Where We Worship
Baha'is to celebrate 100-year presence in Pacific
By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser
Name of center: National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the Hawaiian Islands
Duane Troxel, a follower of the Baha'i Faith, sits in front of a stained-glass window in the reception room of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'i of the Hawaiian Islands in Nu'uanu. The stained glass shows one of the sacred symbols of the faith.
Our leader: The Baha'is have no priesthood or professional clergy.
Our denomination or affiliation: The Baha'i Faith is an independent world religion with no denominations or affiliations.
What we believe: The Baha'i Faith was founded by the prophet Baha'u'llah in 1863. Among the most fundamental of his teachings are: There is only one God; all religions share a common foundation; and humanity is one. Baha'is believe that people of all races, nations, economic groups and religious backgrounds are equal in the sight of God.
Where we are: 3264 Allan Place in Nu'uanu
Our numbers: 3,000
Our history: The Baha'i Faith was introduced to the Islands in 1901 by Agnes Baldwin Alexander, granddaughter of the missionaries the Rev. and Mrs. Dwight Baldwin, and Mr. and Mrs. William Alexander.
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The first Baha'i center in Hawai'i, which was near the Ala Wai Canal on McCully Street, was purchased in 1940 and dedicated in 1941. The current center in Nu'uanu, home of the national and local headquarters, was purchased in 1960 and dedicated in 1965.
We're excited about: The opening of the new Honolulu Baha'i Center, at 2165 10th Ave. in Palolo Valley. The center was dedicated on Thursday.
The Baha'is are also looking forward to the "Fire in the Pacific" International Conference, Dec. 20-23, at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Thousands of Baha'is from around the world are expected to attend the conference, which will celebrate 100 years of the Baha'i Faith in the Pacific.
What's special about us: "I think it's the world-mindedness (of our religion)," said Duane Troxel, a member of the Baha'i Faith. "Unity and diversity are important in the Baha'i teachings."
The Baha'is are advocates for spiritual solutions on issues such as racial prejudice, gender equality and religious intolerance.
Contact: 595-3314, e-mail bahai@aloha.net or visit www.hnlbahais.org
If you would like to recommend your church, temple or faith organization for a Where We Worship profile, e-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com, call 535-8174 or write: Where We Worship, Faith Page, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802.
