On What Made the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago Grand: The World's Parliament of Religions, which brought together religious teachers of all faiths & lands
History of the U.S. Baha'i Community
The Baha'i Faith was first mentioned in the United States in 1893 by a Presbyterian missionary at the World's Parliament of Religions held during the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The following year, Thornton Chase, a Chicago insurance manager, became the first American Baha'i. By the end of 1894 four other Americans had also become Baha’is. The Baha'i Faith spread quickly and groups formed in cities across the country. In 1909 the first National Convention was held and 39 delegates from 36 cities attended.
What was the Columiban Exposition like, during which the Baha'i Faith was first mentioned in America? You may be amazed at how grand an event it was. Check out the extensive photos and text here: http://www.chicagohistory.org/history/expo/photos.html -gw
In association with the Columbian Exposition, the World's Congress Auxiliary conducted 224 congresses, ranging in subject from Agriculture to Woman's Progress, at the then recently constructed Art Institute building. Printed programs show 1,283 sessions at which 5,978 addresses were delivered by 4,822 speakers. The congresses' attendance was estimated at 700,000. The most notable was the World's Parliament of Religions, which brought together religious teachers of all faiths and from all lands for a discussion of their various tenets.
Thanks, Canadian friend. -gw
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