Thornton Chase Notes: 1897-1902

Thornton Chase Notes: 1897-1902 Jump to:
Introduction
Notes, 1897-1902
Notes, 1903-1904
Notes, 1905-1907
Notes, 1908-1909
Notes, 1910-1912, + undated

YR 1897

from his brother to John J. Abramson
copy 15 Oct. 1897

Ref to 3 previous letters from J.J. Abramson, apparently asking about the Faith.
Brother could obtain nothing--he lists many whom he asked. His brother is in
Jerusalem, Palestine.
He confuses Bab and Baha'u'llah.
Fantastic, bizarre, but interesting stories about the Faith.
Miss Ford, a missionary, apparently gave him much of the info he quotes. (See page
one of 9 Nov. 1897 letter)

from his brother to John J. Abramson
copy 9 Nov. 1897

Baha'i men accept their wives and children as equal--this implies equality of men
and women.

from his brother to John J. Abramson
copy 15 Dec. 1897

Mirza Kazim Beg
Description of Babism
Description of Siyyid Kazim, Mulla Husayn

YR 1898

John J. Abramson to T. Chase
copy 81 3p. 21 Mar. 1898

mentions Kheiralla and his lessons.
Chase had written him from Minneapolis.

T. Chase to John J. Abramson
copy 8p. 13 Apr. 1898

Answers questions why God only created so many souls--apparently Kheiralla had
taught this, or early American Baha'is believed it!
Only those who seek will become the "children of God."
Explanation of Luke 15:28, reference to Christ being angry.
Kheiralla's doctrine of the Fall is explained.
Abramson had received the Greatest Name, but apparently he is still skeptical.
Incarnation -- a brief reference (p. 4-5).
"Sin is ignorance and weakness and the result of them."
Truth Seekers
Truth seeking is not an avenue for psychic powers, but "soul hunger" for God.
`AB is referred to as "the Christ"
Christian Science
hypnotism--Chase had instruction in it "several years ago."
Never reveal lessons to others unless they are fitted, and only in the order they were
given to you.
E. G. Browne's book--don't show it to others.
"It is not wise to talk about a present-day Christ."
Ref. to first pilgrimage--probably not until after Kheiralla finishes his book.
600 Baha'is in New York!

`Abdu'l-Baha to James, Lamson, George Kheiralla, and Chase
copy 81 rec'd Chicago 29 Apr. 1898

T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
copy 81 Chicago, 16 Sept. 1898

Anton Haddad to T. Chase
2 p. New York, 14 Dec. 1898

"Two days ago I sent you a translation of Dr. Kheiralla's letter--I hope it reached you
safely and was read to the assembly there."
"Last Tuesday evening I have read the letter to the Assembly in New York + all were
pleased with it as they were very anxious to hear from the Dr...."
Mentions a previous letter to Chase.
"You will know from the Dr that it was written by him six days after his arrival
there." He's very busy, hasn't written anyone else yet.
Haddad is translating a book into English--doesn't say what one, though. [probably
Hykl or Aqdas]. It'll take another 40 days to finish, he thinks.

YR 1899

L. Getsinger to T. Chase
copy 81 15 Feb. 1899

account of her pilgrimage.
She has been at Akka at least two weeks; studying Persian, at command of `AB; Dr.
Getsinger is also.
Description of `AB.
"Dr. Kh. is as changed as we are and has become less aggressive." She doesn't know
when the book will be published.
Send letter to Mr. James a week earlier. Please give half the enclosed flowers to him.
She called James "the father of the Believers [underlines hers].
We probably won't be back to the USA before 1 May.

Anton Haddad to T. Chase
2 p. N.Y., 18 Feb. 1899

"I have just received a registered letter from Dr. Kh. containing several letters or
rather Tablets sent by the Greatest Branch to some believers, viz.--Mr. Dodge, Mrs.
Brittingham, Mrs. Talbot, and Mr. MacNutt--another Tablet has been graciously given
by God to Mr. Hoar but it has not been handled over to Dr. K. it will be sent to him very
soon or will be brought by the Dr. himself + given to our brother Hoar hand to hand--"
"The Dr. told me also that your Tablet has been sent to you."

Anton Haddad to T. Chase
2 p. N.Y., 6 Mar. 1899

"I have finished the translation of the Dr. book and was sent to him some time ago." [sic]

Anton Haddad to T. Chase
3 p. N.Y., 8 Mar. 1899

Reply to Chase's letter of 6 Mar.
Chase must have written that he wants to go on pilgrimage; Haddad writes that he
hopes that Chase will be able to go also.

T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
copy 81 Chicago, 21 Apr. 1899

He had just received a tablet from `AB and roses from Mrs. Getsinger from Palestine.
He still expresses love for Dr. Kheiralla.
He asks for a special tablet.
He asks to travel and visit `AB.

T. Chase to P. M. Blake
copy 81 4p. Chicago, 27 Oct. 1899

Just arrived from Winona, Minn.
A discussion of the fine points of biblical teaching.
A discussion of the problems of the churches.
No mention of the Faith at all, but Chase clearly is teaching religion in this letter.

T. Chase to P. M. Blake
copy 82 1p. Chicago, 18 Nov. 1899

TC was in Kansas City 2 days earlier.
a Mrs. Taylor is teaching the Faith--giving lessons--and causing trouble. She
teaches there are two classes of angels.
Chase alludes cryptically to the troubles in Kenosha.

YR 1900

T. Chase to P. M. Blake
copy 81 3p. Chicago, 24 Jan. 1900

Christ revealed a new name of God--maybe it was "Abba." He gave the name to His
disciples in "strict secresy." [sic] He appends to the one page letter two pages of notes
on biblical verses.

T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
c87 9 Feb. 1900

thank you for a tablet and a prayer.

P. M. Blake to T. Chase
copy 81 6 p. 7 Mar. 1900

He was taught the Faith by Chase.
"My brother and leader" Blake thus describes Chase.
"I call you our leader" "You seem to us as such."
Blake has been teaching 4 at work--one has gone as far as the sixth lesson.
15 were at the assembly meeting last Sunday; "well attended." "Mrs. Getsinger will
be with us next Sunday." She couldn't make it last week.
"You started me on the Road to Life..."
p. 3 is missing, and Chase notes "about a small proposed loan from the Co. Thornton."
He edited his own correspondence!
Blake had a vision.

Anton Haddad to T. Chase
2 p. Detroit, 21 Mar. 1900
Chase wrote Haddad on 17 Mar.
Chase writes about the Greatest Name--that a different one is given by Abdu'l-Karim.
Haddad explains all the variations.
`Abdu'l-Karim "is well competent in English."
Getsingers have a framed Greatest Name symbol.
"As to the last word given to K [Kheiralla] I could not find any trace of it, + who
knows whether his statement is true or is one of his daily usual tricks and schemes.
Mrs. Getsinger is now alright + may be able to leave Cincinnati this week. Please do not
show the diploma to any one as you promised as it may create a great sensation which
may not be proper at this time."
"The G. N. is Abha as you know with the word God (Allah u) prefixed to it; but it is not
impossible that it was given to them as this, Beha Allah el Abha, Splendor of the Most
Splendid, or Glory of the Most Glorious. Also in the East the believers have the G. N.
framed + hung in their rooms thus: Ya Beha El Abha."

T. Chase to P. M. Blake
copy 81 1p. Denver, 21 Mar. 1900

Chase plans to teach the Faith in Denver.
Just formed a ten-member "Board of Council" in Chicago. Its members are Thacher,
Greenleaf, Agnew, Hoffman, Lesch, Ralph, Robinson, Purcell, Chase. It is also directing
publications.

T. Chase to P. M. Blake
copy 81 3p. Denver, 1 Apr. 1900

A letter from `AB to Mrs. G. [Getsinger?] about Kheiralla, and its effects.
Chase mentions the attributes of God, but specifically discusses the Faith little.
The tablet to Mrs. G [Getsinger?] appears to stress harmony with Kheiralla, but not
to uphold his false teachings.

T. Chase to P. M. Blake
copy 81 2p. Chicago, 26 Apr. 1900

Chase was in Detroit four days.
Kheiralla may or may not have broken with the Faith. [The storm must have begun,
tho, as Chase is anticipating trouble.]

Harry Thompson to T. Chase
3 p. Hyde Park, Cincinnati, 27 Apr. 1900

An article about George Washington "can be used as a lesson for the Assembly and to
ourselves first of all."
Thompson quotes Dodge in New York City: "We are experiencing delightful harmony in
this city and vicinity now. Monday evening I added my mite in assisting Brother Harris
inaugurate a new and very interesting class in Brooklyn, and last night I attended
Brother MacNutt's meeting, and listened to a beautiful address from him."
"He has received a letter and a cable from Abdel Karim and expected him to land in
New York the 26th. I hope he came safely."
The letter from Dodge arrived "this morning."

T. Chase to P. M. Blake
copy 82 1p. Chicago, 30 Apr. 1900

Must get Abdel Karim + party to Chicago immediately and secretly. Getsingers,
Thacher, a few others know.

T. Chase to P. M. Blake
copy 82 5p. Chicago, 4 May 1900
Chase writes asking for contributions to get Abdel Karim and two,others to Chicago,
"which must be the battle field in these matters." [from previous letters, apparently he
means with Kheiralla]
Karim and arty are in New York City. Chase is asking Agnew, Thacher for money. No
one should know that Karim hasn't got money.

Hag Abdool Kerim Tehrani to T. Chase
1 p. Cairo, 29 Sept. 1900

The letter is written in lovely handwriting, but with horrible spelling and grammar!
Karim arrived in Cairo on 26 Sept. 1900.
Karim plans to return to the USA in four months.

Charles Greenleaf to T. Chase
2 p. Chicago, 3 Oct. 1900

The letter is on Illinois Trust and Saving Bank stationary; Greenleaf must work for
them.
Mrs. Kheiralla is arriving in New York City on 7 Oct. "I hope for much from her.
The report is afloat now that the Publication Board has the money from Mrs. Hearst but
is not publishing the albums."
"Give my love to Blake, Thompson et all" in Cincinnati.

YR 1901

Albert Frank Hoffman to T. Chase
1 p. Cincinnati, 18 Feb. 1901

7 present at Cincinnati meeting "on the Sabbath day." Mr. Blake, Thompson were not
there.
He writes "Beha"
Chase is forwarding letters to Acca--some Cincinnati believers will be sending
letters to him; Mr. Hoffman, Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Parmerton.
Hoffman shows great love for `AB.

Hag Abdool Kerim Tehrani to T. Chase
1 p. Cairo, 19 Apr. 1901

Abdu'l-Karim mentions a tablet to Chase sent last week; Chase wrote a note on the
letter, "it never was received."

T. Chase to unknown
Chicago, 29 May 1901

no notes taken.

Chicago House of Justice to New York Council Board
copy 81 Chicago, 2 Oct. 1901

About Inauguration Day.
Sent to all Council Boards.

YR 1902

Haji Mirza Hassan-i Khurassani to T. Chase
1 p. Cairo, 24 Feb. 1902

`AB has prohibited teaching the Faith in the Ottoman Empire, so there is no teaching
right now.
He is writing the letter on his own stationary, which says in Arabic and French:

Societe Rouhanieh Shirkat-i Rawhaniyyih
H. Mirza Hassan Kharasani al-Haji Mirza Hassan Khurassani

Husayn Ruhi to T. Chase
5 p. Cairo, 2 Mar. 1902

This is his first day fasting. He is almost finished translating the Seven Valleys
"All the believers here are united. The [sic] have a meeting every Friday evening at
Hagi's." [Abdu'l-Karim's?]
[Ruhi was in the United States as a translator of the Persian teachers]
"Please write me again Mr. Chase. I still remember the good talks we had with each
other."
Happy Naw-Ruz.

Haji Mirza Hassan Khurassani to T. Chase
1 p. Cairo, 9 Mar. 1902

He wants Chase to buy him seeds.

T. Chase to Mishkin Qalam
Chicago, 21 Mar. 1902

no notes

T. Chase to I. Brittingham
copy 5p. Chicago, 17 Apr. 1902

references to Agnew and Greenleaf
re. printing 1000 copies of Mrs. Br-ham's lessons, with 10 cent price printed on
them so all Assemblies will sell them at the same price.
I. Br-ham received a letter from the Greatest Holy Leaf.
Chase complains that Assembly [community] matters are bad. He says disintegration
of the community is a danger because of Doxie, Lane, Ioas, etc.
Chase describes his response to the crisis of disintegration of the Chicago
community--he prays on his knees, uses his Bible heavily; the letter contains no
reference to Baha'i scripture. "I doubted everything."
Chase longs to know God, to see a vision of Him.
The women, and Mr. Lane, are to blame for Chicago's problems--they want a separate
Baha'i center downtown.
Mirza Asadu'llah is the "teacher" of Chase's faction. Trying to maintain House of
Justice meetings is all that they can do right now.
Reference to Ameen Fareed's donor--a woman, a Baha'i is ending her financial
support [Mrs. Hearst?]
Chase describes his house. It is the Baha'i center. Ameen and Asadu'llah live there.
Description of Naw Ruz, "Rizwan" (it has three main days), Birth of Bab, Birth of
Baha'u'llah, and Declaration of the Bab as Holy Days.
Description of the requirements for a Baha'i marriage (pretty accurate).
"Anton Haddad said to me in N.Y.--`I don't think there are more than 50 true
believers in the US.' I guess he was nearly right."

T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
copy 81 Chicago, 19 Apr. 1902

The letter is really from the House of Spirituality. It is signed by 14 men.
In Sept. of 1901, we rec'd a tablet from `AB "appointing the House of Justice." They
want to know when to re-elect.

T. Chase to P. M. Blake
copy 81 26 Apr. 1902

Miss Bolles in Paris is mentioned.
Mrs. Kheiralla's confusions are from reading occult philosophers.
The dangers of New Thought.
"You know for five years I studied Swedenborg daily and was a worker in the Sw.
church. Although it is most beautiful and filled with wonderful Truth, yet it does not
contain ALL Truth...."
Swedenborg was undoubtedly a "Divine Philosopher."
Chase says he studied the Arcana Celestia "for years."
New Thought philosophies, and "isms"--Chase complains about them.
Baha'u'llah is for the healing of souls.
"Jesus was as Swedenborg depicted Him."

T. Chase to I. Br-ham
copy 82 10p. Chicago, 2 May 1902

Mention of the Chicago Baha'i meetings.
Chase likes Mirza Asadu'llah and will "miss him keenly."
Ridvan, dates of Naw Ruz and Birth of `AB are discussed. The Persians don't seem to
know exactly when the Baha'i day begins--Chase has questioned them closely.
Marriage--there is no trial period of living together required, as Br-ham had heard
from Mariam Kheiralla! The Year of patience is clarified; it is a year, not nine months.
Chase says he strives to give up his will to God.
Chase's faith is unshakable and deep, but he feels dead. He is struggling and the letter
is frank about it.
Why does `AB crave martyrdom? Chase doesn't understand.
Anton Haddad's brother [Abraham Haddad] is a scoundrel and a liar, and an unreliable
translator. He visited Mrs. Hearst and she threw him out. He is borrowing money and
flattering ladies.
Mrs. Rowe is the head of the "Ladies Auxiliary." Mrs. True is active, but "I have lost
confidence in at least her wisdom."
Chase loves and marvels at the Bible; he wishes to study the parallels between it and
the words of Baha'u'llah.

P. M. Blake to T. Chase
9 May 1902
He is a Baha'i at this time.

T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
9 May 1902

He recently received another tablet.
A beautiful letter. It shows great humility. He asks about seeing Baha'u'llah's face;
he has prayed to see it. He has striven to imagine Baha'u'llah's face. Intellectually, he
says his understanding of the Faith is a rock, but mystically he is weak; he wants to see
Baha'u'llah's face.
How should I pray?
For 20 years and more he knew he was being fitted for some service to God.
Chase searched all other religions; he still felt unfulfilled; then he found the Faith.
`AB is the Mystery of God.
He has been troubled since his youth about the mystery of innocent suffering. This
was one reason he believed in reincarnation.
What is the simplest proof of human immortality? Is everyone immortal?

T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
copy 12 May 1902

Identical to the 9 May 1902 letter, except for the ending.
How can one reconcile ambition for spiritual advancement and humility?

House of Spirituality to Mirza Asadu'llah
copy 81 Chicago, 19 May 1902

A beautiful letter, describing their confusion before Asadu'llah's arrival and how he
helped them.
Nine signatures.

T. Chase to I. Br-ham
copy 81 6p. Chicago, 25 May 1902

Chicago news.
Agnew, Lesch, Hoffman, Chase, and sometimes Bartlett are preparing a catechism.
Charles Greenleaf is inactive.
Chase describes Asadu'llah. Beautiful.
Ch thought today was the Birth of `AB. He just spoke of `AB; no mention of the Bab.
Asadu'llah should be in Paris by now. He plans to visit the Baha'is there.
I. Br-ham is the subject of many bad rumors.
Chase says Asadu'llah was driven from the country. Mrs. H [Hearst] said she would
pay for the return of Asadu'llah or Ameen Fareed, but only before 1 June 1902. So
there were no visits or goodbyes; Asadu'llah had to hurry to Wash. D.C., then he took the
French steamer La Champagne to Le Havre.
Fadists in the Faith are a major problem.
Reference to a nineteen-day Ladies' meeting.

T. Chase to I. Br-ham
c87 4p. Chicago, 2 June 1902

A statement by her in her publication that the Turkish government oppresses Baha'is
is poorly phrased and could cause trouble for the Faith. Haddad and Khan (both of whom,
apparently, are in New York) are worried about the statement.
"I learned that there seemed to be nought but good will toward you [I. Br-ham] [in
New York City], except in one quarter, and that was the Gs." [Getsingers]

T. Chase to P. M. Blake
c87 2p. Chicago, 10 June 1902

Mrs. Br-ham's book is hastily assembled pilgrim's notes and is inaccurate. Chase
describes how they came to be printed., very hastily, and without adequate proof reading.
A new edition will be put out with corrections. Statements concerning the Sultan, on
page 21, could be a problem.

T. Chase to Ahmad Yazdi
c87 1p. Chicago, 10 June 1902

Chase lists Persian teachers in this way: `Abdu'l-Karim and his interpretor, Mirza
Raffie; Khorassani and his interpretor, Ruhi; Abu'l-Fadl and his, Ali Kuli Khan;
Assadu'llah and his, Fareed.

T. Chase to I. Br-ham
copy 87 5p. Chicago, 14 June 1902

p. 5 -- I. Br-ham had a dream about Mrs. Chase. Chase says she is in the east, tied
there by property matters. Chase Jr. is 13 and hardly knows what a father is. Chase
hopes to relocate to New York City.
An apparently reference to Khan.
Hooper Harris--described as ambitious.
New York City--obliquely discussed, on pp. 1-2.
Miss "Berkimer" [sic] [Buikema] is mentioned.
"In fact I have quite a library of [Bible] Commentaries, etc, which I have gathered
from time to time."
"We are working for the Cause, not for New York." "We have already had some
experience with N. Y. which do not tend to cause us to consider their opinions of the
greatest weight."
"How God turns everything into a 'test' and from thence into a blessing!" "We are all
tests to each other."

T. Chase to Mirza Asadu'llah
copy 81 7p. Chicago, 17 June 1902

Asadu'llah left Chicago one month earlier. Chase says how deeply he misses him and
loves him. He refers to Asadu'llah as "Teacher" throughout the letter.
Chase complains of the lack of Baha'i literature in English; he wants to know what
Baha'u'llah's new teaching is, what differs from those of Christ. Only the Hidden Words
are published.
Chase asks for help to refute reincarnation. Kheiralla is writing a book to prove that
Baha'u'llah taught it!
Dr. Hazzard of Kansas City is torn between Kheiralla and `AB.
Another problem, for the Christians, is how to refute belief in bodily resurrection.
Chase succinctly summarizes Christian theology. He quotes the Bible and asks for
ways to refute bodily resurrection.
Nearly all Baha'is in the USA were Theosophists, Christian Scientists,
Metaphysicians, Buddhists, Spiritualists, etc.
The House of Spirituality meets every Saturday, but it doesn't always have a quorum
of nine. Some members are disinterested; they won't participate in a group picture.
Should they replace group members after one year? Or should the whole be re-elected?
But we don't have twelve active Baha'i men in Chicago!
Women. No politicking will be allowed,
The word Assembly used to refer to entire community.
The House of Spirituality is preparing a catechism. Agnew, Hoffman, Lesch, Windust,
and Chase are doing it.
Chase calls `AB the Annointed One--a Christian term.
Mr. Greenleaf appears to be alienated from the others.
Chase's son is 13 years old this month. He says Baha'i prayers. Chase hopes both his
son and his wife will become believers.

T. Chase to Mirza Husayn Ruhi
c87 2p. Chicago, 21 June 1902

Thanks for translating my tablet from `AB. Where is your translation of the Arabic
Seven Valleys?
"All matters in this country are quiet, and it seems to be a time of great and severe
testing."

T. Chase to Haji Mirza Hassan Khurassani
copy 82 2 p. Chicago, 21 June 1902

Ali Kuli Khan and Mirza Abu'l-Fadl are in New York.
Chase hopes to visit `AB some time.
475 W. Monroe St house is the Chicago Baha'i center. Mrs. Spence cares for it. Chase
lives there.
The House of Spirituality meets Saturday nights.
Mirza Asadu'llah's book Sacred Mysteries is published.

Haji Mirza Hassan Khurassani to T. Chase
2 p. Cairo, 11 Aug. 1902

No notes.

T. Chase to House of Spirituality (also CHS)
Small Point, Maine, 12 Aug. 1902

Anton Haddad plans to leave for Akka on the 15th (of August?).
"Matters in New York seem to be much as in Chicago--quiet."
He quotes Matt. 4 (Parable of the Sower?).

Haji Hassan Khurasani to T. Chase
Akka; rec'd Chicago, 19 Aug. 1902

No notes.

T. Chase to I. Br-ham
copy 81 6p. Chicago, 14 Sept. 1902

Chase just returned from Grand Rapids;he leaves for Minneapolis today for a week in
Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Chase was in New York, New Jersey a short time earlier.
Doxie, Lane, Ioas, the "discordant elements" of the House of Spirituality, "practically
withdrew."
Anton Haddad has left for Haifa. Haddad just left.
Fareed mentioned. Chase is helping him with translations.
Miss Bolles married a Mr. Maxwell.
Ithaca has several Baha'is; a Miss Hopper and a Miss Chandler.
There is no general meeting in Chicago now. Chase is disgusted with matters right
now, except for the House of Spirituality.
The women hold nineteen day meetings. The women want the men to assist them;
Chase wants to know why the women won't assist the men instead.
The high station of the House of Spirituality; its world-wide work.
Mirza Yusuf Khan has come to the USA.
Baltimore news.
Chase's reputation--p. 4.
The Baha'is don't want any "teachers" not even from the East. The Baha'is are very
independent. In Chicago, "each one is for himself."
Mirza Abu'l-Fadl's book is published.
While Haddad was in the USA he was receiving financing; Chase speculates that Mrs.
Hearst is still helping him. Mrs. Hearst liked Haddad the "most."
Miss Barney helps Ali Kuli Khan.
The Bahai Publishing Society's copyright has been infringed. (p. 3-4).

T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
copy 4p. Chicago, 27 Sept. 1902

Chase just returned from a trip "in the north."
The house he lives in in Chicago is very difficult; he plans to move.
No general Baha'i meetings in Chicago right now, only small group meetings.
The House of Spirituality plans to rent space down town for its meetings, and for use
by the Bahai Publishing Society as well.
In Denver, Mrs. Calloway and Mrs. Clarke have become Baha'is. The information
apparently comes from Mrs. Bryant.
Chase positively assesses Corinne True.
Chase will be in Denver in late Oct. or early Nov.
Chase says it is hard to keep large Assemblies large; the Baha'is scatter fast.
Chase refers to his previous letter to Mrs. Bryant of about 13 Sept. 1902. Note, it is
no longer extant.
Mrs. Nash.
Lucinda Chandler.
The House of Spirituality does nothing local, but has a great world-wide
correspondence. `AB has sent a tablet about the House of Spir. to it.
Most Baha'is in America send their supplications to `AB through the House of
Spirituality, except New York. Chase sees this as very important.
Mirza Abu'l-Fadl's book has been published through New York City.

T. Chase to Mrs. Frank Fenno
copy 82 10 p. Chicago, 27 Sept. 1902

The faith of many is shallow; it is then swept away by tests.
Jesus Christ is discussed.
Mrs. Fenno apparently is not a Baha'i; certainly she isn't a deepened Baha'i. The
letter is a teaching letter.
`AB has never claimed to be Christ. His station is discussed extensively.

Haji Hassan Khurassani to T. Chase
3 p. Akka, 28 Sept. 1902

Asadu'llah writes from the Middle East--he's now home.
A tablet to Mrs. Bryant is enclosed.

Ahmad Yazdi to T. Chase
2 p. Port Said, 29 Sept. 1902

2 photos of House of Spirituality have arrived, one for Yazdi, one for Khurassani.
2 letters of Chase to Yazdi, 10 June and 3 August, are mentioned.

T. Chase to Mrs. Frank Fenno
c87 2p. Chicago, 7 Oct. 1902

She lives in Hoopeston, Ill.
Mrs. Fenno now is a Baha'i.

T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
copy 81 5p. Chicago, 9 Oct. 1902

The name has been changed to Bahai Publishing Society. They are renting space at 84
Adams St.
House of Spirituality troubles over the last four months. "certain ones have
remained away from our meetings." Greenleaf is one.
Assist the ladies.
Chicago meetings. The geographical significance of Chicago.
Chase will be in Cleveland on Sunday; then Zanesville, Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville.
Later St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver. [Note, however, the House of Spirituality minutes
show that Chase did not make the eastern tour. He remained in Chicago 15 days more. On
8 Nov. the H. of S. minutes show he sent a telegram from Denver. Other letters show he
was in Denver a long time. He must have canceled the eastern trip.]

T. Chase to Ahmad Yazdi
c87 2p. Chicago, 9 Oct. 1902

Thank you from the House of Spirituality for the ring stones. Nineteen received them
last night, at Bartlett's.

Paul K. Dealy to Mrs. Miriam Haney
Fair Hope, Al., 10 Oct. 1902

Dealy's lessons have been approved by `AB.

T Chase to Mr. Alphonso Steigner of New York City
c87 3p. Chicago, 10 Oct. 1902

Mrs. Fenno has become a Baha'i; Chase taught her. She says she was "led to the
light."
Chase speaks about `AB's tests and trials; we must follow in His footsteps.

T. Chase to Benjamin R. Taylor
copy 81 2p. Chicago, 29 Oct. 1902

The fewness of Baha'is is not a reason for discouragement.
Chase is going to Denver.

T. Chase to Mrs. Frank Fenno
c87 7p. Denver, 14 Nov. 1902

She is addressed "Dear Sister in the Cause of God." She wrote a letter to him on 2 Nov.
1092; he is now replying.
Chase was in Denver "last Sunday."
Chase discusses the station of `AB again. Mrs. Fenno wants to send a supplication to the
Master.

T. Chase to I. Br-ham
4p. 19 Nov. 1902

Chase refers to a Baha'i in Boston. "Sister Mariam" is the Bostonian.
"I think it may be possible that He will at some time visit this country....yet" full
freedom of `AB will only come through His death.
Reference to Mrs. Bryant's "wonderful experience."
Chase is sending a notice of the Feast of the Master. Last year, Asadu'llah annointed
everyone present.

T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
c87 2p. Chicago, 30 Nov. 1902

Chase is helping set into poetry a poem written to `AB in Persian.
Remnant of the old Assembly still meets. There are no general meetings. There are
10-12 weekly meetings in Chicago, at Roe's, Nash's, True's, Lesch's, Ort's, Tobin's (all
women), and Dr. Bartlett's. The remnant of the old Assembly meets there.
Tomorrow Chase leaves for Grand Rapids, Detroit, then New York City.
Two hundred attended the Feast of the Master at the Athenaeum. It was a good time.
Many older believers "we seldom see" came.
Abu'l-Fadl's book has just been published recently. Chase sent a copy to Mrs. Bryant
and wants her opinion of it.

T. Chase to Mr. J. H. Seek of Los Ang.
c87 1p. Chicago, 30 Nov. 1902

"I don't know if there are any other believers than yourself in L. A. [Los Ang.] right
now." "if we find any other located there, I shall be happy to let you know."
Baha'is are always moving; this has been the experience of New York City as well.
Chicago news. There are twelve meetings a week. The Feast of the Master was
celebrated on the 26th; it was a "delightful" time. Two hundred were present. Some
stayed as late as 11 PM.
A new Baha'i publishing society catalog has been issued.

Paul K. Dealy to Mrs. Haney
2 p. Fair Hope, Al., 13 Dec. 1902

Dealy is farming in Alabama! He calls it "pioneer farming."

T. Chase to Howard MacNutt
copy 81 Chicago, 22 Dec. 1902

Chase makes suggestions for cooperation between New York and Chicago on publishing.

I. Br-ham to T. Chase
17 legal p. Dec. 1902

"How glad I am that you met Mrs. Maxwell. Does she not remind you of a flower? She
was `raised up' from a bed of illness, about the time she received the Message, by the
laying on of hands of Mr. Getsinger + Dr. Kheiralla when in Paris--and thus she was
enabled to make the Blessed Pilgrimage, a little later; and you see that Lua G. having been
her teacher, she is all under that influence--"
A long letter--I read only 2 or 3 pps.

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