Edith Sanderson
Edith Rúḥíyyih Sanderson was an early Bahá’í who assisted in establishing the Bahá’í Faith in France.
Biography[edit]
Sanderson was born in the United States and raised in Sacramento, California, where her father was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California. She was introduced to the Bahá’í Faith in Paris by May Maxwell, joined the religion, and made several pilgrimages in 1901 living with the family of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while in the Holy Land. In 1911 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited her home while in Paris. She began studying the Persian language after becoming a Bahá’í becoming proficient in it.[1]
During the First and Second World Wars the Bahá’í community of France was disrupted and Sanderson made efforts to preserve the community and to teach the Faith during them.[1] When the Local Spiritual Assembly of Paris was formed after the close of the Second World War Sanderson served on the body.[2] She passed away in the late 1950's and left a large amount of funds to be used by the National Spiritual Assembly of France, which had not yet been formed, upon her passing.[3]
Upon Sanderson's passing Shoghi Effendi conveyed the following message:
Deeply grieved. Deplore loss staunch, courageous, tireless promoter Faith, Edith Sanderson, greatly beloved ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Long record historic services covering heroic, formative age Faith imperishable, reward Abhá Kingdom great, assured. Urge believers centers France hold memorial gathering, extol exemplary spirit, emulate noble example. Exert utmost burial Paris execution Bahá’í laws.[1]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Bahá’í World, An International Record. (1970). Bahá’í World Centre. Haifa. Volume 13 (1954-1963), Pg(s) 889. View as PDF.
- ↑ Baha'i News (1947). National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada. No 202, Pg(s) 6. View as PDF.
- ↑ Baha'i News (1958). National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. No 329, Pg(s) 18. View as PDF.
