Annual Reports/1962-1963/Text

BAHAI ANNUAL REPORTS 1962-1963

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES

Wilmette, Illinois

ANNUAL REPORTS BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES

1962-1963 NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Secretary’s Report .......... ee eee re ee OT ee eer one o cis Bu ats 3 HERE ASUIBCT SMEG DOL dates. was wei « slers*oles yeussancre hie pune ee eee ate ee Oe eee 4

INTERNATIONAL WORLD CRUSADE COMMITTEES

SSL TLC uprated eae a eae eyes Fst ee lov oP wnat SRsNS® iw ab sec we, Far RRR eee eR 5 USL lat ere rs cio essay SsGiniG SIRISEAE SilawS Ae Seane aeecelael« «ARs NG + sieus Sa G Oe ee er mee lee etree °6 FUE OPE aN Lea CHING a5 .l5. fuse neces ou soiertis 4 une Lane Ue eee ewes ee 6 Western-Hemisphere Teaching os cscrs 5 ass sc colin sunny ap veeny bomen ee 6 HOUSE OF WORSHIP COMMITTEES PROTMPLE WOLSDID, gay x siecuaik 5 85 WE E586 WS vnvn ane, wel ehe svenercingleas les MEDS on el ate 7 EMM LEME UD ING MVESEUIAGS, voces iecc's ot Uae «arn + wxery ingas's Pia seals 4) seew <jare ented ONE TOe 8 Mera PleMG MSs. 45 as cave spieaiesences vs ouaw 4 4 asa ¥ Bie a ect lesacagane facees oe 8 Memipley Chul dv Sen SiS COO! jx, ajc 5-06 acdc avete. «ane; » anie'e Save late ayeieas teebauee aelbe Gow glee 8 TEACHING COMMITTEES IN OM ad MGA CHINO ce. ws2 iy: Save vuckiydrb's Wi = ysis wos oeveneion ain wion ge mine teeen wamIOCIUS Sg Area: T6achineg . cs. deisus ewes ces aseawes ve ocaes eter oe a er 10 AIMETICAN ANGTATY SERVICE 5. vie care b suse) niw: ws wine aver Sardialarae A Gus eae eee os SE ee a 21 Baha'i Internacial Service: cs «ices. saa sw aww age meus Re wed ales Gee eee s ses 22, Bahasii@ollege: Bure. ©. a... sic eis cape + aces bas wh vtec oe pope ee Oe See ae ane 23 Dervicewornt hed. Fs wee ssc cadre ae. es wih rd s as NEG ere ec 24 SOUVEMIGEORs AGU MoE Ala har n= cerh.aate « inyorolene: © tue, xuehe imlere easel Sexe meena ae epee 25 PROCLAMATION AND SERVICE COMMITTEES Mie Bahagi WOvlG TOGiOVIAL lie cae co os ace «one « ual ansiale «alee ans &e BeRo en SRE 25 Bahai Pubhishinge Erust us csscudecs sine ore 4 vous vay esie y Ra ew eaten es eee 26 IP ITAR SNE WSCC OLA teste, c¥0)aye:o coxdlt ME VGN aus’ 00s 8. ence atone oh de eee ee 27 The Child’s Way ............. se lbecoshdbeie wire 9 Sal won: s) dryer’ epee eon oe eee eee 27 National Reference Library << s<s sows sss wes ows os we way eo dae s ae eee Oe 28 ERS VAL © WHITING 98 woreda indo ca fasd Poop a poesouet yak Boce avian nine: faueile, cowie aden ef a@ Ete a MRR eee 28 Baha’i Distribution and Service Department ............... cece e cece eees 29 Convention, ATrane eCMeENtS! <<... sre wav sus + ov O58! > ead 4b Fe wie le « wierwere omlerel stele 29

BAHA’{ SCHOOLS DOUTMREASTELM. fsa cesses eh ne cea Pia tensa caste; a0 98 9) ecard eae onthe ss ane ena ee 29

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASAAAAAAAAABAAAAAAAAAA AD SAD ee

[Page 3]ANNUAL REPORTS

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

Members: H. B. Kavelin, Chairman; David S. Ruhe, Vice-Chairman; Hugh E. Chance, Secretary; Charlotte Linfoot, Assistant Secretary; Edna M. True, Recording Secretary; Arthur L. Dahl, Treasurer; Amoz E. Gibson, Sarah M. Pereira, Velma Sherrill.

The final year of the beloved Guardian’s Great Global Crusade has been characterized, as he said it would be, by ‘‘an unprecedented increase in the number of avowed supporters of the Faith, in all of the continents of the globe.’’ It has been a year of glittering statistics from remote corners of the world where new enrollments are being measured in terms of thousands. Central and East Africa, India, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Bolivia and Panama have all reported statistical information which was out of date before it could be printed in BanA’t News.

Even in the United States where it is difficult to pierce the sophisticated encrustations of intellectualism and materialism, the net gain in membership is already (March 8) almost double that of last year. There have been 1,012 adults and 299 youth enrolled. Making adjustments for reinstatements, withdrawals, transfers and deaths, the total net gain is 125i,

The above figures reflect important gains in enrollments on Indian reservations and in the State of Hawaii. An all-Indian assembly was formed at Pine Springs, Arizona following the Pine Springs conference in June, 1962, and it is apparent that others will be formed before Ridvan.

The most exciting potential for enrollment of new believers this year appears to be in Hawaii. Honolulu has maintained a steady influx of one or two believers, on the average, each week, and has now accumulated a total of more than 65 new enrollments so far this year. As reported in March BaHA’f News, the Hawaii Extension Teaching Committee in co-operation with all Hawaiian communities is now working among the Filipino population on the ‘Big Island’”’ probing for a possible area of mass conversion. Initial contacts showed great promise.

Efforts to reach the Negro and other minority groups in our population has been less rewarding. Late this year, however, an intensive procla mation program was commenced in Greenville, South Carolina with the hope that concentrated effort might provide an opportunity for a ‘‘breakthrough”’ in teaching Negroes in the South.

Although the goal of ten thousand believers seems impossible of attainment, none can foresee what forces will be released in these last fleeting days before the Most Great Jubilee. Only a few days before this report was written, for’ example, mass enrollment began in Korea when one entire village numbering about 1,000 souls became Baha’is. In any event, if the goal of ten thousand turns out to be utterly unrealistic, it will have served a _ purpose nevertheless.

The victory on the homefront last Ridvan allowed us to turn our major effort this year to consolidation and proclamation as primary goals. Attention was focused on bringing new groups to assembly status and on consolidation of newly formed and weak assemblies so that by Ridvan 1963 we could report final and complete accomplishment of all Crusade goals. To assist in the process the Hands had already given permission to form local assemblies at any time between Ridvan, 1962 and Ridvan, 1963. The following new assemblies have formed during -the current year: Pine Springs, Arizona; Monterey, North Sacramento J.D., Redding, Monterey-Carmel J.D., in Northern California; National City in Southern California; Olmsted County, Minnesota; McKinley County, New Mexico; North Hempstead Township, New York; Youngstown, Ohio; Brattleboro, Vermont, and Walla Walla, Washington.

The following assemblies have incorporated so far this year, raising the total number of incorporated assemblies to 112: West Hollywood, California; Eugene, Oregon; North Dade County, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Greenville, South Carolina; DeKalb County, Georgia; Riverside, California; Augusta, Georgia; Austin, Texas.

Although

thirty-nine assemblies

,appeared to be in jeopardy at the

time of the February meeting of the National Assembly, adequate resources were recruited to meet the problem. An urgent call for settlers was sent to the larger communities, accelerated teaching programs were instituted, and the services of members of the Auxiliary Boards were

3

made available by the Hands of the Cause in the Western Hemisphere for the purpose of furthering consolidation.

Successful proclamation campaigns were carried out in most of the major population centers in the United States and in many smaller communities as well. Early in the year, the National Assembly designated New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Honolulu as areas where proclamation should be carried on with National Assembly assistance. Later other localities were assigned as areas for proclamation through the press and radio: Chicago, Nashua, Brattleboro, Ann Arbor, Raleigh and Durham. In addition, most other assembly areas conducted some form of proclamation effort on their own, many with outstanding success.

An unusual opportunity for proclamation was presented by reason of this being the 50th anniversary of the Master’s visit to the United States. Many of the proclamation programs were centered on this theme, using the special materials which had been provided for this purpose. The national observance of the anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s visit was held in Foundation Hall in the House of Worship on April 29, 1962 with Hand of the Cause, William Sears, as the principal speaker. More than 1,400 attended this event. Congratulatory messages were received from the Governors of Illinois and Wisconsin and from the Mayors of Madison and Milwaukee.

This year’s observance of World Peace Day in September resulted in proclamations from eighteen State Governors, a_ significant increase over 1961.

Major proclamation theme for the final month of the Crusade will center on the Jubilee and the World Congress. Materials and instructions are being provided so that all Baha’i communities in the United States can plan for a suitable observance of this most important and significant event in the history of our beloved Faith.

Throughout the year there were several opportunities for proclamation in the Temple area — television and radio appearances, many newspaper stories about the Faith, exhibits and shows featuring the artistic work of prominent Baha’is in connection with which the Faith [Page 4]4

was mentioned, and the inclusion of one of the Temple gardens in the World Flower and Garden Show at McCormick Place beginning on March 16.

Two new departments of activity were inaugurated this year. In June the Baha’i Distribution and Service Department came into being. It consolidated the functions which had been handled formerly by the AudioVisual Education Committee, the Radio Service Committee, the Public Information Committee and the Sales Committee. It has been under the capable management of Mr. Robert Buckley. Many new audio-visual materials including the Bob Quigley Radio programs have been released through this department.

The second new activity has been associated with the appointment of a Coordinator of Temple Activities. Mr. Dan Jordan accepted this assignment during the month of July. It has been his function to increase the use of the Temple as a teaching instrument both by attracting more people to visit the House of Worshin, and by making more information available about the Faith for those who are attracted to this edifice.

Beginning last August, the Moroccan matter has been of almost daily concern in the National Office. When the affair became public in December it became necessary to establish a Baha’i Information Center in New York to assure that the press and the eyes of world opinion were focused on the gross miscarriage of justice. This was done on behalf of the Baha’i International Community at the direction of the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land. The Center has been manned by a dedicated force of American believers in the New York area who have literally worked day and night. But as pointed out in the first report on the Moroccan situation by the International Baha’i Council, ‘“‘such attacks on the Faith are only to be expected following great victories in teaching, and, as we can already witness, the fruits of the attacks are still further victories which excel anything we could have achieved without them.”’

The press, radio and television coverage of the Moroccan matter in the United States alone has exceeded all the advertising we have purchased collectively during the past year. Some have estimated that the space given us in the newspapers

and the time on radio and television could not have been purchased for a million dollars. It gives new evidence that ‘‘the Cause associated with the name of Baha’u’llah... propagates itself by ways mysterious and utterly at variance with the standards accepted by the generality of mankind.”’

We still do not know the fate of our Moroccan brothers, although we have been successful in obtaining a hearing before the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations. Our prayers on their behalf will be continued.

The massive movement of over 1,500 Baha’is to London and back has been far from simple. Endless hours of consultation both on the part of the National Assembly and the committees and personnel involved have been necessary, and this has been followed by countless hours of work — work which will not be concluded until long after the last plane has touched down on its return trip late in May. Certain of the details, such as negotiating the final contracts for planes, the management of the financial aspects of the project and the certification of credentials could not be delegated, but had to be handled by the Secretary’s office.

As there will be no National Con; vention this year, the National Assembly has provided for post-congress conferences in forty-three localities to be held on May 26. Those who were fortunate enough to attend the World Congress will share their experiences with those who remained at home. It is hoped that in addition tapes of the highlights of the World Congress can be made available.

Eight members cf the National Assembly will attend the International Convention in Haifa (Mr. Arthur Dahl is unable to go because of business commitments). They will join members of the fifty-five other national spiritual assemblies in electing the Universal House of Justice on April 21st. Those who cannot attend in person will send their ballots by mail.

Delegates elected at the State Conventions in December, 1962 will vote for members of the new National Spiritual Assembly by mail ballot. Their instructions have already been given them. Counting of the ballots will take place in Wilmette on May 23.

ANNUAL REPORTS

This has been an unusual and exciting year. There was no let-down in tempo following the 1962 Convention. Instead we have witnessed a mighty crescendo of activity the proportions of which are over-powering to those caught in the vortex. We can be certain only that the results of our several efforts will be commensurate with our intensity of devotion, and that we are supremely happy in seryice to the Blessed Perfection.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER

This climactic year of the World Crusade threatens, at the time this is written (March 1), to run-up our largest deficit in recent Baha’i history. Great demands have been made upon the American Baha’i Community, inevitable at such a never-to-be-repeated period for fulfilling the last specific goals ever to be assigned to us by our beloved Guardian. Our budget for the year, unanimously adopted at the last National Convention was $625,000, an increase of $75,000 from the previous year, which in turn was up $50,000 from the year before that. This is growth with a vengeance, and so far it has proven a little too much to handle.

There is some encouragement in the trend of regular contributions, which averaged only $25,518 per month for the first five months, but picked up to $34,512 for the second five months. Special non-recurring contributions, on the other hand, showed a declining trend, averaging $8,761 for the first five months, dropping to $6,343 for the second five months. Fortunately, recent substantial payments from an estate have boosted the income from this source over the comparable figure last year.

As of March 1, 1963, the cumu lative totals of receipts are as follows:

Regular contributions $300,144.00 Special contributions 75,519.00 Estates and Trusts 75,165.00

$450,828.00 Pro-rata Budget 520,840.00 Net Deficit $ 70,012.00

Usually we do not include the payments from estates and trusts with our other income, for in a sense these are payments from capital and should not have to be used for current expenses. This year, however, we are so far behind that it is [Page 5]ANNUAL REPORTS

obvious we will have to use every penny that comes in to take care of urgent current needs, hence they are included in the above schedule.

The National Spiritual Assembly has tried to determine why, when such great and successful efforts are being made in other directions, the fund should be in such trouble this year. Even our increased budget of $625,000 does not seem an unreasonable expectation from a membership of over 11,000. If 6,250 of these, or 97% of the total membership, gave only $100 to the National Fund in the year, we would have our budget without having to use the estate funds. This does not seem an unrealistic goal.

Several reasons for the difficulty suggest themselves. Our large, nonrecurring gifts are down sharply this year, which is undoubtedly due to the steep drop in the stock market in the spring of 1962. Also, the emphasis on proclamation has resulted in a step-up of expenses on the local level, which may have kept some contributions from the National Fund. (However, it is interesting to note that of the local assemblies which were spearheads for major proclamation efforts, only two had materially reduced their national contribution during the first eight months over the previous year.) Saving for the trip to the World Congress may have deflected some donations, though we trust these are minor in extent.

It is possible that some of the newly enrolled Baha’is might not have been thoroughly grounded in the function and importance of the National Fund, and their responsibility to it. We hope and pray that this is not the case with a large proportion of the membership, or that these are difficulties arising because of inadequate communication. The condition of the ‘Fund has been reported frankly and frequently in BauA’i News, and at such gatherings as the State Conventions. And urgent requests have been made periodically that this subject be a regular topic for consultation at all feasts and assembly meetings, in accordance with the instructions of the beloved Guardian.

A study of the amounts given by local spiritual assemblies in the first eight months of the current fiscal year compared with the same period the previous year brought out some

interesting facts. Out of a total of 313 assemblies, the overwhelming majority gave some assistance to the National Fund. Only seven gave nothing either year, and only nine who gave in 1961 sent nothing in 1962. On the other hand, the growing support from new assemblies is demonstrated by the fact that no less than 79 gave in 1962 and not in 1961, presumably because some of them were not in existence then.

One discouraging fact from the study is that almost as many assemblies decreased their contributions in the current year as increased them. Further, of the assemblies who gave something in both years, only 88, or 39%, increased their donations 10%, (approximately the increase in the budget) or more. Thus a minority of the assemblies is carrying the load of the increase. Some of these have been truly spectacular in the manner in which they have responded. Thus nine assemblies boosted their donations by more than 200%, while 15 more increased theirs from 100% to 200%, and 24 more showed gains of from 40% to 100%. But the burden and the response should be spread more evenly. It is the large number of decreases which accounts for a substantial portion of the deficit.

What does this deficit mean? It is a genuine deficit, for expenses are running very close to the budget. If it cannot be eliminated before the end of the fiscal year, it means that the reserve funds which were so laboriously accumulated will be substantially depleted. We will be starting a new era in Baha’i history, not with a clean slate, but with a carry-over of obligations which somehow will have to be made up.

The National Spiritual Assembly does not believe that this will be permitted to go on for very long. Too many wonderful things are happening in the Baha’i World these days. There is too strong a spirit of progress and accomplishment abroad in the land. We are sure that this will be transmitted to the Fund, and that our National Baha’i Community will be given the financial sinew and muscle necessary to complete the Crusade goals, and to undertake the great challenges of growth which will undoubtedly characterize the tremendous era we are about to enter.

UNITED STATES AFRICA TEACHING

Members: Albert James, Chairman; Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, Secretary; William Burgess; Rexford Parmelee.

Pioneers in Africa: The number of American pioneers in Africa has remained virtually the same as last year (56). A few have had to return but this has been offset by four who have gone to Africa. A number of believers are making determined efforts to go there in the near future. The American pioneers are distributed in the four regions of Africa as follows: South and West: 29; North and West: 16; Central and East: 8; North and East: 3. Of the American pioneers in Africa 24 are in U.S. goal areas and 32 in areas which are goals of other National Spiritual Assemblies.

U.S. Crusade goals in Africa: Of the U.S. virgin goals in Africa, only one is at present vacant, having once been filled. However, only three American pioneers are at present in U.S. virgin goal areas: Canary Islands and St. Helena. Of the other nine U.S. virgin areas, eight have assemblies or groups, but several of these are in isolated locations where Baha’i visitors cannot go easily or often. Pioneers and visiting teachers would be most helpful in these places. The Faith is firmly established and growing in the two U.S. goals for consolidation: Liberia and South Africa. In Liberia the Faith is officially recognized, local assemblies incorporated, land _ is owned and a_ school established. Two American pioneers who have served faithfully in Liberia since the beginning of the Crusade have been able to leave to assist the lone American pioneer in another virgin area (Madiera).

The committee has endeavored to keep in touch with the pioneers as needed, standing ready to assist where possible with material aids. Again this year a project of sending Baha’i books for placing in public and school libraries has been undertaken. This year the country was Nigeria where about a score of books donated by American believers has been placed.

A number of American believers have made brief trips to Africa where they have been able to meet the believers and help teach the [Page 6]6

Faith. Next to actual settlement as pioneers this is one of the most helpful services possible, and the committee is very grateful to those who took these trips.

A pioneer who recently returned from West Africa was able to attend a summer school in the United States where the Baha’i friends could have ample opportunity to learn first-hand about the progress of the Faith in Africa as well as general conditions.

Response of the American believers to appeals for pioneers to Africa, over the period of the Ten-Year Crusade, has been enthusiastic and heartwarming. Results show in the fact that all the goals have been won and the Regional National Spiritual Assemblies (established within three years after the beginning of the Crusade) are now working to accomplish supplementary goals. The story of enrollment of believers in the tens and twenty thousands in Central and East Africa has been told in BaHA’i News and is a most dramatic and fitting climax to the ten years of teaching efforts in Africa.

There is a growing and urgent need for fresh pioneer help in all African areas, both to relieve and assist those already there as well as to open new centers. Many of the pioneers now there have remained at their posts, in obedience to the wishes of the beloved Guardian and the Hands of the Faith, and these devoted pioneers are pledging their services for as long as needed. Their magnificent accomplishments surely will be recorded for all time and the spiritual bounties they reap will be very great. But as the Faith grows the need for dedicated teachers grows also and it is the earnest wish of this committee that many many more American believers will be able to arise and serve in Africa. The completion of this Crusade can but usher in still another glorious era of advance in the spread of the Faith in Africa, and to assist in this there are many Americans ready to volunteer. The committee is deeply grateful to all those who offered to pioneer and who are ready to go when means can be found. As plans for the next century unfold we hope that their desire to pioneer may be fulfilled.

ASIA TEACHING

Members: Rouholah Zargarpur, Chairman; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Secretary; Mrs. Mary Frances Zargarpur.

The number of American pioneers in the Asia field as of March 1, 1963 was fifty-two, of whom twentyfive were in virgin and consolidation goals originally assigned to the United States under the Ten Year Plan.

It is with deep concern to the Asia Teaching Committee that the end of the Crusade will find five of the virgin areas without resident Baha’is, although all but one (Sakhalin Island) had been opened at some time during the ten years even though briefly. Inaccessibility, rather than lack of pioneers, is the reason for these vacancies.

Two of the goals, Macau which has a local spiritual assembly, and Tonga Islands having several, are now under the jurisdiction of new regional assemblies formed during the World Crusade as other goals of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.

In the six consolidation areas (China, Formosa, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and the Philippine Islands) the spread of the Cause has been phenomenal in all but China and Manchuria which are inaccessible to pioneers or settlers. Formosa, Japan and Korea are now part of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia, while the Philippines are under the jurisdiction of South East Asia. Recent issues of BaHA’f News have reported the mass proclamation activities steadily gaining in momentum in The Philippines and in Korea, while Japan has not only achieved the secondary goals assigned to the Regional Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia by the beloved Guardian, but has also carried the Faith into many of its remote areas and given strong direction and support to the teaching work in all the countries for which this new regional assembly is responsible.

The needs and opportunities for teaching assistance in the wide expanses of the Pacific have steadily increased ever since the opening of the World Crusade and will continue to call for more pioneers and settlers for years to come as we enter the next phase in the development of the Master’s Divine Plan.

ANNUAL REPORTS

EUROPEAN TEACHING

Members: Miss Edna True, Chairman; Miss D. Thelma Jackson, Secretary; Mrs. Gertrude Henning, William Henning, Dr. Katherine True.

Eleven independent National Spiritual Assemblies were established in Western Europe during Ridvan 1962, thus completing the principle goals on that continent assigned to the United States by the Guardian in his Ten Year Crusade, and raising the total number of these National Assemblies formed during this pe-riod to twelve; namely, France, Luxembourg, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

In addition to the goal of raising these national pillars in the Administrative Order, the United States was made responsible for opening six virgin goals, five of which have been opened to the Faith, as follows: Lofoten Islands, Spitzbergen, Balearic Islands, Andorra, and the Azores. The sixth one, the Ukraine, is inaccessible. :

The number of American adult pioneers in the twelve countries and the five virgin territories as of March 1, 1963, is ninety-five, and the number in other countries and territories of Europe is six. No additional pioneers were sent to Europe this past year, whereas a few have returned home, and there has been one death in the pioneer post.

While the newly established National Spiritual Assemblies have car-ried on the work of consolidation in their respective countries, the committee has maintained close contact throughout the year with them, as well as with the pioneers themselves, giving assistance whenever needed.

Whatever new responsibilities the plans of the future may involve, the immediate continued assistance of the pioneers in Europe will be needed.

WESTERN HEMISPHERE TEACHING

Members: William deForge, Chairman; Mrs. Maurine J. Kraus, Secretary; Mrs. Barbara Caban, Mrs. Katherine deForge, Paul Ioas, Samuel B. Kraus.

The advance of the Faith of Baha*u’llah throughout the Western Hemisphere during the ten years of the beloved Guardian’s Crusade is breathtaking. As we evaluate the [Page 7]ANNUAL REPORTS

harvest at the end of ten years of patient, devoted cultivation — planting, sowing, plowing and weeding with all the attendant backache and heartbreak — the result is phenomenal. The very small beginnings have burgeoned into a rapidly seeding garden of all hues and colors of humanity, from the southernmost tip of South America to Point Barrow, Alaska. We stand too close for a proper perspective. Baha’j history, in the years to come, will inevitably take note of the tremendous accomplishments of the dedicated pioneers, the early regional spiritual assemblies, and the progress of the national spiritual assemblies established in the Western Hemisphere during this vital Ten-Year Crusade. Overall has been the guidance, the financial support, and the all-important role of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, the inspiration of the beloved Hands with the assistance of their Auxiliary Board, all bearing the ‘‘lion’s share” of responsibility.

During this, the tenth year of the Guardian’s inspired plan, this committee has observed the maturity in functioning of the twenty-one national spiritual assemblies formed two years ago in Latin America. These institutions have executed ambitious plans vastly increasing the number of local spiritual assemblies and believers. Bolivia set its goal for this year at 8,000 believers, 900 centers, and 150 local spiritual assemblies. Panama has added 1,471 new believers up to January of this Baha’i year at which time there were 17 local spiritual assemblies and the expectation is thirty assemblies by Ridvan. Costa Rica, since the formation of the national assembly, has increased local assemblies by twenty-one, of which eleven are Indian assemblies, and its number of believers has quadrupled. Honduras now has five Indian assemblies. The figures are constantly changing and become _ outdated from month to month. Every Latin American national spiritual assembly has strengthened and certified its position at the cost of tremendous effort and dedication. The greatest obstacle to consolidation and growth throughout this area is lack of funds. The economic stresses and strains in all of these countries are well known. The illuminated and loving Indian believers, generally speaking, have inadequate money to

sustain themselves. Many of these indigenous peoples have been trained for teaching and make good traveling teachers, at home with the rugged terrain, customs, and culture of their own people but lack of funds impedes that work of consolidation and unification. The progress made in this last year of the Crusade attests to the devoted, rigorous, and often physically exhausting work of the followers of Baha’u’llah. Our pioneers are of this group. There are approximately 180 pioneers in the field. Most of these self-sacrificing, hard working people are remaining at their posts beyond the Crusade at the behest of the Hands in the Holy Land. While the advance of the Faith in the face of overwhelming obstacles has been spectacular, were our pioneers to return home, the young Latin American national spiritual assemblies would suffer gravely, for the challenge of tasks ahead is immense. This committee has worked closely with the national spiritual assemblies in solving problems confronting them and in achieving Crusade goals originally assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and under it, to this committee. This past year has seen the resettlement of the Crusade goal in the Galapogos Islands, which is now under the National Assembly of Ecuador; the resettlement of the Crusade goal of French Guiana, under the National Assembly of Brazil. Both of these very difficult goals had been vacant for some time. We have worked in cooperation with Chile on the settlement of Easter Island, though plans have not matured for this most hard-tofill post; nor have we been able to develop, though work has gone into it, a pioneering project for the Tuamotu Islands under the jurisdiction of Panama. These latter two goals present insurmountable political and national barriers. Of the Crusade goals directly under this committee which report to no national spiritual assembly, we are happy to state that Kodiak, Alaska, now has an Assembly, twelve believers in all. Key West, and Unalaska are settled by faithful pioneers. The Falkland Islands still has our devoted . pioneer, John Leonard, who will remain there. Through the power of Baha’u’llah, the victories envisioned for the Western Hemisphere by Shoghi Ef i

fendi in 1953 have become a reality in 1963.

TEMPLE WORSHIP

Members: Mrs. Gertrude Henning, Chairman and Treasurer; Mr. William Baker, Vice-chairman; Miss Hortense Bredehorst, Secretary; Mrs. Mabel Eastman, Mrs. Anne Floyd, Mrs. Annamarie Baker, Mrs. Mary Lou Martin, Mrs. Barbara McCurdy, Mr. Richard McCurdy, Mrs. Harriet Terry.

The Temple Worship Committee was appointed to assume full responsibility, under the general direction of the National Spiritual Assembly, for planning and conducting (1) six anniversary programs, (2) and the weekly programs of devotions and a cappella music in the Auditorium of the House of Worship. The devotional programs are held at 3:30 p.m. every Sunday, lasting about forty minutes.

The work of the committee includes the planning of new programs, and constantly revising the current ones. Scheduling and producing weekly devotions means having each Sunday’s program printed, selecting readers (usually three) who read clearly and with understanding, as the Guardian requested, and selecting a committee member to monitor. The selection of choral numbers is determined in consultation with the director of the Baha’i, House of Worship A Cappella Choir, Lloyd W. Cousins, who is also Director of Music, National College of Education, Evanston, Illinois.

In order to find, encourage, and help readers the committee holds a workshop the second and fourth Sunday of each month at 4:15 p.m. at the House of Worship. Tape recorders are used to aid each participant to improve his own reading.

During the past year the members of the committee have conducted fifty-two weekly devotional programs, the devotional program at the area conference at Green Lake, Wisconsin, and the following anniversaries:

Naw? Rugeioh.. eete cn eee ee March 20 Meastiof Ridvani cic eeteee April 21 Declaration of the Bab ......... May 22 Birth of the Bab: cise... se October 19 Birth of Baha’u’llah ..... November 11 Day of the Covenant ...... November 25 (These dates are the actual days of meetings.)

Each anniversary program began with devotional readings in the Auditorium, followed by a meeting down[Page 8]stairs in Foundation Hall with a Baha’i talk on an appropriate theme. Light refreshments were served on the anniversaries of the Birth of Baha’u’llah and the Feast of NawRuz. The Feast of Ridvan is of special significance this year because it is part of the national observance of the Most Great Jubilee.

TEMPLE PUBLIC MEETINGS

Members: Laurence LaRocque, Chairman; Miss Lauretta E. Voelz, Secretary; Mrs. Gene Bernstein, Miss Hortense Bredehorst, Robert Hammond, Walker Jensen, Mrs. Gertrude Marks.

The Temple Public Meetings Committee was appointed to conduct meetings for the proclamation of the basic principles and essential verities of the Faith. Such meetings were held regularly in Foundation Hall on the third Sunday of each month at 4:15 p.m.

Programs for the year have been as follows:

Date: May 20, 1962

Speaker: Margaret Bustard

Subject: “This Wondrous Day”’

Chairman: Walker Jensen

Date: June 17, 1962

Speaker: Eleanor Hutchens

Subject: “Adventure of the Soul’’

Chairman: Robert Hammond

Date: July 15, 1962

Speaker: Jack McCants

Subject: “The Power of Religion’’

Chairman: Ann Hayes

Date: August 19, 1962

Speaker: Margery McCormick

Subject: “Christ’s Promise Fulfilled”

Chairman: Robert Coleman

Date: September 16, 1962

Speaker: Fred Sudhop

Subject: “How Can Man Be United?”

Chairman: Gene Bernstein

Date: October 21, 1962

Speaker: Hugh Chance

Subject: “Foundations of World Unity”

Chairman: Lillie Cloonan

Date: November 18, 1962

Speaker: Margaret Jensen

Subject: “The Day of His Coming”

Chairman: James Cloonan

Date: December 16, 1962

Speaker: Eunice Braun

Subject: “Faith for Our Time”

Chairman: Sam Jackson

Date: January 20, 1963

Speaker: Dan Jordan

Subject: “Discovering Unity in Religion”’

Chairman: Barbara McCurdy

Date: February 17, 1963

Speaker: William Munson

Subject: ‘“Humanity’s Coming of Age”

Chairman: Beth McKenty

Date: March 17, 1963

Speaker: Robert Desatnick

Subject: “Religion is Progressive’’

Chairman: Helen Hobbs

Date: April 21, 1963

Speaker: Gertrude Marks

Subject: “The Eternal Faith of God’’

Chairman: Robert Coleman

TEMPLE GUIDES

Members: Mrs. Leona Jackson, Chairman; Mrs. Thais Baker, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Dotha Cooper, Program Secretary; Mrs. Wilhelmina Becker, Robert Coleman, James Gray, Mrs. Minnie Hadley, Mrs. Helen Hobbs, Mrs. Arlene Jennrich, Kenneth Jennrich, Mrs. Susanna Meinhard, Frank Peter, Miss Katherine Walker. Until illness caused his resignation in January, P. R. Meinhard was a member and chairman.

As in previous years, the committee members, as well as the other devoted guides who assisted in the program, were richly rewarded in the knowledge that they were serving Baha’u’llah and helping to proclaim His Cause; and through many interesting discussions with visitors —not only from all over this hemisphere, but from all over the world. The committee is deeply grateful to the faithful friends who have given so generously of their time and energy —as guides and as speakers for large tours — in this necessary and important phase of the teaching work.

The wall displays in the foundation area were changed to some extent and brought up to date in time for the 1962 summer season when the entire building was open to the public all day.

During the summer, two Chicago sightseeing-tour lines again included the Temple in their regular stops, bringing many out-of-town visitors each day. Special tours were arranged for numerous groups in the area as well as from more. distant points. It is interesting to note that a number of these organizations come each year, and some several times, so that both old and new members have an opportunity to visit the Temple.

At the request of the National Assembly, and with the cooperation of the Temple Activities Committee, the

ANNUAL REPORTS

daily hours for guiding were extended during part of the summer and fall and also during the school vacation period in December and January.

Through arrangements made by the National Spiritual Assembly and technically trained believers, a new slide show for visitors will be ready for use in Foundation Hall during the coming summer season. New projection equipment is to be installed, which will provide simpler and smoother operation.

During the last ten calendar years (1953 through 1962) 956,988 people of all ages, races and backgrounds visited the Temple; the greatest number of visitors in any one month was recorded in August 1954 — 25,762: The statistically minded reader will be interested in the annual totals given below, listed in the order of number of visitors.

105,877 in 1954

100,116 in 1955

99,717 in 1953 98,895 in 1958 98,808 in 1962

93,008 in 1960 92,716 in 1961 91,453 in 1956 88,947 in 1959 87,451 in 1957

TEMPLE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

Members: Mrs. Edna Fechtner, Chairman; Mrs. June S. Meese, Secretary; Miss Marie Bertha Bohmann, Mrs. Patricia deBoucher.

All of the efforts of this committee are directed towards the encouragement of the spiritual development of children through their participation in various programs of activities conducted at the children’s level of understanding.

Children’s Services: To emphasize the importance of Holy Days and to provide our children with the opportunity to observe them, children’s services are held regularly at the Baha’i House of Worship. Four more Holy Days (The Feast of Ridvan, the Declaration of the Bab, the Martyrdom of the Bab, and the Birthday of the Bab) have been added to those observed last year (Naw-Ruz and the Anniversary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah).

Children and adults attend the services, but only children participate on the program. Active participation in the service is not restricted to children of Baha’i parents. On each Holy Day a service in the auditorium is followed by a fellow[Page 9]ANNUAL REPORTS

ship hour downstairs in the children’s classroom. Refreshments are served to adults and children and there are favors and games for all the children.

As a result of these services many communities were encouraged to present a request for recognition of the Faith through the excused absence of their children from school on the Holy Days.

Children’s Chorus: The children’s chorus is open to all children in the Temple area between the ages of two and fifteen whether their parents are Baha’is or non-Baha’is. Regular rehearsals of the chorus are held every month. The chorus has sung at all of the children’s services in the House of Worship. All the children present at the 1962 National Convention were invited to join with the children’s chorus for morning rehearsals and to sing for the Sunday morning devotional service of the convention.

Curriculum: This committee has continued to prepare material for use in children’s classes in such a way that the most inexperienced teacher will be able to successfully conduct and teach a class. The material covers four levels of understanding for children from ages four through fifteen. When it is complete, this material will include a section on each of the living faiths in the world today.

This year the section on Judaism, the third in the series, has been completed. The two formerly completed cover ‘‘Kingdoms of Creation’? and the Hindu Faith. The former is designed to acquaint the child with the world in which he lives, to help him to realize that the world has been created by a Superior Power and that this world lives and moves in conformity with scientific laws. The section on the Hindu Faith is presented to guide the child toward realization for himself of the Oneness of Truth as he compares what he finds in the Hindu spiritual teachings with what is in the Baha’i teachings. This second purpose applies to all sections of the curriculum.

The National Spiritual Assembly has granted permission for experimentation with this curriculum in children’s classes throughout the Temple area, in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California, and in other communities which have pe titioned the National Spiritual Assembly for use of the material.

Convention and Conference Activities for Children: A three day program was presented for children at the National Convention. The first part of ‘each morning, the children attended classes. The subjects of these classes were Prayer, the Oneness of Religion, and What is a Baha’t? The classes were conducted principally as discussion groups in order to draw out the children’s thoughts and experiences and to make the classes as meaningful as possible to the children. After the lesson and discussion, a related project was presented to further reinforce the learning experience. For instance, the morning the lesson.on prayer was presented, each child made his own prayer book.

The afternoon sessions offered handicrafts of various types, plus special entertainment each day.

William Sears, Hand of the Cause, visited with the children one afternoon and explained the duties and functions of the Hands of the Cause and taught the children a few African Baha’i songs.

This committee’s convention display used the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Visit of ‘Abdu’l-Baha as its theme.

In response to requests, programs were provided for the children attending the Northern Illinois State Convention and the Green Lake Institute with their parents. These programs were similar to the program presented for children at the National Convention.

Children’s Fellowship Hour: A Fellowship Hour for Children is held from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. each Sunday except during the months of July and August. The attendance and range of the children’s ages vary from time to time.

NATIONAL TEACHING

Members: Mr. Dan Jordan, Chairman; Mrs. Velma Sherrill, Secretary; Mrs. Florence Avis, Assistant Secretary; Miss D. Thelma Jackson, Lloyd R. Sherrill, Paul Pettit, Amoz Gibson.

Functions: To promote the consolidation, expansion and proclamation of the Faith throughout the American Baha’i community; to stimulate teaching activities leading to mass conversion; to promote teaching by and among youth; to

supervise and coordinate the work of the Area Teaching Committess; to arrange area circuits and settlement projects; to promote widespread teaching among the Indian,

-Negro and Spanish-speaking peo ples throughout the country, leading to mass conversion.

Objectives: Following the announcement of the formation of a net of 302 assemblies at Ridvan 1962, remaining homefront Crusade goals for primary consideration during the final year of the Crusade were stated by the National Spiritual Assembly as follows:

1. Hold and consolidate the. existing assemblies and form a sufficient number of new assemblies to provide a safe margin and assure that no less than 300 “firmly grounded, well informed, actively functioning assemblies’”’ will form at Ridvan 1963.

2. Proclamation of the Faith, “through the press and radio throughout the United States of America.”

In addition to these two primary goals, effort was to be focused, as resources permitted, on teaching minority peoples and on potential mass conversion areas.

In pursuance of these objectives, action taken and cumulative results are reported as follows:

Consolidation and Teaching Assistance to Assemblies and Goal Groups

1. Early in the year, a qualified itinerant teacher was scheduled to newly-formed assemblies to provide guidance and orientation re the function of a local spiritual assembly, and to encourage initiation of strong local teaching programs. Similar assistance was offered to the preferred goal groups.

2. The services of some 207 Baha’i

teachers, including two fulltime itinerant teachers (and exclusive of the services of Auxiliary Board members), were utilized in providing assistance to small Baha’i communities and goal groups throughout the year. A total of fifty-nine circuits, ranging from four days to three months, were scheduled by the National Teaching Committee; and approximately 330 week-end visits were arranged in cooperation with area teaching committees. [Page 10]10

3. National Teaching Committee sponsored Institutes and Conferences:

a. A nation-wide week-end Institute, scheduled to ninety-seven cities September-October 1962, having as prime objectives, Baha’i fellowship, consultation and deepening study —geared toward accelerated proclamation, consolidation and expansion.

b. A nation-wide Workshop Conference, March 24, 1963, scheduled to seventy cities. Objectives: To encourage individual self - evaluation of current Baha’i services and provide an opportunity for the believers to gain practice experience in local spiritual assembly function.

4. Additional conferences arranged by area teaching committees and local assemblies, include:

a. Thirty-one week-end youth conferences

b. Four area-wide conferences

ec. One teachers’ training conference

d. One week-long childrens’ conference

e. One state-wide week-end teaching conference

5. National Spiritual Assembly approved teaching aids, prepared and distributed by the National Teaching Committee:

a. Kit of Proclamation and Teaching Aids — for use in planning and projecting proclamation campaigns, and in follow-up teaching programs. (Kits were provided to all local assemblies, goal groups, and national com mittees) b. Teaching Reference File — a manual designed to deepen

and encourage the individual believer to proclaim and teach the Faith, (reference source, primarily from The Advent of Divine Justice). Individual copies of this manual were provided members of all communities under fifteen membership and all Baha’i groups of five or more membership. Some 3000 copies in all, were distributed.

c. Questionnaires — covering the function of assemblies and Baha’i groups (reference source, Trustees of the Merciful, Covenant and Administration, and The Bahd’i Commu nity). In cooperation with area teaching committees, these were made available

for study to all small communities and Baha’i groups.

d. Institute Reference File—Prepared for week-end Institute use and designed to orient believers to the overall purpose of the Baha’i Administrative Order and the function of the Divine Institutions. Approximately 3000 copies of this manual were distributed to the believers at a Nation-wide Institute, and individual copies made available through the Baha’i Distribution & Service Department, thereafter.

6. Homefront Pioneers — were provided as available, to hold ‘‘spiritual prizes’? already won and to assure the formation of additional assemblies at Ridvan 1963. As of March 5th, 67 pioneers were reported as relocated in a goal city and 41 additional pioneers were in process of relocation at assigned posts.

Proclamation—“‘through Press and

Radio’

Since Ridvan 1962, oranized campaigns involving more than 167 assemblies and 103 Baha’i groups have been carried forward (a total of 270 localities, including eight major cosmopolitan cities). This, in addition to last year’s proclamation campaigns which included three cosmopolitan cities, sixteen assemblies and nine Baha’i groups, brings total homefront proclamation statistics (reported) to a coverage of 170 assemblies and 112 Baha’i groups, or a total of 282 localities. Thus, during the beloved Guardian’s World Crusade, a nation-wide proclamation of the Faith ‘‘through the press and radio’”’ has literally brought the healing Message of Baha’u’llah before millions of souls throughout the United States of America.

Built into many of these campaigns were carefully planned efforts to reach minority peoples and to demonstrate the Baha’i principle of the oneness of mankind, through publicity in the Negro press, interviews on Negro radio stations, and Baha’i meetings held in Negro and Spanish-speaking areas.

Proclamation campaigns opened the flood gate of opportunities in many areas. Newspapers responded with voluminous free publicity —

ANNUAL REPORTS

editorials, feature stories and other assistance. One newspaper offered the Baha’is a regular weekly column given over to expository statements on the Faith and Baha’i answers to readers’ questions. Hundreds of radio and TV interviews are reported. “The Bob Quigley Show from Hollywood’’— a _ series of taped radio interviews prepared by a_ special committee appointed by the National Assembly was widely used in the proclamation effort and opened many doors for teaching the Faith. Many strong friends were made for the Faith and substantial groundwork laid for continual proclamation in the year ahead.

In Baha’i communities where sustained follow-up teaching programs are under way, a harvest of enrollments is being realized as a result of the wide-spread proclamation and teaching activity.

Thus, on the homefront, the Faith of Baha’u’ll4h marches on — as the world-wide Baha’i community moves toward historic Ridvan 1963 when representatives from national assemblies throughout the Baha’i world will gather in the Holy Land to elect that “Supreme Body,” the Universal House of Justice, following which the believers who have served well and sacrificed much, will meet in London to celebrate ‘‘that Most Great, that Wondrous Jubilee in the joyfulness of which both heaven and earth will partake.”’

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND STATES

(Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont)

Members: Benjamin D. Weeden, Chairman; Mrs. Gladys A. Weeden, Secretary; Mrs. LaVerne Rhode, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Beryl Kendrick, Mrs. Mary Tucker.

As we review the activities of the past year, we hardly know which event is the most outstanding, therefore, as in a dramatic production, we will list them in the order of their appearance. :

The annual meeting at the Cathedral of the Pines, the National War Memorial Shrine, Rindge, New Hampshire, was held on a Sunday in June, with Mr. Hugh Chance as speaker. This event was well attended and a large quantity of Baha’i Literature was distributed.

On Race Amity Day, the Portsmouth Baha’i Community sponsored [Page 11]ANNUAL REPORTS

a meeting at the Unitarian-Universa list Church, with two speakers — ~

Reverend Papandrew, pastor of the church, with Mr. Ray Elliot, Billerica, Massachusetts, the Baha’j speaker. The local chapter of the NAACP was well represented. As a result, a Baha’i speaker was invited to return to speak for their group. This also had repercussions in Nashua, New Hampshire, where there is close cooperation between the Baha’is and the NAACP Chapter in that city. A Baha’i resident in that city is the only white officer with that group.

The bounty of having Mr. Winston Evans as a circuit teacher resulted in a series of mass proclamation meetings during July and August, in Nashua, New Hampshire and Brattleboro, Vermont. All avenues of publicity were made use of with gratifying results. Some _ contacts who had been studying the Faith, became inspired to declare themselves and the friends in the area were greatly stimulated through this activity.

The meetings held in commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s visist in this vicinity fifty years ago, were beautifully arranged. The outdoor meeting held at the Tucker home, Reeds Ferry, New Hampshire, was well attended by Baha’is and their contacts. In Dublin, New Hampshire, the display of historic archives, connected with our beloved Master, made this a rewarding experience.

The week-end institutes revitalized the believers, and, the Institute Reference File was much appreciated.

Weekly Radio broadcasts in the goal city of Brattleboro, Vermont, and spot announcements of public events are still taking place. In Concord, New Hampshire, the third series of Baha’i devotional programs, as part of the ‘‘Chapel of the Air’’ was presented in November. The next series is scheduled for June 1963.

The Assembly of Portland, Maine, succeeded in having World Peace Day proclaimed by the Governor of

- their state.

Many fine observances of United Nations Day and Human Rights Day took place, using the material supplied by our United Nations committee for the United States.

The Youth Conference, ‘‘Spiritual Safari,’’ held in Hudson, New Hampshire, December 28-30, 1962, was an outstanding success. Two youth declared themselves. Many teaching

efforts resulted from the inspiration received. One concrete example was that Baha’i students at the University of Maine, Orono, Maine, planned an exhibition in the campus library for World Religion Day, which resulted in the first public meeting on the campus, with Mr. Riaz Khadem of the Harvard College Baha’i Club, as speaker. Another youth, who will not be fifteen years old until March, 1963, has gone to pioneer in Eliot, Maine. She is already at her post and will work at Green Acre Institute this year.

Letters written to Congressmen by our committee, on behalf of our imprisoned Baha’i brothers in Morocco, were sympathetically answered.

Outstanding teaching work carried out by a family group in Laconia, New Hampshire, consisted of the following: Several public meetings with slides, invitations mailed out, posters placed in a prominent place in several parts of the city, spot announcements over the radio. A cash donation to the new Inter-Faith Chapel in the Laconia Hospital, brought a request for a Baha’i prayer book. Those in charge had not realized there was any other Faith represented in the city. A special window display in a busy section of the town; Baha’i book reviews presented in school by Baha’i and non-Baha’i youth. This group acquired the ‘‘Bob Quigley’? series of thirteen tapes, succeeded in placing with radio station WEMJ, Laconia, currently being “aired” there, and, they have made these tapes available for use in our area.

Monthly meetings were held by our committee and a bulletin was issued monthly, the friends in the area supporting this work with good reports of their activities. Bulletins from other areas were circulated from member to member. A Press Book was started. Many Baha’is from our area went out as public speakers, in nearby states as well as in our own three states. Prayer campaigns were initiated, for special times and places. Our committee has been very impressed with the spirit of loving cooperation evidenced among the membership in support of any and all efforts to promote our Faith, many of them travelling long distances to attend firesides, Sunday School classes and deepening classes, which were regularly carried on, in places too numerous to mention.

11

Two devoted newly married believers are preparing to move to Brattleboro, Vermont, as settlers, to assist in forming an assembly there, in response to the appeal from the American National Teaching Committee. a

Our committee enrolled twelve adults and seven youth residing in our area, and, were principals in the enrollment of several new believers from places outside of our jurisdiction.

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND

STATES

(Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island)

Members: Farhang Javid, Chairman;

Mrs. Ethelinda T. Merson, Secretary; Dr. Elmer V. Kenneally, Donald Phelps, Edwin Phelps, Andrew Scalzi, Miss Lorna B. Tasker.

Meetings: We have met twelve times. Enrollments: We have enrolled

nine adults and two youths.

Bulletins: Three Bulletins have been published. These publicized material sent by the NSA and ANTC and also included local affairs, welcoming new believers and friends who have transferred from other areas.

New Centers Opened: Seven new centers have been opened in Massachusetts, two in Rhode Island and two in Connecticut.

Circuit Teaching: We met twice in Bridgeport, Connecticut to consult about future activities and extension teaching with Stamford and Greenwich, and twice with the Hartford friends to clarify several problems and to encourage them in their teaching activities. The latter resulted in a three-way advertising effort including Hartford, Mansfield and Clinton. We also met twice with the Worcester friends.

Other Activities: An itinerary for Hand of the Cause, Mr. Z. Khadem was arranged in July. We also arranged for meeting places and chairmen for the NSA _ sponsored Institutes in September and October and provided speakers to take part in these programs, and for firesides in Providence, Rhode Island every other week. A speaker for a Congregational Church in Groveland, Massachusetts was supplied at the request of the minister there. :

Individual members have worked, [Page 12]12

in their areas, to stimulate further activity and to encourage groups and isolated believers to have firesides. As a result there is more activity and joy and assurance.

Goal City: Bridgeport, Connecticut is the goal city in this area. There are now five members, but we hope that people will move in to make it an assembly by April 21st.

Conclusion: Throughout the area there is a feeling of urgency to fulfill the goals of the Ten Year Crusade. The existing assemblies are working hard to maintain their membership and to increase it. More and more people are talking about the Faith -and this makes it easier for the friends to tell others about it.

NORTH ATLANTIC STATES

(New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania)

Members: Raymond C. Rouse, Chairman; Mrs. Florence C. Steinhauer, Secretary; William Dunlap, Mrs. Martha H. Kavelin and Mrs. Juliette Meade Soderberg. Col. and Mrs. Eugene Keller resigned from this Committee in October to go on an extended trip visiting their family and friends in the South and West.

Eleven meetings have been held to date and nine bulletins have been issued. i

Members of this committee met with the East Orange and Jersey City, N.J. communities to assist them in getting started on the Reference Teaching File study. This study was also set up in Jamestown, N.Y. with Mrs. Jane Czerniejewski and Mrs. Dorothy Holmlund of Hamburg, N.Y. alternately conducting it; and in Tonawanda Twp., N.Y. with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Patterson of Niagara Falls, N.Y. leading the project. We are most grateful to these friends for their enthusiastic assistance.

In early July a schedule was set up for Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem so that he might meet the friends of New Jersey, New York metropolitan area, and Lone Island.

Acting on direct instructions from the American National Teaching Committee, institutes were set up throughout the area for either September 29th and 30th or October 6th and 7th.

A teaching circuit arranged for Miss Beverly Bennett of Charleston, W. Virginia, and Mrs. Lillian B. Horn of East Cleveland, Ohio, resulted in meetings with friends

and contacts in the western and central part of New York State. This circuit was an outstanding success because in addition to the plus factors resulting from circuit teaching effort, it further demonstrated the effectiveness of bi-racial team-teaching.

An early visit to all newly formed assemblies and goals in our area was arranged by the ANTC for Mr. Paul Pettit of that committee.

Dr. Orville H. Minney of Cucamonga, Calif. and Dr. Hamilton Niss of Indianapolis, Ind. found time between sessions of their respective professional conventions to meet with the friends and contacts in the vicinity of Atlantic City, N.J.

Mr. George Savitt of Miami, Fla. visiting a relative in Plattsburgh, N.Y. also contacted the friends in that area.

Mrs. Jeanne Frankel, formerly of Hawaii, conducted several firesides in the metropolitan New York area and spoke at a public meeting in Evergreen Cabin.

The trip to Plattsburgh, N.Y. of Mrs. Martha Kavelin of this committee enabled her to make personal contact with both the President of the Plattsburgh University and a local Methodist minister, as well as give the Message to the friends and family of the isolated Baha’i now residing there.

Mrs. Gail Curwin of Ferndale, Michigan, gave invaluable assistance to jeopardized assemblies in our area.

The committee takes this opportunity to publicly express its appreciation to these teachers and to convey the love and gratitude of the friends throughout the area.

Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Auxiliary Board Member, not only visited weak assemblies and_ goal groups in Long Island and northern New York where she conducted firesides, had meetings with the Baha’is and personally visited contacts, but she also carried on an inspiring correspondence with these communities and groups. The tireless efforts of Mrs. McLaughlin to strengthen the weak assemblies and bring the goals to assembly status in this area are a constant source of inspiration to this committee.

Mr. William deForge, in between his many visits to other areas, also assisted by periodically visiting a weak assembly. In addition, his dynamic presentation of the Faith at

ANNUAL REPORTS

both the Buffalo and Niagara Falls, N.Y. proclamation meetings thrilled the friends, attracted the public and resulted in outstanding publicity in both newspapers and on television.

The institute and children’s classes held every Sunday morning at Evergreen Cabin, W. Englewood, N.J. are sponsored by this committee.

Twenty-one adults and = seven youth have been enrolled to date and at least two applications are expected in the immediate future.

At present writing it is difficult to make a prediction but it is fervently hoped that the jeopardized assemblies will be maintained, the weak assemblies will be strengthened and the goals will be attained. Certainly, the prayers and efforts of all of us are focused toward this end.

CENTRAL ATLANTIC

STATES (West Virginia, Virginia, District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, and

North Carolina)

Members: Elton M. Smith, Chairman; Margaret Gawen, Secretary; Albert James, Harriet Lourie, Meredith Smith.

Meetings: Sixteen meetings have been held to date, and three additional meetings are planned before April 21st. One of these meetings was in consultation with Paul Pettit on the home front teaching program.

Goal: Newcastle County, Delaware was the only named goal in this area and it was attained with the forming of the local spiritual assembly in March. The achievement of this goal can be partly attributed to the willingness of Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Omidvaran of nearby Newark to move into Newcastle County and partly to the mutual exchange program between Newcastle and Howard Counties as well as the loving cooperation of the Wilmington community. Also close to forming an assembly is Fairfax County, Va.

Enrollments: Ten adults and four youth have been enrolled to date in the area outside of communities with assemblies.

Visit of Mr. Khadem: In November this committee arranged three meetings for a visit from Hand of the Cause, Mr. Khadem, in the Washington-Baltimore area. About 150 Baha’is attended these meetings [Page 13]ANNUAL REPORTS

and were touched by his spiritual warmth, departing with some share of his feeling that it is wonderful to be a part of the Crusade.

Institutes: During the summer a picnic sponsored by the Baha’is of the Baltimore area was promoted and publicized by this committee. September institutes, nationally sponsored, were held in Durham, N.C., Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Md., and Charleston, W. Va. Workshop conferences scheduled for March 24 in Washington and Durham N.C. climaxed the Crusade just prior to the World Congress.

Circuit Teaching: Nationally sponsored teaching circuits included those of Paul Pettit (in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina) and Allen Ward (in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia). A two-week visit of Terah Smith to Charleston, W. Va. did much to reorient the believers there and help save their assembly. Still other circuit teaching has been done by Etta Woodlen.

Speakers Arranged: At the request of Mrs. Bea Stone of Felton, Del., it was arranged that Lee Blackwell of the United Nations speak before the Woman’s Club of Felton on October 1. In Asheville, N.C., Matthew Bullock answered our call for a speaker there on February 1. For World Religion Day, a team composed of the Jensons of Baltimore County and Velma Ferguson of Baltimore City went to Wilmington, Del. to give the message for this day.

Bulletin: The area bulletin, published monthly, has been a means of notifying the believers throughout the area of coming events as well as exchanging ideas on teaching and proclamation.

Proclamation: Proclamation programs were carried out in the Greensboro - Durham - Raleigh, N.C. area as well as in the greater Baltimore area. In addition, numerous other communities have observed special events with increased activity and publicity.

Youth Activities: We feel that the youth activities sponsored by this area committee have been among its most worthwhile efforts. The youth feel that fun and fellowship lead to unity among them. To date, seven monthly week-end conferences have been held. Much of the success of these affairs can be attributed to the efforts of Gwynne Lourie and Ouida Coley who have

assisted the area teaching committee with the coordination and planning of these monthly events. The committee is appreciative of the hospitality offered these youth by the following communities: Felton, Del., Durham, N.C., Verona, Va., Montgomery County and Rockville, Md., Howard County, Md., Baltimore City, Md. and Raleigh, N.C. The enthusiasm of the youth for these conferences has been demonstrated by attendance as high as thirty-five on a single week-end.

SOUTH ATLANTIC STATES

(Florida, Georgia, South Carolina)

Members: Richard Benson, Chairman; Miss Nell Golden, Secretary; Dr. Joy Benson, Mrs. Gertrude Gillam; Mrs. Genell Grimsley, Dr. Lee Grimsley, Miss Yvonne Harrop; Mrs. Estelle Lindsey, Raymond Lindsey.

Preferred Goals: The primary attention during the year was to assist in insuring as many as possible “firmly grounded, well-informed, actively functioning’? assemblies in our area by Ridvan 120. Nine new assemblies were formed Ridvan 119. Of all assemblies, only one is in jeopardy. Early in the year the preferred goal groups in the area numbered two. There are now four such goals in the area. Of these, Savannah, Ga., is assured of formation before Ridvan. Two other goals, West Palm Beach, Fla. (six Baha’is) and Frogmore, S.C. (seven Baha’is) seem most likely to form by Ridvan.

All Baha’is in Frogmore are natives of St. Helena Island, the first of them enrolling in January, 1962. This group, residing on an island off the South Carolina coast, has justified the hopes expressed in last year’s annual report of this committee.

Enrollments: Enrollments in this area, exclusive of those enrolled in communities, number 48 thus far in 119, two more than last year and triple the number of the previous year.

Visit by Hand of Cause: The area feels that it benefitted tremendously by a visit from Mr. Zikhru’llah Khadem to the summer school in Frogmore, S.C. and by one-day visits to: Savannah, Ga.; Florence, S.C.; Augusta, Ga.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Greenville, S.C.

National and Intra-Area Circuit Teachers: Each preferred goal had at least three visits by travelling

13

teachers as follows: Savannah, Ga. nine; Frogmore, S.C., four; Hollywood, Fla., three; West Palm Beach, Fla., five. Teachers also visited other centers including small groups for deepening, assisting in the teaching effort, and consolidation, as appropriate. In addition to the above teachers, members of this committee visited Savannah twice as the formation of that assembly drew near. We also feel that members of the committee taking part in some of the activities in Atlanta, Greenville, Augusta, Savannah and Frogmore have assisted those centers in their teaching work. Though these efforts were unscheduled, they were deliberately planned by the members for service. There were 38 visits to centers by eight national circuit teachers and thirteen visits by ten intra-area teachers.

Conferences: Youth conferences were held in Atlanta May 5, 6 and in Greenville Sept. 1-3. We feel that well-planned conferences are of great assistance to the youth attending and in the teaching work in the city were they are held. The ATC arranged for National Convention reports at: Florence, Greenville, S.C.; Augusta, Savannah, and Atlanta, Ga.; Duval Co., Broward Co., and Manatee Co., Florida.

Winter School: For the third year the committee sponsored a_ school over the New Year’s weekend at Frogmore, S.C. Forty-eight attended this year which was remarkable in the light of the plans being made for the World Congress. Those attending were justified in their efforts by an especially wonderful and fruitful Baha’i experience. We go and find a new world each year — truly an intimation of God’s Kingdom.

Bulletins: Bulletins have been issued each Baha’i month, mailing dates timed for arrival a few days before each Feast. The committee has also endeavored to send to each group and isolated believer particular news from the NSA which the NSA sends only to national committees and assemblies. We feel that this draws all closer to the progress of the Faith and important events. Such news is sent out in special mailings.

Meetings: The committee has met fourteen times thus far in 119 with three meetings planned prior to the end of the year. A greatly needed “‘boost’”’ was given to the committee by having the opportunity of meet[Page 14]14

ing withthe secretary of the ANTC in December. This meeting was very useful because it gave us time to employ her suggestions during the few remaining months of 119. Again, early in February, four members were able to meet briefly with the secretary.

Music: Music has been a significant and new factor in the teaching work in this area during the past year, and is mentioned even though the committee did not directly assist. Dr. Jordan Young of Florence, S.C., William Pleasant of Savannah, Ga., and Dr. Allan Ward of Jackson, Tenn., composed words and music; Alyce Earl of? Atlanta, Ga., as well as directing and accompanying singing groups set prayers to music which she sings beautifully. Henry Markot of Jacksonville, Fla. set Baha’i writings to music, and many others with musical talent have given great impetus to this new factor in the teaching work by their encouragement and participation. This emphasis on music has had a great effect in reaching many hearts and providing great inspiration in many meetings. In Georgia and South Carolina there is scarcely a meeting now without the singing of truly appropriate songs.

Miscellaneous: Since January 1963 Mr. Jack McCants has been a full time circuit teacher assigned to assist in this area, specifically in the NSA-directed mass conversion effort in Greenville, S.C., the first of such efforts planned in the United States and the only such effort that will be made during the Crusade.

Beverly Abercrombie, although only nine years of age, has, with great dedication and organization, established a weekly Baha’i children’s class in Greenville attended by some thirty children.

EAST CENTRAL STATES

(Indiana, Michigan, Ohio)

Members: Robert Gaines, Chairman; Mrs. Helen Eggleston, Secretary; Hormoz Alizadeh, Wallace Baldwin, Stanley Brogan, Mrs. Elizabeth Martin.

Meetings: There have been fourteen regular meetings of the committee, with three more probable before Ridvan. We were grateful for the inspiration and assistance from special meetings with Mrs.

Margery McCormick, Auxiliary Board Member, Mr. Dan Jordan, Chairman of the ANTC., and Mr.

Paul Pettit, member of the ANTC.

Bulletins: The area bulletins have been issued on a monthly basis and at this time there have been nine.

Membership: This year we have enrolled 34 new adult Baha’is, and ten youth. There are 395 Baha’is outside of the communities in this area. Fourteen new cities were opened to the Faith.

Youth Activities: A special session for the youth was held at each state convention. Youth conferences were held in Dexter, Michigan in June and in November.

Conferences: Nine NSA sponsored institutes were held in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, South Bend, Lansing, Muskegon, Pontiac, Akron, Dayton and Toledo. In March there will be eight more institutes throughout the area.

Circuit Teaching: Mrs. Margery McCormick, Auxiliary Board Member, made two trips into this area, bringing great bounties to the friends. Mr. Paul Pettit, member of the ANTC has also been with us twice, inspiring the friends to greater activity. Mrs. Dorothy Holmlund made a teaching tour in Ohio, and Winston Evans gave us great assistance. Mrs. Helen Reech has made trips in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. Mr. Allan Ward visited several cities during the summer. A great deal of individual teaching work has been done throughout these three states and this committee deeply appreciates the fine co-operation that we have received from these speakers and from the cities that they visited.

Mass Proclamation: The outstanding activity of this year was the mass proclamation project in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with Mr. Winston Evans as the speaker at each meeting. Ads were run in the Detroit Free Press and from these ads we received 195 answers, from 73 different cities. There are no Baha’is in 41 of these cities. With the consistent and active assistance of several of the friends, we have endeavored to contact all of these people who answered the ad, and the result has been most gratifying.

Local Assemblies: Several of our new assemblies are in critical condition, due to the fact that some of the settlers moved away. We are striving to save these assemblies, and are assured of some and hopeful for others.

ANNUAL REPORTS

CENTRAL STATES

(Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa)

Members: E. T. Sherwood, Chairman; Mrs. Marguerite Sherwood, Secretary; Robert L. Desatnick, Mrs. Beth McKenty, Dr. Jack McKenty, William Nedden.

Regular committee meetings were planned on approximately a twice a month basis.

Our objectives were:

1. To establish a closer line of communication with the friends in the area.

2. To publish an area bulletin.

3. To organize, conduct and/or sponsor such institutes and youth meetings or conferences as may seem desirable for the area, having National Spiritual Assembly approval.

4. To promote extension teaching and encourage the movement of settlers to our goal groups.

5. To encourage and promote an active program in our preferred and promising goal groups, stressing both public meetings, regular firesides and study classes, in an effort to bring to assembly status as many groups as possible prior to Ridvan.

6. To maintain an accurate listing of names and addresses of all isolated believers and members of groups in the area; and also, to maintain an accurate listing of all youth in the area.

7. To further develop and maintain a list of area speakers.

Area Communications: An effort was made to contact as many isolated friends and groups as possible by letter and by personal contact, and to develop a loving spirit of cooperation among the isolated friends, groups and assemblies. Numerous trips were made to visit as many groups and communities as possible to develop a line of communication that would be of mutual assistance. This personal contact gave us a more accurate picture of the type of assistance which we could give or recommend.

Area Bulletin: The area bulletin is published ten times during the year and is mailed so as to reach

‘the friends just prior to every sec ond Feast. This year the bulletins have been four to six pages in length, with the majority running six pages. The circulation is approximately 675 with a readership of approximately 900.

The bulletin publicized and urged [Page 15]a ac eal

ANNUAL REPORTS

attendance at ATC, ANTC and NSA institutes and conferences, youth meetings, and other major events in the area when dates were known sufficiently in advance. Also, events of broad general interest occurring outside the area were carried when requested to do so.

This medium was also utilized

to acquaint the friends in the area of the status of the goal groups and to urge those friends not required in their community to offer to serve as settlers and to notify the ANTC of their availability. - Institutes and Youth Meetings: Two area institutes were planned and carried out this year. The first institute was held at Monmouth, Illinois, June 22, 23, 24, with an attendance of 180, including between 40 and 50 youth. Those attending included friends and contacts from the Central States Area as well as from the South Central States Area. Dr. David S. Ruhe, of Leawood, Kansas, was the speaker for the public meeting. The teaching program was well received and the facilities proved to be excellent.

The second area sponsored institute was held at Green Lake, Wisconsin, November 9, 10 and 11. Though the institute was held late in the fall, the attendance was approximately 185, including about 40 youth. The late fall facilities proved to be more ideal than those we enjoyed in previous years. Mr. Douglas Martin, of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, was our key-note speaker.

A literature and book sales counter was maintained at each of the institutes for the convenience of the friends. An average of $100 worth of books and pamphlets was purchased at each institute. A photographic service was set up at both institutes where pictures, having publicity value, were taken and copy written and mailed to hometown newspapers. Approximately 85 percent of these were published.

At least five declarations resulted directly from these two institutes. Locally advertised public meetings were held on Saturday evening at both Monmouth and Green Lake. An impromptu youth session was held after the public meeting in both cases.

A carefully planned, constructive and educational program was Carried out by two responsible groups in the area for the children between two and twelve years of age

attending these institutes. In both cases these institutes were planned and intended to be self-supporting.

Three separate youth meetings have been sponsored by the committee during the year. The first was at Green Bay, Wisconsin, August 25 and 26, 1962, under the supervision of the Spiritual Assembly of Green Bay. The second Fall-Time Youth Conference, planned and supervised by the Baha’is of the Spiritual Assembly of Deerfield, Illinois, was held October 6 and 7, 1962.

The third meeting was planned by the College Club of Madison, Wisconsin, under the supervision of the Baha’is of the Spiritual Assembly of Madison, March 1, 2 and 3, 1963.

Teaching Assistance: Two regular extension teaching projects were undertaken, one by Wilmette in Park Ridge, Illinois, and the other by Peoria Heights in Richwoods Township, Illinois. In addition to the extension teaching projects in these two goals, the committee also scheduled speakers for public meetings and firesides.

Another area teaching project in the form of extension teaching and proclamation was undertaken by the Shorewood, Wisconsin, Community in the tri-cities of Waupon — Ripon — Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. An extensive advertising program was set up, a sequence of public meetings at one-month intervals were held, and a series of five follow-up study classes was completed. This has resulted in several contacts in the aforementioned cities, as well as two contacts turned over to the Oshkosh Group. This project was well planned and carefully executed by the community, in co-operation with the area committee.

Projects have been initiated or are currently under way which we hope will open three additional localities in central Wisconsin and the southern tip of Illinois.

Circuit teaching schedules were arranged for Robert Cameron, Gail Curwin, Jane and Jack McCants, Marjorie McCormick, Zella Svendsen, and Allan Ward, into goals, promising goals, and weak assemblies or assemblies in jeopardy. Numerous other speaking assignments were scheduled for Vivian Fellows, Samuel Jackson, Dan Jordan and William W. Munson. Additions were made to our speakers list and the list was sent to all goal groups

15

and to other groups and assemblies upon request.

Assistance has been given to the American National Teaching Committee wherever possible in the relocation of the friends into goal groups and assemblies in jeopardy.

Area Membership Changes Outside of LSA Jurisdiction since March 1, 1962: New enrollments and reinstatements—45 adults and 12 youth; removals, withdrawals and deaths — 26; Transfers into area — 16; Transfers out of area—20; Transfers from Central States LSA’s to area —33; Transfers from area to Central States LSA’s —10.

As of March 1, one new assembly, Olmsted County, Minnesota, has been formed since last Ridvan, four assemblies are in jeopardy. There is a reasonable chance that through enrollments and/or settlers these assemblies and four additional goal groups will have sufficient members to permit the formation of assemblies by this Ridvan.

This has been another exciting year as the tempo of activities, with the numerous’ proclamation programs and the increase in teaching activity on every side, reaches a crescendo. May it result in the attainment of all goals and that this Ten-Year Crusade may be gloriously climaxed by the election of the Universal House of Justice and the celebration of the Most Great Jubilee.

NORTH CENTRAL STATES (North Dakota, South Dakota)

Members: Donald Berger, Chairman; Marian Kadrie, Secretary; Orviell Kadrie, Gene LaQuier, Ruth LaQuier, Alvin Myers.

Meetings: This committee has held seven regular meetings and two special meetings. Plans are for two additional meetings.

Bulletins: Seven bulletins have been published with at least two more planned.

Enrollments and Transfers: Seven adults have been enrolled in the area by this committee. Three have transferred into our area and two transferred within the area.

Conferences: Our area was Ssupremely blessed with the visit of Hand of the Cause, Zikru’llah Khadem and his wife and daughter on September 3rd and 4th in Fargo, North Dakota. Baha’is from Fargo, [Page 16]16

Minot, N. Dak., Huron and Sioux Falls, S. Dak. and St. Paul, Minn., were present to hear Mr. Khadem speak. The heavenly joy experienced by the friends who attended cannot be described.

The area teaching committee held a teaching conference with the theme “The Year of the Ten Thousands”’ in Fargo, N. Dak. on July 28th and 29th. Co-ordinator and speaker during the conference was Ken Jeffers of Rochester, Minnesota. The first meeting was held on July 28th in the evening and was directed to the youth. Approximately 40 were present. This was open to Baha’is and non-Baha’is. The theme was ‘‘Youth and Religion.’”’ An all day conference was held on July 29th. The topics covered were: Consolidation, Prayer, Proclamation, Teaching the Minority, and Mass Proclamation. Communities represented were Huron, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, S. Dak., Minot, Belcourt and Fargo, N. Dak. The conference offered much spiritual reinvigoration to all present.

The National Spiritual Assembly week-end institute on ‘‘Proclamation, Consolidation, Teaching, Expansion’’ was held in Fargo, N. Dak. with Bob Cameron as leader and in Sioux Falls, S. Dak. with Ken Jeffers as leader. Both conferences were very successful and well attended.

An afternoon conference was held

in Minot, N. Dak. on February 2nd with Ken Jeffers leading the discussion on: The Final Months of the Crusade.

Teaching Activities: Our goal city, Minot, N.D. was brought to assembly status last Ridvan with the enrollment of two believers and. a pioneer settler. This community is presently down to eight members and it is our ardent hope that at least one member will be enrolled to keep this community at assembly status:

Three believers from Fargo and two from Minot participated in the Indian Pow-Wow at Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in August. Many contacts were made. Much literature was distributed. The friends have continued to correspond with the contacts made.

Two successful teaching trips were made into the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota.

Bill Myers went on an extension teaching visit to Rapid City, S. Dak. from May 4 to 6. Firesides and deep ening classes were held. The Rapid City Group now consists of four adult believers and one youth. They have attracted many interested contacts and large crowds at regular firesides and public meetings by their imaginative programming. Much attention has been attracted by this active group and we hope for assembly status of this group by Ridvan.

Special Service: Through the efforts of the Fargo Assembly to have the North Dakota Statute amended to grant Baha’i Assemblies the right to solemnize marriage in the State of North Dakota, front page publicity and other articles appeared in the Bismarck papers. As a follow up on these articles advertisements were placed in the papers offering free literature and information regarding the Faith. Presently there are no declared believers in Bismarck.

We are happy to report that the Governors of both North Dakota and South Dakota proclaimed September 16th as World Peace Day.

SOUTH CENTRAL STATES

(Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska)

Members: Mr. Henry Weil, Chairman; Mrs. Mildred Birkett, Secretary; Mrs. Thelma Gorham, Mrs. Margaret Ruhe, Mrs. Clarice Weil, Mr. George Halterman, Mr. L. R. McCord.

Meetings: Held every three weeks.

Bulletins: Issued monthly.

Enrollments: Twenty-seven were enrolled in the Area, including the first Winnebago Indian. Seven of this number were enrolled by the ATC.

Circuit Teaching: A circuit teaching correspondent was appointed to handle all correspondence and necessary details in conjunction with furnishing speakers for fifteen groups and assemblies. At least seventeen teachers assisted in the teaching work and many of them made several trips. Two of the teachers were from outside our area. Three teachers were supplied by ANTC for extended visits in the area.

Here’s what an isolated believer in Hot Springs, Arkansas arranged for a circuit teacher:

TV Interview

The meeting room (with flowers and refreshments)

12 spot announcements on two radio stations

ANNUAL REPORTS

1 display ad in two newspapers

Verbal announcement of meeting in Presbyterian Church Bulletin

Attendance: 33—26 contacts —7 Baha’ is

Follow-up Firesides were arranged.

College Teaching: Two letters were prepared—one for non-religious schools and another for Bible and sectarian schools, and mailed to each college in the area, approximating 200, excluding those under College Bureau and LSA jurisdiction, offering a Baha’i speaker and including the pamphlet ‘‘Baha’i-World Faith for Modern Man”’ by Arthur Dahl. Lovejoy’s College Guide was used for the mailing list.

Youth Teaching: Realizing that: it is difficult for youth to travel to conferences during the school year, a program was developed and sent to all LSAs and groups completely outlining a four-meeting series including how to attract youth, suggested questions with references from the Writings which could be effectively used with a group of six or sixty.

The program provided for discussion from 4 to 6, light supper from 6 to 7 which was prepared and furnished by the mothers of the Baha’i Youth, and a social hour from 7 to" 9:

The Baha’i youth of the Greater St. Louis area, comprising six youth and one enthusiastic adult, have completed three of these meetings with attendance and enthusiasm increasing with each session. Nineteen attended the first meeting, twentyone the second meeting and twentythree the third. The youth feel new avenues of thinking have opened up for them. One of the contacts is studying for enrollment.

The St. Louis youth selected a different leader for each meeting. We feel there was merit in having the youth select the leaders as well as having a different leader for each meeting.

Other Teaching Activities: A conference was held with the Baha’is of Greater Kansas City covering subjects they had submitted to us. The Bob Quigley tapes were made available to several communities as well as Temple Slides and various other tapes. A speaker was furnished for Southeast Missouri State Teachers College in Cape Girardeau, Missouri last spring and we have a request to supply a teacher again this spring. We have had requests from the Methodist Church, Mary[Page 17]ANNUAL REPORTS

ville, Missouri and from Manhattan Bible College, Manhattan, Kansas for speakers.

Indian Teaching: Teaching is being continued in Macy and Winnebago, Nebraska where there are Baha’i settlers on the reservations. The first Winnebago Indian was enrolled this year. A Proclamation meeting has been planned for the end of March in Macy and Winnebago.

In the Southwestern Missouri and Northeastern Oklahoma area there is a large Indian population. An isolated believer from outside Joplin, Missouri and the Baha’is of Rogers, Arkansas, have been working with these people. A Proclamation meeting was held in October.

TENNESSEE VALLEY

(Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee)

Members: Mrs. Odessa Myers, Chairman; Miss Louise Jackson, Secretary; Lester Himes, John C. Myers, Dr. Allen L. Ward, and Bruce Inglis.

On September 3 Mrs. Erma Hayden, member of this committee for several years, resigned as secretary to pioneer in Clarksville, Tennessee and Miss Louise Jackson was appointed secretary-treasurer in her place.

The committee’s aim was to keep in close touch with the friends, to arrange to meet in various cities in the area, convening their meetings at noon once a month, and keeping the evening open for meetings with the friends in the cities for consultation or public meetings.

Mrs. Erma Hayden was asked to speak on “The Second Coming of Christ’? at Christmas Time at the Annual Christmas Party for all the 4-H Clubs and Home Demonstrations Clubs in Montgomery County, Tennessee, by the Director of the Home and Farm Community Center in Clarksville on December 15th. Twenty-six non-Baha’i adults and seven youths attended. When the Baha’is expressed their appreciation to the director for the invitation she said she had asked them because she really believed what they had to tell was true and she thought everyone ought to know it.

Slides circulated throughout the area and ‘Literature of the Baha’i Faith’? telling about books the Baha’is have to offer, catalogue of materials available from Distribution and Service Department, and packets for United Nations and Hu man Rights Week observances, “United Nations, Prayer in Action,”’ were sent to all groups and isolated believers.

The Mobile Group showed tremendous activity throughout the year. Good public meetings were reported from several cities in the observance of Race Amity Day, World Peace Day, United Nations Day, Human Rights Day and World Religion Day.

The LSA of Birmingham, Alabama, secured Governor Patterson’s signature to the proclamation for ‘‘World Peace Day.’’ However, the Governor did make some changes in the wording of it.

The committee cooperated with the youth in a Youth Conference at Nashville, Tennessee, February 16 and 17. The entire Baha’i membership was invited. The program included reviews of books and discussion by the youth on Saturday afternoon, followed by community singing. A delicious chicken dinner was served by the Nashville Community Saturday evening, for which almost everyone stayed. In the evening Dr. Allen Ward spoke at a public meeting held at the Baha’i Center, ‘‘100 Years in Retrospect,”’ showing slides while he spoke. There were about fifty people present. Then on Sunday morning after de votions the youth continued with the ©

book reviews with thirty-five people present. The committee deeply appreciates the fine cooperation of the Nashville Community in this endeavor.

Monthly bulletins are sent to believers in this area together with a questionnaire requesting information about public meetings, books distributed, and discussion groups. There has been an increasing response from the believers and therefore more information for the bulletin.

Sustained activities are being engaged in by all assemblies, consisting of devotions, firesides, class studies and deepening sessions. The believers in Mobile, Alabama and Cookeville, Tennessee especially are giving a good account of themselves.

The NSA sponsored conferences in September and March were greatly appreciated.

Enrollments: four adults and three youth. Transfers: one transfer out and seven transfers into our area.

17

GULF STATES (Louisiana, Mississippi)

Members: George Galinkin, Chairman; Mrs. Virginia Johnson, Secretary; John Bratton, Ethlyn Campbell, George Rice, Carolyn Galinkin, Bernice Ward.

Meetings: Nine meetings were held and two more are planned before the end of the Baha’i year.

Enrollments: Nine adults and five youth, with six studying.

Institutes: The ATC coordinated NSA Institutes in September in Jackson, Mississippi and in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with two members of the ATC serving as leaders.

Activities: Have asked Baha’is from our area who visited other areas or summer schools to write an account. for the bulletin and to speak in different places about the activities which could be used in our own area. Have tried to stimulate Baha’i activities in groups and weak assemblies by circulating tapes, slides, and teaching kits. Sent each isolated Baha’i in the area a copy of ‘‘Convincing Answers.’’ Have arranged intra-area circuits within the area. Sent out 100 Baha’i Literature Folders to fifty libraries in Louisiana and fifty in Mississippi where there was not an assembly or group.

Bulletins: Have issued nine bulletins with two more coming out before the end of the Baha’i year.

Publicity: The groups and assemblies in our area have had more newspaper, radio, and other types of publicity than ever before. A new Baha’i group was formed in Alexandria, Louisiana, due to a Baha’i family moving there. The mayor of the city proclaimed World Religion Day in the form of a printed letter. The NSA wrote that a copy had been sent to the Hands of the Faith and to the editorial committee of the Bahd’t World because it was one of the few instances in the United States where this had been done.

SOUTH PLAINS STATES

(Oklahoma, Texas)

Members: John Banks, Chairman; Mrs. Betty J. Hopkins, Secretary; Miss Helen Callaway; Mrs. Nancy Dobbins; Mrs. Arabelle Haywood; Robert Hopkins; Leo Squires; Bransford Watson.

Committee Meetings: Seven regular, with more scheduled. [Page 18]18

Bulletin Published: Seven, with more scheduled.

Two youth conferences were held; one in Oklahoma City in March and one in Fort Worth in June. Both were well attended and since the number of declared youth in the area has tripled in the past year the ATC appointed a youth subcommittee to plan additional activity.

In September the ATC arranged for the ANTC-sponsored institutes to be held in six communities in Texas and Oklahoma.

The area was especially honored last year with the visit of Hand of the Cause, Mr. Zikru’llah Khadem, during the Indian Prayer Pow-Wow in Oklahoma in October. Over 100 Baha’is and friends from several states camped out at the Lake of the Cherokees for a wonderful weekend of consultation and fellowship.

The ATC, soon after it was formed, initiated a teaching-team program which has functioned quite successfully this past year. Six of the larger communities each have a “‘team,’’ comprised of three to five people with as much of a variety of backgrounds as possible. Besides offering an interesting presentation of the Faith (three or four different speakers briefly covering different aspects) the idea of a ‘‘team’’ or group of speakers traveling sometimes 250 miles for a meeting affords greater publicity value for -the meeting. Ten meetings have been held using the teaching teams (totalling about 3,000 miles in travel.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STATES

(Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico)

Members: Walter Jensen, Chairman; Mrs. Gladys Roberts, Secretary; Julian Abas, Mrs. Lois Abas, Mrs. Mary Creitz, A. G. Hale, Jr., Mrs. Josephine Johnson, Mrs. Esther Morrill, T. O. Morrill, Miss Barbara Roberts.

The committee has met eight times and will meet twice more before Ridvan. A bulletin has been issued each month by Editor Barbara Roberts.

Enrollments through the area committee total fourteen adults, seven of these enrolled through the Indian Service Committee, and six youth. Through correspondence with the committee, the first believer on the western slope of Colorado will be enrolled before Ridvan.

Goal Group McKinley County,

N. M. attained assembly status, and through the Indian Service Committee the Zuni, N. M. Group will soon become an assembly. To assist Cheyenne, Wyo., a teaching team was organized and this assistance is now in progress. Other promising groups are Roswell, N. M. and Clovis, N. M.

ANTC sponsored institutes were held in each state and workshops will be held in March. The Rye, Colo., Teaching Conference was held on Labor Day weekend; an area picnic held in Boulder County, Colo., in July. A very successful Youth Conference held Dec. 29-30, resulting in one youth enrollment. The committee is now planning a one-week summer school to be held in June in Colorado. Eight teaching circuits were made through the area.

The committee expresses thanks and appreciation to all the friends who have assisted in the teaching work through circuits, acting for the committee in enrollments, and in many other ways.

SOUTHWESTERN STATES (California, Neveda, Arizona) Members: Francis Johnson, Chairman;

Mrs. Loraine Johnson, Secretary; Mrs.

Joyce Dahl, Norman Gauerke, Miss Edith

Goranson, Kenneth Myers, Mrs. Rhoderoi

Myers, Miss Alice Tyler.

Meetings: With out-of-state members added this year, meetings have been scheduled every third week, with a quorum available for immediate consultation on matters needing quick attention.

Objectives: The final tally at Ridvan last year was exciting with attainment of the important national goal of at least 300 local spiritual assemblies, including growth in this area to 85 assemblies. With the transfer of the state of Utah from this committee’s responsibility, we began the new administrative year with 81 assemblies.

Our prime objective, then, became the maintenance and strengthening of these local institutions and bringing into being as many new assemblies as possible. The teaching task of winning many of the 10,000 new believers (this goal set at the National Convention) was an added objective.

Rusumé of Activities: The committee has a fairly accurate knowledge of strengths and needs in the many centers in this large and heav ANNUAL REPORTS

ily Baha’i-populated area through full cooperation of most of the groups and assemblies in reporting their local individual and collective activities, participation of their membership and the response of seekers to their teaching efforts. We continue to furnish report forms for this information, not only as a timesaver to the secretaries, but as a guide to the type of information needed. Additional information comes from circuit teachers in reporting results of their visits. Here, too, forms are furnished in consideration of the teachers’ time.

With this knowledge of changing conditions, we have endeavored to include in our correspondence, bulletins, and scheduling of teachers and teaching aids the help, guidance and encouragement which seemed needed at the time in each center.

Supplementing the proclamation events which the large communities planned through the American National Teaching Committee, with support of neighboring centers, we have emphasized in our various communications the importance of the individual effort in prayer, planning and action in attracting seekers to the Cause of God, while at the same time encouraging a full community consciousness, cooperation, unity and loving fellowship.

Speakers have been provided upon request for public meetings, community firesides and firesides held by individual believers, these speakers bringing to the local effort encouragement, fresh ideas and stimulating understanding of the teachings. Some with musical talent have induced a happy spirit of fellowship and receptivity during social periods in conjunction with their scheduled meeting. We are grateful for the imminent visit of an Auxiliary Board Member to assist in reaching the goals in this area.

Teachers were scheduled for assisting seekers to point of declaration, Baha’i-only deepening and special studies on administrative functioning. The latter is being handled by teachers selected from each electoral district who reviewed the ByLaws of a Local Spiritual Assembly and related materials in a special class with Area Teaching Committee members. This deepening study is being provided to all groups preparing for assembly status, to new assemblies which had not received comparable guidance, and offered to as many other small communi[Page 19]ANNUAL REPORTS

ties as possible. It is most encouraging to note the eagerness of the Baha’is to fully understand the means of functioning, to be a firmer support to the Universal House of Justice.

The fine record of cooperation between host communities which provided hospitality and speakers who provided their own travel costs has saved the committee considerable expense, as we were called on to cover only about 2% of the transportation costs for many thousand travel miles accrued by all teachers scheduled through this committee.

This ‘‘speakers bureau’’ section of committee effort has developed over the years through trial and determination, prayer and late hours, and the support of enthused Baha’is who have served as circuit teachers, representing an army of co-workers who helped win the victories reported by the committee. Present scheduling is planned into June to assure no loss of teaching effort as the new assembly and committee memberships begin the new year.

The committee made available to isolated believers, groups and communities various aids to their teaching work. Supplies of pamphlets were furnished to thirteen different centers; books, study outlines, the teaching kit and similar materials were loaned to an additional nineteen centers; the Teaching Reference File was loaned to five teachers for use in deepening classes scheduled through our speakers bureau; and tapes and slides were loaned to eleven centers. All borrowed material has a time limit to assure maximum circulation. Fifteen groups, most of them new, have been sent a gift copy of The Baha’i Group.

We are currently investigating a possible interest among the friends for aids in reaching the many LatinAmericans in our southwest, and have recently taken steps to stock material in Spanish. Baha’is who speak Spanish fluently are invited to contact this committee for possible service in producing tapes and/ or records from authenticated material.

The area. bulletin, published monthly, has grown from four pages and a circulation of around 500 in 1953 to six pages and nearly 1100 copies. Distribution is one to each Baha’i family in isolated status, groups and small communities, with two copies being mailed to each

community over fifteen in membership.

During the later months of this year, approximately 500 extra copies of the statistical page of needy goals have been furnished to the larger communities for distribution to their entire membership, in hopes that this will reach those believers with the need for arising to assist in maintaining an assembly or building a new one. Results of this effort are as yet undetermined.

Due to the excellent increase of reports of youth activities by groups and assemblies, the committee has been able to include, beginning with the October issue, a Youth Supplement designed to inform all youth in the area of planned youth activities and reports of the results of completed events.

Part of the increase in youth activities in the area may have resulted from the committee’s long and serious consultation in the early fall and subsequent plans to encourage youth participation. Mailing lists were brought up to date through the fine cooperation of assemblies, a pilot junior youth conference was sanctioned, plans laid for youth conferences in each electoral district immediately preceding the State Conventions, with part of the agenda given to helping the youth plan for local events upon returning to their home communities. This was followed by a general letter mailed to each youth, with copies going to every assembly in this area.

Almost immediately we heard of social events and firesides beginning, with more regular study classes developing and news of youth enrollments. There is every hope that with adequate encouragement and support from the local centers this fervor of activity will continue. There are at present around 175 enrolled youth in these three states.

Other committee efforts have included cooperation with the American National Teaching Committee in setting up the September-October and March institutes, arranging for reports of the National Convention, and inviting the Inglewood Assembly to arrange the Thornton Chase Memorial Service in September. Approval was given for child guidance workshops in southern California, and a member of the Committee conducted a special teaching conference at the request of the com 19

munities in Orange County, also in southern California.

Progress so far this year shows the election of six new assemblies (one of these an all-Indian community resulting from the fine work of the American Indian Service Committee and its teachers and pioneers on the reservation), the functioning of thirteen new groups, and the enrollment of 93 adults and 19 youth. This figure represents believers enrolled through this committee only; many more have been accepted through assemblies and the American Indian Service Committee. All new believers enrolled through this area committee receive a personal welcoming letter, with a second general letter being mailed in six months, inviting correspondence and encouraging full activity. Steps have now been taken to assure immediate deepening study after enrollment with a local teacher.

Statistically, the efforts reported here represent (1) around 3000 individual letters, (2) a monthly sixpage bulletin circulation of nearly 1100 copies, (3) scheduling over 30 different teachers into some 60 centers, on a weekly, monthly or occasional visit, (4) furnishing ten kinds of teaching aids to a total of 50 centers, (5) hundreds of miles of traveling by committee members.

Each member of the committee has a specific area of responsibility, with the total effort being coordinated through reporting and full consultation at the regular meetings, recorded in an average of 22 pages per set of minutes. After nearly ten years of close-knit association, much of the committee action is routine, but there is sufficient flexibility with both old and new situations to consume an average of eight hours each meeting.

Though growth over the past ten years has been slow, it has been steady and in most instances firm. The following figures show a comparison of statistics in 1953 at the beginning of the Crusade and as of

this date, March 1, 1963: 1953 1963 (4 states) (3 states) Number of

ASSEMDIIES ~~ o.4.-- cece ew Fe 37 85* Number of groups ...... 60 141 Number of centers ...... 306 Bulletin circulation ....500 1100 Enrollments for the

VOar < cians wots secre vs 19 112

2 assemblies have been lost

during the year due to depletion of membership [Page 20]20

NORTHWESTERN STATES

(Utah, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana.)

Members: Mrs. Ethlyn Lindstrom, Chairman; Mrs. Helen Wilks, Secretary; Mrs. Hazel Mori, Mrs. Goldie Neffew, Mrs. Claire Newport, Marvin Newport, Mrs. Natalie Bowen, Aaron Bowen.

Committee Organization: Following the organizational meeting, the functions of the committee were studied, discussed and a detailed plan drawn up to streamline routine work, which would allow time and energy to be focused on the more important duties.

The functions of the area teaching committee have been listed here to serve as a pattern for organizing this report and also to enable the reader to better evaluate the year’s work.

Functions of the Area Teaching Committee: 1. To promote the establishment of new local spiritual assemblies; 2. to develop groups; 3. to provide for prompt enrollment of believers living outside jurisdiction of assemblies; 4. to encourage settlement of goal cities; 5. to arrange for circuits within the area; 6. to encourage teaching activities by all the believers including Baha’i youth; 7. to circulate a bulletin; 8. to arrange extension teaching; 9. area conferences, including conferences to receive reports of National Convention delegates and visitors; 10. and to assist the American National Teaching Committee in carrying out any projects approved by the National Spiritual Assembly.

New Local Spiritual Assemblies: Walla Walla, Washington formed their assembly in August. Lane County, Eugene, Oregon reports ten members and the date set to form their local spiritual assembly.

New Groups and Centers: In Oregon: Albany, Cloverdale, Depoe Bay. In Montana: Livingston, Glendive, Bozeman, Deer Lodge, Conrad, Columbus. In Idaho: St. Maries, Rigby, Idaho Falls. In Utah:

Manti. In Washington: Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Kennewick, Lynnwood, Bellevue, Mercer Is-’

land, Manchester, Kent, Marysville, Neah Bay, Prosser, Friday Harbor, Port Townsend. A total of 26 centers opened to the Faith or groups formed with a Baha’i population of fifty-one, 18 of which were new enrollments.

Enrollments: With instructions from the National Spiritual Assembly providing for more prompt method of handling enrollments, a total of 45 were enrolled, eight being youth and 37 adults. Reports from the communities or individuals privileged to witness these declarations have been thrilling and special days in the lives of all who shared in these momentous occasions.

Circuits: A total of ten teaching circuits have been completed with one more being scheduled before Ridvan. Dr. Dwight Allen of Stanford University, active in the Oregon State Program on Education under the Ford Foundation Grant, has mixed pleasure with business on two different occasions. He was scheduled” four days each period, speaking to firesides, public meetgs, colleges and TV _ interviews. Eugene, Corvallis, Portland and Multnomah County, Oregon all were recipients of Dr. Allen’s dual purpose visit. Another circuit of 2800 miles, not a prestige attraction but a heart-warmer as it was intended, was completed by Mr. and Mrs. William Wilks during a two week vacation. Five small communities, four groups, and a score of isolated believers were visited, particularly in the state of Utah which has been added to the northwest area this year.

A 35-day circuit beginning in the later part of October and lasting through the month of November was consummated when Paul Pettit, member of the American National Teaching Committee made himself available during the Seattle Proclamation Program which was staged in the most beautiful building in the city, the new Opera House. Twelve days of this circuit were alloted to Seattle and near by communities for follow up teaching after this major event.

From the remote country of Spitzbergen, where the nights outnumber the days and no one may introduce a new religion, recently returned pioneer Kent Lansing, former member of the Northwestern States Area Teaching Committee, spent several days in western Oregon and Washington seeing old friends and making new ones for the Faith, showing color slides and relating teaching experiences while in this land of darkness. Many were impressed that this young man and his companion should seek to spend

ANNUAL REPORTS

so much time in an area where one could do so little. His answer, “We prayed.’”’

Fifteen days have been shared by Claire Newport, Alda Spell, Betty de Arouja and Velda Piff aiding in the teaching and consolidation program. Walla Walla, Pasco, Pierce County Dist. No. 3, Tacoma and Longview, Washington; Pendleton, Salem, Corvallis and Multnomah County, Oregon all benefitted by these four circuits.

Circuits at the time of this writing have been high lighted with a 32day visit by Mr. Curtis Kelsey, Auxiliary Board Member. Montana, Utah, Idaho, ‘eastern Washington, Pendleton, Oregon and cities in western Washington and Oregon have all played host to any community not privileged to have Mr. Kelsey visit their city. Spokane and Spokane County Second commissioner’s District who have appealed for a teacher to help confirm and enroll their contacts will be visited by Mrs. Marjorie Bovee following her return from Tuscon, Arizona where she has taken several Indian friends to the Great Council Fire.

Much time and energy has been saved because these teachers assumed the responsibility for developing schedules in direct communication with the respective communities.

Convention Reports: Twelve convention reports were scheduled with others being given by special request.

Institutes: Nationally sponsored institutes were held in Seattle and Spokane, Washington; Pendleton and Portland, Oregon; Ogden, Utah; Boise Idaho; and Butte, Montana.

Youth Activities: Sparked by enthusiasm generated from conferences of previous years, the youth of many communities are developing inter-community sessions, social activities and youth panels. Two youth conferences, one in Walla Walla, Washington, the other one in Lewiston, Idaho, a goal group, can take credit for accelerating the teaching work in this locality. The committee, while it has not been instrumental in the plans of the youth panels wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the contributions of those who have made reports of

their activities: Kirkland, North King County, Seattle, Edmonds, Pierce County Dist. #3 (serves [Page 21]ANNUAL REPORTS

Pierce, Thurston and South King Co.); eastern Washington panel under the direction of Dr. Gordon Fleming and the many functions on the College Campus which will receive full coverage from the College Bureau. Because many of the youth who have grown up in the Astoria Children’s Conference feel they should make room for the many younger children who want to attend, (104 last summer), some of the young people are planning a two-day conference of study and fun to be held soon after school is out, at a time which does not conflict with any of the other Baha’i school functions. Children who attend the Children’s Conference are remembered with a birthday card from the committee.

Extension Teaching: Requests to do extension teaching were made by eight assemblies; however, many communities and groups themselves are doing excellent extension teaching, inviting the lone Baha’i or small group to join them in their teaching efforts. Lane County, Oregon is grateful to Eugene for their assistance in reaching assembly status. Salem, Oregon began teaching in Albany about three years ago. The 1962 harvest reports three new enrollments. Edmonds, Washington, a new assembly last year, extended its teaching efforts to Snohomish County, Dist. #2 with two enrollments. North King County is working with Bellevue, who has recently become a group of three following the addition of two new believers. Portland, Oregon has provided speakers and encouragement in the form of two settlers to Longview, Washington. Multnomah County, Oregon has recently provided a third settler to help this assembly maintain its status. Pocatello, Idaho is supporting the teaching effort of Idaho Falls with a recent enrollment of one in this area. Pierce County Dist. #3 a new assembly last year has assumed responsibility for Olympia, a goal with four adult believers and two youth. Issaquah, Washington’s offer to assist has been accepted by Mercer Island Group of two. Regular firesides are being conducted. The communities of Montana, Idaho and Utah assisted each other with several exchanges of teachers and speakers.

Area Bulletins: Eight bulletins have been issued with three more

in prospect before this committee’s work ends. Each mailing was of approximately 550 copies. The editors assisted the secretary in ascertaining correct addresses where Baha’is failed to notify the committee or National Headquarters of their correct address or transfer. They helped survey the area’s available teaching force and served as a mailing committee for summer school bulletins and material forwarded by the National Assembly and some committees.

Committee Meetings: The committee has had sixteen, one day meetings with a possible five more. The minutes of this committee have been recorded on one hundred-six pages. It has processed about 1,100 letters. Progress report forms, U N brochures and_ special schedules have gone out from this committee in addition to the regular mail. Two survey forms were mailed to the friends, enclosed with their bulletins. The one addressed to the community was an inquiry to learn of their needs and suggestions for assistance. The second one went to the individual as a survey of teacher resources. As a result of this survey we learned most every one desired help but were not interested in circuits which demanded expensive halls and detailed planning, but rather in the fireside type teacher. The response to the resource inquiry brought names of about one hundred people offering varied degrees of teaching assistance.

Conferences: The nationally scheduled Spring Institute, the commemoration of Abdul-Baha meetings, the many proclamation meetings fired by the nationally scheduled proclamation in Seattle, these and many other inter-community functions have made area conferences of less importance this year; therefore the committee in cooperation with the National Spiritual Assembly and American National Teaching Committee directives has placed the greatest emphasis on _ individual teaching and consolidation.

AMERICAN INDIAN SERVICE

Members: George Bechtold, Chairman; Mrs. Nancy Phillips, Secretary; Mrs. Beatrice Bechtold, Amoz Gibson, Lawrence Gimlin, Chester Kahn, Franklin Kahn, Miss Alice Tyler.

In new enrollments, additional

21

tribes with members embracing the Faith, in proclamation meetings and all teaching activities, a dramatic advance was made this year, far surpassing that of any past year. To the list of tribes having members in the Faith last year, nine were added: Agua Caliente, Athabascan, Chook-Chansee, Pit River, Sac-Fox, Shoshone, Thlinget, Ute and Winnebago, bringing the total number to thirty-five. Teaching contacts with a total of thirty-one additional tribes have been made to date. One hundred twenty-three American Indian enrollments representing nineteen tribes were recorded between last April and March 28 of this year. Greatest enrollment increase has been among the Navajo Indians, with ninety members of this tribe entering the Faith in the past ten months. On the Navajo reservation at Pine Springs, Arizona, where last Ridvan there was not a single Baha’i, there are now thirty-four adult members. This community last November elected the Navajo reservation’s first all-Indian assembly. In three additional localities on the Navajo reservation (Klagetoh Trading Post, Nah-ah-tee Canyon, and Chinle, Arizona) newly enrolled believers have reached or approach the requisite number for an assembly. The number of localities on the Navajo reservation where native

’ believers reside is now twelve.

There are presently eleven Indian believers in Zuni, New Mexico, where a local assembly will be elected before Ridvan. Formation of an assembly before year’s end is hoped for in several other Indian localities including Neah Bay (Makah reservation), Washington, and RenoSparks Indian Colony, Nevada.

Proclamation meetings were dramatic highlights of this year’s accelerated teaching activity. On last June 2 and 3 on the Navajo reservation at Pine Springs, Arizona, a conference titled ‘‘Different Races Gathering with Prayer’’ attracted 1500 participants including 100 Navajo Indians and representatives from eleven additional tribes, eighteen states, many nationalities and all races. Hand of the Cause Mr. Khadem was principal speaker. The conference was a magnificent success, and was the means of immediately attracting to the Faith Navajo friends from Pine Springs and other reservation localities.

On July 1 a program honoring the [Page 22]22

declaration of Mr. Hank Pete, leader of the Washoe tribe, was sponsored by the Indian teaching committee of the Sparks, Nevada, Assembly. In attendance were 150 believers and Indian friends from the Reno-Sparks area with Mr. Arthur Dahl present as representative of the National Spiritual Assembly.

“Gathering of Indian Brothers with Baha’is for World Peace Day” was the title given a conference held in the Hopi village of Hotevilla, Arizona, September 15 and 16. Believers from eleven states and Indian friends of seven tribes participated. The gathering witnessed the declaration of Zuni war chief, Owaleon Nash, as well as the quickened interest of a number of others attending.

First major proclamation of the Faith to the Indian people of Oklahoma was sponsored by the Rogers, Arkansas Assembly at Honey Creek State Park, Lake of the Cherokees, Oklahoma, on October 20 and 21. Hand of the Cause Zikru’llah Khadem addressed the gathering. The “Prayer Pow Wow for all God’s People’ was attended by members of the Cherokee and Navajo tribes as well as Persian, Syrian, Negro, Caucasian and East Indian participants. The first Cherokee believer in Oklahoma, historic ‘Indian Territory’’ was welcomed into the Faith this year. World Religion Day was one of several occasions for the proclamation of the Faith on the Makah reservation at Neah Bay, Washington during the past year. The Extension Teaching Committee of South King County Assembly, sponsor of this program, also assisted in the enrollment last December of Mr. Sebastian Lachester, an elder of the Makah tribe, and in the formation of the Neah Bay Baha’i Group.

World Religion Day was observed by Open House at the newly remodeled Baha’i Center in Gallup, New Mexico where members of this pioneer community have reopened the center for programs of teaching and service to Indian residents of the city and nearby reservations. In addition to Baha’i teaching, present activities include classes in sewing, arts and crafts, and English instruction.

Last November plans for a Great Council Fire were initiated by the American Indian Service Committee in collaboration with several pio neers on the Navajo reservation and the local Spiritual Assembly of Tucson, Arizona. The event took place February 22 to 24 in an ideal desert location near Tucson, and attracted some 350 participants from thirty-four American Indian tribes, twenty states, Canada and Alaska. The group was addressed by Hand of the Cause Zikru’llah Khadem and by a number of Indian speakers recently become Baha’is or making their declaration of belief in Baha’u’llah on this unforgettable occasion. Notable among the latter were Sam Yazzie, 85 year old Navajo medicine man from Pine Springs and Nipo Strongheart, venerable leader of the Yakima tribe. Over 1,000 invitations had been mailed or delivered to leaders of American Indian tribes. All those who responded to the Council Fire call by letter but unable to actively participate, will in the near future receive further communications and visits from Indian believers or other Baha’is in their area.

Proclamation meetings are being planned on the Omaha-Winnebago reservations in Nebraska March 30 and 31 and for the Umatilla Indians later in the spring by the Pendleton, Oregon, Assembly.

A number of other assemblies are making promising contacts on reservations, through the work of individual teachers or special committees. Among these are the local Assembly of Laramie, Wyoming, on the Wind River (Shoshone) reservation and the local Assembly of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on the Jicarilla Apache reservation at Dulce.

There are now twenty-nine pioneers teaching on or adjacent to eight reservations: Navajo (in seven locations), Cherokee, Hopi, Sioux, Omaha, Winnebago, Seminole, and Zuni. Longest continuous pioneer service has been given by Mrs. Ethel Murray who moved to the Cherokee reservation in North Carolina during the first months of the Crusade. During the annual meeting of the National Congress of American Indians held at Cherokee last fall, Mrs. Murray presented Baha’i literature to the president, with whom she discussed the Faith, and to various delegates.

The Baha’i Story, with a new printing last November, continues to be widely used in Indian teaching. Prepared by pioneers serving on the Navajo Indian reservation, it was

ANNUAL REPORTS

primarily designed for Indian friends whose knowledge of English is limited. In simple language it deals with a comprehensive range of subjects including a story of the lives and attributes of the central Figures of the Faith, Baha’i laws and spiritual teachings, administration, qualifications of a believer, and how to enroll. In addition to some 450 copies ordered by the friends in this country, The Bahd’i Story has been mailed on request to Africa, Australia, Guatamela, Peru, Paraguay, and Panama. It has been translated into Spanish.

This valuable teaching aid has been translated into Navajo and recorded on tape by John Nelson of the Pine Springs Community. Selections from the Hidden Words and Prayers of Baha’u’llah, as well as a variety of teaching material are currently being translated and recorded by other Navajo believers. Battery operated tape recorders are now being used by pioneer teachers to assist Navajo speaking believers in their deepening study and to attract other Navajo friends to the Faith.

BAHA’i INTERRACIAL SERVICE

Members: William Tucker, Chairman; Sarah Pereira, Secretary; Charles Abercrombie, Jean Norris, Kathryn Potter, Ludmila Van Sombeek, Casey Walton, Allan Ward.

The Baha’i Interracial Service Committee, with its stipulated purpose of devising ways and means for quickening the interest of Negroes in the Faith, held three meetings in Durham and Asheville, North Carolina, supplemented by much correspondence. :

The major project of last year was the Short Course in Human Relations prepared and implemented by the committee, under the sponsorship of the NSA. In addition to the 18 originally designated localities where conferences were held, 23 other cities in fourteen states presented the course with generally excellent response. The committee has sent follow-up letters to all host communities to ascertain the degree of stepped-up interracial teaching. Material has also been prepared for the presentation of short course sessions at summer schools.

Another area of emphasis in activities has been through publica[Page 23]ANNUAL REPORTS

tions. As an outcome of a committee proposal, Negro Digest, January 1963, presented a six-page, questionanswer article on the Faith by Allan Ward. There has been increased contact between the committee and the believers through the BaHA’i News articles by the committee reporter. Near completion is the booklet by Allan Ward entitled ‘‘Fifty Years of Race Amity Among the Baha’is of the United States’? which is to be used as a souvenir piece at a Baha’ booth at the centennial observance of the Emancipation Proclamation in Chicago in August. NSA approval has been granted and arrangements made for submitting articles emphasizing the Baha’i principles to the Negro Press Service to which Negro newspapers throughout the United States subscribe, and to national Negro magazines. Approval has been granted also and preparation begun on a serialization of All Things Made New for presentation in publications.

Another aspect of committee focus has been national meetings. At the annual convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in July 1962, 4000 pamphlets were distributed. A committee member, Ludmila Van Sombeek, attended the yearly conference of the Association of Negro Life and History in October 1962. As a means of wider contact with national Negro organizations, the N.S.A. is kept informed of their annual national conventions so that it may extend greetings.

A further effort has been made to emphasize human relations through presenting to the N.S.A. suggestions for Race Amity Day. These proposals seek to heighten the build-up and follow-up stages and the activities of the day itself in national appeal, variety, and attraction.

The committee has also sought to offer service in the college area by requesting, through the BaHA’i News, Caucasian pioneers to attend Negro colleges. Additionally, it is sending the College Bureau a list of colleges throughout the country which may be contacted for the possibility of speakers for their Religious Emphasis Week activities.

Three miscellaneous approved committee projects are in process: A list of prominent Negroes is being compiled for contacting for letters of appreciation of the Faith to be used in a booklet. A slide set with script is being prepared with emphasis on

the interracial aspect of the Faith. Presently in abeyance is a correspondence course which is to offer material on the Faith to those who prefer individual study.

It is hoped that all of the projects of the Baha’i Interracial Service Committee will focus interest on the importance of the Guardian’s words concerning the essentiality of attracting Negroes to the Faith which motivated the original establishment of this committee.

BAHA’i COLLEGE BUREAU

Members: Dwight Allen, Chairman; Mrs. Carol Noah, Secretary; Mrs. Dorris Bolibaugh, Arthur Dahl, Jr., Keith Dahl, Miss Dorothy Ellis, Miss Karen Folster, Mrs. Julie Karres, Mrs. Marsha Kuffel, Donald L. Phillips, Mrs. Amy Raubitschek, Miss Mary Sawyer, Mrs. Mildred Sayles, Mrs. Peggy Schultz, Miss Linda Somerhalder, Mrs. Louis Stockton, Mr. Tom Wold, Mrs. Dorothy Wolfrom.

Functions: To compile and coor-:

dinate all available information concerning Baha’i contacts with and activities in colleges and _ universities; to encourage and assist in the formation of Baha’i clubs on college campuses; to plan and carry out contacts and teaching projects in colleges and _ universities through a panel of Baha’i College Bureau Representatives approved by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Organization: The committee functions through a system of six regional secretaries who handle and channel correspondence and _information from college clubs, students, and representatives in their regions. The College Bureau is dependent on students, college clubs, College Bureau Representatives, local spiritual assemblies and area _ teaching committees for reports on college activities. A large amount of correspondence is carried on by the committee; to February 15, approximately 600 incoming letters were received, and well over 1000 letters were sent out—din addition to mass mailings of over 1500 items. Over fifty hours were spent in full committee meetings, and an additional eight hours in meetings of the secretaries in helping each other process their work.

Newsletter: The College Bureau Newsletter has been started again as the committee felt a need for closer communication between students, representatives and this committee. Three newsletters have been

23

sent out so far this year and two more are being planned. Reports are still being sent in to BaHA’i News with information of a more general nature.

Teaching Handbook: A _ 19-page handbook was prepared and mailed to all students and representatives in the Fall. This handbook includes general suggestions for teaching on college campuses, suggestions for the formation and function of Baha’i Clubs, ideas for proclamation programs and Baha’i participation in Religious Emphasis Week. There is also a section on how to plan a pro-seminar, a week-end study institute recommended for follow-up. Five hundred have been sent to students and representatives as well as to several local spiritual assemblies who requested information on teaching in colleges. The handbook is presently being revised.

College Clubs: As of February 15, ten new Baha’i clubs have been formed, including the first inter-institutional club encompassing two colleges in the same city working with the local spiritual assembly. There are eight more groups in the process of writing their constitutions and several of these have already been granted recognition by their schools. At least fifteen other colleges have requested information about forming clubs and may be able to form this school year.

Religious Emphasis Week: This committee was asked to arrange Baha’i participation in Religious Emphasis Week programs whereever possible. Almost 2000 cards were sent to colleges requesting their catalogs. The catalogs were then analyzed as to Religious Emphasis Week programs, chapel, convocations, or assembly programs and any courses related to the Faith. As a result, about 325 letters and pamphlets are being sent to college presidents offering Baha’i speakers for their programs.

This year, through the efforts of Baha’{ clubs, Baha’i students, local spiritual assemblies, and College Bureau Representatives, Baha’i speakers have been asked to present the Faith in Religious Emphasis Week programs in eight col leges with several more coming up this spring. Proclamation in California: The

College Bureau is contacting all colleges in California this year. Almost 200 letters and pamphlets are [Page 24]24

being sent to these colleges offering Baha’i speakers.

Pro-Seminars: This is the new name for last year’s ‘‘retreats’’ — a one or two day workshop for Baha’is and their friends. These programs are recommended as a follow-up activity for proclamation or Religious Emphasis Week programs. The theme for the proseminars this year is Foundations for World Unity. Including the ‘‘retreats’ held last spring and the pro-seminars this year, there have been twelve carried out with several more in the planning stage.

Activities: Students, College Bureau Representatives, Baha’i faculty members and members of nearby local spiritual assemblies have been asked to speak to college classes, convocations, chapel services and other campus clubs. They have handed out pamphlets to students and presented books to school libraries.

This year there have been a number of requests for information from non-Baha’i students and faculty. The College Bureau Representatives are asked to follow-up any initial action taken by this committee regarding these inquiries.

SERVICE FOR THE BLIND

Members: Mrs. Amédée Gibson, Chairman-Secretary; Mrs. Mary Francis Baral, Assistant Secretary; Irvin Bobo, Lee O. Day.

Baha’i Service for the Blind was first established in 1933 under the name of Committee on Braille Transcriptions and charged with the production and distribution of Baha’t literature for the blind.

Prior to the establishment of this National Committee, it was by command of the Guardian that in 1932 Mrs. Nellie S. French transcribed The Hidden Words of Bahd’u’llah for the library at Bahji. Upon receipt of a cable from him saying that he also wished the transcribing of Bahd’u’lladh and the New Era undertaken at once if feasible Mrs. French arranged for its publishing and embossing from Braille plates.

It was upon this solid foundation established by the beloved Guardian that the work of the National Braille Transcriptions Committee was started in 1933, from that time it has been and is still progressing rapidly.

It is significant to note that as reported in recent years by The Li brary of Congress, two important developments occurred in 1933: the establishment of a uniform system of Braille (Standard English Braille) for all English speaking countries and the development of the talking book. In World Braille Usage, a 1954 publication of UNESCO, mention is made of the adaptation of Braille to seventy-two languages. When asked if Braille as a method of reading was not declining and becoming obsolete, Mr. Bray, Chief, Division for the Blind, Library of Congress recently stated that Braille was just coming of age.

The main function of the committee consists in the publishing of Baha’i literature for the blind by any process; this includes the publishing of press-Braille, of hand-copied books and of duplicated books and pamphlets; the proofreading and binding of transcribed manuscripts, the recording of Talking Books and of some tapes, the maintaining of our lending library and the distribution of brailled and of recorded reading materials.

Production. Press-Braille: During the past year it was necessary, in spite of the greatly increased cost of production and the difficulties encountered in having work done at the printing house, to plan for the third printing of the revised edition of Baha@’wllah and the New Era in Braille. This edition was limited to ten copies consisting of three volumes each.

Hand-copied Braille: The following titles were transcribed in English Braille and the proofreading of all transcribed manuscripts completed. The Seven and The Four Valleys, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahd@’u’lladh (Volume 5 only), The Secret of Divine Civilization, Some Answered Questions, The Reality of Man (1962 edition), Bahd’i Occasional Prayers, The Dispensation of Baha@’w’llah, The Advent of Divine Justice, The Divine Art of Living (revised edition), A Bahd’t Child’s A.B.C. (two copies), Bahd’i Prayers for Children (two copies), The Baha’i Story, The Kingdom of God, Your Experience as a Baha’i, The Bab (an excerpt from the Dispensation of Bahd’u’llah), The Tablet of Ahmad and Communion with God were transcribed for one of the new Baha’is who reads Braille, Grade One.

Duplication. The first book select ANNUAL REPORTS

ed for duplication last year was Baha’i Prayers, copies of which were given to our blind Baha’is. This year we are happy to announce the duplication of two books: Bahd’i Occasional Prayers and The Bahd’i Story.

In duplicating work hand-copied Braille pages are used as masters from which any quantity of copies can be faithfully reproduced on sheets of durable paperlike plastic. The cost of the material used is too high to permit duplication of more than a few copies of these three books.

Bookbinding. By June 1962, the binding of most of the manuscripts transcribed last year and sent to a bindery in the East was completed and nineteen books received. However, due to an error at the bindery much work was needed before the books could be placed in circulation. It was through consultation with Mr. Leonard Herbert, with tools provided by a friendly bookbinder and the assistance of Mr. Victor Tom, a Baha’i youth, it is as if the original binding had been perfect.

One of these books Bahd’i World Faith had to be bound in ten volumes, each volume weighing over four pounds. The complete set requires two feet of shelves. This is now in our lending library.

More than twenty volumes were bound by committee members. New methods of bookbinding have been investigated. Of special value are the ThermoForm binders which simplify the binding of hand-copied pamphlets.

Space does not permit individual listing of all the libraries in the United States who have copies of some of our books. The thirty-one Distributing Libraries for the Blind for the Library of Congress all have Braille copies of The Hidden Words of Baha’w’llah, The Renewal of Civilization, and of the revised edition of Baha’u’llah and the New Era. They also have copies of the recorded edition (Talking Book) of The Hidden Words of Bahd’u’llah. The same titles are also available to readers in National Libraries for the Blind in Australia, Canada, England, Japan, South Africa and other countries.

Lending Library. The committee maintains a lending library from which blind Baha’is residing in the United States may borrow either locally or by mail. Correspondence is [Page 25]ANNUAL REPORTS

carried out in Braille. More than 150 books and pamphlets are available. Most’ of the books are in English Braille. A few titles are in Esperanto and in English Braille.

Price list. Our price list includes seventeen Braille titles and one Talking Book, and lists titles of hand-copied books not available for sale.

Sales to Baha’is in Canada, New Zealand, British Guiana and Korea far exceeded those made in the United States.

Through John McHenry III, pioneer in Korea, literature for the blind was shipped for the first time to Korea. We would like to quote part of his letter. ‘“‘A few days ago there was a heaven sent opportunity to meet blind leaders here in Seoul. Mr. Zeénimoto, newly appointed member of the Auxiliary Board in Japan, sent a letter in Braille to a blind leader through Mr. Rouhullah Montazi, Iranian: pioneer, who was on a teaching trip here. We hope it will open the way for a Baha’i translation in Korean braille.’’

Another joyful event was the recent visit of Mr. Appu Raman of Malaya to our headquarters. After prayer consideration we selected the books most needed by the first Malayan blind Baha’i who had no Baha’i books. Three parcels are now on their way to Malaya, including a copy of the prayer book duplicated last year. Through a tape recorded at headquarters by Mr. George Dodge, Mr. Raman conversed with his family and friends in Malaya and advised Mr. Sim Poi that books would reach him shortly.

As we come to the end of the TenYear World Crusade, it is with deep rejoicing that Baha’i Service for the Blind announces that Baha’i literature for the blind has now reached forty countries.

SOUVENIR OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHA

Members: Raymond C. Rouse, Chairman; Mrs. Estelle Rouse, Secretary; Donald V. Kinney, Treasurer; Mrs. Blanche Kaufman, Mrs. Joan Kinney, Robert A. Schmitz, Mrs. Amie Wright, Paul H. Wright.

About 600 persons, the largest number of Baha’is and their guests ever to assemble at Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey, participated in the 50th Souvenir of

‘Abdu’l-Baha held on Saturday, June 30, 1962.

The gathering was fortunate to have as speaker Hand of the Cause Zikrullah Khadem who spoke glowingly and with great love on ‘‘The Promised One of All Ages.’’

Mrs. Annamarie Honnold served as chairman; Mrs. Ethel Closson read the talk given by the Master fifty years ago; Mrs. Ruhieh McComb conducted the commemorative service held at the pine grove where ‘Abdu’l-Baha stood fifty years before; in the evening Mr. Juan Caban showed slides of Baha’i places of interest.

The grounds were at their loveliest, with great amounts of flowers displayed near the speaker’s post, around the archives display, and in the garden areas outside. The Cabin itself had been newly renovated and the pine grove had been improved and made more attractive by potted plants as well as white-painted large rocks.

For the fiftieth consecutive year the gathering was blessed with fine weather for this outdoor event, which includes family picnics on the grounds behind the Cabin.

The archives exhibit held many items of interest, including photos of the original gathering, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to Roy Wilhelm explaining the significance of the Souvenir, newspaper and magazine articles written about Him in 1912, several items from his personal wardrobe, etc.

The 1904 Rheo in which ‘Abdu’lBaha had been driven around while in this area, was put on display for the first time since it was last used in 1925. Significant is a small metal plaque attached to the side of the car, quoting from the Old Testament: ‘‘The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall jostle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings. — Nahum 2:4.”’

Mention must be made of the fact that this event was carried out by the committee with the assistance of some 25 or 30 volunteers—a_ vital factor in the success of such a venture.

It is our hope that this commemoration will increasingly live up to ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s promise: ‘‘That Annual Memorial Meeting will be the Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, especially when it is passed with infinite delight and gladness.”’

25

THE BAHA’i WORLD EDITORIAL (1959-1963)

Members: James F. Nelson, Chairman; Mrs. Dorothy W. Nelson, Secretary; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Dr. John Stroessler, Mrs. Arna True Perron, Mr. Norman Gauerke, Mrs. Arleen Wiley, Mrs. Molly King.

The work of this committee in collecting material on current events of the Baha’i. World will come to a close at the end of the Baha’i World Congress. From that time on, the work of the committee will be primarily that of editing, compiling and arranging these materials for publication of Volume XIV. This will be an exciting and stimulating job. Many excellent materials have been received from the hard working Bahd’i World Representatives around the world including articles by many people among whom are Dr. Stanwood Cobb, Mr. Louis Henuzet, Dr. David Ruhe, Mrs. Beatrice Ashton and Mrs. Florence Mayberry. Interesting also, are the many wonderful appreciations of the Faith that have been sent to us from around the globe, including those of Prime Minister Nehru, Eleanor Roosevelt, Adlai Stevenson, and the governors of many states.

With increasing public recognition being given to such days as World Peace Day and World Religion Day, our files have expanded to include the reports of many interesting observances of these days. Significant also, are reports from around the world of the recognition of the, outstanding architectural achievements made in the erection of the various Houses of Worship.

Most heart warming are the stories of the accomplishments of the dedicated pioneers who have given the Message of Baha’u’llah to the peoples of the world.

Many persons have inquired of our committee as to the date of publication of Volume XIII, for which our committee, of course, is not responsible. We are told that the materials for Volume XIII are still being reviewed by the Hands of the Faith who will also review the items compiled for Volume XIV. The Universal House of Justice will decide who will have the responsibility for the publication of this publication in the future. [Page 26]26

BAHA’i PUBLISHING TRUST

Mrs. Eunice Braun, Managing Director.

The final year of the Crusade has witnessed the all-time, heaviest distribution of Baha’i literature that has ever occurred to date. During the past twelve months a total of 519,000 individual books and pamphlets were invoiced, packaged and shipped, approximately 14% of it going overseas. A total of 8,000 pieces represent either English or foreign language imports distributed by the Trust.

This figure may be compared with the total of 175,580 pieces distributed in 1952-53, the twelve months leading up to launching the World Crusade, which was in itself a record distribution up to that time. This expansion of services, which also included a_ stepped-up production program these past ten years, has been facilitated without any additional personnel and very little additional physical facilities in the way of space and equipment.

Throughout the World Crusade the Trust has worked toward the following: (1) to serve the literature needs of the Baha’i community, enabling each individual and assembly to fulfill its obligations in the Ten-Year Plan; allied to this has been the production of the sacred and basic texts of the Faith as well as attractive teaching literature suited to current needs in a range of prices; (2) to be self-sustaining in financial operations; (3) to work financially toward the inevitable expansion of personnel and physical facilities, presently considerably strained. Only the Baha’i community can ascertain the success of the first goal. The second aim has been met _ consistently throughout the Crusade, and the third aim realized to a degree.

Appreciation is due the many faithful and efficient literature representatives who have carried the responsibility of literature distribution in their local communities; to those who have contributed their writing talents; and to others who have assisted greatly in matters of design —namely, Conrad Heleniak, William Musler, Marge (Bauer) Hawbaker, Anna Stevenson, Gordon Laite, and others. Although the Reviewing Committee is a separate function, performing many services for the National Assembly, the work of the Publishing Trust is

greatly forwarded through their painstaking efforts and excellent judgment. It is a responsible task for which all of the believers need be especially grateful in view of the importance Shoghi Effendi placed upon this function. So important did he consider this responsibility, that he not only made it a requirement for publication, but submitted his own writings to this committee, including his _ translations of such works as Gleanings, The Kitab-iqan, The Dawn-Breakers, and others. Needless to say, all materials received are not submitted for review, but only such manuscripts which are planned for publication and approved by the N.S.A., as otherwise the facilities would be utterly overwhelmed.

Recent and Current Productions: Over 7,000 copies of the new, illustrated circular, Literature of the Baha’i Faith, for inquirers and contacts, have been distributed in the past three months since its issue. Newly revised and designed editions of The Baha’i Community and Your Experience as a Bahda’i are just off the press at this writing. The long-awaited pamphlet for Jewish contacts will be available before Ridvan, entitled The Lord Is One, by Seymour Weinberg, to be co-published with a reprint of “‘Another Religion Calls Israel Home,”’ an article on the Faith from the Jewish magazine, The Reconstructionist. Plans are at hand to produce a new Index to Baha’i News (Jan., 1958 through Dec., 1962) presently being compiled by Val Sage. A new edition of All Things Made New is being negotiated with the English publisher who owns the rights. During recent months new editions of several permanent titles were produced, including: Bahda’i Prayers, Prayers and Meditations, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, The Reality of Man, The Dawn-Breakers, The New Era (cloth), and many pamphlets. The much-loved compilation, Bahai World Faith, was produced in a simulated red leather flexible binding, and judging by the response, is well liked.

Work is presently underway to ship books to the World Congress in London. The expenses include not only packaging and ocean freight for materials shipped (and returned) but also warehousing,

ANNUAL REPORTS

cost of display space and materials for Albert Hall, etc. Nevertheless, it is felt important to have literature there for the friends coming to the Most Great Jubilee.

Problems and Needs: There is still need for better understanding ef what constitutes efficient literature service for the local community in some cases. Scattered, small orders indicate that there is no coordinated, centralized service in some communities, even though a literature representative (librarian) has been appointed. Sometimes this is understandably due to being a newly established assembly or group with many functions to be learned and coordinated; but sometimes it occurs in communities that have had an established, smoothly running service for years, indicating that either someone has been appointed without sufficient understanding of the responsibilities involved, or has not been given the information and cooperation needed to fulfill the task.

A serious problem that has grown considerably the past year has been the continuous emergencies in the way of last-minute orders received by phone, wire or airmail, requiring immediate dispatch of literature, often consisting of large orders that require considerable time to invoice, select and package. It frequently necessitates overtime work as well as extra trips to the postoffice or express office, all of which is costly in time and money. The Trust has tried to make the quick dispatch of orders a cardinal working principle, understanding that emergencies related to unexpected needs can occur. However, the emergencies are usually related to the special events, known for a year in advance, or to proclamation programs, known for many weeks in advance. This not only places the burden of expediting the materials in time for the event en ‘tirely on the Trust (often against

difficult and impossible odds), but it is also unfair to others who send their orders in without such demands. Because of the added expense involved in expediting such shipments on an immediate basis, it is planned to initiate a special charge, in addition to extra postal charges involved.

Future Publications: Many believers continue to express a need for the talks given by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in [Page 27]ANNUAL REPORTS

America, The Promulgation of Universal Peace. Plans are being made to secure a completely new translation from the Persian notes taken at the time of the talks (rather than the notes from the immediate, oral English translation), as recommended by Shoghi Effendi. The translation alone will be a_ prodigious task and may take months or even years along with the production of this extensive work. Meanwhile it is hoped that the selections from these talks contained in Foundations of World Unity will continue to prove useful. It is also hoped to be able to publish a _ selection of the Tablets of the Master, perhaps within the next year. The manuscript for Bahd’i World, Volume XIII has not as yet been received in its entirety and therefore no productions plans or possible publication date can be given at this time.

BAHA’i NEWS EDITORIAL

Members: Mr. and Mrs. P. R. Meinhard, Managing Editors; Mrs. Eunice Braun, International Correspondent; Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot, NSA Representative.

Many years ago the _ beloved Guardian wrote the National Assembly that Baha’i News ‘‘should be made as representative as possible, should be replete with news, up-todate in its information, and arouse the keenest interest among believers . . . in every corner of the globe.” Continuing effort is made to carry out this directive from Shoghi Effendi, as well as to observe the high standards he set for both text and photographs.

In the twelve issues totaling 196 pages, published during the year, there were important and often stirring cablegrams and messages from the Hands of the Cause, including two in the form of special inserts (May and December). In addition there were four newsletters from the International Baha’i Council, conveying valuable information and news from various parts of the world.

The cooperation of BanA’i News reporters, both in the U.S. and overseas, is greatly appreciated. In fact, without this invaluable cooperation the contents would indeed be limited in scope.

It is the hope of the committee that even greater help will be available in the coming year; that all local

assemblies in the U.S. and all national assemblies will appoint reporters, responsible for getting news stories and photographs (when available) in the same mail immediately after an event. Information or pictures that are weeks and months old lose news value, and therefore are often omitted.

Photographs which become part of the history and archives of the Faith and are published in The Baha’i World as well as BaHA’i News, such as those of first or newly incorporated assemblies, should be dignified in both attire and pose, though preferably not stiff. In this connection, attention is called to the suitable illustration of speakers at a ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya (BaHA’i News No. 384, p. 7), of a local assembly (No. 383, p. 13) and to an article by Eric Bowes (No. 385).

Articles for possible publication which contain quotations from the Writings must include references — the names of current, authentic sources and page numbers.

The Supplement, sent to all Baha’is resident in the U.S., is a most important source of information on subjects of special concern to American believers. Forty-eight pages in twelve issues were mailed with the News during the year as were the number of inserts pertaining to the World Congress as well as to the U.S. budget.

While the editors are not responsible for the distribution of BanA’f News, they wish to call attention to the fact that failure to notify National Baha’i Headquarters promptly of change in address not only deprives the individual of early receipt of the News but adds to the evermounting cost of this publication, particularly in view of the postal regulation which requires the National Assembly to pay eight cents for each undelivered copy.

THE CHILD’S WAY

Members: Mrs. Jean Hutchinson, Managing Editor; Mrs. Rosemary Eller, Mrs. Sylvia Dennis, Assistant Editors.

The function of THE CuHriup’s Way Editorial Committee as outlined by the National Spiritual Assembly is to publish materials suitable for the education of children, based upon Baha’i Teachings and standards of living. In the heading on the first page it says that this is a guide for

27

parents and teachers. Please do not regard this magazine as one for children only, although in the second section of each issue stories and study guides, poems, songs and contributions from young people are offered. These materials are samples and examples of the kinds of materials available from endless sources which

will help to illustrate the principles

of our Faith. In most cases the best use of the second section will be with adult guidance.

Teaching techniques, shared experiences, resource materials are suggested in the first section. The magazine is, in a way, a research paper that attempts to bring to Baha’i parents and teachers a few of the ideas evolving in the world of education which are so astonishingly congenial to Baha’u’llah’s Teachings. The study guides, reports, evaluations, photographs, stories, poems and music shared by Baha’is all over the world with the readers serve to make of the magazine an increasingly fine communication link. Keep in mind that many subscribers and contributors are not Baha’is.

Some necessary changes have taken place this year, one of which is an increase in first class mailing subscriptions. This includes all overseas readers and those in our own postal area (Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, etc., as well as Alaska and Hawaii). An increase of 50c is added to the $2.00 cost. First class postage is used in order to insure safe and fast delivery. The accumulation of back issues was deemed to be inefficient and a special rate on sets of six is now offered — 50c in this country and $1.00 for those who receive first class mailings. Sets for Baha’i Years 116, 117, 118 are complete at this time; previous years will be filled with adequate substitutions. Please order by Baha’i year. This current year 119 will automatically go on the special rate after March-April, the new set starting with the May-June issue. Single issues are still 35c apiece.

The theme remains at all times Divine Unity—this is the standard for selection of all materials offered in THE CuHILp’s Way.

Sample of Offerings This Year:

Section 1—Selections from articles by Dr. Paul Torrance (‘‘Learning Creatively’’), Margaret Cousins (‘The Last, Subtlest, Master Art: Kindness’’), as well as articles and study guides by Baha’is such as one on ‘‘Music’”’ by Mrs. Margaret Jen[Page 28]28

sen; ‘‘The Art of Listening,’ a guide for Junior Youth by Dr. Gordon Fleming; guest editorials by Mrs. June Meese of Temple Children’s School Committee, ‘“‘The World of Books”’ by Mrs. Rosemary Eller, and reports from all over the world. Section 2— Poetry contributions, a Did you know that . . . column that relates inner and outer worlds (scientific and religious concepts), stories about Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’lBaha; stories contributed by readers such as ‘‘The Perfect Mirror’ by Mrs. Betty Conow; music by Mrs. Dotha Cooper with words by Mrs. Dorothy Underwood; study guides for use in class or individual instruction.

NATIONAL REFERENCE LIBRARY

Members: Mrs. Marian Crist Lippitt, Chairman-Secretary; Edward G. Lippitt, Treasurer; Mrs. Katharine Cole, Mrs. Amine DeMille, Mrs. June Harris, Mrs. Janice Mollohan, Mrs. Lura Rouse, Miss Pearl Pohl, Miss Alma Sothman.

Work of this committee has slowed down during the past year, giving precedence to efforts more vital to the Crusade. Two Subject Indexes were produced: for Kitdab-iqadn and ‘Abdu’l-Bahas Will and Testament.

Reference material was sold during the year as follows: ‘‘Teaching the Baha’i Faith’’ (compilation by Gene Crist), 26 copies. ‘‘Outline of History of Faith in U.S.”’ (by Juliet Cole), 14 copies. Subject Index: Seven Valleys, 240 copies. Subject Index: Hidden Words, 248 copies. Subject Index: Bahda’t World Faith and Gleanings combined, 305 copies. Subject Index: Kitab-igan, 110 copies. Subject Index: Will and Testament, 35 copies.

Receipts totalled over a thousand dollars, enabling the committee to maintain an adequate stock of indexes at all times and to operate without a budget allowance, besides returning to the National Fund the amount drawn for expenses against the previous year’s budget. Available indexes were offered on consignment to all summer schools, and all that were sent were purchased.

The plan used in preparing the Subject Indexes was an adaptation of the original plan approved for a Master Index, because no better system was known or suggested. There is much work already done toward producing similar reference material for the

rest of the Baha’i Writings, but the committee is waiting for an evaluation of what has been produced before proceeding further. Any expressions indicating whether or not the indexes are found to be useful, then, will be appreciated by the committee.

Ten special requests for miscellaneous reference material were filled during the year.

REVIEWING

Members: Mrs. Alice S. Cox, Chairman; Dr. Garreta Busey, Miss Ruth Dasher, Mrs. Eleanor Hutchens, Miss Zoe Meyer.

Of the fourteen Resource Units prepared during the last two years under the guidance of the special Advisory Committee on Education for use in Baha’i Summer Schools four were reviewed by this committee late last winter and reported in the Annual Report for 1962. The other ten were reviewed in the spring of 1962 in order to make a check for accuracy and for authenticity of all Baha’i materials included. These ten were as follows:

“Living a Baha’i Life,’’ based on material submitted by Theresa Jones and Patricia Marsh.

“How to Teach Children,’ based on materials submitted by Margo Westrheim, Nancy Lindstrom and Ethlyn Lindstrom.

“The Spirit of Baha’i Organization,’’ based on materials compiled by David Lepard, Mildred Lepard and Amy Raubitschek.

“How to Develop and Teach a Baha’i Confirmation Class,’’ based on materials submitted by Annamarie Kunz Honnold and revised by Fred Littman.

“How to Teach an Introductory Baha’i Study Class,’’ based on materials submitted by Garreta Busey, Alice S. Cox, Arthur L. Dahl, Joyce Dahl, Connie U. Donley, Raymond F. Jones, Mary Ytema and John H. Stroessler, co-ordinator.

“The Development and Use of Resource Units,’’ by John H. Stroessler and Dwight Allen.

“Man’s Knowledge of God.” Part I., “His Manifestation,’’ based on materials submitted by Mrs. Fred E. Littman and Allan Ward, augmented by Benjamin and Blanche Kaufman; Part II, ‘‘Living an Appropriate Life,’’? based on materials submitted by Amy G. Raubitschek.

“Man’s Knowledge of God: The

ANNUAL REPORTS

Story of God’s Message.”’ Materials collected and arranged by Ruth B. Stephenson and her daughter, Nancy Stephenson and by Barbara Ives Reich and her daughters, Pat and Ann Reich.

“Baha’i Social Principles and World Order,’’ based on materials submitted by Molly King.

“Baha’i History for Children,’ (Ages 8-10), based on materials submitted by Nancy Phillips, Adrienne Reeves and Marcia McCormick (with others).

“How to Teach Children,” a revision of manuscript based on materials by Margo Westrheim, Nancy Lindstrom and Ethlyn Lindstrom.

Also reviewed was a revised manuscript entitled ‘“‘The Spiritual Meaning of Israel,’’ written by Seymour Weinberg. The committee considered, without detailed review, a manuscript from Australia entitled “The Baha’i Year for Children,’’ and “The Baha’i Faith,’ by Myron P. Schlesinger. It forwarded to The Ba ha’i World a poem, ‘‘The Come Along,’ written by Richard W. Thomas.

The believers are here again reminded that manuscripts should not be sent directly to the Reviewing Committee but first submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly with whatever explanation the author wishes to give. Manuscripts called for by the National Spiritual Assembly from committees or individuals which are of special nature may go through a different procedure, but they also must first be submitted to the National Assembly. The Reviewing Committee always reports on its work to the National Assembly, not directly to the author.

Basic rules for composition and preparation of typed manuscripts should be followed by all Baha’i writers. Just as important as this is the supplying of the exact source for every quotation used, Baha’i or nonBaha’i, and the placing of it in parenthesis, or in footnotes, with name of author, book and page. A clear, original copy, not a carbon copy, of each manuscript, should be submitted.

All writing by Baha’is about the Faith intended for Baha’i publication in the United States and all such writing by Baha’is intended for nonBaha’i publication, with the exception of local news releases, should be reviewed under direction of the National Spiritual Assembly. [Page 29]ANNUAL REPORTS

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Robert E. Buckley, Managing Director.

This department was started in June 1962 not as a committee but as a department and arm of the National Spiritual Assembly. The purpose of this department is to distribute miscellaneous items not sold by the Pub ishing Trust and for the service of the Baha’is.

The year started off with printing of the booklet, Teaching, Expansion and Consolidation for the American National Teaching Committee and the Banda’i Story for the American Indian Service Committee.

Among the items distributed are the publicity posters and T.V. slides for the various proclamation days; radio tapes, Words for the World records, various photographs, post cards and other teaching aids which are listed in the catalogue.

This department is also responsible for the Book Sales counter in the House of Worship in Wilmette. May we at this time express our heartfelt thanks to the many Baha’is and Baha’i youth who have assisted behind the counter, and to the various committees who assisted us so much during the transition period.

CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS

Members: J. Harvey Redson, Chairman; Mrs. Wilhelmina Becker, Secretary; Mrs. Thais Baker, Mrs. Gene Bernstein, Joseph Cole, Mrs. Dotha Cooper, L. Wyatt Cooper, Mrs. Minnie Hadley, Mrs. Nida Kern, Mrs. Rosa Lewis, Mrs. Gertrude Marks, Mrs. May Scheffler, Mrs. Sarah S. Walrath.

Physical arrangements for the Convention were taken care of by this committee as usual. Accommodations were furnished whenever requested, although more _ believers made their own reservations. This seems to have worked out very satisfactorily for all involved.

There were twenty exhibits at the 1962 Convention, the most we have ever had. Menus in the dining room had a greater variety of foods. Registration showed 1,037 in attendance.

A very fine program was planned for the children and a gift booklet

‘Communion with God”’ was presented to them to take home. A much larger group of children was taken care of than ever before.

The committee wishes to express its appreciation to the many who volunteered their help during the Convention and to those also who completed regular assignments. Without all this cooperation the committee could not have served so well.

SOUTHEASTERN BAHA’i SUMMER SCHOOL

Members: Albert James, Chairman; Kathryn Potter, Secretary; Nancy Ford, Registrar; Wiley Allison, Corinne Bowman, Sally Brown, Nelson Brown, Elaine Eilers, Carlotta Holmes.

The third annual Southeastern Baha’i Summer School was again held at Penn Community Center, St. Helena Island, Frogmore, South Carolina July 22-28, 1962. Perin Center is more and more becoming an endeared place in the hearts of many Baha’is. Since the first school was conducted there in 1960, the A.T.C. for the South Atlantic States has conducted winter conferences there and done much extension teaching in that vicinity with the encouraging result of a growing Baha’i community on St. Helena Island.

Just a few weeks before school opened, the committee was delighted to learn that Hand of the Cause, Mr. Khadem, would attend our school. It was a great bounty to hear him in the scheduled meetings as well as the smaller groups which always surrounded him. All seemed to be seeking the light of his loving countenance as he reflected so generously the love of Baha’u’llah, ‘Abdu’lBaha and the Guardian. His presence with us on Golden Anniversary Night, July 25th, will long be remembered. The program of music, readings, and stories of those who had seen ‘Abdu’l-Baha in 1912, as well as the stories of Mr. Khadem were concluded on a high note of rededication when Mr. Khadem, standing beside a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, took the hand of each person as he presented a Golden Anniversary ribbon bookmark as a souvenir of the occasion.

The theme this year, “Now...

29

The Promised Day,’ set the pace for the week. Mrs. Eulalia Bobo, who had been fortifying the teaching effort in many southern cities, spoke on ‘“‘Brotherhood’ at the public meeting the first night. Mrs. Bobo also conducted the youth class in ‘‘Preparation for the Space Age.’’ Other courses and their teachers, who were stimulating and helpful to all, were: “““Abdu’l Baha—Our perfect Exemplar in Teaching,’’—Allan Ward; “Certitude—The Need for Attainment,’’—Mrs. Ruth Moffett; ‘Go Forth, Ye Heralds of God!’’— Jack McCants.

Margaret Gawen and Bob Berryhill, as youth counselors, provided able guidance and supervision for a peppy youth group. Alyce Earl with Nell Golden provided many very fine musical selections with the youth on several occasions.

The younger children from 5-12 (in two different groups) were ably taught, during adult class time hour by Louise McCorkle, Margaret Burns, Ruth James, Carlotta Holmes, Marjorie and Harold Johnson and Bill Saunders. At Talent Night the children sang and spoke of what they had learned, and had an attractive table display of their hand-work.

Paul Pettit, representing the A.N.T.C., brought a progress report of teaching on the national scale and the challenge of plans to be carried out during this final year of the Crusade. We were also happy to have an Auxiliary Board Member of the Hands in Africa, Eloise Mitchell, bring greetings and stories of her experiences.

The Raleigh, N.C. Community conducted the morning devotions with a helpful atmosphere of music. The evening programs were varied with stories, reviews and music. A large display of Baha’i literature was well nigh consumed by the ‘thirsty-forthe-Word,’ as sales mounted to $225.00.

Several wonderful prayer sessions were held and hearts were moved to cable the Hands in Haifa. Their answer received later read: ‘“‘Appreciate heartwarming message determination assembled friends achieve still greater victories closing months Beloved Guardians plans.’’ (Handsfaith) �