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PRINTABLE Pdfshining Lamp: Leroy Ioas SHINING LAMP A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance (1896–1965) Leroy Ioas By Gail Radley was so frightened,” Leroy Ioas recalled, Hercules “I perspired all over and my knees shook.” “I Despite his fears in high school, Leroy Leroy was stunned when Shoghi Effendi, competed as a public speaker. He even won a grandson of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and leader of the Faith contest against other schools. Since childhood, after him, appointed Leroy a Hand of the Cause he had longed to share the Bahá’í Faith and of God in 1951.* Shoghi Effendi also asked Leroy knew he needed practice with speaking. to help him in Haifa, Israel. It was “the most Born in 1896, Leroy grew up near Chicago difficult decision I have had to make . .” Leroy with his nine siblings. His parents became wrote. It meant leaving his beloved American Bahá’ís when Leroy was two, and he began Bahá’í community and his successful career. learning Bahá’í teachings. Still, he and Sylvia moved to Israel in 1952. At 16, Leroy met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the head of Leroy took on major tasks. He arranged land the Bahá’í Faith, who was visiting Chicago. ‘Abdu’l- purchases, gave public talks, and visited Bahá’ís Bahá’s spiritual power overwhelmed him. Once, around the world. He supervised the construction while listening to him speak, Leroy wished ‘Abdu’l- of the International Archives Building and major Bahá would look into his eyes. Just then, their eyes parts of the Shrine of the Báb. Shoghi Effendi met. “It was,” Leroy said, “as if he saw your soul.” admired Leroy’s success with difficult projects Leroy’s enthusiasm for his faith never wavered. so much that he nicknamed him “Hercules.” When Shoghi Effendi died unexpectedly in 1957, Leroy was one of nine people elected to Energetic Leader guide the Faith’s development for several years. He was so committed to his work that he often Later, Leroy married Sylvia Kuhlman, another neglected his health. Finally, doctors insisted he Bahá’í. They moved to San Francisco and had rest for six months. But Leroy was determined two daughters. Leroy worked for the Southern to accomplish Shoghi Effendi’s last instruction: Pacific Railroad and was a respected Bahá’í leader. to represent him at the Intercontinental Bahá’í He helped start the first Conference for World Conference in Singapore. Unity to promote the oneness of humanity. He “Our host at this conference is Shoghi also worked with John and Louise Bosch to Effendi himself,” Leroy told the crowd. No longer create what would become Bosch Bahá’í School. the nervous, youthful speaker, Leroy inspired In 1932, at age 36, he became the youngest listeners with his confidence, wisdom, and person elected to the National Spiritual Assembly, stories of working with Shoghi Effendi. the nine-member group leading the Bahá’ís of Passing away in 1965, at age 69, Leroy had North America. He served on the Assembly for fulfilled Shoghi Effendi’s prediction: “You will, nearly 20 years. I am sure, persevere till the very end.” * The Hands of the Cause of God were Bahá’ís serving the Bahá’í community in V OL. 48, NO. 1 26 important ways, including encouraging others in teaching and protecting the Faith..
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