S Stories

Albert Schwarz

Mr. Schwarz was a Disciple of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. He and his wife Alice Schwarz-Solivo had the great bounty to enter into the Circle of Light of Abdu’l-Baha in the year 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz took ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the hotel and mineral bath they owned at 'Bad Mergentheim', about 60 miles from Stuttgart.

Albert Schwarz
Born: December 14, 1871
Death: January 13, 1931
Place of Birth: Stuttgart, Germany
Location of Death: Stuttgart, Germany
Burial Location: Pragfriedhof – Stuttgart, Germany

Albert Schwarz was the Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany, Councelor of Commerce, and Consul of the Kingdom of Norway. [1]

Mr. Schwarz was a Disciple of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. He and his wife Alice Schwarz-Solivo had the great bounty to enter into the Circle of Light of Abdu’l-Baha in the year 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz took ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the hotel and mineral bath they owned at ‘Bad Mergentheim’, about 60 miles from Stuttgart. [2]

Bad Mergentheim was a therapeutic spring where people would visit to heal themselves from fatigue and resless labors. It has become even more special since it has been visited by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Today, the baths still exist and the Bad Mergentheim is one of the most important spa towns in the southwest of Germany.

Mr. Schwarz had plans to visit Abdu’l-Baha in Haifa but He passed away in 1921 and the Schwarz’s never made that journey. But they did go on pilgrimage at the invitation of Shoghi Effendi. [2]

He had created values in the field of assisting growing artists and in the commercial line, far surpassing the limits of Wurtemberg.[1]

Dr. Fischer (1) Standing Left Mr. Albert Schwarz (2) seated to the Right of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

Since the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly he served as the Chairman. During his many days of acute sufferings he had experienced often the blessings of Abdu’l-Baha and the answer to prayers to Bahá’u’lláh, and his faith had eased many hours of acute sufferings especially so in his tragic last and acute times of his life caused by the grievances of prevailing conditions.[1]

In the beloved departed we all have lost an upright, loyal and devoted ready helpful friend, who stood at the side of everyone that turned to him for advice and help and with a sympathetic understanding.[1]

Cable from Shoghi Effendi to Mrs. Alice Schwarz, Stuttgart:

INEXPRESSIBLY SAD PROFOUNDLY DEPLORE PASSING GERMANYS OUTSTANDING BAHÁ’Í PIONEER WORKER. MEMORY HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICES IMPERISHABLE. GREATEST HOLY LEAF JOINS ME ASSURANCE AFFECTIONATE PRAYER HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES.

SHOGHI.

Editor’s Note:

Alice Schwarz-Solivo learned of the Baha’i Faith by the first Baha’i to visit Germany who was an American Dentist named Edwin Fisher. She received a Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Baha and was 90 years old when she died.

Source:
1 – Adamson, Hugh C. “Historical Dictionary of the Baha’i Faith” Scarecrow Press, p.430
2 – The Baha’i World, New York: Baha’i Publishing Committee, 1932. Volume 4, pp. 264-266

Images:
Bahá’í World Archives
Photo courtesy of Payam Afsharian
Photo courtesy of Hartmut Nowotny

About the author

Bahá'í Chronicles

We simply want to provide direct access to the heroes and heroines who have recognized and served the Bahá’í Faith and mankind. Our hope in sharing these stories is to offer enlightenment, respect and a wholehearted appreciation for the Gift.

1 Comment

  • Alice Táhirih Schwarz wrote in her memories (Book in German – Zeiten die mein Herz berührten):
    “To my husband, who had humbly expressed his deep joy at meeting the greatest Teacher of our time ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said:

    “I hope that this joy is eternal and that we will be together in all the spiritual worlds. We will find shelter and protection under the shadow of Bahá’u’lláh. There is a unity which knows no separation, a day which is not followed by night, a joy that has no end, a life that does not end in death. It is my hope that we will be together under the protection of this mercy!”

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