The first English Bahá'í. Thomas Breakwell held a responsible post in a cotton mill in the south of the United States. He was introduced to the Faith by May Bolles (Maxwell) while visiting Paris on holiday in 1901. He later travelled to 'Akká to visit 'Abdu'l- Bahá. 'He told 'Abdu'l-Bahá the nature of his profession, that his work was worthwhile and his earnings were considerable, but he added that now he had misgivings because the organization that he served was buttressed by child labour. 'Abdu'l-Bahá advised him: "Cable your resignation." He did. He went back to Paris and made it his home.'18 Breakwell, who was battling against advanced consumption, wrote regularly to 'Abdu'l-Bahá. One day, although no news had been sent to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, He said to his secretary, 'Breakwell has passed away. I am grieved, very grieved. I have written a prayer of visitation for him.'19 'Abdu'l-Bahá's lengthy and moving eulogy reveals the esteem with which he was regarded. Shoghi Effendi called him a 'luminary in the firmament of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh'.20
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