‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Great Voyage: Unity Feast
“It is my wish to give a large feast of unity,” said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, leader of the Bahá’í Faith, during his eight-month journey in North America. “It must be outdoors under the trees, in some location away from city noise—like a Persian garden ... All the friends will come. They will be my guests.”
Roy Wilhelm, who owned the property where the unity feast was held
A Bahá’í coffee merchant named Roy Wilhelm offered his large property in New Jersey, U.S., for the festive event. On June 29, 1912, tables were set up in a grove of pine trees. About 200 people joined the celebration, including members of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths, as well as Bahá’ís. Among them was Louis Bourgeois, the architect who later designed the Bahá’í Temple of North America. The artist Juliet Thompson, who painted ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s portrait, also attended.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá called it “a delightful gathering.” He said, “Hundreds of thousands of meetings shall be held to commemorate this occasion, and the very words I speak to you today shall be repeated in them for ages to come ... Be happy and joyous because the bestowals of God are intended for you and the life of the Holy Spirit is breathing upon you.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá also spoke about the importance of unity, saying, “May you become as the waves of one sea, stars of the same heaven, fruits adorning the same tree, roses of one garden in order that through you the oneness of humanity may establish its temple in the world of mankind .... You must be exceedingly kind and loving ... Your utmost desire must be to confer happiness upon each other.”
A delicious meal was served, with Persian rice, sherbet, and many sweets. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá walked among the guests and anointed each one with rose perfume. One of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s companions, Mahmúd-i-Zarqání, wrote, “The friends were ecstatic ... their meeting was an assembly of love and amity, and the surroundings were green and verdant with trees in full bloom perfuming the air ... Everyone was happy at the unity of the gathering.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke to the group twice more. Juliet Thompson noted, “To me the most beautiful scene of all came ... after dark. About fifty or sixty people had lingered, unable to tear themselves from Him.” Guests sat on the lawn, holding candles in the moonlight. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá walked among them, “His words floated back to us—the liquid Persian ...” and the “beautiful, quivering translation, like the sound of a violin string. ‘Peace be with you,’ this was the last we heard, ‘I will pray for you.’”
As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá proclaimed, today, this joyous unity feast is remembered each year at the same location, now known as the Wilhelm Bahá’í Properties. Bahá’ís and friends gather to honor ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s kindness and gentle guidance.
Unity feasts are also held around the world, bringing together people from diverse faiths and backgrounds in a spirit of joy and friendship.
Photos: National Bahá’í Archives
Bahá’í Faith544 Master57 ‘Abdu’l–Bahá138 191216 North America41 Unity252 Feast3 Friendships47 Love89 Happiness90