Stevenson, Margaret Beveridge (1865–1941)

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Stevenson, Margaret Beveridge (1865–1941)

New Zealand religious reformer. Born Nov 30, 1865, in Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand; died Feb 11, 1941, at Auckland; dau. of William Stevenson (storekeeper) and Margaret (Trumbull) Stevenson.

Raised Presbyterian but became first New Zealander to convert to teachings of Bahi'i faith (1913), a religion that stresses the unity of all people and the abolition of prejudice; served as president of small Baha'i group formed in 1924 which became first Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Auckland; was acknowleged as "Mother of the Cause" in New Zealand.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 4).

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