CENTENARY OF THE ASCENSION OF
'Abdu'l-Bahá
Stories of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Travels to the United Kingdom | 1911 & 1912
GLIMPSES FROM ACROSS THE UK DURING THE CENTENNIAL YEAR
UPDATED REGULARLY
TOWER HAMLETS, LONDON
November 27th 2021 | A celebration for children and junior youth on the life of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
The celebration was attended by 54 friends. It was a joyous occasion filled with prayer, musical performances, stories, games, and a collective artwork project.
Conversation was made with parents whose children were not already in children's classes and they were invited to join the neighbourhood class
ALTRINCHAM AND SALE, GREATER MANCHESTER
November 27th 2021 | A celebration for children and junior youth on the life of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
The celebration was attended by 54 friends. It was a joyous occasion filled with prayer, musical performances, stories, games, and a collective artwork project.
Conversation was made with parents whose children were not already in children's classes and they were invited to join the neighbourhood class
BLAENAU GWENT, SOUTH WALES
November 27th 2021 | The Baháʼí community of Nantyglo and Blaina hosted a Zoom event to commemorate 'Abdu'l-Bahá's passing.
The participants included local Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner, local Councillor, Founder of the 'Peace Mala', Cymru Creation company and member of Gwent Police force.
One participant shared that watching a presentation on 'Abdu'l-Bahá was humbling. The film 'Exemplar' will be screened on Saturday 4th December.
WELLINGBOROUGH, TWO SHIRES
November 27th 2021 | A public film screening of 'Exemplar' was hosted at Wellingborough Castle Museum
Following the screening, some friends returned to a household for dinner and uplifting conversations. one such friend was a 16 year old who volunteered at the museum and expressed interest to join in local community life.
Future screenings will be hosted in local homes.
RUGBY, WARWICKSHIRE
November 28th 2021 | During a sub-regional conference for friends, hosted in mornings and evenings, friends visited a tree planted for the 2017 bicentenary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh
Prayers were shared and a few words shared on the Faith with a passer by.
The Baháʼí community of Rugby organised a park bench to be placed in the same park, to honour the Centenary, but due to the pandemic's challenges they await its arrival and installation.
SUFFOLK, EAST ANGLIA
November 28th 2021 | Friends came together in Suffolk for an afternoon of music, storytelling and dance.
Money was also raised for Suffolk refugees, in honour of 'Abdul-Bahá's services to humanity and social action effort.
DUNDEE, SCOTLAND
November 27th 2021 | Friends in Dundee hosted a hybrid event to honour the Day of the Covenant & Centenary of Abdul-Bahá's passing
The programme included prayers, a puppet show, storytelling from children, and a viewing of the film 'Exemplar'.
BBC RADIO 4 SUNDAY PROGRAMME, A BRIEF FEATURE
November 28th 2021 | Friend from Nottingham Baháʼí Community, sent in a recording to honour the Writings 'Abdul-Bahá expounded on tirelessly.
An excerpt from a Baháʼí prayer, written by Baháʼu'lláh was aired on a national broadcast of BBC Radio 4's Sunday Programme on Sunday 28th November, (from 18:02-19:46) at around 7:20am. The presenter described it as "glorious!"
OMAGH, NORTHERN IRELAND
November 21st 2021 | Baháʼís from Omagh hosted an event 'Serving Our Communities' to celebrate the service to the community and acknowledge organisations that have dedicated their time and resources to this end
13 organisations were invited, 7 of which attended, including: WAVE Trauma Centre, Tara Centre, Omagh Youth Centre, Omagh Ethnic Community Support Group, The Goodwill Charity, Senior Citizen Club.
A presentation of the community-building activities was shared and representatives from the organisations spoke of their service. Many acknowledged the importance of the Baháʼí teaching of unity and its centrality to their own organisations vision and practice. Many were also moved by the suceeding screening of 'Exemplar'. The event bonded the Baháʼís of Omagh and those in service of the community in a spirit of fellowship.
LUTON, TWO SHIRES
August- November 2021 | Luton Baháʼís Community held a series of street stalls in the build up to the Centenary of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's passing
Outdoor street stalls were held from August-October, with an indoor stall as part of Luton's Multicultural Indoor Market. Many conversations were had which led to a new study group of 'Reflections on the Life of the Spirit' to begin. Those that shared their contact details receive daily quotes from the Baháʼí Writings and were invited to a film screening of 'Exemplar'.
LICHFIELD, STAFFORDSHIRE
November 28th 2021 | Friends host an introduction to the Baháʼís Faith, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and host film screening of 'Exemplar'
25 friends came together in the local village hall to learn about and remember 'Abdu'l-Bahá. A guitar presentation was also performed by a youth from Birmingham. Moving forward the community hopes to host monthly devotionals in this same venue.
CLIPSTON, TWO SHIRES
November 24th 2021 | 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Our Homes' - a two part short series.
Baháʼís from across the East of England were asked to reflect and describe their connection to Abdu'l-Bahá at this potent time of commemoration.
In part 1 & part 2, we hear how some of the friends have felt Abdu'l-Bahá's love and guiding light, in both their homes and hearts.
ABERFELDY, SCOTLAND
November 25th 2021 | Two screenings hosted by Aberfeldy community in private home setting, including a children's class taster session taught by the Juniour Youth Group. Abdu'l-Bahá.
During the pre-school and children's class taster, the local junior youth helped teach finger painting of leaves onto tree templates with the quote: "Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch".
The friends also hosted two film screenings for adults and parents in the intimate home setting for a total of 20 friends, majority of whom were friends of the Faith. The sparked interest has meant the local children's class can start up again, thanks to the junior youths service opportunity.
HOUNSLOW, LONDON
November 28th 2021 | Family host a celebration lunch and storytelling community programme for friends involved in local neighbourhood activities.
The joyful and intimate occasion allowed for added conversation with participants of the local children's class as well as the parents. One parent of the children's class was inspired to start teaching a grade 3 children's class. Another exclaimed "we need children classes for our entire lives. Our children and me can never miss a class!”
LONDONDERRY (DERRY), NORTHERN IRELAND
A COLLECTION OF BRIEF WRITTEN ACCOUNTS
November 2021 | Baháʼís and friends from various communities across the UK and Northern Ireland dedicated gatherings, acts of service, and events to Abdu'l-Bahá. Here are some brief written accounts.
LONDONDERRY (DERRY), NORTHERN IRELAND
November 28th 2021 | Responding to the call of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of the UK, friends in Derry carried out acts of service in dedication to Abdu'l-Bahá.
Friends from Derry collected food with the community to deliver to a local food bank. Members of the Local Spiritual Assembly delivered the food to Foyle Food Bank. One of the LSA's family members- a friend of the Faith- was inspired to hear of the collection and donation that they themselves donated to the
Food Bank.
LEEDS, YORKSHIRE
POYNINGS, SUSSEX
October 9th 2021 | Friends from Baháʼí communities across Sussex gathered for 'A Day to Celebrate Abdu'l-Bahá.
A musical tribute, potluck food, stories and prayers were shared on the day, with 49 friends attending from across Sussex.
LEEDS, YORKSHIRE
LEICESTER, EAST MIDLANDS
November 27th 2021 | Baháʼí community of Leicester honours Centenary with Article on Abdu'l-Bahá published in 'Christian Aware' magazine & commemoration.
Friends in Leicester have consciously been focusing on Abdu'l-Bahá in devotional gatherings over the last few months. The community also shared an article with a neighbourhood magazine. A commemoration was also hosted which the director of local St Philips Interfaith Centre attended and shared about on Facebook.
LEEDS, YORKSHIRE
'ABDU'L-BAHA WALKING TOUR, GREATER LONDON
November 16th 2021 | Walking Tour to Landmarks of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to London in 1911 & 1912.
Friends and families from across London joined a walking tour- organised by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Hounslow Borough of London. Over 50 friends were involved and half of the group were families with children attending
children classes.
ALTRINCHAM & SALE, GREATER MANCHESTER
November 26th 2021 | Mother gives presentation of Abdu'l-Bahá & His generosity at daughter's school for 60 children.
A local parent gave a school presentation to two reception classes. The presentation included a story, song and colouring activity that was shared with the two classes.
LEEDS, YORKSHIRE
NORWICH, NORFOLK
November 28th 2021 | Friends in Norwich joined by Sheriff of Norwich to watch the new film 'Exemplar' about Abdu'l-Bahá
Hosted in a local community centre, 25 friends came together to hear stories about Abdu'l-Bahá. A commemorative book 'Ambassador to Humanity' was gifted to the Sheriff to mark the Centenary.
LEEDS, YORKSHIRE
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
November 23rd 2021 | Baháʼí Blog interview with Edinburgh Baháʼí .
A Scottish Baháʼí was interviewed, speaking on Abdu'l-Bahá's time in
Edinburgh, Scotland.
DIGBY HALL DRIVE PARK, NOTTINGHAM
November 25th 2021 | Baháʼí friends from West Brigford, Nottingham, Arnold and Carlton and Lowdham were joined by Gedling Borough Council staff for a tree planting service event.
Two trees were planted as reminders of the two great luminaries- the Báb and Báha'u'llah- whose dyanmic process they set in motion was propelled forward by 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
LEEDS, YORKSHIRE
November 24th 2021 | Children's class in Leeds organised a Centenary event which included launching their video: Titles of ‘Abdu’l Bahá.
Throughout the year, the children's class has been dedicating it's classes to connecting more deeply with the person of ‘Abdu’l Bahá. They have been revisiting stories of His life and retelling them at the Nineteen Day Feast.
CHISWICK, LONDON
November 15th 2021 | Primary School visited by parent to talk about ‘Abdu’l Bahá and the Baháʼí Faith, upon request by the Head Teacher.
A mother of a child attending the school in Chiswick, Hounslow, spoke in the school's KS1 & KS2 assembly about the life of ‘Abdu’l Bahá.
The gift of a prayer book and booklet were given to some teachers, and two books were donated to the school's library. The head teacher shared the news with other members of staff and parents of the 180 children, through the school's news.
WOODBERRY, LONDON
November 2021 | Local friends in neighbourhood Woodberry in Hackney gather for a film screening of 'Exemplar'
Local participants in the neighbourhood's community-building process joined with friends and parents to watch the newly release film on the life and person of ‘Abdu’l Bahá at their local community center.
AFNAN LIBRARY, BEDFORDSHIRE
November 2021 | Devotional Program hosted at the Afnan Library, Sandy.
Friends from the surrounding community, children and youth, gathered to remember ‘Abdu’l Bahá, through prayer, His writings and His featuring in newspapers that reported His visit to Britain in 1911 & 1912.
LONDONDERRY (DERRY), NORTHERN IRELAND
November 2021 | Local Newspapers in Derry, Northern Ireland, publish articles about ‘Abdu’l Bahá on the occasion of the Centenary.
'Derry Journal' & 'Derry Now' - two separate local news publications- write on the life of ‘Abdu’l Bahá, and His distinguished qualities.
CAMDEN, LONDON
November 7th 2021 | Camden Baháʼí Community offers service project in build up for the Centenary.
Local Baháʼí friends and families helped collect fallen autumn leaves at the Resting Place of ‘Abdu’l Bahá's grandson, Shoghi Effendi. The spirit of service and joy - as embodied by 'Abdu'l-Bahá - was so inspiring that the community will continue to offer this service regularly into the months ahead.
CORK, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
November 22nd 2021 | ‘Abdu’l Bahá: travels in Europe and marking the centenary of his death
The 'Irish Times' published an article capturing the keen interest of Irish people in religion and gives a historical context for their involvement with the beloved ‘Abdu’l Bahá.
SOUTHWICK, SUSSEX
MONIAIVE, DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
November 2020 | In anticipation of the Centenary, Moniaive Peacemakers children's group honoured Abdu'l-Bahá in their village through a service project and creating postcards.
Local children join their parents and teachers to honour the Centenary by collecting fallen autumn leaves. They also painted artwork that was then printed as postcards to be distributed with the local villagers.
SOUTHWICK, SUSSEX
November 2021 | Local Newspaper article on Southwick community's preparation for the Centenary.
'Shoreham Herald' published an online article of a Baháʼí couples centenary plans to be hosted in their home, as well as highlighting the nature of Baháʼí activities.
WINDSOR, BELFAST
November 25th 2021 | The Person of Abdu'l-Bahá & His Connection to the
United Kingdom.
A three-part short video series announced on the Day of the Covenant. In this first video, two youth from Belfast, Northern Ireland share the words of John Ebenezer Esslemont after meeting 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
UK PARLIAMENT, WESTMINSTER, LONDON
November 23rd 2021 | All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Baháʼí Faith remembers the life of Abdu'l-Bahá at Annual Parliamentary Reception.
More than 80 guests attended including Members of Parliament, and representatives of religious communities and non-governmental organisations. All of the presentations demonstrated a deep appreciation for the Faith, its Teachings and the activities of the UK Bahá’í community.
TOWER HAMLETS, LONDON
November 22-25th 2021 | Local Bahá’ís from the Tower Hamlets borough in London, were live-streamed on several Radio and Live TV shows to honour Abdu'l-Bahá's extraordinary life.
Local channels- ATN Bangla UK, Relaks Radio, Spectra Bangla Radio invited the friends for sharing, discussing and even chanting.
RUTLAND GATE, LONDON
November 21st 2021| Children's class groups, junior youth and parents from Haringey, Richmond & Hampstead visited Rutland Gate for a special archives trip in honour of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
The local friends of the Faith joined their teachers and animators to see the precious items, belongings and clothes of the Master. They also shared stories prayers and an art activity together. Everyone was greatly moved and inspired.
BOOK PUBLICATION
2021 | 'First Valley Books' publishes children's stories about 'Abdu'l-Bahá, His love, generosity, and kindness — for ages 6-10.
Told through the eyes of a traveller, a doctor, an aristocrat, a writer, a young boy, a wealthy woman, and a little girl, ‘Mighty’ consists of seven stories about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. His extraordinary life of love, justice, compassion and humility will inspire children to be of service to the world.
ISLINGTON, GREATER LONDON
November 14th 2021 | Young professionals from across the cluster of Greater London, gathered to reflect on coherence in the workplace, inspired by the qualities of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Attendees reflected on questions such as what is coherence, and how can we have meaningful conversations about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the work-place, and explored what could be learnt from stories about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's use of humour to discuss serious subjects.
ARDWICK, GREATER MANCHESTER
November 2021 | Each week over recent weeks, local Junior Youth Group and Children's Classes in Adrqick have been doing activities related to the to life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
A local youth came up with an artistic idea in the neighbourhood teachers planning gathering- 100 hands, 100 years! The children from the classes are currently working on this art project which will be completed on Sunday 27th November. The artwork consists of 100 handprints of peoples lives who’ve been touched by the Master.
HOUNSLOW, LONDON
November 20th 2021 | Young girl from the Baháʼí community of Hounslow tells children bedtime stories in honouring the Master.
She wanted to share stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. because she wanted to inspiration her friends and community with His friendship, generosity and hope.
CASSIOBURY PARK'S PEACE GARDEN, WATFORD
October 2nd 2021 | Local Baháʼís from Bushey, Carpenders Park and Croxley joined by Watford's Mayor to unveil plaque by a Magnolia tree planted in honour of Abdu'l-Bahá's ascension.
Joined by members of Watford's Interfaith group, and other guests, the Mayor shared some words in support of Watford inter faith communities, and the work they did during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The importance of The Master was also spoken of, before prayers were shared.
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY, SCOTLAND
October 2021 | Children from a group in Dumfries created a video together based on the 'seven lights of unity' found in the Tablets of Abdu'l-Bahá.
The children each read an extract from the Tablet and lighted candles as part of the creative activity.
CHISWICK, LONDON
February 17th 2021 | UK Baháʼí Office of Public Affairs shares a story read by a child from the Baháʼí Community.
Abdu'l-Bahá's life shows us how a random act of kindness isn't a stand-alone act; we can strive to do some good to anyone any day. This true story, read by Isabella, shows how being sincerely kind can foster hope.
VIDEO STORY
November 27th 2020 | Abdu’l-Bahá A story during World War I
The UK Baháʼí Office of Public Affairs shares a short video highlighting
'Abdu'l-Bahá's life of service, generosity and foresight which saved thousands of lives and led to official recognition by the British Government.