Who We Are
Working and growing spiritually in unity, Bahá’ís of varying ethnic backgrounds are bringing to fruition and reality the true concept of the "Oneness of Mankind" to Baltimore County and across the world. This is the story of how that vast movement began.
Americans first embraced the Bahá’í Faith in 1894. A few years later, in 1897, the Bahá’í Faith arrived in Maryland. Mrs. Charlotte Dixon, of Princess Anne, on the Eastern Shore, became Maryland's first Bahá’í. The following year Evalina Brittingham and Pearl Battee Doty became the first Bahá’ís residing in Baltimore. In 1899 the city of Baltimore had its own Bahá’í Community. That vibrant community still exists today. For many years it was the only Bahá’í community in Maryland.
Through the years Bahá’ís came and left Baltimore County. It wasn't until 1963 that Baltimore County had its own Bahá’í community. The Bahá’ís of the time were scattered in subdivisions across the county. They often had long drives going to activities. When they'd reached sufficient numerical strength, in 1973, the Baltimore County Bahá’í Community divided. Baltimore County West became the new community for the Bahá’ís living west of I-83.
The Bahá’í Faith has continued its spread across our state. Today there are 44 Bahá’í communities and groups in Maryland, all working to realize the vision of our Faith - that, "the Earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens."
