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`Abdu'l-Bahá in London
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Pages 20-21
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St. John's Westminster: Introduction
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1 |
On September 17th, `Abdu'l-Bahá at the
request of the venerable Archdeacon of
Westminster addressed the congregation
of Saint John the Divine after
evening service. With a few warm words
characteristic of his whole attitude Archdeacon
Wilberforce introduced the revered Messenger
from the East, who had crossed seas and countries
on his Mission of Peace and Unity for which he
had suffered forty years of captivity and
persecution. The Archdeacon had the Bishop's
chair placed for his Guest on the Chancel steps,
and standing beside him read the translation of
`Abdu'l-Bahá's address himself. The Congregation
was profoundly moved, and following the
Archdeacon's example knelt to receive the
blessing of the Servant of God--who stood with
extended arms--his wonderful voice rising and
falling in the silence with the power of his
invocation. As the Archdeacon said: "Truly the
East and the West have met in this sacred place
tonight." The hymn "O God our help in ages
past" was sung by the entire assembly standing,
as `Abdu'l-Bahá and the Archdeacon passed
down the aisle to the vestry hand in hand.
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2 |
Outside the Church, Salvationists were holding
their meeting and `Abdu'l-Bahá was deeply
impressed and touched at the sight of the men,
women and children gathered together in the
night, at the street corner, praying and singing.
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