The intertwined lives of the Hannen and Knobloch families offer a vivid portrait of pioneering Bahá’í devotion in early twentieth-century America. In Washington D.C.’s vibrant spiritual milieu—where millennial fervor and prophetic fervents abounded—Pauline Hannen first encountered the nascent Bahá’í Faith. Enthralled by its unifying principles, she brought her sisters, Fanny and Alma Knobloch, and her mother, Amalie, into its fold. Together with her husband Joseph, the families dedicated themselves to nurturing a fledgling community in the nation’s capital, embracing the Faith’s ethical mandates at considerable social cost.

Their unwavering commitment earned them the profound privilege of direct interaction with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His momentous North American journey. Through meticulous correspondence and personal service, they not only supported His mission but also preserved an invaluable trove of firsthand records. In this lovingly researched biography, Judy Hannen Moe—a great-granddaughter of Pauline and Joseph—draws upon archival treasures to illuminate the families’ spiritual tenacity, revealing both intimate domestic portraits and the broader impact of their steadfast service on the growth of the American Bahá’í community.