Horace Holley

Born in Torrington, Connecticut, on April 7, 1887, Horace Hotchkiss Holley studied literature at Williams College and was drawn to writing early in life. He became known not only as a poet and author, but also as a thoughtful interpreter of religion and culture.

Holley joined the Bahá’í Faith in the early 20th century and went on to play a major role in its administration in North America. He served for many years on the National Spiritual Assembly, worked as its secretary, and also edited World Unity magazine, helping present Bahá’í ideas to a wider audience.

In 1951, Shoghi Effendi appointed him a Hand of the Cause of God, one of the senior positions of service in the Bahá’í Faith. After Shoghi Effendi’s death, Holley was among the nine Custodians who guided the faith during a critical transition. He died in Haifa, Israel, on July 12, 1960.