Edward (Saffa) Kinney (1863-1950) – “dearly loved, highly admired, greatly trusted, staunch, indefatigable, self-sacrificing teacher, pillar (of) Faith”; “leonine spirit, exemplary steadfastness, notable record (of) services”; “Master he loved so dearly, served so nobly, defended so heroically”

"Grieve passing dearly loved, highly admired, greatly trusted, staunch, indefatigable, self-sacrificing teacher, pillar (of) Faith, Saffa Kinney. His leonine spirit, exemplary steadfastness, notable record (of) services enriched annals (of) closing period Heroic Age (and) opening phase Formative Age (of) Baha'i Dispensation. Bountiful reward assured (in) Abba Kingdom beneath shadow (of) Master he loved so dearly, served so nobly, defended so heroically until last breath."

- Shoghi (Cablegram dated December 16, 1950)

Edward B. Kinney (beloved Saffa) was born of an old New York family in the spring of 1863, the spring of Baha'u'llah’s epoch-making Declaration in the Ridvan. As though by coming at such a moment into the world, Saffa was gifted with unusual genius. His genius found two channels of expression - in this material world through the greatest of all arts, music, with its spiritual source; in the region of the soul through that purest evidence of faith which the human spirit can manifest: an immediate recognition of the Messenger of God and a life wholly devoted to Him.

"Saffa was so human," said a friend after he passed from this life into that other where his heart was centered. And perhaps when we think of him now, we think first of that endearing humanness of his - fiery and rash and vigorous and with a rollicking sense of humor. But, above and beyond his temperament and character was bis power of love, caught directly from the heart of 'Abdu'l-Baha, on whom his heart was so passionately fixed.

It was my inestimable privilege to be with the Kinneys in 'Akka in 1909. One day when we were lunching with 'Abdu'l-Baha He turned to Saffa and said that He had answered the questions of all, now Mr. Kinney was left.

Saffa replied, tears in his eyes: "There is only one question in my soul, How can I love you more?" And the Master replied that He would answer later.