Some 300 visitors in 12 separate tour groups visited the National Bahá’í Centre in Knightsbridge, London during one weekend in September. The open event was to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bahá’í community’s acquisition of 27 Rutland Gate in 1954.

Visitors were privileged to visit a number of rooms in which there were displayed historic items that are kept in the archives. Among the highlights were items of clothing belonging to central figures of the faith, rare books and photographs, and gifts donated by distinguished British Bahá’ís. Guests also enjoyed visits to the bookshop and refreshments.

A number of Bahá’í communities from as far afield as Swindon, Manchester and York took the opportunity to organise coach parties and combined their journey to 27 Rutland Gate with a special visit to the resting place of Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, Guardian of the Bahá’í faith, at the New Southgate Cemetery in north London. His funeral cortege left from 27 Rutland Gate in November 1957 after his sudden passing from asiatic flu during a private visit to London.

Further open weekends are planned in the near future for a beautiful and historic building which represents the warm heart of the national Bahá’í community.

RW

Items associated with distinguished British Bahá'ís on display at 27 Rutland Gate