Bahá’í News/Issue 112/Text

From Bahaiworks

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BAHA’I NEWS


Published by
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey


No. 112
DECEMBER, 1937

All-praise to the unity of God, and all-honor to Him, the sovereign Lord, the incomparable and all-glorious Ruler of the universe, Who, out of utter nothingness, hath created the reality of all things, Who, from naught, hath brought into being the most refined and subtle elements of His creation, and Who, rescuing His creatures from the abasements of remoteness and the perils of ultimate extinction, hath received them into the Kingdom of incorruptible glory. Nothing short of His all-encompassing grace, His all-pervading mercy, could have possibly achieved it. How could it, otherwise, have been possible for sheer nothingness to have acquired by itself the worthiness and capacity to emerge from its state of non-existence into the realm of being?—Bahá’u’lláh.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRITUAL POWER[edit]

The world has become a jungle dominated by the fierce monsters of collective social policy. Nothing in history compares to the force accumulated by certain nations on the material plane, nor to the aggressiveness of their avowed plans. All that militarism and national authority and financial resources can supply are at the disposal of these apocalyptic beasts.

Whether willingly or unwillingly, whether consciously or unconsciously, millions of human beings constitute the atoms of these monstrous powers, and by compulsory if not voluntary obedience supply the necessary factor of psychological life which projects the beasts from the realm of imagination into the arena of human experience.

Their savage roars compose the substance of the daily news; their attack and recoil is the visible history of these transitory years.

Aside from the indifferent or fearful attitude of other nations, aside from the aspiration of individuals made helpless by such collective turmoil, there is no other reality upon earth save the interposition of God’s Power and Authority through Bahá’u’lláh. His Power reigns supreme, unaffected by human will raised in ignorance or opposition, but the visible evidences of His Power depend upon the conscious response of souls to the new Law of unity.

The Bahá’ís may be certain that in the world there are mighty hosts awaiting the hour of recognition when their greater powers will be added to our own. But meanwhile all Bahá’ís have their unique mission to fulfil. Ours is the privilege of disclosing in human lives the true patterns of World Order which Bahá’u’lláh created in the world of the soul and spirit, ours to reflect the radiance of an inner joy, ours the task of spreading the Word and raising up the House of Worship which embodies the principle of The Most Great Peace.

May we not, one and all, rise to the heights of understanding, throw off any clinging veils of hesitation and doubt, and with the whole force of our beings become inspired, not merely with willingness, but with fiery determination to throw ourselves into the performance of the Seven-Year Plan. These apocalyptic beasts that ravage the world have no real power. Their


Work Has Begun on New Contract for External Decoration of Gallery Section, the Unfinished Unit Beneath the Dome and Clerestory Sections.


apparent force is naught but the negation of faith in God. But that negation feeds upon our lack of faith, and the superior power of God requires consecrated souls through which to manifest the Victory.

The National Spiritual Assembly longs for evidences of that true faith which is synonymous with action in this world.

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HOLDS CONFERENCE AND PUBLIC MEETING[edit]

It was the privilege of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly to meet in conference with the Bahá’ís of Portland, Oregon and a number of other cities on Sunday, October 17, 1937. In addition to Portland, the cities represented were: Vancouver, Boise, Colorado Springs, Monroe, Everett, Seattle, Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, not reckoning the cities from which the members of the National Assembly came to this conference.

The subject of the Seven-Year Plan was the topic of consultation, and its importance was stressed by a number of the friends. At five P. M. the Portland Assembly served a buffet supper attended by about fifty additional guests, persons especially invited because of their interest in the Cause.

A public meeting was held in the ballroom of Multnomah Hotel, Monday evening, October 18, on the subject of “The Need for World Unity.” This meeting attracted an audience of about four hundred which filled the room. Mrs. Dorothy Baker spoke on “Cycles of Civilization” and Mountfort Mills spoke on “The Goal of a New World Order.” Horace Holley served as chairman of the meeting.

The business meetings of the N. S. A., held on October 16, 17 and 18, were the first held by the National Assembly in the Pacific Northwest.

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 confereth the gift of everlasting life.—Bahá’u’lláh.

Mrs. Muriel Rucker, Toronto.
Mrs. Mary Arch, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Edward Ruppers, Phoenix.
Mrs. Daisy G. Fry, Visalia.
Miss Avis Morris, San Francisco.

ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]

Los Angeles, six. New York, two and four youth. Seattle, four. Peoria, one. New Haven, one. Springfield, Mass., one. Urbana, one and one youth. San Francisco, one. Nashville, one. Oakland, one. Miami, two. Montreal, two.

ASSEMBLY ROLL[edit]

The following changes have been reported:

Nashville, Tenn., new address, Mrs. Elva H. Peebles, Secretary, 218 Rose Street.

Rochester, N. Y. Due to removals of several believers to other cities, the Spiritual Assembly no longer exists, and the believers now have the status of a local group.

NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]

The following Committees have been appointed for the current Bahá’í year in addition to those reported in the September issue:

Annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
William deForge, Chairman.
Anthony Jochim.
Bertha L. Herklotz.
Ophelia B. Crum.
Mrs. E. B. Kinney.
Carl Krug.
Bernard B. Gottlieb.
Geyserville Summer School[edit]
John D. Bosch, Chairman.
Leroy C. Ioas, Vice-Chairman.
N. F. Ward, Secretary, 2330 Rose Street, Berkeley, Calif.
George O. Latimer.
Mrs. Thomas Collins.
Mrs. Ella G. Cooper.
Ruth Westgate.
Siegfried Schopflocher.
Irvin Somerhalder.
Geyserville Maintenance[edit]
George O. Latimer, Chairman.
Leroy C. Ioas, Secretary, 640 46th Avenue, San Francisco, Calif.
John D. Bosch.
Mrs. Thomas Collins.
N. F. Ward.
H. R. Munson.
Louhelen Summer School[edit]
L. W. Eggleston, Chairman.
Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Secretary, Olivet, Mich.
Mrs. Frank Baker.
Garreta Busey.
Edward Miessler.
Bishop Brown.
Malden House Maintenance[edit]
Victor Archambault, Chairman, 2 Pilgrim Road, Arlmont Village, Arlington, Mass.
Mrs. Fred Morton.
Wendell Bacon.
Regional Teaching[edit]

California, Arizona and Nevada—Mrs. Sara Kenney unable to serve.

Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland—Mrs. Sutherland Maxwell added to the committee.

Temple Program[edit]

Dr. R. D. Pettet added. Mrs. Edvard Lindstrom unable to serve.

BAHA’I MARRIAGE SERVICE IN HOUSE OF WORSHIP[edit]

The question having arisen whether non-believers might use the Temple for a marriage service, the National Spiritual Assembly has recorded the following view: that the Temple can be used for a Bahá’í marriage service by believers, and for a Bahá’í marriage service by a believer and a non-believer, but that non-Bahá’í marriage services should not be permitted, nor should the Temple be used for a Bahá’í service by non-Bahá’ís.

MISS ZAMENHOF’S VISIT[edit]

Miss Lidia Zamenhof, whose visit as guest of the National Spiritual Assembly was reported in the last issue of Bahá’í News, spoke on the subject of “Language and World Unity” at a meeting arranged by the Public Conference Committee of the New York Spiritual Assembly on November 21. These special meetings bring together Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í speakers on subjects of general public interest. The other speakers were Hon. Dave Hennen Morris, Ambassador to Belgium from 1933 to 1937, and Mrs. Morris. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have long been active in the cause of an international auxiliary language. Mountfort Mills presided at the meeting.

The Committee on Universal Auxiliary Language of the N. S. A. have been making plans for Miss ‎ Zamenhof‎ to visit other cities after her Esperanto classes have finished in New York. Miss Zamenhof will go to Philadelphia about January first, and after some weeks there will probably proceed to Detroit.

As Miss Zamenhof wishes to hold Esperanto classes, and arrangements for them are made by Esperantists and not by the local Assemblies, her itinerary is worked out by joint consultation between a national Bahá’í and a national Esperanto committee.

Local Assemblies desiring information about the plans may write to the Chairman of the Committee on Universal Auxiliary Language, Mrs. Della Quinlan, 70 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N. Y.

THE TEMPLE MODEL[edit]

Distribution has recently been made of the ten Temple models produced by

[Page 3] Mr. John J. Earley on order from the Temple Trustees. These replicas are about thirty inches high, and can be displayed very effectively on a table.

One model has been presented to Shoghi Effendi; one sent for permanent display in Temple Foundation Hall; two models are retained by the National Assembly for special exhibition which may be arranged by National Committees or local Assemblies; one model has been purchased by both the New York and Chicago Assemblies; two models are being held on orders received from other local Assemblies; and one model is being offered with the compliments of the Temple Trustees to the Concrete Institute. This leaves only one final model which can be purchased by a local Assembly for $95 plus cost of shipment. If, however, the number of orders justifies it, additional models to a total of ten can be cast from the original molds.

This model is accurately scaled and carries a beautiful reproduction of the intricate scheme of external decoration, somewhat simplified as required by adjustment to the small scale. The National Spiritual Assembly trusts that these excellent replicas of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will contribute powerfully to public teaching during coming years. It should be possible to arrange for temporary displays in museums, libraries, universities and expositions, as well as in store windows under conditions preserving the dignity of the Faith.

TEACHING CLASSES HELD AT THE TEMPLE[edit]

The Temple Program Committee wishes to report that the class for believers on the subject of “Teaching and Teaching Methods,” conducted by the Temple Guide Committee on Thursday evenings, will during the winter months be held Sundays at 1:30 P. M.

The special attention of Bahá’í communities in the Temple area is called to this announcement.

A BAHA’I SUMMER SCHOOL IN THE SOUTH[edit]

For more than a year, the National Spiritual Assembly has given consideration to the possibility of establishing a Summer (or Winter) School somewhere in the South, for serving the believers of that great region. Sooner or later a fourth Bahá’í School will certainly be required, and its program and general arrangements will no doubt be similar to those developed by the three Summer Schools already in existence, and likewise be conducted


Bahá’ís of Portland, Seattle and Monroe Meeting with Miss Martha Root at Portland, May 9, 1937.


by a National Committee. At present, however, the National Assembly feels that the collective responsibilities of the American believers under the Seven-Year Plan makes it impossible to take any definite steps in the direction of a new Summer School at present. The believers throughout the Southern States are urged to concentrate their efforts on direct teaching, as all growth in our numbers in that area will hasten the time when such a School can be firmly established. Suggestions, however, will be welcome, as the National Assembly will require all possible information in order to base any future action upon thorough understanding of all relevant facts and possibilities.

ILLUSTRATED TEMPLE LECTURES ATTRACT WIDE ATTENTION[edit]

The Bahá’í Temple is one of the most powerful teachers of the Faith in America today. As the ornamentation of this unique religious edifice proceeds, it will become even more important as a teaching medium. In fact, teachers have found, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has promised that lectures on the Temple, particularly if illustrated, offer an extremely effective manner of presenting the Faith and its dynamic principles.

In order to make it possible for as many Assemblies and Individuals as possible to give illustrated lectures on the Temple, showing the progress of the construction work from the erection of the superstructure, the Teaching Committee has made available stereopticon slides of various views of the building work. This series includes slides of religious edifices of the past, which very often can be used in creating an ideal setting for the slides of the Bahá’í Temple. These slides can be secured from the Secretary of the Teaching Committee, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, 376 60th Street, Oakland, Calif., at a cost of 35 cents each. Orders should be made by numbers, rather than designation of the slides desired. Listed below are the slides now available. As the work on the ornamentation goes forward, additional slides will be made available, illustrating its further progress.

Slides of Bahá’í Temple, Wilmette, Illinois—etc.[edit]

  1. Artist’s Drawing of Temple.
  2. Plaster Paris Model of Temple—now in Foundation Hall.
  3. Interior Decorative Scheme.
  4. Floor Plan—main floor.
  5. First Floor Exterior Decorative Scheme.
  6. Second and Third Floor Exterior Window Decorative Scheme.
  7. Artist’s Drawing of Entrance Door and one Facing.
  8. Exterior View Completed Basement.
  9. Beginning of Superstructure.
  10. First Steel in Place. [Page 4]
  11. First Floor in Concrete and Steel of second floor.
  12. Steel Work.
  13. Steel Work to base of Dome.
  14. Steel Work including Dome.
  15. Interior View of Completed Superstructure.
  16. Interior View of Steel of Dome.
  17. Aerial View of Completed Superstructure.
  18. Ground Plan for Replica of One-quarter of Dome—Earley Studio, Washington.
  19. Wooden Replica of One-quarter of Dome (side view).
  20. Wooden Replica of One-quarter of Dome (front view).
  21. Plaster Paris Models on Replica of Dome.
  22. Carving the Models.
  23. Mold Being Made from Model.
  24. Casting Being Made.
  25. Casting Being Lifted from Mold.
  26. Hardening Chamber for Castings.
  27. Reinforcing Steel for Each Casting.
  28. Detail of Castings Showing Quartz Finish.
  29. Various Models.
  30. Model of Rib.
  31. Model of Base of Rib.
  32. Model of Base of Rib, and Part of Rib.
  33. Dome—Before Uniting of Ribs.
  34. Distance View of Dome Before Uniting of Ribs.
  35. Distance View of Completed Dome.
  36. Close-Up of Clerestory and Dome.
  37. View of Temple—Showing Completed Clerestory and Dome.
  38. Twelve Basic Bahá’í Principles.
  39. American N. S. A.—at Base of Rib on Temple.
  40. ‘Abu’l-Bahá.
  41. Quartz Before Crushing.
  42. Quartz Crusher.
  43. Quartz After Crushing.
  44. Mixer of Quartz and Cement.
  45. Ground Plat for Replica of Dome—Earley Studio, Washington.
  46. Making of Molds.
  47. Making of Molds.
  48. Model of Rib.
  49. Artists and Workers of Earley Studio, Washington.
  50. Interior of Hardening Chamber.
  51. Concrete on First Floor.
  52. Ruins Inca Temple—Bolivia.
  53. Ruins Mayan Temple—Central America.
  54. Ruins Aztec Temple—Mitla, Mexico.
  55. Shiva Temple and Area—India.
  56. Ruins Great Temple—Karnak, Egypt.
  57. Parthenon (restored) Athens, Greece.
  58. Angor Watt, Indo-China.
  59. Golden Temple and Shrine, Burmah.
  60. Temple of Heaven, Pekin.
  61. Great Buddha, Japan.
  62. Niko Temple, Japan.
  63. Solomon’s Temple in Herod’s Time.
  64. Cathedral at Amiens.
  65. Church of St. Basil, Moscow.
  66. Mosque of St. Sophia, Constantinople.
  67. Kaaba, Mecca.
  68. Mosque of Omar, Jerusalem.
  69. The Alhambra, Spain.
  70. Taj Mahal.
  71. Bay of Haifa.

Having created the world and all that liveth and moveth therein, He, through the direct operation of His unconstrained and sovereign Will, chose to confer upon man the unique distinction and capacity to know Him and to love Him—a capacity that must needs be regarded as the generating impulse and the primary purpose underlying the whole of creation ... Upon the inmost reality of each and every created thing He hath shed the light of one of His names, and made it a recipient of the glory of one of His attributes. Upon the reality of man, however, He hath ‎ focused‎ the radiance of all His names and attributes, and made it a mirror of His own Self. Alone of all created things man hath been singled out for so great a favor, so enduring a bounty.—Bahá’u’lláh.

PUBLISHING COMMITTEE[edit]

Catalog: The Publishing Committee has issued a new catalog, revised to October 1, 1937, in convenient pocket-size. Librarians should request a supply for local use.

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era: The invaluable introductory work by J. E. Esslemont has recently been corrected and revised, and the new edition presents the subject of the Administrative Order in accordance with our present knowledge. The friends are reminded of the great usefulness of this book for teaching work. Paper-bound edition, $0.50.

The Bahá’í World, VI: This volume presents the international developments in the Faith from 1934 to 1936, and careful study of it is necessary for fulfilment of our spiritual world citizenship in the Faith. $3.00.

Life Eternal: This compilation on immortality and the spiritual life is most attractively printed and bound for use as a gift. $2.50.

Security for a Failing World, by Stanwood Cobb: This work is also admirable for presentation to interested friends. $1.50.

Portals to Freedom, by Howard Colby Ives: Only ninety copies are now available of the first edition of this book imbued with the spiritual experience of one who met the Master in 1912. Early orders are advisable. $2.25.

World Order Magazine: A convenient new offer, consisting of seven copies of any one issue for $1.00 is now presented. This offer will make it possible to bring the magazine to the attention of acquaintances at very moderate cost. Certain articles appear from time to time which seem to attract special interest, for example, the one on The Manifestation, by Albert B. Entzminger, in April, 1937, and the one on The Laboratory of Life, by Louise D. Boyle, in November, 1937.

The Bahá’í House of Worship, by Genevieve L. Coy: This illustrated booklet on the Temple has met an important need, and is most timely for teaching use now that construction work has been resumed. Sold only in lots of 100 copies. $2.25 per hundred, net.

WORLD ORDER MAGAZINE[edit]

The current (November) issue contains an Editorial, Education Goes Ahead; The Laboratory of Life, by Louise D. Boyle; The fifth chapter in The New Creation, by Alice Simmons Cox; The Cultural Unity of the East, by V. B. Metta; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teaching on The Types of Character; The New Frontier of Civilization, by Ralph Tyler Flewelling; Revelation, by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick; The Seed of Civilization, Book Review, by Helen Inderlied; and Signs of the Times, by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick.

The friends active in teaching are requested to appreciate the usefulness of the magazine as an important means of contact with inquirers. Among the special offers are, trial subscription at $1.00 for seven consecutive months, and seven copies of any one issue for $1.00. The magazine is edited to appeal to the public as well as directly to Bahá’ís. A periodical has a timely interest and a variety of contents which can awaken interest in ways not met by books and pamphlets. Fireside groups should have their attention called to the magazine, which can assist in deepening the knowledge and interest of those just beginning to attend Bahá’í meetings.

[Page 5] These energies until which the Day-Star of Divine bounty and Source of heavenly guidance hath endowed the reality of man lie, however, latent within him, even as the flame is hidden within the candle and the rays of light are potentially present in the lamp. The radiance of these energies may be obscured by worldly desires even as the light of the sun can be concealed beneath the dust and dross which cover the mirror. Neither the candle nor the lamp can be lighted through their own unaided efforts, nor can it ever be possible for the mirror to free itself from its dross. It is clear and evident that until a fire is kindled the lamp will never be ignited, and unless the dross is blotted out from the face of the mirror it can never represent the image of the sun nor reflect its light and glory.—Bahá’u’lláh.

RADIO COMMITTEE[edit]

The Radio Committee extends heartiest thanks to the friends who are sending in talks for general radio use. We cannot over-estimate the good uses of radio; every word goes out to unseen thousands who make up the Bahá’í world of tomorrow. More talks could be used. Fifteen-minute talks are preferred, and these should be five typed pages, double spaced. Those who cannot go out and teach may make a nation-wide contribution in this way. We hope to hear from many more. Address all talks to Mrs. Dorothy Baker, 615 W. Elm St., Lima, Ohio.

A few talks are listed below for immediate use. Further lists will appear from time to time.

  1. A suggested series on World Order:
    The New Day, by Madame Gita Orlova.
    Political Unity for a World of Peace, by Marion Holley. (World Order, Dec., 1936.)
    Poverty and Crime, by Helen Inderlied.
    A World Language, by Agnes Alexander.
    Unity in Religion, by Dorothy Baker. (World Order, Feb., 1937.)
  2. Copies of the New York series on World Order may still be obtained.
  3. A Progressive Revelation series will be reviewed and ready Nov. 1. The series will include:
    Israel Speaks, by Dorothy Baker.
    Jesus, the Christ, by Allen Gorrell and Edmund Miessler.
    Ancient Oriental Prophecy, by Frank Warner.
    The Prophet of Arabia, by Charleen Warner.
    The Day of the Báb, by Dorothy Baker.
    Bahá’u’lláh, the Glory of God. (Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 22.)
    It is suggested that this series be given without interruption.
  4. The following are talks on spiritual topics, adapted to devotional hours, or for use with other series, or to be used alone:
    How to Overcome Our Difficulties, by Ruth Moffett.
    The Royal Road to Happiness in This New Day, by Ruth Moffett.
    The Soul, Mind and Spirit of Man, by Elsa Blakeley.
    Peace or Prejudice, by Alice Parker.
    The Eternal Worlds, by Bahiyyih Lindstrom.
    *A Narrative by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, by Elizabeth Cheney. (Story taken from Mysterious Forces of Civilization.)
    The Uses of Prayer, by Dorothy Baker.
    The Habit of Prayer, by Dorothy Baker.
    Bible Prophecies, by Dorothy Baker.
  5. Some general talks, well adapted to single presentations:
    World Peace, by Ruhi Afnán.
    The Divine Physician, by Mamie Seto.
    Unity of Thought, by Harry Jay.
    The Spirit of the Age, by Nina Matthison.
    *‘Abdu’l-Bahá and World Peace, by Nina Matthison.
    The New World Order, by Lucy Heist.
    Changing Religion in an Evolving World, by Ruth Moffett.
    Where Is the Key to World Unity? by Ruth Moffett.
    True Survival (or Things in Reverse), by Helen Inderlied.
    Objectives of the Bahá’í Faith, by Dorothy Baker.

The talks so far listed are ready to be sent out in typed form. A minor charge of ten cents per talk will be made, to help defray the expenses. Orders may be placed through Mrs. Baker.

From time to time valuable suggestions come in which are helpful to all. Mr. Eugene Hilgert of Lima suggests that the friends adapt the talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to radio use, and recommends the following ones as well timed for fifteen-minute presentations, and covering a most interesting range of subjects:

Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 18, 26 and 28 (combined) 30, 40, 48 and 51, 67, 75, 80, 93, 109, 117, 130, 136.
Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 2, 22, 36, 76, 90, 93, 118, 122, 125, 128, 134, 138, 142, 145, 274, 296, 302, 319, 328, 410, 433, 444, 449.


External Decoration, Clerestory Section, Bahá’í House of Worship.


A few of these have been tried on the weekly programs in Lima with good results. It is suggested that the reading of these talks be preceded by a simple statement concerning their Author.

A suggestion has come in regarding the use of small stations. Large cities are often prohibitive in price and in censorship of material, whereas outlying stations which have more difficulty in filling their time, are disposed to welcome educational and devotional programs, provided that the material does not have the air of proselytizing. Visit your neighboring stations!

DOROTHY BAKER,
RUTH BROWN,
ELSIE AUSTIN.

* Adapted for use in commemorating ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s departure from America.

LOCAL RADIO ACTIVITIES[edit]

The Spiritual Assembly of Vancouver has announced a series of Radio Talks and Fireside Discussions, Thursday evenings, 8:30 to 8:45, beginning October 7, over Station CKMO (1410 k.c.). The object as stated is to present “the modern world and its problems viewed in the light of

[Page 6] those all-inclusive principles of World Order which are the aim and purpose of the Bahá’í Faith.” The general title of the series is “The World at Home.” Eleven weekly titles are listed, such as “The Present World Crisis,” “War vs. International Cooperation,” “Order, a Law of Nature,” etc.

A most interesting aspect of this activity is the announcement that “following these talks, groups of interested people, gathered in private homes throughout the city, will discuss the subjects in an informal, though serious atmosphere in an effort to understand more of these challenging problems and the unifying forces at work to establish the World Order propounded by Bahá’u’lláh.”

A new element has thus been introduced into Fireside study groups, the result of which will be awaited with profound interest by the Assemblies of other cities.

The New York Assembly announces a series of three broadcasts over Station WQXR by Mountfort Mills on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, November 10, 11 and 12, from 3:45 to 4:00 P. M. The subjects are: “The World Crisis: Its Cause,” “The World Crisis: Its Cure,” and “The New World Order.” After each broadcast the invitation is made to attend a lecture by Mr. Mills at the Bahá’í Center on Sunday, November 14.

This series will be followed by three more radio talks over the same station in January.

LOUHELEN SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]

The Louhelen Summer School Committee announce the following dates for next summer:

June 26-30 (incl.), Youth session.
July 3-7, Second Youth session.
July 10-19, Laboratory Course (for those of any age who wish to make an intensive study of the Bahá’í Teachings and who wish practice in speaking and in making new contacts).
August 20-28, General session.
If there is a sufficient demand a third youth session will be held in August or early September.

This announcement is made now for the benefit of those who have to arrange their vacations early. The subjects and leaders of courses will be announced later.

INTER-AMERICA COMMITTEE[edit]

“While Mrs. F. B. Stewart was in Buenos Aires she interested Sra. de Garcia Rosell in the Bahá’í teachings and gave her our names and address in Peru. As Sra. Rosell publishes a magazine, Universal, in Lima, it was easy to find her. She was just the person to gather together a select group of liberal thinking people and bring them to us, for a preparatory teaching. The first group met on July 10. My mother (Mrs. Stebbins), prepared a paper on ‘The Oneness of Mankind,’ while I wrote on ‘The Temple’ at Wilmette. Sra. Rosell’s son was able to translate our papers. The audience was composed of distinguished men and women: there were present engineers, business men, naval and military officers. After our papers had been read and translated the meeting was thrown open for discussion. The two things which interested them most were the idea of independent investigation of truth, and having no clergy. Our statements met with no opposition or criticism and in so Catholic a country, this was remarkable, and showed the wisdom and care that Sra. Rosell had used in the selection of our audience. Our next meeting, a little later, was attended by the same twenty with a few additional people. My mother read a paper on ‘Security for a Failing World’ and I one on ‘Science and Religion.’ In spite of my foreign accent and lack of knowledge of the language I read it in Spanish and this was, I believe, more effective. We were unexpectedly called away from Lima and were obliged to leave the formation of a study group in Sra. Rosell’s hands. In the Fall I am planning to spend a month in Lima to perfect my Spanish and teach Sra. Rosell more about the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as there is no doubt she will make a fine teacher and be of great help to us in spreading the Cause.”—(From report written by Isabel Stebbins Dodge.)

In Mexico City Miss Beatrice Irwin completed her work for the present. Her contribution has been most remarkable and without the aid of the Spanish language she managed to approach some of the most distinguished and important people of Mexico. A summary of her activities follows:

April 30 Miss Irwin gave an address on World Citizenship before the Masonic Lodges. There were five hundred people present. July 1, Miss Irwin lectured before the Institute of “Impersonal Life.” This lecture was listened to by over one thousand people. A world broadcast was given on The Bahá’í House of worship. August 4 an exhibit of Bahá’í Literature was arranged at the Nat. University Summer School. Also in the chief book shop of the city for three weeks with splendid publicity. Again the American book store allowed the same exhibit to remain in the large window for three weeks. A class of ten students was organized and carried forward by Miss Irwin.

Mrs. Stewart’s short visit to Mexico City during the Musical Conference bore immense fruit for she left a well-organized class under the direction of Mr. Pedro Espinosa. This class will continue through the Winter, letters and questions will be directed to Mrs. Stewart and she will answer in Spanish, the class will read and study in this way and so remarkable is the interest aroused that we will surely have results.

It is necessary for the Inter-America Committee to have a great deal more Spanish Literature and this is now the next objective of the Committee’s work.

L. A. MATHEWS, Chairman.

YOUTH COMMITTEE[edit]

To Bahá’í youth throughout the world

Dearest Bahá’í friends:

Conceivably every energetic Bahá’í youth of the world can steadfastly endure more of our tremendous and sacred task of spreading the Teachings among our fellow-youth. Pulled by the joy of it and impelled by the love of it, whole-heartedly persevering, why should we be concerned about the enormity of our “well-nigh staggering” responsibility when we know we are indeed superhuman enough to bear it ... once we assume it!

The National Youth Committee is calling all Bahá’í youth to unanimously arise as an international body to promote the Third Annual International Bahá’í Youth Symposiums to be held Sunday, February 27, 1938. Symposium plans should be made now and every possible means should be used to publicize this event.

Every Bahá’í youth group, “however humble, however inexperienced” is urged to hold a public Symposium on February 27 at which representative youth will discuss general, personal, and social aspects of the Teachings. All features of the same plan will be universally adopted, but the subjects may vary according to community interests.

Adhering to the same general steps of last year’s procedure, we have adopted the following plans:

  1. General theme, “Humanity’s Coming of Age.”
  2. Suggested Symposium topics:
    1. General—The Dawnbreakers.
    2. Personal application of the Teachings— [Page 7]
      Changing Human Nature.
      Portals of Freedom.
      Creative Living.
      Why Religion?
    3. Social application of the Teachings—
      World Order—Not Utopia.
      World Citizenship.
      The World—An Organism.
      Peace Realists.
  3. Complete study outlines for speeches to be published in Bahá’í Youth for December. (If you have not already subscribed, you may do so by sending 40c—foreign rate 50c—to Mrs. Mae Graves Dyer, 1767 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, U. S. A.)
  4. A special Symposium issue of Bahá’í Youth to be published for the Symposiums in place of the March issue. Please order extra copies at once.
  5. Another scrapbook to be compiled for the Guardian.
  6. Radio broadcasting of speeches wherever possible. (Not long ago a Montreal youth obtained a radio engagement for a Bahá’í speaker single-handed, even praying to Bahá’u’lláh as to which station to contact!)
  7. Preliminary session of prayer for the success of speakers and all who participate in this united effort.
  8. Reports of formulated plans to be sent as soon as possible to sub-secretaries:
    Eastern area, Zeah Holden, 48 Terrace Avenue, Albany, New York.
    Central area, Florence Mattoon, 105 Sixth Street, Wilmette, Illinois.
    Pacific area, Farruck Ioas, 640 46th Avenue, San Francisco, California.
    And international secretaries:
    Europe, Annamarie Kunz, 714 W. Iowa Street, Urbana, Illinois.
    The Orient, Tahirih Mann, 23 S. Highland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland.

What can we do for a bigger and better Bahá’í Youth Day? How can we make the world take notice? How can we as “members of one body” make clear and understandable the emergence of this great organic whole—this new social order—an essential part of which every living person represents and must consciously assume and maintain? How can we tell our fellow-youth convincingly? How better than to unitedly proclaim our Faith throughout all the nations of the world—our unique opportunity—in the Third Annual International Bahá’í Youth Symposiums to be held Sunday, February 27, 1938!

Let us discipline and exercise ourselves for this event. What should our scope be, both as individuals and members of our group? What can each of us and all of us do? Let us make our plans now, complete them at our mid-winter conferences, and may we reach our state of maximum effectiveness for February 27!

Faithfully yours,
National Youth Committee.

“THE EMANATIONS OF SPIRITUAL POWER”[edit]

So vast and significant an enterprise as the construction of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the West should be supported, not by the munificence of a few but by the joint contributions of the entire mass of the convinced followers of the Faith. It cannot be denied that the emanations of spiritual power and inspiration destined to radiate from the central Edifice of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will to a very large extent depend upon the range and variety of the contributing believers, as well as upon the nature and degree of self-abnegation which their unsolicitated offerings will entail. Moreover, we should, I feel, regard it as an axiom and guiding principle of Bahá’í administration that in the conduct of every specific Bahá’í activity, as different from undertakings of a humanitarian, philanthropic, or charitable character, which may in future be conducted under Bahá’í auspices, only those who have already identified themselves with the Faith and are regarded as its avowed and unreserved supporters should be invited to join and collaborate. For apart from the consideration of embarrassing complications which the association of non-believers in the financing of institutions of a strictly Bahá’í character may conceivably engender in the administration of the Bahá’í community of the future, it should be remembered that these specific Bahá’í institutions, which should be viewed in the light of Bahá’u’lláh’s gifts bestowed upon the world, can best function and most powerfully exert their influence in the world only if reared and maintained solely by the support of those who are fully conscious of, and are unreservedly submissive to, the claims inherent in the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. In cases, however, when a friend or sympathizer of the Faith eagerly insists on a monetary contribution for the promotion of the Faith, such gifts should be accepted and duly acknowledged by the elected representatives of the believers with the express understanding that they would be utilized by them only to reinforce that section of the Bahá’í Fund exclusively devoted to philanthropic or charitable purposes. For, as the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh extends in scope and in influence, and the resources of the Bahá’í communities correspondingly multiply, it will become increasingly desirable to differentiate between such departments of the Bahá’í treasury as minister to the needs of the world at large, and those that are specifically designed to promote the best interests of the Faith itself. From this apparent divorce between Bahá’í and humanitarian activities it must not, however, be inferred that the animating purpose of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh stands at variance with the aims and objects of the humanitarian and philanthropic institutions of the day. Nay, it should be realized by every judicious promoter of the Faith that at such an early stage in the evolution and crystallization of the Cause such discriminating and precautionary measures are inevitable and even necessary if the nascent institutions of the Faith are to emerge triumphant and unimpaired from the present welter of confused and often conflicting interests with which they are surrounded.—Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Administration, pp. 171-172.

And since there can be no tie of direct intercourse to bind the one true God with His creation, and no resemblance whatever can exist between the transcient and the Eternal, the contingent and the Absolute, He hath ordained that in every age and dispensation a pure and stainless Soul be made manifest in the kingdoms of earth and heaven.—Bahá’u’lláh.

THE GRAVE OF THORNTON CHASE[edit]

On the afternoon of September 30, 1937, Bahá’ís from Los Angeles and Glendale met at the grave of Thornton Chase, “the first Bahá’í in America,” in Inglewood Cemetery, suburban to Los Angeles, California.

The Bahá’ís came together there to fulfil the command of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant of God, to commemorate yearly, on the day of his departure, the passing of Mr. Chase. Those who knew Mr. Chase, of whom a number were present, have found

[Page 8] their love for him and their respect for his privileged position as the first American Bahá’í only deepened by the passing years, while others present knew and honored him by reputation.

The exact wording of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet in regard to the friends visiting the grave is, in part, as follows:

“In short every year on the anniversary of the ascension of that blessed soul the friends must visit his tomb on the behalf of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in utmost lowliness and humility, should with all respect lay on his grave wreaths of flowers and spend all the day in quiet prayer, while turning the face toward the Kingdom of Signs and mentioning and praising the attributes of that illustrious person.” (Translated by Shoghi Effendi.)

In compliance with the injunction of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the friends brought beautiful flowers, which they not only put in the receptacles at the head and foot of the tomb, but also strewed over the marble tombstone, upon the surface of which the Greatest Name is engraved, together with a quotation especially written for the purpose by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which is to the following effect: “This is the illumined resting place of the holy soul Thornton Chase, who is shining in the horizon of eternal life ever like a star.”

The sunny September afternoon was warm and pleasant; and an airplane flew over head, as the Bahá’ís began to read from the remarks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regarding Mr. Chase and recited the prayer which He gave for Mr. Chase while standing beside the grave. All of the friends were offered an opportunity to read selections, some from Tablets about Mr. Chase and others from Mr. Chase’s own account of his visit to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at ‘Akká, Palestine, and to the Tomb of the Báb, at Haifa, and his own meeting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, on that same visit to the Holy Land. How and where (June 5, 1894, at Chicago, Illinois) Mr. Chase first heard of the Bahá’í Faith was told. Mrs. von Kirtley, formerly Mrs. Frank Beckett, produced a list of all that she could remember as having visited the grave with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, September 19, 1912. (They were about nineteen in number, and included Mr. Beckett and herself.) Prayer was read for all the departed in the entire cemetery, and then the friends left for their homes spiritually strengthened and refreshed, a reflection of the condition of Mr. Chase, in joy in the realm of El-Abhá.

Had not ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said in this connection: “.... for his spirit will be exhilarated through the loyalty of


The Grave of Thornton Chase, First American Bahá’í.


the friends, and in the world of God will it be happy. The friends of God must be kind to one another, whether it be in life or after death.” For Mr. Chase had died a firm Bahá’í; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá having written to him: “... a soul who is firm will be a Son of the Kingdom of God and will be confirmed with the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore I have named thee Thabet (firmness) and I supplicate and beseech the True One that, like an unshakable mountain, thou mayest remain firm in the Cause of God and that the whirlwind of tests imprint no effect upon thee. Nay, rather mayest thou become the cause of the firmness of others ....”

Los Angeles is a visiting point for tourists from all over the United States. Bahá’ís pass through the city, sometimes having but a day, or a half a day to spend before they depart. Were they made aware of the importance which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá attached to this grave, which this account endeavors to show, at least to a small extent, they possibly would like the bounty of visiting and praying there. Any member of the Los Angeles Bahá’í Community would feel it a privilege to go along and show them the way, or provide someone else, if unable to go personally.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived in San Francisco, October 3, 1912, and it was there that He received the news that Thornton Chase had passed away in Los Angeles, just three days before.

SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF LOS ANGELES: By, WILLARD P. HATCH.

PILGRIMS’ NOTES[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly will not in the future ask for the authentication of any pilgrim’s notes nor cooperate in their distribution but refer exclusively to the Guardian’s general communications to this body and the American believers for its source of information and guide of action.—Bahá’í Procedure, Section Four, Sheet 13.

ANNUAL REPORT[edit]

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles 1936-1937[edit]

(Concluded)[edit]

Early in the year Mr. and Mrs. Bishop came to England and in addition to working in London made a tour of various parts of the country, speaking to audiences gathered by resident Bahá’ís. They returned to Geneva in September. After examination of Mrs. Bishop’s report the National Spiritual Assembly wrote to Shoghi Effendi requesting her services for another year, a petition which the Guardian granted. Mrs. Bishop was

[Page 9] asked to go to Torquay, where in association with Mr. Tobey and Mrs. McKinley active work was begun. From December until April a constant and intense campaign was conducted, Mrs. Bishop speaking in churches, intellectual institutions and private homes. The result of this work was that three people declared themselves and were enrolled, while a large number were greatly attracted to the Faith and the Teachings were widely spread in that district. Follow up work will be continued by the five believers now there, who are preparing themselves for intensive work with a view to enlarging the group into an Assembly.

In the work of the Spiritual Assemblies there is apparent at this end of the year, a different and more impressive method than could be seen at the beginning. In both London and Manchester the old type of teaching in wide generalizations has been succeeded by intensive and vital discussion groups.

In London, the removal of the centre to 46 Bloomsbury Street, made it necessary to conduct a more intimate type of meeting, similar to a fireside group. This has proved highly effective and large attendances are the rule. Fireside meetings have been conducted at various homes, and in Crouch End a group has been formed under the jurisdiction of the London Spiritual Assembly. This group recently rented the Hornsea Town Hall and conducted a well attended and successful public meeting. Plans are being made for a series of public lectures in Caxton Hall during May. London has enrolled seven new believers during the year.

In Manchester a new and vigorous spirit is at work. The Spiritual Assembly has taken a hall in the center of the city and is making full use of it. The Nineteen Day Feast has become firmly established in the community, and with an increased understanding of the Administrative Order, a new teaching programme is being undertaken. Two new believers have been enrolled.

The Bahá’í Theatre Group may be mentioned under the heading of Teaching, for this group, organized and directed by Madame Orlova, has proved an effective means of attracting young people to the Faith and of giving them first hand experience of Bahá’í consultation. At Naw-Ruz the group presented scenes from ‘As You Like It’ and is now working on a pageant of the ‘Seven Valleys.’

In March 1937, Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher brought a message from the Guardian to the effect that he wishes us to stress two things:—humanity has come of age, and the appearance of Bahá’u’lláh. These are the two factors to resolve the modern “riddle of existence.”

A small pamphlet was composed by the National Spiritual Assembly and Five thousand copies printed, available at a penny each.

From the very beginning of the year the National Spiritual Assembly felt the need for literature printed in England, but owing to lack of resources the need remained unfilled. Shortly, however, circumstances arose with which all the friends are acquainted, which led to the decision to form a Publishing Company, for the purpose of publishing Bahá’í books through an established printing house. In this project the National Spiritual Assembly was fully supported and encouraged by the Guardian, who sent £50 towards the Fund needed. The National Spiritual Assembly pledged and gave its full support, both moral and financial and sought the help of the friends. The response was immediate and generous, but only from a limited number. The N.S.A. is confident, however, that when the project itself, and the wide range of its probable results, are more fully understood, every believer will sacrifice for its success. With the permission of the Guardian, a circular letter was printed and sent throughout the Bahá’í World, seeking the help of the world-wide Bahá’í community. It is surely a symptom of the almighty assistance of Bahá’u’lláh, that within the short space of one year, we should have successfully accomplished a national undertaking and embarked on another which bids fair to become international in scope. For Shoghi Effendi has likened the establishment of the Publishing Company to the building of the Temple in America and indicates that its success may “mark the inauguration of a new era of expansion of the Cause throughout the British Isles and the rest of the far-flung British Empire.” At its last meeting the N.S.A. was advised that there was £153 in the Publishing Fund, which is sufficient to establish the Company legally with a limited capital liability of £100. Proper legal advice has been obtained and the N.S.A. has recorded its decision to register the Company as “The Bahá’í Publishing Company Limited.” Investigations are being made as to the most favourable method of associating the N. S. A. with the Company. It may be truly said that upon the progress of this plan, depends that expansion of the Teaching work which it is now our chief duty to promote.

On March 29th the following cable was received from Haifa:—“Announce Assemblies celebration marriage beloved Guardian. Imperishable honour bestowed upon handmaid of Bahá’u’lláh Ruhiyih Khanum Miss Mary Maxwell. Ziaiyih, Mother of Guardian.” To this joyful news the National Spiritual Assembly, the Spiritual Assemblies of London and Manchester, and the Bournemouth Group, cabled their expressions of delight. The union of East and West, so dear to the Master’s heart, has been cemented in his own Family.

During the year the National Spiritual Assembly has met twelve times; ten times in London, once in Manchester and once at Summer School. It was found necessary to purchase a typewriter for the secretarial work.

One of the greatest problems with which the N.S.A. has had to contend, has been the National Fund. Although this year, receipts are slightly in excess of expenses, it will be seen from the Treasurer’s report how very limited are the funds at the disposal of the N.S.A. It is felt that the friends do not yet realize the importance of regular contribution to the Fund, or that it is a Bahá’í Law, and not a principle ... a command of Bahá’u’lláh.

This report would not be complete without some reference to the encouragement and guidance which has been received from the Guardian during the year. His constant message has been to persevere and teach the Cause. “Persevere and never feel disheartened.” “Rest assured and persevere.” ... “Now is the beginning of your work. And as in the beginning of every task, you are bound to meet all sorts of difficulties. The more you strive to overcome these, the greater will be your reward, and the nearer you will get to that glorious success which, as repeatedly promised by Bahá’u’lláh, must needs crown the efforts of all those who, whole-heartedly and with pure detachment, strive to work for the spread and establishment of His Cause.” And lately these inspiring words to an individual believer, published with his permission. “The goal is clear, the path safe and certain, and the assurances of Bahá’u’lláh as to the eventual success of our efforts quite emphatic.”

In comparison with the greatness and eventual destiny of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, the year may well seem to be of little significance. But in comparison with previous years, and remembering the difficulties which have been overcome both within and without

[Page 10] the Faith, and remembering too the smallness of our numbers, we can realize with gratitude the meaning of the Guardian’s words referring to “this auspicious stage in the evolution of the Faith in England. The uniting of all the friends in an organic unity, the strengthening of the position and authority of the National Spiritual Assembly, the firm establishment of the Administrative Order, as attested by the Guardian, the publication of the Bahá’í Journal, the inception of Summer School, the teaching campaign in Devonshire, the consolidation of the Faith in London and Manchester within the Administrative structure and the subsequent beginning of new teaching work in those centers, the initial success of the plan for the Publishing Company, the enthusiasm and active work of the London Youth Group—these are among the outstanding features of the ninety-third year of the Bahá’í era in Great Britain.

“All-praise and glory be to God Who, through the power of His might, hath delivered His creation from the nakedness of non-existence, and clothed it with the mantle of life ... O, how blessed the day when, aided by the grace and might of the one true God, man will have freed himself from the bondage of the world and all that is therein, and will have attained unto true and abiding rest beneath the shadow of the Tree of Knowledge.”

Faithfully,
In His Service,
National Spiritual Assembly.
by DAVID HOFMAN, Secretary.

These Essences of Detachment, these resplendent Realities are the channels of God’s all-pervasive grace. Led by the light of unfailing guidance, and invested with supreme sovereignty, they are commissioned to use the inspiration of their words, the effusions of their infallible grace and the sanctifying breeze of their revelation for the cleansing of every longing heart and receptive spirit from the dross and dust of earthly cares and limitations. Then, and only then, will the Trust of God, latent in the reality of man, emerge as resplendent as the rising Orb of Divine Revelation from behind the veil of concealment, and implant the ensign of its revealed glory upon the summit of men’s hearts.—Bahá’u’lláh.


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