beauty of service at Green Acre; of the many hundreds who have found themselves at this Center, made holy by the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and his divine spirit, and who have listened to the message of Life with ears attuned to celestial anthems, thereafter returning to their homes alive and keen to continue on the path which leads to the Goal of all our hopes. When these stories are gathered some day and compiled, they will make a book of such interesting spiritual experiences as will charm and truly enlighten those who read it. The readers will likewise be inspired “to investigate reality.”
Another summer seems particularly outstanding as we recall the many beautiful summers through which we have journeyed to this time, namely the season of 1916, when two important events took place. One the dedication of Fellowship House, the gift to Green Acre of Mrs. Helen Ellis Cole of New York, a Bahá’í, a devoted friend and sister to Miss Farmer, and a loyal supporter of the beautiful life and spirit of Green Acre. And, secondly, Miss Farmer returned after her years of separation because of illness. Her heart was overflowing with gratitude to her Bahá’í brothers and sisters “who have raised Green Acre to this pinnacle of spiritual unity and peace. She had lived to see her early dream realized, to see many nations and sects, races and religions joined together under the Flag of Peace.” Soon thereafter she passed into the life eternal and radiant.
Another important season was the summer of 1920, when Jenabi-Fadil, a renowned Persian Bahá’í teacher who had been sent to this country by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, taught at Green Acre. He brought a fresh impetus to the Conferences, and during his stay there was a very marked spiritual advancement. He again served at Green Acre in the succeeding years.
The summer of 1921 is also notable, for the Teahouse and Gift shop were opened for the first time. This addition to the life and activities of the place was planned and arranged by Mrs. Ruth Randall, who for the past four years has successfully managed this attractive branch of the work and likewise beautified the surrounding grounds, making the entrance to Green Acre most inviting.
Gradually from that time to the present the growth has been toward the fulfillment of the prophetic utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in regard to the future of Green Acre, one of which carries with it a special significance and is here quoted:
“Thy desire to serve Green Acre is in reality a very important matter. This name (Green Acre) must appear with all its significant meaning, that is, Green Acre must become the reflection of the plain of Acca (spelled Akká in the new transliteration), and attain to the utmost verdancy, greenness and artistic beauty. Its charms and wonder lie in this,—that it may become the center of the Bahá’ís and the cry of Ya-Bahá’u’l-Abbá (0 thou the Glory of the Most Glorious!) be raised from all its direction.”
The season of 1924 then is another particularly outstanding one in the growth and life of Green Acre. At the annual Fellowship meeting in August of that year the friends gathered together were realizing more than ever the meaning and deep significance of the law of co-operation and co-ordination and envisioned the Greater Green Acre to be brought into the realm of visibility. At this meeting Dr. M. A. Cohn of Brooklyn, N. Y., thrilled the friends with his suggestion that the Annual Bahá’í Convention and Congress be held in Green Acre 1925. He said in part:
“I suggest that we call a great congress in Green Acre for the summer
