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Guided and encouraged at every step by the Universal House of Justice and other institutions of the Faith, Bahá’ís across the U.S. poured their energies over 18 months into building toward the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh and beyond.
The increase in activities in the Northern Lights section of San Diego, California, was not just to build an appreciative audience for bicentenary celebrations: everyone who entered into the community-building process was given a key roles in making the celebration a meaningful one for all.
The Bahá’ís of San Francisco, California, learned much from their efforts to plan and carry out befitting celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh — from the planning process, to invitation, through formal and informal events, to their reflections on how Bahá’ís and the larger community got involved.
Conferences this past fall in two regions brought challenges and opportunities into focus as Bahá’ís prepared to invite friends, neighbors and co-workers to celebrate the bicentenary in late October and, going forward, to join in building community where they live.
It had to be a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Cast, crew and audience danced spontaneously on stage at the conclusion of a play performed twice in Durham, North Carolina, for the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.
Believers around the United States leapt at the chance to share how they have forged or enhanced relationships with people in the larger community during this special period in the history of the Faith.
In the widest sustained outreach in the history of the Bahá’í House of Worship for North America, 30 events spanning nine weeks in Wilmette, Chicago, Evanston and Skokie brought more than 8,000 people into prayers, stories, tours, activities, music and discourse.
Over 100 guests, including representatives of government and civil society, joined in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s birth at a national event in Washington, DC, hosted by the National Spiritual Assembly.
In the months leading to bicentenary celebrations in October, many visitors to www.bahai.us learned about the Bahá’í Faith for the first time. “Is this a good time for a first visit to Bahá’í?” asked one inquirer. (Raise your hand if you think you know the answer.)
Indelible memories were made as Bahá’ís across the United States planned, executed and followed up on interest sparked by celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. And, oh, do they have stories to tell!
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities was unique in throwing the Bahá’ís a party for the bicentenary. But a spirit of collaboration imbued celebrations across the country, including Syracuse, New York; Plainville, Connecticut; and communities east of Seattle.
Imaginative games, balloons, stickers and a mural got hundreds of people to engage with Bahá’ís on the popular Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge, and the display invited their thoughts on what’s important in life.
“The realization dawned on us all that our own little group that night in Minot, North Dakota, was proof positive that the world can change and that true love and unity can be attained between all people, no matter how diverse in culture or appearance."
More resources, pictures and information on the web:
More resources, pictures and information on the web:
- Around the globe: Photos, videos and stories
- Across the United States: Images nationwide and videos of devotions at the House of Worship
- Facebook page: Bahá’u’lláh Bicentenary Celebrations—United States (sign-in may be required)
- Congratulatory statements, letters, proclamations from government officials
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