Ethel Cowan Revell (14 April 1897 - 9 February 1984) - "SAINTLY STEADFAST SELFSACRIFICING PROMOTER CAUSE GOD": Appointed by Shoghi Effendi to the International Baha'i Council as its Western Assistant Secretary; Secretary to the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land

DEEPLY GRIEVED ANNOUNCE PASSING ETHEL REVELL SAINTLY STEADFAST SELFSACRIFICING PROMOTER CAUSE GOD. BLESSED BY ASSOCIATION ABDULBAHA COURSE HIS VISIT AMERICA AND RECEIPT TABLETS FROM HIM. HER TIRELESS LABOURS STERLING QUALITIES EARNED ADMIRATION SHOGHI EFFENDI WHO APPOINTED HER INTERNATIONAL BAHAI COUNCIL AS ITS WESTERN ASSISTANT SECRETARY. THIS CROWN HER SERVICES CONTINUED MEMBERSHIP ELECTED COUNCIL SUBSEQUENT SERVICES MANY CAPACITIES WORLD CENTRE INCLUDING SECRETARY HANDS HOLY LAND. URGE NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS HER HONOUR IN ALL MASHRIQUL- ADHKARS OTHER CENTRES. PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HER RADIANT SOUL ABHA KINGDOM.

With these words the Universal House of Justice on 9 February 1984 announced to the Bahá’i world the passing of one who lived her life of dedicated service as though no alternative existed and who would have been amazed to be accorded such accolades.

The Revells were a devout Christian family living in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. U.S.A. The father, Edward, was a weaver, who passed away, after years of illness, in 1900, leaving his forty-one-year-old wife Mary with six young children, though Ethel herself mentions there being eight children in the family. Mary Revell, though tiny in size, was a pillar of strength, possessed of phenomenal courage. Before her husband died, foreseeing the difficulties of her situation, he told her she would never be able to keep all the children with her, but she assured him he need not worry, she would do so; she got employment in a factory and with the assistance of the older children, who valiantly got jobs at an early age, she preserved her home and kept her family together. Ethel’s own employment certificate shows she was fourteen when she went to work; most of her working life she was listed as 'stenographer'. Like her mother, she was small and delicate in build.

Mary Revell and daughters, 1914

Annie McKinney, Mary Revell’s sister, was one of America’s early believers and interested Mary and her daughters, Jessie and Ethel, in the Bahá’í teachings; they attended meetings in 1906 taught by Mrs. Isabella Brittingham, a renowned and erudite Bahá’i, and as a result Mary Revell, Jessie, not yet fifteen, and Ethel, not yet ten, accepted the Faith. Gradually the whole family became Bahá’is and the Revell home became the hub of activities in Philadelphia for many decades. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had a great love for this family, particularly its most distinguished members Mary, Jessie and Ethel, who received a number of Tablets from Him; in one written to Mary Revell in 1908 from the prison-city of ‘Akká He foreshadows His teaching mission to the West: “Thy letter was received and was of the utmost sweetness for it began: ‘O Thou Ensign of Peace and Salvation!’ It is the hope of this imprisoned one to become the cause of Peace and Salvation in the world and summon the inhabitants of the globe to love, kindness, righteousness, uprightness and the adoration of Truth…”

Hasan M. Balyuzi (1908- 1980) – Hand of the Cause; “ONE OF…MOST POWERFUL DEFENDERS MOST RESOURCEFUL HISTORIANS”; “ILLUSTRIOUS LINEAGE”; “DEVOTED LABOURS DIVINE VINEYARD”; “OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORKS; “EXEMPLARY ACHIEVEMENTS”; “STEADFASTNESS PATIENCE HUMILITY”; “OUTSTANDING SCHOLARLY PURSUITS”; Author of Books: Bahá’u’lláh the King of Glory; The Báb; ‘Abdu'l-Bahá, Centre of the Covenant; Khadíjih Bagum, the wife of the Báb; Eminent Bahá'ís in the Time of Bahá'u'lláh; Edward Granville Browne and the Bahá'i Faith; Muhammad and the Course of Islam

WITH BROKEN HEARTS ANNOUNCE PASSING DEARLY LOVED HAND CAUSE HASAN BALYUZI. ENTIRE BAHAI WORLD ROBBED ONE OF ITS MOST POWERFUL DEFENDERS MOST RESOURCEFUL HISTORIANS. HIS ILLUSTRIOUS LINEAGE HIS DEVOTED LABOURS DIVINE VINEYARD HIS OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORKS COMBINE IN IMMORTALIZING HIS HONOURED NAME IN ANNALS BELOVED FAITH. CALL ON FRIENDS EVERYWHERE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERINGS. PRAYING SHRINES HIS EXEMPLARY ACHIEVEMENTS HIS STEADFASTNESS PATIENCE HUMILITY HIS OUTSTANDING SCHOLARLY PURSUITS WILL INSPIRE MANY DEVOTED WORKERS AMONG RISING GENERATIONS FOLLOW HIS GLORIOUS FOOTSTEPS. (Universal House of Justice 12 February 1980)

Hasan Muvaqqar Balyuzi was loved and honoured both in his native Iran and his adopted England, and by virtue of his consistent services in the British Baha'i community for nearly fifty years earned a central role in its history.

A student from his youth, he became in the last decade of his life and in the sight of all the Baha'i world, its pre-eminent scholar, yielding place only to Mirza Abu'lFadl, by whose learning Mr. Balyuzi was himself astonished. He seemed, from his earliest years, a mature and balanced person, as though his gentle yet remarkable qualities were his by birth - an innate courtesy and kindliness, an easy yet dignified bearing, a delightful wit and humour, an appreciation of every effort or service offered by others for the Faith, understanding of apparent frailties of behaviour, seeing beyond these to the longings and pain of human souls, quiet perseverance in fulfilling his own responsibilities, untarnished steadfastness in his loyalty to the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, complete and heartfelt obedience to the Central Figures of the Faith and its Guardian, staunch and knowledgeable support of all the institutions of the Administrative Order - these give but an incomplete portrayal of one whose presence conveyed to those who knew him a sense of well-being, tranquillity and hope.

At the moment of his first meeting, in his youth, with Shoghi Effendi, his inmost being was quickened to the reality of the Guardian's servitude at the Holy Threshold, and his sensitive, receptive spirit became, and ever remained, centred upon the greatness and glory of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah. His life can be understood in no other terms than his striving to serve that Revelation, in whatever course events might take, in health or in sickness, to his closing days in this world, when his utmost longing was to lay his head on the threshold of the Most Holy Shrine and offer to the King of Glory with his own hand the gift of his last, heroic labours.

I. Family and Youth

Hasan Balyuzi shared with the Guardian of the Faith descent from the same great-grandfather, Haji Mirza Abu'l-Qasim - one of the two brothers of Khadijih-Bagum, the wife of the Báb -- whose daughter, Fatimih-Sultan-Bagum, was Mr. Balyuzi's paternal grandmother. His paternal grandfather was Muhammad-Hasan, a merchant of a Bushire family, whom Baha'u'llah accepted as of the family of the Báb, and a son of this union was Mirza 'Ali Aqa, later entitled Muvuqqari'd-Dawlih, the father of Hasan Balyuzi. His mother, Munavvar Khanum, traced her descent from both brothers of the wife of the Báb, and thus Mr. Balyuzi's 'illustrious lineage' had a twofold bond with Khadijih-Bagum for whom he had a particular love and esteem.

Leonora Stirling Armstrong (1895- 1980) – “HERALD OF THE KINGDOM, BELOVED HANDMAIDEN of ABDU’L-BAHA, SPIRITUAL MOTHER of SOUTH AMERICA”; the first Baha'i pioneer to settle permanently in Latin America; In 1927, the first Baha'i to visit and speak of the Cause in Colombia, Venezuela, Curacao, Trinidad, Barbados, Haiti, British Guiana and Dutch Guiana; In 1930, found the first Baha'i group of Spain; In 1961 helped with translation of ‘God Passes By’ and ‘The Dawn-Breakers’ into Portuguese

Rio de Janeiro: At dawn on 1 February 1921, the S.S. Vasari plowed through sparkling waters into the majestic harbor. Below deck, in second-class accommodation, watching, stood an attractive, cultured young woman, a lone American. In her heart she nourished the vision of an unspeakably glorious mission, the spread of the Light of God in this day to an entire continent. In her purse, all her savings, barely enough for two weeks' modest expenses. No friends in the city, no job. She spoke no Portuguese. Odd circumstances for one who so readily confessed a lack of self-confidence. Clearly her reliance was placed elsewhere.

Panama City: Half a century later at an international conference held in connection with the dedication of the first Baha'i House of Worship in Latin America, this same slight and soft-spoken woman - Leonora Stirling Armstrong - was presented to the thousands of believers gathered there. Spontaneously they rose to pay tribute to her achievements. What emotions must have surged within her weakened frame, now bent with long toil, as she surveyed these children of her dream. For here were fervent followers of Baha’u’llah raised up from every country of Latin America, of every color, clime and custom. Here was her vision made real; like Saint Peter she cast the seeds, and now witnessed a heavenly harvest. Heartbreaks and anxiety; aches, pains and fevers - how they all took on divine meaning.

On 23 June 1895, in a pleasant two-story house, high on a rise overlooking the Hudson River and the Catskill range beyond, a first child was born to Samuel Norris Holsapple and his beautiful wife, Grace Stirling. They named her Leonora. The Holsapples were well-known in the then little town of Hudson, New York, where they had settled after their marriage. The gifted Mrs. Holsapple served actively in civic work, and had taught school. The childhood of Leonora was, however, soon overshadowed with tragedy and sadness, for her mother's health steadily declined. Just after her precious daughter's fifth birthday she died.

Mrs. Holsapple's untimely death had a profound effect on Leonora and her younger sister, Alethe. They never again had what could truly be called a home. 'How we could endure', Leonora herself recounts, 'through those years of our childhood and adolescence , such loneliness, such suffering, even cruelty, I do not know ... I can remember how when still a small child, often at night before going to bed, I knelt down at my sister's bedside and in agony of soul, implored God with all the intensity of my being to let us feel His Presence, His nearness, His protection. Little did I then dream in what way, and how specifically, that prayer was later to be answered!" [1]

Despite her suffering Leonora was a gifted student all through her childhood. In her high school graduating class she received the highest honors and was made valedictorian. She was able to enter Cornell University on a scholarship, and was elected Phi Beta Kappa in her junior year.

Hooper Harris – “one of the leading apostles of Baha'u'llah"; “the example he has set by his single-mindedness, his eloquent presentation of the essentials of God's Faith and his exemplary devotion to its cause”

With the passing of our dearly beloved Baha'i brother, Hooper Harris, from this phenomenal world to the invisible eternal realm, the world-wide Baha'i Community sustained the loss of one more of those faithful and devoted souls who gave the best years of their lives to the promotion and establishment of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in the West and in the East.

William Hooper Harris was born in New York City, December 14, 1866. All his early years, however, were spent in Nashville, Tenn. After finishing High School, financial difficulties at home precluded his intended study of law at college. He therefore worked by day, studied law at night and was admitted to the bar in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1893. In 1887, he married Sarah Gertrude Rawls of Birmingham and in 1894, they came to New York City to live, where he became an expert court reporter, doing work of unusually high quality till the very day of his death.

In New York City, in 1899, his wife, ever persistent in her desire and search for Truth, was told, by Mrs. Archie Fisk, of the Baha'i Faith and Mrs. Harris soon realized it to be the object of her search.

Hooper Harris accompanied her to hear the Baha'i Message and ere long he, too, realized the Light and Bounty of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah. Thereupon he became a faithful and devoted student of the Baha'i Revelation and of all the previous Revelations of Truth to mankind, especially those parts of the various Books which prophesied this Great Day of Light.

His continuous study and untiring efforts to know the Truth spiritually as well as mentally proved to be a timely preparation which enabled him to answer the call of 'Abdu'l-Baha in 1906 for an American to go to India to teach the Cause. On November 10, 1906, Mr. Harris, accompanied by Harlan Ober of Beverly, Mass., left New York City for 'Akka to receive the blessing and instructions from 'Abdu'l-Baha. In answer to Mr. Harris' request for specific instructions as to how to teach in India, 'Abdu'l-Baha's only reply was, "Face the people with a smile on your face and the love of God in your heart and rely wholly upon the Holy Spirit."

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.

Ella M. Bailey - “valiant exemplary pioneer”; elevated “to the rank of the martyrs of the Faith”; first pioneer of the Ten-Year Crusade

On being informed of the death of Miss Ella Bailey, pioneer who accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gulick in their settlement of Tripoli, Libya, the Guardian on August 30 cabled: "Grieve passing valiant exemplary pioneer. Reward (in) Kingdom bountiful."

"'Oh, Ella Bailey, Ella Bailey! Oh, Ella Bailey, Ella Bailey! Oh, Ella Bailey!' ... He kept repeating my name as He looked off into space. But He put into my name every possible emotion. That was the wonder of it." These words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, spoken in Chicago in 1912, conveyed to Miss Bailey this meaning: "My child, you are going to suffer. You are going to have a great deal of sorrow, and you are going to have a great deal of pain. Life is going to be hard." Miss Bailey remarked in an interview forty years later, "In those few words, He gave me all the emotions of a lifetime. He gave suffering but with it He gave me faith and strength. This made me feel His spiritual power and His truth."

Ella Martha Bailey was born in Houston, Texas, on December 18, 1864. While she was an infant, the family moved to San Diego County, California, and settled on a ranch. She was stricken with infantile paralysis at the age of two and one of her limbs remained paralyzed. As a child, she developed a fondness for the outdoors and learned, despite her physical handicap, to ride horseback expertly.

Her desire to serve mankind became apparent in her youth. She chose to enter the teaching profession not because of the rather meager financial reward attached to it but by reason of the manifold opportunities it afforded for child guidance. After graduating from normal school in southern California, Miss Bailey moved to Berkeley and began her career as a teacher. She taught various elementary grades and was deeply loved by her pupils who continued to remember her as the decades passed. When she retired in 1924 because of ill health, the principal of McKinley School wrote her a note of gratitude and appreciation for her services and her example. "I cannot close this letter," he wrote, "without telling you again what a precious thing your friendship has been to me and will continue to be, and how we all have been inspired by your courage and faith."

Lady Sara Louisa Blomfield (1859 – 1939) - “Sitárih [star] Khánum”, named by 'Abdu'l-Bahá; “dearly beloved”; “outstanding co-worker”; author of “Chosen Highway”; compiler of "Paris Talks"

“Profoundly grieve passing dearly beloved outstanding co-worker Sitarih Khánum. Memory her glorious, services imperishable. Advise English community hold befitting memorial gathering. Assure relatives, my heartfelt sympathy and loving fervent prayer.” (Cable from the Guardian, 1939; The Baha'i World 1938-1939)

In her inspiring, richly informative book about certain phases of Baha'i history, ‘The Chosen Highway’, Sara Louisa, Lady Blomfield, named Sitarih Khanum by 'Abdu'l-Baha, has given an account of the first time that she and her daughter Mary, called Parvine by Him, heard the Baha'i Faith mentioned. At a reception given by Madame Lucien Monod at her house in Paris in 1907, an attractive young guest, Miss Bertha Herbert, after seating herself between them, said to the Blomfields, "We have been taught to believe that a great Messenger would again be sent to the world: He would set forth to gather together all the peoples of good will in every race, nation, and religion on the earth. Now is the appointed time! He has come! He has come!"[1]

Lady Blomfield wrote, "These amazing words struck a chord to which my inner consciousness instantly responded, and I felt convinced that the portentous announcement they conveyed was indeed the truth. Great awe and intense exaltation possessed me with an overpowering force as I listened." [2]

Assured by Lady Blomfield that she and Mary were deeply interested in her remarks, Miss Herbert soon made an appointment for them to meet a gifted miniature painter, Miss Ethel Rosenberg, the second woman in the British Isles to enter the Faith, and a distinguished scholar, Hippolyte Dreyfus, the first French believer. These two remarkable people gave the Blomfields much information about the Faith.

On their return to London, they became acquainted with Mrs. Thornburgh-Cropper, the first Baha'i in the British Isles. She and Ethel Rosenberg held meetings with the Blomfields to make plans for spreading the message. After hearing about the Revelation of Baha’u’llah, Lady Blomfield's foremost aim became to serve His Cause.

Mary has described her mother: "At this time she had the beauty of a mature soul. The moulding of her face was lovely .... Her facial expressions, ever changing, reflected the spiritual harmony within .... She wore garments with long flowing lines which made her seem taller than her natural height ...."[3]

Early in August 1911, when 'Abdu'l-Baha was still in Egypt, but preparing to leave for Europe, she sent Him an invitation to stay at her house at 97 Cadogan Gardens in London. A few days later, she received the following telegram in reply: "'Abdu'l-Baha arriving in London 8th September. Can Lady Blomfield receive Him?" [4]

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.

Haji Muhammad Tahir Malmiri (1852-1953) - Father of Adib & Habib Taherzadeh; first pilgrimage in 1878 for nine months; second pilgrimage in 1914 for four months; author of the book: ‘History of the Martyrs of Yazd’; very active teacher of the Cause; noble life of service; had memorized almost half of the Qur'an; extremely well-versed in the Bible and the books of other religions; received Tablets from Baha’u’llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and letters from the Guardian

Haji Muhammad Tahir Malmiri lived, labored, and passed away in the ancient town of Yazd, Iran, a town notorious for its religious fanaticism and its large number of mullas. He was born there about the year 1852 which witnessed the inception of the mission of Baha'u'llah, and lived there long enough to see the centenary celebration of that Holy Year.

Known to almost every citizen, no other Baha'i in Yazd was so dearly loved and admired by the friends, and so bitterly denounced and insulted by the foes. Fortified by his staunch faith, animated by his intense desire to serve the Cause, sustained by the guiding Hand of Baha'u'llah, undaunted in the face of dire sufferings, his life and conduct served to perpetuate the spirit of the apostolic age to which he belonged.

His life was wholly dedicated to the Cause. The idea uppermost in his mind allways was that of teaching. No power, no preoccupation, no conventional matter of daily life could ever deflect him from this high purpose. His teaching exploits were so intensive that today, a large section of the Baha'i community of Yazd owes to his lifelong effort its allegiance to the Cause.

Haji Muhammad Tahir was a brilliant debater and speaker. It is difficult to convey the pleasure one derived from his inspiring conversation which ranged from humorous trifles to weighty pronouncements. His knowledge of the history and literature of the great world religions was prodigious. He could recite almost half the Qur'an by heart, as well as hundreds of recorded Muslim traditions. Also he was extremely well-versed in the Bible and the books of other religions.

The source from which he drew his energy seemed to be inexhaustible. He could speak for hours about religious matters without either feeling tired himself or boring his listeners. Rather they were fascinated by the gaiety of his conversation and by the ripple of his ready and eloquent tongue. Even the enemies of the Cause were silenced and subdued by his charm and dignity.

On several occasions fanatical persons, intent on carrying out sinister plots against his life, came to his fireside meetings in the guise of seekers of truth, carrying weapons in their pockets. After coming in contact with his dominating personality, however, they changed their minds altogether, and strangely enough, a couple of them eventually became ardent believers.

Amelia E. Collins (1873-1962) – Hand of the Cause; “lady of the Kingdom”; “indomitable spirit of faith and love"; "single-minded and wholehearted devotion"; “profound sense of devotion”; "passionate fervor”; “calm sanity”; “very generous offerings”; “prized co-worker”; her “inner deep spiritual relationship and devotion” to the Guardian; “The high rank” she occupied “which no Baha'i has ever held in his own lifetime”; “so distinguished a handmaid of Baha'u'llah and Hand of His Cause”

"O thou lady of the Kingdom!" With these words 'Abdu'l-Baha addressed Amelia Engelder Collins in His Tablet to her, dated December 6, 1919. It was an answer to the longing of this newly awakened heart to serve the Kingdom of God. The "hope" of 'Abdu'l-Baha as expressed in the Tablet became fulfilled in fullest measure in the life of this devoted Baha'i:

"In brief, from the bounties of His Holiness Baha’u’llah, My hope is that thou mayest daily advance in the Kingdom, that thou mayest become a heavenly soul, confirmed by the breaths of the Holy Spirit, and may erect a structure that shall eternally remain firm and unshakable."

'Abdu'l-Baha passed away in 1921. Amelia used to say that, "After the provisions of His Will became known, my whole heart and soul turned to that youthful Branch, appointed by Him to watch over and guide the Faith of Baha'u'llah. How I prayed that God would help me to make him happy!"

This became her guiding light, to serve the beloved Guardian and make him happy. She often said that to see the Guardian smile just once was worth a lifetime of suffering. To this end, then, she poured forth unstintingly her love, her strength, her means, throughout the remaining years of her life, often and increasingly, at the cost of great physical sacrifice. Her personal possessions, art treasures, life itself, had meaning only as they could be used to serve the Cause of Baha'u'llah and the one on whom had fallen the responsibility of carrying forward "the great work entrusted to his care."

As the years passed, in numerous letters and messages to her, the Guardian referred to her "indomitable spirit of faith and love", her "indefatigable services'', her "single-minded and wholehearted devotion" to the Cause of God, her "self-sacrificing efforts" - examples which "will live and influence many a soul." These services were crowned by Shoghi Effendi in January 1951 with her appointment as member and vice-president of the newly-appointed International Baha'i Council, "forerunner" of the Universal House of Justice, and in December 1951, with her appointment as one of the first contingent of living Hands of the Cause.

Valiyu’llah Varqa (1884-1955) – “outstanding Hand Cause God”; “exemplary trustee Huquq”; “distinguished representative most venerable community Baha'i world”; “worthy son brother twin immortal martyrs Faith”; “dearly beloved disciple Center Covenant”

Profoundly grieved loss outstanding Hand Cause God, exemplary trustee Huquq, distinguished representative most venerable community Baha'i world, worthy son brother twin immortal martyrs Faith, dearly beloved disciple Center Covenant. Shining record services extending over half century enriched annals heroic formative ages Baha'i Dispensation. His reward Abha Kingdom inestimable. Advise erect my behalf befitting monument his grave. His mantle as trustee funds Huquq now falls on 'Ali Muhammad, his son. Instruct Rowhani Tihran arrange befitting memorial gatherings capital provinces honor memory mighty pillar cradle Faith Baha'u'llah. Newly-appointed trustee Huquq now elevated rank Hand Cause.

Shoghi

November 15, 1955.

Autobiography

"Some time ago the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Tihran asked me to write my autobiography for them. In reply, I explained that during my youth I had had the privilege and honor to be in the blessed presence of His Holiness 'Abdu'l-Baha and to be one of His attendants during His visit to America. I had always seen and witnessed His utter self-abnegation in words and deeds. When I stop to ponder the resplendent services rendered by the early believers of the Faith and their heroic sacrifices, I do not see how I can give any account about myself.

"I was born in Tabriz, 1263 Persian solar calendar (1884). My father, 'Ali Muhammad Varqa, a martyr of the Cause, was the third son of Haji Mulla Mihdi Yazdi, known as Atri, and my mother, Fatimih, was the daughter of Haji Mirza 'Abdu'llah Khan Nuri of Mazindaran. These two grandparents were both staunch believers of the Cause, which they most earnestly served. I had three brothers. (My mother gave birth to four children.) The eldest was named Mirza 'Aziz'ullah Khan, the second was named Ruhu'llah, who was martyred, the third was myself, and the fourth was called Badi'ullah, who died in childhood. As a family we all lived in Tabriz in the household of our maternal grandmother in perfect love and harmony and in complete ease and honor."

Valiyu’llah's father and brother

“This happiness was, however, upset and shattered in consequence of some false reports submitted by certain enemies of the Cause to the Prince Regent, Muzaffari'd-Din Shah, to the effect that Mirza 'Abdu'llah Khan, my grandfather, who was then a member of his court, was acting against the Government and had put his house at the disposal of Baha'is gathering there to conduct anti-government activities. My grandfather was obliged, therefore, to escape to Tihran, and in his absence, my grandmother, who was a fanatical Muslim, found the opportunity to exert her enmity by opposing my father so strongly and relentlessly as to compel him to leave his home and native town, accompanied by his two eldest sons. My junior brother, Badi'ullah, and myself, being too small, were left behind with our mother in the same house where my grandmother lived. This did not, however, appease my grandmother. She had such a deep hatred of the Cause that she began to make evil suggestions to me against my father and to sow the seeds of hatred and enmity in my soul against him. She was able to impress my tender soul to such an extent that in my Islamic prayers, which I was obliged to say, I wept in bitter grief for my father's deviation which had earned him so much hatred from the public.

Roy C. Wilhelm (1875-1951) – Hand of the Cause: “greatly prized, much loved, highly admired herald (of) Baha'u'llah's Covenant”; “Sterling qualities”, “saintliness, indomitable faith”, “outstanding services”, “exemplary devotion”

"Heart filled (with) sorrow (for) loss (of) greatly prized, much loved, highly admired herald (of) Baha'ullah's Covenant, Roy Wilhelm. Distinguished career enriched annals (of) concluding years (of) Heroic (and) opening years (of) Formative Age (of) Faith. Sterling qualities endeared him (to) his beloved Master, 'Abdu'l-Baha. His saintliness, indomitable faith, outstanding services local, national, international, (his) exemplary devotion, qualify him (to) join ranks (of) Hands (of) Cause, insure him everlasting reward (in) Abha Kingdom. Advise hold memorial gathering (in) Temple befitting his unforgettable services (and) lofty rank."

-Shoghi

December 24, 1951

In the history of the Baha'i Faith during the first half of the twentieth century, Roy C. Wilhelm occupied an important place. The firmness of his faith, the purity of his devotion, his self-sacrifice and his untiring activity enabled him to make a unique contribution to the establishment of the Faith in North America and indirectly, through his generous aid to Miss Martha Root, and his distribution of Baha'i literature in many languages, to its spread in other continents. Essentially humble, he carried heavy administrative responsibilities with a winning charm which endeared him to a host of friends.

Roy Wilhelm was first and foremost a man of integrity who applied the high Baha'i standards of conduct to himself before he applied them to others. Born in Zanesville, Ohio, September 17, 1875, Roy Wilhelm and his parents moved to West Englewood, New Jersey, and opened their import firm in New York City, which he actively conducted until the last few years of his life. It was on this property in West Englewood that 'Abdu'l-Baha in 1912, during His North American visit, held a unity feast for the Baha'is of the New York metropolitan area at which He announced that on that date the Faith of Baha'u'llah was truly established in America. The site of that gathering will, in the future, mark the only public Memorial which the American Baha'is are permitted to construct in reverent observance of 'Abdu'l-Baha's visit from April to December, 1912.

Ella Goodall Cooper (1870-1951) – a “herald Covenant”; “dearly loved handmaid 'Abdu'l-Baha, greatly trusted by Him”; a “jewel of the spirit”; a “shining candle”; “unique and matchless”; a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada for two years; was among the first Baha’is of California

''O thou jewel of the spirit!" Thus did 'Abdu'l-Baha address this angelic being, one of the rare gems in the diadem of the Kingdom.

Aunt Ella, as she was fondly known to her many devoted friends around the world, was one of that rapidly diminishing treasure of precious souls who have entered the presence of 'Abdu'l-Baha, and who are possessed of that unique quality of spirit known only among those who were touched by the magic wand of that Divine Alchemist. Hers was an enchanting spirit of exquisite grace, whose gentleness, warmth and generosity were showered continuously on all peoples. She radiated all the days of her life the virtues of the true maid-servant of Baha.

She was one of that handful of early Baha’is in the United States who implanted the banner of Baha’u’llah in that land, and who nurtured it and protected it with the iron strength of their consecrated spirit.

In a Tablet to one of the friends 'Abdu'l- Baha wrote of the services of Mrs. Cooper and her mother, Mrs. Goodall:

"Thou hadst written concerning the services of Mrs. Goodall and Mrs. Cooper. These two dear maid-servants of God are truly two shining candles, and in character are unique and matchless. They sacrifice their lives in the pathway of God under conditions of hardship and trouble and are filled with spirituality and good cheer. It is certain that the divine confirmations will encircle them."

Shoghi Effendi's cablegram at the time of her passing has defined her life-long service to her beloved Faith:

"Deeply grieved sudden passing herald Covenant Ella Cooper, dearly loved handmaid 'Abdu'l-Baha, greatly trusted by Him. Her devoted services during concluding years Heroic Age and also Formative Age Faith unforgettable. Assure relatives, friends, deepest sympathy loss. Praying progress soul in Abha Kingdom."

The Letters of the Living - The Báb’s First Disciples

Mullá Husayn Bushrú’í (c. 1814–49): the first to declare his belief in the Báb (in Shiraz on 23 May 1844). He was given the title Bábu’l-Báb (Gate of the Gate) by the Báb. He was killed on 2 February 1849 at Fort Tabarsi.

Mullá ‘Alí Bastamí (d. 1846): the second to recognize the Báb. According to Nabil, twelve of his companions, each independently, also recognized the Báb soon after him and became among the Letters of the Living. The Báb gave Mullá ‘Alí the title "the Second Who Believed" and identified him in His Persian Bayan, in allegorical language, as the return of the Imam Ali – indicative of his high station. Mulla ‘Ali was directed by the Bab to go to the twin cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq and announce the Advent of the Promised One. Tahirih (the Pure One), then known as Fátimih Umm-Salamih Baraghání, was in Karbala at that time and therefore heard about the claims of the Báb from Mulla ‘Ali. Mulla ‘Ali was subsequently arrested and tried in Baghdad in January 1845 and later sentenced to work for life in the imperial naval docks, where he died in an Istanbul prison. He is known to be the first Bábí martyr.

Mullá Husayn’s younger brother, Mírzá Muhammad Hasan Bushrú’í (d. 1849). He accompanied Mullá Husayn on his travels and became badly wounded in Fort Tabarsi at the same time that his brother was killed. According to some accounts, he then served as leader of the Bábí forces and was subsequently killed at Shaykh Tabarsí.

Mulla Husay’s nephew, Mírzá Muhammad Báqir Bushrú’í (d. 1849). He is reported to have led the forces at Shaykh Tabarsí after his uncle Mullá Mírzá Muhammad Hasan was wounded. He was subsequently killed at Shaykh Tabarsí.

Mullá Khudá-Bakhsh Qúchání (later named Mullá ‘Alí Rází): returned to Karbala from Shiraz and is reported to not have actively participated in the Bábí community.

Mullá Hasan Bajistání: While active at first in propagating the Bábí Cause, he later retired to Karbala and considered himself unworthy of the station conferred on him by the Báb as one of the Letters of the Living. He later visited Baha’u’llah in Baghdad, sometime between 1853 and 1863.

Mountfort Mills (d. 1949) – “that highly-talented, much loved servant of Baha'u'llah”; “that distinguished and international champion of the Faith of Baha'u'llah”; “our dearly-beloved Mountfort Mills”; first chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada when formed in 1922; prepared the final draft of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly in 1927; was brutally assaulted in Baghdad while representing the Guardian to League of Nations regarding ownership of the House of Baha’u’llah

The passing of Mountfort Mills on April 24, 1949, deprived the American Baha'i community of the influence and experience of a very distinguished believer. He had been a follower of Baha'u'llah since 1906. 

Before the end of 1909, Mountfort Mills had made two pilgrimages to 'Akka. His third pilgrimage to visit the Master was made early in 1921. In 1922, with Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, he was invited by Shoghi Effendi to go to Haifa for conference with the Guardian on matters related to the new conditions created for the Faith by the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha.

Mountfort Mills and 

Fujita San in Haifa

During the Master's visits in New York during 1912, Mr. Mills served on the Baha'i reception committee which arranged public addresses for 'Abdu'lBaha in that city. First chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States and Canada when formed in 1922 in accordance with the provisions of the Will and Testament left by the Master, Mountfort Mills was elected a member of that body for seven terms between 1922 and 1937. As trustee of Baha'i Temple Unity he had served annually from its inception in 1909.

The final draft of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws adopted by the National Assembly in 1927 was prepared by Mills.

It would be impossible in brief space to report his activities for the New York Baha'i community throughout the years of his residence there, for the national Baha'i community, or in Europe. He was a winning public speaker and his personality gained many influential friends for the Faith in some of its most difficult days in the West. His devotion to the Master was impressive.

A few outstanding events will serve to indicate the unusual scope of his Baha'i activities.

Jessie Revell (1891-1966) – “brilliant and pure”; very dear to ‘Abdu’l-Baha; managed sending and collecting all of Shoghi Effendi’s mail past 1951; appointed by the Guardian as the treasurer of the International Baha’i Council; a loyal companion of Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum

Jessie Revell in 1964

Jessie Revell was once addressed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in these words:

“O thou who art firm in the Covenant! ... Notwithstanding the lack of time, I write thee this letter that thou mayest know how dear thou art to me. As thou art brilliant and pure and hast no wish but to serve the Cause of God and promulgate the divine teachings, I pray and entreat at the threshold of God and beg for thee limitless assistance and bounty. ... Thou must engage in those regions, day and night, in service. ... As to the children with whom thou art speaking, thy pure breath will undoubtedly exert its influence upon them. ...” (‘Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West, vol. X, p. 317)

Jessie Revell’s brilliant record of service to the Cause of Baha’u’llah, extending from early in the century, came to an end with her passing in Haifa on April 14, 1966. Her story is best told in the words of her devoted sister, Ethel Revell.

“My mother, my sister and I first heard of the Faith in Philadelphia -- it was approximately 1906 -- through Mrs. Annie McKinney, and attended the firesides of Mrs. Isabella D. Brittingham. On the evening when Jessie first heard Mrs. Brittingham speak on the Faith, Jessie followed her to the door as the speaker departed and said, ‘I cannot remember all you said tonight, but I want what you have!’ When she accepted the Faith she wrote to ‘Abdu’l-Baha and mentioned that our father had passed away when we were very young. The Master replied -- I believe in these exact words -- ‘The real fatherhood is the spiritual fatherhood. Therefore rest thou assured that thou art the beloved daughter.’

“In the early days of her Baha’i life, as there was but little literature available to the friends, Jessie, who was then employed in an office, would spend her evenings typing copies of Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and sharing them with the Baha’is, who in turn would recopy them and pass them along to other believers.

Leroy C. Ioas (1896-1965) - The Guardian's Hercules; "vigorous spirit of determination… and of noble enthusiasm"; "energy, judgment, zeal and fidelity"; "incessant activities and prodigious labours"; "tireless vigilance, self-sacrifice, and devotion to the Cause in all its multiple fields of activity"; “Outstanding Hand of the Cause”; “First Secretary-General of the International Baha’i Council”; “Personal Representative of the Guardian of the Faith”

Leroy, as he was affectionately known throughout the world by Baha'is and countless other associates, was the brightest luminary of a large and united family whose services to Baha'u'llah began shortly after the inception of His Faith in North America.

Leroy was born in Wilmington, Illinois, in the heartland of America, soon after Baha'u'llah's Message first reached the West in 1893. His father, Charles loas, was of Lutheran background and had come from Munich to the United States in 1880. He accepted the Faith in 1898 and served it faithfully until his death in 1917, as a member and secretary of the House of Spirituality in Chicago, the first Local Spiritual Assembly. To him 'Abdu'l-Baha made a remarkable promise: “… thou wilt behold thyself in a lofty station, having all that is in earth under its shadow…" He was "that wonderful man loas", whose seed, like Abraham's, scattered around the globe in succeeding generations, to carry the news of the New Day.

Leroy's mother, Maria, born a German Catholic, accepted Baha'u'llah with her husband. For her son, she was "one of the angels of the American Baha'i community", and lived to hear of his elevation to the rank of Hand of the Cause and to participate in the dedication of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in Wilmette in 1953, to the erection of which both husband and children had greatly contributed.

Leroy, as many have heard, was the Guardian's Hercules. His "vigorous spirit of determination… and of noble enthusiasm," his "energy, judgment, zeal and fidelity," his "incessant activities and prodigious labours", his "tireless vigilance, self-sacrifice, and devotion to the Cause in all its multiple fields of activity"- these are the Guardian's words - were greatly prized by Shoghi Effendi as "assets for which I am deeply and truly thankful." "I admire the spirit that animates you [and] marvel at your stupendous efforts," he wrote to this "dearest and most valued co-worker".

Margaret Stevenson - New Zealand’s first Bahá’í

Margaret was born on November 30th, 1865. Her first intimation of the Bahá’í Faith was through reading “The Christian Commonwealth” and she admitted later that “she did not think any more about it”. She received this journal from her sister who was in London studying music and had heard ‘Abdu’l-Bahá address the congregation of St. John’s, Westminster at the invitation of Canon Wilberforce. She was so impressed that when another discourse given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at City Temple, London was printed in “The Christian Commonwealth” dated March 27th, 1911, she sent a copy of the journal to Margaret in New Zealand.

In 1912, Miss Dorothea, Spinney, a friend of Margaret’s sister, arrived in Auckland from London and stayed with Margaret at her home. Miss Dorothea Spinney gave recitals of Greek plays. While staying with Margaret she talked about the Bahá’í Cause and her own meeting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This evidently touched a subconscious chord in Margaret.

To quote Margaret’s own words: “As a child, I used to wish I had lived when Christ was on earth. As Miss Spinney spoke, I remembered my childhood wish, and the thought came to me that I too might have denied Him as so many others had done. It was this secret thought that made me seriously think of what I heard from Miss Spinney, and through God’s grace and mercy I was enabled to grasp and believe in Bahá’u’lláh and His Message”.

May Maxwell (1870-1940) – “that candle of the love of God”; “'Abdu'l-Bahá's beloved handmaid”; “the distinguished disciple”; a “martyr’s death”; “glorious sacrifice”; her name is mentioned in the Tablets of the Divine Plan

The just words, the words always to remember, were cabled by Shoghi Effendi: "'Abdu'l-Baha's beloved handmaid, distinguished disciple May Maxwell (is) gathered (into the) glory (of the) Abha Kingdom. Her earthly life, so rich, eventful, incomparably blessed, (is) worthily ended. To sacred tie her signal services had forged, (the) priceless honor (of a) martyr's death (is) now added. (A) double crown deservedly won. (The) Seven-Year Plan, particularly (the) South American campaign, derive fresh impetus (from the) example (of) her glorious sacrifice. Southern outpost (of) Faith greatly enriched through association (with) her historic resting-place destined remain (a) poignant reminder (of the) resistless march (of the) triumphant army (of) Baha'u'llah. Advise believers (of) both Americas (to) hold befitting memorial gathering."

–Shoghi Effendi (Cablegram, March 3, 1940; ‘Messages to America’)

…Shoghi Effendi once said to her [May Maxwell), one night when he came to dinner in the Western Pilgrim House after our union, that had I [Ruhiyyih Khanum] not been May Maxwell's daughter he would not have married me. This does not mean it was the only reason, but it was evidently a very powerful one, for in the cable he sent on 3 March 1940 officially announcing her death, which had taken place two days before, he said "To sacred tie her signal services had forged priceless honour martyr's death now added. Double crown deservedly won." These words clearly indicate her relationship to his marriage. In a Tablet of 'Abdu'l-Bahá to one of her spiritual children He had written "her company uplifts and develops the soul". Until I came under the direct influence of the Guardian, through being privileged to be with him for over twenty years, I can truly say that my character, my faith in Bahá'u'lláh and whatever small services I had so far been able to render Him, were entirely due to her influence. From these facts it will be seen that when I arrived with my mother, on my third pilgrimage to Haifa, in January 1937, the status of my father inside the Faith can best be described as being "Mrs. Maxwell's husband".

- Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum, (‘The Priceless Pearl’)

She was born in Englewood, New Jersey, on January 14, 1870, the daughter of John B. Bolles and Mary Martin Bolles, in descent American through many generations. Her early years were spent in the Englewood home of her maternal grandfather, a man distinguished in New York's banking world. She had one brother, Randolph, whom she loved deeply and whose attraction to the Baha'i Faith, as evidenced in the last year before his death in 1939 (by his translation into English of the French footnotes of Nabil), gave her supreme content.

Albert R. Windust (1874- 1956) – “Herald [of the] Covenant”; the first publisher of the Writings of the Faith in America; the founder of Star of the West; assisted with the publication of ‘Promulgation of Universal Peace’, and the first five volumes of 'The Baha'i World', 1926 to 1934

"Deeply grieved passing much loved greatly admired staunch ardent promoter Faith, Albert Windust, Herald Covenant, whose notable services Heroic Formative Ages Faith unforgettable. Assure friends relatives fervently supplicating progress soul Kingdom.

Shoghi”

Albert Robert Windust was born on Chicago's west side near Hull House on March 28, 1874. His parents were Thomas and Sarah Sheffield Windust. His father was a printer, who, shortly after Albert was born, moved with his family to a section of Chicago known as Woodlawn. They were members of the Episcopal Church. Mrs. Windust, a school teacher and a very active church worker, was the founder of the First Christ Church of Woodlawn (Episcopalian). 

In his early years, Albert Windust was not physically strong and this may have accounted for the fact that he had very little formal schooling. He was tutored in his early years by his mother and entered a public school at the fourth grade level. He ended his formak education in the sixth grade. Despite this, Albert Windust during his life attained a depth of knowledge and spiritual wisdom reached by very few.

At the age of fourteen Albert became an apprentice in the printing firm where his father worked. The following November his mother died. His interest in nature awakened a desire to draw, and he became a pupil at Chicago's Art Institute. Through associations made in the printing business, he illustrated stories of many authors, including Opie Read and H. Rider Haggard.