THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Office of the Secretary
GREEN ACRE, SOUTH ELIOT, MAINETo the Baha’is of the United States and Canada.[edit]
Dear Friends in ‘Abdu’l-Baha:
In going over the Assembly lists, to determine which are entitled to representation in the 1926 National Convention, one cannot but remark the lack of decided change in these lists over a considerable period of years. It would seem that the average Assembly some time ago reach a certain point of growth and that it is difficult to leave this point behind. Where only a few believers are engaged in service the natural tendency is to feel that no great measures can be attempted until their numbers have been increased, but this overlooks the fact that the established religions include the great majority of people in every community, and yet little pure spiritual accomplishment can be observed for all that. Neither lack of numbers nor lack of means is any obstacle in this Cause.
One of the American believers received a letter from Dr. Esslemont written at Haifa in April, 1925, which reveals the spiritual factors of growth and progress so clearly that to share this letter now will be a decided help to us all.
"You say that your heart breaks over the doings of the negligent and that you have shed many tears over the apparent want of success attending your efforts to spread the Cause during the last six years. When we feel tempted to grieve over the negligence of others we must learn to turn our thoughts instead towards God. There is a Persian saying which Baha’u’llah quotes to the effect that 'should all the world turn infidel, not one speck of dust would soil the robe of Thy Grandeur.' We are not responsible for the negligence of others. That is a matter between them and God, and God leaves them free to choose whether they will turn to Him and walk in His path, or wander in ways of their own choosing. There is only one life that each of us is responsible for, and that is our own, and that responsibility is quite enough to absorb all our attention and energy if we discharge it properly. Is our own life perfect? Are we reflecting pure and unsullied the Divine Attributes? Have we got rid of the last trace of selfish desire? Have we complete knowledge of the Divine teachings and is our obedience to them flawless? If not, then it is a waste of time for us to be fretting about the dust on other peoples mirrors when we ought instead to be polishing and adjusting our own. 'Why hast thou overlooked thine own faults and art observing the defects of My servants?'
"We must beware of the proselyting spirit, the desire to make 'converts' and to measure our success by the number of converts we make as the Indians in the fighting days used to count the scalps of the enemies they had slain as a measure of their prowess. We must not be discouraged if we seem to fail in making other people Baha’is. Nay, we must cease to try to make Baha’is of others. It is an impossible task. Even Baha’u’llah and the beloved Master could not make their own brothers and sisters Baha’is. God Himself cannot make people Baha’is if they choose otherwise, because He has given them free will and left the choice with them.
"Hence it is useless to argue with people, to keep on urging, upbraiding or remonstrating with them. Baha’u’llah says that if after two or three meetings with a person you fail to influence him it is better to leave him alone. What we must do is to seek out those who are thirsty and give them to drink, to find those who are hungry and feed them with the bread of life. If people have heard the teachings for years, but have not become changed in their lives - are still heedless and without enthusiasm or devotion - then let us turn our attention to others who are more ready for the teachings, who when they hear and are convinced are ready to obey and to sacrifice themselves in the path of the Beloved. 'The wise are they who speak not unless they obtain a hearing.'
"Very often the minds of children are more receptive than those of the grownups. Recently, we had a letter from a friend in Germany, a school teacher, whose health had broken down. He had tried for some years to spread the Cause among grownup people with very discouraging results. Then he turned his attention to the children He found it much easier to interest them and was delighted with the readiness with which they not only learned the teachings but put them into practice. Then through the children he found that the message was winning its way to the hearts of grownups, too.
"If our lives are pure and selfless, if we turn with all our hearts to God and seek to love and serve all His creatures - especially all who are in need, all who are seeking
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of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada
Green Acre, South Eliot Maine. U. S. A. 5 Wheeler Avenue Worcester, Mass. |
for help and guidance - then we need not worry about 'results': we are setting the causes in motion. We are letting our lights shine, reflecting the Divine Light, and there our responsibility ends. The results are in God's hands. They will surely follow whether we can see them immediately or not."
This is the advice of one concerning whom the Guardian has written: "By the beauty of his character, by his knowledge of the Cause, by the conspicuous achievements of his book, he has immortalized his name, and by sheer merit deserved to rank as one of the Hands of the Cause of God."
The searching analysis of our lack of growth, the clearly stated remedy found in the foregoing letter from Dr. Esslemont, more than any of the current undertakings or problems of the Cause, seems to be the most important subject for this letter, and we hope that the friends in all the Assemblies and groups, large and small, and the isolated believers, as well, will not only ponder the letter which has been quoted, but will go over all their individual Baha’i activities and relationships in its light. The essence of the conspicuous Baha’i achievements of that great soul was that Dr. Esslemont was able to relate his heart to God. And if we consider carefully, there can be no true loyalty to the principle, institutions and persons of the Cause until one's heart has been given up to the Divine. It would be well for ourselves, and for the Cause, if during the days of fasting to come we could at last conceive of what this inner spiritual relationship is which makes one a Baha’i. Without it, the largest gathering has no vital power or meaning; with it a few souls can inspire a community or nation with an influx of nobler purpose and higher will. The beloved of God are those in whom the Word taketh effect.
- Yours faithfully,
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
- By: Horace Holley
- Secretary
- By: Horace Holley
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
WORK OF NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]
On January 2nd, the Teaching Committee sent to all Assemblies and groups a Questionnaire designed to bring together the detailed information required for a radimal [sic] extension of the teaching work. We understand that certain assemblies have cooperated enthusiastically with the Teaching Committee in this important effort, and seen in it a long prayed for opportunity to build up a larger local group. In other cases the cooperation has not yet been extended as desired. We feel sure that serious thought will show every Baha’i group, no matter where nor how situated, the advantage of becoming part of an active teaching plan, one station on a circuit of traveling teachers who will be as the renewing spiritual life blood of the Cause. The whole effort is still new and perhaps not as yet thoroughly understand. The fact remains, however, that any Assembly which makes cordial contact with the national teaching plan from the very start will inevitably receive the greatest benefit, for the Teaching Committee must plan its work in accordance with the local conditions.
The National Fund is presented in a detailed report inserted with this News Letter. The friends will note that the Treasurer has included every activity which should be represented, and this form of report will enable the friends to see the condition of the Fund as a whole every three months. It is easy to understand and sympathize with the indifference with which a few believers regard the material side of a Cause they have adopted because of its pure spirituality. If we would keep the balance true, let us refer to the letters of Shoghi Effendi, which are the balance for us all.
The friends throughout the United States and Canada have now received their copy of that printed plan issued by the National Spiritual Assembly in order to unify the efforts and activities and concentrate the resources upon teaching and Temple in such wise as to revitalize the local assemblies and groups while at the same time producing a fund sufficient to build the first permanent unit of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. The long for results seemed to depend upon a consolidation of the various departments of the National Fund into a special three year Budget, for which believer was requested to contribute monthly, according to his means. Recent advices from the Guardian refer to the Budget method in such a way as to leave no doubt that the principle important that the budget principle involved in our program. That is, the individual believer is and must be absolutely free to give for this or that activity at will, and in a measure reflecting his own desire. We therefore would now refer to the "Plan of Unified Action" as being a certain definite method of achieving the goal which the believers can study and associate themselves with it, after matured decision, they feel it helpful to themselves and to the Cause so to do. These is nothing in the principle of voluntary giving which precludes adopting the several suggestions of the Plan by any individual or group.
The Publishing Committee is pleased to make important announcements.
"The Divine Art of Living", that superb compilation made by Mrs. Rabb and published in the "Star of the West" during the War, is now being reprinted by Brentano's to sell in a very attractive book at a moderate cost. The friends can obtain copies through the Baha’i Publishing Committee at $1.25 each, the price to the public through bookstores being $1.50. No Baha’i work at present fills the place of Mrs. Rabb's compilation so carefully chosen from the words of Abdu’l-Baha. It is a spiritual text book for our own study, and an admirable gift book for a non-Baha’i friend.
The Publishing Committee report that the new edition of No. 9 Compilation is selling very rapidly. A special penny edition of this little booklet is now on the press. This consists of about one half the text of the regular "No. 9." printed in a booklet so small that several can be carried in hand bag or vest pocket. The friends should order these at the rate of 100 for $1.00, as it is not feasible to sell them in smaller quantities. They are perfectly legible and on good paper.
The friends will be happy to know that the Publishing Committee has found it possible to reprint Dr. Esslemont's famous booklet "Baha'u'llah and His Message" to [Page 3]
sell at 50 each. This booklet originally sold at 20c, the present low price being due to the large order which has been placed. With these new facilities at hand, it is hoped that Baha’i Assemblies and groups, and individual believers generally, will bestir themselves to place the creative Word in the hands of as many interested friends or well known progressive souls as possible. A book of exceptional interest to all believers, and one to which we should give great prominence locally, is "Comparative Religion and the Religion of the Future" (with illustrative chart) by Alfred W. Martin, Dr. Martin is leader Society for Ethical Culture in New York City, and has frequently associated himself as a friend of the Cause. One chapter of this book is entitled, The Baha’i Movement and Its Mission. It is published by Appleton, New York, but orders may be placed with the Publishing Committee, who will obtain copies for the friends. Address in ordering all the above literature: Baha’i Publishing Committee. P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City.
Those who participated in the Baha’i Summer School at Green Acre last summer received, through Mr. Albert Vail, a most beautiful message of appreciation from the Guardian of the Cause. The first part was written by Dr. Esslemont for Shoghi Effendi: "He was very happy to hear of the success of the school, especially that it has been the means of bringing to light hitherto unsuspected capacities among the friends. . . . The Summer School has been carrying on the divine work of bringing forth jewels from the mine of humanity and it is the hope of Shoghi Effendi and the friends here that those who have been trained in the Summer School will carry on the work in the various localities from which they have come . . ." These words were added by the Guardian: "You are laying a solid foundation upon which the rising rear a mighty and splendid edifice. You are turning your thoughts to what is the most urgent, the most essential, the most vital factor in the spread and the ultimate triumph of the Cause . . ."
It is to be hoped that the friends throughout the country are giving due consideration to Green Acre as the Baha’i center whither all should come who can during the summer months. Details will be given in an early number of the News Letter concerning plans for the coming season. Meanwhile let us appreciate the new and stronger foundation which has come to the efforts of the American friends as the result of the new unity between Green Acre and the National Spiritual Assembly.
One of the distinctive creations at Green Acre last year was the spirit of initiative and unity revealed by the young people. Those at Green Acre between fourteen and thirty years of age came together and formed a temporary organization which the National Spiritual Assembly was delighted to recognize. Baha’i young people throughout the United States and Canada are urged to give particular attention to the following notice prepared by the Green Acre Young People committee:
"This summer at Green Acre a group of young people between the ages of fourteen and thirty came together and decided that the Youth of the Baha’i Cause should become more closely associated. For this purpose we offer for your consideration, the plan, that all the Baha’i Youth between the ages stated band themselves together for the Pexpress purpose of Fellowship and gaining instruction in the Cause of Baha'u'llah and a ‘Abdu’l-Baha organization has been formed to enable the work to be started and there has been a tremendous response and enthusiasm shown by all those who have been asked rn co-operate. The officers are as Chairman, Edris Rice-Wray; Vice Chairman, Rene Hopper; Treasurer, Roger Boyle; Secretaries, George Sargent and Bahiyyih Randall; Foreign Correspondent, Edna Snyder. Will you write to us sending your addresses and those of any young people between the ages stated who are Baha’is. Let us share in your ideas and plans and help us to carry on this work.
"In a personal letter recently received from Haifa, Ruhi Afnan, directed by Shoghi Effendi writes the following: ‘One of the most important seeds in the Cause is the "young men and women who, having the intellectual and spiritual training are ready to enter the field of service and work for the progress of the Cause.'
"Realizing that it will not be long before we will be taking part in the active responsibilities of this great Cause we want to work together now and help each other in the enormous but inspiring duty that lies before us.
"Address all letters to: Bahiyyih Randall, 53 Forest Street, Medford. Massachusetts."
Mr. Charles Mason Remey has issued a general letter to Baha’i Assemblies throughout the world requesting the cooperation of all believers in his effort to collect twelve duplicate copies of general letters and other historical documents bearing on the Cause. The plan is to preserve one complete file of this material in the American National Baha’i Archives, and donate the remaining eleven files to the larger Assemblies in the United States and Canada. He requests the local secretaries and also members of National committees to send him twelve duplicate copies of each Tablet, pamphlet, leaflet, booklet, announcement, article and circular letter published under official Baha’i auspices, in order that these may be made available as valuable records to the future believers. This intention is extremely commendable, and the friends are urged to assist. The twelve duplicate copies of any Baha’i document are to be mailed to Mr. Remey's permanent address, P. O. Box 1310, Washington, D. C.
In connection with this special request, let us bear in mind the vital matter of preserving in the Archives such precious Baha’i treasures as originals of Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Baha. If any believer is unwilling to part with an original Tablet, he should at least send to the Archives Committee a translation of the Tablet attested genuine by the secretary of his Spiritual Assembly or other responsible authority. Where this is not done, that particular message from the Master cannot be included in the next volume of printed Tablets- a loss most seriously to be deplored.
Two numbers of the Baha’i Magazine, Star of the West, have been published since the last News Letter was sent to press.
The December, 1925 issue contains a compilation from words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha entitled "The Light Within the Lantern." a noble and moving presentation of the true Christmas theme. The contributed articles include: A Movement of Progress, by Dr. Orrol L. Harper; Many Mansions, by Keith Ransom-Kehler; The Child of Peace, by Shanaz Waite; The Christ Spirit in Boy Scout Training, by Christine French; The Divine Center Essential fo Peace, by Teikichi Satow; and Woman and Social Life in Persia, by Ghodsea Ashraf.
With the January, 1926 number, the Star of the West enters upon a new phase of development. This number was printed and pub[Page 4]
lished from Washington, D. C. under the business management of Mr. Allen McDaniel. The friends are requested to note that the new address is Baha’i News Service. 706 Otis Building, Washington. D. C. By this change, the editorial and business departments of the Star are now linked together more closely than has been possible for the past two years. The gratitude of the friends is due Mrs. Elizabeth Herlitz of Chicago, for her unstinted and effective service as business manager during that period of time. Following the plans laid down by Miss Edna True. Mrs. Herlitz has greatly enlarged the means of cooperation between the magazine and the local Assemblies. The friends one and all are requested to consider afresh the desirability of subscribing regularly to the Star, and in addition to place special five months' introductory subscriptions for inquirers and friends. These subscriptions can be obtained at one dollar each. If it had been our lot to live in Persia, where the mere possession of Baha’i literature frequently meant great personal danger, the literature would possess so deep a spiritual value for us that no reminder of the need for subscribing to the one recognized magazine of the Cause in this country would be required. But spiritual sacrifice is equally possible in the West, and where this exists a true loyalty to the Star is surely felt.
The January issue contains another the remarkable compilations from words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha which have been appearing this past year. It is entitled “The Kingdom of God." Other articles are: The Divine Community, by Mary Hanford Ford; The Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, by Corinne True; World Peace and a World Speech, by Henry W. Hetzel; A Glimpse of the Baha’i Movement and Esperanto, by Martha Root; Differences Between Eastern and Western Civilizations, by Professor Masaharu Anesaki; and The Sacrifice of Major Imbrie, by Dr. Susan I. Moody. This last contribution is accompanied by a photograph of the noble spirit whose revealed to millions in this country something of the sufferings undergone by Persian Baha’is for over seventy years.
NATIONAL BAHA'I CONVENTION AND CONGRESS.[edit]
A special letter is being issued by the National Spiritual Assembly to all duly organized local Assemblies, informing them of the details of the forthcoming National Convention, with particular reference to the new situation resulting from the recent instruction of Shoghi Effendi that delegates unable to attend the Convention in person can vote for members of the incoming National Spiritual Assembly by mail.
For the information of the friends generally, the new method will be briefly described. By permitting mail votes, the Guardian obviates anything approaching a system of proxy or even substitute delegates, and places the responsibility of elections upon the original choice of the Assemblies for delegates. This instruction emphasizes the need to select delegates upon the basis of their inherent qualifications and usefulness. The National Spiritual Assembly has decided to eliminate the practice of giving a vote to the regional Teaching Chairmen, as well as that of electing alternates or appointing proxies for the local delegates. Shoghi Effendi has stated that the American Convention should be made up of ninety-five delegates, these to be elected locally on a proportional basis to the numerical strength of the Assembly. The participating Assemblies, with their respective representation, will this year be as follows:
- ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . DELEGATES
- Montreal, Canada . . . . . . . . .3
- Berkeley, Calif . . . . . . . . . . .1
- Geyserville, Calif . . . . . . . . .2
- Glendale, Calif . . . . . . . .. . .1
- Los Angeles, Calif . . . . . . . .5
- San Francisco, Calif . . . . . .4
- Oakland, Calif . . . . . . . . . .2
- Pasadena, Calif . . . . . . . . .2
- Visalia, Calif . . . . . . . . . . .1
- Denver, Colo . . . . . . . . . . .1
- New Haven, Conn . . .. . . . .1
- Washington, D. C . . . . . . . .5
- Miami, Fla . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
- Augusta, Ga . . . . . . . . . . .1
- Honolulu, H. I. . . . . . . . . .2
- Chicago, Ill . . . . . . . . .. .10
- Urbana, Ill . . . . . . . . . . . .2
- Eliot, Maine . . . . . . . . . . .1
- Baltimore, Md . . . . . . . . .2
- Boston, Mass . . . . . . . . .4
- Springfield, Mass . . . . . . . . .1
- Worcester, Mass . . . . . . . . .1
- Detroit, Mich . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
- Muskegon, Mich . . . . . . . . .1
- Duluth, Minn . . . . . . . . .1
- Minneapolis, Minn . . . . . . . . .2
- Helena, Mont . . . . . . . . .1
- Newark, N. J. . . . . . . . . .2
- Buffalo, N. Y. . . . . . . . . .2
- New York, N. Y. . . . . . . . . .2
- Yonkers, N. Y. . . . . . . . . .10
- Akron, Ohio . . . . . . . . .2
- Cleveland, Ohio . . . . . . . . .2
- Cincinnati, Ohio . . . . . . . . .1
- Portland, Ore . . . . . . . . .2
- Philadelphia, Pa . . . . . . . . .3
- Pittsburgh, Pa . . . . . . . . .1
- Seattle, Wash . . . . . . . . .3
- Kenosha, Wis . . . . . . . . .2
- Milwaukee, Wis . . . . . . . . .1
- Racine, Wis . . . . . . . . .1
Provision has been made for the first ballot of absent delegates to he sent to the Convention by mail. and the result of the first and succeeding ballots will be telegraphed to each participating Assembly where one or more delegates could not attend the Convention, and absent delegates are to ballot by telegram for such members of the National Spiritual Assembly as were not elected on the first ballot, until by this exchange of telegrams the election of nine members has been completed.
Since the Guardian has advised that alternate members of the National Spiritual Assembly cannot vote in its deliberations, and furthermore that absent delegates can vote only for the nine original members of the National Spiritual Assembly, it has seemed best to discard the practice of electing nine alternate members at the Convention, and fill temporary vacancies on the National Spiritual from the entire delegate list during the year. It will be recalled that in the letter written to the Convention at Green Acre. the Guardian; emphasized the importance of the delegates as a body of consultation to remain in unity with the members of the National Spiritual Assembly during their term of office.
Baha’i groups of less than nine members, or groups not having a duly elected Spiritual Assembly recognized by the National Spiritual are not entitled to representation at the Convention. Such groups are urged to redouble their efforts next year, so that they may enter into the unity of the organized Baha’i work.
All American believers who plan in attend the Convention, whether as delegates or visitors. are requested to notify the National Secretary at the earliest possible work out special traveling arrangements. Further details will be published in the next News Letter.
The first Convention session will be called at Whitcomb Hotel, San Francisco. Thursday, April 29, at 2.00 p. m. The Feast of Ridwan will be held Thursday evening. All Congress (public) sessions will be[Page 5]
held in the Palace Hotel. Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. The National Spiritual Assembly has joyously accepted the suggestion of the San Francisco Assembly that this Congress be a series of Conferences on World Unity, following the notable achievement of the Conferences initiated by members of the San Francisco Assembly last spring. It is confidently expected that the Congress sessions this year will raise a new and higher standard of spiritual penetration, magnanimity of out.look, and range of true Baha’i influence.
NEWS OF THE CAUSE[edit]
Several American believers have made the pilgrimage to Haifa this winter. Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, Mrs. Victoria Bedekian, and Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, Miss Marion Jack sailed for Italy during January to serve with Mrs. Imogene Hoagg in Florence.
The current issue of the magazine. The New Orient. contains an article entitled “Persia Lights it Lamp: The Mind of ‘Abdu’l-Baha," and the frontispiece of this issue is a reproduction of a portrait of the Master. The New Orient is a quarterly founded to interpret the East and West. Among its contributors are Tagore, Gandhi, H. G. Wells, Hon. Bertrand Russell, Romaine Rolland, Papini and Paul Richard. Copies of this number may be obtained from Baha’i Publishing Committee.
The Chicago Assembly have moved their headquarters to Suite 102, Chicago Clark Building, where they occupy two large rooms on the ground floor. These rooms have the advantage of large windows giving upon the street. and the friends plan to use them for the display of the literature and also illustrations of the Temple design. Public meetings are held on Wednesdays and Sundays, Friday evenings are devoted to a spiritual meeting for the believers. on Thursdays those newly attracted to the Cause exchange views and perfect themselves in the art. of giving the message, and the children meet regularly on Saturday afternoon. Among the new plans of the Chicago Assembly is the organization of a Baha’i lending library open to the public. The address of the secretary of the Chicago Spiritual Assembly was wrongly given in the last News Letter. It should he Jessie B. Hall, Secretary, 6521 South Marshfield Avenue, Chicago, Ill. Will secretaries please correct this on their Baha’i Directories.
Another error has been called to our attention. The correct address of Jinabi Fadil is c/o Mirza Ghoiam Ali Davaforouch, Rue Nasserieh, Teheran, Persia.
The following cablegram was received from the Guardian on December 28: “America's spontaneous, generous response has safeguarded Shrines’ surroundings. Grateful appreciation. Assure friends.” Signed. Shoghi. In the Treasurer’s report enclosed with this copy of the News Letter the sum of $9806 is given as the amount sent to Haifa in response to the Guardian’s appeal for the purchase of land on Mount Carmel. This sum, however, represents only that which passed directly through the hands of the National Treasurer. It is believed that the total amount sent from the United States and Canada. or pledged, is actually about $20,000. The friends responded in such a way as to leave no room for doubt that the spirit and also the means of generous giving, exists in this country, and will manifest itself when the need is made perfectly clear. Let us rejoice at the privilege of having been able to join with Baha’is of all other countries in this permanent service to the Cause.
Mention has been made of the Central States Baha’i Teaching Convention held in Foundation Hall of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar November last. This Convention has vastly increased its usefulness and influence by publishing a detailed report. drawn up by an elected committee of the Convention composed of Howard J. Snider, Chairman: Bertha H. Kirkpatrick. Corinne True, Albert Vail and Margaret Ioas Ullrich.
Their report is not merely a. summary of the meetings and activities of the Convention, but also a constructive presentation of many general facts and principles which can be studied usefully by any believer endeavoring to increase his teaching effort. The Central States Assemblies have shown the way to a new and better method of following up regional teaching conventions, and it is to be hoped that copies of this report, can be sent by the committee to each Assembly secretary in the United States and Canada. The method should be studied by each regional chairman with a view to applying the same new principle elsewhere.
The Assemblies of Spokane, Racine, Duluth, Yonkers, Santa Barbara, Geneva, St. John and Visalia were among the first to respond to the Questionaire recently sent out by the National Teaching Committee. Not the least advantage of cooperating in such a general teaching effort is that it compels each local Spiritual Assembly to make a new and more careful analysis of its own problems and opportunities. Not until a group knows its own limitations can real progress he made. Not the limitations themselves, but continued satisfaction with them, is the essential obstacle we should endeavor to overcome. The limitations can only be removed by God.
The eighteenth month of the Baha’i year (Mulk-"Dominion") begins on February 7; the Intercalary Days fall in the period between February 26 and March 1, after which begins the month of Ola or “Loftiness"—the month of fasting. The next of the great Baha’i anniversary dates is March 21, the Feast of Naurooz, held in celebration of the astronomical and spiritual New Year.
Herr Adolph Fontana of Graz. Austria, sends to all the American believers a loving greeting in behalf of the newly formed Baha’i group in that city. This message was sent through Mrs. Louise Gregory, by whose efforts the group was attracted to special letter has recently been sent to the group by the Guardian, also through Mrs. Gregory, Shoghi Effendi is desirous that Mrs. Gregory, or some other believer, shall continue the teaching work she established in Graz. Vienna and Budapest.
Mr. and Mrs. George Spitz from Tahiti have been guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Bosch at Geyserville, California. The good news has come that these inquirers have accepted the Abha Faith, adding precious seeds to those already sown in those far off islands of the sea. Mrs. Bosch requests Assembly secretaries to change the South Sea Island address from Miss Ariane Drollet to Mr. Ernst Marchal. Papeete. Tahiti, Society Islands.
Newspapers of San Francisco gave cordial publicity to the Baha’i Bazaar held by the San Francisco Assembly on December 4 and 5. This Bazaar was organized as a means of contributing to the Temple Fund, which gave opportunity to explain the significance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar to many visitors, as well as adding to the fund. The possibilities of Assembly action along these lines are many and interesting, but care is needed[Page 6]
lest we give the impression that the Baha’i Cause employs methods of the established religions frequently criticized by the general public.
Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford of New York was the guest of the Washington. D. C. Assembly from December 16 to 21, during which time she spoke at two public meetings and a group meeting in the home of Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. Ford's capacity and gifts were greatly appreciated by the friends of Washington. The subject of Mrs. Ford's address in the Playhouse Sunday evening, December 20, was "Alive in Both World."
The Santa Barbara group have sent through Mrs. Wagner an enthusiastic account of a teaching trip made by Mrs. Shanaz Waite to Santa Paula and Santa Barbara. Mrs. Waite’s eloquent addresses satisfied both the mind and the heart, and left spiritual fragrance which creates longing for more of the Baha’i message. The Santa Barbara group hope before long to announce the organization of a duly elected Spiritual Assembly.
The Kenosha Assembly report the completion often public meetings which have served to stimulate new interest in the Cause. The program was Corinne True and Mr. Albert Vail, other speakers being Miss Alma Knobloch, Mr. Arthur Agnew, Mr. Albert Windust, Mrs. Robert Moifett, Mrs. Walrath, Mrs. Ullrich and Dr. Zia Bagdadi, all being members of the Chicago Assembly. So successful was this series that another program was immediately arranged, and the Spiritual Assembly of Kenosha feel that the foundation of growth and progress has been firmly laid.
On January 10 the Spiritual Assembly of Pasadena issued its first circular letter to the Baha’i Assemblies of East and West. The letter expressed most beautifully the spirit of unity felt for the distant believers whom they have heard but never seen, and contained a brief but graphic statement of local activities and conditions. Thus the circle of communication is constantly becoming wider, and it is to be hoped that each Assembly will make the matter of inter-Assembly communication a subject of active consideration. Where, save in a Baha’i gathering, can one hear letters from people of all races, creeds and nationalities, filled with one love and one fellowship? Perhaps at this dawning hour of unmistakable power behind the Cause the American friends have no single objective proof of the universality of the Cause so striking as these general letters. It is suggested that local Spiritual Assemblies consider the possibility of bringing the receipt of so many letters of fellowship and unity to the attention of the local press as an unusual “human interest” story. We feel sure that the matter can be presented in such a way as to interest the editor, with the result that the public can become acquainted with this unique spiritual achievement. If any Assembly adopts this suggestion, clippings and also some account of the results should he sent to the National Secretary.
Mention has on more than one occasion been made in these pages of the unique public meetings arranged under the auspices of the Fellowship of Faiths. Another large gathering was held in Old South Meeting House, Boston, on Monday, January 4. The subject was “Tributes to Judaism,” and Mirza Ali Kuli Khan brilliantly expounded the Baha’i attitude toward this divine religion. The subject “Peace and Brotherhood" was discussed by representatives the World's Great Religions at Bronx Free Fellowship, New York City, on Sunday, January 31. the Baha’i representative on this program being Mrs. Hanford Ford. Tributes to Hinduism were paid by representative of eleven religious faiths in Labor Temple, New York City on January 23, Mrs. Ford also delivered the Baha’i address at this meeting. The this movement for religious unity and peace is an expression of the universal Baha’i spirit freely offered all who arise to serve humanity in this age. It is a model of public effort the believers themselves might well have put forth, and might now seek to imitate both in spirit and method, in other cities.
The Geneva Assembly dedicated a new “Pilgrim House” during the Thanksgiving week-end, guests at the festivities being Mother Beecher, Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Ober and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ives. A cordial invitation is extended by the Geneva Assembly to traveling Baha’i teachers to share the hospitality of their Pilgrim House.
Mr. W. H. Randall of the Boston Assembly recently received this inspiring message from Shoghi Effendi: “I feel that you are pursuing a work which will surely unfold to the eyes the power and glory of the Baha’i Faith. You are holding fast to the essential and discarding that which is only secondary in importance. The work of teaching is of paramount importance, far transcending any other activities the friends are engaged in.”
A member of the National Spiritual Assembly has received this word from Ruhi Afnan: “Shoghi Effendi is very gratified at the quick response of the American friends in sending help to safeguard the surroundings of the Shrine. . . . We hope that the friends once aroused will begin to show their spirit of sacrifice and finance those undertakings which remain before them. It is undoubtedly very unfortunate that the Cause of God, which is so spiritual both in origin and teachings, should stand so much in need of material help, but so is the way of the world; we have to conform to it even though we detest it.”
Space is lacking this month to relate the truly extraordinary spiritual victories which have been won through the sacrificing efforts of Mr. Louis Gregory in Florida this winter. This inspiring story must be deferred. Meanwhile it is a matter of extreme gratification to record the organization of a Spiritual Assembly at Miami, and secretaries should add the name of Mrs. Olive E. Ketz, Secretary, 103 N. E. 21st. Street, Miami, Florida, to their Directory. It is hoped that the friends can welcome a delegate from the Miami Assembly at the forthcoming National Convention. Many new forces are working for the Cause in Florida this year. Mrs. Louise Boyle, teaching chairman of the Southern States region, is spending the winter in Florida in close touch with all phases of the work. Dr. Alain Locke of Washington, D. C., who delivered one of the notable addresses at the 1925 Convention in Green Acre, is now making an extensive teaching journey into the Southern States which will bring him in touch with most influential audiences and individuals. Reports of this journey will be published from time to time.
The Los Angeles Assembly on February 9th held the first of a series of “International and Interracial Evenings” for the benefit of the Temple. The first meeting was dedicated to the North American Indian, and was held in the Auditorium of the Philanthropy and Civics Club. This project most happily combines the spiritual with the material obligations of the Cause, and on such a broad[Page 7]
foundation a great superstructure of enduring service can be raised. It should be made clear to all local secretaries that while the personal address of Mrs. Shanaz Waite was given in the Directory as Hollywood, she holds the position of secretary of the Los Angeles Assembly.
Secretaries are requested to remove the name of Kate McLaughlin from the Australia list, and substitute that of Mrs. P. M. Almond, Box 420, G. P. 0., Adelaide, South Australia.
The Buffalo Assembly reports with enthusiasm of the results of the recent visit of Mirza Ali Kuli Khan. On very short notice the Buffalo friends were able to arrange special meetings for Mr. Khan at the Buffalo Art Club Saturday evening, January 16, and at the Forum of the Church of the Messiah on Sunday morning, as well as at the regular public meeting of the Assembly Sunday evening. The audience at each meeting was unusually large, and the addresses produced decided spiritual effect. Among the Baha’is themselves this visit has brought new vision and desire to serve, while greatly: extending the circle of Baha’i influence in the community.
REPORT FROM CANADIAN REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
Beloved friends:—
Since we are all linked together and in the closest communication of thought through our national and international organ, the Baha'i News Letter, it is our privilege to share with one another experiences in the field of teaching which tend to the progress of the Cause.
Shoghi Effendi said that wherever a certain type of work had proved successful in any centre others should emulate it and that through this interchange of experience and activity the work of teaching would become universally strengthened.
In visiting the Boston Assembly some five or six weeks ago I was inspired by the work being done there and its far reaching results. Mr. Randall and other members of the Boston Assembly have worked out a beautiful little program each month and their plan has been to invite, at their regular Sunday meeting, some speaker connected with some group in their city akin in aim and spirit to the Baha'i cause. This achieves a double purpose, that of affiliating the Baha’is with other men of thought and progress, fulfilling the words of Baha’u’llah, “associate with all the people of the world with joy and fragrance,” and also of ever widening the sphere of influence and penetration of the blessed teachings.
In conformity: with the instructions of Abdul Baha, a Baha'i chairman always presides. who in a wise constructive spirit correlates the address of the speaker and his thought with the standard of truth of the Word of God. Mr. Randall would be better able himself to share with all the friends his experience in this wider branch of work. and also other means which have attracted the hearts. I only touch upon it because through the encouragement and confirmations of Shoghi Effendi regarding a wider mode of approach and effort to reach those people of capacity and influence we felt encouraged to invite the young leader of the Fellowship of Youth for Peace, to Montreal, and the results have so far exceeded our utmost hopes that I am moved to share them with you.
You are all familiar with the hundreds and even thousands of Tablets of Baha’u’llah and Abdul Baha relating to the Most Great Peace, their utterance like a flaming sword is consuming the veils of darkness and separation, the long night of enmity and strife, and leading the world rapidly forward to the consummation of the hope of the Ages when “war shall be destroyed from the face of the earth and the Most Great. Peace shall come."
Such words as "“The ideals of Peace must be nurtured and spread among the inhabitants of the world, they must be instructed in the school of Peace and the evils of war.” . . . “By general agreement all the governments of the world must disarm simultaneously. . . The nations of the world must concur with each other concerning this supremely important subject, thus they may abandon together the deadly weapons of human slaughter.” “The solving of these international problems depends upon the increase of the number of the lovers of peace, thus those are devoted to the greater friendships of nations may add to their power the public opinion which revolves around the peace of the world. Then, through the power administration of the people of peace and reconciliation all the nations will be forced to accept the doctrine of Peace."
In another Tablet these significant words, "These revered souls who are the servants of the world and humanity and the promoters of the cause of universal peace shall ere long shine like brilliant stars from the horizon of mankind, flooding the regions with their glorious light."
Realizing as we all do, this critical hour in the destinies for world peace and in the moulding of the standards of the League of Nations. I am sure that we are all seeking a deeper and more far reaching penetration of the Cause of God which alone can bring peace on earth and all those affiliations with those “advocates of Peace" everywhere who are working arduously shoulder to shoulder with us, inspired by a similar aim yet unguided by that Divine Wisdom which alone can bring all these efforts to a successful culmination.
Therefore, I wrote to Shoghi Effendi concerning this closer affiliation with other groups who like great tributaries to the Cause seem to offer wide channels through which our efforts might flow, and he replied as follows, through his Secretary: “Our principal duty is undoubtedly to teach the Cause and help in the administration of its affairs. But that is not the only one. The Cause will not attain its aim and order in the great reign of peace unless its principles are put into practice. We have to assist the different movements which have progressive ideas and are striving for an aim similar to ours.
“We have to help every such society even it‘ it is merely to abolish the prejudice and ill feeling which prevails between the English and French inhabitants of Canada (I had written him on this subject). Provided always that we do not entangle the Cause in political issues and party affiliations. Shoghi Effendi shall look with approval on any such activities the Baha’is may interest themselves in except should that mean diminished interest in the affairs of the Cause and its direct needs."
How significant is this army of youth, which has mobilized itself all over the world simultaneously with the transition of the Cause to this new phase headed by its youthful Guardian.
Throughout Europe, in China, India and Japan, in England and America, spreading now into Canada this springtime of humanity, this army of youth with their backs resolutely set against the dark ages of war facing the dawn of the new age of Peace.
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Mr. Harrison came Montreal at a most unfavorable season because Canadians give themselves whole heartedly to festivities, nevertheless, although a few days before his arrival there had been only one opening for him to address a large audience at the Unitarian Church, yet by that miraculous power which surrounds all efforts for peace, he made nine public addresses to different groups during the five days of his visit.
There is a certain conventional distrust of these direct efforts for peace, yet Mr. Harrison by his moderation and sense of justice, his impassioned fervour and dedication to this noble cause, combined with his gifted utterances won every audience to him, and as most of his talks were addressed to the youth of the city, Y. M. C. A. and McGill students, boy and girls High Schools and public Forums he inspired a sufficient number with enthusiasm to start a branch of the Fellowship of Youth for Peace in Canada.
On Sunday night, Mr. Harrison in a simple black robe of the Church. where ‘Abdu’l-Baha spoke in 1912 mounted the pulpit and delivered a most penetrative, searching and profoundly moving address. The church was crowded as on the day when the Master spoke there in 1912, and we felt that His creative and prophetic utterance had found an echo that night in this young leader, and the fulfillment of his promise, “the nucleus of the new race is forming” and “after this great war the advocates of peace shall greatly-increase and shall shine forth as the stars of heaven.”
The fact that Mr. Harrison did not appear publicly under the direct auspices of the Baha’is brought in spontaneous tribute from those groups with whom we worked in which they stated that the Baha’is with exemplary modesty and self-sacrifice had kept themselves in the background although it was entirely their efforts and cooperation that Mr. Harrison had come to Montreal. It seems to me that it is by this approach of brotherhood and equality that we shall attract and win confidence.
Not only have we contacted in the most friendly and intimate way with groups with whom a direct Baha’i approach would have been impossible owing to the extreme conservatism of Canadians, but we have formed many budding friendships which in time through loving association will bear fruits in the garden of unity planted by Baha’u’llah. Moreover we have now been enabled through these meetings to invite prominent clergymen and men of science and letters to speak to the Baha’is on their own platform at their regular public meeting on Sunday afternoons.
Many of us I am sure are realizing ever more fully that the time for proselytising has passed and that only by establishing a human bond with a fellow being nurtured by a spiritual life lived under the direct rays of the Sun of Truth, a life of intense activity, service and self-sacrifice, the dim reflection of the life of the Guardian, can we ever hope again to resuscitate souls and make firm in the Cause of God.
With loving and cordial greetings to all the friends,
- Faithfully yours,
- HELEN GRAND,
- SIEGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER,
- Regional Committee for Canada.
IN MEMORIAM.[edit]
Mary J. Porter of Philadelphia. Pa., passed away on December 7th, 1925, at the age of 95. ‘While Mrs. Porter was not a declared Baha’i she was the mother and grandmother of a number of well known Baha’is. The Blessed Perfection has said that where there is one Baha’i in a family that will bless seven past generations and seven generations to come.
Her daughter, Mrs. Anna E. McKinney, received the blessed Message through Mrs. A. M. Bryand and Mr. Thornton Chase in Denver in 1903. So great was her joy and assurance in the Cause that as soon as she could close out her business affairs she, with her two daughters, who had also become Baha’i, came east to bring the Glad Tidings to her family. In the course of time her sister, Mrs. Mary J. Revell accepted, and she and her family have since then been faithful workers in the Cause. Undoubtedly the sterling qualities of Mrs. Porter were transmitted to her descendants.
In 1912 when ‘Abdul’-Baha was in Philadelphia, He spoke at Dr. Conwell’s church, the Baptist Temple. Mrs. Porter, than 82 years of age was present. ‘Abdul’-Baha was very tired, but he stood greeting and shaking hands with the people. When Mrs. Porter arrived before Him in the long line He took her hand, pronounced a blessing, then turned and left the church. He had waited for her then. Now she knows the reality of that blessed presence.
On the morning of December 24th,1925, the friends in Washington sorrowfully learned of the sudden passing of Miss Ruth Fuhrman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fuhrman, and sister of Mrs. Elsie Fuhrman Cook and Edward Fuhrman, Jr. Ruth had been more or less frail for some time, due to pernicious aenemia, but the final dissolution was sudden and entirely unexpected.
The family became Baha’is twenty years ago when Ruth was but six years of age, and they developed through the pure utterances of God, and advanced in the Cause as one soul. A united loyal family, much honored and beloved for their sincerity and devotion to the Cause, always faithful followers of the Light.
In these recent years she had been particularly active in the local Junior Baha’i group. How kind she was! What a devoted sister to the young people! Always impartial, loving all, and serving all alike. She had been rather frail for some weeks, but many times forced herself to go to the Junior class on Sunday mornings. The last time she attended she was so tired and her heart was so weak, that she had to rest on each step leading to the class room. The “candle was weeping its life away drop by drop” even then.
The funeral service held at the Fuhrman residence was conducted by Mr. Allen B. McDaniel. A very large majority of the friends in Washington were in attendance, as well as many outside of the Cause from among the Jews, Catholics, Christian Scientists and others. And again at the cemetery the service was continued with the reading of the Holy Words of God.
“We cannot realize in this world the Bounty of God, nor can we appreciate His love. But in the next world we can do so.” And again He said to one of the friends: “Be not grieved at the death of thy dear daughter. That divine bird flew away to the rose garden of the Merciful, and that plant of humanity hastened to the garden of the Kingdom of El Ahha. That drop returned to the Most Great Sea and that ray betook herself to the Most Great Orb. Be happy and thankful, because thou wilt see her shining in the Divine Kingdom and wilt find her as a lamp amid an assembly in the spiritual heaven."
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In a letter written to the National Spiritual Assembly dated January 10, 1926, Shoghi Effendi made the following reference to the National Fund: “In connection with the institution of the National Fund and the budgetary system set forth in the minutes of the National Spiritual Assembly, I feel urged to remind you of the necessity of ever bearing in mind the cardinal principle that all contributions to the Fund are to be purely and strictly voluntary in character. It should be made clear and evident to every one that any form of compulsion, however slight and indirect, strikes at the very root of the principle underlying the formation of the Fund ever since its inception. While appeals of a general character, carefully worded and moving and dignified in tone are welcome under all circumstances, it should be left entirely to the discretion of every conscientious believer to decide upon the nature, the amount, and purpose of his or her contribution for the propagation of the Cause.”
This explicit statement makes it necessary to reconsider the position taken by the National Spiritual Assembly in drawing up the ‘Plan of Unified Action’ recently issued to all the believers in printed form. We wish to make it perfectly clear that if, in our desire to place the material affairs of the Cause upon a sound basis, we advanced a budget plan which contravenes the principle of voluntary action, the spirit of our intention was not all to bring compulsion upon any of the friends, but rather to hold aloft a standard of definite accomplishment in which the conscientious believers were invited to participate.
Voluntary action is the cardinal principle of the National Fund because it is the cardinal principle of all spiritual allegiance. The Bahá’ís are those who have voluntarily elected to turn to the Manifestation in this day, and devote themselves to the divine cause of the oneness of mankind. If the whole world called itself “Bahá’í” in one hour, but the souls did not rise to the condition of voluntary action and conscious faith, the result would be a disaster rather than a triumph for the Cause.
The presentation of the financial needs to the friends from time to time is an unavoidable obligation laid upon the members of the National Spiritual Assembly, and a task which frequently would become onerous and difficult if the members did not feel a vital, ever[Page 10]
renewed faith in all the principles and institutions of the Bahá’í Religion as well as in its spiritual foundation in the will of God. That faith alone is able to reconcile the spirit of devotion with the need of efficiency in all material transactions of the Cause. The Bahá’í is rounded and complete—neither one of mysticism alone nor of material progress alone. As we enter into and realize that new conception of life, we tend to become faithful throughout the whole circle of self-sacrifice—first the giving up of the heart, then of opinion, then of material means. If that circle is broken at any point, we may be sure that the center has never really been established.
It is for us all—all who regard themselves as Bahá’ís or who desire to become Bahá’í to ponder the inner and outer habits of our daily lives in the light of this Revelation, and to determine how far it lies in our capacity to approach the perfect standard of the Exemplar, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
The National Fund is a recognized institution of the Cause, and not a mere project of the National Spiritual Assembly. There is no compulsion laid upon any soul to support this institution, but there is no real compulsion to be faithful to the principle of daily prayer nor of meditating upon the significance of the Creative Word. All these principles and institutions are privileges the more precious and beautiful in that they are universal stations of spiritual progress laid down for souls in this new cycle, that when complete understanding has been attained by a sufficient number of people, existence can be renewed. The measure of Bahá’í loyalty is our understanding of the laws of the Kingdom, and our perception of their perfect operation, in this world of apparent chaos and triumphant evil.
While emphasizing again the principle of voluntary action with regard to the National Fund, the “Plan of Unified Action” may well be studied by every conscientious believer as a more complete and definite statement of all the conditions of the Cause in America than has ever previously been made, and as a goal of desirable achievement which surely corresponds to the hopes and ideals of the friends. The principle of voluntary action is most fruitful when it allies itself with the principle of unified effort, and the highest expression of the individual will is to associate itself with other wills for a mutual end.
It is therefore as a suggested mutual end—as a unifying force for all who seek a unifying force that the National Spiritual Assembly would request the believers of the United States and Canada to study and understand the printed plan. We appreciate with all our hearts the fact that many most anxious to contribute are in no position to donate a sum approaching nine dollars a month. But this should cause no grief nor even regret, for those who contribute truly according to their means give all, even though they give but nine cents.
The Cause in North America has never been purified nor stimulated by blood sacrifice. In the providence of God it may never be called upon to tread that path. But other forms of sacrifice are greater—and these greater forms of sacrifice surround us on every hand, interpenetrate our lives, and day by day invoke us to higher and nobler service. In the end, the Cause will surely be purified and stimulated by these forms of sacrifice in those countries where no drop of Bahá’í blood is ever shed.
The National Spiritual Assembly feels that the first requisite of stability and progress in our unified action is a general understanding of the current financial needs, and that the next requisite is for each believer to determine his or her own standard of giving. Your elected representatives can but present the facts and suggest a solution. The results are in the hands of Cod.
NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND
Maintained by voluntary contributions made, as directed by Shoghi Effendi, to the National Treasurer and expended under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly. Assemblies and individuals are requested to send regular monthly contributions to National Bahá’í Fund, in care of Mrs. Florence Morton, 5 Wheeler Avenue, Worcester, Mass.
Report No. 10—From October 1 to December 31, 1925.
RECEIPTS. Temple Central Oct. 1, Balance on hand $1,965.42 $574.67 Oct. 31, contributions for the month 268.75 1,713.30 Nov. 30, contributions for the month 700.97 1,274.15 Dec. 31, contributions for the month 1,627.00 2,560.05 __________ _________ Total for Quarter, Balance and Receipts $4,562.14 $6,124.17 PAYMENTS. Temple— Temple Custodian, 13 weeks @ $30.00 $390.00 Mr. Bourgeois, on account of contract, 3 months 750.00 On account of contract, Temple Keeper’s House 2,000.00 Collector, Village of Wilmette, assessment for street lighting improvements Temple property 308.87 Grier Press, Temple Reports sent to all Bahá’ís 444.31 Central— Teachers’ expenses 3 months 825.00 International Bahá’í Fund, 3 months 380.00 Secretary’s expenses, 3 months @ $300.00 900.00 Secretary’s office expenses, 3 months 538.45 National Convention, stenographer’s supplies 10.12 Frost Bros., printing 134.61 A. Colish, treasurer’s receipt books 29.50 N.S.A. Travelling expenses, 3 months 438.91 1925 Green Acre Taxes, special contribution 483.95 “Star” office rent, 3 months 67.50 “Star” Publication, August and September 702.42 Exchange on Canadian checks, 8 checks 2.60 Exchange on Foreign Draft, Carmel Fund 14.68 Protest on check, bank charge 2.48 __________ _________ Total Cash paid for Quarter $3,893.18 $4,530.22 Dec. 31, Balance on hand $668.96 $1,593.95
NOTES. $1500.00 of Central Fund specially contributed for teaching. “The Star” and “The Bahá’í News” are accounted as part of the Teaching division. Secretary’s office expenses are for supplies, stamps, stationery, printing “The Bahá’í News”, multigraphing and printing, rent, telephone and electricity, cables, and telegrams. Draft for $5,674.00 sent to Shoghi Effendi for the purchase of land on Mt. Carmel, amount received to date. ________________________________________ MOUNT CARMEL FUND Special Contributions. RECEIVED. 1925 Nov. 30, gifts received $200.00 Dec. 31, gifts received 5,932.75 1926 Jan. 3, gifts received 2,500.00 Jan. 31, gifts received 1,173.25 __________ Total received $9.806.00 DRAFTS SENT TO SHOGHI EFFENDI. 1926 Dec. 28, N.Y. draft $5,674.00 Dec. 28, N.Y. draft expense 14.68 1926 Jan. 3, N.Y. draft 500.00 Jan. 3, N.Y. draft 2,500.00 _________ $8,688.68 Total amount paid $8,688.68 __________ Feb. 1, amount to be sent to Shoghi Effendi $1,117.32 Feb. 8, N.Y. draft sent to Shogi Effendi $1,117.32 _________ Total amount paid out $9,806.00 Reported by FLORENCE MORTON, Treasurer.
Financial Statement of BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING COMMITTEE From February 1, 1925 to February 1, 1926. RECEIPTS. Feb. 1, 1925, cash in Treasurer’s bank $616.27 Feb. 1, 1925, cash in Manager’s bank 500.00 Feb. 1, 1925, cash in hand 100.00 February, 1925, receipts, sales 371.23 March, 1925, receipts, sales 509.18 April, 1925, receipts, sales 610.88 May 1925, receipts, sales 474.74 June, 1925, receipts, sales 527.94 July, 1925, receipts, sales 235.51 August, 1925, receipts, sales 417.36 September, 1925, receipts, sales 252.63 October, 1925, receipts, sales 160.44 November, 1925, receipts, sales 624.11 December, 1925, receipts, sales 809.12 January, 1926, receipts, sales 963.71 _________ $7,172.28
EXPENDITURES. February, 1925 $209.56 March, 1925 487.91 April, 1925 800.59 May, 1925 180.96 June, 1925 760.59 July, 1925 606.63 August, 1925 642.90 September, 1926 212.31 October, 1926 616.97 November, 1925 402.36 December, 1925 292.31 January, 1926 1,719.81 _________ $6,932.90 Receipts $7,173.28 Expenditures 6,932.90 _________ Amount on hand February 1, 1926 $240.38
Reported by ANNIE B. ROMER, Financial Secretary.
TWO LETTERS FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
To the members of the American National Spiritual Assembly.
My dear fellow-workers:
Two recent communications of your able Secretary, dated Oct. 14th and 15th, have been received and read with deep gratitude and pleasure.
I rejoice to learn of the prompt and well-considered measures you have undertaken to evolve, in conjunction with all local Assemblies and groups, a wise and effective plan for the contribution of America’s befitting share in response to the appeal lately addressed to the American believers regarding the work of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. Surely the great company of eager and sympathising believers throughout the East will, as they increasingly witness the evidences of a revival of activity along this line, arise to lend a helping hand to this vast endeavor. They will not fail to extend their support in alleviating the burden that is now borne so joyously and gratefully by their younger brethren in North America. I shall myself do all in my power to hasten the fruition of your self-sacrificing labors.
The sad and sudden crisis that has arisen in connection with the ownership of Bahá’u’lláh’s sacred house in Baghdad has sent a thrill of indignation and dismay throughout the whole of the Bahá’í world. Houses that have been occupied by Bahá’u’lláh for well-nigh the whole period of His exile in ‘Iráq; ordained by Him as the chosen and sanctified object of Bahá’í pilgrimage in future; magnified and extolled in countless Tablets and Epistles as the sacred center “round which shall circle all peoples and kindreds of the earth”—lie now, due to fierce intrigue and ceaseless fanatical opposition, at the mercy of the declared enemies of the Cause.
I have instantly communicated with every Bahá’í center in both East and West, and urgently requested the faithful followers of the Faith in every land to protest vehemently against this glaring perversion of justice, to assert firmly and courteously the spiritual rights of the Bahá’í Community to the ownership of this venerated house, to plead for British fairness and justice, and to pledge their unswerving determination to ensure the security of this hallowed spot.
Conscious of the fact that this Property has been occupied by Bahá’í authorized representatives for an interrupted period of not less than thirty years, and having successfully won their case at the Justice of Peace and the Court of First Instance, the Bahá’ís the world over cannot believe that the high sense of honor and fairness which inspires the British Administration of ‘Iraq will ever tolerate such grave miscarriage of justice. They confidently appeal to the public opinion of the world for the defense and protection of their legitimate rights now sorely trampled under the feet of relentless enemies.
Widespread and effective publicity along these lines, in well-conceived and carefully worded terms, is strongly recommended for it will undoubtedly serve to facilitate the solution of this delicate and perplexing problem.
Having exerted ourselves to the utmost of our ability let us rest assured in the power of the Lord, Who keepeth watch over His house, and Who will, no matter how dark present prospects appear, assure for generations yet unborn His cherished and holy edifice. I shall acquaint you with every development of the case, and will advise you as to the measures that should be taken whether we decide to institute fresh proceedings or to appeal to higher legal authorities in London.
In connection with the important step that has been taken for the eventual inclusion of Green Acre Fellowship within the orbit of the activities of the American National Spiritual Assembly, I hope and pray that this new privilege and added responsibility will prove highly beneficial in its results, both to Green Acre itself and the general interests of the Cause in America. In a separate communication addressed to the Chairman of the said Fellowship, our dearly-beloved and self-sacrificing brother, Mr. W. Randall, I will express my warm approval of this constructive step, and my ardent hopes for the quicker unfolding and fuller expansion under the fostering care of the National Spiritual Assembly, of Green Acre’s unique and sublime mission in life. I shall follow in this connection with the keenest interest the course of your activities in accordance with the policy outlined in your letter of Oct. 14th, and feel that the greatest stress must be laid upon the necessity of exemplifying in a most liberal and practical manner the driving power hidden in this Divine Revelation, rather than upon the idle reiteration of a set of principles, however exalted and unique in their character. May the National Fund so flourish as to enable its Trustees to undertake such measures as will eloquently testify to a sorely stricken humanity the healing power of God’s Faith.
May I remind you regarding the situation in San Francisco that no two independent Bahá’í centers can possibly be recognized in the same city, and that the center which bears my name should act in all matters only with the full consent and approval of the San Francisco Spiritual Assembly.
Concerning the election of alternate members to the National Spiritual Assembly, I feel that only the nine original members of the National Spiritual Assembly are entitled to vote, whereas such alternate members as may be elected should be asked to fill vacancies only in a consultative capacity and not be entitled to vote. They should not he regarded as part of the quorum (i.e. five out of the nine original members) which is necessary for the transaction of the business of the National Assembly. All secondary matters that do not affect the principle outlined are left to the discretion of the National Spiritual Assemblies who will decide according to the exigencies of their respective circumstances.
Assuring you of my deep appreciation of your continued efforts, and of my unceasing prayers on your behalf,
- I am your grateful brother,
- (signed) SHOGHI.
- Haifa, Palestine, Nov. 6, 1925.
To the beloved of God and the handmaids of the Merciful in the East and in the West.
Dear fellow-workers:
It is with feelings of overwhelming sorrow that I communicate to you the news of yet another loss which the Almighty, in His inscrutable wisdom, has chosen to inflict upon our beloved Cause. On the 22nd of November, 1925, that memorable and sacred day in which the Bahá’ís of the Orient celebrated the twin festivals of the Declaration of the Bab and the Birthday of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Dr. John E. Esslemont passed on to the Abhá Kingdom. His end was as swift as it was unexpected. Suffering from the effects of a chronic and insidious disease, he fell at last a victim to the inevitable complications that ensued, the fatal course of which neither the efforts of vigilant physicians nor the devoted cares of his many friends could possibly deflect.
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He bore his sufferings with admirable fortitude, with calm resignation and courage. Though convinced that his ailments would never henceforth forsake him, yet many a time he revealed a burning desire that the friends residing in the Holy Land should, while visiting the Shrines, implore the All-Merciful to prolong his days that he may bring to a fuller completion his humble share of service to the Threshold of Bahá’u’lláh. To this noble request all hearts warmly responded. But this was not to be. His close association with my work in Haifa, in which I had placed the fondest hopes, was suddenly cut short. His book, however—an abiding monument to his pure intention—will, alone, inspire generations yet unborn to tread the path of truth and service as steadfastly and as unostentatiously as was trodden by its beloved author. The Cause he loved so well, he served even unto his last day with exemplary faith and unstinted devotion. His tenacity of faith, his high integrity, his self-effacement, his industry and painstaking labors were traits of a character the noble qualities of which will live and live forever after him. To me personally he was the warmest of friends, a trusted counsellor, an indefatigable collaborator, lovable companion.
With tearful eyes I supplicate at the Threshold of Bahá’u’lláh—and request you all to join—in my ardent prayers, for the fuller unfolding in the realms beyond of a soul that has already achieved so high a spiritual standing in this world. For by the beauty of his character, by his knowledge of the Cause, by the conspicuous achievements of his book, he has immortalized his name, and by sheer merit deserved to rank as one of the Hands of the Cause of God.
He has been laid to rest in the heart of that beautifully situated Bahá’í burial ground at the foot of Carmel, close to the mortal remains of that venerable soul, Ḥájí Mírzá Vakílu’d-Dawlih, the illustrious cousin of the Bab and chief builder of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of ‘Ishqábád. Pilgrims visiting his grave from far and near will, with pride and gratitude, do honor to a name that adorned the annals of an Immortal Cause.
- May he eternally rest in peace.
- (signed) SHOGHI.
- Haifa, Palestine, Nov. 30, 1925.
