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ANNUAL CONVENTION
AND “SEVEN-YEAR PLAN”
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey
LETTERS FROM THE GUARDIAN[edit]
(To the National Spiritual Assembly)[edit]
Daily Obligatory Prayers[edit]
The daily obligatory prayers are three in number. The shortest one consists of a single verse which has to be recited once in every twenty-four hours and at midday. The medium (prayer) which begins with the words: “The Lord is witness that there is none other God but He,” has to be recited three times a day, in the morning, at noon and in the evening. The long prayer which is the most elaborate of the three has to be recited once in every twenty-four hours, and at any time one feels inclined to do so.
The believer is entirely free to choose any one of those three prayers, but is under the obligation of reciting either one of them, and in accordance with any specific directions with which they may be accompanied.
These daily obligatory prayers, together with a few other specific ones, such as the Healing Prayer, the Tablet of Ahmad, have been invested by Bahá’u’lláh with a special potency and significance, and should therefore be accepted as such and be recited by the believers with unquestioned faith and confidence, that through them they may enter into a much closer communion with God, and identify themselves more fully with His laws and precepts.—January 10, 1936.
Bahá’u’lláh’s Command Concerning Daily Work[edit]
| CONVENTION CABLEGRAM TO SHOGHI EFFENDI
American Convention gratefully celebrates dual gift, Master’s historic visit and consummation unique union (of) East (and) West. Pledges undying loyalty, renewed vigor extend World Order throughout Americas and all lands. Profound dedicated felicitations. (signed)
|
With reference to Bahá’u’lláh’s command concerning the engagement of the believers in some sort of profession; the Teachings are most emphatic on this matter, particularly the statement in the ‘Aqdas to this effect which makes it quite clear that idle people who lack the desire to work can have no place in the new World Order. As a corollary of this principle, Bahá’u’lláh further states that mendicity should not only be discouraged but entirely wiped out from the face of society. It is the duty of those who are in charge of the organization of society to give every individual the opportunity of acquiring the necessary talent in some kind of profession, and also the means of utilizing such a talent, both for its own sake and for the sake of earning the means of his livelihood. Every individual, no matter how handicapped and limited he may be, is under the obligation of engaging in some work or profession, for work, specially when performed in the spirit of service, is according to Bahá’u’lláh a form of worship. It has not only a utilitarian purpose, but has a value in itself, because it draws us nearer to God, and enables us to better grasp His purpose for us in this world. It is obvious, therefore, that the inheritance of wealth cannot make anyone immune from daily work.
As to the question of retirement from work for individuals who have reached a certain age, this is a matter on which the International House of justice will have to legislate as there are no provisions in the ‘Aqdas concerning it.—March 22, 1937.
Teaching in the Southern States[edit]
Regarding the problem of teaching in districts of mixed colored and white populations, the Guardian fully approves of the policy adopted by the N. S. A. to the effect that the teaching work should be carried simultaneously with the two races in the south without the slightest discrimination. For the Teachings are obviously not intended for only one race or one class. Your Assembly’s suggestion that Bahá’í public meetings should henceforth be conducted separately for whites and colored and that study classes resulting from such meetings should likewise be conducted separately until individuals of both races are truly confirmed believers is splendid as it will undoubtedly help in removing the misunderstandings and obstacles that have thus far stood in the way of the expansion of the Faith in the Southern States. To alienate either the white or the colored race would be indeed unfair and unjustifiable. The solution proposed by your Assembly thus marks a step in advance over the methods which the friends have hitherto enforced in their teaching work in the Southern States. The Guardian therefore trusts that it will be brought fully to the attention of the friends, and that they will each and all arise to apply it in their future teaching activities.
In this connection, however, he wishes me to stress the fact that the two races should ultimately be brought
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together, and be urged to associate
with the utmost unity and fellowship,
and be given full and equal opportunity
to participate in the conduct of the
teachings as well as administrative activities of the Faith. Nothing short
of such an ultimate fusion of the two
races can insure the faithful application of that cornerstone principle of
the Cause regarding the oneness of
mankind.—March 22, 1937.
“A Complete Rededication”[edit]
Dearly-beloved co-workers: Pressure of work in connection with my recent translation of the prayers and meditations of Bahá’u’lláh has been responsible for the unfortunate delay in acknowledging the receipt of your communications all of which testify most strikingly to the vigor, the efficiency and the exemplary loyalty with which you are Conducting and coordinating the manifold teaching and administrative activities of our beloved Faith. The progress of the teaching campaign is most remarkable and reassuring: the uninterrupted prosecution of this holy enterprise and its extension to the South American continent and the islands of the Pacific will no doubt attract unimaginable blessings and must entail far-reaching consequences. In the course of this year, when the American believers are commemorating the 25th anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America, a mighty impetus should be lent to this campaign which you have so splendidly initiated. A complete rededication to its ideals, its purposes and requirements on the part of all individuals and Assemblies, can alone befit such a nation-wide celebration. I pray that you may fulfil your high destiny.—March 22, 1937.
“Moved to the Very Depth of His Heart”[edit]
At the Guardian’s direction I am enclosing herewith the receipt, duly signed by him, of the contribution sent by the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada through their N. S. A., with the request that you kindly ask your fellow members in that body to transmit to the entire American Bahá’í Community the expression of his profoundest thanks and genuine appreciation for this spontaneous manifestation of their unshakable devotion and loyalty to the Cause. He is moved to the very depth of his heart by this fresh evidence of their unalterable attachment to, and their whole-hearted readiness to support, by every means in their power, the vital international institutions of the Faith, and particularly the institution of the Guardianship of which they are indeed the most outstanding defenders and champions throughout the West.
He wishes them, each and all, every blessing and success, and a most abundant reward in return for what they have accomplished and are still, so zealously and effectively accomplishing, for the extension and consolidation of the Administrative Order in their country and beyond its confines. —April 24, 1937.
TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]
After a devotional service in the Temple Auditorium, the Convention opened Thursday A. M., April 29, 1937. Mountfort Mills called the Convention to order and emphasized the importance of the proceedings in view of the condition of the world today.
Fifty-nine delegates responded to the Roll Call at this session.
Mountfort Mills was elected Convention Chairman, and Horace Holley Convention Secretary.
| THE GUARDIAN’S MESSAGE TO CONVENTION
Haifa, May 1, 1937. |
On motion, the Chairman appointed Dorothy Baker and George O. Latimer to draft a message to the Guardian. The message, as approved and immediately cabled to Shoghi Effendi, read as follows: “American Convention gratefully celebrates dual gift, Master’s historic visit and consummation unique union (of) East (and) West. Pledges undying loyalty, renewed vigor extend World Order throughout Americas and all lands. Profound dedicated felicitations.”
The annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly was presented by Horace Holley, and the general report of the Bahá’í Trusteeships was presented by George O. Latimer. The financial report was presented by Carl Scheffler, in the absence of the treasurer, Roy C. Wilhelm. Copies of a summary of the annual financial report were distributed among the delegates.
It was voted to make reply to each of the greetings sent to the Convention by Assemblies and believers. Motions of this character are recommendations for action by the National Assembly, and the Assembly has provided for suitable replies and acknowledgements.
The report on Teaching was presented by Leroy C. Ioas, with supplementary reports on special features of teaching by Louise Caswell, Mamie L. Seto, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Wiles and Robert Theiss, with general discussion.
The evening session was dedicated to the Institution of the Guardianship, with readings from the Will and Testament and from The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh given by Nellie S. French, Allen B. McDaniel, William DeForge and Charles Reimer.
This special topic was followed by the presentation of two illuminated Tablets to the American Bahá’í Community, sent by Shoghi Effendi through Siegfried Schopflocher. Mr. Schopflocher also gave the Convention a message from the Guardian, stressing the importance of incorporation by local Spiritual Assemblies when sufficiently evolved, a step which will lead to the gradual accumulation of endowments for the extension of Bahá’í activities, and the local Assemblies must acquire experience and become very proficient.
The Teaching reports continued Friday morning, with discussion of subtopics by Lucy Heist, Curtis Kelsey, Mabel Ives, Mrs. Bruegger, Georgie Wiles, Louise Caswell, Ludmilla Bechtold, C. Mason Remey, Mrs. H. Imogene Hoagg and Ali-Kuli Khan. Many delegates participated in these discussions, which concerned important subjects, such as opening new areas, relation
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of Regional Teaching Committees to local Assemblies, study classes in Bahá’í administration, etc.
The annual election was held at the beginning of the Friday afternoon session. Sixty-eight delegates voted at the Convention, twenty-six voted by mail, a total of ninety-four ballots. The delegate assigned to the Akron Bahá’í community had not been elected, and the Akron Assembly was not maintained after April 21.
Harry E. Walrath was appointed foreman of tellers by the Chairman, and the tellers appointed were Oni Finks and Robert Theiss.
The election was preceded by a period of prayer and meditation, and no time limit was placed by the Convention upon the delegates in making out their ballots.
After the tellers had withdrawn to count the votes, Siegfried Schopflocher presented the subject of International Teaching, and Mrs. Frances Stewart followed with the subject of Inter-America Teaching. Julia Goldman and Elsa Blakely were requested to discuss the subject in the light of their personal experience.
It was voted to send greeting by cable and airmail to the groups in South America, and this action also has been assumed by the National Assembly.
At this point the tellers’ report of the election was made by Mr. Walrath: Mountfort Mills, 80 votes; Roy C. Wilhelm. 69; Horace Holley, 66; George O. Latimer, 53; Leroy C. Ioas, 51: Allen B. McDaniel, 50; Nellie S. French, 49; Carl Scheffler, 45; Dorothy Baker, 43. This report was duly approved and adopted.
During the Friday evening session, Albert Windust presented the topic of Bahá’í Citizenship, on which interesting remarks were made by Mamie L. Seto. Carolyn Dary, Oni Finks, Carl Scheffler, Lucy Heist, Saffa Kinney, Charles Reimer, Ludmilla Bechtold and Curtis Kelsey.
It was voted to send loving greeting to Roy C. Wilhelm and to Alfred E. Lunt, both of whom had been prevented by illness from attending the Convention.
For the Saturday morning session, George O. Latimer was voted Acting Chairman to preside during the absence of Mountfort Mills, who had been invited to speak over Station WGN.
| “REDEDICATE OURSELVES TO THE ... HOLY TASK”
Resolution Adopted by the Annual Convention The delegates present at this Twenty-Ninth Annual Bahá’í Convention, mindful of the Guardian’s successive appeals for the fulfilment of America’s spiritual mission, and his repeated warnings concerning the perilous condition of the world, pray for purity, humility and sacrifice to rededicate ourselves to the achievement of the holy task before the end of the first century of the Bahá’í era. United under the Guardian’s sacred leadership we turn to Bahá’u’lláh and implore the assistance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit for ourselves and our fellow-believers throughout the American continent. |
Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick introduced the subject of Summer Schools: Preparation of Bahá’í Teachers, after which summer school programs and plans were discussed by Mamie L. Seto, Mrs. H. A. Harding, George O. Latimer, Amelia Bowman, Horace Holley, Elizabeth Greenleaf, Allahi Kalantar, L. W. Eggleston, Garreta Busey, Marguerite Reimer, Myrta P. Sandoz, Dorothy Baker, Josephine Kruka, Grace Ober.
Dr. Thomas spoke by vote of invitation on the need for information on how individuals and groups in the South can best promote the Message.
Marion Little described the method of teaching used in Nashville, to prepare for the meeting of the National Assembly in that city. It was voted to request the National Assembly to publish in Bahá’í News a statement explaining the meaning of separate meetings in the South.
The announcement was made that the Youth luncheon would be held on Sunday, May 2. It was also announced that a conference between the National and Regional Teaching Committees would be held at 2:00 P. M., May 2. A healing prayer was read for Rose Martin, delegate from Denver, who at the last minute had been prevented by illness from attending the Convention.
The delegates voted to suspend consultation in order to hear Mr. Mills’ radio address. Afterward, it was voted to ask the National Spiritual Assembly to publish this address in an early issue of World Order.
The subject of Teaching and Training Children was introduced by Viola Turtle. Mrs. Florida Sanford described her children’s classes in Chicago, and Mrs. D. Suhm spoke of her work with children in Milwaukee.
The Guardian’s Message[edit]
At this point was received the Guardian’s cablegram to the Convention, copies of which were made and distributed to all delegates and friends. This message was as follows: “Bahá’í Convention. Dual gift Providentially conferred American Bahá’í community invests recipients with dual responsibility fulfill historic mission. First prosecute uninterruptedly teaching campaign inaugurated last Convention in accordance Divine Plan. Second resume with inflexible determination exterior ornamentation entire structure Temple. Advise ponder message conveyed delegates esteemed co-worker Fred Schopflocher. No triumph can more befittingly signalize the termination first century Bahá’í era than accomplishment this twofold task. Advise prolongation Convention session enable delegates consult National Assembly to formulate feasible seven-year plan insure success Temple enterprise. No sacrifice too great for community so abundantly blessed repeatedly honored.”—(signed) Shoghi.
During the noon session the Convention photograph was taken.
The afternoon session voted thanks and appreciation to the Guardian for sending the two illuminated Tablets.
The Chairman requested Siegfried Schopflocher to talk on the subject of Temple ornamentation. Among the important points made by Mr. Schopflocher were: that the Persian believers will not receive permission from the Guardian to commence their House of Worship until the Temple in America is completed—that is, the external decoration; it will please Shoghi Effendi greatly to be assured that the work will be completed before the end of the first century of the Bahá’í Era; the teaching work must not stop; Temple construction will test the sincerity of the new believers brought in by the present teaching campaign; a committee of experts, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, should be appointed to submit costs and make recommendations to the National Assembly; a fixed price contract is preferrable to a cost-plus arrangement; a believer will be happy to donate $100,000 when the Guardian’s instructions are carried out; the Master’s promises about the spiritual power to be released by the completion of the Temple will not be fulfilled until the external decoration is done.
The postscript of a letter just received from Shoghi Effendi by the National Assembly was read. Philip Savilles distributed copies of The United States Steel News having the Temple illustrated on the front cover.
[Page 4]
Allen B. McDaniel reviewed the construction costs already met: architect’s
services, engineering fees, model and
foundation, $178,000, dome unit including ribs, $177,000, drum or clerestory, $45,000. Estimated cost of remaining external decoration, $350,000,
not counting landscaping the grounds.
It was voted to ask the National Assembly to meet with Mr. Schopflocher Saturday evening, and that the Convention be extended Sunday morning for considering ways and means to make effective the goal established by the Guardian.
Discussion was then resumed on the subject of teaching and training children, which was brought to a conclusion with the suggestion that information be made available to the local Assemblies, so that classes can be conducted in all centers.
Nina Matthisen conducted the discussion on Publicity, followed by discussion and suggestions advanced by Edna Eastman and Mabel Ives. Then Florence Mattoon, Annamarie Kunz, Marguerite Reimer and Margaret Kunz presented the subject of Bahá’í Youth.
Ridván Feast[edit]
The celebration of Ridván, which coincided with the twenty-fifth Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s meeting on the Temple grounds, when He blessed the work and symbolized the success of the task by turning over the earth with a golden trowel, was a heart-stirring experience for a gathering which filled the Foundation Hall. The inner joy and assurance which had characterized the entire Convention seemed to overflow into a new and higher spirit of grateful devotion and consecration to the standards and activities of the Bahá’í life.
Albert Windust presided. Readings from the Bahá’í Sacred Writings, and brief addresses from many of the friends, made this session ever memorable.
Concluding Session[edit]
Sunday morning brought out discussion of the “feasible Seven-Year Plan” desired by Shoghi Effendi. Mr. Schopflocher spoke again, and at greater length, pointing out that the National Assembly has already proceeded to act on the wishes of the Guardian. As regards the form of contract, he stated that this is a matter which must be left to the technical committee and the National Assembly, because under present conditions of rapid changes in markets and labor conditions it may not always be possible to obtain definite figures on cost for relatively long periods in advance, unless the contractor who supplies the estimate protects himself in such a way as to bring extra cost to the work. The construction work involves these stages: gallery story, estimated at $125,000; main story, $150,000; for doors and metal grille work over the windows, $35,000; and for the surrounding stairs, $40,000. To complete the landscaping of the grounds, at least $100,000 additional would be required, according to present estimates, but it is the external decoration which is called for by the Guardian’s message.
| “NOBLEST CONTRIBUTION INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS CAN MAKE”
“Hearts overflowing with gratitude, we are sending $1349, being $19 each from seventy-one American Assemblies for immediate strengthening new tie binding American Bahá’ís to institution of Guardianship. We trust this modest contribution will be accepted as token (of) ever-increasing devotion and unity (of) American believers in service to World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh.” (signed) National Spiritual Assembly. The following reply was received from the Guardian on April 5:— “Accept. Deeply touched (by) American believers’ spontaneous expression of ever-increasing devotion to crowning institution (of) World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh. Noblest contribution individual believers can make at this juncture to consecrate newly-acquired tie is to promote with added fervor unique plan conceived for them by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”—(signed) Shoghi. |
To complete the Budget, $30,000 must be added annually for administrative and operating expense, and at least a similar amount for teaching.
As the costs of construction must be in hand before contracts can be placed, it will be necessary to reckon the Temple construction cost within the Budget of the first four or five years, as otherwise the actual work could not be finished by May 23, 1944.
The most serious consideration was given to these facts by the Convention. Many suggestions were advanced which were recorded, and all of these are before the National Assembly for study and action.
It was reported that $1,300 had been received by the National Fund during the Convention sessions.
It was voted to extend to A. F. Matthisen a vote of thanks for his outstanding work as Accountant for the National Assembly. Healing prayers were read for Alfred E. Lunt.
The following resolution was unanimously adopted: “The delegates present at this Twenty-Ninth Annual Bahá’í Convention, mindful of the Guardian’s successive appeals for the fulfillment of America’s spiritual mission, and his repeated warnings concerning the perilous condition of the world, pray for purity, humility and sacrifice to rededicate ourselves to the achievement of the holy task before the end of the first century of the Bahá’í Era.
“United under the Guardian’s sacred leadership we turn to Bahá’u’lláh and implore the assistance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit for ourselves and our fellow-believers throughout the American continent.”
The Convention closed with reading of a prayer, after further excerpts had been presented from the Guardian’s latest communication to the National Assembly.
Delegates to Twenty-Ninth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada[edit]
- Phoenix, Edward Ruppers.
- Berkeley, Maurice E. Bosley
- Geyserville, John D. Bosch.
- Glendale, Loretha B. von Kirtley.
- Los Angeles, Willard Hatch, Oni A. Finks, Rouan Carter, Sara Kenney.
- Oakland, Charlotte M. Linfoot.
- Pasadena, Meta Matthiesen.
- San Francisco, Leroy C. Ioas, Mamie Seto.
- Santa Barbara, Helen E. Starr.
- Vancouver, Roland A. Estall.
- Montreal, Ernest Harrison.
- Colorado Springs, Loulie A. Mathews.
- Denver, Rose Martin.
- New Haven, Elsa Isaacs.
- Washington, D. C., Mariam Haney, Allen McDaniel.
- Jacksonville, Kathryn L. Vernon.
- Miami, Josephine Kruka.
- St. Augustine, Dr. W. C. Thomas.
- Augusta, Daisy Moore.
- Honolulu, Henrietta From.
- Maui, Mrs. Samuel A. Baldwin.
- Chicago, Albert Windust, Sarah Walrath, Elizabeth Edwards, Allah Kalantar, Monroe Ioas, Harry E. Walrath, Julia Sobel, Robert Thiess.
- Evanston, Marshall N. Tyler.
- Park Ridge, Dorothy F. Redson.
- Peoria, Florence Rolfe.
- Rockford, Emma Marks.
- Springfield, Ill., Annie Jurgens.
- Urbana, Garreta Busey.
- Wilmette, Corinne True.
- Winnetka, Marjery McCormick.
- Indianapolis, Dr. Lillian K. Sielken.
- South Bend, Helen Drymon.
- Eliot, Elizabeth Greenleaf.
- Baltimore, Mrs. George Stallings.
- Cabin John, Alma S. Knobloch.
- Boston, Alfred E. Lunt, Helen Archambault.
- Springfield, Mass., Mrs. Wendell E. Bacon.
- Worcester, Florence Morton.
- Detroit, Roscoe Springston.
- Flint, George Eggleston.
- Muskegon, Edith Bail.
- Minneapolis, John W. Bates.
- St. Paul, Edward Schmitt.
- Kansas City, Opal Howell.
- Montclair, Leonora W. Edsall.
- Newark, Walter Goodfellow.
- Teaneck, William DeForge, Curtis D. Kelsey.
- Binghamton, Terah Smith.
- Buffalo, Harriet F. Bush.
- Geneva, Lucy L. Heist.
- New York, Mountfort Mills, Horace Holley, Philip Sprague, Bertha L. Herklotz, Ophelia B. Crum, Ludmila Bechtold, Saffa Kinney.
- Rochester, Elizabeth Brooks.
- Yonkers, Maud Gaudreaux.
- Cincinnati, Hilda Stauss.
- Cleveland, Dr. Myrta P. Sandoz, Mary Elmore.
- Columbus, Jose B. Acebo.
- Dayton, Helen McCoy.
- Lima, Dorothy Baker.
- Toledo, Dorothy Stotts.
- Portland, George O. Latimer.
- Philadelphia, Jessie E. Revell.
- Pittsburgh, Ruth Randall-Brown.
- Nashville, Georgie B. Wiles.
- Monroe, Florence Cromwell.
- Seattle, Doris Foye.
- Spokane, Dan M. Campbell.
- Kenosha, William C. Schend.
- Milwaukee, Charles Reimer, Herbert Suhm, Clarence Suhm, Dr. J. W. Lewis, Beulah Brown.
- Racine, Carolyn Dary.
ANNUAL COMMITTEE REPORTS[edit]
1936-1937—Continued[edit]
TEACHING[edit]
“Convey (to) American believers, abiding gratitude efforts unitedly exerted (in) teaching field. Inaugurated campaign should be vigorously pursued, systematically extended.... Opportunities present hour unimaginably precious. Would to God every State within American Republic and every Republic in American continent might ere termination (of) this glorious century embrace (the) light (of the) Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and establish structural basis of His World Order.”—SHOGHI EFFENDI,—From Cablegram to 1936 Convention.
| THE GUARDIAN’S MESSAGE TO INCOMING ASSEMBLY
Received May 3, 1937 |
The American Bahá’í Community has arisen to new heights of individual heroism and collective service in responding to this most urgent appeal of the Guardian. Not only have many new friends entered the field of public teaching work, but all of the Bahá’ís have intensified their efforts—and with mature deliberation have set in motion adjustments in their lives to enable them to play their parts in achieving the goal before us.
The “pioneer” spirit called for by the Guardian in this most important of all our services, has expressed itself throughout the country in the following ways:
- First: Increased public presentation of the Faith, its spiritual and social teachings.
- Second: Heroic display of individual effort, finding its fullest expression in the movement of Bahá’ís into new areas.
- Third: Collective activities through Assemblies concentrating their major efforts in the teaching field.
While there were twelve States in the United States, where there existed no Bahá’ís at the time of the Guardian’s message to the Convention last year;—at this time, there are only seven States where the Light of the Faith is not now established. Within the States where Assemblies and Groups have existed, the Faith has expanded into forty-two new cities. In three of these cities there are now active study groups preparing for Bahá’í membership.
Only the united efforts of all the friends, with the systematic extension of their plans, have been able to bring about these results. Great stimulation was given to the teaching work by the Regional Conferences held by the National Spiritual Assembly in conjunction with its meetings in various sections of the country, together with Public Congresses given on those occasions. The administrative aspect of the work showed increased efficiency in assisting the friends, through the establishment of Regional Teaching Committees. The Local Assemblies have extended their aid and assistance in the teaching work outside jurisdictions through the Inter-Assembly Teaching Conferences held, Circuit Teaching Campaigns, and cooperation with isolated believers.
The States opened to the Faith during the past year are: Nebraska, with two Bahá’í Groups in Omaha and Lincoln, through the pioneer services of Miss Gertrude Matteson and Mrs. Mabel Ives; Wyoming, by Mr. and Mrs. R. Lillywhite and daughter moving to Laramie; Oklahoma, with a study group in Oklahoma City, by Mr. and Mrs. A. Entzminger and children moving to that city; North Dakota, with a study group at Fargo, by Mrs. Margarite Breugger moving to that city; North Carolina, by Miss Lydia and Sarah Martin moving to Raleigh.
The Circuit plan of teaching, outlined in earlier reports, has been a very effective method of public presentation of the Faith. It has been tried with unusual success in four regions, embracing a total of 38 cities. Many of the Assemblies report increased attendance at study classes as a result.
Teacher Training classes are of prime importance, and while only one Assembly reports an active Teacher Training class, yet other reports indicate plans for this important element of this stupendous teaching campaign.
The Fireside Teaching method continues to be the most effective of all methods for attracting and teaching inquirers. Assemblies should very earnestly stimulate and encourage this activity among the members of their communities as the very foundation
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of their teaching programs. It is the
ideal method for isolated believers, less
than ten percent of whom have reported doing any regular teaching
work.
The public generally have shown greater response to the Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, realizing as they do that the doors of their aspirations are closing on them. This has resulted in increased publicity in the press, giving favorable information of our activities; greater use of radio and attendant results. Requests for Bahá’í lectures are being received with increasing regularity.
While the foregoing shows that our teaching work has gone forward with great enthusiasm this year, it is most apparent we have only laid the foundation and can scarcely claim to have begun the gigantic task before us. Twenty-one of forty-eight States in the United States, and six of the nine Provinces of Canada have no Bahá’í Groups or Assemblies; while seven States of the United States; two Provinces of Canada, and the countries of Alaska, Labrador, and Newfoundland are without a single believer.
Pioneers in the greatest spiritual drama of all time are urgently needed! Let those seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit arise in this hour of our greatest opportunity and carry the glory of our Blessed Faith to loftier and loftier heights.
- LEROY C. IOAS, Chairman
- CHARLOTTE M. LINFOOT, Secretary
- GEORGE O. LATIMER
- N. F. WARD
- MRS. THOMAS H. COLLINS
TEACHING AND TRAINING CHILDREN[edit]
The Committee on the Teaching and Training of Children has developed no new teaching material during the past year, but instead acted in an advisory capacity to the Assemblies and individuals engaging in this important branch of teaching service, the while studying methods and material already in use in various parts of the country as a possible basis for future outlines and suggestions.
It has been found that no two communities have the same or even similar age groups and types of children’s classes: hence it has been necessary to individualize the service which has been given. As more and more classes are organized, however, the cumulative experiences will produce more adequate material for greater numbers.
The most frequent request is for material for pre-school and kindergarten children—both story and pictorial. The expense of producing the latter is prohibitive for the smaller number of classes yet organized and the former can be collected best by the individual teacher who knows the interests, capacities and needs of her group. Bahá’í children have greater spiritual capacity and understanding than their non-Bahá’í companions, hence they often grasp the Teachings more readily than is realized. The creative power of the pure Words quickens the intellect and educative processes and makes unnecessary as great a degree of simplification as we sometimes imagine. A class period spent in learning the meaning of a new and strange word or phrase in one of the Hidden Words or some other Holy Utterance contributes infinitely more to the mental and spiritual development of a child than a story or incident which simply holds the interest and attention, and it can be done in a manner which appeals to the child and leaves him with a sense of achievement.
Several classes this year have been studying the characters in the “Dawn-Breakers” with considerable success. The Committee is very eager to secure from all teachers using this text an outline of the methods and sections used.
Several classes are following a character education theme in which the children are encouraged to develop those qualities which distinguish the believers in Bahá’u’lláh.
Other classes have followed a course in “Progressive Revelation,” studying the life and influence of each Manifestation in turn. Such a program is particularly appropriate for classes with non-Bahá’í members.
A number of other groups have made a study of the significance and meaning of the special Bahá’í anniversaries and memorial days, inviting their parents and friends to participate in special programs prepared for these days as a result of the studies.
The children’s department of the Western States Summer School last year again served as an experimental school with a two weeks’ course on the “Divine Manifestations,” concluding with a charming public meeting conducted entirely by the children with their own chairman and musicians and consisting of the recitation of Bahá’í quotations and brief talks on the Faith.
Just as our national teaching program stresses the importance of fireside meetings to interest one’s friends and neighbors, so the Committee on Teaching and Training Children stresses the importance of neighborhood children’s classes. The possibilities are limited only by the imagination and enthusiasm of the teacher, and through the interest aroused in the children an approach is more easily made to the parents.
The Committee sincerely appreciates the splendid services of the teachers of children’s classes and thanks them for the cooperation so generously given.
- CHARLOTTE M. LINFOOT, Chairman
- MRS. LEROY C. IOAS, Secretary
- MARION YAZDI
- ELLA M. BAILEY
- VIOLA TUTTLE
- ELIZABETH HACKLEY
ANNUAL REPORT[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada[edit]
1936-1937[edit]
Dear Bahá’í friends:
Like the clear ringing of a bell, Shoghi Effendi’s cablegram addressed to the last Convention, a call to the deepest spirit of faith, summoned the American Bahá’í community to fulfil that noble mission established for us by the Master in the darkest days of the European War in Tablets which were charged with His vitalizing purpose, the unification of the world of man.
“Convey (to) American believers abiding gratitude efforts unitedly exerted (in) teaching field. Inaugurated campaign should be vigorously pursued, sistematically extended. Appeal (to) assembled delegates ponder historic appeal voiced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (in) Tablets (of the) Divine Plan. Urge earnest deliberation with incoming National Assembly (to) insure its completest fulfilment. First century (of) Bahá’í era drawing to a close. Humanity entering outer fringes most perilous stage its existence. Opportunities (of) present hour unimaginably precious. Would to God every State within American Republic and every Republic in American continent might ere termination (of) this glorious century embrace (the) light (of the)
[Page 7]
Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and establish
structural basis of His World Order.”
Accompanying this message, both in time and in intention, came the text of the Guardian’s general letter dated March 11, 1936, printed shortly after the Convention as the booklet entitled “The Unfoldment of World Civilization.” Reverently and gratefully can we draw nearer the universal vision of human destiny as that vision today expresses itself through the Guardianship, realizing more fully how the summons to the believers is an essential aspect of the current world movement, and the current world movement itself reflects, in all its phases and degrees, the Will manifested through Bahá’u’lláh. With the mighty task, therefore, are given us the tools of understanding and the irresistible force of faith by which alone the task can be performed.
Where else, in this day of bewilderment, can the people find such a vivid and compelling picture of true civilization as that passage on pages 43 and 44 of The Unfoldment, which begins: “The unity of the human race, as envisaged by Bahá’u’lláh, implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united ...”? Where else is the statesman to turn for policy, the religionist for light to reveal the victory of religion amid the collapse of human creed? Here, as in all the Guardian’s letters since the one entitled “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh,” we have given us the larger implications of membership in the Bahá’í Faith, those implications which constitute a teaching that applies to the greatest ones of earth as to the most humble and lowly. Before we can be teachers qualified to assist in establishing the “structural basis” of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order in all the American Republics, we must be devoted students, ever in immediate and intimate touch with Shoghi Effendi’s evolving mind and aim.
At a time like this, when the American Bahá’í community gathers together through its representatives for consultation on the most important matters of the Cause, it is good for us to compare not only how far we all as individuals fall short of our God-given possibilities, but also to what degree our local Bahá’í community reflects the spirit of the new World Commonwealth and conveys that spirit to the general public in our city. Do those who learn about the Cause from us become conscious that the Bahá’ís, even though perhaps few in number and weak in resources, stand wholly apart from the forces of disintegration that confuse and confound Empires, creeds and social systems? Have we become evidences that the “nucleus and pattern” of a new cycle has been created in the hearts and minds of Bahá’ís? Humble consideration of such crucial questions may well lie at the heart of our consultation during these days of the annual meeting, not to produce vain regret or personal discontent, but to clear the path for greater courage, more magnanimity and a purer faith.
The world power and spiritual authority of the Cause cannot be publicly demonstrated until we ourselves have attained the right inner attitudes corresponding to the real nature and purpose of the Revelation. Let us attain the full conviction that we are citizens of the only world commonwealth in existence, even though in the world of material affairs our affairs seem weak, our activities relatively insignificant, our aims impossible of realization. It is that right inner attitude, humble as to self but challenging as to truth, in which the creative and upbuilding process described by the Guardian as the antithesis to the forces of disintegration can move steadily forward to its eventual triumph.
This past year has for the first time extended directly the collective responsibility of the American Bahá’ís into regions outside the United States and Canada. Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean area and South America have become provinces to incorporate as soon as possible into the international Bahá’í community—a teaching field to be developed with all available energy. The detailed review of the remarkable work undertaken in that tremendous new territory pertains to the function of the Inter-America Committee. These activities are emphasized here because they mark a beginning of our response to the whole mission laid upon America in the Divine Plan. Surely, the hour for a deeper and riper maturity on the part of American believers has come!
Important Events[edit]
The first action of the National Spiritual Assembly elected last year was to hold consultation with those members of the National and Regional Teaching Committees present at the Convention, and some experienced teachers. That consultation was most helpful in crystallizing the thoughts and views and achieving a comprehensive Teaching Plan. As reported later, the Plan included: the publication of the Tablets of the Divine Plan in booklet form under the title of “America’s Spiritual Mission”; the appointment of a larger number of Regional Teaching Committees, with added power and responsibility for action; the addition of a special Teaching Fund in the amount of $30,000 to the annual Budget; the appointment of a new Inter-America Teaching Committee; the adoption of a schedule of meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly which provided for more regional consultation and also for public meetings; and the preparation of a Bahá’í map of North America.
Four new Spiritual Assemblies were established on April 21, 1936: Rockford, Illinois, Springfield, Massachusetts, Dayton, Ohio, and Glendale, California, bringing the number of organized communities to seventy-two. During the year, the Assembly of Topeka, Kansas found it advisable to dissolve in order to give the declared believers opportunity for more thorough study and preparation.
A file of 529 Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, alphabetically arranged and ready for publication, has been turned over by the Committee on Editing Tablets after several years of arduous and devoted labor. The profound hope is expressed that these Tablets may soon be made available as Volume Four of Tablets revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
As has been reported through BAHÁ’Í NEWS, a beautifully engrossed copy of Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the American Republics, and of two Prayers revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, were conveyed to President Roosevelt under most unusual circumstances.
Miss Martha L. Root’s visit to America was announced by a cablegram received from Shoghi Effendi on July 27. Although Miss Root has been physically unable to carry out the extensive plans by which many communities would have received her during her journey across the country, nevertheless this very lamentable physical disability has touched the hearts more deeply with realization of those heroic qualities by which she was enabled to traverse the continents and meet and confirm so many influential leaders for many years. At present Miss Root intends to depart for China and Japan in a few weeks. She will go with the loving prayers and grateful admiration of all her co-workers in this country. In her career we may witness one believer’s whole-souled response to the Master’s Divine Plan, a pioneer in whose footsteps the collective community must now endeavor to follow.
[Page 8]
This Bahá’í year has been blessed
with a number of most substantial gifts
to the Cause: the Bahá’í Hall at Geyserville, completed before the opening
of the 1936 Summer School, now being followed by the construction of a
beautiful dormitory; the Bahá’í Hall
now under construction at Green Acre;
the entire cost of publishing The Bahá’í World, Volume VI; and most
helpful special cash donations to the
National Fund. The gift of a large
house and considerable land to Green
Acre, property adjoining Green Acre,
was made during the present year, although the legal transfer will be effected after this Convention.
A matter of distinct interest was the derogatory reference made to the Cause in the Atlantic Monthly last summer, in an article written by the editor of that magazine which has for several generations been regarded highly as an instrument of American culture. Correspondence was immediately undertaken by a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly, and literature was made available in order to remove this unfortunate ignorance on the part of so responsible a man. While there has been no public retraction, we may feel assured that the episode is not likely to be repeated. We believers, of course, long for that day when, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá declared in 1912, the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh will be violently assaulted by numerous enemies, for, as the Master added, all such attacks redound to the advantage of the Faith.
“Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”, by the late John E. Esslemont, has long served as the most useful introductory work to place in the hands of interested inquirers. A number of corrections were brought to Shoghi Effendi’s attention this year, and the Guardian advised that the book be revised before republication, and an Index prepared. The new edition incorporates the point of view explained to us by the Guardian’s “World Order” letters, substitutes new translations for the author’s excerpts from Bahá’í Sacred Writings whenever possible, and provides a few corrections of fact. This important work is now more useful than ever as a summary of Bahá’í history and teachings for the public and the Bahá’í student himself.
A number of local Assemblies have either completed their legal incorporation or have sent the necessary documents to the National Spiritual Assembly for approval. These Assemblies are: San Francisco, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, Kenosha and Los Angeles. This is an important action, and a necessary one for each Bahá’í community after attaining a certain growth and stability.
The Guardian has approved the publication of his successive “World Order” letters in book form, under the title of “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.” The manuscript has been turned over to the Publishing Committee, and the volume will be available in a few months. The general communications received from Shoghi Effendi are, therefore, to be available hereafter in two forms: the book “Bahá’í Administration”, containing the letters establishing the local and National Assemblies and the Convention, and dealing with the internal relationships of the Bahá’í community; and “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh”, presenting the international institutions and explaining the relations of the Faith to the non-Bahá’í world.
Public meetings have been held by the National Spiritual Assembly this year in Temple Foundation Hall, San Francisco, Nashville and New York. The accompanying consultation and contact with believers in various sections of the country has been an invaluable experience, and the effort to assist in teaching has symbolized the vital importance of teaching more vigorously at this time.
The use of radio in teaching has greatly increased. It is surely impressive to note that the Spiritual Assembly of Lima was recently requested to carry out a five-day program of devotional character for the inauguration of a new station in that city. The result of the six daily talks arranged by the five Assemblies of the New York metropolitan district, as a preparation for the public meeting of the National Assembly, was very encouraging. Latent spiritual capacity not accessible through meetings or printed literature was aroused by this larger public medium, an indication of the greater things that will be accomplished in future years.
| “DEARLY BELOVED DR. BAGDADI”
|
Indeed, as we realize that Bahá’í teaching is a universal function, not limited to a professional clergy or to church services—that Bahá’í teaching includes all the functions of education as well as of religion in the former meaning of that word—it is impossible for us to overestimate the potential resources that will be employed as the American Bahá’í community consolidates its powers and gathers new strength and capacity. All the arts, all the sciences, all the institutions of human association are alike doors of opportunity and mediums of expression for the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh. The Cause in America has already laid so firm a foundation that the confirmation of only a relatively few persons of outstanding capacity can double and redouble our existing public influence. A newspaper editor or two, a scientist, at dramatist, a novelist, some great executives, some souls with humanitarian vision, a few persons with financial resources—such a group, not large in number but varied in talent and influence, could rapidly infuse our teaching with tremendous power; for the sacrifice and devotion of the believers for two generations have created the instruments which such souls could galvanize with new life. No doubt, that blessing will come to us when we have done our full part in service to the Faith.
Meanwhile, the mysterious moving of the spirit is exemplified in such significant achievements outside the community as the use of the House of Worship as front-cover illustration by the Bell Telephone Company of Illinois and the United States Steel Corporation.
Over a long period of years, the question of a book of Bahá’í Prayers has received careful attention. Committees and individual believers have contributed devotedly to the task, but short of a collection of prayers selected and translated by the Guardian himself, no compilation could satisfy the need. Despite the many other duties and obligations discharged by Shoghi Effendi, he has this year signified that he has made translations of prayers, and part of the manuscript has already been received. The title is to be “Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh”, as we were informed in a letter dated March 2, 1937. The part already received consists of 182 typewritten pages: the complete volume will therefore represent a considerable body of text. Indeed, the work may parallel the “Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh” with which we were so
[Page 9]
blessed in 1935.
The Guardian has likewise sent his own translation of the three obligatory daily prayers, and these are now being printed in a booklet of convenient size. Shoghi Effendi’s explanation concerning the daily prayers will appear in the next issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
These translations carry us into the heart of the Bahá’í life, offering us individually the supreme privilege of drinking from the well-spring of all healing, all purity and all energy of inner renewal. The full rhythm of Bahá’í life is becoming manifest, in the Nineteen Day Feasts, the Anniversaries, the month of Fasting, and the daily prayers. It is a rhythm not supported by our social environment but in conflict with it, revealing a harmony of mind, soul and spirit, and a new type of community relationship, which requires the constant effort of faith and zeal to be maintained. The effort is the source of power and blessing in the Cause.
For some years, local Assemblies have arranged public displays of a Temple model, sometimes with a collection of Bahá’í books and pictures. Recently the National Assembly has taken steps to provide nine Temple models, to be made from a carefully scaled and hand-carved original, and after sending one of these models to Haifa, and retaining one or two more for special display in national teaching activities, the remainder can be purchased or rented by local Assemblies for their own use. The Temple Trustees will approve any other model which seems accurate and acceptable, and thus it should soon be possible to obtain the use of models in different size and of varying cost.
Two of the American believers have made arrangements for the publication of books through non-Bahá’í firms which have distinct interest and importance for the Cause. “Portals of Freedom” by Howard Colby Ives has already been issued, and “The Gospel of Mary Magdalene”, a novel by Juliet Thompson, will appear in a few months. Mr. Ives has drawn vivid pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His association with the author and others during 1912, while Miss Thompson has infused the dramatic movement of the early days of Christianity with the spirit of the Master’s references to those days.
If we would follow the important episodes of this year in adequate detail, we must turn to the reports successively published in Bahá’í News from the Teaching, Publicity and other Committees, and to the annual Committee reports issued in April, with
| NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
1937-1938
National Office, 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, N. J. Office of the Secretary, 119 Waverly Place, New York, N. Y. |
others, ready for similar publication after the Convention. In all the seventy-one Bahá’í communities, in the smaller groups, and in the valiant work of traveling teachers and pioneer souls, the work of the Faith is being performed with a new measure of intensity, power and effectiveness. With incredible swiftness we are all being drawn into contact with the fundamental problems of a disordered world. Here the Bahá’ís are upholding the light of inter-racial amity, there they withstand attack from religionists who still think that the liberal attitude is merely a kind of permission for spiritual separateness to continue, without guidance, without control by the Father of all mankind. As we encounter any universal issue, even if in the form of what might appear to be a trivial local or personal matter, let us not disregard the fact that these small matters come to prepare us to deal correctly with the same issue on the largest possible scale later on. Indeed, the personal contacts of believers in any local community actually involve most of the fundamental problems of the Cause in its relation to the world. Until these contacts are truly universal, we are not prepared to carry out the real mission of the Faith.
The activities of Bahá’í youth have continued their rapid development. The organization of a public Symposium held in such a large number of cities both here and abroad, and the publication of the youth quarterly, are notable achievements. They moreover provide instruments for attracting and confirming non-Bahá’í youth, and thus constitute a unique aspect of our teaching work.
It was, in fact, from an officer of the National Youth Committee that the National Assembly received the suggestion concerning the observance of the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s American visit, a suggestion which, as reported to local Assemblies in the form of definite plans involving public meetings and special publicity, has aroused a most beautiful enthusiasm in all parts of America.
Communications from the Guardian[edit]
Since the cablegram sent by the Guardian to the last Convention, already mentioned, the following communications have been received during the current Bahá’í year.
On April 10, 1936, the Guardian wrote that he was sending a silk cloth embroidered with the Greatest Name, executed by Bahá’í Zoroastrian ladies of Bombay. It is to be shown to the friends at this Convention.
On May 7, this cablegram was received: “Deeply appreciate Assembly’s determination. High responsibility rests upon its members. Tremendous effort required. Praying unprecedented success.”
On April 19, the Guardian conveyed the request of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand that American believers contribute articles to “The Herald of the South.”
Replying to a cablegram asking for advice on whether the reprint of the Tablets of the Divine Plan should contain any supplementary material, such as oral statements which were published in the original edition, the Guardian on May 19 cabled: “Heartily approve publication pamphlet. Advise publish as preamble appropriate passages from Gleanings and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will regarding importance teaching. Pamphlet’s title left (to) Assembly’s discretion. Convention plea addressed to American believers cannot achieve its purpose unless dauntless pioneers arise and, forsaking homeland, permanently reside (in) countries where light of Faith (has) not yet penetrated. Cabling three hundred pounds as nucleus (of) special fund to be established (for) furtherance (of) this exalted, highly meritorious purpose.”
From a letter dated May 30, 1936, the following passages are quoted: “The Guardian hopes that as new centers are established in Central and South America, the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the Presidents of the American Republics may be transmitted to them directly by believers already residing in their respective countries.” “The Guardian does not advise your Assembly to sell the Malden property, as the Master has definitely stated in
[Page 10]
the Tablet which you have quoted, to
‘take care of that house, because the
light of the love of God was lighted in
it.’ By renting the house, the N. S. A.
can for the present avoid the expenses
entailed by its repairs and upkeep.”
“The set of administrative principles
Bahá’í communities already possess, together with the text of By-Laws, are
sufficiently elaborate, at the present
stage of the evolution of the Cause,
and should not be over-developed by
a mass of specific statements related to
secondary and exceptional cases.” “Regarding persons whose condition (i. e.,
mental condition) has not been defined by the civil authorities after medical diagnosis, the Assembly on the spot
must investigate every case that arises
and, after consultation with experts, deliver its verdict. Such a verdict, however, should, in important cases, be
preceded by consultation with the N. S. A. No doubt, the power of prayer
is very great, yet consultation with experts is enjoined by Bahá’u’lláh. Should these experts believe that an
abnormal case exists, the withholding
of voting rights is justified.” And this
postscript, in the Guardian’s hand:—
“I fervently hope and pray that the year into which we have just entered may be signalized by fresh conquests and unprecedented triumphs in the teaching field within the United States and beyond its confines. A systematic, carefully conceived, and well-established plan should be devised, vigorously pursued and continuously extended. Initiated by the national representatives of the American believers, the vanguard and standard-bearers of the valiant army of Bahá’u’lláh, this plan should receive the whole-hearted, the sustained and ever-increasing support, both moral and financial, of the entire body of His followers in that continent. Its supreme immediate objective should be the permanent establishment of at least one center in every State of the American Republic and in every Republic of the American continent not yet enlisted under the banner of His Faith. Its ramifications should gradually be extended to the European continent, and its scope should be made to include those countries, such as the Baltic States, Poland, Greece, Spain and Portugal, where no avowed believer has established definite residence. The field is immense, the task gigantic, the privilege immeasurably precious. Time is short, and the obligation sacred, paramount and urgent. The American community must muster all its force, concentrate its resources, summon to its aid all the faith, the determination and energies of which it is capable, and set out, single-minded and undaunted, to attain still greater heights in its mighty exertions for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.”
Here, in these words, lie the essence of all plans and policies for the American believers for years to come! Secondary matters must surely be considered only in the light of their contribution to the supreme goal, and not permitted to supersede the primary motive and the primary task.
In a letter dated July 5, Shoghi Effendi gave approval to a recommendation received from a local Assembly and reported to the Guardian by the National Assembly concerning the preparation of an exhibit of Bahá’í books, pictures and other material which, once assembled, can be traveled from city to city and used by the various local Assemblies.
On July 27, this cablegram announced the coming of Miss Root: “Beloved, indefatiguable Martha sailing New York (on board the) Bergensfiord. Feel certain (the) believers will accord befitting welcome (to this) well beloved star servant of Bahá’u’lláh.”
Three days later the following cablegram gave additional emphasis to the teaching work:—
“Entreat American believers ponder afresh urgency rededicate themselves task complete fulfilment Divine Plan. National Assembly’s energetic leadership, careful planning ineffectual unless supplemented by vigorous action by every believer, however humble, however inexperienced. Time is short. Sands (of) chaotic, despairing civilization steadily running out. Founded on unity, understanding so splendidly achieved, functioning within framework (of) administrative Order (so) laboriously erected, inspired (by the) vision (of the) Temple edifice (so) nobly reared, galvanized into action (by the) realization (of the) rapidly-deteriorating world situation, (the) American Bahá’í community should rise as never before (to the) height (of the) opportunity now confronting it. Audacity, resolution (and) self-abnegation imperatively demanded. Impatiently and prayerfully waiting.”
Such a message is an emphatic and final reminder that in this teaching effort we may not delay so long and proceed so slowly as during the years of the Plan of Unified Action for completing the structure of the House of Worship.
Concerning the teaching plan reported to the friends in the June issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, on July 28 the Guardian, through his secretary, wrote: “The Guardian has read with keenest interest the new statement adopted by the N. S. A. concerning teaching, and wishes me to assure you ... of his most genuine appreciation of the steps that your Assembly is taking for the expansion of the teaching work throughout America. He is praying for your success from the bottom of his heart.”
That same letter explained the principle to be observed in the preservation of Bahá’í relics: “Regarding the preservation of relics associated with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the general principle should be that any object used by Him in person should be preserved for posterity, whether in the local or the national Archives. It is the duty and responsibility of the Bahá’í Assemblies to ascertain carefully whether such objects are genuine or not, and to exercise the utmost care and discretion in the matter.”
It also conveyed this advice in connection with the holding of public meetings at Nashville: “The holding of public meetings in that city should be avoided only in case it would lead to grave and very serious results. Slight local criticisms and unpopularity should not act as deterrant. The issue (i. e., of race prejudice) should be met squarely and courageously, and an effort should be made to attract at first the most cultured element among the colored, and through them establish contact with the whites and the masses. Such individuals and groups, whether white or colored, who are relatively free from racial prejudice, should be approached, separately if necessary, and an endeavor should be made to bring them together eventually, not only on formal occasions and for specific purposes, but in intimate social gatherings, in private homes as well as in formally recognized Bahá’í centers.
“The summer schools provide a splendid setting and environment to which the best element among the colored race should be specially attracted. Through such association prejudice can be gradually eradicated, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ardent wish fully realized.”
Then this statement in the Guardian’s hand: “I am eagerly awaiting the news of the progress of the activities initiated to promote the teaching work within, and beyond the confines of the American continent. The American believers, if they wish to carry out, in the spirit and the letter, the parting wishes of their beloved Master, must intensify their teaching work a thousandfold and extend its ramifications beyond the confines of their native
[Page 11]
land and as far as the most distant
outposts of their far-flung Faith. The
Tablets of the Divine Plan invest your
Assembly with unique and grave responsibilities, and confer upon it privileges which your sister Assemblies
might well envy and admire. The present opportunity is unutterably precious.
It may not recur again. Undaunted
by the perils and the uncertainties of
the present hour, the American believers must press on and prosecute
in its entirety the task which now confronts them. I pray for their success
from the depths of my heart.”
The importance of Bahá’í Archives was again stressed in a letter dated September 25, 1936: “The importance of the institution of Bahá’í Archives is not due only to the many teaching facilities it procures, but is essentially to be found in the vast amount of historical data and information it offers both to the present-day administration of the Cause, and to the Bahá’í historians of the future.”
On October 29 this cablegram was received: “Overjoyed, unspeakably grateful American believers’ signal response my reiterated appeals. Inaugurated campaign fraught (with) consequences involving immediate destinies (of the) American community. Shadows encircling sore-tried human society noticeably deepening. World crisis (is) inexorably moving towards climax, challenging (the) torchbearers (of) Bahá’í civilization (to) scale loftier heights (of) individual heroism, (to) scatter more widely throughout (the) length (and) breadth (of the) American continents, (to) participate more strenuously (in) concerted effort organized by National, Regional (and) local agencies dedicated (to the) prosecution (of) noble enterprise, (to) pour forth more abundantly (their) resources in support (of the) Fund created for its furtherance, (and) resolve more determinedly (to) conquer whatever obstacles might retard its ultimate fruition. (The) Dawn-Breakers (in) previous age have on Persian soil signalized by their acts (the) birth (of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh. Might not American believers, their spiritual descendents, prove themselves in turn capable (of) ushering in on world scale the civilization of which that Faith is (the) direct source and sole begetter.”
| BAHA’I PROCEDURE
The National Spiritual Assembly trusts that all believers will acquaint themselves with this new codification, and that local Spiritual Assemblies will hold themselves responsible for maintaining its various provisions. |
The power which pours forth through the Guardian’s successive messages seems overwhelming. Within the space of a few months, his messages have traversed an area of significance which in the past would have reached through thousands of years. The intensity, the swiftness of these passing moments have no parallel in the recorded history of mankind.
On November 2, the Guardian advised the National Spiritual Assembly to extend to Miss Lidja Zamenhof a hearty welcome in connection with her plan to visit America, and to take full advantage of this splendid opportunity for extending the scope of the teaching work.
On November 5 the Assembly was informed that the Kurdish translation of “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” had been confiscated by the authorities in Iraq, and requested to exert influence in order to have them returned and their circulation permitted.
The Guardian’s letter of November 14 approved the extension of the Committee on Braille Transcriptions to include members in other countries. This letter explained the Guardian’s contribution to the Teaching Fund as follows: “He feels that this is a matter to be left entirely to the discretion of the N. S. A. He believes that the continuous expenditure of a considerable sum to provide for traveling expenses of teachers who are in need constitutes in these days the chief obligation of the National Fund. An effort should be made to facilitate, as much as possible, the extension of the teaching work by helping those who are financially unable, to reach their destination and once there to encourage them to settle and earn the means of their livelihood.”
Answering a question as to the form in which the successive “World Order” letters should appear when published as a book, this letter stated: “He prefers that you retain the separate titles of these letters, the full text of which should be published in the order in which they have been written. As to the sub-captions, he leaves this matter to the discretion of your Assembly.” Then followed details concerning the changes to be made in the revised edition of the Esslemont book.
The letter concluded with these words, in the Guardian’s hand: “I cannot allow this communication to be sent without adding a few words in person and stress afresh the significance of the undertaking in which the entire Bahá’í community has embarked. The promulgation of the Divine Plan, unveiled by our departed Master in the darkest days of one of the severest ordeals which humanity has ever experienced, is the key which Providence has placed in the hands of the American believers whereby to unlock the doors leading them to fulfil their unimaginably glorious destiny. As the proclamation of the Message reverberates throughout the land, as its resistless march gathers momentum, as the field of its operation widens, and the numbers of its upholders and champions multiply, its potentialities will correspondingly unfold, exerting a most beneficient influence, not only on every community throughout the Bahá’í World, but on the immediate fortunes of a travailing society. The repercussions of this campaign are already apparent in Europe, India, Egypt, Iraq and even among the sorely-tried communities in Persia and Russia. The Faith of God is gaining in stature, effectiveness and power. Not until, however, the great enterprise which you are now conducting runs its full course and attains its final objective, at its appointed time, can its world-encompassing benefits be fully apprehended or revealed. The perseverance of the American believers will, no doubt, ensure the ultimate realization of these benefits.”
In a letter dated November 18, the Assembly was requested to give Shoghi Effendi a power of attorney in connection with a house and land transferred to the Palestine Branch of the American National Assembly by Siyyid Husayn el-Husayn, a believer of Haifa, a property situated between the Báb’s Shrine and the tomb of the Greatest Holy Leaf. The title deed
[Page 12]
was sent the next day, together with
another title deed for two pieces of
land donated by the wife of the late
Abbas-Quli, former custodian of the
Shrines on Mt. Carmel. The Guardian stated that the total area of the
property owned by the Palestine
Branch was now approximately 58,800
square pics, every 1,600 square pics
equaling 919 square metres.
The letter dated March 2, 1937, referred to the Guardian’s translation of the three daily obligatory prayers, which were enclosed, and stated that the first instalment of his translation of prayers and meditations of Bahá’u’lláh would soon be sent. The names of a Bahá’í family who have settled permanently in Buenos Aires, moving there from Aleppo, Syria, were also given, that the American believers may extend cooperation in their teaching work.
The Guardian’s love for the faithful believers was ardently expressed in two cablegrams received in recent weeks. On March 4 this message was received: “Assure dear Lunt ardent prayers, profound attachment. Extend every possible assistance.” This came in reply to the Assembly’s cablegram reporting the news of his serious illness and the hospital treatment that had been arranged. On April 14 came this message: “Distressed sudden passing dearly beloved Dr. Bagdadi. Loss inflicted (upon) national interests (of) Faith irreparable. His exemplary faith, audacity, unquestioning loyalty (and) indefatigable exertions (are) unforgettable. Advise Bahá’í communities (of) Chicago (and) surrounding regions hold befitting gathering (in) Temple for which he so valiantly (and) devotedly labored. Ardently praying for him and bereaved family.”
Plans and Policies[edit]
The formation of teaching agencies embodying regional, national and inter-American activities, as outlined in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for June, 1936, was not a plan but merely a tool or instrument intended to establish facilities for increased individual action and more efficient collective efforts. Aside from its usefulness such projects are but passive blueprints. What is always needed are the builders who can turn the blueprint into an actual edifice. That this preliminary method of uniting the American Bahá’í community for its international teaching task has acquired dynamic life and vigor seems evident from the Guardian’s expression of happiness already mentioned. The detailed facts will be presented to the delegates and friends by representatives of the Teaching Committee at later session.
To summarize the rulings and statements made by the National Assembly this year, the following subjects are cited:—
- The Assembly feels that it is not able to pass upon the merits of charts and similar material which contain elements of fact not subject to confirmation in the Bahá’í Writings.
- A form has been provided for use when new Spiritual Assemblies are established by joint declaration of exactly nine believers.
- A form of bequest has been reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for use by believers desiring to provide for the Cause in their will.
- The cooperation to be extended to Bahá’í authors was reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS last fall.
- The Historical Record Cards will not be made a permanent and continuous form of information. The supply of cards has been exhausted, and those which have been received constitute a most interesting source of information concerning the membership of the American Bahá’í community at the present stage of its existence.
- An improved form of monthly Financial Report, in which the status of the total annual budget is carried forward from month to month, has been adopted and supplied to the local Assemblies through the new monthly bulletin.
- It has been felt desirable to reprint in BAHÁ’Í NEWS those passages from Shoghi Effendi’s general letters which set forth the fundamental teachings.
- After consultation with the
Teaching Committee, a number of
steps were taken in order to clarify
certain questions, as follows:—
- Teachers visiting new areas should have a proper letter of credentials.
- Such teachers should be provided with a list of questions to fill out and return to the National Teaching Committee, that valuable information may be secured and made available to other teachers visiting the same area.
- The placing of books in Public Libraries by traveling teachers in a new area is an expense coming under the Teaching budget. The budget of the Library Committee is for use in placing books through the local Assemblies.
- Budgets of cash and also of free literature have been given the National and Regional Teaching Committees. Such funds are not intended to finance teaching activities of local Assemblies.
- As reported in Bahá’í News, a distinction has been made between public and non-public teaching activities. In areas outside the jurisdiction of local Assemblies, teachers holding public meetings are to have recognition and approval from the National or Regional Teaching Committee.
- Local Assemblies and individual teachers, when announcing the Cause in public programs, should make use of the terms used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá or the Guardian as the description or title of the Faith.
- Requests for funds to meet traveling and other teaching expenses are to come to the National Assembly in the form of recommendations by the National or Regional Teaching Committee and not directly from individual teachers.
- On receiving a question concerning the propriety of using parts of a prayer and not the complete prayer in compilations, it was recorded that excerpts can be taken from prayers provided the meaning is not changed, the fact that it is only an excerpt is made clear, and the reference to the source is given in each case. This applies particularly to Study Outlines.
- The matter of the residential qualification of believers has been interpreted, to remove the ambiguous situation existing where believers reside in one established community but hold their voting right in another, adjoining city.
- The publishing of Bahá’í compilations through non-Bahá’í firms has been clarified and reported through BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
- The Temple Trustees wish to approve all models of the Temple before they are sold or publicly displayed, and to have the sale arranged through the Trustees.
As this secondary material on administrative matters is not readily available, scattered as it is through different issues of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, and in the Minutes of the National Spiritual Assembly, a compilation has been made and published under the title of “Bahá’í Procedure,” which codifies the statements and rulings as well as procedures adopted over a period of years. With this material has been incorporated passages from the Guardian’s letters setting forth the fundamental principles
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of Bahá’í administration and his
explanation of the Bahá’í attitude on
important current issues. The publication is in the form of loose leaf sheets,
perforated to place in any ring binder
of standard letterhead size.
A vast amount of detail would be spared to the meetings of the National Assembly, and doubtless also to local Assemblies, if the believers will acquaint themselves with this secondary administrative material. An enlightened public opinion within the Bahá’í community is our best safeguard against improper action or unsound attitude, and no amount of centralized authority can be a substitute for a community which has become thoroughly informed. We may well bear in mind also the Guardian’s view, already reported, that care should be taken not to develop the secondary material at the expense of the primary aim of the Faith. Our ideal should be to arrive at conscious knowledge and right attitude on how matters should be arranged within the Bahá’í community, for the basis of the community is conscience and not external law.
American Teachers Abroad[edit]
From time to time, as letters and reports are received, the friends are made acquainted with the activities of our co-workers who live or travel in other lands. Indeed, these activities have become so important and far-reaching that it has been felt advisable to include this subject in the Convention agenda. During the current Bahá’í year, the American believers abroad have been: Martha L. Root, Agnes Alexander, Clara and Adelaide Sharp; Marion Jack, Charles and Helen Bishop, Mark Tobey, Lorol Schopflocher, Gita Orlova, Siegfried Schopflocher, Frances Stewart, Elizabeth Pilkington, Leonora Holzapple, Louis and Louise Gregory, Nellie S. French, Edward and Loulie Mathews, Amelia B. Collins, Lena Gutbarlet, Mrs. Jeanne and Miss Jeanne Bolles, Isabel Dodge, and Beatrice Irwin. Of such believers Bahá’u’lláh has said: “They that have forsaken their country for the purpose of teaching Our Cause—these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through its power.” We admire and appreciate their services. We long for greater capacity to promote their plans.
In Memoriam[edit]
Year by year the true American Bahá’í pioneers—those who founded the Faith on this continent—are removed from our ranks and raised to the higher station of service in the Kingdom unseen. The passing of such workers as Paul K. Dealy, Mary Hanford Ford and Dr. Zia Bagdadi within the past few months brings us a sense of personal loss and reminds us that those who remain bear a greater responsibility in attempting to confirm their like and restore their qualities of faith to the workers on earth. Our prayers accompany these spirits who have fulfilled their mission in the body and now go to their reward.
Bahá’í Trusteeships[edit]
As the believers know, the large Bahá’í properties like the Temple, Green Acre and Bosch Summer School are held under separate deeds by trustees composed of members of the National Spiritual Assembly. This year, for the first time, a general survey has been made of the five Bahá’í Trusteeships, and this survey is to be presented as a report to the Convention. The report is a matter of distinct interest and importance, because the work of these Trusteeships has come to constitute a large part of the responsibility of the National Assembly, and a considerable asset not merely as Bahá’í property but as instruments of teaching. It is as believers learn how to combine true efficiency in practical affairs with their spiritual activities that we attain the balance of character, action and devotion distinguishing the religious life of this new age.
The Guardian’s Marriage[edit]
We come now to that event which has brought such depth of joy to all Bahá’ís throughout the world and forms the great climax of this Bahá’í year—the Guardian’s marriage.
On March 27 this cablegram was received: “Announce Assemblies celebration marriage beloved Guardian. Inestimable honor conferred upon handmaid of Bahá’u’lláh Ruhiyyih Khanum Miss Mary Maxwell. Union of East and West proclaimed by Bahá’í Faith cemented.” (Signed) Ziaiyyih, Mother of the Guardian.
The following acknowledgements were cabled immediately by the National Assembly.
To Ziaiyyih Khanum: “Assemblies will rejoice your heart-stirring announcement. Beseech divine blessings.”
To Shoghi Effendi: “Joyously acclaim historic event so auspiciously uniting in eternal bond the destiny of East and West.”
On March 30, this message came from the Guardian: “Deeply moved your message. Institution (of) Guardianship, head cornerstone (of the) Administrative Order (of the) Cause (of) Bahá’u’lláh, already ennobled through its organic connection with (the) Twin Founders (of the) Bahá’í Faith, is now further reinforced through direct association with West and particularly with (the) American believers, whose spiritual destiny is to usher in (the) World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh. For my part (I) desire (to) congratulate community (of) American believers on acquisition (of) tie vitally binding them to so weighty an organ of their Faith.”
On April 3, the National Spiritual Assembly sent this further message on behalf of all American Bahá’ís: “Hearts overflowing with gratitude, we are sending $1349, being $19 each from seventy-one American Assemblies for immediate strengthening new tie binding American Bahá’ís to institution of Guardianship. We trust this modest contribution will be accepted as token (of) ever-increasing devotion and unity (of) American believers in service to World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh.”
On April 5 was received the Guardian’s response: “Accept. Deeply touched (by) American believers’ spontaneous expression of ever-increasing devotion to crowning institution (of) World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh. Noblest contribution individual believers can make at this juncture to consecrate newly-acquired tie is to promote with added fervor unique plan conceived for them by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”
Any comment would be unbecoming, for this historic event will forever be enshrined for Bahá’ís in the Guardian’s own words.
In conclusion, one of the prayers newly translated by Shoghi Effendi is offered up in appeal that the Holy Spirit may penetrate the soul of every Bahá’í and confirm our steadfast unity on the field of action.
“Glorified art Thou, O Lord our Gad! We beseech Thee by Him Who is Thy Most Great Name, Who hath been sorely afflicted by such of Thy creatures as have repudiated Thy truth, and Who hath been hemmed in by sorrows which no tongue can describe, to grant that we may remember Thee and celebrate Thy praise, in these days when all have turned away from Thy beauty, have disputed with Thee, and turned away disdainfully from Him Who is the Revealer of Thy Cause. None is there, O our Lord, to help Thee except Thine own Self, and no power to succor Thee save Thine own power.
“We entreat Thee to enable us to cleave steadfastly to Thy love and Thy remembrance. This is, verily, within our power, and Thou art the One that knoweth all that is in us. Thou, in truth, art knowing, apprised of all. Deprive
[Page 14]
us not, O our Lord, of the splendors of the light of Thy face, whose
brightness hath illuminated the whole
earth. No God is there beside Thee,
the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious,
the Ever-Forgiving.”
- Yours faithfully,
- National Spiritual Assembly
- By: HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary.
MARTHA L. ROOT SAILS FOR TEACHING IN FAR EAST[edit]
A telegram received from Miss Martha Root during the Convention period was read to the delegates, reporting her departure from San Francisco on S. S. Tatsutamaru, sailing May 20, 1937.
The prayers and loving thoughts of the American Bahá’ís accompany this devoted International Bahá’í teacher as she undertakes one more great mission for the sake of the Faith she has served with such notable success.
A SUGGESTION TO ISOLATED BELIEVERS[edit]
Both the National Assembly and the Teaching Committee are doing all in their power to assist and encourage the isolated Bahá’ís, so that they may feel themselves a part of the American Bahá’í community and do their part in promoting the Faith.
Attendance at the Bahá’í Summer Schools offers these isolated friends one of the best opportunities to mingle with other believers, study the Teachings under most favorable conditions, and make contact with the dynamic spirit of the Cause.
The suggestion is therefore laid before the isolated Bahá’ís, and the members of small local groups that each do his utmost to attend the nearest Summer School this year.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANNUAL SOUVENIR OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHA[edit]
The Annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will be held this year at West Englewood on Saturday, June 26th, program to begin at 2 P. M.
During the afternoon the National Spiritual Assembly will hold dedicatory services in commemoration of the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Unity Feast given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912, in the grove. Mountfort Mills will preside.
The tentative program includes: an hour of music, beginning at two o’clock, by the Bergen County Music Project of the Works Progress Administration.
The reader of the address made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912 will be Mrs. E. B. Kinney; Speakers will be: Roy Wilhelm, Mountfort Mills, Edward B. Kinney, Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan and Mrs. Grace Ober.
It is planned to serve a box-lunch at a nominal cost after the meeting, around five o’clock. There will be no evening meeting as in former years. It is expected that this procedure will give the many friends, who usually gather at the Souvenir, a better opportunity to visit with each other.
All the Bahá’ís and their friends are invited to this Annual Souvenir, and this being the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary it is hoped that special efforts will be made by all who possibly can to attend and bring as many friends as they wish.
LETTER FROM YOUTH COMMITTEE[edit]
To the Bahá’í Youth of the United States and Canada.
Dear fellow youth:
The National Youth Committee asks your kind assistance in regard to four projects:
- After seeing some of the splendid snapshots and photographs taken at the Youth Day symposiums, the Committee conceived the idea to prepare a folder of youth pictures to be circulated throughout the youth communities. Undoubtedly you too have been wondering for a long time what Marion Holley and some of the other youth really look like. If you think this way of meeting each other will strengthen our unity and help us to work better as an organism, please send in individual youth pictures and youth group pictures, whenever possible, with your name and address, and we shall try to send the folder to you in the order in which your photographs were received.
- Please send in articles for Bahá’í Youth, especially on subjects relating to those of the March 7 symposiums.
- We enlist your help in obtaining the name and address of all Bahá’í youth who are students in colleges. (Pictures, manuscripts, and list of college students to be sent to Zeah Holden, 48 Terrace Ave., Albany, N. Y.)
- The members of the Eastern area are specially urged to interest all Bahá’í youth and their friends in attending the Green Acre Summer School—Youth Week, Aug. 1-8. If you would like to have the moving picture of last year’s Youth Week at Green Acre shown in your community, write at once to Dorothea Morrell, 203 Fenimore Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Thank you sincerely for your cooperation.
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
A number of important additions to the Bahá’í literatures are brought to the attention of the friends.
Three Obligatory Daily Prayers, translated by Shoghi Effendi. This authentic text replaces all former translations of the daily prayers. The three prayers are printed in booklet form. Paper covers, per copy $0.10 net
The Bahá’í World, Vol. VI, for the period 1934-1936. This volume contains 772 pages, with many illustrations. The three frontispiece illustrations are, a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá chosen by the Guardian, Temple dome and clerestory section, and facsimile of appreciation written by Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania. The list of contents and of illustrations is too extensive even to indicate in this brief space. Shoghi Effendi commends each successive volume of The Bahá’í World as a most important teaching medium. Per copy ..... $3.00
Bahá’í Procedure, the new compilation of secondary administrative material prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly in loose-leaf form. Per copy ..... $0.75
Index to Bahá’í News, prepared by Mrs. May Stebbins. This index covers the period 1934-1936, BAHÁ’Í NEWS No. 80 to No. 104. Mimeographed. Per copy ..... $0.35 net
Study Outlines, on Public Speaking, and on Principles of Creative Writing. These two Outlines were prepared by Mrs. Doris McKay. Mimeographed. Per copy ..... $0.10 net
Send orders to Bahá’í Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Annex, New York, N. Y., or to Western Division, Mrs. Emma F. Smith, 940 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, Calif.
ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Local Assemblies have reported the following additions to their community voting lists.
Glendale, four. Lima, four. Kansas City, three. Los Angeles, three. Peoria, two. Spokane, two. New York, two. Detroit, one. San Francisco, one. Muskegon, two.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.-Bahá’u’lláh.
- Mrs. Mary D. Culver, Eliot.
- Mrs. E. L. Cavanee, Urbana.
- Mrs. Flora P. Stone, Urbana.
- Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Augusta.
- Miss Harriet Williams, Boston.
CORRECTIONS[edit]
Correction is made of several errors which inadvertently have appeared in recent issues of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
“Public Meetings in Nashville.” The members of the National Assembly met with the local Assembly and visiting believers at the home of Mrs. A. N. Johnson.
Contacts Committee, annual report. The name of Miss Ethel Revell was omitted in the list of members.
Committee on Braille Transcriptions, annual report. The chairman is Mrs. Constance Rodman.
Index Committee, annual report. The chairman is Mrs. H. A. Harding.
LOUHELEN SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
Special Notice[edit]
Will the young people who come to the youth session bring your copy of the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh?
An effort is being made to have more music at all the sessions at Louhelen this summer. If you play a musical instrument will you please bring it.
Those attending the general sessions will find a copy of Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh valuable to have with them.
May we ask adults to generously refrain from writing for reservations for themselves at the youth session. Unfortunately there are not sufficient accommodations for other than the young people for this four day session.
Please see March issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS for complete program and dates for all sessions.
ANNUAL REPORT[edit]
Trustees for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada[edit]
1936-1937[edit]
When the Declaration of Trust was adopted in 1927, creating a corporate body, known as a Voluntary Trust, of the National Spiritual Assembly, it was felt that this form of organization would relieve the Assembly of some of the more material and practical duties that had consumed so much of its time, especially in handling the Temple and Green Acre properties. Since that time, however, the duties and problems have increased greatly from year to year. With the construction of the Temple and its maintenance, the magnificent gifts of the valuable properties at West Englewood, Geyserville, and the historic house at Malden, the National Assembly has now become the administrative body of a group of estates that extends from Maine to California with a present value of more than a million dollars. Moreover, the responsibility of directing the spiritual affairs of an ever-increasing community have augmented correspondingly.
We may justly rejoice at the manifest evidences of the growth and consolidation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the western world, when we contrast this present condition of the Cause in America with the eventful first Bahá’í Convention in 1909, when the Chicago Spiritual Assembly turned over to the Bahá’í Temple Unity, our first corporation, two lots in the Village of Wilmette, costing $2000.00 and a cash fund of $3665.44 for the purchase of more land for the Temple site. This present achievement has been the result of an ever-increasing unity of purpose, inspired by the encouragement of our beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the unerring guidance of Shoghi Effendi and the never-failing prayers and loyal financial assistance of our Oriental brothers and sisters.
In order to protect the National Fund from any contingency that might financially involve one of our properties and to meet the legal requirements of ownership under the diverse laws of the States in which we hold real estate, it has been necessary for the National Assembly to form separate bodies of Trustees for their management. Thus at the present time there are seven corporate trusts,—The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, the Temple Trustees, the Green Acre Trustees, the Wilhelm Trustees, the Bosch Trustees, the Malden Trustees and American National Spiritual Assembly, Palestine Branch, which has been incorporated under the law of Palestine. The membership of all these trusteeships is the same as that of the National Assembly, as are their officers, and are elected annually by the same vote that elects the Assembly. The election of the various trustees must be recorded each year in the County of every State where the Trusts hold property, and separate sets of Minutes have to be kept for each trusteeship. The Palestine Branch was organized at the direction of the Guardian, not as a foreign corporation or a charitable trust, but as a “religious society” enjoying all the privileges attaching to recognized religious institutions in the Holy Land, and holds title to the various pieces of property surrounding the sacred shrines on Mount Carmel.
To assist in the management of these properties, the Trustees have appointed Maintenance Committees which have rendered valuable assistance. The Trustees are concerned only with the maintenance of the properties and act “for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly”. This latter body is responsible for the programs, meetings, schools and other Bahá’í uses. All financial income and expenditure is controlled by the National Bahá’í Fund, which according to Shoghi Effendi is “the life-blood of these nascent institutions” and “the bedrock on which all other institutions must necessarily rest”. Therefore it may be of interest to briefly review the historical background of these various trusteeships and point out the duties and obligations entailed in their administration.
Temple Trustees[edit]
The inception of the Mashriq’ul-Adhkár in the West dates back to the Spring of 1903, when, upon receiving news and pictures of the laying of the corner-stone of the first Bahá’í Temple in Ishkabad, Russia, the House of Spirituality in Chicago, inspired by that great event, supplicated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for permission to erect a Mashriq’ul-Adhkár in America. The Master sent a Tablet in reply stating: “I was rejoiced through your endeavors in this glorious Cause, made with joy and good interest. I pray God to aid you in exalting His Word, and in establishing the Temple of Worship, through His grace and ancient mercy. Verily, ye are the first to arise for this Glorious Cause in that vast region. Soon will ye see the spread of this enterprise in the world, and its resounding voice shall go through the ears of the people
[Page 16]
in all parts. Exert your energy in accomplishing what ye have undertaken,
so that this glorious Temple may be
built, that the beloved of God may assemble therein and that they may pray
and offer glory to God for guiding
them to His Kingdom.”
The history of the early progress,—the steady acquisition of the land in Wilmette, the dedication of the Temple grounds on May 1, 1912 by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the selection of the Temple design, the sinking of the nine caissons and the erection of the Foundation Hall,—is well known to the friends. All this work was accomplished under the direction of the Bahá’í Temple Unity, the old corporation, which was in turn instructed by the believers each year at the annual Bahá’í Convention. It is of historical interest to recall that the final payment on the main tract of Temple property was made on October 2, 1912 while the Master was still in America.
After the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly in 1927, the first major step was the establishment of the Temple Trusteeship. The Indenture creating this Trust was recorded in Cook County, Illinois, as document 10204534 on November 13, 1928. The first meeting of the Trustees was held on January 12, 1929. With the recording of this Indenture the title to the Temple property passed from the Bahá’í Temple Unity to the Temple Trustees.
One of the first things done by the Trustees was to start a Temple building fund by placing $67,000.00 in U. S. Certificates of Indebtedness at 4¾ per cent. No bank failure could impair the payments of this obligation. The Trustees then took a further precautionary step by passing a resolution that no invested funds or securities could be withdrawn from the Temple Fund without written authorization signed by at least five of the members. Shortly $20,000.00 more was added to this fund and then came a glorious gift from two Bahá’ís of $100,000.00 and another gift of $1900.00 from a friend who gave up a trip to Haifa because the Guardian had laid such stress on the completion of the Temple Fund. By Convention time, April, 1929, a period of three months from the commencement of the building fund, there was $210,000.00 on hand.
Owing to the increasing height of Lake Michigan, it became necessary, in 1930, to put in a bulkhead of interlocking sheet steel piling on the Lake Shore tract at a cost of $7844.35. March, 1930 saw the fulfillment of the condition laid down by Shoghi Effendi, that $400,000.00 should be in hand before the next stage of Temple construction could be started. The friends will recall that upon the recommendation of the Research Service, it was decided to erect the entire super-structure of the Temple, rather than build just the complete first story. The wisdom of this decision is known to the friends throughout the Bahá’í world.
The next step after the completion of the structure was the outer decoration of the building. Again expert advice made it possible to start from the top rather than the base of the Temple, and the present beauty of the Dome, as it glistens in view from miles around, is a shining evidence of what the entire Temple will look like when completed. You are familiar with the financial struggle to complete the final payments for the clerestory section to Mr. J. J. Earley, whose artificial stone process made possible the execution of the beautiful designs of the architect, Mr. Louis Bourgeois. At a period when the world was in the throes of a severe depression, the Bahá’ís carried on operations while many a religious edifice, backed by great wealth, had abandoned further construction. Once more the inspiring guidance of Shoghi Effendi and the faith of the friends carried us on. The Trustees had many an anxious moment over the problem of meeting the final payments and our Treasurer had to make a Bank loan of $10,000.00, without mortgaging any property, a direct obligation on the Trustees. This loan was paid in full but it was still necessary to borrow $5500.00 from two individuals in order to complete the Contract with Mr. Earley.
The Trustees are happy to report that this final obligation has recently been discharged and also the final payment on the purchase contract of the Studio building has been made to Mrs. Pemberton. Considerable repair is needed on the Studio and the Maintenance Committee has been instructed to obtain competitive bids for the cost of minimum necessary repairs to be done this Spring. Certain needed repairs on the Temple have been taken care of during the year, in order to stop water leakage. The work of water-proofing the entire sloping surface of the ramp was completed at a cost of $1289.87. It was found that owing to the porous condition of the surface, due to a long period of weather exposure, the contractor had to use more material than originally contracted for. The metal gutters and flashings and broken tiles will be repaired at a contract cost of $378.00. The vertical surface of Foundation Hall and the slabs over the Linden Avenue entrance require attention and $500.00 has been authorized for this work and $100.00 more for the cost of painting the wooden steps and framework. New indirect lights have been installed in Foundation Hall at a cost of $122.10. The improvement of the grounds by grading and seeding has been authorized and should be completed by Convention time, thus removing the unattractive conditions that have prevailed since building operations ceased. Current insurance needs have been taken care of and considerable savings on premium costs have been effected.
With the sale of the Marshall property adjoining our triangle plot across Sheridan Road, our attorney has been authorized to enter into negotiations with the present owner to bring about a joint action for the application to the Village authorities for the vacation of the stub end road and for the equitable division of this strip of land. Pending this action our attorney has been instructed to take all immediate and necessary steps to protect the triangle plot of land from adverse possession or use.
The Trustees have voted to request Mr. Earley to submit an estimate of cost on a Temple model in a size suitable for display by local Assemblies. It was also further voted that any model or reproduction of the Temple must be submitted to the Trustees for them to determine whether the model is acceptable and also the conditions under which it can be sold. Local Assemblies and individuals are asked not to purchase or exhibit any Temple model except through the Temple Trustees.
The exact figures for this report of Temple maintenance, repairs and insurance can be found in the Treasurer’s report. However it may be of interest to know the approximate annual fixed charges that have to be met. They are:
| Monthly Average | ||
| Caretakers’ Salaries | $2,760.00 | $230.00 |
| Oil, Gas, electricity and water | 3,000.00 | 250.00 |
| Special repairs | 2,000.00 | 166.65 |
| Insurance, all kinds, Studio, Cottage, Liability, Furnishings, Fire, boiler and compensation | 860.00 | 71.85 |
| ________ | ________ | |
| $8,620.00 | $718.50 |
Green Acre Trustees[edit]
After attending the Congress of Religions at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893, Miss Sarah J. Farmer was inspired to found a center for the investigation of the reality of religions. The following year she selected the property in her home village of Eliot, Maine, for this purpose and thus an institution was established as she described it “for the purpose of bringing together all who were looking earnestly toward the New Day which seemed to be breaking over the entire world. The motive was to find the Truth, the Reality underlying all religious forms, and to make points of contact in order to promote the unity necessary for the ushering in of the coming Day of God.” This beautiful site on the banks of the Piscataqua River was afterwards named Green Acre. The yearly summer conferences became widely known and were highly successful. In 1900 Miss Farmer made a pilgrimage to Akká, and from that time on, the Fellowship which she established to control Green Acre gradually became imbued with the Bahá’í ideals. Time does not permit recounting the growth and struggles that befell the lot of the Green Acre Fellowship, the court proceedings to save the property, the gifts of Mrs. Helen Ellis Cole and others in the early days and later the financial assistance of the Randalls and the Schopflochers and many faithful friends to insure the ultimate destiny of Green Acre to become the reflection of the plain of Akká and the center of the Bahá’ís. Miss Farmer received many Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regarding its future, and among these messages the following prophetic statement has been a guiding inspiration: “You must lay such a foundation so that the influence of the confederation of religions and sects may permeate to all parts of the world from Green Acre, and Green Acre for all future ages and cycles may become the standard-bearer of the oneness of the world of humanity.”
After Miss Farmer’s death, the Green Acre Fellowship, which owned and directed the property, gradually brought the Bahá’í principles into all the activities of the center. At the annual meeting on August 10, 1925, the Fellowship voted to place Green Acre under the control of the National Spiritual Assembly, and upon the completion of this conveyance, the Guardian on September 20, 1926 cabled this message: “May newly confirmed union achieve its purpose by increasingly demonstrating universality of Bahá’í Cause.”
In 1929 an Indenture of Trust was set up and title to the property was transferred to the Trustees. Green Acre consists of 131.3 acres of land in five different parcels, The Inn, Fellowship House, the Pines, Sunset Hill and the river tract. Besides the three-story Inn and the lovely Fellowship House there are a number of cottages, an Arts and Crafts Studio, Rogers Cottage (formerly a Tea and Gift Shop) and a camp site. Recently the McKinney cottage was purchased for $200.00, making another house available for rental, and the Trustees voted to appropriate $100.00 for the installation of a water heater and bath in the Lucas cottage. A camp site for those who prefer to spend their vacation in that manner, has been arranged for on the river tract. The grounds will be cleared and platforms for tents installed with provision for a water supply with a pitcher pump. The Maintenance Committee has been authorized to rent Fellowship House this season, providing suitable arrangements can be made. The land between the Pines and the highway is to be marked out in 50 ft.-front lots to be leased to Bahá’ís who wish to construct their own summer homes at Green Acre. Mr. and Mrs. Schopflocher have made arrangements to give the large Ball cottage with its acreage, which adjoins the Inn property, to Green Acre. This welcome gift will provide a house that will produce a revenue to the Trustees as it can be rented the entire year. Eight Hundred Dollars has been authorized to be expended for alterations and improvements on the Inn Cottages Nos. 2 and 3.
Mr. Bert Hagadorn, who has served as an efficient caretaker of the Green Acre properties for many years, found it necessary to resign his position this year. To fill this position, Mr. Goodwin was hired for one year at a wage of $100.00 a month. Mr. Goodwin resigned in March and Edwin La Pointe engaged on a day basis of $3.20, and a minimum during the winter months. A new sign reading “Bahá’í Summer School for the Study of the New World Order” was erected at the entrance replacing the old sign “Green Acre Inn.” Judge Deering was employed to examine the records of certain rights of way to different tracts of Green Acre land and to take the necessary steps to establish proper use of these rights of way by the friends. The boundaries of all parcels of land will be properly and permanently marked with cement posts.
Mrs. Ormsby has been engaged as manager of the Inn again for the season of 1937 under the same arrangement made with her last year. It is encouraging to report that, after receiving $500.00 from the National Assembly to start the season of 1936 and purchase the necessary supplies for the Inn, this sum was paid back and, in addition, a net profit from the Inn, and cottages and the Lucas cottage in the amount of $722.74 was turned over by the Trustees to the National Fund. The Inn will be opened on July 1st this year and offer accommodations to non-Bahá’ís as well as believers seeking a pleasant vacation, in order to make it a source of income to Green Acre. A Bahá’í hostess will be at the Inn for the season.
Since the burning of the “Eirenion”, a Hall in the Inn has been used for school and meeting purposes. The friends will be most pleased to learn that when Green Acre opens this year a beautiful new Bahá’í Hall, complete with chairs, furnishings and lighting system will be standing on the top of the slope overlooking the Piscataqua just west of the Inn. This Hall, costing about $5,000.00 will have a seating capacity for 200 people and will be used entirely for Bahá’í devotional and teaching purposes and for the celebration of Bahá’í Feasts. This greatly needed addition to the institutions of Green Acre is made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Florence Morton. The trustees are most appreciative of this contribution from one who has been devoted to the service of Green Acre. The Hall in the Inn will be used for recreation.
Judge Deering has been requested to ascertain if the Indenture of Trust is legally sufficient according to Maine law for the Trustees to apply for tax exemption on the properties that are devoted to religious and educational purposes.
This Indenture was recorded at Alfred, Maine, on January 1, 1930, Book 813, page 366.
The operation and maintenance cost of Green Acre has been a difficult problem to solve owing to the short summer season and the many needed repairs. The Green Acre Maintenance Committee has rendered invaluable assistance to the Trustees in the management of the property. The Inn was operated at a good profit last season, but the fixed charges for taxes, insurance, repairs and caretaker make it necessary to receive assistance each year from the National Fund. The Guardian wishes Green Acre to become self-supporting and the Trustees are doing what they can toward this
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end. The present annual cost of maintenance, not including the Inn and
summer school activities, follows:
| Monthly Average | ||
| Caretakers’ Salary | $1,200.00 | $100.00 |
| Insurance, all kinds | 476.60 | 40.00 |
| Taxes.....642.32 | ||
| Water.....60.00 | 702.32 | 58.50 |
| Repairs and sundry | 300.00 | 25.00 |
| ________ | ________ | |
| $2,678.92 | $223.50 |
This year over $100.00 in savings on insurance has been effected. The future destiny of Green Acre was assured when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 25 years ago, stood on Mount Salvat and said that a great University of the Higher Sciences would be erected on that site.
Wilhelm Trustees[edit]
On June 29, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá invited a number of friends to the home of Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm at West Englewood to partake with him in a feast of fellowship. After serving the guests with his own hands, the Master said: “You have come here with sincere intentions and the purpose of all present is the attainment of the virtues of God.... Since the desire of all is unity and agreement it is certain that this meeting will be productive of great results.... Such gatherings as this have no likeness of equal in the world of mankind where people are drawn together by physical motives or in furtherance of material interests, for this meeting is a prototype of that inner and complete spiritual association in the eternal world of being.... Hundreds of thousands of meetings shall be held to commemorate such an assembly as this and the very words I utter to you on this occasion shall be reiterated by them in the ages to come.”
For the past 24 years an annual souvenir has been held on this spot in remembrance of this meeting. A few years after this event, Mr. Wilhelm, in his spare moments, erected a log cabin and named it Evergreen Cabin. It has been a center of Bahá’í activities for many years. Since 1931 it has been the headquarters of the National Spiritual Assembly. Directly below the Cabin lies the pine grove where the Master gave his memorable Feast. It is on this site, according to the Guardian’s instructions, that the only Memorial commemorating ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visit to North America is to be erected. It will be in the form of a monument.
On March 9, 1935, Mr. Wilhelm executed an Indenture of Trust, transferring Evergreen Cabin, its furnishings and the two lots comprising the pine grove to the nine Wilhelm Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly. This indenture was duly recorded in the office of the clerk of Bergen County, New Jersey, in Book 1935, page 590 of Deeds.
As a further evidence of Mr. Wilhelm’s generosity, a $20,000 fire insurance policy good for five years and a year’s liability policy were turned over to the Trustees, fully paid, covering these properties, which made a saving of $584.48 to the National Fund. The terms of the indenture provide that Mr. Wilhelm and members of his family throughout their several lifetimes can continue to have the free use of the property. An additional gift of 102 feet of land, representing two lots between the cabin and the pine grove, a garage and two story house in which the office of the National Assembly is located, has just been made to the Cause by Mr. Wilhelm. The insurance on the house and garage amounting to $112.00 is also included.
The Cabin has been made available under lease to the Teaneck Assembly for their meetings. A separate electric meter has recently been installed for the light used by the Teaneck Assembly and provision is being made for a separate oil supply to the heating plant for their use.
Up to the present time there has been no cost to the Bahá’í Fund for light, heat, repairs or taxes. It is a remarkable fact that recently the City of West Englewood, voluntarily decided, without any application being made, to remove this property from the tax roll. When approached for verification of this action, the city fathers stated that Mr. Wilhelm deserved tax exemption on this property more than some religious institutions, for what he is doing for the community of West Englewood.
The only cost to the Trustees is a Liability Insurance coverage which runs about $40.00 annually. The spiritual value of this property is beyond computation. Its physical value is enhancing steadily due to its close proximity to New York City.
Bosch Trustees[edit]
The increasing call in the western States for Bahá’í teachers prompted the National Assembly to appoint a committee to work out plans for a Summer School on the Pacific Coast. The site selected for this school was in Geyserville, California, due to the welcome offer of John and Louise Bosch to make their ranch home, with all its facilities, available for this purpose. The first school sessions were held there in 1927. Since that time the ever-increasing number of attendants at the school each year have been housed, without charge, through the warm hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Bosch. As long ago as 1910, Mr. Bosch wrote to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá of his desire to dedicate this property to the universal service and spirit of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, that it might become a center—with a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár—for all hearts who are earnestly seeking enlightenment. The fulfillment of this hope, so fully shared in by Mrs. Bosch, started on August 1, 1927, when 130 friends gathered under the shade of the majestic “Big Tree” to celebrate the Feast of “Asma” on the opening of the first summer school in the West.
In the ninth year after the establishment of the school, Mr. and Mrs. Bosch conveyed title to the property by an Indenture of Trust to the Trustees for the benefit of the National Assembly. This trust deed, which is similar to the Wilhelm deed, provides for full use and occupancy by Mr. and Mrs. Bosch during their respective lifetimes. The Indenture was recorded on November 25, 1935 in Book 397, page 20, Records of Sonoma County, California.
The property, just 75 miles north of San Francisco on the famous Redwood Highway, comprises 37 acres, with a mature fruit orchard, a redwood grove, the lovely Bosch home, many accessory buildings, and a water system with two wells that have never gone dry. The maintenance, repairs, taxes and other expense to date have been taken care of by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Bosch, thus saving a considerable sum for the National Fund.
Mr. Bosch has surveyed a part of this land on the hill-side, overlooking the Russian River Valley, for building sites to be leased to Bahá’ís who wish to erect summer homes. Already two attractive cottages have been built on these sites and a number of others have been planned for the near future.
Last year an attractive Hall for the school sessions and public meetings, of rustic redwood, completely equipped with chairs and a kitchen to provide for Feasts, was erected and presented to the Cause by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Collins. This year these two devoted friends of the Faith have shown
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further evidence of their generosity
by the gift of a much needed dormitory, 88 x 14 feet, of corresponding rustic material, which is now
under construction and which will be
equipped with beds and linen and
ready for use for the school sessions
this year. This dormitory, fully
equipped, will cost approximately
$20,000.00. The fire insurance on both
these new, beautiful buildings and their
equipment for a three-year period have
likewise been provided for by these
two friends.
Another gift of $500.00 was received this year from Mr. Schopflocher to provide for a suitable place for the school and recreational activities of the Bahá’í children.
The only cost to the Trustees to date has been the liability insurance premium amounting to $39.05. All other maintenance costs have been paid by the Boschs. It may soon be necessary to appoint a caretaker to look after the upkeep of the buildings and grounds and thus relieve John and Louise Bosch from the care and responsibilities they have carried on their willing shoulders for so many years. On November 13, 1936, the Trustees motored from San Francisco to spend the day at Geyserville, a meeting of prayer was held in the new Hall. It was a real inspiration to inspect this splendid gift of a valuable property, with its buildings, from these self-sacrificing friends to the Cause of God.
Malden Trustees[edit]
In 1900 Miss Maria P. Wilson, one of the early pioneers of the Faith in America, visited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Akká in company with Miss Sarah Farmer. A few years later she made a second pilgrimage and on that occasion the Master said to her: “When I come to America I will visit you.” In August, 1912, after visiting Green Acre, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá requested that a believer who might have a ‘house on a hill’ allow Him the use of it for a week or two. Many houses were offered for His disposal, but He chose the home of Miss Wilson at 63 High Street in Malden, Massachusetts. He remained there for some ten days before going to Montreal. Upon his return to Haifa, after His memorable visit to America, The Master wrote to Miss Wilson stating: “Thy house became my abode and my home. Many days were spent in that home with the utmost joy and fragrance. The mention of ‘Ya Bahá El Abha’ was raised from it and we spread the religion of God. In reality that home is My home, therefore the mention of God must always be raised from it.”
Again on May 11, 1913, the Master, in another Tablet to Miss Wilson, wrote: “The days I spent in thy house and engaged My time in summoning the people to the Kingdom of God were days of infinite joy and Spirituality. They shall never be erased from the Tablet of Memory.”
When Miss Wilson passed to the heavenly world in 1930 she left a Will giving this house to Shoghi Effendi. The Guardian took title to this property and asked the National Assembly to look after it for him. In the Fall of 1935 the Guardian executed a deed of trust transferring it to the Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly. This indenture was recorded on September 27, 1935 in Book 5962, page 399, in the Middlesex Registry of Deeds, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Southern District.
Prior to the establishment of the trust the Boston Assembly had been asked to look after this house for the National Assembly. The house was rented and the Boston Assembly has continued to care for it for the Trustees. The house is in need of certain repairs which will be given attention. There is a problem of an existing right of way located on adjoining property, formerly owned by Miss Wilson which she bequeathed to a relative. The Trustees have offered to give a release of this right of way to the adjoining owner for a financial consideration sufficient to provide a new driveway on the other side of the house located on the land belonging to the trust property and for the alterations in the house necessary to permit the delivery of coal and supplies. This matter has not yet been concluded by our attorney.
Fire insurance for three years was renewed last year at a cost of $28.75. Taxes for this year of $191.25, sidewalk assessment of $8.64 and water bills of $16.69 have been paid. The Boston Assembly reports $148.50 on hand, received from rent since May, 1936.
The Trustees referred to Shoghi Effendi the question whether the property should be retained and developed for Bahá’í purposes as a memorial to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá or whether it should be sold, and received the following reply: “The Guardian does not advise your Assembly to sell the Malden property, as the Master has definitely stated in the Tablet which you have quoted to ‘take care of that house, because the light of the love of God was ignited in it.’ By renting the house the N. S. A. can for the present avoid the expenses entailed by its repairs and up-keep.”
This brief summary of the origin, development and management of these sacred trusts will give some idea of the responsibility placed upon your Trustees in their administration. An added obligation incurred by the Trustees is that they, both jointly and severally, may be held personally liable for any damage judgment that might arise from injuries sustained by the public on these properties. It has been necessary, therefore, for protection of themselves and the Cause to carry both Public Liability and Workmen’s Compensation insurance. Since the examination of the insurance in force from 1934 on all trust properties, during the past three years, the following savings have been effected through the underwriting revision and consolidation of certain risks:
Temple | $1,390.39 |
Green Acre | 211.41 |
Malden | 24.15 |
| __________ | |
Total Savings | $1,625.95 |
These institutions have been established and maintained by your sacrifices, your cooperation in the Unified
Plan of Action, the remarkable contributions, unparalleled in history,
from Bahá’ís the world over and the
magnificent gifts of the devoted friends
enumerated in this report.
Here is an approximate value of these properties, including land, buildings and equipment:
Temple with 6 acres | $1,040,000.00 |
Green Acre with 131 acres | 65,000.00 |
West Englewood | 50,000.00 |
Geyserville with 37 acres | 40,000.00 |
Malden | 5,000.00 |
| ____________ | |
Totaling | $1,200,000.00 |
The estimated fixed obligations required to administer these trusts, including caretakers, taxes, heat, light,
water, insurance, repairs and legal expense to be met annually follow:
| Monthly | ||
| Temple | $8,620.00 | $718.50 |
| Green Acre | 2,680.00 | 220.00 |
| West Englewood | 40.00 | 5.00 |
| Geyserville | 40.00 | 5.00 |
| Malden | 300.00 | 25.00 |
| Legal Expense depending on conditions from year to year | 200.00 | 16.50 |
| ________ | ________ | |
| $11,880.00 | $990.00 |
It can be seen from this analysis
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that the National Bahá’í Fund must
furnish approximately $1,000.00 a
month to carry on these trust properties. These figures do not include
the school activities or any of the National Assembly obligations, therefore
when an average of twenty Assemblies, or 35% of the total number, do
not contribute to the Fund each month,
your Treasurer has grave cause for
worry as the bills come to him. This
is your problem. You are the joint
owners of all these trusteeships and
moreover you have the wealth of the
Spiritual Kingdom. In the near future you will wish to start the next
stage of Temple construction, the covering of the main gallery of the Temple in order to hasten the fulfillment
of the prophetic utterance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “When that divine edifice is
completed, a most wonderful and
thrilling motion will appear in the
world of existence.” Toward this end
Mr. Earley is planning to submit a
proposal for resumption of the external decoration on a basis enabling the
work to go forward slowly and at a
moderate annual cost.
Your trustees are confident that you will achieve the destiny promised by Bahá’u’lláh,—that of ushering in the New World Order—by the establishment of the institutions upon which it must rest, with a deeper realization of the Guardian’s counsel that your voluntary contributions are an indispensable medium for the growth and expansion of the Cause and “constitute, in addition, a practical and effective way whereby every believer can test the measure and character of his faith, and to prove in deeds the intensity of his devotions and attachment to the Cause.”
- Trustees for the benefit of the
- National Spiritual Assembly
- By: GEORGE O. LATIMER.
