Biography of distinguished Baha’i Collis Featherstone officially launched

The family and friends of Hand of the Cause of God, Collis Featherstone, have gathered at the Sydney Baha’i House of Worship for the launch of the book Collis Featherstone – Hand of the Cause. 

A biography dedicated to the life, service and travels of one of Australia’s most dedicated and outstanding Baha’is, the book is the culmination of many years’ of hard work and research conducted by Mr Featherstone’s family, including his youngest daughter Mariette Leong who co-authored the publication with her late sister, Kaye Waterman. 

Born in Quorn, South Australia, Collis Featherstone embraced the Baha’i Faith with his wife, Madge, in 1945. In 1957, Mr Featherstone was appointed a Hand of the Cause of God by the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, Shoghi Effendi.

Over the decades that followed, he travelled to more than 100 countries, encouraging Baha’i communities and contributing to the development of the Faith throughout the world.

Drawing upon interviews, diaries, letters, photographs, passports and travel records, the book is an extraordinary family collaboration. The early chapters were written by Mr Featherstone’s eldest daughter, Kaye Waterman, with the work later taken up and completed by Mariette.  

“So much research has to go into all of their doings,” Mariette says. “Likewise, this book went through cycles. It was a massive family contribution.” 

More than a historical account, the biography offers an intimate portrait of a devoted Baha’i remembered for his humility, warmth, humour and encouragement, and of the vital support and service of his wife, Madge. 

The Hands of the Cause of God were distinguished Baha’is appointed by Baha’u’llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and Shoghi Effendi who played a unique role in protecting the Faith, promoting its teachings and supporting the development of Baha’i institutions around the world. 

The book launch was attended by Taraz Nadarajah from the Continental Board of Counsellors – which continues the functions of the Hands of the Cause – and by the full membership of the national governing body of the Baha’i Faith, the National Spiritual  Assembly, on which Collis Featherstone served as a member from 1949 to 1963. 

The book is available through bahaibooks.com.au. 

Watch a highlight video of the launch below, or watch the full launch video here.