Annual Reports/1963-1964/Text

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BAHA’I ANNUAL REPORTS 1963-1964

7 NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS

OF THE UNITED STATES Wilmette, Illinois

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ANNUAL REPORTS BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES 1963-1964

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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[Page 5]ANNUAL REPORTS

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

Members: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Chairman; Robert Quigley, Vice-Chairman; Dr. David S. Ruhe, Secretary; Arthur L. Dahl, Treasurer; Charlotte M. Linfoot, Assistant Secretary; Edna M. True, Recording Secretary; Daniel Jordan, Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, Velma Sherrill.

This first year of the ministry of The Universal House of Justice has been a productive year of transition. In continuing the beloved Guardian’s world program of expansion of the Faith, the American Baha’i community has shown its elasticity, its ebullience, its potential for growth. Activity has been burgeoning. Following the Jubilee passion of the World Congress, the American Baha’i spirit has been rising in anticipation of Ridvan 1964 and the surely immense Nine-Year Plan.

The World Convention and World Congress. In April 1963 eight members of the National Spiritual Assembly flew to Haifa, Israel, for the first World Convention April 20-24; on April 21, the first day of Ridvan, they participated in the election of the first Universal House of Justice. Four members of the American ‘ Baha’i community were elected to this supremely honored body: Mr. Charles F. Wolcott, Mr. H. B. Kavelin, Mr. Amoz E. Gibson, Mr. Hugh E. Chance.

From April 20 to May 2 the culmination of the Ten Year Crusade was celebrated with full hearts at the World Congress in Albert Hall, London, under the guidance of the Hands of the Faith. More than 1500 American Baha’is helped to swell the spirited throng, rejoicing in the achievements, praising those whose labors had made possible the worldembracing spread of the Cause, and sending up fervent prayers for a glorious future which would make the Crusade the faintest of harbingers. The massive airlift, travel, financial, housing and program planning were carried out with extraordinary smoothness and a minimum of acute problems. 44 Post-Congress conferences were conducted.

Membership and Incorporation, Index of Growth. Up to Naw-Ruz the gain in membership has been slightly ahead of last year: 996 adults and 375 youth (Hawaii 230 adults and 64 youth), or a total of 1,371 new believers. During this year of transition and rebound from the victories

of the Crusade, the drive for confirmation of new believers has been signally successful in Los Angeles, Chicago, Ill.; San Francisco, Calif. ; Odessa, Tex.; Washington, D.C.; St. Louis, Mo.; Phoenix, Ariz. These reservoir communities have shown great dynamism and acute consciousness of the present potential for large numbers of new adherents. The trend toward a youth membership continues to be conspicuous; last year approximately 24%, this year over 27%. That the Baha’i Faith in America could soon become a youth-invigorated movement is most suggestive and heartening.

Seven communities have incorporated since last Ridvan, bringing the U.S. total to 119. Since two incorporated communities will become part of the new N.S.A. of the Hawaiian Islands, the actual total is reduced to 117. The new incorporations include Royal Oak, Mich., Sioux Falls, S.D., Rochester, Minn., Kokomo, Ind., Santa Fe, N.M., Fort Worth, Tex., Southern J.D. San Mateo Co., Calif.

With the formation of the N.S.A. of the Hawaiian Islands at Ridvan, a significant segment of our national community will be split off to focus upon their own new national goals. With happiness and regret we shall assist at Ridvan in the organization of the new Assembly, through N.S.A. representative Mrs. Velma Sherrill.

Teaching, the Measure of Progress. There has been no letup but rather a marked accentuation in teaching the Cause. The national breakthrough of prestige and numbers perhaps is in prospect as we view the totality of efforts reported in detail in the National Teaching Committee and other Committee summaries. In fundamental community labors such as fireside discussion meetings, summer schools, conferences of all varieties, use of mass media and youth and child activities, there has been no slightest abatement of the spontaneous energy of the friends. The hearty creativity of their efforts is a direct consequence of the liberation of the spirit of the Crusade through its triumphant terminal World Congress. There is an anticipatory waxing of the Baha’i spiritual sun as it rises toward 1964’s milestone message.

Proclamation. Most prestigeful of the proclamation efforts occurred in Baltimore, September 15, 1963. With

rare eloquence Hand of the Cause William B. Sears projected the universal spirit of Baha’u’llah to dominate a meeting which included Mr. Lerone Bennett, Jr., author and senior editor of Ebony Magazine, Mr. Robert Quigley, actor, TV producer and N.S.A. member as chairman, and Mr. McHenry Boatwright, concert baritone. A responsive audience of a thousand persons was electrified by the cumulative impact of the Baha’i spiritual message of racial unity in diversity.

Dozens of proclamation efforts of various sizes and flavors have been undertaken in the four quarters of the land. Not the least were the World Peace Day meetings, backed in 19 states by Governor’s Proclamations that September 15 should stand recognized as a day dedicated to world peace. All governors who made proclamations in 1962 again issued formal support. In addition, the governors of Arkansas, Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois and Ohio proclaimed World Peace Day. The Mayor of Baltimore was the first to announce the day to the citizens of a major city.

United Nations Day and Human Rights Day observances continued to increase in numbers and_ scope, vastly increasing the prestige of the Baha’i representation at the United Nations on the one hand, and informing large numbers of Amerieans of the universal principles of the Faith on the other. Under the theme: ‘“‘The United Nations —Our Moral Challenge’ a great variety of programs was carried out, featuring non-Baha’i and Baha’i participants. Cooperation was developed with the American Association for the United Nations and other organizations concerned with world government.

Race Amity Day and World Religion Day celebrations were carried out not only with the sense of high responsibility which is the spine of the coherent national program, but also with a sparkling variety of original approaches to each of the events. Local presentations have been provocative, even exciting. BaHA’i News has carried flavorsome stories of the enormous range of efforts, many of which suggest wide emulation, and all of which provoke admiration at the initiative and zeal of the organizing communities.

Circuit Teaching. The continuous infusion of outside teaching assist[Page 6]ance, for strengthening community weaknesses and limitations, and for the development of national community solidarity, has been carried through on a giant scale by the National Teaching Committee, working with a large number of veteran volunteers and with the Hands of the Cause and their Auxiliary Board members. Forty-five extended teach. ing circuits, sixteen week-end circuits and three special assignments have served 264 localities; 184 additional localities will be visited before Convention. Although the circuit teaching method cannot compare with that local initiative which is now rapidly arising, its net effect has been to produce national cohesion, Baha’i education, many confirmations, and a continuing feeling of the reality of Baha’i destiny.

Youth. No more striking index of growth has occurred than the proliferation of spontaneously arising youth activities. New youth membership has been 27% of the gains; and many new young adults in their twenties have swelled the functional youth totals. Some twenty-four youth conferences have already been held, with signal numbers of confirmations; seven additional conferences are scheduled before Ridvan. These conferences have been so dynamic that they have pervaded the adult communities with a youthful enthusiasm and determination to assume moral leadership in the world. Youth are being used more intensively in community life, and are becoming more outspoken in their wish to act as the spearpoints of Baha’i social action wherever developed.

Forty-three College Clubs are in existence, four formed this year, two in process of formation and thirtyfour are actively functioning. Additional momentum of college teaching has been gained under the College Bureau of the Natonal Teaching Committee.

Schools. It is inaccurate to talk about ‘“‘summer’”’ schools, since a marked trend has developed toward the appearance of ‘‘winter’’ schools. The three permanent schools, with their palpable destinies as Baha’i institutions, have been augmented by week-long schools spotted in every major geographical area. Each permanent school has had a winter session, and Southeastern Baha’i School could not resist its second Christmas session. Four week-long summer

schools were in operation in the summer of 1963: Southeastern, Southwestern, Intermountain and Astoria Children’s Schools. This year, with Intermountain temporarily in abeyance, Rocky Mountain Baha’i School will convene in Estes Park in Colorado for the first time since the passing of Temerity Ranch. Southern California will inaugurate an early July session in Los Angeles; Southeastern will move to the Smoky Mountains for its summer session, and Green Acre plans an intensive work camp rehabilitational summer. The Monmouth and Green Lake conferences in Illinois and Wisconsin are rapidly developing a ‘‘school’’ psychology and _ organization although separated in time and place.

All schools are becoming intensely aware of the potential for confirmations that is their singular contribution in this time of expanding membership. The vying for attendance and faculties may well have the happy result that soon a majority of active Baha’is will attend at least one school session each year in order to bathe briefly and potently in the Baha’i spirit. More vital perhaps, Baha’is will with confidence bring their pre-Baha’i friends to the schools, sure that the spirit of God felt there will bring individual conviction and speedy decision.

Mass Media. The local communities have learned professionally to exploit the mass media — press, radio and television. A vast total of column inches of press coverage, a significant number of feature articles on the Faith and on Baha’i personalities, a large and colorful group of paid ads of many kinds and an increasing reporting of Baha’i events is observable. The radio tapes have been used everywhere; local radio stations have been willing to offer time for spots. Television coverage has been spotty but useful in connection with proclamation events. The extraordinary exhibit of the Baha’i World Center garden at the Chicago Flower Show reached perhaps a third of a million visitors. And the Baha’i Publishing Trust through the communities has continued its expanding distribution of pamphlet literature.

Community Growth and Intercommunity Cooperation. With the dissolution of the Area Teaching Committees, the responsibility for many aspects of teaching, communication

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and service has fallen directly upon the often unready shoulders of the local communities.

The NTC-sponsored January 26 conference for local spiritual assemblies was a stimulating self-appraisal which has stirred a new look at overall community growth and activity.

The disappearance of area bulletins has resulted in a proliferation of local bulletins issued by LSA’s and disseminated to a limited area round about; the total is now up to fifty-nine newssheets. Intercommunity efforts to bolster extension teaching have been fostered, with particular attention to proclamation, “giant fireside’ discussion meetings, conferences, child education, youth activities, use of the mass media and representation in non-Baha’i community affairs. Marked improvement in Baha’i enthusiasm has been evident in many local communities. And there appears to have been an upswing in Baha’i public teaching events.

Human Rights. The United States is suffering from a long-deferred and now painful confrontation of the primal problem of the personal integrity of the American Negro. This ‘most challenging issue’’ has erupted from a smouldering discontent which has been irritated by the lack of effective speed of progress, but also has been fed by long steps of sociological improvement which have actually occurred. The Baha’i community, with its firm conviction of racial solidarity and its calm community integration, can assume leadership in the national crisis which impends. In a series of actions the National Spiritual Assembly has again affirmed in specific terms the principle of the oneness of mankind (its statement of September 20, 1963), has called thirty-six conferences on Human Rights October 26-27, 1963, has permitted active individual and community engagement in human rights endeavors but with certain precautionary counsels, and has itself spoken directly to the issues as they confront the American republic in its civil rights hour. Special publications are pending.

The result of the emergent Baha’i leadership has been an expanding dialogue of the individuals and communities with the human rights issues locally and nationally. Baha’is have taken roles in human rights [Page 7]ANNUAL REPORTS

commissions in states and in cities. They have become moral leaders and occasional organizers in agencies developed to cope with the explosive pressures. They have come forth in word and deed, in ads and stories, in meetings and demonstrations in South, North, Midwest and West. As the danger of a national conflagration spreads, the opportunity for a massive Baha’i conversion of Negroes and whites of good will increases logarithmically. The national community intends to meet its obligations to the universal Cause of Baha’u’llah with every ounce of courage and wisdom it can command in an hour when focus upon moral principles alone will determine the triumph of the Baha’i Faith.

The Moroccan Prisoners Freed. Surprisingly, and so quickly that it seemed unbelievable, the Supreme Court of Morocco at Rabat on December 13 quashed the case of the nine Baha’is sentenced to death or long-term imprisonment a year before in Nador. So ended in complete victory the long-drawn and effective protest of the Baha’i world community against this unheard-of action in the court of a newly established Islamic constitutional monarchy. Many were the spontaneous protagonists of the Faith. Distinguished men of state, of law and human rights threw their weight onto the scales: Sen. Kenneth Keating, Arnold Toynbee, Sir Barnet Janner, Max Habicht, Roger Baldwin and many others. The press, radio and television support was enormously influential. Innumerable were the letters of indignation which flowed from the friends to every source of pressure upon the Moroccan government so that justice might be done. God’s will was done, good lives were spared for greater goals, and the Cause had gained great stature.

Throughout the stormy course of the Moroccan affair one aspect of the burden of continuous defense action was thrust upon the members of the Baha’i International Community Committee and its Baha’i Information Center in New York City, and upon Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh and Mrs. Lee Blackwell, the UN observers for the Baha’i International Community and the US-NSA respectively. The Hands of the Faith and the Universal House of Justice carried out coordinative and independent activities in the far-flung mosaic of ac tion. With the favorable termination of the case, the Committee was dissolved, pending radical reorganization of a framework for carrying out the international functions of the Cause in the United Nations and in the many national capitals. Great praise is due the members of the Committee for their tireless efforts and their zealous pursuit of every tendril of support for the condemned.

Hands of the Faith and Auxiliary Boards. In order to improve the interlocking teaching and protection activities of the Institution of the Hands with the many national assemblies, two Hands of the Cause of God have been assigned to North and Central America. Mr. Zikrullah Khadem, from his home in Champaign, Illinois, coordinates teaching and protection in the U.S. and Canada. From his travel base near San Diego, California, Dr. Ugo Giachery will inspirit the communities of Central America. The nine appointed Auxiliary Board members of the U.S. and Canada met January 11-12 in Wilmette to confer on the intensive efforts planned for the Nine-Year Plan in conjunction with the American and Canadian teaching programs. Mr. Leroy Ioas, in the United States for a homecoming visit, richly fortified the meeting by his presence.

The National Center. The year of change brought a new secretary, Dr. David S. Ruhe of Kansas City to function in the shoes severely stretched by Mr. Horace Holley, Mr. Charles Wolcott and Mr. Hugh E. Chance. Other changes have occurred. Mr. Philip G. O’Brien of Los Angeles replaced Mr. Daniel Jordan as Coordinator of Temple Activities. Miss Nell Golden of Augusta, Ga., joined the staff of the National Teaching Committee in St. Louis to handle College Bureau and other activities. Mr. Pervis Boyd of Chicago became Mr. Robert Buckley’s assistant in the Distribution and Service Department. Mr. Irvin Somerhalder of Knightson, Cal., became Mr. Wyatt Cooper’s assistant on the staff of the House of Worship.

A study of mailing systems and personnel data handling is under way, anticipating vastly increased enrollments and extraordinary demands upon the national community for the specialized skills to be found within it. When a system is agreed upon, it will be installed to allow

the Secretariat to become an instrument capable of handling services for the pioneers, the communities and individuals.

A Baha’i Architects Committee has been appointed to advise the National Spiritual Assembly on the physical development of properties across the nation. The Committee is preparing plans for the guidance of the National Assembly. :

A Temple Activities Study Committee is re-examining the expanded functions of the House of Worship. A full-time coordinator and a steadily increasing number of visitors and students suggest heightened utilization of the great national and local symbol of the Faith.

A constant supply of information is maintained to all sources of data on religious organizations. Authors, anthologists, encyclopedists . . . vigilance is maintained to assure the accuracy of the factual information available to the public on the Baha’i Faith. Corrective letters flow from the Secretariat in defense of the Cause’s accurate history, position and growth.

Toward a National House of Justice. The knowledge that the National Spiritual Assembly will one day grow into a functional secondary House of Justice is coming toward reality with the ever greater clarity of the Baha’i social laws. The youthful Baha’i community of the United States is seeking its moral birthright as the laws of Baha’u’llah replace the usual Judaeo-Christian background of the members. Since a large number of marriage and divorce cases have been appealed to the N.S.A., careful and specific instruction of the community, and especially the youth, is becoming urgent. The enforcement of the Baha’i marriage and divorce laws has become mandatory upon the National Spiritual Assembly. Therefore, full understanding of the meaning and implications of the laws surrounding marriage and the family is imperative if the social integrity of the Baha’i family is to reach its spiritual fulfillment. Local spiritual assemblies will grow to new maturity as they become true educators of the Baha’i community, as they help to solve the personal problems of their members, and as they with justice and mercy protect and validate the Baha’i law.

There seems no doubt of the spir[Page 8]itual resoluteness of the American Baha’i community. Heartened by a mosaic of successes across the world, aware that the Baha’i Faith is becoming known to the American public, oriented to its coming leadership through its supreme moral principles, the people of Baha are showing themselves spiritually ready.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER

Last year’s Annual Report began: “This climactic year of the World Crusade threatens, at the time this is written, . . . to run up our largest deficit in recent Baha’i history.’ That report could just about be reprinted in its entirety here, for the circumstances are practically the same, except that the threatened deficit is even larger.

As of March 1, 1964, the cumulative total of amounts contributed to the National Fund are as follows:

Regular contributions ........ $299,707.00

Special contributions ........ 79,640.00 Response to special appeal ... 23,600.00 Collected at state CONVENTIONS: ....60c5s ss. eer 1,327.00 From estates and trusts ...... 32,236.00 $436,510.00 Promata budget: siiecsae succes cs 604,166.00 INGEBDETCIL Ant.nt ch, crea es $167,656.00

Actual expenditures have been running moderately below the budget, and it is hoped this will continue for the rest of the Baha’i year. After a miserable start in the first few months, there was a notable pickup in receipts after the very strong treasurer’s message at the state conventions. It remains to be seen whether the fine levels reached in December and January can be maintained during the last quarter. Unless we can finish with a great rush, it seems likely that, even based upon actual expenditures, the final deficit will be close to $100,000, and might be a good deal more.

This will face the National Spiritual Assembly with a serious dilemma in planning next year’s budget. Since the current deficit is going a long way toward exhausting our working capital reserve, should we construct the new budget to provide for the needs that are sure to be called for in the far-reaching new Plan to be announced shortly by the Universal House of Justice, or should we restrict it to the total which recent experience suggests is the

amount the American Baha’i Community can or will contribute? The former runs the risk of making commitments for which the funds might not be forthcoming; the latter runs the far more serious risk of our failing to fulfill our spiritual obligations, with the loss of spiritual primacy which this would imply. Somehow we have faith that the friends would never consider any but the first alternative. A strong finish in the current year would reinforce this conviction.

As a result of questions put to the American Baha’i Community in the state convention message we have received from assemblies and individuals a number of very fine suggestions and ideas on how to deepen an awareness of our responsibility to the Fund and the bounty of supporting such life-giving activities, thus increasing the flow of regular contributions. These and any additional ones sent in will be given careful consideration, and many of them will be put into effect during the coming year. The helpfulness of the friends in keeping this urgent problem before them and giving it their best thought is deeply appreciated.

No one hates more than the treasurer the necessity of writing report after report dealing with deficits and financial crisis. They are more tiresome by far to put into words than they must be to read. Yet we have to face facts. We cannot escape from the reality of our moral and spiritual obligations. We will shortly be entering a new epoch in Baha’i history, in which, once again, the American Baha’is will be given a major role to play. One certainty is that whatever our tasks may be, they will cost money, lots of it. We have a deep and abiding faith that before we get too deep in the red, the American Baha’i Community will respond to this new challenge in a way which, before long, will make the treasurer’s report a joy to write —and to read.

UNITED NATIONS

Membership: Mrs. Lee Blackwell, Chairman, and National Observer to the United Nations; Miss Isabelle Silk, Secretary; Lionel Gonzales, Mrs. Florence Steinhauer, Mrs. Hortense Sawyer, Charles Wragg, Frank B. Sawyer, Col. Eugene Keller, Mrs. Lola Donaldson,

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Mrs. Rosa Bejar, Mrs. Mary Burnet,

Mrs. Juliette Soderberg.

As is usually the case, the main activity of this Committee was servicing our U.S. communities, groups and isolated believers, with program materials and ideas for the proper observances of United Nations Day and Human Rights Day. From stories and photos carried in BawA’t News it can be noted that this year again surpassed in numbers as well as imagination, programs of previous years. The special emphasis placed on the observance of Human Rights Day this year by the United Nations afforded us an opportunity to include many references to the human and civil rights struggles going on in our country today. Even the theme for our Human Rights Day programs was geared to this idea, i.e., “Human Rights—The Search for Personal Freedoms.’’ Outstanding results were noted, particularly in interracial meetings.

Baha’i delegations, representing members of this committee, and others attended conferences as follows: Conference on International Communications at New York University; Annual Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations accredited to United Nations through the U.N. Office of Public Information; Conference of Member Organizations of the United States Committee for the United Nations; Annual Meeting of The Conference Group of U.S. National Non-Governmental Organizations on the U.N. In addition, the National Baha’i Representative (Lee Blackwell) and Alternate Representative (Florence Steinhauer) attended approximately fifty briefing sessions sponsored by the United Nations and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.

Because so many Baha’is passed through New York City going to and from the London Conference last year, we were privileged to escort many on “‘tours’”’ of the United Nations. Needless to say, these friends were from many exotic places, as well as from the United States, Canada and Hawaii.

In acknowledgment of the interest and efforts of Baha’is in the U.S. in connection with the sale of cards for UNICEF, a Certificate of Appreciation was received from the United States Committee for UNICEF by our Representative in the name of the [Page 9]ANNUAL REPORTS

N.S.A. of the Baha’is of the U.S.

Next year (1965) has been designated by the United Nations as ‘‘International Cooperation Year’’ and non-governmental organizations have been requested to emphasize this theme throughout the year wherever possible. A Conference was held to discuss this entire matter on February 27, 1964, to which three Baha’is went, and more on this subject will be forthcoming from our Committee as plans are further defined and developed.

This committee is working on three interesting long-range projects, namely, (1) endeavoring to get approval of the use of a Baha’i prayer for the United Nations Meditation Room, (2) a United Nations-Baha’i pamphlet, and (3) a booklet on the Teachings which may be presented for UNESCO publication. All of these, of course, when brought to a certain point in their development would be submitted for NSA approval.

Our reports to United Nations Headquarters and to the several national organizations to which we belong were especially interesting and impressive this year, and at this time we wish to make known our deep appreciaton to the communities, groups and individual believers who cooperated so magnificently with our committee.

UNITED STATES AFRICA TEACHING

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

There are approximately the same number of American pioneers serving in Africa as there were last year at this time. About 55 are in Africa, only 24 in goals assigned to the United States. A few have had to return home, but approximately the same number have gone to Africa, usually because of professional assignments. The Committee has not sponsored any new pioneers.

In reviewing the accomplishments of the American Baha’i community in Africa during the Ten-Year Crusade we have noted that a total of at least 125 went to Africa as pioneers at some time during that period. Of these, ten passed away during the Crusade.

This Committee has been maintained during the past year principally to provide a point of contact

for the pioneers in Africa, and to give information and guidance to those wishing to pioneer or to visit Africa.

The Ten-Year Crusade having come to a successful conclusion, the year has been one of consolidation, growth, and of preparation for even greater victories in the Nine Year Plan which begins this Ridvan. Three of the four regional national spiritual assemblies in Africa will be replaced by nine new national and regional assemblies, making a total of ten administrative bodies to carry out the work formerly done by four. The believers in the regions where these new bodies are to be formed this Ridvan have been preparing for their conventions and elections. In many areas the number of enrollments has continued to be large: to name one, Mauritius Island (population 700,000, a virgin goal assigned to the U.S.) has 1,000 believers, or one out of 700 people. In the Congo, Uganda, and other regions of Central Africa; in the British Cameroons in West Africa believers number in the hundreds and thousands.

Yet there are still many areas where the Faith has barely made a start. Particularly in West Africa is it evident that the days of spectacular victories for the Faith still lie in the future. The period which is about to open will doubtless bring a great impetus to teaching as well as consolidation of institutions of the Faith and the believers will again arise to meet the challenge and to achieve the new goals established by the Universal House of Justice.

EUROPEAN TEACHING

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

At Ridvan 1963 there were ninetyseven American pioneers in the twelve western European countries and the five virgin territories which were goals of the United States in the Ten Year Crusade. In addition, there were six in other countries and territories of Europe. Most of these pioneers remained at their posts following the conclusion of the Crusade, but some found it necessary to leave, and at the present time there are sixty-six adults and two youth in the field. No additional

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pioneers have gone to Europe during the past year.

The committee’s functions for this year have been to maintain contact with the pioneers and assist the new National Spiritual Assemblies as requested. Contact with and rendering services for the pioneers have made up most of the year’s work of the committee. The national spiritual assemblies have assumed their responsibilities as national bodies and have planned and carried out their work of teaching, expansion and consolidation.

Many of the pioneers still in Europe have settled themselves as an integral part in their adopted countries, and plan to remain so long as their assistance is needed. Some few have made their adopted countries their permanent homes.

More new believers have been enrolled during the past year than for several previous years, and each country has developed a firm foundation for the Faith within its boundaries. In spite of the departure from the European goal countries of thirty-four pioneers, all of whom were needed last Ridvan to maintain the goals, the original Crusade goals will be held this Ridvan, according to reports received by the committee.

The national spiritual assemblies have evidenced a deep sense of responsibility to prepare for the new Nine Year Plan, and the members of the European Teaching Committee look forward with eager anticipation, with them and with the entire Baha’i world, to this further development in the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

WESTERN HEMISPHERE TEACHING

Members: Col. Eugene Keller Jr., Chairman; Mrs. Maurine J. Kraus, Secretary; Mrs. Katherine de Forge, Lionel Gonzalez, Paul Ioas, Mrs. Clara Keller, Donald Kinney, Samuel B. Kraus.

This last Baha’i year was actually born in a tensely exciting atmosphere. Its early days, as we all so vividly remember, were fanned into bright flame at the Most Great Jubilee. The members of this committee who went to London (and all were there except one who had to cancel out at the last moment) were set afire by the warmth of those days. The exhilarating experience of see[Page 10]10

ing face to face the many pioneers of the Western Hemisphere who, through tremendous devotion, had largely contributed to the success, the winning of seemingly impossible objectives, of the beloved Guardian’s World Crusade, is still a bright memory. These North American pioneers who went through this committee to their assigned goals all over the Western Hemisphere, adapted themselves to wholly foreign environments, sacrificed and suffered to an extent never to be fully revealed, are living examples of true faith and dependence on Baha’u’llah.

Many of these pioneers are now members of some of the twenty-one National Spiritual Assemblies of Latin America and Alaska. They are an integral part of their adopted countries. A number are now Auxiliary Board members to the Hands of the Western Hemisphere. As a committee, with our long memory of the struggle of the days past, we are exceedingly proud of our pioneers and their accomplishments. It was inspirational and wonderful to see many of these really valiant people at the World Congress —a never-tobe-forgotten experience!

As bright day is followed by night so the joy of those days was followed by the sunset of a life which had such brilliance for this committee for the full Ten-Year Crusade. Our beloved William de Forge, who had been Chairman of this committee all the years of its existence, passed away peacefully while giving the gift of the Message and entered the Abha Kingdom on the day following the Most Great Jubilee. How befitting a climax for a life completely dedicated to the Cause of Baha’u’llah; a heart overflowing with love for humanity; a Baha’i exemplifying wisdom, diplomacy, justice, the long view, and the compassionate viewpoint. The passing of William de Forge is an irreparable loss to the committee and to the Baha’i world.

Since our work during this year has been primarily a matter of liaison between the national spiritual assemblies of Latin America and our assembly, we are pleased to report that the growth and scope of the Latin America assemblies is, in many respects, phenomenal. The zeal with which these assemblies have undertaken mass conversion has resulted in the addition of thousands of new believers. The NSA’s

are becoming increasingly stronger and more mature and better able to handle their multitudinous problems. The largest problem is the financing of the projects for reaching the indigenous population, for teaching, traveling, training and deepening. Poverty is constant with most of these countries. Lack of money is a grave problem which impedes the work. A number of countries have set up permanent training centers for teaching teachers among the native believers who are then sent to pioneer among their own people, or elsewhere. Panama and _ Bolivia have well organized schools doing excellent work.

In the face of limited funds the results of mass conversion attest the power and guidance of Baha’u’llah. The results are seemingly miraculous and figures become outdated constantly. Exceptional growth can be reported in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia and Peru. Haiti has added over 1,000 new believers. Ecuador has climbed from five assemblies to nineteen, probably more by now since it reports 1,901 new believers in 176 new localities. Honduras and the Yucatan area of Mexico are taking long strides among their indigenous population. The story of expansion is constantly unfolding chapter by chapter! An interesting recent chapter reveals that the methods used in mass conversion are being applied in the cities of Colombia with amazing results. In one week in January in three cities 111 new believers were added.

There are approximately 160 pioneers throughout the Western Hemisphere. The need is still great and urgent for additional pioneers who must be well rounded Baha’is, adaptable people who will learn the language and study the culture of Latin America before setting out.

The most constructive achievement of this last year, this committee feels, in the growth and strengthening of the Faith throughout Latin America, can be largely attributed to the work of the Hands in the Western Hemisphere and their Auxiliary Board members. These dedicated workers giving completely of themselves have pioneered the ways and successful methods to mass conversion. We wish to salute, also, the pioneers who have remained at their posts and plan to remain, as Shoghi Effendi desired. A few have kept

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lonely vigil in their far off posts. John Leonard in the Falkland Islands, South Atlantic, these many years has maintained that goal alone and we are delighted to report that Margaret Mills, another valiant pioneer, has joined him in holy matrimony and now we have a dedicated couple pioneering in that outpost.

In the face of all obstacles — and they are enormous—the Faith of Baha’u’llah moves through the earth over the wide spaces, seas and the islands of the Western Hemisphere in an ever advancing civilization.

TEMPLE WORSHIP

Members: Mrs. Gertrude Henning, Chairman and Treasurer; William Baker, Vice-chairman; Miss Hortense Bredehorst, Secretary; Mrs. Beatrice’ Buckley, Mrs. Mabel Eastman, Mrs. Anne Floyd Mehu, Mrs. Annamarie Baker, Mrs. Mary Lou Martin, Mrs. Barbara McCurdy, 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 thirty minutes.

The work of the committee this year included the planning of new programs, and revising of current ones. Scheduling and producing weekly devotions meant 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 was 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 held a workshop the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 4:15 p.m. at the House of Worship. Tape recorders were used to aid each participant toward better reading. Workshops were designed for all readers, new and old.

During the past year the members of the committee conducted fifty-two [Page 11]i—

See ee ‘

ANNUAL REPORTS

weekly devotional programs and the following anniversaries:

INA WRERUZ oie sci 5.0.2.0 «010 xlesccacerele March 20 Feast: of Ridvan: ........c8cc8 April 21 Declaration of the Bab ........ May 22 Birth of the BaDiinccessens os October 19 Birth of Baha’u’llah ...... November 11 Day of the Covenant ..... November 25

(These dates are the actual days of meetings.)

Anniversary programs were conducted as public meetings which began with devotional readings in the Auditorium and were followed by lectures downstairs in Foundation Hall where there were Baha’i talks on appropriate themes. Light refreshments were served on the Anniversaries of the Birth of Baha’u’llah and the Feast of Naw-Ruz.

We made special efforts to include Baha’i children in the programs and presented an all-Baha’i Choir of children and adults at Naw-Ruz 1964.

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 19, 1963

Speaker: Laurence La Rocque

Subject: “Stepping Stones to World Order’’

Chairman: Ann Hayes

Date: June 16, 1963

Speaker: Hugh E. Chance

Subject: “This Radiant Century”

Chairman: Charlotte Pumilia

Date: July 21, 1963

Speaker: Muzhan Khadem

Subject: “Religion in the Modern World”’

Chairman: Arlene Jennrich

Date: August 18, 1963

Speaker: Dr. Samuel McClellan

Subject: “Veils of Glory”

Chairman: Bette Smith

Date: September 15, 1963

Speaker: Dr. William K. Baker

Subject: “America’s Role in World Peace”

Chairman: Gene Bernstein

Date: October 20, 1963

Speaker: Samuel Jackson

Subject: ‘The New Messiah”

Chairman: Hortense Bredehorst

Date: November 17, 1963

Speaker: William Munson

Subject: “The Oneness of Mankind’’

Chairman: Ann Hayes

Date: December 15, 1963

Speaker: Barbara McCurdy

Subject: “The Eternal Christ’’

Chairman: Alex Briber

Date: January 19, 1964

Speaker: Florence Mayberry

Subject: “Unity in Religion”

Chairman: Daniel Jordan

Date: February 16, 1964

Speaker: Philip O’Brien

Subject: “God’s Plan for World Brotherhood”

Chairman: Jean Rankin

Date: March 15, 1964

Speaker: Arlene Jennrich

Subject: “All Things Made New”

Chairman: George Hutchinson

Date: April 19, 1964

Speaker: Beth McKenty

Subject: ‘Man One Family”

Chairman: Robert Coleman

During the year, eight speakers and three chairmen appeared for the first time, thus adding variety to the meetings and introducing new talent. Advertisements were placed in the Chicago metropolitan newspapers as well as the local publications in the neighboring suburban area for all meetings. Free publicity was frequently obtained, including pictures of the speakers. Attractive programs were also printed each month for distribution.

TEMPLE GUIDES

Members: Mrs. Leona Jackson, Chairman; Mrs. Emma Allen, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Jean Hutchinson, Program Secretary; Robert Coleman, Mrs. Minnie Hadley, Mrs. Arlene Jennrich,

Kenneth Jennrich, Mrs. Nida Kern, Frank Peter, and Miss Katherine Walker.

The total number of visitors to the Temple in the year of the Jubilee was 104,645, a large increase over 98,808 in 1962.

The committee is grateful for the many hours of faithful service given by the friends who have guided regularly throughout the year, and the visiting Baha’is who have devoted their vacations to guiding. The committee gratefully acknowledges also the many extra hours of guiding by the small number of the friends at home, during the time of the World Congress and afterwards, when many of the regular guides were on tours.

During the past year, four of the Hands of the Cause have visited the Temple. They are: Dr. Ugo Giachery,

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Mr. Leroy Ioas, Mr. Zikru’llah Khadem and Mr. William Sears. The four American members of the Universal House of Justice also were visitors. Tours were scheduled by nearly 200 organizations, church groups and others. There were many religious leaders, members of the clergy and church teen-age study groups. The Portland Cement Company brought men from their training classes six times. Doctors from Chicago State Mental Hospital twice brought groups of their most disturbed patients so that they could benefit from the peaceful surroundings and the beauty of the Temple. Among others were many high school and college groups as well as foreign exchange students. There were foreign members of the Navy, Overseas Women’s League, foreign nurses, State Department foreign journalists, senior citizens groups, American Field Service, and a Mr. and Mrs. Study Class. Several groups of children’s day camps and Scout groups were frequent and appreciative visitors during the summer.

Guiding offers a wonderful opportunity to serve the Cause of Baha’u’llah and to teach the Faith. It can be a deepening experience to both new and old Baha’is as they are challenged by the questions of the visitors. It is a world contacting experience as one meets our guests from all parts of the globe. It gives the isolated believer a chance to work with and learn to know other Baha’is.

The committee has recommended a new program of scheduling for the coming year. The day will be divided into three shifts rather than two. The entire building will be open continuously from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. It is hoped that the shorter guiding periods during the day will make it possible for more people to avail themselves of this rewarding service which is so important and necessary.

NATIONAL TEACHING

Members: Paul R. Pettit, Chairman; Mrs. Florence Avis, Secretary; Miss Nell E. Golden, Albert James, James Nelson, Rexford Parmelee.

Functions: To promote the consolidation, expansion and proclamation of the Faith throughout the American Baha’i Community, including teaching activities among minority groups except American Indians liv[Page 12]12

ing on reservations; teaching among the youth; teaching on college campuses; encouraging, supervising and coordinating extension teaching; planning and conducting conferences; arranging circuits and settlement projects, and carrying out any other national teaching activities approved by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Objectives: During this year of preparation for embarking upon new global plans and goals in this new historic period of the Faith and in the further unfoldment of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the Universal House of Justice called upon the Baha’is to make consolidation and expansion our immediate objectives. In support of this directive the National Spiritual Assembly approved the following homefront teaching program:

I. Consolidation of all existing assemblies (to assure accelerated local teaching activity leading to volume increase in enrollments)

II. Proclamation and Expansion of the Faith 1. Continuous preclamation “through the press and radio’’ on local level, utilizing local resources only

2. Bring 30 Baha’i groups to assembly status by Ridvan 1964

3. Hold existing assemblies

Further, in keeping with the new era of the Faith — a new age of maturity — which has been ushered in with the formation of the Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly approved a new homefront structure which provided for the elimination of area teaching committees, the Interracial Service Committee and the Baha’i College Bureau, placed the functions heretofore resting with these committees with the National Teaching Committee (whose full-time secretarial staff was strengthened), and called the local spiritual assemblies to assume added responsibility in the areas of teaching and expansion.

To implement the above program the following steps were taken:

Consolidation and Teaching Assistance to Assemblies and Goal Groups:

1. Each assembly was asked to adopt a strong local teaching program, supported by the community, to

produce enrollments. To this end the assembly was asked to call a consultative meeting of the entire community for full consultation on formulating a local teaching program, following which the assembly was to adopt a strong program with specific stated goals.

2. Assemblies were requested to reach out and assist preferred goals or other nearby groups develop into assemblies through extension teaching projects. As of March 10, eighty such projects have been coordinated by the National Teaching Committee.

38. Inasmuch as proclamation efforts had to be carried forward with local resources only, and in the interest of assisting small communities and groups to project successful teaching and proclamation programs, the National Assembly approved and encouraged intercommunity projects such as modest proclamation campaigns, children’s classes, youth activities, news bulletins, deepening study classes, firesides, et cetera, and delegated to the National Teaching Committee the responsibility for authorizing such activities, and where required, designating the assembly administratively responsible. Although this policy was not adopted until November, some 40 projects have been or are in the process of being approved.

4. Circuit teaching

a. A total of 45 circuits, ranging from 4 days to 11 weeks, as well as 16 week end assignments were scheduled by the National Teaching Committee to some 264 localities. Another 184 localities are scheduled to receive Baha’i teachers before April 21. The National Teaching Committte has also arranged for Baha’i youth speakers to conduct 13 meetings for youth.

b. Lists containing the names of 118 circuit teachers, 30 youth speakers, and 26 panels (many

interracial) which could be scheduled direct, without the assistance of the National

Teaching Committee, were supplied to all local spiritual assemblies and large Baha’i groups. A list of 46 Canadian Baha’i teachers was also supplied to the northern border states.

ANNUAL REPORTS

c. Arrangements are being made to schedule Baha’i teachers to newly formed assemblies at Ridvan for the purpose of orienting them to their function as a divine institution.

5. First nation-wide conference of local spiritual assemblies, sponsored by the National Teaching Committee, was held on January 26, 1964 by 330 local assemblies and 13 Baha’i groups which appeared to be assured of assembly status at Ridvan. The program was prepared and special materials provided to assist all assemblies (1) to focus the attention of all assemblies and large groups on the 1963-64 homefront goals; (2) to provide one remaining opportunity for each assembly and large group to reassess its efforts in the achievement of these goals in the local community; and (3) to utilize the collective and consultative powers of these assemblies and groups in formulating recommedations to the National Teaching Committee for consideration in projecting a dynamic 1964-65 Homefront Teaching Program, geared to coordinate with the objectives of the Nine Year World-Wide Plan being launched by the Universal House of Justice at Ridvan 1964.

6. Additional conferences arranged by local assemblies, reported to the National Teaching Committee, include a. 24 week end youth conferences

already held and another 7 scheduled

b. Four children’s conferences

Dispersal: The results of the initial call for pioneers through letters to local assemblies and appeals in the BawA’i News have been disappointing. As of March 10, only 21 settlers have been moved and another 12 are in the process of relocating to assigned posts in one of the 71 assemblies in jeopardy or the 30 preferred goal groups. In an effort to encourage dispersal:

1. The National Assembly sent a night telegram to 67 assemblies where membership was more than 15, requesting that they consult with their entire community in an effort to find Baha’is willing to move to one of these needy centers. [Page 13]ANNUAL REPORTS

2. Following the telegram the National Assembly named 65 of these communities as reservoir communities and requested a stated number of settlers from each.

3. In addition to visiting jeopardized assemblies and preferred goal groups, the Hands of the Faith in the Western Hemisphere made the Auxiliary Board members available to visit the reservoir communities to assist with the dispersal effort. Through their efforts and that of special representatives which were approved by the National Assembly for this purpose, 62 communities will receive this assistance in an effort to meet their dispersal goals.

4. The National Assembly approved a new program whereby some 60 selected, experienced Baha’i

teachers received appeals to re locate to specified jeopardized communities, as an assistance in the consolidation of the assembly during the coming year. As of

March 10, eighteen affirmative re sponses have been received.

Program for Reaching Minorities (Negro, Indian, etc.): As a follow-up to the National Spiritual Assemblysponsored conference in October on the ‘‘Most Challenging Issue’’:

1. The National Teaching Committee sponsored small local proclamation and teaching campaigns in four major southern cities; e.g., Nashville, Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Birmingham, Alabama. Primary objectives of the campaigns were to a. Proclaim Baha’u’llah as Author

of the principle, ‘‘The Oneness of Mankind”’

b. Publicize Baha’i Teachings on the current racial issue

c. Inform the public at large that “Members of all Races, all Religions — have always been welcome in the Baha’i Faith’’

d. Provide an opportunity for attracted souls to investigate the Faith through (1) attendance at a public meeting, (2) attendance at a Baha’i fireside, (3) writing for free copies of Baha’i literature.

2. Kit containing samples of materials used in the above mentioned campaigns were forwarded to all

local spiritual assemblies, large Baha’i groups and Baha’i College Clubs encouraging them to adapt the materials for use in promoting local teaching efforts.

3. In a special effort to reach the Negro in the South

a. The National Teaching Committee consulted at length with two Baha’is (Negro and Caucasian) who have a successful record of confirming Negroes in the South, on ways and means of reaching the masses.

b. A greater number of Baha’i teachers have been scheduled throughout the south this year than ever before.

c. Plans are underway for using interracial teams in the South.

4. Considerable research has been done on reaching and teaching Indians off the Reservations, which, it is hoped, can be an integral part of the program for next year.

College Teaching: Activity in college teaching got off to a slow start, due primarily to the transfer of files and other records from the West Coast.

1. In September 1963 nearly 340 College Presidents received letters offering assistance with Religious Emphasis Week. Fourteen responses (or a 4% return) were received. Special letters were then sent out in an effort to schedule Baha’i speakers on Religious Emphasis Week assignments.

2. Letters were mailed to more than 450 Baha’i college students enclosing a ‘‘change of college status’’ form and a partial check list of Baha’i service opportunities on the college campus.

3. Teaching assistance has been projected to nine colleges, two of which involved Religious Emphasis Week programs.

4. The National Teaching Committee

has arranged for the placement of 40 books in 12 college libraries.

5. Baha’i College Clubs —of the 43 College Clubs in existence, 34 are active. Four were newly formed this year (1963-64). Two others are in the process of forming and two are investigating formation presently.

6. In addition to the 43 college clubs established, files are maintained

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on 222 colleges. We have been in active correspondence with 95 of these this year.

7. The model constitution for Baha’i College Clubs is being revised and up-dated in anticipation of needs for future Baha’i College Club activities.

8. Letter is being drafted to mail to all College Clubs and Baha’i college students to begin plans for participation in observance of Religious Emphasis Week next year.

Communications: Following the dissolution of area committees in August and the discontinuance of area bulletins, the small groups and isolated believers felt a lack in communication. However, this deficiency has been noticeably alleviated following the policy newly released by the National Assembly encouraging local assemblies to produce local news bulletins and disseminate them not only to their own community members but to nearby assemblies, groups and isolated believers. Since January 1, 1964 forty assemblies have initiated (or indicated they plan to initiate) such bulletins. The National Teaching Committee has communicated with all assemblies and large Baha’i groups on numerous occasions this year, and has been in frequent correspondence with jeopardized assemblies and preferred goal groups, offering teaching assistance, suggestions for strengthening their local teaching programs and arranging special projects. Considerable correspondence has also been carried on with isolated believers who are actively promoting the Faith.

The Baha’i Year 120—‘‘the year of preparation’? —has been characterized by CHANGE W—the election of the Universal House of Justice — the election of three new members to the National Spiritual Assembly — the change of committee structure on the homefront, etc. The usual dissipation, frustrations and problems which accompany a transitional period have been experienced. In spite of this, and as an evidence of the spirit projected by the Most Great Jubilee, many assemblies have made marked progress in consolidation — improving and refining teaching techniques, improving executive ability and, in general, building a strong spiritual reservoir. A new awareness of the station of the local institution seems evident. An air of [Page 14]14

expectancy pervades the homefront, and a determination to render ‘‘instant, exact and complete obedience” in executing the plan soon to be released by the Universal House of Justice.

AMERICAN INDIAN

SERVICE Members: George Bechtold, Chairman; Mrs. Nancy Phillips, Secretary;

Mrs. Beatrice Bechtold, John Cook, William Dunning, Frank Evans, Lawrence Gimlin, Raymond Helmick, Chester Kahn, Franklin Kahn, Calvin Thur, Mrs. Maureen Thur, Miss Alice Tyler.

At present 47 American Indian tribes are represented in the Faith and teaching contact has been made with an additional 35. To the list of tribes having members in the Faith twelve have been added during the past year; Algonquin, Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Chinook, Comanche, Groven (North Dakota), Klamath, Isleta, Picuri, Mescalero-Apache, Pawnee, and Zia Pueblo. Since last Ridvan Indian enrollments reported to this committee have come from Arizona, New Mexico, North and South Dakota, Florida, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

Today there are eighteen pioneers in the Indian teaching field on or adjacent to seven reservations: Cherokee, Navajo, Omaha, Seminole, Sioux, Ute, and Winnebago. During the past year there have been three general appeals for additional pioneer help; two through BawA’i News and one in a= special statement shared with believers at the National Assembly-sponsored Conferences last October. To assist prospective pioneers two members of the American Indian Service Committee have been assigned the responsibility of obtaining information regarding employment opportunities on Indian reservations.

The largest Baha’i membership among American Indians exists in the Southwest, chiefly within the Navajo tribe. The number of localities on the Navajo reservation where the native believers reside is now seventeen.

To better communicate with Indian believers on reservations a series of ‘‘Baha’i Letters’? have been mailed at monthly intervals beginning last October. Recent issues of the letter have carried a short chapter of a continued story about the Dawnbreakers, information concern ing Baha’i laws, feasts and holy days, and names of believers newly enrolled on the reservations. Future issues will include picture cards illustrating some of the principles and teachings of the Faith. Much of the text of ‘‘Baha’i Letter’”’ is prepared by Mrs. Marilyn Heaton who also wrote ‘‘Baha’i Story,’’ a simply stated but comprehensive teaching work originally conceived by pioneers on the Navajo reservation and widely used for Indian teaching in this country. Copies of ‘‘Baha’i Story,’’ available from the American Indian Service Committee at no charge when used for Indian teaching, have been requested for teaching in a number of foreign countries including Australia, Guatemala, Peru, Paraguay, Uganda and Canada.

During the past year special activities were planned to encourage deepening and teaching on reservations where believers are isolated by distance as well as by difficulties of travel and language.

A workshop for deepening study was held in Flagstaff July 29 to August 2, designed for Navajo believers from the reservation. In Gallup, New Mexico, over the Labor Day weekend 43 believers, Indian and non-Indian, gathered for a Teaching Institute sponsored by the American Indian Service Committee in collaboration with the Gallup Assembly. Seven Indian tribes were represented at the meeting; Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Taos Pueblo, Chippewa, Algonquin and Sac-Fox. The purpose of the Institute was to study together and encourage the participants to spread the Message of Baha’u’llah. “Baha’i Story’? was the principal text. Through a variety of means, including visually appealing charts, a range of subjects was covered; the principles of the Faith and its

Administration, the three Central Figures, Baha’i laws and teaching responsibilities.

Baha’i children’s classes were

held for two weeks, July 15-26, at Pine Springs, Arizona on the Navajo reservation, through the collaboration of the Pine Springs believers, the Gallup Assembly and the American Indian Service Committee. The school session was preceded by a weekend campout when Baha’is from Phoenix, Flagstaff, Zuni and Gallup joined the Pine Springs believers at the site of the memorable ‘‘Different Races Gathering for

ANNUAL REPORTS

Prayer’’ proclamation event held in early June, 1962. During the subsequent two weeks an average of 15 children met for four hours each day in the community house near the Pine Springs Trading Post. A program of Baha’i study, arts and crafts, stories, songs and games was given by two teachers, Mrs. Beatrice Bechtold of Phoenix and Mrs. Jeanne Laite of Gallup. So successful were these classes that the children and adult members of the Pine Springs community asked for a school of longer duration next year.

Pine Springs was also the setting for a Baha’i workshop and celebration of the anniversary of the Birth of the Bab over the weekend of October 19 and 20. Most of the study and consultation was carried on in the Navajo language through the assistance of Chester and Annie Kahn. Earlier Mr. and Mrs. Kahn had visited a number of places on the Navajo reservation to share with believers and friends a vivid account of the London Jubilee.

Occasional meetings of the American Indian Service Committee are held on the Navajo reservation in order to share on-the-spot consultation with pioneers, Indian believers and friends. Such a weekend meeting to be combined with fellowship and teaching new contacts is planned for early April.

Carol and Robert Manuelito, Navajo believers from Laramie, Wyoming, have made frequent teaching trips to the Navajo reservation through the year, visiting the Pine Springs community as well as isolated Indian communities in Arizona and New Mexico.

The Flagstaff, Arizona, Assembly and American Indian Service Committee are jointly sponsoring weekly Baha’i radio programs in the Navajo language to be heard all across the reservation, where battery operated radios are very popular. Meetings at various locations on the reservation are planned as follow-up.

A conference at Hotevilla, Arizona, called by traditional leaders of the Hopi tribe, was attended by several Baha’is, Navajo and Chippewa, who had opportunities to speak of the Faith to participants at this predominantly Indian gathering.

Reservation activities for teaching and deepening have by no means been confined to the Southwest. A first proclamation meeting on the [Page 15]ANNUAL REPORTS

Shoshone-Arapahoe reservation at Ft. Washakie, Wyoming, took place on the weekend of October 19. Mel and Charlotte Orlick, the Manuelitos, James Wonders and other Wyoming Baha’is planned the program which was held in the Shoshone Community Hall. One hundred and fifty attended festivities held during the day and evening. Most were Indians of the Arapahoe and Shoshone tribes. Results of this proclamation meeting were the enrollment of the first Arapahoe believers and an Indian Youth Council Fire held at the same location December 7 and 8.

The newly formed Spiritual Assemlby of the Makah reservation at Neah Bay, Washington, assisted by the Baha’i community of Tacoma, was host for an Indian Council Fire on the reservation August 17 and 18. Members of 12 Indian tribes shared a program of prayers, talks on the Faith, sacred Indian dances, songs, and other festivities. Members of the all-Indian community at Neah Bay are anticipating a Naw-Ruz visit from Mare Towers, member of the Auxiliary Board for the Hands of the Faith.

Last September a Prayer Pow Wow planned by the Baha’is of Rogers, Arkansas, attracted 192 participants of whom 137 were Indian. Hand of the Cause Zikru’llah Khadem was special guest and speaker. The Rogers Assembly is planning another such event on April 4 and 5 at the same location, Lake Eucha near Jay, Oklahoma.

Over the Thanksgiving holidays Bob Cameron of Duluth, Judy Phillips of Minneapolis, with Ken Jeffers and Durain Shepherd of Rochester visited the Red Lake reservation in northern Minnesota to deepen and extend contacts already made and to investigate future opportunities for teaching the Faith on this reservation of the Chippewa Indians. So fruitful was this visit that plans are now under way for an International Pow Wow on the reservation during the Memorial Day weekend. This is envisioned as an occasion for attracting participants from many racial and national backgrounds in order to reflect the spirit of the Faith and to demonstrate rather than to proclaim its teachings.

From October 30 to November 4 Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Auxiliary Board member, and Mrs. Louise Wold of Greenwich, Connecticut, visited Mrs. Ethel Murray, pioneer on

the Cherokee reservation in North Carolina. Visits to Indian believers and contacts, picnics and children’s activities were shared. The newly opened Baha’i Center maintained by Mrs. Murray is pictured in February BanA’i News.

Up to the present time almost all Indians enrolled in the Faith reside on reservations in spite of the fact that the Indian population in this country is divided approximately in half between city and reservation. Anticipating the time when the need and opportunity for urban Indian teaching will be more widely recognized, the American Indian Service Committee, with permission from the National Spiritual Assembly, launched a pilot off-reservation teaching program in Arizona, in cooperation with three local Assemblies. In January the Assemblies of Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff met with a representative of the Committee to consult on special teaching opportunities among Indians living in their city, and have developed a number of plans for realizing these opportunities.

Among special events planned for the future is a large gathering on the Navajo reservation at Pine Springs, Arizona June 20 and 21.

Special teaching aids are now being designed by the American Indian Service Committee. Kits of suggested material and ideas for children’s classes will soon be available. Also under preparation is a program of color slides illustrative of Indian proclamation meetings and other activities involving a number of tribes. The collection, complete with narrative, will be available on loan.

SOUVENIR OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHA

Committee Members: Raymond C. Rouse, Chairman; Mrs. Estelle B. Rouse, Secretary; Donald Kinney, John Joyce, Mrs. Amie Wright, Paul Wright.

Over 400 persons attended the 51st Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Baha held on Saturday, June 29, 1963 at Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, N.J. This was the first time in 51 years that the picnic portion of the day was “rained in,’ causing a quick setting up of small tables and chairs inside the Cabin and along the ground-level porch.

By 2:30 p.m. the downpour had stopped, and although it was cloudy

15

and cool, the program proceeded at 3 p.m. without interruption. The program included Lionel Gonzalez, chairman; Mrs. Lee Blackwell, speaker on ‘“‘ ‘Abdu’l-Baha — His Desires and Prayers’’; John Savage, reader of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s talk given in 1912; special guest George Coleman, baritone, and Miss Margaret Staten, soprano, rendering several musical selections; Mrs. Ruhieh McComb and Joseph Ioas, leading the devotions later at the pine grove. Mr. H. B. Kavelin, member of the Universal House of Justice, was called on to say a few words about the significance of the newly elected international body.

An almost life-size full-length portrait of the Master was displayed, flanked by large vases of flowers. The literature table was extremely active. Hot coffee and cold milk were provided for all, compliments of the committee.

A total of some 40 helpers worked in cooperation with the Souvenir Committee to make this another highly spiritual and congenial commemoration.

Plans are presently under way for the commemoration to be held at Evergreen Cabin on Saturday, June 27, 1964. Baha’is are invited to bring friends who have a sincere interest in the Faith.

BAHA’i PUBLISHING TRUST

Mrs. Eunice Braun, Managing Director.

A total of 722,000 books and pamphlets were distributed by the Publishing Trust during the year ending December, 1963—a process requiring billing, selecting, packing and inventorying of each item, apart from the initial production work involved. All of this work, plus the maintenance of over 600 charge accounts for assemblies, committees, bookstores, Publishing Trusts and Baha’i distribution centers in all parts of the globe has been carried out by two people employed for this purpose. Fourteen percent of this volume consisted of shipments going overseas necessitating special packaging and mailing considerations. A little under 8,000 items from the above were imported by the Trust.

A project of the past year was shipping $1,450 worth of literature to the World Congress in London, all of which was sold. Since it cost $350.[Page 16]16

00 alone for packaging and shipping expenses and for the receiving in London through a special agency as well as cost of display racks supplied, it had to be viewed as purely a promotional and service project and we were proud to have a representative display of items at this historic event. The final recounting was received from the British Trust in October of this year.

An interesting project of the year was the literature survey conducted by the Trust, with copies of the survey going to all local assemblies and additional quantities included in all book shipments. A little less than 1,000 were returned. While this was disappointing in some respects, it is felt that these returns represent the Baha’is most concerned about their literature and most actively engaged in using it for teaching and personal study. While a full analysis cannot be presented here, the following facts may be of interest:

Half of the replies indicated that The New Era was the first book read, 84% reacting favorably, 13% being neutral at the time. 46% were of liberal Protestant background, 15% fundamentalist, followed in order by Catholics, Jews, Mormons, agnostics. 25% have been Baha’is less than five years. 38% had college background, 52% high school, 10% less than high school.

Next came Hidden Words as the first book read, 96% favorable, a fifth having been Baha’is less than five years. Third was Prescription for Living, 83% favorably impressed. Almost half of these have been Baha’is less than five years, 40% having high school and 30% having college background. Bahd’t Prayers was fourth, half being Baha’is less: than five years. Next in line and approximately equal for being the first book read were: Bahd’i World Faith, Gleanings, Divine Art of Living, Some Answered Questions, with the majority favorably impressed by this first contact with the Baha’i Writings, and 38% of these being Baha’is of less than five years.

Among titles listed as having been most influential in confirming believers, The New Era again led the list with 28% recording it. Next in order were: Gleanings, 842%, Bahd’i World Faith, 74%, Some Answered Questions, 742%, The Kitdb-i-[qan and Baha’it Prayers, 5% each. Four percent listed Hidden Words as the book

which most strongly helped to confirm them. After this, several books accounted about equally for 2% of the replies received: All Things Made New, Prescription for Living, The Dawn-Breakers, Portals to Freedom.

An interesting result came from the category of literature most urgently needed. Highty-three different types of requests were listed. 45% either did not list any type of material in this category or indicated they thought needs were being amply met at present. 5% from this group stated that we had ‘“‘too many books and pamphlets now.”’

The leading request was for materials for children and youth, including material for parents and teachers and a curriculum of study, the latter accounting for 50% of the total of these requests. Next in order was for a pamphlet on personal living and health, meaning and purpose of life. The third in line was for Promulgation of Universal Peace; fourth, for a pamphlet for people of Jewish background (a need that has since been filled); fifth, for The Tablets of ‘Abduw’lBaha. After this requests were much smaller in number and included a book on comparative religion, pamphlet on Science and Religion, and a Baha’t magazine.

It is our opinion that the sensitive areas have been well probed in the above survey. While in one respect we have more actual titles than we need, some of which can be dropped in the future, in other areas there are ‘‘gaps’’ in our literature. The problem in filling them is not due to a lack of manuscripts. It is due to a lack of well written materials that fit the needs and requirements. In the opinion of the committee of readers, much material received this past year did not measure up to the standards. Some were well written but covered subject matter already sufficiently represented in our literature. A type of manuscript frequently received is a compilation from the Writings of an individual’s own selection, with or without commentary, prepared for some special course or institute or for the compiler’s own use. In general, this type of material is not needed as a permanent part of the literature and if such a compilation is desirable for some special purpose, the National Assembly usually requests someone to prepare it.

ANNUAL REPORTS

Steps are being taken at present in relation to several of the needs listed above. As mentioned in last year’s report, the National Assembly is working on securing a new translation of Promulgation directly from the Persian notes, as recommended by Shoghi Effendi, but this is a difficult task and at present we have no information as to when it may be completed. The National Assembly has special groups working on materials for a children’s curriculum and a booklet for youth is in process of revision. Some editorially selective work is being done on The Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, but no date of availability of such a manuscript is now known.

More than twenty productions were handled since Ridvan of 1963. Many were new printings of basic works, some with revisions and format changes as, for example, new cloth and paper editions of The Advent of Divine Justice, an edition of Gleanings with the beautiful gold jacket designed by Conrad Heleniak to harmonize with the latest edition of Prayers and Meditations; The Meaning of Worship, One World One Family, The Declaration of Trust and ByLaws, a completely revised brochure for press information, The Bahai Faith (A Summary). New titles added were: One World Sings; the new Statistical Book; Dawn of World Peace (issued at Ridvan 1963). Just off the press at this writing are: Above All Barriers (story of Louis Gregory) and a very attractive new edition of Children’s Dawn-Breakers, now having two-color illustrations throughout and other added design features to improve its appeal to children. Ten new foreign language titles were added to the list.

No further information is available at this time relative to any forthcoming editions of The Bahd’t World.

THE CHILD’S WAY

Mrs. Jean Hutchinson, Managing Editor; Mrs. Sylvia Dennis and Mrs. Rosemary Eller, Assistants.

Tue CuHiup’s Way is published by the editorial committee appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly. Its responsibility is to serve as a guide for parents and teachers, offer an opportunity to Baha’is all over the world to share their ideas and experiences, and supply materials for [Page 17]ANNUAL REPORTS

use in the vital area of child education.

Whether there are children or not in a Baha’i community, the obligation upon all Baha’is is to teach. This would seem to indicate the need for constant deepening and preparation for all kinds of teaching opportunities. Many have found that through the children and young people they have been able to serve their nonBaha’i community and have attracted others to the Faith. Some of the ways that this can be accomplished are offered in THe Cuitp’s Way as well as some materials to guide the work, such as study guides, book reports for all ages, music and stories, editorials and articles from many sources.

The specific responsibility of the editors is to provide for those teaching children up to fourteen years of age. However, many people report that they find the magazine helpful in their work with youth and adults as the educational opportunities are so varied throughout the world. After all, the art of teaching, the philosophy of education, must apply to people of all ages. We are concerned with finding a universal approach to the hearts within the framework of Baha’u’llah’s universal teaching. Within that framework we concentrate upon the approach to the individual.

THe Cuiup’s Way is not a part of the Publishing Trust, but it is dependent upon the support of all the Baha’is, both as to content and to finances.

NATIONAL REFERENCE LIBRARY

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

Fourteen requests for information and references were filled, some requiring more than three weeks of intensive research.

The only new index completed this year was the Cross Index for Subject Indexes, prepared in form that is familiar, to indicate where to look for references in the Subject Indexes (whose form is unfamiliar because bits of the actual references are listed therein). Included in the Cross Index is a list of references (page

numbers only) for each Feast name, taken from the concordance (which covers all of the Writings of Baha’u’lah and of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Baha’i World Faith, Paris Talks and the Will and Testament). We were permitted to offer a ‘“‘package deal’’ consisting of the five previously prepared Subject Indexes and one Cross Index at a cost that gave the Cross Index gratis.

Renewed recently were requests for the four articles by Gene Crist that she called a ‘‘bridge from Christianity to the Baha’i Faith,’’ and these were again made available. Her compilation on Teaching the Baha’i Faith has not been requested or re-stocked. The Outline of the History of the Faith in the U.S. by Mrs. Juliet Cole completes the material for which we are able to fill orders.

Sales for the year were as follows:

54 Seven Valleys Subject Indexes

54 Hidden Words Subject Indexes

50 Bahd’i World Faith and Gleanings

(combined) Subject Indexes

59 Kitdb-I-iqdn Subject Indexes

76 Will and Testament Subject Indexes

74 Cross Indexes (54 sent gratis)

3 Histories by Mrs. Juliet Cole

10 sets of the 4 articles by Mrs. Gene

Crist 36 single copies of articles by Mrs. Gene Crist

This year the work of preparing Subject Indexes has slowed down, pending an appraisal of their value; but four are now in the process of production:

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf —to be

available this spring

Prayers and Meditations — nearly com pleted in the rough

Bah@i World Faith,

writings

Bahdi Administration, Shoghi Effendi

We have operated without drawing on budget funds. Total receipts from sales were $307.35. Total expenditures were $265.26.

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s

REVIEWING

Members: Mrs. Alice S. Cox, Chairman-Secretary; Mrs. Margaret Bustard, Miss Ruth Dasher, Mrs. Eleanor Hutchens, Miss Zoe Meyer.

Five manuscripts were reviewed during the past year by the members of the Baha’i Reviewing Committee and reports on these sent to the National Spiritual Assembly. Of these manuscripts four were intended by their authors for non-Baha’i publication, and as such required a somewhat different process of review

Li.

than manuscripts which must meet standards of Baha’i publication.

Two manuscripts were articles prepared by Eloise Mitchell for submitting to non-Baha’i periodicals. Both were on themes of current importance in this country and were entitled ‘‘Mission to America’’ and “The Leaves of One Tree.’’ Murletta Riegel’s ‘Only God Can Help Us Now” was also a short manuscript written for possible non-Baha’i publication.

A book-length manuscript, ‘‘Tahirih,’’ by Clara Edge, is the dramatic story of the great Babi heroine cast in novel form. Checking of some revised parts was completed by the Reviewing Committee.

Prepared for younger readers was ‘Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, The Baha’i Story for Children,’ by Zoe Meyer, author of the much-used Baha’i book, ‘‘Children’s Stories from ‘The Dawn-Breakers’.’’ This long manuscript was reviewed in detail with Baha’i needs as well as publication standards in mind.

The believers who write for the Faith are again reminded that manuscripts should be submitted directly to the National Assembly which, in turn, will send them to the Reviewing Committee if assistance of this committee is desired. The committee reports to the N.S.A. and does not, except under special circumstances, correspond with 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 exact scources for every direct quotation used, Baha’i or non-Baha’i, and the placing of this source in parenthesis, or in footnote, with the name of author, book and page. A clear, original typed copy, not a carbon copy, of each manuscript should be provided. If more than one copy is supplied, the work of the Reviewing Committee would be speeded up.

Writing by Baha’is about the Faith or including quotations from Baha’i literature, if intended for Baha’i publication in the United States, and all such writing by Baha’is intended for non-Baha’i publication, with the exception of local news releases, should be reviewed under the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly. Special manuscripts are not always assigned to the Reviewing [Page 18]18

Committee, but sometimes go from the N.S.A. through other channels for review. When the Reviewing Committee is assigned a reviewing task, it is its duty to pass upon the accuracy of manuscripts on the Faith submitted by members of the Baha’i Community and to report its recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly.

Implicit in the obligation to review for accuracy is the requirement to check accuracy of statements about the Faith on all matters when authoritative statements are available in Baha’i literature. If material is intended for Baha’i publication the committee makes suggestions and recommendations regarding composition, style, grammar, spelling, etc. If manuscripts are intended for nonBaha’i publication the review can be less in detail in respect to these last named items, but suggestions are often proffered to the author for his or her consideration.

The committee members recognize that the day may be near when wellwritten manuscripts on aspects of the Baha’i Faith will be accepted by nonBaha’i publishers in America. Baha’i writers who know the wonderful Teachings of their Faith and can put these into literary form that will interest readers of specific publications would do well to make great effort along this line. The need of mankind is pressing. Who can take up his pen and practice for the day of opportunity when it arrives in the non-Baha’i publishing field! The Reviewing Committee will offer all the aid and advice it can within the sphere of its reviewing functions.

COMMITTEE ON MUSIC

Members: Mrs. Margaret Jensen, Chairman; Dr. David S. Ruhe; Daniel Jordan; Russell Garcia.

In June, 1963, the Committee compiled and published a collection of 136 songs, in a pocket-size song book called ‘‘One World Sings,’? which contained also quotations from Baha’i Seriptures and illustrations and cover design by Gordon Laite. ‘‘One World Sings’? was compiled for use at Baha’i summer schools, conferences, institutes, and children’s classes. It contains no music written by Baha’is; but its universal theme makes it appropriate for use at Baha’i functions. It is available from the Baha’i Publishing Trust.

At present the Committee on Mu sic is in the first stage of a longrange program of collecting, reviewing, arranging, distributing and trying-out original songs, especially the ones already being sung by Baha’is in their various communities around the country. Eventually, after this sifting-out process has been completed, some collections of the best of these songs will be made, and published in book form and issued on tape. The Committee is, at the moment, asking for (1) copies of the songs being sung by Baha’is at their various meetings; and (2) names of the directors of singing groups who would like to ‘‘try-out’’ some of the music presently coming in to the Committee On Music.

GEYSERVILLE BAHA’i SCHOOL

Members: Richard Groger, Chairman; Edwin Carr, Vice Chairman; Helena Bascom, Corresponding Secretary; Mary Ellen Zamzow, Recording Secretary; Natalie Owen, Treasurer; Mary Ann Groger, Nancy Carr, Ray Owen, Adrienne Reeves, William Reeves, Dorothy Ellis, Iraj Radpour, Lynda Somerhalder, Karen Folster, Pauline Menser.

The Geyserville Program Committee, in accord with its actions of last year, sponsored two extra sessions this year. A winter session was held during one weekend of Christmas vacation, with the twin aim of deepening the friends spiritually and in the administration. Dawn Edwards conducted the morning class, Paul Thiele taught the afternoon class. Adrienne Reeves and Eloise Jordan were co-coordinators. The spiritual atmosphere was aS warm as the weather was cold and the session was considered a success. The enrollment was 40. The spring session was held on a week-end in early April, with an enrollment of 42, many of whom were youth. Edwin and Nancy Carr were co-coordinators, Miriam Phillips taught the morning class on Spiritual Values, Helena Bascom conducted the afternoon class on Administration with an assist from Ed and Nancy Carr. Levie Spigner, Claudia McDermott, and Beverly Stafford taught the children. Evening programs were quite successful.

Summer Session at Geyserville opened on July 7 and ran for eight consecutive weeks. Overall attendance was 517, a figure lower than the Committee had hoped for, prob ANNUAL REPORTS

ably because so many of the friends had used up vacation time for the London Congress. There were 31 teachers of adult and youth classes, with 11 of these people teaching for the first time at Geyserville. There were 45 teachers of children with 15 of these teaching for the first time. It was especially gratifying to have some of the youth accept a responsibility to teach the younger children. Morning classes for adults were based on Advisory Committee Resource Units. Instruction for children was given on six levels embracing ages 3 to 15. Much of the material for these classes was also based on Advisory Committee material. There were two evening classes, one for youth on Contemporary Ethics, and one for adults of an inspirational nature. The subjects of these classes varied according to the interests and abilities of the teacher. The Committee found that the classes were well-attended, wellpresented and enthusiastically received by the students.

The recruitment of teachers was especially difficult this year, again, because so many of the friends had gone to the London Congress, and there were many people who were asked to accept a teaching assignment upon their arrival at the school. These people did an outstanding job for the most part and the Committee is very grateful to them for stepping in as they did and helping to make the summer school a success.

Scholarships were offered from the Scholarship Fund to many deserving people this year, but because of various complications, only two people could actually take advantage of the scholarships.

Of the eight co-ordinators at the School this year, five were doing the job for the first time. These five were helped to meet their responsibilities through the media of a special coordinators workshop held before school opened, and a Manual for coordinators compiled by the Committee. All eight of the co-ordinators did a splendid job in their efforts to help the School function as an ideal Baha’i Community.

Sunday programs were varied in scope and content this year. On Sunday, July 14, the second annual Children’s Day was held, with children from all over the area participating in a program that included folk dancing, games, a hike, a special lunch, [Page 19]ANNUAL REPORTS

and a watermelon feast to end the festivities. Sunday, July 21, featured “Citizens of the World’? with many of the friends who had returned from pioneering participating in the program. A special bounty was the presence of Hand of the Cause, Zikru’llah Khadem as featured speaker upon that Sunday. Arthur Dahl, Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, was the guest speaker on the following Sunday. He spoke to the friends on a topic of particular interest now, The Universal House of Justice. The Sunday of the year at Geyserville is always the Sunday of Unity Feast. Held on the Sunday nearest the birthday of John Bosch (August 1), it draws ever larger crowds each year. This year over 400 people gathered together to eat under the Big Tree, to greet old friends, to make new friends, and to have the special treat of listening to Hand of the Cause, William Sears share his thoughts on the election of the Universal House of Justice and the London Congress. Sunday, August 11, brought L. Caswell Ellis with slides of the World Congress at London and a vivid colorful account of his impressions of that wonderful occasion. The youth of the San Francisco Bay Area presented a panel on the following Sunday, August 18, with the theme of ‘‘Let’s Go Pioneering.’’ Pioneering experiences, a description of early pioneers and quotations from the Baha’i Writings were combined to make a very effective program. An Indian program, held on Sunday, August 25 drew a large crowd of Baha’is and their friends from the area. Thirty-five to forty Indians were guests of the school that day, and shared with the friends some of their crafts, their music and dancing, and their philosophies. Among the tribes represented on that day were Navajo, Pomo, Washoe, Piute, Sioux, Kiowa, Maidu, Chactaw, Seneca and Apache. Among the many interesting guests at the school this year were Dr. and

Mrs. Habib Moyyad of Tehran. Dr. Moyyad was able to share with the friends his many memories of ‘Abdu’l-Baha during the inspirational course each evening. Our good fortune in having with us two of the Hands of the Cause, Zikru’llah Khadem and William Sears has been mentioned previously. During the week of August 11 to August 18, a scholarship was granted to Miss Grace Gitau, of Kenya, East Africa. Miss Gitau, a non-Baha’i, is attending school in this country, and lived with a Bay Area Baha’i family for one year. A special bounty was the presence of Rex and Mary Collison at their home adjoining the campus. They showed slides of Africa and contributed to the program in many other ways.

The Program Committee spent its happiest moments of the summer witnessing the ‘‘spiritual’’? declaration of five adults and two youth. The spirit engendered by these new declarees spilled over the whole campus and added much to the joyousness of the atmosphere.

The Program Committee set up a new disciplinary policy this year, including the enforcement of a ban on smoking by youth under 18 years of age, and a policy of immediate expulsion of students who flagrantly disobeyed the rules governing Geyserville as a ‘‘closed campus,’”’ and governing the schedule adopted by the Committee.

In spite of some difficulties encountered this year with lack of teachers and sometimes lack of students, the Geyserville Program Committee feels that this was a most successful year, and that the goal of making Geyserville into a model Baha’i Community grows nearer and nearer.

SOUTHEASTERN BAHA’i SUMMER SCHOOL

Members: Kathryn Potter, Chairman; Frances Falvey, Corresponding Secretary; Fereydoun Jalali, Recording Sec 19

retary; Ashburn Searcy, Registrar; Jack McCants; Jane McCants; Henry Ginn; Lillian Abercrombie; Malcolm Thomas; Lee Grimsley; Tarazollah Akhavan; Carolyn Fulmer.

The fourth annual Southeastern Baha’i Summer School, held at Penn Community Center, August 25-September 2, was expanded this year to include a Labor-Day week-end session in addition to the regular week’s program.

The theme of the week’s session was: ‘“‘Age of Expansion.’’ The day began with an early morning course

in ‘Prayer and Meditation’’ conducted by Nancy Dobbins. After breakfast Katherine McLaughlin

spoke on ‘‘Administration,’’ followed by a workshop coordinated by AIbert Porter on effective teaching in the South. The afternoons were free for recreation, fellowship, and rest. The evening programs were varied. They included talks on Baha*u’llah and the fulfillment of prophecy, by William Saunders; a pilgrimage to Haifa, by Thelma Allison; the life of Louis Gregory, by Rickie Abercrombie; the life of Lua Getzinger, by Charles Hall; stories of ‘Abdul’l-Baha, by Auxilary Board member Curtis Kelsey, as well as a youth panel, and a musical program ably conducted by Etta Woodlen.

Enthusiastic and competent youth counsellors and children’s teachers provided a full and varied program for the younger dawnbreakers.

‘‘Retrospect-Jubilee-Prospect’’ was the theme of the Labor Day week-end conference. It centered around ‘‘The Covenant,’? Shoghi Effendi’s sacrifices, the fulfillment of the Ten-Year Crusade, evaluation ‘and appreciations of the World Congress, the Home-Front Teaching Program for 1963, and the Challenge of Tomorrow.”’

The school was permeated with an atmosphere of recognition of victories won and confident expectation of greater accomplishments in the immediate future. �