March 1. On this date in 1940, May Maxwell died of a heart attack in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An early American Bahá'í, she was married to Hand of the Cause of God William Sutherland Maxwell, who designed the Shrine of the Báb, and was the mother of Mary Maxwell, the future Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum.

 

March 1. On this date in 1940, May Maxwell died of a heart attack in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An early American Bahá'í, she was married to Hand of the Cause of God William Sutherland Maxwell, who designed the Shrine of the Báb, and was the mother of Mary Maxwell, the future Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum.

May Maxwell was born in Englewood, New Jersey on January 14, 1870. An early American Bahá'í, she was married to Hand of the Cause of God William Sutherland Maxwell, who designed the Shrine of the Báb, and was the mother of Mary Maxwell, the future Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum.

The Sutherland's were active Bahá'ís throughout their lives. For example, on September 2, 1912, during his tour of North America, 'Abdu'l-Bahá gave a talk in the Maxwell's Montreal home where he presented his views on native cultures, Africans, indigenous North Americans and pre-Columbian America.

May Maxwell died on March 1, 1940, of a heart attack in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she was teaching the Faith. Shoghi Effendi, her son-in-law, gave her the status of martyr.  Keith Ransom-Kehler, who died of small pox in Isfahan on October 23, 1933, is considered the first American Bahá’í martyr. But Lidia Zamenhoff, who died in a Nazi concentration camp while teaching the Bahá’í Faith in Poland, was explicitly stated not to be a martyr.

Shoghi Effendi cabled the following about May Maxwell on March 3, 1940...

'Abdu'l-Bahá's beloved handmaid, distinguished disciple May Maxwell (is) gathered (into the) glory (of the) Abhá Kingdom. Her earthly life, so rich, eventful, incomparably blessed, (is) worthily ended. To sacred tie her signal services had forged, (the) priceless honor (of a) martyr's death (is) now added. (A) double crown deservedly won. (The) Seven-Year Plan, particularly (the) South American campaign, derive fresh impetus (from the) example (of) her glorious sacrifice. Southern outpost (of) Faith greatly enriched through association (with) her historic resting-place destined remain (a) poignant reminder (of the) resistless march (of the) triumphant army (of) Baháʼu'lláh. Advise believers (of) both Americas (to) hold befitting memorial gathering.

Shoghi Effendi cabled the following about Lidia Zamenhof on January 28, 1946...

Heartily approve nationwide observance for dauntless Lydia Zamenhof. Her notable services, tenacity, modesty, unwavering devotion fully merit high tribute by American believers. Do not advise, however, that you designate her a martyr.

Shortly after May Maxwell's death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 1, 1940, plans were made for the construction of a memorial at her gravesite. Designed by her husband, William Sutherland Maxwell, and approved by Shoghi Effendi, the memorial was dedicated on May 10, 1943 by the Bahá'ís of Buenos Aires at Quilmes Cemetery on behalf of the Bahá'ís of North and South America.

On May 12 1943, Shoghi Effendi cabled Argentine Bahá'ís he was "delighted (at the) completion (and) dedication (of the) Maxwell Memorial.

111-Completion and Dedication of Maxwell Memorial

12 MAY 1943

DELIGHTED COMPLETION DEDICATION MAXWELL MEMORIAL SYMBOLIC ACT NOBLY CONSUMMATED CONVEY BUENOS AIRES ASSEMBLY CONGRATULATIONS GRATITUDE ASSURANCE LOVING PRAYERS SPIRITUAL PARTICIPATION HISTORIC CEREMONY. APPRECIATE PHOTOGRAPHS DEDICATION GATHERING.