THE ineffaceable traces of His visit to America were left by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the hearts of His friends. He occupied that house, spoke under this tree, or walked through a certain park; which makes them profoundly precious to those, who in imagination, can heighten them to become the conveyors of His actual Presence.
These physical objects, however, can only survive within marked limits of time and space. It is in those institutions of eternal significance, impregnated by the Spirit of the Master, founded by Him upon the solidarity of the human heart, upon the divine yearning within the human soul that makes all aspiring men everywhere of one kindred and of one family; it is in such foundations, hallowed by His Creative Word, that the very Power and Purpose of His Life are actually expressed.
Such is the annual meeting continued as a “Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” and founded by Him personally at West Englewood, New Jersey, in June 1912.
Each year on this anniversary, Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm and his mother lovingly welcome as guests of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá the Bahá’ís and their friends from all over the world.
Several hundred gathered on June 25th, 1927, to commemorate the founding of the Feast and the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá fifteen years ago.
The weather was favorable, so after a picnic lunch in an adjoining grove, these friends gathered in the shade of the trees overhanging Evergreen Cabin, to listen to a most interesting group of addresses delivered by representatives of different races, nations and creeds. The universal and inclusive character of the addresses confirmed the advent of a New Age, struck as a keynote by Mr. Wilhelm in his graceful introductory remarks.
Mr. Mountfort Mills, who has so adequately brought from Haifa after his long sojourn with Shoghi Effendi the peace and refreshment of that unique and potent spot, read the Words uttered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the occasion when that now historic group first gathered here as His guests.
This was followed by a vigorous exposition of the Bahá’í teachings and principles set forth by Mr. James F. Morton. Mr. Morton, a scholar, scientist and linguist of note, eloquently told the story of how the breadth and sanity of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh had rescued him from atheism and the cynicism of a materialistic outlook.
Mr. Morton was followed by the Rev. Richard Bolden, pastor of the Harlem Immanuel Church, who spoke with the fire and feeling of his gifted race, on the significance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as a racial unifier.
Mrs. Marie B. Moore read from the