Gillian on pilgrimage in 2010
It is my wish to dedicate this account of my declaration to Patrick Green, who made a special effort to nurture me. He sent me pioneering twice!
1964 was my transforming year. Being at t the end of my 1st level of nursing training in St. George’s Hospital, a Persian Nurse Ninoush Vahadat arrived on my ward: she was full of positive good will and humour. It was a time of soul searching for me as I was 19 years old and was able to see the unnecessary suffering of people. Why so much suffering? We need another Christ to enable the change to come about . . . Yet people would only crucify Him again, better to muddle through life with no guiding light.
Ninoush and I went out and about for a while, then one day I noticed the ‘Greatest Name’ hidden inside her wardrobe door. She came from a background of persecution in Iran. She also gave me a pamphlet – it showed the sun and its rays being the Messengers from God giving life and guidance. So much spiritual knowledge had been kept back from me.
The first fireside I attended was at Pat Green’s home and John Wade was the speaker. After one week I went to my room after talking to Ninoush. I prayed saying I wanted the truth! Is this Messenger from God? A warm welcoming spirit surrounded me. “Confirmation”. It seemed as though I was led to the banquet table of the most delicious spiritual food, but it was the atmosphere that impressed me the most. Remembering – my one big question was, would I be a loyal supporter? I asked God to hold onto me regardless of my rebellious nature.
My next visit to a fireside in Romford, I was on my own. I never set eyes on Ninoush again. After taking two buses in the middle of a large housing estate, at the doorstep waving were the two Pats (Patrick and Patricia Green)! I was home and dry.
Gillian Phillips
Co. Clare
Republic of Ireland
July 2011
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Note: Gillian passed away on 31 July 2017 in Ireland
UK Baha'i Histories 
So good to read your interesting story here. It seems like a lifetime ago when we met at 27 Rutland Gate, Knightsbridge in the 1960s when shortly after you left for your pioneering post in Ireland. You were already dedicated in your services and support to the activiities in the community, and we certainly enjoyed your warm friendship then.
We met again in the summer of 1975 in Limerick when Mariette and I, and our two very young daughters were holidaying in the UK for 6 weeks. We were living in Papua New Guinea at the time and the opportunity arose for us to make that long journey, but it was a great experience as we saw the exciting results of the intensive teaching campaigns that were carried out in Limerick.
Thank you so much Gillian, you will always be fondly remembered!
Dearest Gillian
So sorry to be so long in leaving a message. Thanks for your stories.
During one of my occasional visits over to Ireland I was with on the day of Stan Wrout’s funeral….the train journey down from Dublin to Limerick Junction with half the Irish Baha’i community, the atmosphere in the almost wild-flower meadow of the graveyard at Kilbaha, the two young gravediggers finishing the digging as we arrived and standing aside respectfully while the burial took place, the prayers, the sunshine, the breeze and the view…what an incredibly spiritual experience. In one of my prayer books (can’t find at this moment) I have written “Stan Wrout’s funeral” beside one of the prayers…perhaps I read it, I’ll never know!!
I need some help if you have time to put something together for Mum and Dad’s story as the Irish years are not very clear in my head.
Please could you write and let me know if you have any dates and anecdotes of when John and Val were in ireland. I shall try to ask the others too. Having finished mine I must now try to put something together for them…and my memory is bad enough for my life so I really need help. I have letters that they wrote to me both from ireland and Jamaica and I am slowly trying to get them copied onto the lap-top but with all the other work to be done I’m making slow progress.
Much love Gillian. I shall never forget your support at Mum’s funeral and how you helped to keep Daddy together.
Liz
Hi Gillian,
You became a Baha’i just before I moved to live with Pat & Pat and the kids Colin and Martin in 1965-66.
Ron and I remember you so well and want to send you our love.
Hope to see you this summer when we visit UK.
Love as always,
Shahla & Ron
Hi Gillian,
I am the Baha’i from Indonesia, Irma Rugebregt. I was a student nurse at the London Jewish hospital.
Gillian, amazingly enough I know Ninoush very well. She is from Shiraz, my home town. Her father was martyred in Shiraz. She now lives in Wollongong in Australia. In fact I should see her soon when visiting my family in Wollongong. I will try to put her in touch with you. Lots of love Mina (Rowshan) Beint
Mina I knew all the Vahdats (Sarhang Vahdat who was martyred). Do give my love to Ninoush.
First met you on 8/1/1973. at about 10.15a.m.
I didn’t need you to tell me you were a Baha’i . I already knew. x
Dearest Gillian, may your radiant smile and your love shine upon all in the ‘Abhá kingdom. I have no doubt you are surrounded by the heavenly host in the ‘garden of happiness’ now that you have ‘abandoned the physical garment’ xxx
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