Shrine of 'Abdu'l-Baha in Montreal
Updated: Mar 11, 2020
“…He, the Centre of the Covenant, the Greatest Mystery of God, stayed here.”
Is there a Shrine to 'Abdu'l-Baha in North America?
‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed in the home of May and William Sutherland Maxwell during His six-day visit to Montréal. This house is now the only Bahá’í Shrine in Canada.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá referred to the dwelling as His home.
The visit was a great honour conferred upon Canada and the city of Montréal — the city that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá hoped would “become so stirred, that the melody of the Kingdom may travel to all parts of the world from that Dominion and the breaths of the Holy Spirit may spread from that centre to the East and the West of America.”
Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, daughter of the Maxwells and wife of Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, explained the importance of this Shrine in these words:
“Things arise in historic perspective as time goes by. This is the only private home in Canada where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed. After His visit, it was always considered blessed by having been used by Him. For future generations, it will eventually grow in importance and sacredness, because He, the Centre of the Covenant, the Greatest Mystery of God, stayed here.”
Shoghi Effendi, himself said in a letter to an individual that the building:
should be viewed in the nature of a national Shrine, because of its association with the beloved Master, during His visit to Montreal.
