Philip Hainsworth was one of the outstandingfigures of the Bahá'í community of the United Kingdom and left a legacy that future generations will remember. He encountered the Faith at the age of 19 and during more than sixty years rendered incredible service, particularly in the United Kingdom and in Uganda as a pioneer, an administrator (with many years as a member of senior bodies including National Spiritual Assemblies), and a teacher, but also world-wide as a lecturer, teacher, and author.
His book covers a fascinating and important period in the development of the Faith and his first-hand accounts of events and experiences and of meetings with Shoghi Effendi and withdistinguished individual Bahá'ís make up a record that is both absorbing and inspiring. As the book's cover puts it: “He joined a community of fervent believers, scattered and few. When he dies, memorial meetings were held around the world. His life saw the transformation of a religious community as it expanded around the globe, and it was the constant drive of his life to take part in that transformation”.
Philip’s own account only goes as far as 1967, which is regrettable, but the rest of his life (he passed away in 2001) is described by his wife Lois and by others who served with him.
I count myself privileged not just to have known Philip, but to have served with him on various institutions. Behind the bluff Yorkshire exterior was a warm human being and spiritual and devoted soul whose life was one of service. I miss him.
ISP
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