'l-Baha dedicated the site of
the second Baha'i House of Worship, to stand on the shore of Lake Michigan
a few miles north of Chicago, during His visit to America in 1912.(37)

In tablets referring to this "Mother Temple" of the West, 'Abdu'l-Baha
writes as follows:--

Praise be to God, that, at this moment, from every country in the
world, according to their various means, contributions are
continually being sent toward the fund of the
Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar in America.... From the day of Adam until
now, such a thing has never been witnessed by man, that from the
furthermost country of Asia contributions were forwarded to
America. This is through the power of the Covenant of God. Verily
this is a cause of astonishment for the people of perception. It
is hoped that the believers of God may show magnanimity and raise
a great sum for the building.... I want everyone left free to act
as he wills. If anyone wishes to put money into other things, let
him do so. Do not interfere with him in any way, but be assured
that the most important thing at this time is the building of the
Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar.

... The mystery of the edifice is great, and cannot be unveiled
yet, but its erection is the most important undertaking of this
day. The Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar has important accessories, which
are accounted of the basic foundations. These are: school for
orphan children, hospital and dispensary for the poor, home for
the incapable, college for the higher scientific education, and
hospice. In every city a great Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar must be
founded after this order. In the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar services
will be held every morning. There will be no organ in the Temple.
In buildings nearby, festivals, services, conventions, public
meetings and spiritual gatherings will be held, but in the Temple
the chanting and singing will be unaccompanied. Open ye the gates
of the Temple to all mankind.

When these institutions, college, hospital, hospice and
establishment for the incurables, university for the study of
higher sciences, giving post-graduate courses, and other
philanthropic buildings are built, the doors will be opened to all
the nations and religions. There will be absolutely no line of
demarcation drawn. Its charities will be dispense irrespective of
color or race. Its gates will be f