Montreal Commemorates the 113th Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit

Montreal, August 30, 2025 – One hundred and thirteen years ago, in August and September 1912, Montreal welcomed a remarkable visitor: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Bahá’í Faith, and the authorized interpreter of His teachings. His nine-day stay marked a significant milestone in the spiritual history of Canada.

During his visit, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá resided at the Windsor Hotel, the crown jewel of Montreal’s hospitality industry at the turn of the 20th century. Opened in 1878 and celebrated as Canada’s first grand luxury hotel, the Windsor impressed with its Second Empire architecture, modern innovations such as elevators and electric lighting, and its lavish salons, which quickly made it a gathering place for the local and international elite.

Nicknamed the “palace of royal guests,” the Windsor hosted a number of distinguished figures, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), Winston Churchill, and several Canadian prime ministers. A noteworthy detail: in 1912, Sir Robert Borden, then Prime Minister of Canada, was staying at the same hotel as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. There is no record of a meeting between them, but their simultaneous presence under one roof highlights the Windsor’s unique role as a crossroads of political power and spiritual thought.

From his suite, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá welcomed visitors daily—intellectuals, clergy, journalists, students, and ordinary citizens alike. Among them were Archbishop Paul Bruchési of Montreal and Sir William Peterson, Principal of McGill University. The themes discussed during these encounters remain strikingly relevant today: the oneness of humanity, the equality of women and men, the harmony of science and religion, and the pursuit of lasting peace. The Windsor’s grand halls were transformed into spiritual forums, hosting public talks imbued with wisdom and compassion.

After decades as the center of Montreal’s social life, the Windsor entered a slow decline in the mid-20th century. On July 9, 1957, a devastating fire destroyed much of the historic building, hastening the conversion of its remaining annex into office space and bringing an end to its prominence as a luxury hotel.

Despite these changes, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Montreal remains a landmark in the city’s history. His stay at the Windsor Hotel symbolizes a profound encounter between a messenger of peace from the East and a North American metropolis on the rise. More than a century later, his message continues to inspire, reminding us that a luminous presence and a few words of kindness can leave a lasting imprint on the soul of a city and its people.

Sources : 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Canada, Edition 2025, Publications Bahá'í Canada

Mahmúd Diary, Persian version - Publication 1914, India

'Abdu'l-Bahá, Centre of the Covenant - Publication George Rolland, 1971

Photo : Curtosy of McCord Museum Archives, Montreal