Pilgrim Notes

Ethel Revell

1949

My first glimpse of ‘Abdul’-Baha was in a Pennsylvania Railroad train, going from North Philadelphia Station to Broad Street Station, on Saturday afternoon, June 8, 1912.

Shall I ever forget that days I recall that I could scarcely keep myself together – I felt my body would fly to pieces with joy, as I awaited the hour, and especially while walking to the station - a walk of perhaps 5 minutes.

I had dreamed of Him, I had longed for Rim, I had spoken of Him to people, and now I was to nee Him, — the One who had guttered all His life to show us what a real life should be. I cannot explain how I felt - expectant, eager, yes -- and yet I had always felt I was near Him.

We entered the train. ‘Abdu’l Baha was sitting at a window, and had the shade drawn down quite far. With Him were, I believe, Mrs. Getsinger, Mrs. Boyle and some of the Persian men believers.

I sat in the seat behind Rim, after shaking Nis hand. Such joy! just wished the ride might never end.

When a child, I had attended a Baptist Church – and used to sit in my class and with the Christ would come again; and. I recall yet, as though it were yesterday, that though only a child of about 9 or 10, I then solemnly promised myself that if He should come and I should learn of it during my life, I would give up everything to serve Him.

We arrived at the station all too quickly. We all walked through the waiting room, and sat down – I believe I was about 3 or 4 seats from ‘Abdu’l-Baha. He sat there a few minutes and then left for the Rittenhouse Hotel in an automobile. We followed; but tAbdu’l-Baha retired immediately, as he was weary from the day.

On Sunday morning, June 9, 1912, I again saw ‘Abdu’l-Baha at a Unitarian Church at 15th and Girard Avenue. It was Children’s Day, and I was so happy to see the children present.

‘Abdu’l-Baha said that He had come from the orient to the occident that perchance a bond of unity might be created between the east and the west. (see P.U.P.)

After the service, I saw Abdu’l-Baha walk to the street and put His hand on the shoulder of my older brother, who had come to meet Him, although not calling himself a Baha’i. This made me very, very happy.

I do not recall whether I returned home after the morning church service or not, but I do know that the afternoon found us with ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Rittenhouse Hotel.

As we entered - there being a group of people present, we hesitated, and ‘Abdu’l-Baha said we should come in. We quietly walked in and eat, on the floor opposite Him.

He was saying that Baha’u’llah had sent Him forth to us as a dove with a message on His wings -- and that Message was that He, Baha’u’llah had accepted us in His service. Such a precious message!

Then he spoke to the brother of Mr. Charles Mason Remey - telling him of the condition of the people - how they do not recognize the great ones in their day; but afterwards they worship the ground they trod, etc.

Again I have no recollection of what happened until I found myself riding in a street car toward the Baptist Church where ‘Abdu’l-Baha was to speak in the evening.

The minister of the Baptist Temple, Broad and Berks Streets, at that time , the late Dr Russell H. Conwell, had visited ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Akka in prison; and had invited ‘Abdu’l-Baha at that time, to come to his church and speak, if he were ever liberated, and should journey to America; which invitation ‘Abdu’l-Baha graciously accepted.

Dr. Conwell gave a very wonderful introduction, saying that to his people ‘Abdu’l-Baha needed no introduction as He was already known; and that the ones who were present who did not belong to his congregation of course knew ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

‘Abdu’l-Baha spoke at length on the principles in a very wonderful talk. (See P.U.P.)

After the service, Dr. Conwell took ‘Abdu’l-Baha in to his study, where ‘Abdu’l-Baha shook hands with those wishing to meet Him.

I too stood in line and took His hand, and then stood at a short distance, watching the others, and wishing 1had more capacity to understand more fully the importance of those minutes.

Again ‘Abdu’l-Baha was whirled away to the hotel.

These 3 sheets contain experiences of Ethel Revell of Philadelphia, with ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Philadelphia. More to follow.