Baha'is celebrate bicentenary of founder of Faith at Historical Society Buckbee Center

WARWICK — On Saturday evening, Oct. 21, Bahá'ís and their friends celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, at the Warwick Historical Society's Buckbee Center.
The Bahá'í Faith is a religion teaching the essential worth of all religions, and the unity and equality of all people.
Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton also joined the celebration along with guests from Warwick, Orange and Rockland counties, and northern New Jersey.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was John Careccia, who first welcomed the group.
Then prayers for peace and unity were offered from the Jewish tradition by Mark Rothstein, from the Christian tradition by Christy Erfer and from the Bahá'í writings by Norford Thompson.
Kathleen Nawi spoke on "The Light of Unity."
She explained that the human race is developing in much the same way as an individual person. Her message was that all religions were revealed by one God and all promote the unity of the human race, justice and peace.
Janelle Heise sang "Forever Like the Rose,, a Seals and Crofts song about following the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh.
A short video was also shown on the early history of the Bahá'í Faith.
Sweeton, representing Mayor Michael Newhard, read a proclamation in honor of the occasion, declaring Sunday, Oct. 22, to be "Unity Day" in the Village of Warwick.
Janelle Heise closed the celebration by singing "Have You Heard?" about the similar lives and principles of the founders of the great faiths.
Then everyone enjoyed a special buffet featuring a selection of many different foods and treats.
"The Bahá'ís of Warwick," said Sherry Bukovcan, "are grateful to Supervisor Sweeton, Mayor Newhard, the Village Board and the Warwick Historical Society."
- Roger Gavan