This collection of sketches is a portrayal of some early Australian Baha'is, descendants of one branch of the Brooks family who settled in the 19th century in South Australia, a British colony newly opened in 1836.

It is a story of search for spiritual values, the truth of religion, of values that would relate to a new age. It is not a saga of great physical heroism, of disasters, crises and epic attainment, destined for publicity in the media but brief portraits of the lives of some individuals who searched, found and accepted the Baha'i Faith. Their story reveals the power and effect of the Baha'i Revelation on many individuals, although it may not explain why so many of one family and their descendants accepted Baha'u'llah as the Manifestation of God for today.

I have written the sketches simply and without undue detail. Certainly it is not a detailed biography of any of the family. It has been an enjoyable task.

I dedicate these tributes to my Baha'i ancestors who passed on their knowledge and faith in Baha'u'llah to me and gave me their love and support in my early days. It is a small expression of my ever-growing love and appreciation for them. May God bless all our descendants.

⏤ Merle Heggie, Sydney, 2009