The Origins of the Bahai Community of Canada, 1898-1948

What binds together Louis Riel's former secretary, a railroad inventor, a Montreal comedienne, an early proponent of Canada's juvenile system and a prominent Canadian architect? Socialists, suffragists, musicians, artists -- from 1898 to 1948, these and some 550 other individual Canadian Bahais helped create a movement described as the second most widespread religion in the world. Using diaries, memoirs, official reports, private correspondence, newspapers, archives and interviews, Will C. van den Hoonaard has created the first historical account of Bahais in Canada. In addition the book clearly depicts the dynamics and the struggles of a new religion in a new country. This is a story of modern spiritual heroes -- people who changed the lives of others through their devotion to the Bahai ideals, in particular to the belief that the earth is one country and all of humankind are its citizens. Thirty-nine original photographs effectively depict persons and events influencing the growth of the Bahai movement in Canada. The book makes an original contribution to religious history in Canada and provides a major sociological reference tool, as well as a narrative history that can be used by scholars and Bahais alike for many years to come.