Religion · Thornton Chase
Bahai Revelation
by Thornton Chase
Thornton Chase is celebrated as the first individual of Occidental background to embrace the Bahá’í Faith. Throughout his life, he played a pivotal role in organizing Bahá’í activities in Chicago and Los Angeles, establishing himself as a key figure in the community. In 1894, he met Ibrahim Kheiralla, a Bahá’í from Beirut, who introduced him to the teachings of the Faith. By 1895, Chase had become a devoted Bahá’í after completing his studies. His transformative pilgrimage to Akka in 1907, where he spent three days with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, left a profound impact on him, earning him the title Thábit, meaning steadfast. Upon his return, Chase penned a heartfelt account of his pilgrimage, published as In Galilee in 1908, detailing ‘Abdu’l-Bahás home, family, and his own moving experiences. Chase later focused on introducing the Bahá’í Faith to a wider audience, resulting in the publication of The Bahai Revelation in 1909. This significant work served as one of the most thorough and insightful introductions to the Faith by an early American Bahá’í, emphasizing its teachings as a means for personal spiritual growth. Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, later recognized him as one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahás Disciples, also known as the “Heralds of the Covenant.” This show includes AI-generated content.
