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THORNTON CHASE
The stout-hearted Thornton Chase, surnamed Thabit (Steadfast) by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
and designated by Him “the first American believer,” who became a convert to the Faith in 1894,Thornton Chase,
the first Western Christian to embrace the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
(Adib Taherzadeh, The Child of the Covenant)
 As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá crossed America from east to west
in 1912, Thornton Chase lay on his death-bed, and when the Master reached the shores of the Pacific, Chase was dead. When
‘Abdu’l-Bahá learned of his death in San Francisco, and a fortnight later stood at the graveside of this steadfast
disciple in Inglewood Cemetery, Los Angeles, He said:
"This revered personage was the first Bahá’í in America.
He served the Cause faithfully and his services will ever be remembered throughout future ages and cycles . . .For the present
his worth is not known, but in the future it will be inestimably dear. His sun will ever be shining, his star will ever bestow
the light. The people will honor this grave. Therefore, the friends of God must visit this grave and on my behalf bring flowers
and seek the sublimity of the spiritual station for him . . .
This personage will not be forgotten"
H. M. Balyuzi: Abdu’l-Bahá--
The Centre
of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh pg 66
| It took many years before I understood the Bounty |
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| and sacredness of visiting this Holy Spot |
In June of 2003 I was in Los Angeles for my Julies graduation from
University of Phoenix (with 2 BA's) the ceremony was held at the "The Forum". Right across from Inglewood Cemetery, I was
elated with inner joy when I realized this. Due to the traffic and family plans after graduation I made a mental note that
I would return tomorrow to visit this Holy Spot.
All these years and I never knew in reality just how close
it was or just what feelings would come over me while visiting there. I was blessed.
Afterwards I drove the the Los Angeles Baha'i Center and even though
I got lost with my driving it was less than a 30 minuet drive.
I will strive to make this trip to Inglewood once a
year,
it really isn't all that hard --jeannie
| The grounds, flowers and care of the Gravesite |
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| show the love of the friends for Thornton Chase |
| Like a lone flower in the Garden of Humanity |
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| Tousand followed and embraced the Faith |
The Gravesite is maintained and care for by the Spiritual Assembly and friends. It is beautifully cared for, a garden
in its self.
As I walked around brushing off fallen leaves and grass shavings from Grave Markers all around Thornton Chase I
notice many names I recognized from early growth of the Faith and some recent friends also. I was blessed to be in such company
that afternoon.
This September 28, 2003 will mark the 92nd Annual Thornton Chase Memorial Service at 2 p.m. at the
Inglewood Cemetery.
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| The first American Baháí passed away at his home |
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| In Los Angeles 1912 laid to rest Inglewood Cemetery |
| The Eagle and the Star |
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| The beautiful crown on the stone of reflection |
| As you walk from the parking area |
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| from the old entrance off Florence Avenue |
Thornton Chase, who rose to such heights, was not a man of great intellect
and deep learning. He was in the employment of a well-known life insurance company. In the Middle West, where he learned
of the Faith and accepted it, he gave so much of his time to the service of the Cause that his company deemed it advisable
to transfer him to a distant region. He was sent to California, but his dedication to the Faith, far from slackening, grew
more intense. Duties devolving upon him in the pursuit of his profession took him from city to city, and wherever he went
he taught and served the Cause, not only by speech and dissertation, but even more validly, by the radiance of his person.
A secretary in an office which he had to visit from time to time, spoke in later years of the electrifying presence of Thornton
Chase. She recalled that whenever he came into the room, people felt elated; joy wafted in with him; his face radiated light.
Thornton Chase once wrote that he, himself, was a man re-created.
H. M. Balyuzi: Abdu’l-Bahá--
The Centre of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh
pg 66
| Becons to the grave site |
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| Easily sighted by the guarding foilage |
This view to me is as if the tall tree are standing guard
of one so loved.
In 'God Passes By' it says; "He(Abdu'l-Baha) stooped low
to the grave of His beloved disciple, Thornton Chase, in Inglewood Cemetery, and kissed his tombstone, an example which all
those present hastened to follow;" (pg. 292)
`Abdu'l-Bahá had not originally intended to visit any places outside the
San Francisco Bay area. But Thornton's death changed his plans. `Abdu'l-Bahá had already missed Thornton's funeral; a beautiful
service had been held on 4 October, after which Thornton was laid to rest in Inglewood Cemetery. Nevertheless, `Abdu'l-Bahá
decided to pay his respects to the first American Bahá'í. As `Abdu'l-Bahá later explained to the Bahá'ís in Oakland, "I would
not have gone to Los Angeles had it not been to visit the tomb of Mr. Thornton Chase."`Abdu'l-Bahá left San Francisco for
Los Angeles on Friday, 18 October, and visited Thornton's grave on Saturday afternoon, 19 October....Twenty-five Bahá'ís accompanied
`Abdu'l-Bahá to Thornton Chase's grave. According to `Abdu'l-Bahá's secretary, Mamúd-i-Zarqání, `Abdu'l-Bahá walked straight
to the gravesite without asking its whereabouts. He praised the beauty and verdure of the cemetery, then adorned the grave
with flowers "with a love and affection which struck the bystanders with astonishment." After chanting a prayer, `Abdu'l-Bahá
revealed a prayer about Thornton:...`Abdu'l-Bahá then offered a eulogy in which he praised Thornton as patient and long-suffering.
He said Chase had an "illuminated" heart and that he had "witnessed the lights of the Kingdom of ABHA, and he was guided by
the lights of Guidance." He reiterated the importance of Bahá'ís' visiting Thornton's grave and urged them to bring flowers
there "on my behalf." He stressed that "the traces of this personage will ever shine" and that people "will honor this grave."
He even added that the Bahá'ís must have "utmost consideration for the members of his family." Finally,he kissed the gravestone.
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