History of the Bahá’í Faith in Wales

The coming of the Bahá’í Faith to Wales, is but one minute facet of an almost unimaginably vast epic, a small reflection of a process unfolding in thousands of locations, in different ands, amongst different cultures and nations of this planet.

One story, typifying the gradual unfoldment of the Divine Plan for the regeneration of mankind, and this the matrix within which the story unfolds:

Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Faith, painstakingly built up the Administrative Order, a labour of love which preceded the launching in 1937 of America's first 7 Year Plan. "It was the first joint activity on a large scale, nationally organised and flowing into an international field, that the followers of Bahá'u'lláh had ever undertaken anywhere in the world." It lead to a "mighty pioneer trail covering North, Central and South America and into the West Indies."

Inspired, no doubt, by the success of that stupendous campaign the believers in Great Britain, at their Annual Convention in 1944, resolved to write to the Guardian suggesting that they too should have a plan. Back came the earth- shattering cable;- "Advise formation of nineteen spiritual assemblies spread over England, Wales, Scotland and Eire"

Had they known what they were inviting they might have had second thoughts. A formidable task for six short years, but it was the Guardian's wish, it was part of God's plan, it was not only possible but fore-ordained, So everybody, well, almost everybody - sat back and waited for it to happen. Everybody believed in it, all talked about it, but few arose. After 15 months progress was slow. After two years the Guardian expressed concerns.

Of only five assemblies in existence, two had been disbanded and now it was resolved that nine more towns were to be chosen to achieve assemblies before the end of the third year. In 1946 and '47 a few enthusiastic souls brought home to the British believers a more profound appreciation of Shoghi Effendi, the Sign of God on earth and inspired them to turn to him with deeper trust and ready obedience. The realisation dawned that they were the ones who had to arise, to serve and sacrifice if the goals were to be won.

Mrs Rose Jones moved to Cardiff from London in 1942 and became, so far as is known the first Bahá’í to live in the Principality. Her two daughters both became pioneers in later years. Others attempted to move in but were prevented until on April 21st, 1947 Joan Giddings, newly arrived, met Rose and the first meeting of resident Bahá’ís was held in Wales. 22 years previously a public meeting had been held in the Park Hotel at which Martha Root spoke.

Ridvan 1948 witnessed the formation of the first Spiritual Assembly in Cardiff and 11 years were to pass before it was able to support itself without the aid of pioneers. In turn Cardiff offered pioneers to open up new areas in the UK, sent, with its blessing, Claire Gung to Tanzanika, (for which she was honoured with the title of "Mother of Africa") and enjoyed the privilege of close association with three future members of the Universal House of Justice.

Caerphilly, Pontypridd and Penarth opened to the Faith and Pontypridd, in 1961,had the destinction of being the first 'all native Assembly' formed in the U.K., composed entirely of Welsh believers. They established a further record too, not a single pioneer had been sent in to commence the work there.

Meanwhile the Light had been kindled in other parts of Wales, near Harlech, in Bangor, Aberamman and Dolgellau and with the formation of a Regional Teaching Committee the whole country was now the object of extension teaching. Just as those early pioneers had set their sights on Cardiff now they looked to the unopened territories to the West. The stage no longer a city of 250,00 inhabitants, but a country of 2 million. Journeys no longer made on foot or by tram, but in cars, coaches, mini-buses and trains. Its participants no longer a dozen or so gallant pioneers in an almost alien land, but native believers who had answered Bahá’u’lláh's call and whose desire was to take the news of His coming to their countrymen. A process which continues, doubtless into the future until every district will have its own 'point of light', every town and village will be brought into the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh and have its own elected Local House of Justice. A heritage to be proud of and eternally grateful.

Adapted from Carl Card's book "Our Precious Heritage"