Dorothy Beecher Baker (1898-1954) – “distinguished Hand (of the) Cause, eloquent exponent its teachings, indefatigable supporter its institutions, valiant defender its precepts”

Cablegram from the Guardian:

Hearts grieved (at) lamentable, untimely passing (of) Dorothy Baker, distinguished Hand (of the) Cause, eloquent exponent its teachings, indefatigable supporter its institutions, valiant defender its precepts. (Her) long record (of) outstanding service (has) enriched (the) annals (of the) concluding years (of the) Heroic (and the) opening epoch (of the) Formative Age (of the) Baha', Dispensation. Fervently praying (for the) progress (of her) soul (in the) Abha Kingdom.

Assure relatives profound loving sympathy. (Her) noble spirit (is) reaping bountiful reward.

Advise hold memorial gathering (in the) Temple befitting her rank (and) imperishable services

Haifa, Israel,

January 13, 1954.

-Shoghi

Mystery of mysteries is the tragic British jet plane disaster near the island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea, which, on January 10, 1954, deprived the Baha'i, Cause of Dorothy Baker's spiritually intelligent services in this world. Distinguished in her life as a Hand of the Cause, an administrator, a remarkably gifted teacher, she was lifted out of her lofty position at the time when she was in the full tide of her capacities for service to our beloved Faith. Mere words cannot express the quality of grief which afflicted Baha’is on every continent. But a life of genuine Baha'i service so pure and beautiful had its effect on many lives, and, even in this sudden passing to her Heavenly Home, she proclaimed the Baha'i Faith. The news of the disaster went round the world, and undoubtedly millions of people heard the word "Baha'i" for the first time.

Dorothy Beecher Baker was born in Newark, New Jersey, December 21, 1898. Her father was related to Henry Ward Beecher, a liberal clergyman famous for his eloquence on the subjects of the abolition of slavery and prohibition, and to Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Harriet Beecher-Stowe

Dorothy was graduated from the Montclair Normal College and thereafter taught in the public schools of Newark for two years. She was then offered a contract to teach in the Ethical Culture School in New York but declined the offer and, in the summer of 1921, she was married to Frank Baker. They had two children, Louise Baker Matthias and William, both of them comprehending and loyal Baha'is. Frank Baker deserves much gratitude, for he stood by Dorothy's side always, and, in his own magnificent services and his support of Dorothy's teaching activities, there was the element of true sacrifice.

Dorothy Baker with family 1923

In the early pioneering days of the Baha'i Cause in New York City (1900-1905), I was closely associated with Dorothy's grandmother, known to the Baha'is as Mother Beecher. We worked together, arranging the programs and meetings at Genealogical Hall and in many other activities. Mother Beecher was an elderly person even then. She lived near us, and I used to see her practically every day in connection with our Baha'i duties. I loved to hear her dwell on her religious experiences. Her stories were without end.

After Dorothy had grown to a little girl, Mother Beecher was full of anxiety, at times, about her. Dorothy's parents were not Baha'is then, although now they are both active in the Faith, and Mother Beecher would say to me: "I will train Dorothy; I will train her. She shall be my spiritual child. I would not be loyal to Baha'u'llah if my granddaughter did not receive the true Baha'i Teachings." She said this so many times that it has remained indelibly impressed upon me.