The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

History

The Baha'i Center of San Antonio prides itself on the diversity of its congregation. Here, in a new worship hall standing just beyond the historic Monte Vista District, Hispanics, Persians, African-Americans, Texans sporting thick accents, young couples and elderly women all gather to celebrate the unity of God, listening to scripture from the Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Baha'i, Buddhist, and Muslim faiths. It’s no wonder that the Bahai Assembly annually hosts Race Unity Day, a public celebration in honor of San Antonio’s diversity. The San Antonio Baha'i community was founded in 1948, one of the first five assemblies in all of Texas (today, there are more than 400 assemblies in Texas). Originally meeting in private homes throughout the city, the congregation moved into their first Center on West Avenue in 1993, the first year after the 100th anniversary of the ascension of the Baha'u'llah. In 2000, the congregation moved to their new Center on W. Magnolia, a great open house with a worship hall, a bookstore, library, and kitchen. Like all Baha'i Communities, the San Antonio Baha'i’s follow the teachings of Baha'u'llah, the 19th century Persian believed to be the long-awaited bringer of peace whose revelation, foretold in past scriptures, would bring about a worldwide divine civilization. The leadership at the local consists of a nine member assembly that is re-elected annually. All adult members of the community are placed on the ballot, making the leadership as diverse as the community itself.

Worship Schedule

On Sundays, the Baha'i community gathers to celebrate interfaith prayer. Interfaith devotion begins at 11:00, when Bahai’s listen to scriptures from several religious traditions. On Wednesday night, the Bahai Center is open to guests for an information session, potluck dinner, and prayer lasting from 6:30- 10:00. For up-to-date information about current scheduled events, please visit the Center's website at www.SanAntonioBahai.org.

Interfaith Activities

The Baha'i community is most well-known in San Antonio for hosting Race Unity Day, an annual event celebrating the diversity of San Antonio’s citizens and religious communities. The event, which is held each July in downtown’s historic La Villita district, features singing and dancing from religious and ethnic groups living throughout the city, who gather for the purpose of sharing traditions and celebrating a common humanity. The Baha'i assembly opens the event by lighting seven candles, symbolizing the unity of religions. The Baha'i Community also participates each year in the interfaith celebrations of Martin Luther King Day by presenting the Unity in Humanity award to the San Antonio resident who has worked consciously to unite the city’s citizens. The award is given annually at City Hall.

Holidays

The assembly celebrates the Birth of Baha'u'llah on Nov 29th, theAscension of Baha'u'llah beginning at 3:00 a.m. on May 29th, the Feast of the Covenant on Nov. 26th, and Ridvan, the special day when Baha'u'llah gave his revelations, on April 21, 29, and May 2nd. On these days, the Baha'i Scriptures are sung in Arabic and Persian and set to music. .

Demographics

There are about 200 Baha'i in San Antonio from all economic backgrounds. The San Antonio Bahai Center attracfs young couples drawn to the message of unity and equality, and the community consists of a diverse group of African Americans, Hispanics, Anglos, and Persians. Prayer often incorporates Spanish, Persian, English, and Arabic.

Description

The Baha'i Center of San Antonio is located on West Magnolia, just past San Antonio's historic Monte Vista district. The center actually appears more like a spacious white house. The Center is dominated by a huge open prayer hall, with a center stage where musicians gather to play the sacred scriptures on the oud. Behind the stage, a wooden Ottoman style screen inlaid with mother of pearl is a testimony to the religious ties to Iran and the Middle East. Beside the stage, a portrait of Abdu'l-Baha, son of Baha'u'llah, presides over meetings.

Beyond the main prayer hall, a new book store contains scriptures and books of the Baha'i faith, and a small library contains texts. Near the entrance, a kitchen allows for the preparation of the Wednesday night communal meal.