‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Banquet in the Great Northern Hotel in New York City

“Saturday, November 23, 1912
[New York]
The friends arranged a banquet in commemoration of the Day of the Covenant and the journey of the beloved of all
hearts. Today many came to the Master with bouquets of flowers in their hands. The banquet was held in the ballroom
of New York’s Grand Northern Hotel. The hall was decorated similarly to that in Washington with festoons,
banners, ornaments and exquisite screens, with the Greatest Name suspended above all on the stage in its customary
 calligraphy.

When the Master appeared, all rose from their seats and with smiling faces cried out, ‘Allah-u-Abha!’ Many of the
hotel guests saw the banquet and were astonished to see the grandeur of the Master and the sincerity and enthusiasm
of the friends. Mter the Master took His seat, Mr Hoar, on behalf of the Bahá’ís, read an address of welcome expressing
obedience and firmness in the Covenant. The Master rose and responded with an address about the divine teachings and the oneness of humanity. He then walked around the tables and perfumed the heads and faces of the friends with attar of rose. When He returned to His chair, the friends, accompanied by the piano, sang songs of praise to Him.

This evening’s banquet was so grand that the hotel staff were curious to know about the Cause. They came to see the Master to ask about the banquet and why so many distinguished Americans were praising and glorifying a person from the East. Indeed, it was a banquet for a king and a source of awakening to every person of insight.
Two photographs were taken with a good quality glass and special lighting. Although the photographs do not
show the entire group, they tell much about the banquet.”
- Mahmud’s Diary, p. 406