- 1920-01-04 — The arrival of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's hand-built seven-seater Cunningham touring car made in Rochester NY by James Cunningham and Sons. The automobile probably cost in the range from $7,500 to $8.000 and was a gift from Mrs Ella Goodall Cooper. [Coachbuilt website]
Mr. Fujita accompanied the shipment from the United States to Haifa where he maintained the car and was one of the drivers. The Master gave Shoghi Effendi instructions to see that it was cleared and delivered to the house after receiving notice of its arrival from Port Said. Although it was not a business day, he succeeded in getting the car delivered by taking the papers to the homes of various officials, asking them to sign the documents and give the necessary orders for the car of Sir 'Abdu'l-Baha 'Abbas to be delivered to Him at once.
Although Abdul-Baha rode in the Cunningham car on occasions, it was predominantly used for transporting the pilgrims. The car has since been restored and pilgrims have the opportunity to see it. [PP28, Reflections on the Bahá'í Writings; PG126]
- 1976-05-07 —
Saichiro Fujita, (b. 1886) the second Japanese to become a Bahá'í, passed away in Haifa. [BW17:406; Bahá'í Canada No 294 June 1996 p6]
- For his obituary see BW17:406–8.
- 1903 came to California for education.
- 1905 became a Bahá'í (Mrs. Kathryn Frankland)
- 1912 joined 'Abdu'l-Bahá's party in Chicago as they were near departure for California.
- 1919 came to the Holy Land after studying electricity and horticulture.
- 1928 Shoghi Effendi sent him back to Japan with the war impending.
- 1955 returned to the Holy Land.
- Was buried in the Bahá'í Cemetery in Haifa.
- References: Traces That Remain and Japan Will Turn Ablaze
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