Bahai Library Online

Chronology of the Bahá'í Faith

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Date 196-, sorted by event description, descending

date event tags firsts
1969 Jul
196-
With regard to the classification of Bahá'í books, in most libraries the listing is according to the Dewey Decimal Classification system employed by the National Library of Congress. While the classification is not yet satisfactory from the Bahá'í standpoint, considerable improvement has been made since the early days of the Faith. The National Spiritual Assembly advised its community that it will continue to follow up with the National Library of Congress for further improvement.

The proper call number of Bahá'í literature is 297.89. The number 297 is given to Islam, and religions under that parentage are listed in that same general sequence. While the Bahá'í Faith is not a branch of Islam, our roots are in that faith, as the roots of Christianity were within Judaism. Most Bahá'í books published in North America under Bahá'í auspices will have the proper call number along with the copyright information inside the front cover.

It was recognized that the changing classifications of library listings is a very serious matter and once any change is made it must remain in effect a very long time in order to avoid the tremendous confusion that frequent changes and revisions would create in the library system involving thousands of local public libraries throughout the country. For this reason they asked that the community not make an issue of this, but can be helpful by calling the attention of local librarians to the proper classification of Baha'i books with the above given number. [Bahá'í National Review Issue 19 July 1969 p4-5]

Dewey Decimal Classification; Libraries; United States (USA)
1965 (In the year)
196-
William Carr visited Alert in Canada, only 800 km from the North Pole and the most northerly inhabited location in the world. Alert, NU; Arctic; Canada; William Carr
1966 31 Mar
196-
While in the custody of the Portuguese authorities Eduardo Duarte Vieira died in prison in Portuguese Guinea (Since 1974 Guinea Bissau) after twenty days of torture. He was named the first African martyr. [BW14:390, BW16:568; KoB47]
  • For his obituary see BW14:389–90.
  • For the messages to his wife and children he scratched on a biscuit box. See BW14:390–1.
  • See also [A Brief Account of the Progress of the Bahá'í Faith in Africa Since 1953 by Nancy Oloro-Robarts and Selam Ahderom p5-6]
  • - Biography; - Persecution; - Persecution, Deaths; Eduardo Duarte Vieira; Firsts, other; Guinea Bissau; Persecution, Guinea Bissau; Portuguese Guinea first African martyr
    1965 19 Sep
    196-
    Walter Garland and Miss Annie Lourie Williams, the first to become Bahá'ís on Grand Turk Island, enrolled. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Central America; Grand Turk Island first Bahá’ís on Grand Turk Island
    1962 Apr
    196-
    Virginia Breaks, Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for the Caroline Islands, moved to Saipan, the largest Island and capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, a territory of the United States. She was the first pioneer to the area.

    She remained in the Caroline Islands for fifty years, serving as an Auxiliary Board member for twenty. [BW22p320]

    - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; - Pioneers; Saipan, Mariana Islands; Virginia Breaks first pioneer Saipan
    1967 (In the year)
    196-
    Victor de Araujo was appointed by the Universal House of Justice as the full-time Accredited Representative of the Bahá'í International Community to the United Nations; Mildred Mottahedeh was appointed Alternate Representative. [BW14:88–9; BW15:364]
  • For picture see BW15:365.
  • Bahá'í International Community; Mildred Mottahedeh; New York, USA; United Nations; United States (USA); Victor de Araujo
    1968 (Late in the year)
    196-
    Two Chilean Bahá'ís, Aníbal Soto, a telegraph operator in the Chilean Navy and his wife, Norma Soto, were posted to a Chilean base in Antarctica. - Pioneers; Antarctica
    1960 s, early
    196-
    Two Bahá'í primary schools were opened in Uganda. - Bahá'í inspired schools; Uganda
    1960 30 Apr – 10 May
    196-
    Twenty–four national spiritual assemblies and five national conventions sent messages of support to the Custodians, repudiating the claim made by Charles Mason Remey to be the second Guardian. [MC199–202]
  • The National Spiritual Assembly of France voted to recognize Remey's claim. [MC203]
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Charles Mason Remey; Covenant-breaking; Custodians; France; Guardianship; Haifa, Israel; National Spiritual Assemblies
    1968
    196-
    Twenty years prior, on December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To mark this event the UN General Assembly unanimously designated the whole of this year, 1968, as International Human Rights Year.

    The Bahá'í Communities of North America, on the occasion of the world-wide commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the call to the world's leaders to establish universal peace through justice and unity by Bahá'u'lláh, observed 1968 as the International Year for Human Rights. At the Bahá'í Intercontinental Conference in Chicago the Bahá'ís affirmed that in accordance with the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, human rights are God given rights.

  • See National Bahá'í Review Issue 4 April 1968 for the events associated with the commemoration.
  • A pamphlet titled A Bahá'í Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights was published by the Bahá'í Publishing Trust in Wilmette.
  • Human rights
    1966 (In the year)
    196-
    Tommy Kabu, a prominent person from the village of Ara'ava in the Gulf Province and the first in the Territory of Papua to become a Bahá'í, enrolled. [BW15:459–60] - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Papua New Guinea first Bahá’í in Territory of Papua
    1968 – 1969
    196-
    Throughout Iran, pressure on Bahá'ís intensified. [BW18p391]
  • Applications for government employment were refused. [BW18:391]
  • Bahá'ís were refused admission to colleges and universities. [BW18:391]
  • Bahá'í centres were closed. [BW18:391]<
  • Individual Bahá'ís were attacked. [BW18:391]
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Education; - Persecution, Other; Iran
    1963 5 Jun onwards
    196-
    Throughout Iran, advantage is taken of the general anti-government disorder to launch attacks on Bahá'ís in several localities under the cover of these disturbances. [BW18p391]
  • The Bahá'í cemetery in Tihrán was attacked, its buildings burnt and graves desecrated. [BW18:391]
  • Bahá'í houses were attacked and burned at Árán and the local Bahá'í centre was attacked. [BW18:391]
  • The Bahá'í centre at Isfahán was attacked. [BW18:391]
  • Several Bahá'í homes and businesses were attacked in Shíráz. BW18:391]
  • An attack on the House of the Báb in Shíráz was attempted. BW18:391]
  • Bahá'ís were dismissed from government employment. [BW18:391]
  • * Persecution, Iran; - Persecution; - Persecution, Destruction; - Persecution, Other; Iran
    1962 (In the year)
    196-
    Thirty thousand new Bahá'ís enrolled in India in six months. [VV9] India; Mass conversion
    1969 12 Nov
    196-
    The world premiere of the film A New Wind, written and directed by George C Stoney and distributed by the Public Information Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States. The National Spiritual Assembly approved an initial showing of the film in forty cities and ten colleges across the United States. A second premiere showing of the film was on World Religion Day, January 18th, 1970, in forty different cities and ten different colleges.
    The film shows scenes from the Holy Land, as well as Bahá'í communities in India, Japan and in the United States, depicting Bahá'ís in their gatherings and firesides, in their daily lives and personal activities. It demonstrates the unity in diversity so characteristic of the Faith and portrays, in twenty- eight minutes of screen time, the spirit and scope of a fast-growing worldwide religious community. [National Bahá'í Review Issue 21 September 1969 p10; National Bahá'í Review Issue 23 November 1961 p13; National Bahá'í Review Issue 47 November 1972 p2]
  • See National Bahá'í Review Issue 22 October 1969 p14 for a resumé of the work of George Stoney.
  • YouTube.
  • - Film; A New Wind (film); George Stoney; United States (USA)
    1968 9 Oct
    196-
    The widowed mother of seven children was sentenced to six months' imprisonment in Morocco for refusing to deny her faith. [BW15:172]
  • Despite the efforts of national spiritual assemblies to secure justice for her through their embassies and cables to the King of Morocco, she was made to serve the entire sentence. [BW15:172]
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Court cases; Court cases; Human rights; Morocco; Persecution, Morocco
    1960 30 Apr
    196-
    The unveiling of Statue of a Liberated Woman by sculptor Fuad Abdurahmanov (b. 28 April, 1915 in Shaki, d. 15 June, 1971 Baku) The statue stands in central Baku and depicts a woman casting off her veil. It is said to have been influenced by the story of Tahirih. [BWNS1150]
  • For a photo of the statue from another angle see Part III of my Will and Testament by Vahid Houston Ranjbar.
  • Azerbaijan; Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Bandar Anzali, Iran; Fuad Abdurahmanov; Statue of a Liberated Woman; Ṭáhirih Qurratu'l-'Ayn; Veils
    1965 Ridván
    196-
    The Universal Houser of Justice announced the establishment of the International Deputization Fund at the World Centre under the administration of the Universal House of Justice. From it supplementary support will be given to specific pioneering projects when other funds are not available. All friends, and particularly those who are unable to respond to the pioneer call are invited to support this Fund, mindful of the injunction of Bahá'u'lláh,:
      "Centre your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation, Whose power hath caused the foundations of the mightiest structures to quake, every mountain to be crushed into dust, and every soul to be dumbfounded." [The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1965]).

    In a message to all National Assemblies the Universal House of Justice asked them to take an active role in facilitating the selection and appointment of suitable pioneers and traveling teachers by providing a link between those wishing to deputize, and those qualified and ready to be deputized. Prior to the directive requests were handled by the Continental Pioneer Committee. [20 April 1990]

    In 1998-99 the deputization was expanded to include the support of those serving as teachers in a Training Institute. [1 June 1998; 24 August 1999]

    Deputization; Funds, International; Training Institutes
    1964 Apr
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice, in its message of 24 April, 1964 called for the acquisition of thirty-two Teaching Institutes during the Nine Year Plan (1964-1973) in areas where there was large-scale teaching. - Bahá'í World Centre; Nine Year Plan (1964-1973); Teaching institutes
    1968 Ridván
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice was elected for a second time by delegates from 81 National Spiritual Assemblies. [BW15:557]
  • Dr David Ruhe was elected to replace Dr Hakím, who resigned for reasons of ill health. The members were: Amoz Gibson, 'Ali Nakhjavani, Hushmand Fatheazam, Ian Semple, Charles Wolcott, David Hofman, H. Borrah Kavelin, Hugh Chance and David Ruhe. [VV3]
  • For a description of the second international convention and pictures see BW14:564–8.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Alí Nakhjavání; Amoz Gibson; Charles Wolcott; Conventions, International; David Hofman; David Ruhe; Elections; H. Borrah Kavelin; Haifa, Israel; Hugh Chance; Hushmand Fatheazam; Ian Semple; Universal House of Justice, Election of; Universal House of Justice, Members of
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice released statistics on the growth and spread of the Bahá'í Faith at Ridván. [BW14:124–35]
  • Localities: 15,186
  • Local Assemblies: 4,566
  • National Assemblies: 69
  • - Worldwide; Growth; Localities where Bahá'ís reside; Statistics; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963)
    1967 (In the year)
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice published a compilation of Bahá'u'lláh's messages titled The Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh to the Kings and Leaders of the World to mark the 100th anniversary of the inception of that proclamation. Bahá'í institutions worldwide were asked to present the book to the leaders of government in their respective countries. Some 140 Heads of State received a copy. [MUHJ63-86p113] * Bahá'u'lláh, Writings of; * Publications; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh (book); - Tablets to kings and rulers
    1967 (In the year)
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice provided the following guidance on the use of "Bahá'í Faith" and "Bahá'í World Faith." The following excerpt is from a letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Great Britain published in their Bahá'í Journal No. 178, February - March 1967.
      ". . . we realize there are occasions on which the use of the term 'Bahá'í World Faith' may be justified and useful. However, it is our hope that the friends will gradually lose the habit of using this term as widely as they do now. The designation 'The Bahá'í Faith' is more dignified and is preferable. Any adjective added to this name tends to a diminution of its stature and might be taken to mean there are other 'Bahá'í Faiths'. . . ."
    [National Bahá'í Review No 1 January 1968 p2; Lights of Guidance, no. 374.]
    - Bahá'í World Centre; Bahá'í Faith (term); Bahá'í World Faith (term)
    1968 24 Jun
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice made the first appointments to the Continental Board of Counsellors. [Mess63-86 No 60] Counsellors
    1963 7 May
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice issued its first message to national conventions. [WG4–8]
  • It announced that the body had no officers and that its communications will be signed 'Universal House of Justice' over an embossed seal. [WG6]
  • It paid tribute to the Hands of the Cause. [WG5]
    • See the message from the Universal House of Justice dated 26 November, 2007 for a list of accomplishments of the Hands of the Cause during the period between the passing of the Guardian and the election of the Universal House of Justice.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; - Hands of the Cause; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Letters and messages first message to national conventions by UHJ
    1967 Dec
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice in a letter addressed to all National Assemblies expressed the need for letters written by the Guardian to them or to their subsidiary institutions as well as to the friends under their jurisdiction. The Universal House of Justice asked for copies of the letters, offered to assist in making the copies and gave the option of sending the letter or copies directly to the World Centre if the subject matter was personal. [CBN No 297 Aug/Sep 1975 p14]
  • See as well the message of the Universal House of Justice dated 14 May 1975.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Archives; Shoghi Effendi, Works of; Shoghi Effendi, Writings of
    1967 21 Feb
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice established the International Bahá'í Audio-Visual Centre in Victor, New York. William Richter was named the manager. [BW14:91–2]
  • The first assignment of the International Bahá'í Audio-Visual Centre was to arrange for audio-visual coverage of the six Intercontinental conferences that were held the following October.
  • A counterpart of the International Bahá'í Audio-Visual Centre was established at the World Centre throught the creation of an Audio-Visual Department responsible directly to the Universal House of Justice. The first secretary was Juan Cabán.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Audio-Visual Centres; Juan Caban; New York, USA; United States (USA); Universal House of Justice; Victor, NY; William Richter
    1968 21 Jun
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice established the Continental Boards of Counsellors to continue the functions of the Hands of the Cause in the protection and propagation of the Faith. [BBD58–9, 97; BW15:611–13; BW17:319; MUHJ4–5; WG141, Mess63-86p130, 21 June, 1968, CEBF112]
  • For details of the eleven Boards and their membership see BW15:612 and WG140–4.
    • Among the eleven people named to the Boards in Africa were three native believers: Oloro Epyeru and Kolonario Oule in Uganda, and Seewoosumbur-Jeehiba Appa in Mauritius.
  • For pictures of the Counsellors see BW15:614, 615, 618, 619, 622, 623, 625, 627.
  • For a history of the development of the institutions of the International Teaching Centre and the Continental boards of Counsellors see BW20p673-693.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Hands of the Cause; Appointed arm; Assistants; Auxiliary board members; Counsellors; Haifa, Israel; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice called upon the Bahá'ís to launch a global campaign proclaiming the message of Bahá'u'lláh to every stratum of society. A special edition of The Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh was to be presented to Heads of State. [BW14:211, Ridván 1967] - Bahá'í World Centre; - Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh (book); Haifa, Israel; Universal House of Justice
    1963 6 Oct
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice cabled that it found that 'there is no way to appoint or to legislate to make it possible to appoint a second Guardian to succeed Shoghi Effendi'. [WG11; 6 October 1963]
  • See an interview with Mr Ian Semple in which he provides background to the decision and the process by which it was made.
  • Subsequent messages on this subject were dated: 9 March 1965, 27 May 1966, 7 December 1969, 25 October 1984, and 6 January 1998. iiiii
  • Also see: Wellspring of Guidance, p44–56, 81–91, Messages of the Universal House of Justice: 1968–1973, p37–44, Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l‑Bahá p20
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Guardianship; Haifa, Israel
    1963 25 Aug
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice announceed the demolition of the House of Worship in 'Ishqábád (now Ashgabat, Turkmenistan) by the Soviet authorities owing to earthquake damage. [BBD122; BW14:479–81]
  • For a picture of the damaged Temple see BW14:481.
  • - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Earthquakes; Ishqabad (Ashgabat); Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Ishqabad; Russia; Soviet Union; Turkmenistan
    1965 11 Nov
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice announced that the 'final step' in the 'process' of the 'purification' of the Bahá'í properties in Bahjí had been taken with the removal of the remains of the Covenant-breaker Mírzá Díyá'u'lláh from the immediate precincts of the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh. [BW14:82–3; Mess63-86p66]
  • Díyá'u'lláh (15 August 1864 - 30 October 1898) was the second son of Bahá'u'lláh's second wife Fatimih (also known as Mahd-i-'Ulya). He was born in Edirne and died on 30 October 1898 in Haifa. See The Child of the Covenant p150-151 for a description of the vacillating behaviour of Díyá'u'lláh.
  • - Biography; Akka, Israel; Bahá'u'lláh, Shrine of (Bahjí); Bahji, Israel; Covenant-breaking; Mírzá Ḍíyá’u’lláh
    1963 16 Jun
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice announced that it will for the present time, use the Western Pilgrim House at 10 Haparsim Street, Haifa, as its seat and that both the Eastern and Western pilgrims will be housed in the Haifa Pilgrim House. [WG9] Haifa, Israel; Pilgrim House, Eastern (Haifa); Pilgrim House, Western (Haifa); Pilgrim Houses; Pilgrimage; Universal House of Justice, Seat of (Haifa)
    1964 Nov
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice announced that 'there is no way to appoint, or to legislate to make it possible to appoint, Hands of the Cause of God'. [WG41]
  • For decisions of the Universal House of Justice regarding the development of the institution of the Hands of the Cause of God see WG40–3.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; - Hands of the Cause; - Hands of the Cause, Institution; Appointed arm; Haifa, Israel; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Basic timeline
    1969 10 Jul
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice announced an increase in the total number of members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Faith to thirty-eight. [MUHJ63-86] - Bahá'í World Centre; Counsellors; Statistics
    1968 9 Oct
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice addressed its second letter to Bahá'í Youth. [BW15:324; WG152–4; 9 October 1968] - Bahá'í World Centre; Universal House of Justice; Youth
    1966 10 Jun
    196-
    The Universal House of Justice addressed its first letter to 'Bahá'í Youth in Every Land'. [BW15:324; WG92–7] Haifa, Israel; Universal House of Justice first letter to Bahá’í Youth from UHJ
    1961 15 Jul
    196-
    The Turkish court declared the Bahá'í Faith to be a 'Tarighat', a sect forbidden by the law of the land.<
  • The Bahá'ís were 'forgiven', released and the case against them dropped. [MoC308]
  • The National Spiritual Assembly decided to appeal the decision to a higher court and national spiritual assemblies were asked to make representations to the Turkish ambassadors in their respective countries. [MoC308]
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Arrests; - Persecution, Court cases; Court cases; Human rights; NSA; Persecution, Turkey; Turkey
    1962 10 Dec
    196-
    The trial of the 14 Bahá'ís imprisoned in Morocco on charges of sedition opened. The accused were defended by four of the most able lawyers in Morocco who were advised by two Bahá’í lawyers. It quickly became apparent that no attempt was being made to prove the five charges of the indictment, rather were the accused being charged by the presiding judge with not conforming to the practices of Islám, to which the accused explained that, as they were Bahá’ís, these practices did not concern them.
    The verdict of the trial and the sentences imposed were:
    Sentenced to death:
    Muḥammad Muḥammad ‘Alí Al-Kabdání, 23 years of age, unmarried, schoolteacher; Muḥammad Ba-Arafa Ma’anan, 29, unmarried, inspector of police; Fu’ád Muḥammad Javád At-Tahhan, 38, married, three children, school director.
    Imprisoned for life:
    ‘Abdu’l-Azíz ‘Abdu’lláh Al-Waryashí, 22, married, no children, school bursar; Muḥammad Al-Jabbání Al-Ḥassan, 24, married, one son, teacher; ‘Abdu’s-Salam Al-Haj Salim As-Sabti, 31, married, instructor; Muḥammad Muḥammad Sa’íd Al-Baggalí, 20, unmarried, tailor; Muḥammad Aḥmad As-Sabti, 32, married, one child, cashier;
    Imprisoned for 15 years:
    ‘Abdu’s-Salam Milwad Ash-Shukrí, 28, married, one child, state official.

    The announcement of these sentences came as a thunderclap. The response from the press of the world was immediate and indignant. By a curious irony of fate the new Moroccan Constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion had only recently been overwhelmingly accepted by a national referendum, and on December 7, three days before the trial opened, Morocco had voted in favor of a United Nations Resolution for a draft convention on the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance. [BW13:289; BW14:97; MoC414-418; BN No 384 March 1963 p3]

    - Persecution; - Persecution, Court cases; Court cases; Human rights; Morocco; Persecution, Morocco
    1963 20 Apr
    196-
    The Ten Year Crusade was successfully completed. The achievements of the Ten Year Crusade were celebrated at the Most Great Jubilee in April and May 1963, which commemorated the Centenary of the Declaration of Baha'u'llah's Mission. Two historic events transpired during that time: the International Convention, convened in Haifa, Israel, to elect the first Universal House of Justice; and the World Congress held in London, England.
  • For a summary of achievements during the Crusade see BW13:459–60.
  • For countries, islands and dependencies opened to the Faith during the Crusade see BW13:461–2. (259)
    • During the Ten Year Crusade the Faith had expanded to 93 more countries and major territories. bringing the total to 259. [Patheos website]
  • For number of localities in which Bahá'ís reside in different parts of the world see BW13:462. (from 2,000 to more than 11,000)
  • For languages into which Bahá'í literature has been translated see BW13:462–4.
  • For races represented in the Bahá'í world community see BW13:464.
  • For national spiritual assemblies at the end of the plan see BW13:468–9. (from 12 to 56)
  • See The Bahá'í Faith: 1844-1963: Information Statistical and Comparative, Including the Achievements of the Ten Year International Bahá'í Teaching & Consolidation Plan 1953-1963 compiled by the Hands of the Cause Residing in the Holy Land.
  • See also Addenda to Statistical Information Published by the Hands of the Cause of God Residing in the Holy Land in Ridván 1963. This publication shows the countries and territories opened by the Faith as well as "supplementary accomplishments".
  • * Shoghi Effendi, Basic timeline; * Teaching Plans; - Bahá'í World Centre; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Worldwide; Conventions, International; Growth; Localities where Bahá'ís reside; London, England; Most Great Jubilee (1963); Shoghi Effendi, Works of; Statistics; Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963); United Kingdom
    1962 16 Nov
    196-
    The superstructure of the European House of Worship near Frankfurt was completed and the Temple was turned over to the Bahá'ís by the contractor. [BW13:737; MoC15] - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Frankfurt, Germany; Germany; Langenhain, Germany; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Langenhain
    1963 23 Apr
    196-
    The State funeral of Izhak Ben Zvi, second President of Israel was attended by two Hands of the Cause and two members of the Universal House of Justice. [BW14:92–3]
  • This was the first official act of the Universal House of Justice. [BW14:92–3]
  • Israel; Izhak Ben Zvi first official act of UHJ
    1963 9 Apr
    196-
    The sixth Conclave of the Hands of the Cause of God was convened at Bahjí.
  • For the agenda see MoC404.
  • For cabled message from the Conclave see MoC420.
  • - Hands of the Cause; Akka, Israel; Bahji, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hands of the Cause, Conclaves
    1966 8 Mar
    196-
    The second suit brought against the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States by the followers of Charles Mason Remey, who claimed to he the lawful owners of all Bahá'í properties and funds in the United States, was dismissed. [BW14:95] Charles Mason Remey; Copyright and trademarks; Court cases; Covenant-breaking; National Spiritual Assemblies; United States (USA)
    1963 22 Apr
    196-
    The results of the election of the Universal House of Justice were announced at the close of the morning session of the International Convention: Charles Wolcott, 'Alí Nakhjavání, H. Borrah Kavelin, Ian Semple, Lutfu'lláh Hakím, David Hofman, Hugh Chance, Amoz Gibson and Hushmand Fatheazam. [BBD231–3; BBRSM131; BW14:425 MoC425; SS50; VVXI-XII]
  • For a picture of the Hands of the Cause of God with the Universal House of Justice see ZK123.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Alí Nakhjavání; Amoz Gibson; Charles Wolcott; Conventions, International; David Hofman; Elections; Firsts, other; H. Borrah Kavelin; Haifa, Israel; Hugh Chance; Hushmand Fatheazam; Ian Semple; Lutfullah Hakim; Universal House of Justice, Election of; Universal House of Justice, Members of Mr Amos Gibson was the first black member of the Universal House of Justice
    1966 11 Sep
    196-
    The rescue of six Tongan boys from the uninhabited island of 'Ata by Peter Warner and his crew on his yacht the Just David. The boys, all students at St Andrew's College, had stolen a 25 foot whaling boat and, on their first night at sea, had lost the sails and the rudder in a storm. They lost the little food they had carried as well. They were adrift for 8 days without water before reaching the island in June 1965. By the time Warner arrived, the boys had set up a commune with a food garden, hollowed-out trees to store rainwater, a gymnasium, badminton court, chicken enclosures. and a permanent fire. [Wikipedia]
  • This documentary was made in 1966 shortly after the rescue.
  • Here is Peter Warner's own story of the rescue.
  • A documentary has been made of the experience. Here is the trailer.
  • In 1974 Peter Warner was once more in the right spot at the right time, when he rescued a shipwrecked sailing crew on Middleton Reef in the Tasman Sea, with the help of Sione Filipe Totau, one of the Tongans he had rescued earlier.
  • Mr Warner lived in Tonga for thirty years where he became a Bahá'í and help found Ocean of Light International School. His time there was documented in his autobiography called Ocean of Light: 30 Years in Tonga and the Pacific. In the 1990s he moved to the Northern Rivers of NSW, and become a noted macadamia farmer and tree manager near Lismore, before settling in Ballina. This period of his life was covered in his autobiography Twilight of the Dawn.
  • He died on the 13th of April 2021 at the age of 90 after his boat capsized during an attempted crossing of the Ballina Bar in rough conditions. [The Echo]
  • - Bahá'í inspired schools; - Biography; - In Memoriam; Australia; Ballina, New South Wales; Nukualofa, Tonga; Ocean of Light International School, Tonga; Peter Warner; Tonga
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific Islands was dissolved and the territory divided into two National Spiritual Assembly areas, South West Pacific Ocean and South Pacific Ocean. The National Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific Ocean was formed with its seat in Suva comprising the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Nauru Island, Fiji, Western Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands. [BW14p99] American Samoa; Cook Islands; Fiji; Gilbert and Ellice Islands; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Nauru Island; Suva, Fiji; Tonga; Western Samoa first NSA South Pacific Ocean
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The Regional Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific Islands was dissolved and the territory divided into two National Spiritual Assembly areas, South Pacific Ocean and South West Pacific Ocean. The National Spiritual Assembly of the South West Pacific Ocean was formed with its seat in Honiara and comprising the Solomon Islands, the New Hebrides Islands, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands. [BW14p99] Honiara, Solomon Islands; Loyalty Islands; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; New Caledonia; Solomon Islands; Vanuatu first NSA South West Pacific Ocean
    1962 14 Dec
    196-
    The Regional Court of Nador gave its verdict in the case of the 14 Bahá'ís imprisoned in Morocco on charges of sedition: four were acquitted on the grounds that they claim to be Muslims; one was acquitted apparently through family connections; one was released on 15 years' probation owing to his diabetes; five were committed to life imprisonment hard labour; and three were condemned to death. [BBRSM174; MoC18–19]
  • The sentences were appealed to the Supreme Court. [BW13:289; BW14:97; MoC19]
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Court cases; Court cases; Human rights; Morocco; Persecution, Morocco
    1965 (In the month)
    196-
    The publication of a feature article titled Bahá'í: A way of life for millons in Ebony magazine p48-56.

    Ebony is a monthly magazine that focuses on news, culture, and entertainment. Its target audience is the African-American community, and its coverage includes the lifestyles and accomplishments of influential black people, fashion, beauty, and politics. Ebony magazine was founded in Chicago in 1945 by John H. Johnson.

    Ebony magazine
    1963 Jan
    196-
    The publication of Freedom of Religion on Trial in Morocco: The Nador Case by Bahá'í International Community. It was a report on the situation in Morocco to that point in time. Bahá'í International Community; Morocco; Persecution, Morocco
    1960 20 Aug
    196-
    The presentation of the doctoral dissertation of Allan Luctus Ward entitled An Historical Study of the North American Speaking Tour of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and a Rhetorical Analysis of His Addresses `Abdu'l-Bahá, Travels of; Allan L. Ward; Ann Arbor, MI; Michigan, USA; Rhetoric; United States (USA)
    1963 27 Aug
    196-
    The passing of William Edward Burghardt "W. E. B. Du Bois" (b 23 February, 1868 in Great Barrington, MA) in Accra, Ghana. [Wikipedia; Britannica; Find a grave]

    American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author, writer and editor.

    He was the first African-American to earn a PhD from Harvard in 1895.

    Du Bois was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. [NAACP]

    For and extensive biography that includes a list of his publications see Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

    - In Memoriam; Race inequality; W. E. B. Du Bois
    1968 13 Sep
    196-
    The passing of Wellesley Tudor Pole (b. 23 April 1884 in Weston Super Mare, UK) in Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, UK.

    Wellesley Tudor Pole first encountered 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Alexandria during His first sojourn in Egypt in 1910. At that time he wanted to find out more about the Faith and 'Abdu'l-Bahá. He met 'Abdu'l-Bahá many times over many years, specifically in Palestine in 1918 when he was able to assist in the protection 'Abdu'l-Bahá's home against the occupying Turks. [The Servant, the General and Armageddon by Roderick and Derwent Maude]

  • He is also notable for having read the English translation of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's first public talk in the West on the 10th of September, 1911. In 1921, while Tudor Pole was Secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly in London, the telegram announcing the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá from Bahíyyih Khánum, arrived at Tudor Pole's home in London and it was there read by Shoghi Effendi. [Bahá'í Chronicles; Bahaipedia]
  • See The Extraordinary Life and Work of Wellesley Tudor Pole: Baha'i Seer by Lil Osborn and The Two Worlds of Wellesley Tudor Pole by Gerry Fenge.
  • See Silent Road: In the light of personal experience by Wellesley Tudor Pole.
  • See as well The Early Years of the British Bahá'í Community (1898-1911) p91-97
  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; Hurstpierpoint, England; Sussex, England; United Kingdom; United Kingdom; Wellesley Tudor Pole; Weston-super-Mare, England
    1966 27 Oct
    196-
    The passing of Loulie Albee Mathews (b. October 12, 1869, New Castle, New Hampshire) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was buried in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Mausoleum, Colorado Springs, Colorado. [Wikitree]
  • She was the author of Not Every Sea Hath Pearls, My Friendly Enemy - Life, and So Early in the Morning (1953) which was her memoirs of a childhood spent in New Castle, in 1880's.
  • Find a grave.
  • - Biography; Loulie A. Mathews
    1967 25 Dec
    196-
    The passing of Knight of Bahá'u'lláh Charles Dunning (b.27 March, 1885 need Leeds). [BW14p305-308]
  • See Bahaipedia
  • See a story about Charles as told by Marion Hofman.
  • See Bahá'í Blogspot for a photo of Charles with Ted Cardell and a story from a talk by Ian Semple.
  • See the Bahá'ís of Orkney website.
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - In Memoriam; - Knights of Bahá'u'lláh; Cardiff, Wales; Marion Hofman; United Kingdom; Wales, UK
    1962 20 Jul
    196-
    The passing of Harlan Foster Ober (b. October 6, 1881 in Beverly, Massachusetts) in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
  • He had graduated from Harvard University in 1905 with a B.A. and later obtained a law degree from Northeastern University in Boston.
  • Harlan Ober became a Bahá'í at Green Acre in 1905. Another source said it was in the spring of 1906 in a room in the Commonwealth Hotel in Boston that he overcame his doubts while using a prayer and other literature given to him by Lua Getsinger. [LDNW23; 100-101; SBR120-121]
  • Hooper Harris and Lua Getsinger's brother, Dr. William Moore, were selected to make a teaching trip to India. When Moore died suddenly Harlan Ober was chosen to replace him. As he had no funds for the trip Lua borrowed the money from Mr Hervey Lunt, the father of Alfred Lunt. [LGHC105]
  • In 1906 he made a visit to 'Abdu'l-Bahá while He was still confined to prison.
  • On the 17th of July, 1912 he married Grace Roberts (aunt of future Hand of the Cause John Robarts) in a ceremony conducted by the Reverend Howard Colby Ives at 209 West 78th Street in New York. When 'Abdu'l-Bahá visited America in 1912 He had suggested that Grace Robarts and Harlan marry, and they both agreed with the match, with Harlan travelling to New York from Boston and proposing in Central Park after being informed of the suggestion by Lua Getsinger. 'Abdu'l-Bahá performed the marriage ceremony in the room he was staying in in New York on July 17, 1912, and Howard Colby Ives later performed a legal ceremony. [SoW Vol 3 No 12 p14; Bahaipedia; The Jouney West, July 2012; Mother's Stories: Stories of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Early Believers told by Muriel Ives Barrow Newhall to her son, p. 20]
  • They adopted three children of English, German and Russian background.
  • It was from their home in Cambridge, MA, from the office of the National Teaching Committee, that the first Teaching Bulletin was issued on November 19, 1919. This bulletin evolved to the US Baha'i News.
  • He was closely involved with Race Unity work and made many teaching trips to the southern states with his friend Louis Gregory.
  • He served on the Bahá'í Temple Unity Executive Board as president or secretary from 1918 to 1920. The work of this board was taken over by the National Spiritual Assembly when it was elected in 1922.
  • In 1938 Harlan was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada and he served on it until 1941.
  • Grace passed away in 1938, leaving Harlan widowed.
  • He married his second wife, Dr Elizabeth Kidder Ober in Beverly, MA on the 21st of June, 1941. Shoghi Effendi was pleased with the way the marriage was conducted, without having any church ceremony or minister conduct the service. [BW13p869, 871]
  • After their pilgrimage in 1956 Harlan and Elizabeth Ober travelled to South Africa where they helped form the first all-African Local Spiritual Assembly in Pretoria as had previously been request of them by the Guardian. They returned in December as pioneers. [BW13869]
  • He was appointed to the Auxiliary Board for Protection in Africa in October of 1957 and served on the National Teaching Committee of South and West Africa for two years.
  • He was buried in the Zandfontein Cemetery in Pretoria. [BW13p870; Find a grave; Bahaipedia; BW13p869]
  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; Auxiliary board members; Beverly, MA; Elizabeth Kidder Ober; Elizabeth Kidder Ober; Grace Robarts Ober; Harlan Ober; Pretoria, South Africa; Race unity; South Africa; US Bahá'í News; United States (USA) first US Baha'i News;
    1968 7 Jul
    196-
    The passing of Hand of the Cause Hermann Grossmann in Neckargemünd, near Heidelberg, (b.16 February, 1899) [BW15p416-421]
  • Shoghi Effendi had appointed him among the first contingent of Hands of the Cause on the 24th of December, 1951. [MoCxxiii]
  • For his biography see Hermann Grossmann: Hand of the Cause of God, A Life for the Faith by Susanne Pfaff-Grossmann.
  • For his obituary see BW15:416–21.
  • For cable of the Universal House of Justice see BW15:416 and WG157–8.
  • Alternatively see Mess63-86p135.
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - Hands of the Cause; - In Memoriam; Germany; Hands of the Cause, Births and deaths; Hands of the Cause, First Contingent; Hermann Grossmann; Neckargemünd, Germany
    10 May
    196-
    The passing of F. St. George Spendlove (b. 23 April, 1897 in Montreal) in Toronto. [BW13p895-899]
  • He was part of the community of early believers in Montreal where he learned about the Faith after returning from the war in Europe.
  • He was a curator of the Canadian Collection at the Royal Ontario Museum. The Face of Early Canada, published in 1958, was illustrated with pieces from this collection. A second book, Collectors' Luck, followed in 1960. [BW13p895–899]
  • See Bahá'ís of Canada.
  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; Canada; George Spendlove; Montreal, QC; Toronto, ON
    1968 1 or 2 Jan
    196-
    The passing of Euphemia (Effie) Eleanor Baker (b.25 March 1880 at Goldsborough, Victoria) in Waverley, New South Wales.
  • For Effie Baker's obituary see BW14:320-1.
  • She became a Bahá'í in 1922 after attending a lecture by Clara and Hyde Dunn in Melbourne. She was the first woman to converted to the Faith in Australia.
  • She served in Haifa from 1925 to 1936. See SETPE1p105-107 for her contribution during that period.
  • In the 1930s Effie Baker travelled to Persia to take photographs of historical sites. Many of these photographs were included in The Dawnbreakers. [BW14:320]
  • Hear The Life of Effie Baker written and read by Sonjel Vreeland.
  • She was buried in the Bahá'í Cemetery in Mona Vale. [Australian Dictionary of Biography]
  • See The Adventures of Effie Baker. The film features the contributions of Ballarat historian, Dr Anne Beggs-Sunter and Australian Baha’i historian, Dr Graham Hassall.
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - In Memoriam; Australia; Cemeteries and graves; Dawn-Breakers (book); Effie Baker; New South Wales; Waverly, New South Wales first woman Baha'i in Australia.
    1963 31 Jul
    196-
    The passing of Dr Genevieve Coy (b.1886) in Harare, Zimbabwe. [Bahá'í Chronicles, Baha'i Heroes & Heroines, grave]
  • See as well In His Presence: Visits to 'Abdu'l-Bahá by Roy Wilhelm, Stanwood Cobb, and Genevieve L. Coy published by Kalimat Press in 1989.
  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; Genevieve Coy; Harare, Zimbabwe; Zimbabwe
    1967 25 Oct
    196-
    The passing of Canadian pioneer Catherine Huxtable (b. 6 January, 1932 Carlwood, Surrey, England) at her home in Jamestown, St Helena. Her life had been shortened due to muscular dystrophy. She, husband Cliff and son Gavin had arrived on St. Helena some nineteen months before. [LNW169, BW14p313-315]
  • See A Conqueror for St. Helena: A Tribute to Catherine Huxtable by W. G. Huxtable.
  • - Biography; - In Memoriam; Catherine Huxtable; Clifford Huxtable; Gavin Huxtable; Jamestown, NY; St. Helena
    1966 7 Apr
    196-
    The passing of Ali Kuli Khan (b. Káshán Persia, about 1879) in Washington, DC. [BW14p351]
  • For information on his burial place see Rock Creek Cemetery.
  • For a short biography and recollections by Ali Kuli Khan see World Order, 6.1 p29-41.
  • - Biography; - Births and deaths; - In Memoriam; `Alí Kulí Khán; Iran; Kashan, Iran; United States (USA); Washington, DC, USA
    1962 11 Oct
    196-
    The opening of the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, commonly known as the Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II at the Vatican. It was the 21st ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church. The council met in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome for four periods (or sessions), each lasting between 8 and 12 weeks, in the autumn of each of the four years 1962 to 1965. (11 October 1962 - 8 December 1965)

    Pope John XXIII called the Council because he felt the Church needed "updating". In order to connect with 20th century people in an increasingly secularized world, some of the Church's practices needed to be improved, and its teaching needed to be presented in a way that would appear relevant and understandable to them.

    Roman Catholic bishops at the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) called for outlawing war by international consent and creating a universal public authority that would safeguard security, justice, and human rights. In their encyclicals, Pope John XXIII, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have stated that there is an urgent need for a true world political authority that would be regulated by law, observe the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity, promote human development, manage globalization, and establish the common good. [Wikipedia; Black News 6FEB2022]

    Ecumenism; Italy; Rome, Italy; Second Vatican Council; Vatican City
    1965 20 Sep
    196-
    The obligation that Bahá'ís should seek exemption from combatant service was specifically affirmed by the Universal House of Justice in a letter to the American National Spiritual Assembly. That letter said:

      It is for each believer, under pain of his own conscience, to determine for himself what his actions should be, bearing in mind that the application of these principles is the spiritual obligation of every Bahá'í. It is rather for your Assembly to see that adequate instruction is provided so that the friends will let these principles be mirrored forth in their actions, and that they will be so steadfast in their love for Bahá'u'lláh that it would be unthinkable for them to willingly place themselves in a position where they must take human life. [Universal House of Justice letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States ref41]
    Military; Military (armed forces); United States (USA); War; Weapons
    1963 20 Apr
    196-
    The number of believers in East and Central Africa numbered well over 40.000 with half of these in the Congo. Similar growth could be seen in countries like British Cameroons, Ethiopia, and Northern Rhodesia. Bahá'ís now resided in well over 30 countries and territories, and consisted largely of tribal peoples that had entered the Faith through the combined efforts of international and native pioneers. The end of the Ten Year Crusade left Africa spiritually and politically transformed. Devoted individuals, operating in daunting conditions, had succeeded in establishing the Faith on the continent while preparing for the next phase in its advancement—continued large-scale expansion would be accompanied by the formation and strengthening of the foundational institutions of the Faith. [A Brief Account of the Progress of the Bahá'í Faith in Africa Since 1953 by Nancy Oloro-Robarts and Selam Ahderom p6-7] - Africa; British Cameroon; Congo, Democratic Republic of; Ethiopia; Northern Rhodesia; Shoghi Effendi, Works of; Statistics
    1961 25 – 26 Jun
    196-
    The newly-elected International Bahá'í Council met for the first time. [BW13:397; MoC285–6]
  • For details of the meeting and excerpts from its minutes see MC285–91.
  • Haifa, Israel; International Bahá'í Council
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Zambia (Northern Rhodesia) was formed with its seat in Lusaka. [BW14p96; Ridván 1966 Lusaka, Zambia; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Zambia first NSA Zambia
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of West Central Africa was formed with its seat in Victoria, (now Limbe) in the Cameroon Republic and had the following countries under its jurisdiction: Spanish Guinea, Fernando Po Island, Corisco Island, São Tomé and Principe Islands, Nigeria, Niger, Dahomey, Togo, and Ghana. [BW14p96] Cameroon; Limbé, Camaroon; National Spiritual Assembly, formation
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Vietnam was formed with its seat in Saigon and having jurisdiction over the Bahá'ís of Cambodia. [BW14p99]
  • By 8 October the National Assembly was incorporated. [Bahaipedia]
  • Cambodia; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Saigon, Vietnam; Vietnam first NSA Viet Nam
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Venezuela was formed. [BW13:258] National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Venezuela first NSA Venezuela
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Uruguay was formed. [BW13:258]
  • For picture see BW13:268.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Uruguay first NSA Uruguay
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Uganda and Central Africa was formed with its seat in Kampala. [BW14p96]
  • This Assembly had jurisdiction over the following countries: Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Congo Republic, (Leopoldville), Congo Republic, (Brazzaville), Gabon, Central African Republic, and Chad.
  • Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo; Burundi; Central African Republic; Chad; Congo, Democratic Republic of; Gabon; Kampala, Uganda; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Rwanda; Uganda first NSA Uganda and Central Africa
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Philippines was formed with its seat in Manila. [BW14p99] Manila, Philippines; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Philippines first NSA Philippines
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Netherlands was formed. Since 1957 it had come under the jurisdiction of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux Countries. [BW13:283]
  • For picture see BW13:279.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Netherlands first NSA Netherlands
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands was formed with its seat in Charlotte Amalie. [BW14:93; Ridván 1966 Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Leeward Islands; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Virgin Islands, US; Windward Islands first NSA Windward, Leeward and Virgin Islands
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands was formed with its seat in Tarawa. [BW14p99] National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Tarawa, Kiribati first NSA Gilbert and Ellice Islands
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Cameroon Republic was formed with its seat in Victoria, (now Limbe) Cameroon. It had Spanish Guinea, Fernando Po, Corisco and São Tomé and Príncipe Islands assigned to it. [BW14p96; Ridván 1966]
  • The remainder of the group of nations that formed part of the National Spiritual Assembly of West Central Africa with its seat in Lagos. Within its jurisdiction was Nigeria, Dahomey, Togo, Niger, and Ghana. [BW15p189 Note 1]
  • Cameroon; Limbé, Camaroon; National Spiritual Assembly, formation
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of South and West Africa that was formed in 1956, was altered and two additional national assemblies were formed, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Indian Ocean,(Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar) and the National Spiritual Assembly of South Central Africa and leaving the altered South and West Africa leaving only Angola, Basutoland, St. Helena, South West Africa, South Africa and Swaziland.

    The National Spiritual Assembly of South Central Africa was formed with its seat in Salisbury had jurisdiction over the following countries: Northern Rhodesia, Malawi (formerly changed in 1964 from Nyasaland), Southern Rhodesia, and Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland; name changed in 1966). [BW14p96; BW15:195; BN no608 November 1981 p11]

  • The National Spiritual Assembly of the Indian Ocean included Mauritius, the Chagos Archipelago, Madagascar, the Malagasy Republic, Seychelles, Comoros and Réunion. [BN no608 November 1981 p11]
  • Bechuanaland; Harare, Zimbabwe; Malawi; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Northern Rhodesia; Southern Rhodesia; Zimbabwe first NSA South Central Africa
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of South and West Africa that was formed in 1956, was altered and two additional national assemblies were formed, Indian Ocean, and South Central Africa. South and West Africa remained.

    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Indian Ocean was formed with its seat in Port Louis had jurisdiction over the following countries: Mauritius, Chagos Archipelago, Rodriguez Island, Malagasy Republic, (formerly Madagascar; name changed in 1958) Seychelles Islands, Comoro Islands, and Reunion Island. [BW14p96; BW15:195]

    Chagos Archipelago; Comoros Islands; Madagascar; Mauritius; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Port Louis, Mauritius; Reunion Island; Rodrigues Island; Seychelles first NSA Indian Ocean
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the Hawaiian Islands was formed with its seat in Honolulu. Prior to this time, they were under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. At the time of the formation of the new National Assembly, the territory was transferred to Australasia. [BW14p99; BW14p93] Honolulu, HI; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Hawaiian Islands
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand was formed with its seat in Bangkok and having jurisdiction over the Bahá'ís of Laos. [BW14p99] Bangkok, Thailand; Laos; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Thailand first NSA Thailand
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Tanganyika and Zanzibar was formed with its seat in Dar-es-Salaam. The jurisdiction included Pemba and Mafia Island. Those elected were: H. S. Akida, Mary Elston, Allen Elston, Lamuka Mwangulu, Wallace NgaUomba, Jalal Nakhjavani, Glory Nyirenda, Jamsheed Samandari, and Ruhulah Yazdani.
  • In 1965 there were seventy-five local assemblies and Bahá'is in around 265 locations. [BW14p96; History of the Bahá'í Faith in Tanzania]

    In 1964 Tanganyika merged with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, later renamed the United Republic of Tanzania so now it is call the National Spiritual Assembly of Tanzania.

  • Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Tanganyika, Tanzania; Tanzania; Zanzibar, Tanzania first NSA Tanganyika and Zanzibar
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Taiwan was formed with its seat in Taipei. [BW14p99; The Taiwan Bahá'í Chronicle by Barbara R. Sims p51] National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Taipei, Taiwan; Taiwan first NSA Taiwan
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland was formed. [BW13:283]
  • For picture see BW13:282.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Switzerland first NSA Switzerland
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Sweden was formed. Since 1957 they had been part of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden) plus Denmark and Finland. [BW13:283]
  • For picture see BW13:281 or BN No373 August 1962 p7.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Sweden first NSA Sweden
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) was formed in Colombo. [BW13:301] Colombo, Sri Lanka; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Sri Lanka first NSA Ceylon
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Spain was formed. Since 1957 the had come under the jurisdiction of the Regional Spiritual Assembly for the Iberian Peninsula. [BW13:283]
  • For picture see BW13:281.
  • Its first members were: Antonio Jimenez, Luis Ortuno, Francisco Salas, Jose Lopez Monge, Ruhollah Mehrabhkani, Carlos Chias, Ramon Escartin, Isidro Torrella, and Charles Ioas.[Baháʼí News. No. 376. August 1959 p. 14]
  • Andorra was placed under the jurisdiction of this National Assembly and with the launching of the Nine Year Plan France was assigned to assist in the consolidation of Andorra. [BW14p121]
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Spain first NSA Spain
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Sikkim was formed with its seat in Gangtok. [BW14p99]
  • This national assembly was absorbed into India some time prior to Ridván 1992. [BW21p27]
  • Gangtok, Sikkim; India; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Sikkim, India first NSA Sikkim
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Portugal was formed. [BW13:283]
  • For picture see BW13:280.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Portugal first NSA Portugal
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Peru was formed. [BW13:258] National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Peru first NSA Peru
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Paraguay was formed. [BW13:258] National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Paraguay first NSA Paraguay
    1969 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Papua New Guinea was formed with its seat in Lae. [BW15:265]
  • For picture see BW15:142.
  • Lae, Papua New Guinea; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Papua New Guinea first NSA Papua New Guinea
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Panama was formed. [BW13:258] National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Panama first NSA Panama
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Norway was formed. Since 1957 they had been part of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden) plus Denmark and Finland. [BW13:283]
  • For picture see BW13:280.
  • National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Norway first NSA Norway
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia was re-formed with its seat in Tokyo comprising Japan, Formosa, Hong Kong and Macao. [BW14p102] Hong Kong; Japan; Macau; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Taiwan; Tokyo, Japan first NSA North East Asia
    1961 Ridán
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of North East Africa had been led by the former National Spiritual Assembly of Egypt and Sudan since 1956. In 1960 difficulties in Egypt made it impossible to administer territories outside of the country so a regional administrative committee was formed and this, in turn, was replaced with the new (regional) National Spiritual Assembly of Ethiopia with its headquarters in Addis Abba. [BW13p287] Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ethiopia; National Spiritual Assembly, formation
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Nicaragua was formed. [BW13:258] National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Nicaragua first NSA Nicaragua
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico was formed. Those elected were: Mrs. Florence Mayberry, Samuel Burafato, Dr. Edris Rice-Wray, Sra. Carmen de Burafato, Mrs. Chappie Angulo, Earl Morris, Mrs. Anna Howard, Mrs. Valeria Nichols, and Harold Murray. [BW13:258]
  • For picture see BW13:266.
  • Mexico; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Mexico
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia (known as Malaya prior to 1963) was formed with its seat in Kuala Lumpur and comprising Malaya, Singapore, Brunei, Sabah, and Sarawak. Prior to this time the area was under the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of India, Pakistan and Burma, owing to the fact that the Guardian had entrusted the growth and development of the Faith to that assembly in 1950. [BW14p99; Bahaipedia Malaysia] British Malaya; Brune, Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Malaysia; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Sabah, Malaysia; Sarawak, Malaysia; Singapore first NSA Malaysia
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Luxembourg was formed. Since 1957 it had come under the jurisdiction of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux Countries. [BW13:283]
  • For picture see BW13:279.
  • Luxembourg; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Luxembourg
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Laos was formed with its seat in Vientiane. [BW14p99] Laos; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Vientiane, Laos first NSA Laos
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Korea was formed with its seat in Seoul. [BW14p99] Korea; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Seoul, South Korea first NSA Korea
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya was formed with its seat in Nairobi. Its members were: Its members were: James Wasilwa, Aziz Yazdi, Elamu Muswahili, Taherih Ala'i, Festas Mulkalama, Bonaventure Wafula, Julius Makanda, Frank Mnkoyani, and Christopher Musambai. [Bahá'í News No 409 April 1965 p8; BW14p96] Aziz Yazdi; Bonaventure Wafula; Christopher Musambai; Elamu Muswahili; Festas Mulkalama; Frank Mnkoyani; James Wasilwa; Julius Makanda; Kenya; Nairobi, Kenya; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Taherih Alai first NSA Kenya
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Jamaica was formed. Since 1957 they had come under the jurisdiction of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Greater Antilles. [BW13:258]
  • Elected Randolph Fitz-Henley, William A. W. Mitchell, Alfred Senior, Clarence Ullrich, Alice Maud Gallier, Percival Aiken, Emily Taylor, Margarite Ullrich and Ruby Taylor. [The Gleaner]
  • Jamaica; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Jamaica
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Indonesia was formed with its seat in Djakarta and comprising Indonesia, the Mentawai Islands, Portuguese Timor and West Irian. [BW14p99] Indonesia; Jakarta, Indonesia; Mentawai Islands; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Portuguese Timor; West Irian, New Guinea first NSA Indonesia
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Honduras was formed. [BW13:258; National website; Bahaipedia Honduras; BN No364 July 1961 p3]
  • For picture see BW13:265.
  • Conflict; Honduras; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Honduras
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Haiti was formed. Previously it had been part of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Greater Antilles. [BW13:258] Haiti; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Haiti
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala was formed with Hand of the Cause William Sears in attendance. Prior they had been part of Regional Spiritual Assembly of Mexico and the Republics of Central America. [BW13:258]

    Upon forming the Assembly was made responsible for administrating the Bahá'í community of British Honduras although there were no Bahá'ís in British Honduras at the time. British Honduras remained under its jurisdiction until forming its own National Spiritual Assembly in 1967. [BN No364 July 1961 p2]

    Guatemala; Honduras; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; William Sears first NSA Guatemala
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Finland was formed. Since 1957 they had been part of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden) plus Denmark and Finland. [BW13:283]
  • For picture see BW13:277 or BN No373 August 1962 p6. One of the founding members was Maija Pihlainen. She later served as a member of the Auxiliary Boards in Finland and of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe from 1995 to 2000. [UK Bahá'í News 23 February 2025]
  • Finland; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Finland
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador was formed. [BW13:258]
  • For picture see BW13:263.
  • El Salvador; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA El Salvador
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador was formed. [BW13:258]

    Those elected to the National Spiritual Assembly were: Juan Luis Aguirre; David Beckett; Khaliu'llah Bihjati; Dorothy Campbell; Patricia Conger; Freydoun Monadjem; Raúl Pavón; Guillermo Sotomayor; and Gayle Woolson. [Bahaipedia]

    Picture.

    Ecuador; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Ecuador
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Eastern and Southern Arabia was formed with its seat in Bahrain. [BW14p99; Ridván 1967]
  • Territory included: (Eastern) Bahrayn Island, Qatar, Trucial Sheikhs, (Southern) Southern Yemen Republic, Yemen, Hadhramaut, Muscat and Oman, Kuria Muria Islands, Al-Masirah, and Socotra Island. [BW14p157]
  • Bahrain; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Eastern and Central Arabia
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Dominican Republic was formed. Since 1957 they had come under the jurisdiction of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Greater Antilles. [BW13:258] Dominican Republic; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Dominican Republic
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Denmark was formed. Since 1957 they had been part of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden) plus Denmark and Finland [BW13:283]
  • For picture see BW13:276 and OLOM10.
  • The formation of the National Assembly accomplished, in part, by the influx of Iranian pioneers. [SRRB14p247]
  • Denmark; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Denmark
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Cuba was formed. Since 1957 they had come under the jurisdiction of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Greater Antilles. [BW13:258] Cuba; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Cuba
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Costa Rica was formed with Hand of Cause Zikru’lláh Khádem in attendance. [BW13:258]

    Those elected to the National Spiritual Assembly were: Mr. Esteban Canales, chairman; Mr. Richard Mirkovich, vice-chairman; Mr. Humberto Ulloa F., secretary; Mr. Theodore Cortazzi, recording secretary; Mr. Antonio Soto G., treasurer; Mr. José Barquero, Mr. Edgard Gomez, Mr. Aaron Barnes, Mr. John Rutan. [BN No 364 July 1961 p2]

  • For picture see BW13:261.
  • Costa Rica; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Zikrullah Khadem first NSA Costa Rica
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Colombia was formed. [BW13:258] Colombia; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Colombia
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Chile was formed. [BW13:258]
  • For picture see BW13:260.
  • Chile; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Chile
    1969 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Burundi and Rwanda was formed. They had previously been under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Uganda and Central Africa. [BW15:205]
  • For picture see BW15:142.
  • Burundi; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Rwanda first NSA Burundi and Rwanda
    1966 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Brunei was formed with its seat in Brunei town. [BW14p99; Ridván Message 1965: Ridván 1966] Brunei; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Brunei
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil was formed. [BW13:258] Brazil; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Brazil
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia was formed. [BW13:258] Bolivia; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Bolivia
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Belize (British Honduras) was formed with its seat in the city of Belize. Elected were: Cora Oliver (recording xec'u.), Bernice York, Rauhartgiz Yegcmeh. Dr. Hedaiatullah Ahmadiyeh (chairman), George Gable, Katherine Hope (secretary), Wallace Tillet, Shirley Warde (treasurer), and Nut Neal. [BW14:93; Bahá'í News No 436 July 1967 p2]

    Upon forming the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Guatemala in 1961, it was made responsible for administrating the Bahá'í community of British Honduras although there were no Bahá'ís in British Honduras at the time. British Honduras remained under its jurisdiction until forming its own National Spiritual Assembly in 1967. [Bahaipedia Guatemala; BN No 435 June 1967 p6]

    Belize; Bernice York; Cora Oliver; George Gable; Hedaiatullah Ahmadiyeh; Katherine Hope; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Nut Neal; Rauhartgiz Yegcmeh; Shirley Warde; Wallace Tillet first NSA Belize
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Belgium was formed. Since 1957 it had come under the jurisdiction of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux Countries. [BW13:283]
  • For picture see BW13:275.
  • The founding members were: Fernand Gillain, Elsa de Koninck, Lea Nys, Robert Hubar, Shoghi Ghadimi, Benjamin Levy, Adolphe de Couvreur, Louis Hénuzet, and Hasan-Ali Kamran. [Bahaipedia]
  • Belgium; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Belgium
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina was formed. [BW13:258] Argentina; National Spiritual Assembly, formation first NSA Argentina
    1960 Feb
    196-
    The National Promulgation Committee consisted of Fred Graham, Douglas Martin, Donald Dainty with Jeanie Seddon as secretary. [CBC No 121 February 1960 p2]
  • In August the secretary was Mrs Gale Burland. [CBN No 126 August 1960 p7]
  • Promulgation Campaign
    1960 May
    196-
    The National Library Placement Committee offered to place one or two books in local libraries on behalf of any Assembly or group upon request. They could choose one or two titles from among the following three: The Promise of All Ages, Christ and Bahá'u'lláh, or Portals to Freedom and the committee would send the books directly to the library. [CBN No 124 May 1960 p4]
  • Committee members as of this date were: Marjorie Merrick, George Spendlove, and Jan van der Vliet. [CBN No 127 August 1960 p6]
  • National Library Placement Committee
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The mother region of South and West Africa was divided again and the National Spiritual Assembly of Swaziland, (now eSwatini), Mozambique and Basutoland (now Lesotho) was formed with its seat in Mbabane. That left only Angola, St. Helena, South West Africa, and South Africa under the National Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa. [BN no608 November 1981 p11; Ridván 1966]
  • Those elected to serve were: Bothata Pokane, Wellington Malindise, Christopher Kuhlase, Rudolfo Duna, Benjamin Dlamini, Charles Ducker, John Allen, Dale Allen and Valera Allen. [BW14p96; BN no440 November 1967 p10]
  • During the period that the National Spiritual Assembly was in existence from 1967 to 1980 it administered South Africa, South West Africa/Namibia, and St. Helena Island, as well as the newly created countries of Transkei, Bophuthatswana and Venda. [BN no608 November 1981 p11]
  • Eswatini; Lesotho, South Africa; Mbabane, Eswatini; Mozambique; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Swaziland first NSA Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique
    1968 24 Oct
    196-
    The Moroccan Bahá'í, Mr. Allal Rouhani, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in January 1968 appelled and his sentence was extended to four years. [BW15:172]
  • Despite the efforts of national spiritual assemblies to secure justice for him through their embassies and cables to the King of Morocco, he was made to serve the entire sentence. [BW15:172]
  • On January 30, 1972, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North-West Africa held a luncheon attended by about sixty Bahá’ís and friends from all the Local Assemblies in the area. The Universal House of Justice was represented by Mr. Salim Nounou from France. [BN No 494 May 1972 p9]
  • - Persecution; - Persecution, Court cases; Court cases; Human rights; Morocco; Persecution, Morocco
    1961 (In the year)
    196-
    The military government in Indonesia issued instructions to local authorities to ban all Bahá'í activities and to confiscate all Bahá'í property. [MoC329] - Persecution; - Persecution, Other; Indonesia; Persecution, Indonesia
    1963 30 Apr
    196-
    The members of the Universal House of Justice were presented to the World Congress and the first statement of the House of Justice was read by David Hofman. [BW14:68]
  • For the text of the statement see BW14:431–2 and WG1–3.
  • Bahá'í World Congress, First (1963); David Hofman; London, England; United Kingdom; Universal House of Justice, Members of first statement of UHJ
    1968 Jul
    196-
    The meaning of "Just Government" was clarified by The Universal House of Justice. The reply sent to an individual called attention to a letter to a believer dated September 7, 1937 in which the beloved Guardian said:
      "As regards the Bahá'í principle of obedience to just governments, what is meant here by just is recognized and well-established authority."
    The Universal House of Justice further stated that in a letter to the National Teaching Committee for Central America dated July 3, 1948, the beloved Guardian, in explaining the statement in the Master's Will, said:
      "What the Master's statement really means is obedience to a duly constituted government, whatever that government may be in form. We are not the ones, as individual Bahá'ís to judge our government as just or unjust - for each believer would be sure to hold a different viewpoint, and within our own Bahá'í fold a hotbed of dissension would spring up and destroy our unity. We must build up our Bahá'í system, and leave the faulty systems of the world to go their way. We cannot change them through our becoming involved in them; on the contrary, they will destroy us."
    The same believer who asked about the meaning of "just government" also asked whether or not Bahá'ís should own or buy guns to protect themselves and their families. The Universal House of Justice replied:
      "Under the present circumstances in the United States it is preferable that Bahá'ís not buy or own arms for their protection or the protection of their families."
    [National Bahá'í Review No 7 July 1968 p2]
    - Bahá'í World Centre; Government; Guns
    1967 29 Oct
    196-
    The launch of the Centenary of Bahá'u'lláh's proclamation to the kings and the rulers in Toronto.

    A 30-minute memorial service for Catherine Huxtable was added to the program that included an eulogy by Michael Rochester. [LNW176-179]

    - Tablets to kings and rulers; Canada; Catherine Huxtable; Centenaries; Toronto, ON
    1961 14 Apr
    196-
    The knowledge of the arrest of the 14 believers was received but the Custodians at the World Centre via the publication of an article in the newspaper Le Courier du Maroc. They were in communications with the 44 National Assemblies at the time and asked them to bring pressure on the Moroccan authorities and to pray for the protection and release of the prisoners. The Custodians took the position that no attack should be made on the central authorities but rather the blame should rest on a small, fanatical, prejudiced and misinformed group of local leaders who did not seem to be under the control of the central authority in Rabat.

    The Bahá'í International Community made representation at the United Nations. [MoC17-18]

    - Persecution; Court cases; Human rights; Morocco; Persecution, Morocco
    1969 5 Aug - 1970 11 Mar
    196-
    The itinerary for the first leg of the Great African Safari was as follows:
  • Aug 4 - 14, 1969, Uganda
  • Aug 15 - Sept 1,1969, Kenya
  • Sept 2 - 26, 1969, Tanzania (and Mafia Island)
  • Sept 28 - Oct 14, 1969, Kenya
  • Oct 15 - Nov 17, 1969, Ethiopia. See BW15p186-187 where it is reported that over a thousand new Bahá'ís joined the ranks.
  • Nov 17 - Dec 2, 1969, Kenya
  • Dec 3, 1969 - Jan 2,1970, Uganda
  • Jan 3 - 12, 1970, Zaire (now Central African Republic)
  • Jan 13 - 24, 1970, Zaire (now Central African Republic)
  • Jan 25 - Feb 7, 1970, Chad
  • Feb 8 - 10, 1970, Nigeria
  • Feb 11 - 18, 1970, Niger
  • Feb 19 - 26, 1970, Dahomey (now Benin)
  • Feb 27 - Mar 1, 1970, Togo
  • Mar 2 - 11, 1970, Ghana [BW15p606]
  • Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum, Journeys of; Benin; Central African Republic; Chad; Ethiopia; Ghana; Great African Safari; Kenya; Mafia Island; Niger; Nigeria; Tanzania; Togo; Uganda; Violette Nakhjavani
    1969 (In the year)
    196-
    The Italian Bahá'í Publishing Trust was formed fulfilling one of the goals of the Nine Year Plan. By that time a great number of Bahá'í Sacred Writings and books had been translated into Italian, old translations were revised and commentaries on the Faith were written by Italian believers. [BN No 468 March 1970 p16] - Publishing Trusts; Italy
    c. 1966 – 1967
    196-
    The island of Niue was opened to the Bahá'í Faith for the first time. Niue, NZ
    1961 Ridván
    196-
    The International Bahá'í Council was elected by postal ballot of the members of the national spiritual assemblies. It was to serve a two-year term of office. [BW13:397; MoC282]
  • The members were Jessie Revell (Treasurer), 'Alí Nakhjavání (President), Lutfu'lláh Hakím, Ethel Revell, Charles Wolcott (Secretary General), Sylvia Ioas (Vice-President), Mildred Mottahedeh, Ian Semple (Assistant Secretary), and Borah Kavelin (Member-at-Large. He continued serving on the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States). [MoC282, 291]
  • See BW13:398 for picture.
  • See also BBD118; BBRSM131; BW16:90; CB324; MoC168, 242. iiiii
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Alí Nakhjavání; Charles Wolcott; Ethel Revell; Firsts, other; H. Borrah Kavelin; Haifa, Israel; Ian Semple; International Bahá'í Council; Jessie Revell; Lutfullah Hakim; Mildred Mottahedeh; Sylvia Ioas; Universal House of Justice first election IBC by postal ballot
    1961 (Autumn/Winter)
    196-
    The International Bahá'í Archives Building was opened to Bahá'í pilgrims. [BW13:429; MC20]
  • For details of the Archives building and several pictures see BW13:403–34.
  • Marble for the the International Baha'i Archives building was cut and chiseled by Margraf, a firm from Chiampo, Italy formerly known as Industria dei Marmi Vincentini. [BWNS1223]
  • Shoghi Effendi chose the Parthenon as the basis for the design possibly due to its apparent enduring beauty. The capitals of the fifty columns were in the style of the Iconic rather than the Doric order.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Arc (World Centre); Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS); Haifa, Israel; International Archives Building (Haifa); Marble; Margraf; Pilgrimage
    1960 13 May
    196-
    The International Bahá'í Council wrote to the Custodians recording its decision taken on 27 April to reject the claims of Charles Mason Remey to be the second Guardian. [Mc206–7] Charles Mason Remey; Covenant-breaking; Custodians; Guardianship; Haifa, Israel; International Bahá'í Council
    1960 27 Apr
    196-
    The International Bahá'í Council by unanimous vote rejected the claim of Charles Mason Remey to be the second Guardian. [MC206–7] Charles Mason Remey; Covenant-breaking; Guardianship; Haifa, Israel; International Bahá'í Council
    1961 17 Sep
    196-
    The House of Worship in Sydney, the Mother Temple of the Antipodes, was officially opened by Hand of the Cause Rúhíyyih Khánum in two public services, each attended by 900 people. [BW13:732]
  • For message of the Custodians to the dedication service see MoC309–12.
  • For cable of the Custodians to the Bahá'ís of the world see MoC313.

    Specifics

      Location:Sydney, Australia (Ingleside on the MonaVale Road).
      Foundation Stone: 26 Jan 1958 (Clara Dunn and Hand of the Cause Charles Mason Remey, who had been designated by the Guardian as his representative, while attending the 2nd International Conference 21-24 March, 1958. A small bag of earth from the inner Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh and a piece of plaster from the room of the Báb in Máh-Kú was deposited under the floor.)
      Construction Period: 1957-1961
      Site Dedication:16 September 1961 (Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum brought a gift from the Guardian- a green silk carpet from the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.)
      Architect C.M. Remey
      Seating: 500
      Dimensions: 124ft at the base and 130ft high
      Cost: Original budget was 120,000 Pounds Sterling
      Dependencies:
      References: BW13:319-322, BW13p720-732 CEBF241
  • - Architects; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Mother Temples; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Quick facts; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; Australia; Bahá'u'lláh, Shrine of (Bahjí); Boxes containing dust, earth or plaster; Charles Mason Remey; Clara Dunn; Dedications; Gifts; Maku (Máh-Kú), Iran; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Continental; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Sydney; Sydney, Australia
    1961 16 Sep
    196-
    The House of Worship in Sydney, the Mother Temple of the Antipodes, was dedicated by Hand of the Cause Rúhíyyih Khánum in a service for Bahá'ís only. [BW13:729; MoC15]
  • For details of the service and pictures see BW13:726–32.

    See also Dedication of the Bahá'í House of Worship in Sydney, by Peter J. Khan (2001).

  • - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; Australia; Dedications; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Sydney; Sydney, Australia
    1964 4 Jul
    196-
    The House of Worship in Langenhain, Germany, the Mother Temple of Europe, was dedicated. [BW14:483–4]
    The interior of the auditorium is bounded by 27 pillars, supporting the dome. Twenty-seven ribs lead from the floor to the apex of the dome, culminating in a ring which carries a lantern. The dome segments are arranged in a special way in order to permit full access of daylight. These produce an interesting play of lights and shadows, attractively brightened by the sun's reflexes on the 570 glass panels. The supporting parts of the structure consist of prefabricated concrete material reinforced by steel fillings, which were produced in the Netherlands.
  • For the message of the Universal House of Justice see BW14:485–6.
  • For pictures see BW14:482, 483, 485, 491.
  • For a description of the teaching conference accompanying the dedication see BW14:586–8.
  • See also MC14–15; PP432–4.
  • See this brief film on Vimeo on the life of Anneliese Bopp and her part in the building of this Temple.

    Specifics

      Location: Frankfurt, Germany (near the village of Langenhain in the Taunus Hills)
      Foundation Stone: 20 November 1960 by Hand of the Cause Amelia Collins representing the World Centre. She placed Sacred Dust from the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh in the foundations.
      Construction Period: 1960-1964
      Site Dedication:4 July 1964 Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum represented the Universal House of Justice.
      Architect: Teuto Rocholl (plans approved by Shoghi Effendi)
      Seating:450 – 600
      Dimensions: Diameter at the base: 48m (158ft), Height from the base to the top of the dome: 28m (92ft), Outer diameter: 25m (82ft); Inner diameter: 23m (69ft), Inner height of the dome: 24m (72ft). Height 20.5m (67ft)
      Cost:
      Dependencies: A home for the aged.
      Note: The construction of this temple was delayed by legal roadblocks instigated by church opposition, both Protestant and Catholic.
      References: BW14p483, BW14p483-484, BW18p104, CEBF241
  • - Architects; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Europe; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Mother Temples; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Quick facts; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; Amelia Collins; Bahá'u'lláh, Shrine of (Bahjí); Boxes containing dust, earth or plaster; Frankfurt, Germany; Germany; Gifts; Langenhain, Germany; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Continental; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Langenhain; Opposition; Teuto Rocholl
    1961 14 Jan
    196-
    The House of Worship in Kampala, the Mother Temple of Africa, was dedicated by Hand of the Cause Rúhíyyih Khánum in a service for Bahá'ís only. [BW13:713–14; CG45]
  • For details of the service and a picture see BW13:714. [TG159]
  • Enoch Olinga was not present because of the unrest in British Cameroons. [TG160]
  • - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Kampala, Uganda; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Kampala; Uganda
    1961 15 Jan
    196-
    The House of Worship in Kampala, the Mother Temple of Africa, is officially opened by Hand of the Cause Rúhíyyih Khánum in a public service attended by 1,500 people. [BW13:715–18; MoC15]
  • For message of the Custodians to the dedication service see MoC2503.
  • For cable of the Custodians to the Bahá'ís of the world see MoC253.

    Specifics

      Location:Northern Kampala, on Dikaaya Hill in Kawempe Division.
      Foundation Stone: 26 Jan 1958 (Beneath the stone is a silver box containing the sacred earth from the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh and a wooden box containing a piece of the plaster from the Prison Fortress of Máh-Kú where the Báb had been incarcerated.)
      Construction Period: Land purchased: 20 April 1954, January 1958 – 14 January 1961
      Site Dedication: 14 January 1961 (Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum brought a gift from the Guardian- a carpet from the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh was hung on the inside of the door facing the Qiblih.)
      Architect: Charles Mason Remey
      Seating:Over 400 (800 for Dedication ceremony)
      Dimensions: Dome at its base-44ft. Diameter of inner floor-84ft. Circumference: 265ft yielding 5,550 sq ft of floor space. Height of the building-124ft.
      Cost: $ ? (initial budget was 42,00 Pounds Sterling)
      Dependencies:
      References: BW13p704-719, CEBF241, CG45
  • - Architects; - Basic timeline, Expanded; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Mother Temples; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Quick facts; - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; Bahá'u'lláh, Shrine of (Bahjí); Boxes containing dust, earth or plaster; Charles Mason Remey; Dedications; Gifts; Kampala, Uganda; Maku (Máh-Kú), Iran; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Continental; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Kampala; Uganda
    1963 9 May
    196-
    The Hands of the Cause of God passed a resolution regarding the principles that will apply between the body of the Hands and the Hands Residing in the Holy Land and the activities of the Hands in the Holy Land. [MoC426]
  • Five Hands of the Cause were assigned to the Holy Land.
  • - Hands of the Cause; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities
    1960 26 Jul
    196-
    The Hands of the Cause of God declared Charles Mason Remey a Covenant-breaker. [BBRSM221; MC224–5] - Hands of the Cause; Charles Mason Remey; Covenant-breaking; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities
    1960 2 Nov
    196-
    The Hands of the Cause issued a message from their fourth Conclave. [MoC237–44]
  • All the Hands of the Cause were henceforth to render their services on a global, rather than a regional, scale. [MoC239]
  • - Hands of the Cause; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hands of the Cause, Conclaves
    1961 5 Nov
    196-
    The Hands of the Cause issued a message from their fifth Conclave. [MoC313–23]
  • They called for the election of the Universal House of Justice at a convention to be held in the Holy Land on the first, second and third days of Ridván 1963. [CB392; MoC321]
  • They asked the electors to leave the Hands free to 'discharge their duties'. [MoC321]
  • The celebration of the Most Great Jubilee, the Centenary of the Declaration of Bahá'u'lláh, was to be held in London rather than Baghdád, owing to the situation in the Middle East. [MoC322]
  • - Hands of the Cause; Baghdad, Iraq; Bahá'í World Congress, First (1963); Bahji, Israel; Centenaries; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hands of the Cause, Conclaves; Iraq; London, England; Most Great Jubilee (1963); United Kingdom; Universal House of Justice; Universal House of Justice, Election of
    1960 13 Nov
    196-
    The Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land sent ballots to all National and Regional Assemblies containing a ballot kit for each member. The secretaries were to collect the ballots and mail them to the World Centre for arrival before the 21st of April. Once received they sent a message of acknowledgment. [MoC245, 282] - Bahá'í World Centre; International Bahá'í Council
    1962 27 Sep
    196-
    The Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land cabled the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as follows: “Owing (to) support (of) Remey, Yvonne and James Barrett (have been) expelled (from the) Faith. All association (and) correspondence (with them) forbidden. Share message (with) all Latin American national assemblies.” (Signed) HANDSFAITH

    Mr. and Mrs. Barrett had been American pioneers for the Faith in the Panama Canal Zone for some years. [BN No 381 December 1962 p11]

    Covenant-breakers (individuals); Panama
    1963 19 May
    196-
    The Hands of the Cause cabled the annual conventions with the names of the five Hands chosen to reside in the Holy Land: Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, Leroy Ioas, 'Alí-Akbar Furútan, Paul Haney and Abu'l-Qásim Faizí. [MoC427] - Hands of the Cause; Abu'l-Qásim Faizí; `Alí-Akbar Furútan; Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Leroy Ioas; Paul Haney
    1966 12 Dec
    196-
    The Hand of the Cause John Robarts departed Africa from Cape Town after a stay of nearly 13 years. They were recalled from their pioneer post by the Universal House of Justice to help Canada win the goals of the Nine Year Plan. The objective was to raise 154 local assemblies by 1973 but the count had fallen from 68 to only 50, eighteen less than the number won during the Ten Year Plan and 104 short of the objective. [LNW158] - Hands of the Cause; Canada; Cape Town, South Africa; John Robarts; South Africa
    1965 (In the year)
    196-
    The great, great, granddaughter of Chief Sitting Bull, Ina McNeil, became a Baha'i. She was born on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in South Dakota and is a member of the Hunkpapa Lakota tribe and the first Lakota to become a Bahá'í.

    She was convinced of the truth of the Bahá'í Revelation because of the similarities between it and her Lakota heritage; to cite two examples, the legend of the return of White Buffalo Calf Maiden and the prophecies of Black Elk and his vision of Bahá'u'lláh. [Article by Radiance Talley]

  • See a second article on her art.
  • Black Elk; Chief Sitting Bull; Ina McNeil; Long Island, NY; New York, USA; South Dakota, USA; Standing Rock Sioux Reservation; White Buffalo Calf Maiden Ina McNeil become the first Lakota to become a Bahá'í.
    1966 Apr
    196-
    The goal for the Nine Year Plan for Greenland was to have one group in the capital, Nuuk (Godthab) and a Bahá’í, living in one other locality. At the time Bill Carr, a Canadian Bahá’í, was on the American Air Force Base in Thule as a civilian, and the first Greenlandic Bahá’í, Hendrik Olsen, was living in Sisimiut approximately 600 kilometres from Nuuk. Pioneers from Stockhiolm, the Nielsen family, John and Lotus with children Grace (9) and younger children Lisbeth and Patricia managed to get to Nuuk just in time to fulfill the goal. [BW20p1019] 2003; Grace Neilsen; Greenland; John Neilsen; Lisbeth Neilsen; Lotus Neilsen; Nuuk, Greenland; Patricia Neilsen
    1969 1 Jan
    196-
    The Fredericton Bahá'í community became a registered charitable organization. Canada; Charitable organizations; Fredericton, NB; New Brunswick, Canada
    1960 18 – 27 Oct
    196-
    The fourth Conclave of the Hands of the Cause of God was convened at Bahjí. [MoC177-245] - Bahá'í World Centre; - Hands of the Cause; Bahji, Israel; Haifa, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hands of the Cause, Conclaves
    1967 8 Oct
    196-
    The foundation stone of the Mother Temple of Latin America was laid by Hand of the Cause Rúhíyyih Khánum in Panama City. [BW14:494] - Mashriqu'l-Adhkár (House of Worship); Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum; Foundation stones and groundbreaking; Latin America; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Panama; Panama
    1967 Ridván
    196-
    The formation of the first Spiritual Assembly in Kinshasa, DRC. [A Remarkable Response Film 31:20] Congo, Democratic Republic of; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Local Spiritual Assembly, formation first Local Spiritual Assembly in Kinshasa
    1968 Ridván
    196-
    The formation of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands. A special celebration was held in a hotel in Kirkwall, and Philip Hainsworth came and represented the National Spiritual Assembly. [Uk Bahá'í Histories] Kirkwall, Orkney Islands formation of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Orkney Islands
    1960 s, early
    196-
    The first woman Somali to become a Bahá'í, Fatumeh Jama, enrolled. Fatumeh Jama; Somalia first Bahá’í woman Somalia
    1961 Oct
    196-
    The first summer school to be held on Rarotonga Island took place. - Islands; Cook Islands; First summer and winter schools; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Summer schools first summer school on Rarotonga Island
    1968 summer
    196-
    The first summer school to be held in Ireland bagin. First summer and winter schools; Ireland; Summer schools first summer school in Ireland
    1965 (In the year)
    196-
    The first pioneer to the San Andrés and Providencia Islands settled there briefly. - Travel teachers and pioneers, First; San Andres and Providencia Islands first pioneer to the San Andrés and Providencia Islands
    1963 1 Nov
    196-
    The first person on Saipan to become a Bahá'í, Patience Robinson, enrolled. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Mariana Islands; Saipan, Mariana Islands first Bahá’í, on Saipan
    1969 29 Dec - 1970 2 Jan
    196-
    The First Pacific Area Bahá'í Youth Conference took place in Apia, Western Samoa. [BW15:329–30]
  • For picture see BW15:330.
  • - Conferences, International; - First conferences; Apia, Samoa; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Oceania; Samoa; Youth First Pacific Area Bahá’í Youth Conference
    1968 23 – 25 Aug
    196-
    The first Oceanic Conference took place in Palermo, Sicily, to commemorate the arrival of Bahá'u'lláh in the Holy Land. [BW15:73, 178; VV3]
  • It was attended by some 2,300 Bahá'ís from 67 countries. [BW15:73]
  • For details of the conference, maps and pictures see BW15:72–80.
  • See the message sent to the conference from the Universal House of Justice in which it was stated:
      Contemplating this awe-inspiring, supernal episode, we may obtain a clearer understanding of our own times, a more confident view of their outcome and a deeper apprehension of the part we are called upon to play. That the violent disruption which has seized the entire planet is beyond the ability of men to assuage, unaided by God's revelation, is a truth repeatedly and forcibly set forth in our Writings. The old order cannot be repaired; it is being rolled up before our eyes. The moral decay and disorder convulsing human society must run their course; we can neither arrest nor divert them.
  • - Conferences; Italy; Oceanic Conference; Palermo, Italy first Oceanic Conference in Palermo
    1968 22 – 23 Jun
    196-
    The first National Youth Conference of the Bahá'ís of the United States opened in Wilmette, Illinois. [BW15:327 8]
  • For picture see BW15:325.
  • - Conferences, National; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Illinois, USA; United States (USA); Wilmette, IL first National Youth Conference of US
    1968 27 – 28 Jul
    196-
    The first National Youth Conference of Honduras opened in Santa Rosa de Copán. [BW15:328–9] - First conferences; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Honduras; Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras; Youth first National Youth Conference of Honduras
    1969 4 – 6 Apr
    196-
    The first National Youth Conference of Australia opened at Bolton Place summer School. [BW15:329]
  • For picture see BW15:328.
  • - Conferences, National; - First conferences; Australia; Bolton Place, Australia; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth first National Youth Conference of Australia
    1966 Feb
    196-
    The first members of the Yao tribe become Bahá'ís in Laos enrolled. [BW14:150] - First believers by background; Laos first Bahá’ís of Yao tribe
    1960 (In the year)
    196-
    The first Maya-Quiche to become a Bahá'í in Guatemala, Filomena Cajas de Velasquez, a tourist guide, enrolled.
  • Later she was the first Guatemalan woman to serve on the national spiritual assembly.
  • Filomena Cajas de Velasquez; Guatemala first Maya-Quiche Bahá’í; first Guatemalan woman on NSA
    1967 (In the year)
    196-
    The first Mataco Indians to become Bahá'ís enrolled in Argentina. [BW14:150] - First believers by background; Argentina first Mataco Indians Bahá’ís
    1969 Ridván
    196-
    The first local spiritual assembly of Upper Volta was formed in Ouagadougou. Local Spiritual Assemblies; Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Upper Volta, Burkina Faso first Local Spiritual Assembly in Upper Volta
    1962 Ridván
    196-
    The first local spiritual assembly of the Loyalty Islands was formed in Nouméa. Local Spiritual Assemblies; Loyalty Islands; Noumea, New Caledonia first Local Spiritual Assembly Loyalty Islands
    1968 Ridván
    196-
    The first local spiritual assembly of the Cayman Islands was formed in George Town. Cayman Islands; George Town, Cayman Islands; Local Spiritual Assemblies first Local Spiritual Assembly in Cayman Islands
    1960 (In the year)
    196-
    The first local spiritual assembly in the Cocos Islands was formed on West Island.
  • For picture see BW13:1052.
  • Local Spiritual Assemblies; West Island, Australia first Local Spiritual Assembly on Cocos Islands
    1966 Ridván
    196-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Suriname was formed in Paramaribo. Local Spiritual Assemblies; Paramaribo, Suriname; Suriname first Local Spiritual Assembly in Suriname
    1966 Ridván
    196-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Senegal was formed in Dakar. Dakar, Senegal; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Senegal first Local Spiritual Assembly in Senegal
    1966 7 Nov
    196-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Niger was formed in Niamey. Local Spiritual Assemblies; Niamey, Niger first Local Spiritual Assembly in Niger
    1965 Ridván
    196-
    The first local spiritual assembly in Iceland was formed in Reykjavik. Its members were Asgeir Einarsson, Kirsten Bonnevie, Florence Grindlay, Jessie Echevarria, Carl John Spencer, Charles Grindlay, Liesel Becker, Barbel Thinat and Nicholas Echevarria. [Bahá'í News No 417 10 December 1965 p10]
  • See Bahá'í Historical Facts for a photo.
  • Iceland; Local Spiritual Assembly, formation; Reykjavik, Iceland first LSA Iceland
    1968 Ridván
    196-
    The first local spiritual assembly in French Guiana was formed at Cayenne. Cayenne, French Guiana; French Guiana; Local Spiritual Assemblies first Local Spiritual Assembly in French Guiana
    1968 Ridván
    196-
    The first local spiritual assemblies of Equatorial Guinea were formed in Bata and Santa Isabel. Bata, Equatorial Guinea; Equatorial Guinea; Equatorial Guinea; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Santa Isabel, Equatorial Guinea first Local Spiritual Assembly in Equatorial Guinea
    1961 (In the year)
    196-
    The first local assembly was formed on Terceira Island in the Azores at Ridván in 1958. The Faith continued to grow slowly but steadily. By 1961 the local religious authorities grew concerned. The International Police summoned Mr. Nolen, the Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for the Azores, and advised him that he must discontinue teaching the Faith or leave the islands. Despite these obstacles the Spiritual Assembly continued to meet and study classes were held in Bahá'í homes. [BW15p317-318] Azores; Persecution, Portugal; Portugal
    1966 19 May
    196-
    The first legally recognized Bahá'í wedding in Europe took place in Finland. [BW14:154] - Europe; Finland; Firsts, other; Recognition (legal); Weddings first legally recognized Bahá’í wedding in Europe
    1963 21 – 23 Apr
    196-
    The First International Convention was convened in Haifa. [MoC424]
  • For programme see MoC424–5.
  • For details of the Convention and pictures see BW14:425–30.
  • - Bahá'í World Centre; Conventions, International; First conventions; Haifa, Israel first International Convention
    1962 31 Dec
    196-
    The first indigenous local spiritual assembly in Venezuela was formed among the Yaruro Indians of Apure state in the village of Agua Linda. - Indigenous people; Agua Linda, Venezuela; Local Spiritual Assemblies; Venezuela first indigenous Local Spiritual Assembly in Venezuela
    1961 21 – 25 Feb
    196-
    The first Indian congress of Bolivia was held in Oruro, with Indians participating. [BW13:268] - Conferences; - Indigenous people; Bolivia; Oruro, Bolivia first Indian congress of Bolivia
    1969 3 – 6 Apr
    196-
    The first European Youth Conference opened in Madrid, Spain. [BW15:329] - Conferences, International; - Europe; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Madrid, Spain; Spain first European Youth Conference
    1960 (In the year)
    196-
    The first Côte d'Ivorian to become a Bahá'í, Mr Un Bodo, a Bété from the region of Gagnoa working as a policeman in Abidjan, enrolled. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Ivory Coast first Côte d’Ivorian a Bahá’í
    1969 24 – 25 May
    196-
    The first Bahá'í Youth Conference of Japan opened on Jogashima Island. [BW15:329] - Conferences, National; - First conferences; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Youth; Japan; Jogashima Island, Japan first Bahá’í Youth Conference of Japan
    1963 28 Apr - 2 May
    196-
    The first Bahá'í World Congress, the 'Most Great Jubilee', was held in London to celebrate the centenary of the declaration of Bahá'u'lláh. The beloved Guardian had wanted this long-planned gathering to take place in Baghdad, but the situation did not allow the gathering to take place there. In 1961, the Hands of the Cause of God residing at the Holy Land decided to hold the Congress in London, which would also enable the participants to visit the resting place of the Guardian. [BW14:57]
  • For a detailed account and many pictures see BW14:57–80.
  • For the programme of speakers see BW14:60–1.
  • Some 6,000 Bahá'ís attend.
  • The closing talk at the Bahá'í world congress by Hand of the cause Abu'l-Qasim Faizi.
  • - Basic timeline, Expanded; - First conferences; Bahá'í World Congress, First (1963); Bahá'u'lláh, Declaration of; Centenaries; Conferences, Bahá'í; London, England; Most Great Jubilee (1963); United Kingdom first Bahá’í World Congress
    1967 Mar
    196-
    The first Bahá'í summer school in Liberia began. [BW14:174] First summer and winter schools; Liberia; Summer schools first Bahá’í summer school in Liberia
    1962 22 May
    196-
    The first Athabascan Indian north of the Arctic Circle to become a Bahá'í, Charley Roberts, enrolled. [BW15:455] - First Bahá'ís by country or area; - Native Americans; Canada first Athabascan Indian Bahá’í north of the Arctic Circle
    1969 Aug
    196-
    The first 12 new Bahá'ís enrolled on Union Island in the Grenadines during a visit of Patricia Paccassi and her daughter Judith. - First Bahá'ís by country or area; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Union Island first Bahá’ís in the Grenadines
    1961 15 Oct – 2 Nov
    196-
    The fifth Conclave of the Hands of the Cause of God was convened at Bahjí. [MoC249-329]
  • For the agenda see MoC298.
  • - Hands of the Cause; Akka, Israel; Bahji, Israel; Hands of the Cause, Activities; Hands of the Cause, Conclaves
    1964 22 Mar
    196-
    The Faith was brought to St Vincent for the first time by Shirley Jackson, who returned to the island the day after having become a Bahá'í while on a visit to her native home in Grenada.
  • Later in the year she enrolled the first Bahá'ís on St Vincent.
  • - First Bahá'ís by country or area; St. Vincent, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines first Bahá’í on St Vincent
    1964 Ridván
    196-
    The existing National Spiritual Assembly of North West Africa that had been formed in 1956 was split into two regions, the Spiritual Assembly of West Africa and the "new" North West Africa region with its seat in Tunis included the following countries: Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Rio de Oro, Spanish Sahara, Ifni, Madeira, Canary Islands. [BW14p96]
  • The seat of the National Spiritual Assembly of North West Africa was transferred from Tunis (1963-1967) to Rabat (1967-1974). [BW14p97]
  • Algeria; Canary Islands, Spain; Ifni, Morocco; Madeira; Mauritania; Morocco; National Spiritual Assembly, formation; Rio de Oro, Spanish Sahara; Spanish Sahara; Tunisia first NSA West Africa

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