Louis Gregory Meets the Master

*A retelling based on **A Heavenly Vista: The Pilgrimage of Louis G. Gregory**, Louis Gregory's own account of his pilgrimage. The indented passages are his words.*

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Louis George Gregory landed at Alexandria, Egypt, on the afternoon of April 10, 1911. He went first to the shop of Mírzá Ḥasan Khurásání, where several of the friends welcomed him, and he handed his letter of introduction to Muḥammad Yazdí. Yazdí offered to take him to 'Abdu'l-Bahá. When Gregory said this was unnecessary and that he did not want to take him away from his business, Yazdí answered, "This is spiritual business!"

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After a stop at his hotel, Gregory was led to the house where 'Abdu'l-Bahá was staying, and up to a reception room on the second floor. Several people were present, but, he wrote, "among them 'Abdu'l-Bahá was easily distinguished."

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> Following a natural impulse, my knee was bent reverently before > Him. Feeling Him bend over me, I knew that He touched my head > with his lips.

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The Master raised him up and gave him a seat, and asked after his health. Gregory answered that he was well.

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> For the weariness of the long journey, the suspense, and the > excitement of landing for the first time at an Oriental port, > were all forgotten in His Presence. I never felt more peaceful or > composed.

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Gregory said that he was happy to attain the meeting. 'Abdu'l-Bahá answered, "I am happy to have you here." Gregory then told Him of Bahá'í meetings in Washington and New York held just before he left, and of the letters and tokens of love the friends had sent. As some of their messages were delivered, the Master made what Gregory called "fitting responses."

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Gregory stayed near 'Abdu'l-Bahá at Ramleh, visited Haifa and 'Akká, and returned to Ramleh. On his last morning there, early in May, the Master told him, "Go forth and speak of the Cause of God." On the way back to the hotel, Tamaddunu'l-Mulk passed on a message 'Abdu'l-Bahá had given him for Gregory that morning:

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> Keep your face turned toward the Kingdom and fear nothing.

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*A retelling based on **A Heavenly Vista**. For the fuller account, see the original.*

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