Indianapolis Baha'i Center
3749 W 62nd St
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: 317-295-9859
Website: www.indybahai.org
Location
The Indianapolis Baha'i community has a center in northwest
Indianapolis located just east of Guion Rd on 62nd St. Devotions
are held Sundays from 10:30 am until 12 pm; all are welcome.
Institutional History
Lewis Walker, assistant archivist at the Baha'i national
headquarters, says that a Baha'i spiritual assembly was formally
established in Indianapolis in the 1930s. The current Indianapolis
Baha'i Center was built in 2000. Before the center was built, the
community met regularly at members' homes. On special occasions,
they rented out public places for larger gatherings.
Demographics
The Baha'i cultural center seems to have a very diverse
community. Because they have several weekend services and they do
not operate on a weekly calendar, attendance varies greatly. A
range of activities from weekly devotions, potluck suppers, and
book clubs are established for members of all ages. Although their
casual attendance makes it hard to see what the community as a
whole might "look like," the Baha'i community welcomes all races
and ethnicities to their services and activities.
Service Style
The word that best describes the Baha'i faith services is
"relaxed." There is no set leader of the service; instead all
participants contribute what they feel would be for the betterment
of the group. Services include sitting in a group as a community
and reading prayers aloud from a variety of different, interfaith
prayer books. Participants take turns reading their selected
prayers aloud. While participation is not required of everyone who
attends, it is gently encouraged. After the prayers are completed,
light refreshments are provided and the group engages in personal
discussion. The topics are not limited to religion; they can range
from social conversation to opinions on "hot-button" issues. The
services and participants are very welcoming to people who might
not know much about the faith.
What to Expect
The Indianapolis Baha'i Center welcomes visitors each Sunday.
Easily accessed is the room for worship where visitors will meet
individuals who will quickly engage them in an informal
introduction to Baha'i faith. Be prepared to enter a peaceful
center where dialogue and discussion are embraced and all faiths
and ideas respected. Dress varies among members, so it would be
advisable visitors to wear whatever makes them the most
comfortable. Coffee, tea, and donuts are provided after devotions
and members are quick to engage in both casual and religious
conversation during this time. The Center also has a library and
books for sale which you may read and purchase at your
convenience.