Video recordings of this summer’s daily online celebrations led by Dr. Anne Gordon Perry commemorating the historic visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, son of the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, to Green Acre in 1912. Part of His eight-months long journey in America, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed at Green Acre from August 16th to the 23rd.
Each day’s program highlights the happenings of that day 109 years ago and will include the talks ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave, stories of His visit, photos, and prayers. Specially prepared content relevant to that day of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visit are available to download.
MATERIALS for DAY 1*
AUGUST 16th
I desire to make manifest among the friends in America a new light that they may become a new people, that a new foundation may be established and complete harmony be realized; for the foundation of Bahá’u’lláh is love. When you go to Green Acre, you must have infinite love for each other, each preferring the other before himself. The people must be so attracted to you that they will exclaim, “What happiness exists among you!” and will see in your faces the lights of the Kingdom; then in wonderment they will turn to you and seek the cause of your happiness.
— 1 July 1912, Talk at 309 West Seventy-eighth Street, New York (The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 218)
MATERIALS for DAY 2*
AUGUST 17th
Are you all well and happy? This is a delightful spot; the scenery is beautiful, and an atmosphere of spirituality haloes everything. In the future, God willing, Green Acre shall become a great center, the cause of the unity of the world of humanity, the cause of uniting hearts and binding together the East and the West. This is my hope.
— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
MATERIALS for DAY 3*
AUGUST 18th
Are you all well and happy? This is a delightful spot; the scenery is beautiful, and an atmosphere of spirituality haloes everything. In the future, God willing, Green Acre shall become a great center, the cause of the unity of the world of humanity, the cause of uniting hearts and binding together the East and the West. This is my hope.
— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
MATERIALS for DAY 4*
AUGUST 19th
THY DESIRE TO SERVE Green Acre is in reality a very important matter. This name (Green Acre) must appear with all its significant meaning, that is, Green Acre must become the reflection of the plain of Acca, and attain to the utmost verdancy, greenness and artistic beauty. Its charms and wonder lie in this,—that it may become the center of the Bahá’ís and the cry of Ya Bahá’u’l-Abhá (O Thou the Glory of the Most Glorious!) be raised from all its direction.
— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá quoted in The Bahá’í Yearbook, Vol. I, p. 89
MATERIALS for DAY 5*
AUGUST 20th
“My thoughts are wholly absorbed by this journey. I can think of nothing else because the outcome of this journey is so great. Up to now in the Cause of the Blessed Beauty a development as great as this has not occurred.”
— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
MATERIALS for DAY 6*
AUGUST 21st
“. . . He went with them to the hill of Monsalvat. As soon as He arrived about four hundred people sang songs of praise to Him in unison. He addressed this gathering on the necessity of founding the school for the investigation of religions which Miss Farmer wished to establish on that mountain. A moving picture of this gathering was taken. The gathering was also characterized by a renewed enthusiasm, ardor and love, which seemed to draw all hearts. It was an auspicious day.”
—Mahmúd
MATERIALS for DAY 7*
AUGUST 22nd
“He paid a glowing tribute to Miss Farmer’s Green Acre and said how much he prized His stay amid the sacred places. He summed up briefly what the purposes were and offered congratulations because such a center had been provided it meant much . . . and would mean more in the future for more than was possible for some to appreciate at present. It was and would remain a center of all truth despite any combinations or speech to the contrary. The Lord has blessed it and blessed its founder and like the tree her work had borne fruit and would continue so to bear until all was accomplished in the spirit of love and justice.”
— Francis Keefe
MATERIALS for DAY 8*
AUGUST 23rd
Are you all well and happy? This is a delightful spot; the scenery is beautiful, and an atmosphere of spirituality haloes everything. In the future, God willing, Green Acre shall become a great center, the cause of the unity of the world of humanity, the cause of uniting hearts and binding together the East and the West. This is my hope.
— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
* Material compiled by Anne Gordon Perry with assistance and resources provided by Rosanne Adams and Diane Iverson.