Centennial Celebration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit to Glenwood Springs
The Centennial Celebration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit to Glenwood Springs was held on the weeken d of September 29-30, 2012
The celebration began with dawn prayers at the train station where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived Sat 7:00 AM and ends Sun at noon. It will be held at The Glenwood Springs Community Center; however special Dawn Prayers will be held Sunday morning at Hotel Colorado. Participants may wish to dine at Hotel Colorado and/or visit the Vapor Caves - blessed by the footsteps of the Master during His visit.
The guest speakers included Kathryn Jewett Hogenson, author of “Lighting the Western Sky,”
Anne and Tim Perry, co-producers/directors of the film “Luminous Journey: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America,”
and Bushra Bruss, speaking on “‘Abdu’l-Bahá, His road to America…”
The program included a screening of the film “Luminous Journey: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America.”
(See http://film-abdul-baha-in-america.blogspot.com/ for more information about the film and
http://vimeo.com/42500944 for the film’s trailer.)
A Brief Historical Account from Mahmud’s Diary
Friday, September 27, 1912
Around midnight ‘Abdu’l-Bahá became fatigued owing to the speed and motion of the train. We proposed that because California was still some distance away, if He would consent, it might be a good idea to stop for two or three days. At 2:00 a.m. the train reached Glenwood Springs, beautifully situated near many hot springs. We stayed at the Hotel Colorado, which is a
fine hotel overlooking the river, nestled among green parks and wooded mountains.
After morning tea, the Master left the hotel for a walk. Three magnificent mountains stood in the distance on three sides, each crowned with trees and adorned with flowers of many hues. They were like peacock feathers and had a unique beauty from every viewpoint. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá strolled in the spacious garden and boulevard adjacent to the hotel until He reached the river where there were bath houses and hot springs. On the other side of the river, spanned by a two-story bridge, the tall buildings of the city could be seen rising high on the horizon. At the insistence of His companions the Master went to the baths with the entire party, thus bestowing upon us everlasting honor. The rooms and bathing facilities were magnificent. In a special room hot water gushed from a natural cave. It was so hot that a person could not stay more than 15 minutes. Coming out of the bath, the Master said:
Today I am relieved of fatigue. We have been to many lovely places during this journey but because of our work we had no time to look at the scenery. We did not even think of a moment’s rest. Today, however, we have had a little respite.
As the Master viewed the clear, transparent waters of the river shining like pure pearls and the majestic mountains and parks, He said, ‘May God not have mercy on the tyrants who kept the Blessed Beauty imprisoned between four walls in ‘Akka. How such scenes were loved by Him! Once He said that He had not seen greenery for several years.’
When He returned to the hotel He stood outside in the garden and said, ‘It would be good to eat here.’ The garden was adjacent to a large pond with fish of various colors and was enclosed on three sides by the hotel structure. Having seen the Denver newspapers, the hotel manager recognized the Master and us from photographs. Without waiting for the Master’s request, the manager instructed the waiters to serve lunch in the garden. A large table was spread with beautiful chairs. The Master sat down and instructed His companions to do the same. Both before and after lunch the Master generously tipped the waiters. When the residents of the hotel saw the majesty and glory of the Master they told others. Groups of people approached Him. Others watched from their rooms and balconies. Many were heard to say, ‘How nice to dine this way. It is evident that this is a very prominent person.’ Gradually the purpose of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s mission dawned upon the hotel guests as they were informed of the Cause of God.
In the afternoon ‘Abdu’l-Bahá took a walk in the garden and to some shops. While we were crossing a bridge, a messenger approached with some telegrams for us. One of them informed the Master that Mr [Thornton] Chase was seriously ill in a Los Angeles hospital. This made the Master and us very sad. He repeatedly mentioned the faithfulness of Mr Chase…. The Master and His party left Glenwood Springs at about midnight.
