~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~
"Now is the time to cheer and refresh the down-cast through the invigorating breeze of love and fellowship, and the living waters of friendliness and charity."
~ Bahá’u’lláh
~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~
Welcome to the website of the Bahá'ís of Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont.
The Bahá'í Faith is the youngest of the world’s independent, monotheistic religions. Founded in Iran in 1844, it now has more than five million adherents in 236 countries and territories, and from virtually every racial, ethnic and religious background. The Bahá'í Faith accepts the divine origin and common purpose of all the major world religions, and teaches that God has revealed a new message in this day to establish the oneness of humanity. Worldwide, Bahá'ís are working to give practical expression to this vision of world unity.
In Western Massachusetts, Bahá'í history began by 1895, when Springfield native Thornton Chase (1847-1912), adopted the new faith. Chase is remembered as the first American Baha'i and, indeed, the first person from the Western world to believe in Bahá'u'lláh and the principles of love, unity and social justice that He taught. The activities of the Bahá’í community are based on these principles.
Bahá’í activities are open to all, regardless of class, ethnicity or religious background. Inspired by the unifying vision set out in Bahá’u’lláh’s writings, we invite everyone to walk a path of service and learn together about the process of community building.
The community-building activities revolve around meetings that strengthen the devotional character of the community, classes that nurture the tender hearts and minds of children, groups that channel the surging energies of junior youth, and study circles that focus on the application of spiritual principles.
For more information concerning local activities, please check the calendar or contact us.
● Bahá’u'lláh (1817-1892, Persia)
Photos courtesy of Joanne M. Goding and Farjam Mohtadi.
