Bahai Library Online

Chronology of the Bahá'í Faith in Canada

World Canada
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Date 198-, descending sort earliest first

date event tags firsts
1989 (Summer)
198-
The founding of the Maxwell International Bahá'í School. It was a co-ed Bahá'í school located on Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, Canada. It offered day students and boarding students from many parts of the world instruction from grades 7-12. Its educational philosophy was based on the principles of the Bahá'í Faith. The school was opened in a ceremony with guest of honour Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum (Mary Maxwell, daughter of May and Sutherland) and wife of the Bahá'í Faith's Guardian, Shoghi Effendi). A tree was planted in dedication to the opening of the school. In the early 2006-2007 school year, the school board decided to drop "Bahá'í" from its name, changing it to "Maxwell International School". The school closed on its 20th anniversary in 2008. [Wiki] Maxwell International School, Canada; - Bahá'í inspired schools; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Maxwell International School, Canada; Shawnigan Lake, BC
1989 22 Aug
198-
The passing of Sam Bald Eagle Augustine, (Sam Gitpu), (b. Big Cove, New Brunswick on November 3, 1923) a member of the Mi'Kmaq First Nations.

While enduring a lengthy illness he made a series of recordings called "Talks from the Heart"which he hoped would spread the Message of Baha'u'llah, not only to other Native people, but to the world. [IndigenousBahais.com]

  • Some of his talks from, Bahá'í Talks from the Hearts can be heard at Welcome Bahá'í MP3.
  • Sam Bald Eagle Augustine; In Memoriam; Sam Gitpu; Mikmaq First Nations, Canada; Big Cove, NB
    1989 (In the year)
    198-
    The passing of Roberta (Bobbie) Mary Millay Cowan, (b, 1915). She was buried in the Mount View Cemetery in Invermere, BC. [Find a grave] In Memoriam; Roberta Cowan; Bobby Cowan; Invermere, BC
    1988 30 Jun - 3 Jul
    198-
    The Bahá'í Arts Council, Canada, held the first arts festival, 'Invitation 88: A Festival of the Human Spirit' at the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario. [BINS179:2] Bahá'í Arts Council, Canada; London, ON
    1988 8 May
    198-
    The passing of Beatrice Owen Ashton (b. 17 May, 1890, Cleveland). She was buried in the Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland. [BW20p896-899]
  • She graduated from Vassar College in 1911 and in 1918 she learned of the Faith in Urbana, IL from Dr Jacob and Anna Kunz after meeting some Bahá'ís who had been picnicking. (See BW16p520 for In Memoriam for Anna Kunz)
  • In August of 1918 she married Frank Ashton at Green Acre. In post-war 1945, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed her as the international relief representative for Germany and the Philippines. During the summers from 1947 to 1953 she undertook teaching trips to Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. In April of 1952 she went on pilgrimage and met the Guardian for the first time. [BN no262, December, 1952 p5-7]
  • In addition to administrative tasks she worked on the production of Bahá'í World XIII and taught summer school classes at Green Acre, Louhelen and Geyserville as well as Beaulac, Banff and Toronto in Canada.
  • She pioneered to Lethbridge, Alberta from 1958 to 1966 and taught the Faith on the Peigan Reserve (now Piikini First Nation). When the Bahá'ís of Lethbridge elected their first Local Spiritual Assembly she went back to European teaching and made four trips to Norway by 1970.
  • From 1970 she served in Haifa in the Research Department, cataloging and indexing the Guardian's letters and correspondence but in 1972 she had to return to the US due to failing health.
  • In her latter years she made an index for Citadel of Faith as well as for Messages to America and indexed the Writings of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh that Shoghi Effendi had translated.
  • Find a grave.
  • Beatrice Owen Ashton; Beatrice Ashton; Travel Teaching; Summer schools; Lethbridge, AB
    1988 Mar
    198-
    The publication of the first edition of the trilingual quarterly publication The Journal of Bahá'í Studies.
  • See the Editorial Statement.
  • Current and past issues are available at their website.
  • Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Journal of Bahá'í Studies; Association for Bahá'í Studies (North America)
    1988 18 Jan
    198-
    The passing of Tlingit elder Johnnie Johns (b. 10 July 1898 at Tagish, YT). He was a member of the Crow clan of the Dieshheetaan house. His Tlingit name was Yeil Shaan which means "Old Crow". He became a Bahá'í in 1968 following the example of his brother Peter.

    Following his enrollment, he travelled to Southeast Alaska to teach the Faith. Later, he travelled with Don MacLaren throughout the Yukon to present a Bahá'í brief on Human Rights to all the Chiefs of the Yukon. During his travels, which included a trip to the Philippines along with his daughter Hazel and niece Clara Shinkel, he was able to present the Faith on the radio.

    He attended the first native council held in Haines, Alaska and was instrumental in the decision made by the Elders at Carcross to pursue the building of a native teaching institute. Hand of the Cause John Robarts and Uncle Johnnie turned the sod for the construction of the Yukon Bahá'í Institute in 1983. Uncle Johnnie participated at the Dedication of the Institute and the naming ceremony for Hand of the Cause John Robarts which was held during the potlatch. His leadership and counsel will be dearly missed by all his Bahá'í family. "The circle is completed". [BC Vol 1 No 1 March 1988 p15]

    See "Remembering Uncle Johnnie". [BC Vol 1 No 1 March 1988 p24]

    In Memoriam; Johnnie Johns; Tagish; Whitehorse, YT
    1987 31 Dec
    198-
    The passing of Bill Waugh (b. 18 March 1904 Verdun, QC). He was buried in the Cap-aux-Meules cemetery.

    Bill was well-known in Quebec and the Maritimes for his ten years of service at the Laurentian Bahá'í School at Beaulac, Quebec, his travel teaching in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and his wholehearted participation in regional activities when the Magdalens were a part of the Prince Edward Island teaching region.

    He served Bahá'í communities across Canada from Saanich, B.C., Beloeil, Quebec, and lastly to the Magdalen Islands where Bill, his wife Percilla and daughter Barbara pioneered for the last fifteen years of his life. [BC Vol 10 No 1 March 1988 p15]

    In Memoriam; Bill Waugh; Laurentian Bahá'í School, Quebec; Magdalen Islands, QC; Verdun, QC
    1987 31 Dec
    198-
    The publication of Tristan; physically and mentally handicapped..socially and spiritually gifted by Suzanne Schuurman.

      The true story, told by his mother, of a courageous boy and his family who believed that where there is love, hope can grow. Tristan Schuurman did get better. His brain and liver were damaged but he walked and talked, laughed and loved and believed with a devotion that inspired all who knew him. His seventeen years were crammed with life of the highest order. [Bahaipedia]
    Tristan; Suzanne Schuurman; Tristan Schuurman
    1987 (In the year)
    198-
    The film, Heart of the Lotus, made by Elizabeth Martin, documented the dedication of the House of Worship in New Delhi. [HNWE45] - Film; - Documentaries; Elizabeth Martin; Lotus temple, New Delhi; Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, Delhi; Haifa, Israel; * Bahá'í World Centre; New Delhi, India; India
    1986 (Summer)
    198-
    Margaret and Larry Rowdon pioneered to Montserrat. The island of Montserrat is in the Leeward Islands, which is part of the Lesser Antilles chain in the West Indies. They stayed for six years.

    In 1989 they experienced a hurricane. Although the eye of the hurricane missed Montserrat, Hugo still produced sustained winds of 140 mph and pounded the island. Nearly every home on Montserrat was destroyed or heavily damaged, leaving 11,000 of the island's 12,000 inhabitants homeless.

    Larry subsequently wrote a short biography of their time there appropriately titled In the Path of the Wind: Recollections of Montserrat.

    Larry Rowdon; Margaret Rowdon; Montserrat
    1986 9 Mar
    198-
    The passing of Continental Board of Counsellor member Angus Welldon Cowan (b.12 September 1914 in Bishopton, Quebec) at his home in Invermere, BC. [BW19p703–70; BCNS; Find a grave]
  • The message from the Universal House of Justice Mess63-86p723.
  • Tribute was paid to Angus in an article in Bahá'í Canada called "A Special Measure of Love: A Tribute to the Native Teaching Work of Angus Cowan". [Bahá'í Canada Vol 8 No 1 Feb/Mar 1986 p12-18]
  • See his biography Angus: From the Heart: The Life of Counsellor Angus Cowan by Patricia Verge, Springtide Publishing, Cochrane AB, 1999.
  • See Bahá'í Chronicles.
  • Angus Cowan; In Memoriam; Patricia Verge; Bishopton, QC; Invermere, BC
    1986 12 Feb
    198-
    The National Spiritual Assembly announced the 77 new electoral districts that would be used to elect the 171 delegates the to the National Convention. This was done in consideration of the direction from the Universal House of Justice in its letter of 21 July 1985. [Bahá'í Canada Vol 8 no 1 Feb/Mar 1986 p28] Conventions, District; Conventions, National
    1985 23 Dec
    198-
    Mrs Angela Sidney was awarded the Order of Canada. She was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada on the 9th of April 1986.
      One of the last living speakers of the Tagish language, she has been actively involved in recording oral history and publishing books containing songs, traditional stories and Tagish and Tlingit- language place names of the Southern Yukon. By doing so, this prominent elder in her community has made a major contribution to northern linguistic and ethnographic studies and to the preservation of the Native cultural heritage. [Governor General's website]
  • See Windspeaker.com website for a short biography titled Angela Sidney: Preserving the culture, a personal endeavour. iiiii
  • Angela Sidney; Tagish; Tlingit
    1985 22 Nov
    198-
    The passing of Melba Whetung Loft 'Kinaaj-Kwe' (b. 24 December 1912 Curve Lake First Nation) at the Curve Lake First Nation near Peterborough. She was the first Canadian First Nations person to accept the Faith in Marysville Michigan in 1938. Melba and her husband Jim were buried side by side on the Tyendinaga First Nation were he was born and grew up. [BW19p697; BC Vol 8 No 2 April 1986 p17] In Memoriam; Melba Whetung Loft; Curve Lake First Nation, ON; Peterborough, ON; Tyendinaga First Nation, ON first Canadian Indigenous believer
    1985 21 Jul
    198-
    Prior to this time, some national communities elected their delegates to the National Conventions on the basis of areas that had Local Spiritual Assemblies, while in other larger national communities, delegates were elected on the basis of electoral units in which all adult believers had the vote. From this time forward, all were to use the Electoral Unit system. There would be no change in the number of delegates elected to attend the National Convention.

    Given the wide variety of geography in the Bahá'í world, each National Spiritual Assembly was directed to establish the most effective means for the election of the delegates to its National Convention and for providing for an opportunity for consultation among the electors. [Message 21 July 1985]

    In its letter of 2 January 1986, the Universal House of Justice referred to ''a new stage in the unfoldment of the Administrative Order," a stage characterized by a "new development in the maturation of Bahá'í institutions" which marks "the inception of the fourth epoch" of the Formative Age of the Faith.

    National Convention; Elections; National Spiritual Assembly, election of; * Bahá'í World Centre
    1985 28 Apr
    198-
    The passing of Samson Knowlton in his eighty-third year. Samson and his wife Rosie, who died in 1981, were among the first six members of the Piikani First Nation (Peigan Reserve), one of the three branches of the Blackfoot tribe, to proclaim their faith in Baha'u'llah. Their acceptance of the Faith in 1958 resulted from a visit to southern Alberta of the Hand of the Cause John Robarts. The Knowltons quickly became effective Bahá'í teachers, assisting in the formation in April 1961 of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the Peigan Reserve.
  • Samson was also a member of the Band Council, and was instrumental in the passing of a resolution to permit Bahá'ís to visit and teach the Faith on the Peigan Reserve. He made many teaching trips throughout North America, fostering a spirit of harmony between native and non—native communities.
  • In 1960, Samson accompanied Canada's first native Senator, James Gladstone, a Blood Indian, to Ottawa to present to the federal Government a proposal urging it to extend to native people the right to vote in federal elections. (Note: On 31 March 1960, portions of Section 14(2) of the Canada Elections Act were repealed in order to grant the federal vote to status Indians. First Nations people could now vote without losing their Indian status.) He was also instrumental in having eliminated the 'permit system' which prevented First Nations people from leaving the reserve. [BW19p668-669] iiiii
  • Rosie's Guest Book from 1960 to 1965 included the following names: Hasan Balyuzi, Agnes Harrison, Doug Crawford, Angus Cowan, Reg Wilson, Dorothy Francis, Harvey Iron Eagle, Henry Keg, Douglas Martin, Peggy Ross & many more. Other visitors were Ruhiyyih Khanum (21 May 1961) and Hooper Dunbar 24 July 1962). [The Distance Traversed a presentation by Bev Knowlton and Joan Young 2022]
  • In Memoriam; Sam Knowlton; Rosie Knowlton; Piikani First Nation, AB
    1985
    198-
    Number of Local Spiritual Assemblies in Canada: 350

    Incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies: 159

    Localities where Bahá'í reside: 1,500

    Members: 2,100

    [from a pamphlet, The Bahá'í Faith and its World Community published by the NSA of Canada]

    Statistics; Canada
    1985 7 Mar
    198-
    The passing of Continental Board of Counsellor Lloyd Gardner. [Mess63-68p660]
  • See BW19p663-665
  • In Memoriam; Lloyd Gardner
    1985 (In the year)
    198-
    The publication of The Bahá'í Faith; The Emerging Global Religion by William Hatcher and Douglas Martin. It was first published by Harper and Row, San Francisco and has seen numerous reprints. {BEL 7.1143 p87]
      Outlines the history, teachings, structure and community life of the international Baha'i community, in an updated edition that includes coverage of the Baha'i Faith's views about world peace and the equal roles of women.
    The Bahá'í Faith; The Emerging Global Religion; William Hatcher; Douglas Martin
    1984 Nov
    198-
    The International Bahá'í Refugee Office, responsible for coordinating efforts to resettle Iranian Bahá'í refugees, was established by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada at the request of the Universal House of Justice. [BW19:50]
  • For a report of the work of the Office see BW19:50–3.
  • In 1990 this office was transferred to Geneva to facilitate closer interaction with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and with other organizations concerned with refugee maters. [BW20p527]
  • International Bahá'í Refugee Office; Refugees; Canada
    1984 9 Jul
    198-
    The dedication of the Yukon Bahá'í Institute.

    Close to 500 people gathered at the Yukon Bahá'í Institute at Lake Laberge near Whitehorse. It wa s one year to the day since the sod-turning ceremony launched the construction. Again Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts and Counsellor Loretta King were in attendance. Other distinguished guests attending the dedication ceremonies were Hand of the Cause Dr. Varqa , Counsellor Angus Cowan. Canadian National Assembly members Dr. Jane Faily, Ed Muttart and Husayn Banani, Alaskan National Assembly Member and native elder Eugene King and Auxiliary Board Member Peggy Ross. The dedication was well attended by native elders and distinguished native Bahá'ís-Melba Loft, Johnny Johns, Charlotte Sydney, Pete Sydney, Paul George and Doris Wedge, to name a few. Attendance from the Bahá'ís of Alaska was high with six National Assembly members. four members of the National Teaching committee and representatives from 26 local Spiritual Assemblies and others making a total of at least 100 Alaskan Bahá'ís participating. [BC Vol6 no 2 June-September 1984 p37

    Bahá'í Institutes; Yukon Bahá'í Institute; Lake Labarge, YT
    1983 28 Nov
    198-
    National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada presented a brief to The Special Parliamentary Committee on the Participation of the Visible Minorities in Canada.

    They considered "remarkable" the recently enacted of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (also known as the Constitution Act of 1982), and the Multiculturalism Policy of 1971, as well as Canada's contribution to human rights accords on the international level and steps towards the creation of single global society.

    The National Assembly shared the measures taken in its own community for the advancement of the rights of women, for more understanding between the Anglophone and Francophone populations, to assist the settlement of immigrants and measures taken to increase participation of the indigenous friends in society at large by establishing a variety of events. Some of there were "unity gatherings" , "native councils", "summer and winter schools", "Unity feasts", and conferences, all of which have served to bring together in social and administrative activity anglophone, francophone, and native Canadians.

    They included with the brief a copy of A Violence Free Society by Dr Hossain Danesh and several submissions made by the Bahá'í International Community to various United Nation agency on the question of human rights and minorities as well as an article taken from the publication "Refuge" describing the Iranian Bahá'í refugee program.

    In this submission, they emphasized the necessity of educational programs. They asked that careful consideration be given to the idea of holding a national conference on education focussed on this question of minority participation in Canadian society.

    Presentations; Social action
    1983 21 - 23 Nov
    198-
    A brief entitled The Future of Canada: A Bahá'í Perspective was presented to The Royal Commission on the Economic Union and Development Prospects of Canada on behalf of the Canadian Bahá'í Community through the National Spiritual Assembly in Saskatoon. [The Future of Canada: A Bahá'í Perspective]
  • Photographs in this publication were contributed by Elizabeth Martin. [HNWE44]
  • Social action; - Ethics; Economics; Consultation; Agriculture; Women; Indigenous people; Elderly; Education; Presentations; Saskatoon, SK
    1983 4 - 7 Nov
    198-
    The eight annual conference for the Association for Bahá'í Studies was held in Palmer House in Chicago. The Executive Committee for the ABS was Bill Hatcher; Jane Goldstone; Christine Zerbinis; Douglas Martin; Peter Morgan; Glen Eyford; Nasser Sabet; Richard Gagnon; Hossain Danesh with Firuz Kazemzadeh and Dorothy Nelson as United States representatives. The 8th annual conference of the Association for Baha' Studies was held in Chicago with over 500 participants came from all parts of North America, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, Australia, India and several African countries. Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Khadem attended as well as a number of representatives of the Institution of the Continental Board of Counsellors, members of many National Spiritual Assemblies, and a host of internationally reknowned scholars. A unique event at the conference was a special session held at the House of Worship, focussing on the situation of the Bahá'ís of Iran.

    The first plenary session of the conference focussed on the theme "New Dimensions in Development", and comprised of three presentations: Dr. Glen Eyford, Professor of International Development, spoke on "Strategies-for Social Change", Dr. Joanna Macy, "A Spiritual Approach to Social Change" and Gustavo Correa's presentation was "FUNDAEC: Case Study of an Alternative for Rural Development".

    The second session: "Integrating Personal and Social Change —The Baha'i Paradigm" hosted the following speakers: Dr. Ervin Laszlo, "The Coming Transformation of Global Society and Today's Action Imperative", Shelia Banani, "Unity: The Ultimate Paradigm Shift" and Dr. Hossain Danesh, "Integrating Personal and Social Change".

    Hand of the Cause of God, Mr. Khadem, presented the awards to the winners of the best papers: John and Helen Danesh, High School Category; Shirin Sabri, General Category; Susan Stiles, University Category.

    The theme for the third session was: "Elimination of Violence as a Prerequisite for World Peace". Dr. Udo Schaefer, spoke on "Justitia Fundamentum Regnorum: On the Future of Penal Law", followed by Mr. Brad Pokorny who spoke on "Disarmament and the Baha'i Faith".

    The advances made by the Association during the year were highlighted; the establishment of branches of the Association for Bahá'í Studies in India, Colombia, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland and the finalization of plans for opening chapters of the Association at universities to take the place gradually of the existing Bahá'í Clubs. A proposed draft of the constitution for the campus charters has been prepared and is now under review by the World Centre. [CBN Vol 5 No 6 November/December 1983 p14]

    Bill Hatcher; Jane Goldstone; Christine Zerbinis; Douglas Martin; Peter Morgan; Glen Eyford; Nasser Sabet; Richard Gagnon; Hossain Danesh; Firuz Kazemzadeh; Dorothy Nelson; Mr Khadem; Joanna Macy; Gustavo Correa; Ervin Laszlo; Ervin Laszlo; Shelia Banani; John Danesh; Helen Danesh; Shirin Sabri; Susan Stiles; Udo Schaefer; Brad Pokorny; Chicago, IL
    1983 1 Sep
    198-
    In a message addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly of Norway the Universal House of Justice included a six-point summary of 'the essential requisites for our spiritual growth'. Written on behalf of the House of Justice, this significant letter expressed its confidence that if the believers practised the suggested disciplines they would penetrate the 'miasma of materialism' impeding the growth of the Faith in Europe. The suggestions have been gleaned from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh and were stressed again and again in the talks and Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. The points were:
    1. The recital each day of one of the Obligatory Prayers with pure-hearted devotion.
    2. The regular reading of the Sacred Scriptures, specifically at least each morning and evening, with reverence, attention and thought.
    3. Prayerful meditation on the Teachings, so that we may understand them more deeply, fulfill them more faithfully, and convey them more accurately to others.
    4. Striving every day to bring our behavior more into accordance with the high standards that are set forth in the Teachings.
    5. Teaching the Cause of God.
    6. Selfless service in the work of the Cause and in the carrying on of our trade or profession.

    They also suggested that in their private meditation the believers use the repetition of the Greatest Name, Alláh-u-Abhá, ninety-five times a day which, although at that time it was not yet applied in the West, it was among the Laws, Ordinances and Exhortations of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

  • See Personal Pathway for Spiritual Growth : A Personal Commentary on the Universal House of Justice's Six Requisites for Spiritual Growth by David and Carol Bowie.
  • Meditation; Spiritual Growth; Materialism; * Bahá'í World Centre
    1983 May 
    198-
    Seyed Mahmoud arrived in Lethbridge, Alberta — his original assigned city – and where he has resided every since. (Alberta Baha'i Council 2015 "Mohsen and Donna Seyed Mahmoud biography"). Mohsen Seyed Mahmoud; Donna Seyed Mahmoud; Lethbridge, AB
    1983 Ridván
    198-
    In 1983 the institution of the National Convention went through another of its periodic bouts of growing pains. Attendance again was limited to the delegates and the members of the two participating Institutions, the Board of Counsellors and the National Spiritual Assembly, although members of the Auxiliary Board were also welcome as guests and observers. Prior to the Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly had sent to all delegates a list of questions on which it felt the incoming membership of the Assembly would most urgently need the delegates' advice. In the same mailing, the delegates received the Annual Report from the National Assembly and reports from each one of the national committees.

    Those elected to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly were: Douglas Martin (sec'y), Hossain Danesh [chair), Jane Faily, Ed Muttart (treasurer and ass't sec'y), Ruth Eyford, Michael Rochester (vice), Glen Eyford, Husayn Banani, and William Hatcher. [CBN Vol5 Issue3 July/Aug 1983 p23; CBN Vol5 Issue 2 May/Jun 1983 p20]

    National Convention; National Spiritual Assembly, election of; Douglas Martin; Hossain Danesh; Jane Faily; Ed Muttart; Ruth Eyford; Michael Rochester; Glen Eyford; Husayn Banani; William Hatcher; Guelph, ON
    1983 (In the year)
    198-
    The film Heritage of the Martyrs, made by Elizabeth Martin, documented the fate of the Bahá'ís in Iran. [HNWE45] - Film; Elizabeth Martin; Heritage of the Martyrs (film); Elizabeth Martin; Toronto, ON
    1982 2 – 5 Sep
    198-
    Bahá'í International Conference to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of the Greatest Holy Leaf was held in Montreal, Canada, attended by 9,400 Bahá'ís from 101 countries. [BW18:100; VV61; BC Vol 3 No 8 p3-16]
  • For the message of the Universal House of Justice see BW18:161–2.
  • For a pictorial report see BW18:151–4.
  • A two-member team was appointed by the National Assembly to coordinate the event: Jim Heidema, who was at that time manager of the National Centre and who handled all the logistical planning, and Elizabeth Martin who was made responsible for staging and program arrangements. [HNWE37]
  • Conferences, Bahá'í; - Conferences, International; Bahiyyih Khanum (Greatest Holy Leaf); Jim Heidema; Elizabeth Martin; Montreal, QC
    1982 30 Aug - 2 Sep
    198-
    The Seventh Annual Conference of the Association for Bahá'í Studies was held at the Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa and was attended by some 650 people, among them, Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts. The Conference theme, "The Bahá'í Option," was explored in a variety of addresses and papers, and in workshops and symposia on scholarship, curricula, health, and international development.

    Also among the Conference participants were Dr. Farzam Arbáb, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas; three members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, Dr. Hossain Danesh, Glen Eyford and Douglas Martin; and three members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Wilma Brady, Judge Dorothy W. Nelson and Judge James F. Nelson. Also attending were Counsellor Raul Pavón; Dr. Victor de Araujo, the representative of the Bahá'í International Community at the United Nations; and Dr. Betty J. Fisher, general editor of the U.S. Bahá'í Publishing Trust.

    This year's Hasan Balyúzi Lectureship was delivered by Gayle Morrison, a Bahá'í historian and educator from Hawaii who is the author of To Move the World, a biography of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory. Mrs. Morrison's topic was "A New Creation: The Power of the Covenant in the Life of Louis Gregory." [BC Vol 3 No 8 February 1982 p17-17]

    Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Ottawa, ON
    1982 Ridván
    198-
    The first closed National Convention was held. In addition to the delegates, those who attended included Hands of the Cause William Sears and John Robarts, Counsellor Lloyd Gardner, and some Auxiliary Board Members.

    In addition to the open style of the agenda and the Thursday supper, another new feature of the Convention was Friday's lunch at which everyone had a chance to discuss particular issues at differently designated tables. The closed nature of the Convention permitted the delegates, along with the Hands of the Cause, Counsellor, Board Members, and National Assembly members to get together for talks and discussions over meals and at breaks without getting caught up in the always festive, often overwhelming atmosphere of recent National Conventions which have seen upwards of one thousand participants.

    Elected to the National Spiritual Assembly were; Glen Eyford, Douglas Martin, Elizabeth Rochester, Michael Rochester, Edmund Muttart, Husayn Banani, Ruth Eyford, Jane Faily, and Hossain Danesh. [CBN Vol14 No 3 July/Aug 1982 p22]

    National Convention; National Spiritual Assembly, election of; Glen Eyford; Douglas Martin; Elizabeth Rochester; Michael Rochester; Edmund Muttart; Husayn Banani; Ruth Eyford; Jane Faily; Hossain Danesh
    1982 10 - 11 Apr
    198-
    Bahá'í International Health Agency was established as an affiliate of the Association for Bahá'í Studies. [BW18:201; VV25] Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Health and healing
    1982 20 Jan
    198-
    The passing of Mabel Harriet Pine (b. 1882 Bristol, England) in the Norword Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton. [Bahá'í Canada Vol 4 No3 July/Aug 1982 p46]

    As a young woman born into a privileged class she was a suffragette and a reformer. She worked as a nursemaid and governess then moved to Algiers and then Chile. After returning home she decided to emigrate to Canada and lived first in Vancouver and then in Edmonton where she trained as a nurse and married.

  • After loosing one child and almost loosing a second, in 1925 they moved to Armstrong, BC where she first heard of the Faith. They didn't stay long in Armstrong but moved back to Alberta for work. It was while she was visiting England the following year that she stayed with Claudia Coles and became confirmed in the Faith.
  • After living in Scollard, AB (1926-1927) and Vermillion, AB (1928-1941) they moved to Edmonton where they stayed for a year for the education of their daughter, Allison. She joined Mary Fry who had been there since 1940, the first Bahá'ís to live in Edmonton since Esther Rennels (1911-1917). They lived in a few more small towns in Alberta and in 1947 she and her husband separated and she moved back to Edmonton. [OBCC122, 186]
  • In about 1952 she pioneered to Vernon, BC.
  • She moved to Calgary to help form an Assembly in 1953 and left in 1954 to return to Edmonton. [CBN No 56 September 1954 p5]
  • 1975 she was living in New Westminster and her daughter moved her back to Alberta to care for her.
  • In her honour the Edmonton Community has established the Mabel Pine Bahá'í School for the spiritual education of children. [Bahá'í CanadaVol 16 No 1 May 2003 p14]

    [With thanks to Allion Stecyk for her tribute to her mother Mabel Harriet Pine: Unsung Heroine of Canada and to Joan Young for her research assistance.]

  • Mabel Pine; In Memoriam; Mabel Pine; Claudia Coles; Allison Stecyk; Joan Young; Mary Fry; Esther Rennels; Edmonton, AB; Scollard, AB; Vermillion, AB; Calgary, AB; Armstrong, BC; Vernon, BC; New Westminster, BC
    1982 (In the year)
    198-
    Canadian Bahá'í International Development Service was established. [BBRSM154] Development
    1981 29 May - 3 Jun
    198-
    The International Conference on Marriage and the Family was held May 29-June 3 was held in Ottawa concurrent with the ABS conference to hear papers presented by scholars on various aspects of Bahá'í studies.

    Just as Amatu'l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum had ended the Association's annual conference, so she opened the three days of its International Bahá'í Conference on Marriage and the Family, speaking first about the problem of divorce, endemic among the Bahá'ís as it is in the world at large, and a source of great concern at the World Centre. Although marriage, she said, is not in itself a commandment, it is essential that Bahá'ís obey and take seriously the Bahá'í laws on marriage.

    One of the speakers at the International Bahá'í Conference on Marriage and the Family, sponsored by the Association for Bahá'í Studies was Mrs Yoshiko Nomura, a housewife from Tokyo, Japan, who was the founder and executive director of the Center for Lifelong Integrated Education.

    Other speakers included Kerry Mothersill, A.M. Ghadirian, Khalil A. Khavari, Michael Bruwer, Jane Faily, Frank Haendel, Hossain Danesh, Eric Frost, Sandra Roberts, N. Peseschkian, Ruth Eyford, and Anne McGillivray. [BN Issue 607 October 1981 p7]

    Conferences, Marriage and Family; Conferences, Bahá'í; - Conferences, International; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Kerry Mothersill; `Abdu'l-Missagh Ghadirian; Khalil A. Khavari; Michael Bruwer; Jane Faily; Frank Haendel; Hossain Danesh; Eric Frost; Sandra Roberts; Nossrat Peseschkian; Ruth Eyford; Anne McGillivray; Ottawa, ON
    1981 29 - 31 May
    198-
    The 6th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá'í Studies was held in Ottawa and was attended by some 350 Bahá'ís.

    This year, with the approval of the Universal House of Justice, the name of the Association was changed from the Canadian Association for Studies on the Bahá'í Faith to the Association for Bahá'í Studies in recognition of its increasingly international character. Also, the Association recently purchased a modest house on the campus of the University of Ottawa to serve as a Center for Bahá'í Studies and as an administrative headquarters for the organization.

    The presentations included: "The Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Personal Growth," by Hossain Danesh, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada who is a practicing psychiatrist; a discussion of the use of computers in indexing the Bahá'í Writings, presented by Edward Fox, a doctoral candidate in computer science at Cornell University; "John the Baptist—The Forgotten Manifestation," by Jack McLean, a doctoral candidate in religious studies at the University of Ottawa; and a presentation on the life and works of Mishkín-Qalam, the famous Bahá'í calligrapher, by Gol Aidun of Brandon, Manitoba.

    Also included in the conference was the second annual Ḥasan Balyúzi Lectureship—given this year by Douglas Martin, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, who spoke on the persecutions of the Bahá'ís in Iran under the Pahlavi regime, and by Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, who discussed the reaction of people in the West to the current wave of persecutions in Iran.

    The last presentation of the conference was that of Amatu'l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum who had recently arrived in North America after several months in Central America. Although not entirely recovered from an illness acquired during her travels, she spoke vigorously—although, uncharacteristically, while seated. Her principal theme was the corrosive effects of the prejudice of the educated toward the illiterate, though she stressed the importance of the contribution of the educated in the Faith and in society.

    She also urged the Bahá'ís to redouble their efforts, citing a passage pointed out to her by the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, in which Bahá'u'lláh, while still in Baghdád, had said that if the Bahá'ís had busied themselves with what He had commanded them to do, "now the entire world would be clothed in faith." [BN Issue 607 October 1981 p7; BCVol 3 No 5 July/August 1981 p5]

    Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Hossain Danesh; Edward Fox; Jack McLean; Gol Aidun; Douglas Martin; Glenford Mitchell; Amatul-Bahá Ruhiyyih Khanum; Association for Bahá'í Studies (North America); Ottawa, ON
    1981 Apr
    198-
    Canadian Association for Studies on the Bahá'í Faith was renamed the Association for Bahá'í Studies. [BBD202; VV24–5] Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Association for Bahá'í Studies (North America); Ottawa, ON
    1981 - 2002
    198-
    Persian-language Bahá'í quarterly journal entitled `Andalíb was published from 1981 to 2012 under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. From issue no. 69, responsibility for the publication was moved to the Association of Bahá'í Studies in Persian (an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada).
  • Journals from Year 1 (138-9 BE, 1981-2), Issue 1: Winter to Year 23 (162 BE, 2005-6), Issue 90: Spring are available on-line.
  • * Publications; Andalib (journal); Association of Bahá'í Studies in Persian; Thornhill, ON; Ottawa, ON
    1981 (In the year)
    198-
    The Department of Immigration signed an agreement with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada permitting that body to sponsor the immigration of several hundred Iranian Bahá'ís. Iranian Bahá'ís were also named specifically by the Minister in his December 1982 submission to the House of Commons on the 1983 quota for Government sponsored refugees. Some 2,300 Iranian Bahá'í refugees arrived in Canada and settled in all of the provinces and territories. [The Future of Canada: A Bahá'í Perspective; A Symposium on the Iranian Bahá'í Refugee Movement to Canada, 1981-1989]

    This cooperative partnership between the Bahá'í Community and the Department of Immigration became a model for some 25 other countries.

      Note: This brief was presented to The Royal Commission on the Economic Union and Development Prospects of Canada by the Canadian Bahá'í Community through its National Spiritual Assembly in Saskatoon November 21-22, 1983.
    Presentations; Saskatoon, SK
    1981 (In the year)
    198-
    The founding of the Canadian Bahá'í International Development Agency (CBIDA). It takes on projects in areas like education, sustainable development through agriculture, and community development that aim to enrich the social and spiritual life of the community. The CBIDA supports its partners usually by means of providing access to funding, often in collaboration with the Canadian International Development Agency, as well as assisting with project design and monitoring and helping to build organizational capacity. [CBNS 1 November 2006] Canadian Bahá'í International Development Agency (CBIDA)
    1980 13 Jul
    198-
    The execution by firing squad of Dr. Faramarz Samandari as well as another Bahá'í by the name of Yadollah Astani, a reputable Tabriz merchant. Dr Samandari had been arrested on April 22nd along with a number of other Bahá'ís in Tabriz who had gathered to discuss what could be done about the Bahá'ís who had been expelled from government employment.

    Raised in Babol he had studied medicine in Tehran, completed his military service then left for England to study English and then Canada. After completing his studies in which he trained as an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist), he returned to Iran. His Canadian fiancee, Anita, followed and they were married in 1971. She and their three children, all under the age of seven, left Iran after the Revolution on the advice of the Canadian Embassy.

    He was 48 years old at the time of his execution and was considered one of the top microscopic ear surgeons in the world. He was an innovator who devised a new method of ear surgery for the treatment of deafness. The method, now used in a modernized form around the world, allows a surgeon to implant a small hearing aid behind the ear of a hearing impaired person in a way that cannot been seen. [Iran Wire]

    Persecution, Iran; Yadollah Astani; Dr. Faramarz Samandari; Babul (Barfurush), Iran; Tabríz, Iran; Iran
    1980 2 - 4 Jun
    198-
    Fifth Annual Conference of the Association of Bahá'í Studies was held in Ottawa.

    A group of lectures were given on the life and work of Hand of the Cause Mr. Hasan Balyuzi. Dr. Abbas Afnan and Dr. Muhammed Afnan, both of whom are relations of Mr. Balyuzi and belong to the family of the Blessed Bab, talked about Mr. Balyuzi's illustrious lineage. Hand of the Cause of God, Mr. John Robarts provided an appreciation of Mr. Balyuzi's service as a member of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause. Mr. Douglas Martin gave the final talk of the lectureship session reviewing the immense work of Mr. Balyuzi as an historian. The Association has established a continuing lectureship in Bahá'í history, in Mr. Balyuzi's honour.

    Another new feature of the annual conference was the presentation of awards for the three best essays and research on Bahá'í studies. Catherine Nelson-McDermott of British Columbia was the recipient of an award for the best essay in the high school category for her paper, "Tahirih". Alanna Robertson of Prince Edward Island was chosen in the univer- sity category for her essay entitled; "Music: Its Influence on the Spirit". Robert Stockman of Rhode Island received the award for the best research in the individual category for his work, "'A History of the Rhode Island Baha'i Community". Each winner was the guest of the Association, presented his/ her paper during the conference, and received a commemo- rative plaque.

    The presentations on the theme of history were very well received. Dr. Alan Ward's talk, "'Abdu'1l-Bahá and the American Press", set the tone of the conference, with ease, humour and clarity. Gol Aidun recounted the relationship of Manakji Limji Hataria, an historical figure in the Zoroastrian community, with the Bahá'í Faith. Stephen Whitney's paper entitled "The Second Century", reviewed the condition of the major religions in their second century of existence and compared their history to the second century of the Bahá'í Faith. A major presentation by Dr. Jean-René Milot of the University of Montreal entitled "L'Origine de la foi baha'i sur l'arriére plan shi'ie", was given. This talk by an invited guest speaker enabled the friends to witness the accuracy and fairness with which truly informed non-Baha'i scholars could view the Bahá'í Faith.

    The panel presentation on ''Baha'i Scholarship" was inaugurated this year and was very successful. A special addition was a presentation by Mr. Richard St. Barbe Baker en- titled ''The Founding of the Men of the Trees".

    News of the decision to proceed at once with the planned purchase of a building to house the offices of the Association and gradually expand into a Centre for Baha'i Studies gave a final note of excitement and confirmation to the year's proceedings. [BCVol 2 No 12 September/October 1980 p29]

    Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Abbas Afnan; Muhammed Afnan; John Robarts; Douglas Martin; Catherine Nelson-McDermott; Alanna Robertson; Robert Stockman; Alan Ward; Gol Aidun; Stephen Whitney; Jean-René Milot; Jean-René Milot; Ottawa, ON
    1980 2 - 4 Jun
    198-
    Immediately following the ABS Conference, and under the sponsorship of the Association for Bahá'í Studies, the first International Bahá'í Conference on Health and Healing was convened. It was open to Bahá'í s only. The aims of the conference were (1) to further enhance research and study on various Writings of the Bahá'í Faith as they pertain to health and healing; (2) to provide a forum for individuals to share their scientific findings and the results of their clinical activities; and (3) to initiate collaborative research and service projects on an international scale.

    The conference began with a presentation by Dr. Victor de Araujo entitled, "Health: A Global Perspective". Dr. Hossain Danesh then presented a review of the historical relationship between religion and science in general and the science of medicine in particular. These two talks set the tone and direction of the conference.

    For the remaining two and a half days, the participants were treated to an array of challenging, informative and well-researched presentations such as: "Mind, Body and Soul" by Dr. Faraneh Khadem; "The Baha'i Revelation and Lifestyle Alternation" by Dr. David Smith; "Adolescent Quest for Tranquility: the Dilemma of Drug Abuse" by Dr. A. M. Ghadirian; ''Scientific Method of Search for Truth" by Dr. Peter Morgan; "Total Stimulation for Children Recovering from Malnutrition" by Linda Gershuny; "Nutrition: Key Factor in High-Level Wellness" by Dr. S. Raman; "Music Therapy" by Jocelyn Boor; "Healing Relationship in Marriage" by Ruth Eyford and Helgi Eyford; and "The Importance for a Physician to turn to God" by Dr. Agnes Ghaznavi.

    There were four very successful workshops: "Smoking and Exercise"; ''Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, and Youth"; "Baha'i Life" and ''Baha'i Approach to Sexuality". The participants also had the pleasure of attending the performance of Ballet Shayda on the theme of "Women in Motion''.

    . The closing addresses were given by Hand of the Cause John Robarts and by Florence Altass, a 96 year old Bahá'í from England, who due to a recent and severe illness, was not able to attend the conference but sent a paper and taped message. Throughout the conference, Mr. Robarts greatly encouraged the friends, showered them with his love and guided them with his remarks. He reminded Bahá'í health professionals of the importance of prayer and turning to God for assistance at the time of dispensing treatment. It was through his closing remarks, quoting from the Writings of the Faith, that the audience caught a glimpse of the unity of religion and science which will no doubt characterize the medical sciences of the future. [BC Vol 2 Issue 12 September/October 1980 p30]

    Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Health; - Conferences, International; Victor de Araujo; Hossain Danesh; Faraneh Khadem; David Smith; `Abdu'l-Missagh Ghadirian; Peter Morgan; Linda Gershuny; S. Raman; Jocelyn Boor; Ruth Eyford; Helgi Eyford; Agnes Ghaznavi; John Robarts; Florence Altass; Ballet Shayda (dance group); Ottawa, ON 1st International Bahá'í Conference on Health and Healing
    1980 2 May
    198-
    The first Bahá'í International Conference on Health and Healing was held in Ottawa, Canada, under the sponsorship of the Association for Bahá'í Studies. [BW 18:201] Bahá'í Studies, Associations for; Conferences, Bahá'í; Conferences, Health; - Conferences, International; - First conferences; Ottawa, ON first Bahá’í International Conference on Health and Healing
    1980 Apr
    198-
    Those elected to the National Spiritual Assembly were: Jameson Bond, Glen Eyford, Husayn Banani, Hossain Danesh, Michael Rochester, Edmund Muttart, Elizabeth Rochester, Ruth Eyford, and Douglas Martin. [Baha'i Canada, vol. 2, no. 10, May/June 1980]
  • Photo.
  • National Convention; National Spiritual Assembly, election of; Jameson Bond; Glen Eyford; Husayn Banani; Hossain Danesh; Michael Rochester; Edmund Muttart; Elizabeth Rochester; Ruth Eyford; Douglas Martin
    1980 20 Feb
    198-
    The passing of Rosemary Sala (b. Mary Gillies Glasgow, Scotland 1906) at her pioneer post in Guadalajara, Mexico. She was a member of the Montreal Youth Group in the early years of the Faith and a member of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Canada as well as the Regional Assembly of South and West Africa. She and her husband Emeric pioneered to South Africa, Venezuela and Mexico and travelled throughout America, China, India and Europe. [TG211; Bahá'ís of Canada; BW18 p713]
  • See her essay Beyond the Fog inWorld Order Vol2 Issue 2 p458-461.
  • Her biography and that of her husband Emeric, Tending the Garden was written by her niece Ilona Sal Weinstein. This publication is also available in the e-book format.
  • In Memoriam; Guadalajara, Mexico; Mexico
    1980 (In the year)
    198-
    The film Jubilee, commissioned by the Universal House of Justice and made by Elizabeth Martin, documented the dedication of the cornerstone for the House of Worship in Samoa.
  • She also made a second version was made of this film entitled Blessed Is the Spot which focused more directly on the dedication ceremonies.
  • The film The Bahá'ís was an introductory film on the development activities of the Bahá'í communities around the world was edited by Elizabeth Martin. [HNWE45]
  • Jubilee (film); - Film; Elizabeth Martin; Blessed is the Spot (film); The Bahá'ís (film); Toronto, ON
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