Cedar Rapids LSA Celebrates 75th Anniversary, by Jo Dohoney

Submitted November 2024

On 0ctober 27^th, 2024 at 10 a.m., the Local Spiritual Assembly of Cedar Rapids Bahá’ís hosted a celebration of 75 years as an organization incorporated by Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to which the entire Cluster was invited. The Cedar Rapids Bahá’í Center was filled, and we were welcomed by Nuri Eady, Chair of the LSA. Then one wise child asked if we were going to begin with prayers, and the singing of prayers in English and Swahili began and continued joyously, helped in large part by the children who added song after song. After 10-15 minutes of songs, the shared joy could be seen on all the faces and I think all would agree that this was the best possible way to begin the celebration.

Nuri then informed us that while incorporated for 75 years, the LSA had existed for several years before that. He spoke a bit more about the community and its history. Next, Bruce Koerber opened a time capsule dating back to 2002 filled with important documents that showed the many activities of the Bahá’ís in Cedar Rapids, including information on the acquisition in 1999 of the properties that include the Bahá’í Center, and many pictures of the friends refurbishing it for their use. There were many surprises in the process of discussing this that suggested divine confirmations of the decision, initiated and assisted by our dear departed Rohollah Hosseini. Additional items in the time capsule included a newsletter, a letter about life in the community prepared by Jim Jones, photos of community members, and newspaper clippings of religious calendars that included Bahá’í Holy Days.

Brian Daugherty spoke about the new and improved Bahá’í Center Community Library, reorganized by a committee including Brian, Larry Hertel, and Jo Dohoney, to be an easily accessible and inviting reader’s library. Brian invited all in attendance to go see the library, and also tour the free will donation sale of excess books in the next room. The formal program completed, attendees availed themselves of the generous offerings of food and drink, the comradeship of the friends, and the book sale and library. Scheduled to last until noon, the celebration continued until 1 p.m.  A great time was had by all, thanks to the work of Meghan Zalewski, Karen Besler, and Jo Dohoney in organizing the event.

First set of photos shows Nuri Eady, LSA Chairman, welcoming the group; the gathered friends; and Bruce Koerber opening the time capsule.

Selected Documents from Time Capsule Shared by the Cedar Rapids Assembly

Submitted October 2025