State and community leaders have paid eloquent tributes to the role played by the Baha’i Temple of Sydney since it opened 50 years ago this month.
New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell sent a message to be read at a reception held on 18 September before a special anniversary service. The events marked the beginning of a week of celebrations and services.
“This is a momentous occasion not only for the Baha’i religion but for New South Wales as a whole,” said Premier O’Farrell in the message, read by Pittwater MP Rob Stokes.
“The Baha’i community plays an important part in New South Wales’s diverse social fabric, and it is important that we continue to promote and celebrate diversity, tolerance and community in this State,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“This idea encapsulates the ethos of the Baha’i religion as it seeks to unify all religions and humanity – this Temple and the Baha’i community have indeed achieved this,” he said.
“I believe there is a lot to be learned from the Baha’i Faith, which through its values of unity and equality has only enhanced the multicultural tapestry of New South Wales.”
Unity in diversity
The capacity-attended service was characterised by the Baha’i principle of unity in diversity. The choir sang in an Aboriginal language (Wirradjuri dialect), Arabic, English and Samoan.
Readings were from Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Islamic scriptures.
Among the readers were two who had also read from scripture at the inauguration in 1961, Stanley Bolton and Allaine Duncan.
Another reader was the State MP for Pittwater, Rob Stokes, who told the reception the people of Pittwater “feel privileged to have this Temple here”.
“It stands as a silent sentinel of faith, of inclusion, of a real spiritual strength,” Mr Stokes said.
Pittwater Mayor
Pittwater Mayor Harvey Rose told the reception it a was privilege to be attending the anniversary celebrations.
“This place has been a beacon for 50 years,” Cr Rose said.
“It’s a beacon from the sea, the land, and the sky. It is also a beacon which lights the way to a better world where antagonism and division is replaced by unity, construction and hope.
“The Temple plays an important role in our local community and the broader Australian community. It is totally part of our community and part of our area.”
Cr Rose, a longtime resident of the area, recalled the time of the construction of the Temple, and also the many positive events held in the grounds, including the Peace Expo in 1986, attended by 10,000 people, and events promoting the equality of men and women and other progressive causes.
“Our society is enriched and ennobled by the Temple,” he said.
“Pointing out religious unity and commonality is a very important task.”
Referring to the persecution of Baha’is in Iran, Cr Rose said: “Your example of overcoming adversity and finding a positive way forward is a beacon for us all. For all you do for our community, for all you do for the world, thank you.”
Temple is for all
Mr John Walker, who attended the inauguration 50 years ago, said the Temple is for the benefit of all people, regardless of religion, race, class or nation.
Mr Walker said the decision to build the Temple was made when one planned for Tehran could not go ahead due to persecution of Baha’is in that country.
The anniversary celebrates the achievements and dedication of a small band of about 380 Baha’is living in Australia at the time of construction– now there are 19,000 Baha’is, he said.
“Australia as a whole has changed much over the past 50 years, becoming a dynamic, outward-looking multicultural society,” Mr Walker said.
“This process will continue over the next 50 years and the Baha’i community stands ready to work together with other Australians in making the world a better place. “
The reception began with a “welcome to country” by Michael West on behalf of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Other special guests attending the reception and service were State MP for Burwood Charles Casuscelli; the Mayor of Warringah Michael Regan; prominent Australian jurist Justice John Dowd; and the son of the architect who supervised the Temple’s construction, John Brogan. About 10 people at the reception indicated they had attended the inauguration in 1961.
At the reception a “Friends of the Baha’i Temple” facility was launched so that interested people can receive information about coming events, what’s happening at the Temple and how they can be involved.View the video from the reception and opening service on vimeo
Download the 50th Anniversary program Become a Friend of the Baha’i Temple