Farewell Reception: Introduction

Sources: 'abdu'l-baha In London

On the evening of St. Michael's day, a large farewell reception was given

to 'Abdu'l-Baha in the hall of the Passmore Edwards' Settlement, which was

filled to its utmost capacity with representative people of every

profession, some coming from great distances.



On the platform surrounding 'Abdu'l-Baha were men of different shades of

thought, met to express their sympathy with the work and mission of their

reat visitor. Professor Michael E. Sadler was in the chair.



The meeting began with the Lord's Prayer spoken by the entire assembly;

this was followed by the prayer for Unity of Baha'u'llah and a prayer of

the fifth Century, ascribed to Pope Gelasius. Professor Sadler then spoke

in words that will never be forgotten by those who heard them; and in his

address used a quotation from a Universal Prayer, which had been submitted

by an earnest Baha'i to 'Abdu'l-Baha, the year before in Egypt and which

had been completed by him and commended as one that could be used by

peoples of all faiths in the East and West.



The Chairman was followed by Sir Richard Stapley, Mr. Eric Hammond, Mr.

Claude Montefiore, Mrs. Stannard from Egypt, and others. As 'Abdu'l-Baha

left the hall, the poor people of the neighbourhood, crowded on the

pavement to see him and an eager-faced little lame girl on crutches was

specially brought to him.