The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Calgary, Alberta is the official elected council that administers the affairs of the Bahá’í community in Calgary, Canada. It operates as a nonprofit organization registered under the business registration number 119022671RR0001.

Background and Historical Context

The presence of the Bahá’í Faith in Alberta dates back to the early 20th century. The first known Bahá’í in Alberta was Esther Rennels, residing in Edmonton from 1911 to 1917. In Calgary specifically, the first Bahá’í pioneer was Doris Skinner, who moved to the city in 1939 and began sharing the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith through study sessions with local residents. Dorothy Sheets became the first Calgary resident to officially embrace the Bahá’í Faith in 1941, marking the formal beginning of the community in the city[1][2].

In subsequent decades, the Bahá’í community in Calgary expanded steadily, emphasizing principles of unity and diversity. The community also engaged in outreach to Indigenous peoples, exemplified by the pioneering of Noel Wuttunee, the first Indigenous Canadian Bahá’í in Alberta who joined in 1947[1]. This outreach contributed to establishing several Local Spiritual Assemblies within First Nation communities in Alberta.

Role and Activities

The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Calgary is responsible for fostering a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to the spiritual and social progress of its members. Reflecting the diverse cultural makeup of Calgary, the Assembly oversees educational programs, community-building events, and social initiatives inspired by the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the faith’s founder[4].

The Assembly promotes activities such as study circles, devotional gatherings, and children's classes that encourage spiritual growth and community service. Through these programs, the Assembly seeks to embody the Bahá’í vision of unity and contribute to Calgary’s cultural and social landscape.

Community Significance

As part of the broader Canadian Bahá’í community, which reports a membership of approximately 30,000 individuals across the country, the Calgary Local Spiritual Assembly represents an important center for the faith in Western Canada. The community’s commitment to principles of racial unity, gender equality, and youth empowerment aligns with the national and global goals of the Bahá’í Faith[5][1].

The Assembly operates within the legal framework of Canadian nonprofit organizations, supporting its initiatives and administrative functions through this status (Business Number: 119022671RR0001).

References

• History of the Bahá’í Faith in Calgary and Alberta, Calgary Bahá’í Community[1][2][4]
• Timeline and community development in Alberta’s Bahá’í history[3]
• Overview of the Canadian Bahá’í community and demographics[5]