This is my House of Worship. Do you know it? It is commonly known in the Chicagoland area as the Baha'i Temple and it sits on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wilmette, Illinois. It is not Christian, not Islamic, not Buddhist, but a place of prayer for people of all religions.
As a member of a minority faith in the United States, I can't help but watch with horror as actors in the political establishment attack the construction of a place of prayer and service in an area close to former World Trade Center. If these purveyors of religious prejudice are successful, who will they come after next?
Below the fold I'll tell you the story of the church fathers who tried to prevent the Baha'i House of Worship from being built.
The first Baha'i community in the United States rose up in Chicago as a result of the World's Columbian Exposition and the World Parliament of Religion.
The Parliament, in 1893, is worth noting because it was the world's very first ecumenical meeting. Yes, worthy speakers of religions from all over the world were invited to consult together. There were some local religious establishment who got the vapors about it, not quite understanding that "world's" meant religions other than Christianity, but most Chicagoans were very interested, and so when a Baha'i from Lebanon came through town looking to make his fortune at the Exposition, there were people very interested in learning about a new religion from "the East."
The teachings of the Baha'i Faith, a religion that emphasized the unity of God, humanity and religion, were so attractive that by 1900 there was a growing little community, with a membership taken from all walks of life.
This photo is noted to be the young Chicago Baha'is in 1907.
Soon, these folk began to yearn for a place of their own, a building where they could express their beliefs in peace, unity and harmony. As Chicago was in the midst of making huge plans for the expansion of the city, they also were stirred to do something special, not just a meeting house or local center. They were very inspired by this building:
It's the first Baha'i House of Worship ever built, in what is now Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Why there, because the Baha'i Faith began in Iran, with it's first believers being Shi'a Muslims. Yes, the Baha'i Faith has a direct relationship with Islam.
The largest religious minority population in Iran today are the Baha'is who are severely persecuted. You may already be familiar with this and know that seven members of an administrative committee were recently sentenced to 20 years in prison, for the crime of being Baha'is.
And yet, our story is in Chicago, where committees were formed, funds were raised, and the search for property was undertaken. Several members wanted the Baha'is to build in Chicago, but it was felt that the hustle and bustle of the city was not appropriate and that lake shore property in the city limits was difficult to find. Some worthy ladies rode the streetcars as far north as they could to Evanston and then began walking father north. They found this small point of land, near a natural harbor and it was just large enough, between the lake and the future North Shore Channel of the Chicago River to build something special. For a gorgeous look at this property today, click this link to the Wilmette Harbor Association
By 1921 an architect had been found, a design had been chosen, the property had been purchased, and the building permits had been submitted to the trustees of the Village of Wilmette. The opposition from area churches was intense, with unkind words being said and misconceptions shared as gossip. The Baha'is responded with an extensive article in the local paper, explaining in great detail the history and beliefs of their Faith and the intended purpose of their Temple. The Village of Wilmette was fair minded and open to something different being built on its shores. Once the Baha'is proved that their construction plans were safe, the building permits were granted.
It took 30 years to build. Through two world wars and a Great Depression. There was a construction fire, and the architect died before the steel superstructure was up. The small Baha'i community had to raise funds dollar by dollar, and would not let out a contract until there was money in the bank. But, by 1954 the exterior, the interior and the gardens of the calm and lovely building were complete and it was formally dedicated to the cause of peace and religious harmony.
This nice Flikr photo shows a close-up of the pillars which feature symbols from the world's religions.
Did I mention it's Arabic name? It is the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, the Dawning Place of the Mention of God, and it's sole purpose is to be a place of prayer and meditation in preparation of service to humanity. It is open 365 days a year, upstairs in the auditorium for prayer and downstairs there's a visitor's center with a bookstore, etc. Everyone is welcome, and if you are one of those people who have driven by on Sheridan Road for years and never stopped, please come in, you will be glad you did.
So, you can see why the whole manufactured controversy over the "Burlington Coat Factory Mosque" would make someone like me steam up. Just as Keith Olbermann said, once they come for the mosque, who's to say that they are not next coming for me.
I'm a Baha'i, and I'm standing up for my Muslim brothers and sisters to worship freely as a right they have been given in the Constitution of the United States.
Remember these people, they are Baha'is in Iran and they have no rights whatsoever. Their religion is illegal. They have no House of Worship, only a prison cell for the next twenty years.
P.S.
Yes, I do know a lot about this subject because I recently wrote a photographic history of the Baha'i Temple for Arcadia Publishing. It's very exciting to be a published author, and to look forward to promoting the book in local area bookstores, etc. Maybe that's why this trouble in New York City has made me so sad. The Baha'i Temple is a happy story to tell. My heart just cries for the Muslim community in New York having to live through this.