • See also Marion Jack: Immortal Heroine by Jan Jasion
  • See CBN October1979 for tributes as well as a photo of her gravesite.
  • See The Early Years of the British Bahá'í Community (1898-1911) p128-129.
  • - 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]

  • See also Paine, Mable Hyde; Obituary by Garrett Busey.
  • - 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]
  • 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
    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.

  • For his biography see Honoré Jaxon: Prairie Visionary by Donald B. Smith and Strange Empire: Louis Riel and the Métis People by Joseph Howard.
  • - 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]

  • Evincing a marked talent for singing, Nellie left in 1888 for Naples, Italy, to develop that interest. The four-year residence abroad gave her the opportunity to learn the French and Italian languages, to acquire an appreciation of the Latin fine arts, and to master a strenuous course in training for the operatic stage. She suffered a case of typhoid fever in 1892 and returned to the United States to recuperate; but her recovery was followed by scarlet fever which impaired her vocal chords irreparably. Her aspirations for a musical career were ended.
  • In 1894 she married Stuart Whitney French, a childhood companion. About 1896, accompanied by her mother, she attended a few meetings at the home of Dr. Khayru'lláh. The spiritual seeds were sown. Moving to Arizona in 1900, Nellie French lived in Bisbee until 1904 and in Douglas until 1917. Her visits to Chicago and New York furnished a few Bahá'í contacts with meager information; the Bahá'í messages. Mrs. Isabella Brittingham went to Arizona in 1917 to teach the spiritual significance of the Bahá'í Faith offered Nellie a rare privilege. That experience confirmed Nellie who became the first resident Bahá'í teacher in Arizona.
  • Mr. and Mrs. French moved to Pasadena in 1918. During Riḍván, in April, 1921, Mr. and Mrs. French visited Haifa and 'Akká; that pilgrimage became the fulfillment of all her hopes.
  • She contributed to the literature of the Faith by her work from 1930 to 1946 as Chairman of the Bahá'í World Editorial Committee, during which time she assembled material for volumes IV—X. She translated into French and Italian the "Blue Book" and the brochure "Number 9," and for several years she wrote "Loom of Reality," a column published in the Pasadena Star-News. In 1931 she made permanent Braille plates for Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era and for the Kitdb-i-iqan. She served on the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada 1929 - 1938.
  • As an administrator, she served as Chairman of the Pasadena Spiritual Assembly from 1928 to 1938. For four years, ending in 1944 she was Chairman of the InterAmerica Committee, and in this capacity she presided at a session of the Centenary Celebration in 1944. Later she was a member of the European Teaching Committee. She helped support the work of the International Bureau at Geneva and the All-Indian project at Macy, Nebraska, undertaken by her sister-in-law, Mary Farley Stevison.
  • In April, 1952, thirty-one years to the day, Nellie French returned Mt. Carmel to meet the beloved Guardian in person. During the Holy Year which was also the first year of the World Spiritual Crusade, Nellie French settled in the principality of Monaco to win the accolade, "Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW12p700]
  • Find a grave.
  • - 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.

      "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
    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.
  • Locke graduated from Harvard University and was the first African American to win a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship (1907). Despite his intellect and clear talent, Locke faced significant barriers as an African American. In spite of the fact that he had been selected as the first African-American Rhodes Scholar, Locke was denied admission to several colleges at the University of Oxford because of his race. He finally gained entry into Hertford College, where he studied from 1907 to 1910. Locke also studied philosophy at the University of Berlin during his years abroad. He subsequently received a doctorate in philosophy from Harvard and taught at Howard University.
  • Locke declared his belief in the Bahá'í Faith in 1918. He is thus among a list of some 40 known African Americans to join the religion during the ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
  • In 1925 he published The New Negro: An Interpretation of Negro Life. It was an anthology showcasing African American artists and is generally considered a seminal moment in the founding of the Harlem Renaissance and he became known as the "Dean of the Harlem Renaissance" which sought to advance African Americans through race relations, the arts, and social thought, leaving behind European and white American styles and celebrating the black experience.
  • See Alain Locke: Four Talks Redefining Democracy, Education, and World Citizenship edited and introduced by Christoper Buck and Betty J Fisher in World Order Vol 38 No3 p21-41. [Uplifting Words; Wikipedia] [Uplifting Words; Wikipedia]
  • See his article "Impressions of Haifa". [BW3p527-528]
  • See also his article "The Orientation of Hope". [BW5p527-528]
  • See Alain Locke: Bahá'í Philosopher by Christopher Buck.
  • See Alain Locke: Faith & Philosophy by Christopher Buck
    • See the review by Derik Smith in World Order Vol 38 No3 p42-48.
  • See Bahá'í Chronicles.
  • See Bahá'í Teachings.
  • See Uplifting Words.
  • The Bahá'í Faith and African American History: Creating Racial and Religious Diversity, Chapter 3: "Alain Locke on Race, Religion, and the Bahá'í Faith" by Christopher Buck.
  • The US Postal Service issued a series of stamps entitles Great Literary Movement: The voices of the Harlem Renaissance Forever on 21 May 2020.
  • Find a grave.
  • * 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.
  • 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
    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]
  • 25 delegates representing 12 countries were present at the convention. [BW12:60]
  • For a photo of those attending see Bahá'í Historical Facts.
  • The countries of Central America were Belize, Costa Rica (confirmed) El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
  • 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:
      - To offer Rs 2,500,000 to the Shrine of the Báb Fund
      - To enrich Bahá'í literature in local languages
      - To send pioneers to Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Vietnam, Zanzibar and Madagascar
      - To increase the number of Local Spiritual Assemblies in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
      - To enhance the status of the Bahá'í New Era School in Panchgani

    * 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:
      -To establish harmony, love and understanding among the Bahá'ís
      -To promote the teaching work
      -To win support for the National Bahá'í Fund
      -To assure publication of Bahá'í literature in well-translated Spanish editions in cooperation with the National Spiritual Assembly of South America. [BW12p68-69; Shoghi Effendi: Author of Teaching Plans ]

    * 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]

  • 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
    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]
  • 18 of the 27 delegates were present at the convention. [BW12:60]
  • For a photo see Bahá'í Historical Facts.
  • The countries involved were: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The union lasted until 1957 when it was split into two administrative bodies.
  • 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]
  • On May 28th the Assembly was incorporated. [BW13p300]
  • 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.
  • For a photo see Bahá'í Historical Facts.
  • 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]
  • For the message of the Custodians to the French National Convention see MC86–9.
  • 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]
  • 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 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
    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]
  • Matthew Bullock was one of the early African-American believers in the United States. He became an enrolled believer in 1940 after 15 years of knowledge of the Faith. In 1952 he was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly and along with fellow NSA member Elsie Austin, represented that institution at the first Intercontinental Teaching Conference in Uganda in 1953. [LoS108, SDSC102]
  • 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]
  • 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
    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]
    • For the text of the Guardian's message of dedication see BW12:141–2.
    • For an account of the event see BW12:154–63.
    • See BN No 261 November 1952 p9-10. The Temple Dedication Committee consisted of: Paul E. Haney, Mrs. Corinne True, Allen B. McDaniel, Carl Scheffler, Albert R. Windust with Horace Holley as the chairman.
    • See The Bahá'í Faith 1844-1952 Information Statistical & Comparative p24-26 for project statistics and a chronology of events.
    • Towards the end of his life in Tehran, Ahmad (of "Tablet of Ahmad" fame) had entrusted the original Tablet to his grandson Jamal who, in turn, out of the purity of his heart and his devotion to the Faith of God, offered it as a gift to Hand of the Cause, Trustee of Huqúq, the son and brother of two illustrious martyrs, Jinab-i-Valiyu'llah Varqá. When Jinab-i-Varqa, according to the instructions of the beloved Guardian, was sent to take part in this dedication ceremony he brought this most precious Tablet as his offering to the archives of the Bahá'ís of the United States. [A Flame of Fire by A.Q. Faizi.]
    • See the message of the Universal House of Justice dated 1 August, 2014 for more on the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in Wilmette.
    • See The Story of the Temple by Allen Boyer McDaniel. [CBN No43 August 1953 p4; Collins p101 7.1479]
    • See the video The Temple History Design and Construction.

    Specifics
      Location: Wilmette, Illinois, U.S. Cook County
      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]
  • For details of the dedication see BW12:152–4.
  • 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]
  • 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; 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]
  • 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
    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]
  • 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
    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 holdings at Bahjí up to this time amount to only 4,000 square metres.
  • - 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]
  • 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
    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 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); 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]
  • The area was altered in 1972 for the formation of two National Spiritual Assemblies, Eastern Arabian and Kuwait. [BW15p297]
  • 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.
  • For a photo see Worldwide Community of Bahá'u'lláh.
  • 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.
  • 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.
    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.
  • He was a teacher, interpreter and guide living in Ohonua on the island of Eua.
  • - 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.
  • As she did not remain a Bahá'í, Arnold Wells, a tinsmith who became a Bahá'í on 20 April, is regarded as the first Bahá'í. Christine Thompson, who owned a small fruit and vegetable shop, and Frank Ferguson, who owned a gas station, also enrolled on 20 April.
  • - 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.
  • Mr Small opened Barbados to the Faith.
  • - 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.
  • Enoch Olinga was a member.
  • 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.
  • 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
    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]
  • This body was also the first local assembly to be formed in Indochina.
  • 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.
  • For a phono see Worldwide Community of Bahá'u'lláh.
  • 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.
  • 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
    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]
  • 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
    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]
  • For a photo see Bahá'í News Issue 291 May 1955 p14.
  • 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]
  • For a photo see Bahá'í News Issue 291 May 1955 p14.
  • 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]
  • For Shoghi Effendi's message to the conference see BW12:121–4.
  • For a report of the conference see BW12:124–30.
  • It was attended by ten Hands of the Cause, Bahá'ís from 19 countries and representatives of over 30 tribes. [PP413]
  • Over a hundred new African believers attended as personal guests of the Guardian. [PP413]
  • With this conference the Ten Year World Crusade was launched. [BBRSM158–9; BW12:253; MBW41]
  • Picture. [BW12p118]
  • See some candid video footage taken by Ted Cardell.
  • - 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]
  • 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; 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.
  • He was a member of one of the three royal families of Samoa. [BINS, No. 100, 1 MARCH 1979, p. 1]
  • - 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

    only 200 results shown; trying narrowing your search

    Home divider Site Map divider Series divider Chronology
    search   Author divider Title divider Date divider Tags
    Adv. search divider Languages divider Inventory
    Links divider About divider Contact divider RSS divider New
    smaller font
    larger font