HISTORY OF BAHÁ’ÍS IN OAK PARK

The Baha'i Community of Oak Park, Illinois is one of the oldest Baha'i communities in the United States. Since 1898, Baha'is have lived in Oak Park, even though their faith was not well known at that time, they were part of the growing Baha'i Community in the Chicago Area. The Oak Park Baha'i Community has a special role in the early history of the Baha'i Faith in North America. Many people from this community have become important leaders in the Faith at both national and international levels. In 1934, an Oak Park couple had the first Baha'i civil marriage in the United States. Many people who used to live in Oak Park have moved to different parts of the world and have become great teachers of the Faith and valuable members of their new countries.

In 1912, Abdu'l-Baha, son of the Faith's founder, Baha'u'llah, visited Chicago and North America. He talked at many events and met with local Baha'is. One special event he attended was the laying of the cornerstone for the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette. Recently, they celebrated the 75th anniversary of that day. The seating plan in the auditorium of the House of Worship was designed by a Baha'i architect from Oak Park. Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America was an important step in the growth of the Faith in the United States and worldwide. He spoke at notable gatherings such as the Theosophical Society, Hull House, and the NAACP, sharing the message of unity among people and world peace.

The Baha'i communities in Chicago grew and in 1940, the first Spiritual Assembly of Oak Park was established. A Spiritual Assembly represents a community with nine or more members and oversees its affairs. Since there are no clergy in the Baha'i Faith, the Assembly guides its members and connects them to Baha'is in the US and globally. The establishment of a local Assembly was a significant milestone for the national Baha'i community, so a representative from the National Spiritual Assembly was present to witness its formation.

In 1954, the Oak Park Spiritual Assembly became officially recognized by the State of Illinois. This meant that they could legally perform weddings and funerals, making them one of the earliest assemblies in the United States to have this recognition.