“Half a century ago in America slavery was abolished. Now there has arisen need for another great effort in order that prejudice may be overcome. Correction of the present wrong requiries no army, for the field of action is the hearts of our citizens. The instrument to be used is kindness; the ammunition, understanding. The actors in this engagement for right are all the inhabitants of these United States. The great work we have to do and for which this convention is called is the establishment of amity between the white and colored people of our land. When we have put our own house in order, then we may be trusted to carry the message of universal peace to all mankind.”

But the climax of illumination, spiritual outpouring and power of the convention was reached on the day when the message of His Highness ‘Abdu’l-Bahá reached it through Mr. Mountfort Mills, recently returned from a pilgrimage to Haifa. The message read: “Say to this convention that never since the beginning of time has one more important been held. This convention stands for the oneness of humanity. It will become the cause of the removal of hostilities between the races. It will be the cause of the enlightenment of America. It will, if wisely managed and continued, check the deadly struggle between these races which otherwise will inevitably break out.”

It is reliably stated that the President of the United States, the late Mr. Harding, upon reading the press reports which were so friendly and widespread, said,“Thank God for that convention!”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave to this first convention for amity the station of “mother” and said that its spirit would spread to other cities. His words very soon had effect in hearts. In December of the same year Springfield, Massachusetts, held a similar convention. This was largely due to the sacrifices of a small group of friends, including Mr. Roy Williams, Mrs. Olive E. Kretz and Mrs. Grace Decker, who succeeded in forming a committee consisting of public officials, clergymen, and other leading citizens. It was modeled after the first convention, including influential patrons. The two races mingled with every sign of friendliness. Music was rendered by the Springfield Choral Society and eloquent addresses were made by Hon. E. F. Leonard, Mayor Wm. N. DeBerry, Rev. A. I. Bouldin, Rev. Neil McPherson, Rabbi Pierce of Beth El Synagogue, while Dr. Zia M. Baghdádi and Messrs. Roy Williams, William H. Randall and Alfred E. Lunt instructed the great audiences about the Bahá’í Message and the great ideals of peace and brotherhood. It is worthy of mention that among the most favorable press notices of the convention were those found in the columns of the Springfield Republican, perhaps the most powerful newspaper of New England. The subjects of “Conciliation,” “Economic Equality,” “Elements of Universal Peace,” “Oneness of Mankind,” “One Law, One God,” “The Heavenly Teachings,” conveyed the spirit of the convention. There were also quotations from the Sacred Scriptures. The same sweet spirit was left in its trace. While the writer was in Springfield a few years ago after this convention a venerable clergyman said to him, “The Bahá’í teachings are all love!”