Our History

The Story of the Bahá’í Faith in Redlands

The Bahá’í Faith has been part of the Redlands community since the mid-20th century, fostering unity, spiritual growth, and service. This is the journey of how the Bahá’í community established itself and thrived in our region.

Early Beginnings: The 1970s

The seeds of the Bahá’í Faith in Redlands were first planted in the 1970s by dedicated individuals who moved to the region and began sharing the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Among the earliest Bahá’ís in Redlands were Judith Clarke, Gille Kemble, Moya and James Beck (originally from Bankstown, New South Wales), and Bruce and Margaret Barber (originally from South Australia). Their commitment to spreading the message of unity and peace inspired a small group of like-minded individuals, laying the foundation for the vibrant Bahá’í community we know today.

By the 1970s, the community had grown enough to begin holding regular firesides and deepenings in private homes. These early gatherings were marked by a spirit of joy, inquiry, and a shared commitment to building a united and inclusive community.

Establishing the Local Spiritual Assembly: 1974

A major milestone was reached in 1974 with the formal establishment of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Redlands. This institution, central to Bahá’í community life, was made possible through the tireless efforts of individuals, who worked to organise and inspire others.

The establishment of the Assembly marked the beginning of a new chapter, providing the structure and vision necessary for the community to grow and contribute to the broader Redlands region.

Growth and Community Engagement: 1980s and 1990s

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Redlands Bahá’í community expanded its activities and deepened its roots in the area. Regular programs such as children’s classes, study circles, and youth workshops became central to community life. Notable events during this period included:

• The hosting of the Redlands Interfaith Dialogue Forum in 1999, which brought together religious leaders from diverse traditions.
• The establishment of the Peace Wall in Alexandra Hills in 1986, in collaboration with the Redland Shire Council, as a lasting symbol of unity and the community’s commitment to peace.
• The ongoing involvement with BayFM, supporting local radio programming that promotes unity, service, and community development.

During this time, the community also strengthened its ties with local organisations and councils, ensuring the Bahá’í voice was represented in broader discussions on social and spiritual progress.

A Community of Service: 2000s to Present

In the 2000s, the Redlands Bahá’í community continued its tradition of service through initiatives such as:

• Partnerships with Local Community Groups: Active partnerships with local like-minded organisations allowing for meaningful community engagement, supporting programs that promote social welfare, education, and unity.
• Youth Empowerment Programs: These initiatives inspired many young people to become agents of positive change.
• Neighbourhood Children Classes: Where children learn about the virtues, such as compassion, justice, kindness, and cooperation through stories and use of the arts.
• Devotional Gatherings for Unity: Open to all, these gatherings have become a hallmark of the community’s efforts to promote peace and understanding.
• Conversation Spaces: Regularly organised gatherings that foster open dialogue on topics of social importance, creating opportunities for connection, understanding, and the exchange of ideas within the broader Redlands community.

The community also played a key role in organising events for the Bicentennial Celebrations of Bahá’u’lláh’s Birth in 2017, which were attended by members of the wider Redlands population.

Marking 50 Years of Service: 2024

This year, the Bahá’í community of Redlands celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of its Local Spiritual Assembly. This milestone reflects decades of dedication to building unity and fostering spiritual growth in the region. To honor this achievement, we hosted a special evening of reflection and celebration on 30th November 2024 at the Lions Club Hall in Cleveland.

Honoring Our Pioneers

We remember and honour the contributions of the pioneers who laid the foundation for the Bahá’í community in Redlands, including Judith Clarke, Gille Kemble, Moya and James Beck, Bruce and Margaret Barber nd Wendy and John Jewell. The formation of this first Local Spiritual Assembly on 1974 laid the foundation of the Redland's Bahá’í community as we know it today. Their vision and perseverance continue to inspire us as we work to fulfill the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Looking Ahead

As the Bahá’í community of Redlands continues to grow, we remain focused on fostering unity, promoting justice, and serving the needs of the region. Guided by the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, we look forward to building on the foundation laid by those who came before us and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Join Us in Our Journey

The history of the Bahá’í Faith in Redlands is a story of love, dedication, and service. We invite you to learn more, attend an event, or connect with our community as we continue this journey together.