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ANNUAL CONVENTION
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey
“A YEAR HAS ALMOST ELAPSED”[edit]
Letter from Shoghi Effendi[edit]
A year has almost elapsed since the Seven Year Plan has been launched with characteristic vigor and noble enthusiasm by the American Bahá’í Community. For no less than six consecutive years this two-fold and stupendous enterprise, which has been set in operation, must, if the American believers are to prove themselves worthy of their high calling, be wisely conducted, continually reinforced and energetically prosecuted to its very end. Severe and unprecedented as may be the internal tests and ordeals which the members of this Community may yet experience, however tragic and momentous the external happenings which might well disrupt the fabric of the society in which they live, they must not throughout these six remaining years, allow themselves to be deflected from the course they are now steadily pursuing. Nay, rather, as the impelling forces which have set in motion this mighty undertaking acquire added momentum and its potentialities are more fully manifested, they who are responsible for its success must as time goes on evince a more burning enthusiasm, demonstrate a higher sense of solidarity, reveal greater depths of consecration to their task, and display a more unyielding determination to achieve its purpose. Then, and only then, will the pleas, the hopes and wishes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, eternally enshrined in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, be worthily acknowledged and fulfilled. “Let your exertions, henceforth, increase a thousandfold” is the earnest appeal voiced by Him in those Tablets. “Summon the people,” He exhorts them, “in these countries, capitols, islands, assemblies and churches, to enter the Abhá Kingdom. The scope of your exertions must needs be extended. The wider its range the more striking will be the evidences of Divine assistance.” “The moment,” He solemnly affirms, “this Divine Message is carried forward by the American believers from the shores of America and is propagated through the continents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa and of Australasia ... this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion.... Then will the whole earth resound with the praises of its majesty and greatness.” The Seven Year Plan, to which every American believer is fully and irrevocably pledged, during the closing years of the First Century of the Bahá’í Era, is in itself but an initial stage in the unfoldment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s vision of America’s spiritual destiny—a destiny which only those who will have successfully accomplished this preliminary task can enable the rising generation who will labor after them to fulfil in the course of the succeeding century.—April 14, 1938.
LETTERS FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
The Guardian wishes me to bring to your attention the fact that in the Bahá’í Calendar recently issued by the Publishing Committee the year 1938-1939 has been indicated as synchronizing with the 94th year of the Bahá’í era, while in reality it corresponds with the 95th and not the 94th year of the Bahá’í Calendar.
On the 21st of March last (1938) the Bahá’í world entered the year 95 since the Declaration of the Báb in Shiraz.—April 1, 1938.
As to the question raised by the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles concerning the best English translation of the Qur’án, the Guardian would recommend Sales’ translation, which is the most accurate rendering available, and is the most widespread.
In closing he wishes me to stress once more the urgency and paramount importance of the two-fold task which lies before the N. S. A., namely, the completion of the exterior ornamentation of the Temple and the expansion and consolidation of the teaching work throughout North and South America. For the attainment of those two high objectives, the entire American Bahá’í Community should strive with one accord, and should express its perfect readiness, in both words and deeds, to undergo every possible sacrifice. Not until such measure of unity is attained can they hope to achieve, at its appointed time, the heavy task that has been entrusted to their hands.”—April 14, 1938.
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. Hanna Matthisen, Chicago.
- Mrs. Rosa V. Winterburn, Ventura, Calif.
- Mrs. Grace Ober, Beverly, Mass.
- Mrs. Evelyn Kamerzel, New Haven, Conn.
“ON THIS AUSPICIOUS OCCASION”[edit]
The Guardian’s Cablegram to the Convention[edit]
On this auspicious occasion when number elected representatives American Bahá’í Community is well-nigh doubly reinforced moved convey on eve Thirtieth Convention to all delegates friends expression most loving welcome stop Gathered within House of Worship which enterprise persevering loyalty self-abnegation American believers reared and adorned summoning their aid vitalizing influence prayers meditations which Author their Faith Himself revealed let them delegates visitors alike draw nigh unto Bahá’u’lláh that He may draw nigh unto them stop Community American believers whose hearts have been stirred by tragic tale events immortalizing early history their Faith whose minds have been enriched by further measure fundamental Bahá’í Teachings whose hands have been fortified by fashioning instruments wherein embryonic World Order can mature must at so critical stage in fortunes declining civilization seek purge galvanize their souls through daily prayer meditation that can best sustain them in discharge task still initial stage development stop As token my gratitude to such community entrusted beloved co-worker Mrs. Collins locks Bahá’u’lláh’s most precious hair arranged preserved by loving hands Greatest Holy Leaf to rest beneath dome of Temple nobly raised by dearly beloved believers in American continent.—April 27, 1938.
THE GUARDIAN’S SECOND CABLEGRAM TO THE CONVENTION[edit]
On April 27 the Convention cabled the following message to the Guardian: “Unspeakably grateful sacred Relic and most precious gift to American Archives lovingly preserved by Greatest Holy Leaf. Historic Convention rejoices in bestowal increased participation realizing singleness of purpose achieve goal set by Master’s Will and Guardian’s impassioned appeals. Supplicating renewed power selfless devotion arise complete Temple structure and fulfil Guardian’s expressed wish infuse new blood throughout Americas. Lovingly awaiting expression your unerring guidance.”
On April 30 this reply was received from Shoghi Effendi: “Heartily welcome evidences high resolve as direct consequence increased participation stop Immediate task challenging combined resources delegates and incoming Assembly anxious deliberation provide means push further frontiers Faith ensure speedy completion existing contract Temple ornamentation.”
“A LONG, AN UNINTERRUPTED VIEW”[edit]
In “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh,” page 148, Shoghi Effendi has stated that without the institution of the Guardianship, “the integrity of the Faith would be imperiled, and the stability of the entire fabric would be gravely endangered. Its prestige would suffer, and the means required to enable it to take a long, an uninterrupted view over a series of generations would be completely lacking ...”
It is this “long, uninterrupted view” of the development of the Faith that characterizes the Guardian’s general letters in that volume, the first dated February 27, 1929, the last, March 11, 1936; and it is this clarity of vision and breadth of outlook to which Bahá’ís must turn for strength whenever, for any reason, their collective energy momentarily weakens and their aim is obscured. There have been several brief periods since the first of the successive Temple contracts was completed when the National Bahá’í Fund encountered difficulties and the teaching effort appeared to relax. After an interval, the flame of ardor and zeal became re-ignited, and the temporary recession left behind.
| ASCENSION OF MUNIRIH KHANUM
|
In reading and pondering these general letters today, in their more convenient and dignified form of the published book, it would seem as though Shoghi Effendi had anticipated all such periods of recession and abundantly prepared sources of ardent understanding to supply our every need. How majestic is the vision of the Faith he upholds! How illimitable the Power he informs us is conducting it to eventual victory! How harmonious the elements which, as he explains, constitute the framework and body of the Faith! How one and indivisible its sustaining Spirit, raised so high above our human tendency to reduce even Spirit to duality!
“The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh” possesses a vast inward movement, like the surging of a mighty sea. Its kingly truths rise above all human limitations like a continental mountain chain. Here, indeed, is the inspiration we all need in order to resume the great task set for us by Shoghi Effendi a year ago, and reaffirmed in words of fire by his letter of April 14, 1938. Well is it if we can take from this source the mental, moral and spiritual guidance so necessary for concentration upon that part of the supreme effort to be made throughout this present Bahá’í year!
The National Budget[edit]
The general plan adopted for the year ending April 30, 1938, is based upon the definite instructions cabled by Shoghi Effendi on July 4, 1937, in which were outlined the five successive steps necessary for the successful operation of the Temple enterprise. The first two steps were taken last year. “Third, redirect with added force nationwide appeal to entire community insure uninterrupted completion first unit and accumulation sufficient funds enable placing without delay final contract. Fourth, place final contract as soon as half required sum available in National Treasury. Fifth, re-emphasize supreme obligation triumphant consummation so vital a part
TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION—4
Finished Units Awaiting Shipment to the Temple.
of American believers’ twofold task by
May, 1944.”
Although the Budget fixed for the first year of the Plan fell short, the National Assembly feels confident that the present contract for exterior decoration of the gallery section can be financed from funds now in hand and require no further special appeals. This feeling, however, realizes that under economic and industrial conditions so unsettled, there is always the possibility that the present estimate of cost may have to be revised.
Nevertheless, relying upon the successful outcome of this part of the task by January, 1939, the National Spiritual Assembly has included no further item for the gallery section in the current Budget.
The largest item in the Budget this year is the sum of $75,000 representing one-half the estimated cost of the contract for the exterior decoration of the first story. If we are to assure an uninterrupted progress in this work, it is clear that the sum of $75,000 should be available before February 1, 1939. To make a definite beginning on this vital part of the Budget, the Assembly has set up a new Temple Construction Fund and made an initial appropriation to it of $1,000.00.
For the year May 1, 1938-April 30, 1939, the following Budget has been adopted:
For International “Fund, Administrative Expense and National Committee Budgets | $30,000.00 |
For teaching work in North and South America | 30,000.00 |
For next Temple contract (one-half the estimated cost of exterior decoration of first story) | 75,000.00 |
For contingency reserve | 15,000.00 |
| _____ | |
Total Annual Budget | $150,000.00 |
The elements of this Budget are simple. It contains three classifications of expense, representing the three necessary forms under which all our Bahá’í activity are conducted: Administrative, which sustains the National Assembly’s functions, the Annual Convention and all National Committees, and likewise the five Trustee properties, as well as the funds sent to the Guardian; the special Teaching Budget required under the Divine Plan for spreading the Faith throughout North and South America; and the new Temple Construction Fund already explained. These three activities are entirely interdependent and none can exist without the other. Therefore, contributions made to the National Fund without restriction assure the balance of all its important responsibilities.
The work of Teaching, and definite plans and policies for the coming year, based upon all previous experience, is still under careful consideration, and before another month, when the new Committee appointments are announced, this equally essential aspect of the Seven Year Plan will be emphasized in suitable announcements to the friends.
The recent messages from the Guardian, published in this issue, reveal the importance of the task and make their unique appeal to the souls of the Bahá’ís. May we faithfully and unitedly respond to his sacred plea!
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Honolulu, two. Nashville, one. New York, six. Miami, one. Augusta, one and two youth. Los Angeles, two. Seattle, one. Cleveland, two. Binghamton, two and one youth. Milwaukee, one. Cabin John, one. Berkeley, one. Oakland, five. Muskegon, two. New Haven, three. Cincinnati, one. Springfield, Mass., one. Lima, seven. Philadelphia, three. Vancouver, one.
BAHA’I SUMMER SCHOOLS[edit]
| ANNUAL ELECTION April 29, 1938
|
There is no need now to stress the value and importance of attendance at a Summer School. They are the most effective instruments we have for preparation to become well qualified teachers, and the social activities provide a means of Bahá’í association with friends from many other cities. For the isolated believer, or the member of a small group, attendance at one of the Schools means an opportunity for making contact with the pulsing life and spirit of the American Bahá’í community.
Green Acre[edit]
A preliminary announcement was published in the February issue of Bahá’í News. The printed program recently issued contains the following revisions: July 11-16, Dr. Glenn A. Shook, “Education for the New Humanity”; July 18-23, Marion Holley, “Internationalism, Path to Peace”; Lidia Zamenhof’s Esperanto class, July 11-22, will be for beginners as well as for those already familiar with Esperanto; August 1-6, Dorothy Baker, “Spiritual Development and Law”; August 8-13, “Comparative Religion,” Doris and Willard McKay; August 22-27, Horace Holley, “The Transformation of Human Society”; August 29-September 3, Mamie L. Seto, subject to be announced.
Green Acre Youth Week, July 24-31. The weekly rate will be $10.00 if forty or more youth enrollments are received.
The season runs from July 2 to September 5. Rate for adults, and for
[Page 4]
youth at times other than Youth Week,
$12.00 to $20.00 per week. Make reservation through Mrs. Flora Valentine, Manager, 142 Regent Street, Saratoga Springs, N. Y., until June 15,
afterwards at Green Acre Inn, Eliot,
Maine.
Geyserville[edit]
July 4 to 16, 1938. Devotions, 9.15 daily. Classes, 9.45 A. M. to 12.00 noon. Teaching Seminar, 3.00 P. M., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Round Tables, (Bahá’í youth), 2.00 P. M., Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Children’s activities, study classes, 9.45 A. M. daily. Supervised recreation afternoons and evenings. Educational evenings, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays.
Housing rates, $2.00 to $4.00 per week. Make reservation through Miss Ruth Westgate, Chairman of Housing Committee, care of The Huntington, 1075 California St., San Francisco, Calif.
Course One—Unfoldment of World Civilization[edit]
July 4, The Meaning of Civilization, George O. Latimer.
- 5, The Meaning of Culture, Helen Bishop.
- 6, Rise and Fall of Civilization, Charlotte Linfoot.
- 7, Forms of Civilization and Culture, Marzieh Nabil Carpenter.
- 8, The Age of Transition, May McKenna.
- 9, The Maturity of the Human Race, N. F. Ward.
- 10, Religion as a Basis for World Order, Clinton Bugbee.
- 11, The Bahá’í Faith, Rouan Ella Carter.
- 12, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Ali Yazdi.
- 13, Bahá’í Procedure, Irvin Somerhalder.
- 14, The World Commonwealth, A. Y. Seto.
- 15, Summary and Review, J. G. Bray.
Course Two—Rise and Expansion of Christianity[edit]
July 4, The Background, Siegfried Schopflocher.
- 5, Spheres of Influence at Time of Christ, Virginia Orbison.
- 6, Establishment of the Church, Joyce Lyon Dahl.
- 7, Development of Theocracy, Helen Bishop.
- 8, The Dark Ages, Marion Holley.
| CABLEGRAM TO NEWLY ELECTED NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Shoghi Effendi replied to it on April 30: “Greatly welcome reconsecration Master’s Will fervently supplicating realization highest hopes.” |
- 9, The Influence of Islám, Leroy Ioas.
- 10, Divisions in the Church, Siegfried Schopflocher.
- 11, Modern “Isms,” George O. Latimer.
- 12, Mormonism, Beulah Lewis.
- 13, Christian Science and New Thought Movements, Mamie L. Seto.
- 14, Mystic and Psychic Movements, Beatrice Irwin.
- 15, The Oxford Movement, etc., Mamie L. Seto.
Louhelen[edit]
The Louhelen program was also reported in the February BAHÁ’Í NEWS. The following revisions or additions have since been made: Laboratory Session, July 9-19, leaders of discussion, H. Emogene Hoagg, Marguerite Reimer, Kenneth Christian; Louise Caswell will give the course on Divine Government in the General Session, August 20-28.
Summary: First Youth Session, June 26-30; Second Youth Session, July 3-7; Laboratory Session, July 9-19; General Session, August 20-28. Afternoon classes on Studies in the Qur’án and Islám, by Hishmat Aai, have been added.
Rate for Youth Sessions, $6.00 per person. Rate for Laboratory Session, $19.00. Rate for General Session, per day per person, single, $2.15, double room, $1.80; dormitory, $1.50.
Make reservation through Mrs. L. W. Eggleston, Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Mich. Those coming by bus or train to Flint will be met at Flint if advance notice is sent to Mrs. Eggleston.
Note: Those attending the General Session in August are requested to bring their copy of “Bahá’í Administration,” The “World Order” Letters, including “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh,” and “Bahá’í Procedure.”
PUBLISHING COMMITTEE[edit]
The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Shoghi Effendi. This volume contains the Guardian’s general letters, received since the publication of Bahá’í Administration, which have hitherto been available only in the form of separate pamphlets. The arrangements of the present book were all submitted to the Guardian and approved by him before its publication. To the “World Order” letters have been added the Guardian’s own summary of the Faith, and at his request an Index has been prepared. $1.50 per copy.
Spanish translations now available:
- Los Siete Valles, $0.25.
- El Kitab-I-Iquán, $0.75.
- El Objeto de un Orden Nuevo Mundial, $0.10.
- La Republica Venidera Mundial, $0.10.
Study Outlines
The Three Worlds, Introductory to the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, by H. Emogene Hoagg, $0.50.
The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, Study Outline Committee, $0.15.
ANNUAL SOUVENIR OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHA[edit]
The Committee announces the following program for the Annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to be held at Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, Saturday afternoon, June 25.
2.00 P. M., an hour of music by the Bergen County Music Project of the WPA.
3.00 P. M., public program. William de Forge, Chairman. Reading by Carl Krug of the Address given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912. Subject for the meeting, “This Wondrous Age.” Addresses by Orcella Rexford, Horace Holley and Gita Orlova.
The Committee has arranged to serve box lunches with coffee, tea or milk and ice cream at 5.00 P. M. No formal evening meeting will be held.
COMMITTEE LIST[edit]
Regional Teaching Committee for Oregon, Washington and British Columbia: Doris Skinner added to the Committee.
COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSAL AUXILIARY LANGUAGE[edit]
From reports of the Committee on
[Page 5]
Universal Auxiliary Language are
taken these interesting excerpts concerning recent activities of Miss Lidia
Zamenhof.
The classes in Detroit are the best that she has had, so far. She wrote me the other day that 62 people are taking the course. She has spoken over the radio three times; twice in Polish over Station WJBK on their Polish Hours Program and once over WWJ as guest of the Detroit News. The Esperantists arranged three invitations for her to speak, the Zonta Club where 40 persons were present, The Women’s Lawyers’ Association where 20 were present (this was a luncheon given to Miss Zamenhof), and another luncheon at a vegetarian restaurant where there were present 40 persons. I am not clear whether this was given by a Vegetarian Society or not. There were between 100 and 120 people at the propaganda meeting for the course.
The last report sent to you concerned the preliminary activities in Detroit and were very encouraging. She has had the largest classes there that she has had so far; and she has been able to address important audiences for the Bahá’í Cause in short trips from that city. Mrs. Bertha Kirkpatrick arranged for her to speak before the Michigan League in Ann Arbor on March 20th; she spoke on Esperanto at the Burton High School in Roseville on March 31st. The talk before the Michigan League was on the Bahá’í Revelation. She made a short trip to Urbana, Ill., and spoke there April 3 and 4; twice on the Bahá’í Revelation and once before the Urbana Esperanto Society on their subject. She wrote me that the attendance ran between 40-50 and 30, on the different occasions. I suppose this was good considering the size of the Assembly there. At both the Bahá’í talks there were a large number of non-Bahá’ís and some Esperantists.
Supplement to Annual Report[edit]
In submitting the Annual Report of the International Auxiliary Language Committee for this year a serious oversight occurred. No mention was made of the founding of the first Bahá’í Esperanto Society in America. The Committee regret this omission and would appreciate it if some mention can be made in the News Letter of this addition to their report.
The society was organized last fall under the auspices of the Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly of Boston, was named Esperanto-Rondo Amika, (Esperanto Friendly Circle) and adopted a constitution which permitted the membership
BAHA’I TEMPLE ILLUSTRATION FOR AIR MAIL WEEK
As reproduced above in enlarged form, the Temple was selected by the Post Master of Wilmette, Illinois, for the special cachet, or cancellation, imprinted upon all air mail letters sent out from Wilmette during the celebration of National Air Mail Week, May 15-21, 1938
of non-Bahá’ís as well as Bahá’ís
in the society. Thus putting into effect
the command of Bahá’u’lláh’s to “consort with all the people with joy and
fragrance.”
INVITATION FROM CLEVELAND ASSEMBLY[edit]
The Cleveland Bahá’í Community extends a cordial invitation to all visiting Bahá’ís and Esperantists attending the International Esperanto Convention in Cleveland, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, to use the Bahá’í Center at 665 Hippodrome Building, during their stay in the city. The room will be open for the convenience and fellowship of all.
“APPRECIATE YE THE VALUE OF THIS TIME”[edit]
“We must not sit inactive for one moment; we must sever ourselves from composure, rest, tranquillity, good, property, life and attachment to material things. We must sacrifice everything to His Highness, the Possessor of existence, so that the powers of the Kingdom may show greater penetration and the brilliant effulgence in this New Cycle may illumine the worlds of minds and ideals.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America’s Spiritual Mission.)
“World crisis inexorably moving toward climax, challenging torch-bearers of Bahá’í civilization (to) scale loftier heights (of) individual heroism, (to) scatter more widely throughout length and breadth (of the) American continents, (to) participate more strenuously (in) concerted effort organized by National, Regional, local agencies dedicated (to the) prosecution (of) noble enterprise ....” (Cablegram from Shoghi Effendi, October 29, 1937.)
Viewing in the light of the present
[Page 6]
world happenings the two foregoing
quotations—one from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
and the other from the Guardian—are
not our hearts and minds deeply stirred
by the realization of the tremendous
opportunity and responsibility which is
now ours to raise aloft the Teachings
of Bahá’u’lláh as the only source of
hope and guidance to distressed humanity? When Bahá’u’lláh prayed:
“This is the hour, O my Lord, which
Thou hast caused to excel every other
hour, and hast related it to the choicest among Thy creatures,” He must
have foreseen crises such as the present time when His followers would
have the exceptional opportunity to
promulgate His faith and Teachings.
Under the Guardian’s guidance, the American Bahá’ís have launched upon a Seven-Year program for the expansion of the Faith to every part of the continent. Already one year of the seven has passed, and while there has been marked expansion and intensification of our teaching work, it is not yet enjoying to the extent it should the unceasing sacrificial effort necessary to its success on the part of all Bahá’í communities and believers.
Since the last report in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, another new state has been opened to the Faith through pioneer service. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ewing of Lima, Ohio, and Dr. E. Lenore Morris and Dr. A. L. Morris of Chicago, have settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A Bahá’í group of seven is now established in that city and regular meetings are being held.
The enrollment of seven believers in the city of Lead, South Dakota, has established the first Bahá’í Group in that state where pioneer teaching work was carried on in the summer and fall by Mrs. Mamie Seto, Miss Marguerite Reimer, and Mrs. Gayle Woolson.
The formation of a Bahá’í group in San Antonio, Texas, adds another city to the list preparing for Bahá’í community life. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith, who moved there from Moline, Illinois, were recently joined by Mr. H. R. Hurlbut of San Francisco and to their group there has already been added one new believer. In Austin, Texas, too, a lively study class has been organized and is receiving assistance from Mrs. Kathryn Frankland now residing in Corpus Christi.
Mr. Walter Blakely of Worcester, Massachusetts, who moved to Birmingham, Alabama, as a pioneer teacher about five months ago, has interested several seekers in the Teachings.
In Tuskegee Institute, in this same state, great confirmations continue to descend upon Mr. Louis G. Gregory whose Bahá’í work in the Institute has
| SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS 1938-1939 April 29, 39, May 1, 2, 1938—Evanston, Ill. June 10, 11, 12, 1938—West Englewood, N. J. August 12, 13, 14, 1938—Green Acre, Eliot, Maine October 7, 8, 9, 1938—Urbana, Ill. December 9, 10, 11, 1938—Los Angeles, Calif. February 3, 4, 5, 1939—Knoxville, Tenn. March 24, 25, 26, 1939—West Englewood, N. J. Pre-Convention Meeting—Evanston, Ill. In reporting this schedule, the National Assembly wishes to explain that the meetings held at Urbana, Los Angeles and Knoxville will include public meetings and also regional conferences to be arranged by the Assembly itself, with the cooperation of the various administrative bodies in each region. |
become nationally known through the publications of that organization. One of Mr. Gregory’s students recently became the first Bahá’í in Montgomery, Alabama.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, Mrs. Terah Smith and Miss Marguerite Reimer, with the assistance of Mrs. Sarah Martin Eason, an isolated believer in that city, were able to lecture on the Faith in Shaw University, the oldest colored university in the United States. Fireside and public meetings have created much interest both in University circles and among other individuals. New contacts at Durham, North Carolina, are promising.
Since the last report, Mrs. Grace Ober has undertaken pioneer work in Louisville, Kentucky, and conducted a study class meeting twice weekly.
In addition to these new states, teaching work has been accelerated in several states having isolated believers. In Atlanta, Georgia, where Miss Olga Finke and Miss Dorris Ebbert have established themselves as pioneer teachers, a series of meetings were recently held with Mrs. Terah Smith as speaker. A Bahá’í study class will soon be established.
Mr. Edward H. Young has established his home in Bristol, Florida, and as a result of some months of devoted effort there are now six Bahá’ís in that city. Miss Alma Knoblock is spending two months there to follow up previous contacts and to generally assist Mr. Young with his teaching work.
Mrs. Laura Robarts, Coolidge, Arizona, with the assistance of the Phoenix Bahá’ís, has arranged several public meetings in that city during the fall and winter. Excellent newspaper publicity has helped to stimulate interest in a study class.
Through the preparatory work of Orcella Rexford, Mr. Charles Mason Remey addressed a group of twenty interested people in Wilmington, Delaware, in February—the first public Bahá’í meeting to have been held in that city. Mr. Remey also addressed meetings arranged by isolated believers with the cooperation of the Regional Teaching Committee in Richmond and Arlington, Virginia.
In Santa Ana, California, where Mrs. Sara Witt of Los Angeles has been quietly working for some time, a well-attended public meeting was held in February with Mrs. Sylvia Matteson as speaker. As a result, several new people indicated their desire to study.
Miss Muriel Warnicker of Vancouver, British Columbia, recently went to Victoria for a few days for the express purpose of making Bahá’í contacts. The opening sentence of her report is typical of those that come from all pioneers: “It was positively miraculous the way in which I was led to people—key people who could give us entreé to other organizations.” One contact opened the way to others and within three or four days fifty or sixty people heard of the Cause for the first time in that city.
A very interesting report from South Bend, Indiana, indicates how extension work may be carried on through the distribution of Bahá’í books, especially the World Order Magazine. One member has personally sent out 125 copies of the Magazine with covering letters. Subscriptions have been furnished the public libraries in five cities in three states and a considerable amount of teaching by correspondence is constantly going on by those who are not free to travel to other parts.
Vancouver Assembly reports that its series of eleven radio broadcasts, reported in detail in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, has resulted in the establishment of a new study class of forty-five non-Bahá’ís. A twelve weeks’ course has been planned to prepare the students for Bahá’í membership.
Springfield, Massachusetts, reports having had opportunity to give a series of six devotional radio broadcasts
[Page 7]
in January. A number of people wrote
for copies of the talks, several of the
requests coming from outside the city,
thus making new contacts for extension work.
Through a high school member of its Youth Group, the Oakland Assembly recently sponsored three showings of the Temple slides before classes in art appreciation and history in the high school in Richmond, California, each class consisting of approximately one hundred fifty students. The following week pictures of the Temple and Bahá’í books were displayed in the corridors for all students to see.
So unexpectedly successful have been all efforts to sow the seeds in new soil that there should no longer be any doubt or hesitancy on the part of any community or individual to carry the Teachings into surrounding as well as distant fields. Sincerity of purpose, a well-conceived plan, perseverance and prayer are among the chief requisites for all types of teaching work, and as each individual and each Assembly adds its strength and momentum to this service all will be the recipients of greater power and confirmation in all their teaching efforts.
“A person declaring the glad tidings of the appearance of the realities and significances of the Kingdom is like unto a farmer who scatters pure seeds in the rich soil. The spring cloud will pour upon them the rain of bounty, and unquestionably the station of the farmer will be raised in the estimation
TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION—5
Plaster Model, Base Section of Pylon
of the lord of the village, and many
harvests will be gathered.
“Therefore, ye friends of God! Appreciate ye the value of this time and be ye engaged in the sowing of the seeds, so that ye may find the heavenly blessing and the lordly bestowal.”— (‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America’s Spiritual Mission.)
—NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.
ANNUAL REPORT[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada
1937-1938[edit]
Dear Bahá’í friends:
This, the Thirtieth Annual Convention of American Bahá’ís, establishes a considerable extension of the principle of consultation as applied to our national Bahá’í affairs. By the increase in the number of delegates, the Bahá’í community has utmost representation in the annual meeting. The Convention can, therefore, fully and faithfully reflect the spirit and action of the body of the believers and, as the Guardian stated, constitute a firm foundation for the organic Bahá’í institution it is called upon to elect.
It is for lack of this principle of consultation, whose roots draw sustenance from Divinely revealed truth, that the civilizations and cultures of the non-Bahá’í world have during this past year suffered further disintegration. Mass feelings and needs, divorced from the spirit of oneness, seek in violence under misguided leadership a solution of problems which but augments their difficulties and destroys their basis. There is not one active Bahá’í teacher who will not testify to the fact that individual souls are more receptive to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh than ever before, driven from their former allegiances by the realization that societies, whether large or small, which are imbued with suspicion or prejudice, hatred or fear, offer no refuge to the conscious human being in this age. Far more than any eloquence, the deeply-laid, providentially protected unity of the Bahá’í body itself stands as the visible proof that religion has been renewed by God’s will.
The most dramatic, the most moving evidence of the degree to which the world has turned away from the Path of Truth can be found in the Bahá’í history of this current year. We believers of the West have long admired the heroism and steadfastness of our fellow-Bahá’ís in the Orient, whom successive waves of persecution both ecclesiastical and secular have failed to disturb in their sublime faith. For ourselves, however, we have assumed that such conditions could never arise, relying upon a greater prevalence of public enlightenment or tolerance and upon the historical tradition of the separation of church and state. When, therefore, word came that the sacred Faith of Bahá’u’lláh had been denounced and its institutions and meetings forbidden in the very heart of Europe, we could not but realize the instability and impermanence of all things dependent upon human will and aim, and the need for a great deepening of faith in our own inner lives and a reconsecration to the unity of our spiritual community. The increase in the number of delegates thus may be appreciated as no mere arithmetical change, but a strengthening of the very foundations of the administrative order in America.
This reference to the Guardian’s protective action during the current year brings us to another subject vitally connected with the mainsprings of our faith—his translation of “Prayers and Meditations By Bahá’u’lláh.” Here, indeed, in the devotional realm—in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—exists that Divine Elixir which can alone transmute the base metal of human nature into pure gold. This bounty has been given us at the crucial hour of need. Only as we enter into the new heaven of His Spirit can we live and strive free from the subtle or brutal influences of a misguided world. Our purity of aim, our unity of spirit and activity, must realize this new heaven upon earth. All else is subsidiary to that victory in the realm of heart and spirit.
It is, moreover, no coincidence of material fact but another working of the higher Will which during the same Bahá’í year presents us with the Guardian’s “World Order” letters in book form. For this work is the expression of the Guardianship itself, a degree of consecration and inspiration to which none other can attain, and the view of truest wisdom upon the present condition of the world and the future of Bahá’u’lláh’s Faith. There is consequently a direct tie for us in our present development between the book of prayers and meditations and the Guardian’s letters dealing with the character and evolution of the Cause. For our understanding of and our loyalty to the latter must be taken to represent the extent to which the spirit
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of devotion has truly entered our
lives. For the first time in recorded
history, revealed religion has combined and united the regeneration of
the inner life with a social program
fulfilling human personality in all degrees. No longer can piety and devotion assert ways of action or attitudes
of thought as justification of anti-social
forms of life. The Bahá’í knows well
that he will not evolve spiritually if he
spends his whole time in isolated
prayer without association with other
believers. He knows well that the end
of worship today is not solitude on the
mountain. He knows that he is not
free to invent his own cosmic or social philosophy to express a personal
and subjective religion. The religious
life in this age can be lived under guidance, and the fears or ambitions secretly cherished in the soul have their healing as we forget ourselves in the task
of establishing the World Order of
Bahá’u’lláh.
The Twofold Task[edit]
The plans and achievements of the current Bahá’í year were born of the Guardian’s message to the last Convention and the deep and abiding response that message evoked. “Dual gift Providentially conferred (upon) American Bahá’í community invests recipients with dual responsibility fulfil historic mission. First, prosecute uninterruptedly teaching campaign inaugurated (at) last Convention in accordance (with) Divine Plan. Second, resume with inflexible determination exterior ornamentation (of) entire structure (of) Temple. Advise ponder message conveyed (to) delegates (through) esteemed co-worker, Fred Schopflocher. No triumph can more befittingly signalize termination (of) first century (of) Bahá’í era than accomplishment (of) this twofold task. Advise prolongation (of) Convention sessions (to) enable delegates consult National Assembly to formulate feasible Seven Year Plan (to) assure success Temple enterprise. No sacrifice too great for community so abundantly blessed, (so) repeatedly honored.”
In the clear light of this call to action and sacrifice let us trace the steps by which the powers of the Holy Spirit have been set in motion and a foundation laid for the mighty victory to be realized by 1944.
- A pledge of $100,000 was made at the Convention.
- We were informed that the Guardian wished a special committee of technical experts to make a thorough study of the project, involving consideration of all available contractors and the costs and contractual elements of each successive stage in the work.
- The incoming National Spiritual Assembly issued, as an insert to BAHÁ’Í NEWS of June, 1937, the items of the annual Budget and an explanation of the first portion of the Seven Year plan.
- The technical committee reported its findings at the meeting of the
National Assembly held on August 28,
29 and 30, and after consultation with
the committee and with Mr. John J.
Earley a contract was placed for the
ornamentation of the gallery section.
Mr. Earley began the work at once,
and the progress report dated April 6,
1938, conveyed the following information: “On March 25, the first car was
shipped from the Earley Studio and
arrived at Wilmette, Illinois, the last
of the month. This car contained contractor’s equipment, reinforcing steel
and the wooden molds for the placing
of the ornamentation that will be
poured at the building. On March
28, the second car was shipped from
Rosslyn, Virginia. This car contained
54,000 pounds of crushed stone and
sand to be used in the pouring of the
ornamentation at the building; 28 (finished) columns, 51 imposts, 2 sections
of cornice ornamentation and 2 sections of window band ornament.
TEMPLE MODELS AVAILABLE
Local Assemblies are informed that a second order for ten models has been completed, and models are therefore available at the cost of $95.00, plus shipping charge. Orders are to be sent to the Treasurer of the National Assembly.“The original clay models were completed by the sculptor during the early part of the month (March). The plaster models were being completed during the latter part of the month; the carving of the surfaces of the plaster cast of the pylons will be completed during the early part of April. Similarly the plaster casts for the spandrel ornamentation at the corners of the main arches will be completed during April.... Work will continue uninterruptedly at the Temple, and will be in full swing by the end of the month and during the forthcoming Annual Convention.” The engineering supervision of Temple construction has been carried on by Mr. McDaniel without cost to the Fund.
This is a truly gratifying and inspiring record of progress, for it means
that before the end of 1938 or soon
after all units of the gallery section
will have been placed upon the Temple, and the unique effect already
achieved by the dome and clerestory
sections will be vastly enhanced.
The Guardian’s joy on learning of the plans reported to the friends in June was expressed in the following cablegram: “Immeasurably gratified National Assembly’s initial step presentation Seven Year Plan ... redirect with added force nationwide appeal to entire community insure uninterrupted completion first unit and accumulation sufficient funds enable placing without delay final contract.” His approval of the technical committee’s recommendations was received on September 2: “Approve committee’s decision. Place contract immediately.”
As we consider this development of the Temple work, and recall the fact that the 1937 Convention resolved to rededicate itself “to the achievement of the holy task before the end of the first century of the Bahá’í era,” we should be profoundly grateful for the conditions of complete unity and continuous guidance under which the tremendous undertaking has begun. Nothing could testify more strongly to the general progress of the Bahá’í community than the certitude prevailing now in contrast to the hesitation and uncertainty which accompanied the launching of the first “Plan of Unified Action” in 1926.
The arena of social confusion and fear in which this concentration of Bahá’í faith and energy has proceeded was once more interpreted for us by the Guardian in his cablegram dated August 4, 1937:—
“Much heartened (by) compelling evidences accelerated speed with which teaching campaign inaugurated throughout Americas (is) now progressing.... In a world perilously near cataclysmic convulsions destined experience, at a time when forces of repression are launching their assaults and conspiring (to) undermine foundations (of) most powerful strongholds (of) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh in land of its birth and in heart of both Asiatic (and) European continents, an inescapable, well-nigh staggering responsibility rests on America, its one chief remaining citadel. Who among its stalwart defenders will arise, untrammelled (and) unafraid, to implant its banner in those States, provinces (and) Countries where its standard is still unhoisted? Entreat afresh American community heed vital urgency (of) my impassioned plea (and) spur efforts bring speedy termination (of) first Stage in evolution (of) so important
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(a) phase of dual task they have
so enthusiastically shouldered.”
The progress of the teaching work carried on during the year cannot be reported as definitely as the developments in Temple construction. The activities of every committee, every Assembly, every group and of individual believers from day to day have their direct relation to the promotion of the Faith. Thus, for example, one should not overlook the work of the Committee on Braille Transcriptions which brings light to the eye of the soul, nor the achievements of the Summer Schools, nor the special opportunities resulting from the program maintained by Miss Zamenhof, Orcella Rexford and others, many details of which come to us in the periodic reports of the Teaching Committee and in the annual reports just published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
That each established Bahá’í community should undergo continuous growth in numbers as well as in experience and capacity must be assumed. The spiritual reinforcement augments miraculously from year to year, and upon that rising tide even a small and fragile craft will dare to leave its moorings. There are, however, certain fixed standards which can be applied to the progress of teaching each year: first, the formation of new Spiritual Assemblies, and second, the establishment of groups in new areas. At the date of this writing, nine local groups are authorized to form an Assembly on April 21, and one former Assembly may be re-established. This is truly a notable record. Such a result can not be achieved without the most vigorous action on the part of the National and Regional Teaching Committees, traveling teachers and, in the case of such centers as Oklahoma City, a most impressive response to the Guardian’s call for pioneers. The essential characteristic of teaching work at present is its quality of acceleration. A decade passed from 1912 to 1922 when, separated from the Master by the War and then bereft by His ascension, the American Bahá’í community struggled to maintain its place. Under the Guardian there followed a remarkedly brief period of readjustment to the Administrative Order, and the progress of Temple construction has symbolized that new force of acceleration which will surely increase each day until the World Order is firmly established. Already our teaching area is the Americas and not the United States and Canada alone. Already we are acquiring experience in dealing with problems of language, nationality and cultural differences which
TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION—6
Finished Unit, Section of Window Head
contains the potentiality of the universal outlook of world citizenship. The
sphere of our collective responsibility
has been extended by Shoghi Effendi
to fill that vast social area to which
Bahá’u’lláh extended His gaze and
upon which He laid His blessing when
He revealed that Tablet addressed to
the “Rulers of America, and Presidents of the Republics therein.”
But the forward movement also has its tests requiring us to examine the character of our community life from time to time. The Assembly Roll this year omitted Santa Barbara, Akron, Rockford and Rochester, while adding the new Assembly of Jersey City.
The Guardian’s message, sent through Mr. Schopflocher, calling upon local Assemblies to incorporate, acquire capacity for handling practical affairs, and place themselves in a position to receive endowments, has resulted in a great increase of legal incorporation. The necessary papers have been worked out by the Assemblies of Cleveland, Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Seattle and Minneapolis, and those submitted by Binghamton and Boston are in process at the present time. Perhaps we have not yet fully realized the power and importance of a local Assembly in the maturity of its development. Together they will in future control far more property than the National body of Trustees. Each will have its House of Worship and accessory buildings; each will maintain facilities for education and the humanitarian functions of the Faith. Whether that maturity is near or remote in time, the outcome is inevitable, and consequently the basis for that further development must be laid as soon as possible.
American believers who have served under the Inter-America Committee in foreign lands have been Beatrice Irwin, Eve Nicklin and Mrs. Frances Stewart. Louis Gregory’s activities in Haiti belong partly to this and partly to the record of last year. Miss Nicklin proved that a believer with professional training can establish himself financially in another country, but unfortunately found soon after she had established herself in Bahia that her residence as a foreigner had become untenable. As reported in April, 1938 BAHÁ’Í NEWS, an active group has been formed in Mexico City, and the election of a Spiritual Assembly in that capital of a neighboring people was authorized by the Guardian. Here, indeed, is an event of the utmost significance. A Spiritual Assembly in Mexico City can only be realized as the strong pillar of a bridge that will eventually link together in the Bahá’í Order all the nations and peoples of the New World.
American believers residing in other lands are: Leonore Holzapple, in Bahia, Mrs. Clara Sharp and Adelaide Sharp in Tihran, Marion Jack in Sofia, Mrs. Isobel Stebbins Dodge in Peru, Bertha Matthisen in Europe, and Martha Root, now in India. During the year, Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell returned from Haifa, Agnes Alexander returned from Japan, Mrs. Louise Gregory from Belgrade, Mrs. Rouhanghiz Bolles and Miss Bolles from Europe, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bishop, Mrs. Annie Romer and Mrs. Gita Orlova from England and the continent of Europe. Miss Margaret Lent, after serving at the International Bahá’í Center in Geneva, Switzerland, has again established herself in the United States. Let us pay homage to these devoted Bahá’í workers for their significant services to the Faith. Mark Tobey, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, is now in the United States for a visit of some months.
Direct or indirect fruits of their activities are: the institution of Summer Schools in Iran and England, the formation of a Bahá’í group in Budapest, and extensive publicity as well as the quickening of the spirit of faith in many European countries, South Africa and the Orient.
Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Mathews returned after an extensive journey, during which Mrs. Mathews established distribution or reference centers for Bahá’í literature in Rio de Janeiro,
[Page 10]
Cape Town, Johannesberg, the Seychelles Islands, the Islands of Java and
Bali, Manila and the Island of Zangopango, the Philippines.
Although Siegfried Schopflocher’s teaching work in the Orient was carried on last year, a picture of the results, in the form of newspaper and magazine clippings, was not available when last year’s annual report was prepared. These clippings and programs reveal a most impressive public presentation of the teachings before many audiences. It is hoped that copies will be made available for the scrapbooks maintained by the Publicity Committee.
Between August 18 and October 4, 1937, Mrs. Nellie S. French served the Cause in Honolulu, New Zealand and Australia, finding many opportunities for interviews and publicity and responding to the call of the Bahá’í communities for public meetings. An interview was given over the radio at Melbourne.
The powers of the spirit seem to accompany Martha Root wherever she goes. Sailing from San Francisco, May 20, she visited the Honolulu believers and after effective teaching work in Japan, she arrived at Shanghai immediately prior to the military invasion and attack upon that city. Sent to Manila with other American citizens for safety, Martha there experienced the great earthquake. Undaunted, she proceeded to India and Burma, and for many months has carried out a most extensive program arranged by the Bahá’í Assemblies. We understand that the Guardian wishes her to continue serving in India until the fall of 1938.
Another teaching work achieved by an American believer in the foreign field resulted from Mrs. Joel Stebbin’s visit to Peru during the summer of 1937, where, with her daughter, important contacts were made.
Miss Lidia Zamenhof, daughter of the founder of Esperanto, has been in the United States since September, 1937, arriving on invitation extended by the National Spiritual Assembly and warmly endorsed by the Guardian. Her distinguished services have been shared with the Esperantists. Miss Zamenhof has held Esperanto classes so far in New York, Philadelphia and Detroit, under the auspices of the local Esperanto groups but with the cordial cooperation of the Bahá’í Assemblies. She has made a number of direct Bahá’í addresses and in her Esperanto contacts has turned many to consideration of the Bahá’í Faith. The plans made with her by our Committee on Universal Language call for meetings in Lima, Ohio and a class in Esperanto at Green Acre in July. These Esperanto classes are not only for beginners but also they are to prepare Esperanto students to become proficient teachers. This honored guest emphasizes the truth that a believer who becomes technically expert in any branch of knowledge or activity based on idealism, thereby opens a door by which the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh may enter the consciousness of some large special group. Perhaps we have not sufficiently realized the degree to which Bahá’ís are expected to acquire knowledge and attain capacity in fields outside as well as within the Cause. The Esperantists, inspired by their founder, Dr. Zamenhof, are idealists who have already asserted their acceptance of one of the laws revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. Those present at the Convention will surely wish to meet and greet this honored fellow-believer and co-worker, Lidia Zamenhof, translator of Bahá’í books into Esperanto and Bahá’í speaker at a number of International Esperanto Congresses in recent years.
| ELECTION OF LOCAL ASSEMBLIES
Seventy-one Assembly Rolls, reporting the elections, have been received up to May 21. Seven Assemblies are still to report. Of the new Assemblies, reports have been received from Glendale, Arizona; Sacramento, Calif.; Moncton, N. B.; Toronto, Ontario; Maywood, Ill.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Oklahoma City, Okla., and St. Lambert, Quebec. Rochester, N. Y. and Topeka, Kansas, have restored their Assemblies. The seven Assemblies not yet reported are requested to do so at the earliest possible date. |
The American Bahá’í community has realized how much of the Seven Year Plan has come into the realm of possibility through the donation of $100,000 to the Fund. The Fund has also this year received another munificent gift of $25,000. Our Bahá’í properties have likewise been considerably extended through the generous gifts of a number of American believers.
Roy Wilhelm’s original gift of property at West Englewood, blessed by the Unity Feast held by the Master in 1912, has been extended by additional property donated by him toward the end of the last Bahá’í year, and by two lots transferred to the Trustees by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Goodfellow. The Bahá’í Summer School at Geyserville, the monument to the ardent love of Mr. and Mrs. John Bosch, has been greatly enriched by the new and beautiful dormitory presented by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Collins. The Green Acre property has been extended and consolidated by the acquisition of the so-called Ball cottage and land given by Mr. and Mrs. Siegfried Schopflocher. Its facilities have furthermore been considerably developed by Mrs. Florence Morton’s donation of the new Bahá’í Hall and the accommodations added to the Inn and two of the adjoining cottages. The publication cost of the Guardian’s translation of “Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh” was also met by a generous and loving gift offered by an American Bahá’í.
In the model produced by John J. Earley we have our first glimpse of the Bahá’í House of Worship as it will appear with completed external decoration, and scaled to the proportions of the present structure which represents an alteration made by Mr. Bourgeois, at the direction of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in his original design. Twenty reproductions of the model have been obtained. Of these, one was presented to the Guardian, one is for exhibit in Temple Foundation Hall, several have been transferred to the Teaching Committee for temporary traveling exhibit by local Assemblies and groups, and models have been purchased for permanent exhibit by the Spiritual Assemblies of New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Montreal and Buffalo. The model sent to Montreal was a gift from Ruhiyyih Khanum to the local Bahá’í community. Other Assemblies are urged to consider the desirability of possessing a Temple model, which so clearly depicts the form and appearance of the House of Worship and thus creates visible evidence of the universal significance of the Faith.
On August 30, 1937, the members of the National Assembly gathered at the grave of Alfred E. Lunt in Beverly, Massachusetts, by request of the Guardian, whose cabled message received August 16 declared: “Future generations will appraise his manifold outstanding contributions to rise and
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establishment (of) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh (in the) American continent.”
Gratitude for distinctive and important services to the Cause impels special mention of the passing of Mr. Thomas Collins, whose name will ever be associated with the American Pilgrim House at Haifa and with the Hall and dormitory at the Geyserville Summer School, though he was not enrolled officially as a Bahá’í.
Communications from the Guardian[edit]
Our knowledge of the Bahá’í teachings, and our capacity to act under guidance, have been enriched and stimulated by a number of letters and cablegrams from Shoghi Effendi, some of which have already been cited in this report. Reviewing now their publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, Nos. 108 to 115, we have:—
Shoghi Effendi’s cablegram to the 1937 Convention.
His interpretation of Bahá’u’lláh’s law on daily obligatory prayer.
His explanation of the command concerning daily work.
An observation and direction with reference to teaching in the Southern States.
Plea for complete rededication to the ideals of the teaching campaign during the observance of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America.
The cablegram received April 5, 1937, accepting the donation made by the National Assembly for all local Assemblies “for immediate strengthening new tie binding American Bahá’ís to institution of the Guardianship.” Shoghi Effendi in his acceptance declared: “Noblest contribution individual believers can make at this juncture ... is to promote with added fervor (the) unique plan conceived for them by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”
Published after the 1937 Convention also were the Guardian’s words concerning Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi: “His exemplary faith, audacity, unquestioning loyalty, indefatigable exertions unforgettable.”
The Guardian’s message to the incoming National Assembly.
The letter dated June 4, 1937, containing these words: “the twofold task they have arisen to perform will, if carried out in time, release the potentialities with which the community of the Greatest Name has been so generously and mysteriously endowed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”
An explanation of the Bahá’í attitude toward Esperanto.
The cablegram of July 4: “Immeasurably gratified National Assembly’s initial step presentation Seven-Year Plan” and setting forth five successive steps upon which its successful operation depends.
| A SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY IN MEXICO CITY
A heart-felt welcome is extended to the members of this Assembly by their co-workers throughout the United States and Canada. For their success in firmly establishing the Faith, first in Mexico City itself and later in other cities of the nation, with the cooperation of the Inter-America Committee, the American believers will surely pray ardently. |
The cablegram of August 4 pointing out the “inescapable, well-nigh staggering responsibility” resting upon America and appealing for individuals to arise, “untrammelled and unafraid, to implant its banners in those States, Provinces and Countries where its standard is still unhoisted,” concluding with a moving appeal that we heed afresh the vital urgency of his impassioned plea.
On September 2 was received the cablegram approving the recommendations of the Technical Committee and directing that the Temple contract be placed immediately.
The October, 1937 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS reported the Guardian’s statement that Bahá’í meetings should not coincide with the time of church services; and the message which the Guardian sent through Siegfried Schopflocher for local Assemblies on the subject of incorporation and endowments.
The cablegram directing that hereafter 171 delegates be elected to the Convention, received November 21, was published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of January. In the same issue was made known to the friends the Guardian’s cablegram of December 20: “Hand Omnipotence removed archbreaker Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. His hopes shattered, his plottings frustrated, society his fellow-conspirators extinguished. God’s triumphant Faith forges on, its unity unimpaired, its purity unsullied, its stability unshaken. Such death calls for neither exultation nor recrimination but evokes overwhelming pity so tragic downfall unparalleled in religious history.”
That event turned the hearts of the believers to those texts in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which recounted the actions of His enemies and established their disobedience to the Manifestation of God, especially the violation enacted by Muhammed-Ali, son of Bahá’u’lláh.
Whenever the Guardian’s letters to the National Assembly contain passages of general instruction and interest, they are reported to the entire community, and such references are found in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of January, February and April, 1938. The explanation of the Bahá’í attitude on pacifism, on the matter of reproductions of the Master’s likeness, on Bahá’í music and on his view of the progress of the Plan may be found therein.
Shoghi Effendi’s letter of November 25, 1937, which developed the theme of the increased number of delegates, was published in February, 1938. The challenging issues with which the American believers as a body are now being confronted were outlined in his own words as postscript to that letter, and no doubt the believers have given these words their most careful attention.
We were informed in the body of that same letter that the details of the administrative order have been sufficiently developed, and that both individual believers and the National Assembly must “henceforth direct their attention to the greater and vital issues which an already established Administration is now called upon to face and handle.”
Finally, up to the date of the preparation of this report, we have the Guardian’s words of January 30 on “certain vital requirements,” of the Plan, with the prayer, “May the all-conquering Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh be so infused into each component part of this harmoniously functioning System as to enable it to contribute its proper share to the consummation of the Plan.”
In conclusion, the National Spiritual Assembly feels it incumbent to ask for consideration of the fundamental fact that the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is not a static creed but a dynamic and world-renewing Power. At each stage of its evolution a higher and more conscious inner understanding, consecration and sacrifice is required of every believer. Attitudes, feelings and methods that might have seemed proper and sufficient in an earlier stage may be harmful and destructive when that stage has been ended and a new phase of the Faith begun to unfold. The degree
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of discipline inevitably increases from
childhood to maturity as responsibility replaces the care and protection extended to the helpless child. All around
us, discipline has become entirely a
matter of force and external power,
frequently brutal and brutalizing in its
effects upon human beings. In the
Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, love and worship
precede discipline, making it possible
for each devoted soul to respond
voluntarily to the organic laws and
precepts; and this capacity for self-imposed discipline transforms the age-old concept of social power from material force to spiritual authority, spiritually accepted and willingly obeyed.
Moreover, while the springs of action
within disbelieving persons release the
urges of nature or reflect prevailing
human values, the follower of Bahá’u’lláh can draw upon an illimitable
Source of dynamic energy in his will
to serve. Both on the side of discipline
and on the side of self-expression, the
believer is expected to rise above what
is called the human condition and show
forth the realities of the true man. But
these mysteries are not so much attributes of knowledge as attributes of
will. When the Faith enters every
new stage of development, it is our
will which must become re-directed
and re-inspired. Argument and discussion can not invoke the mysterious
potency released only as we purify the
elements of intention and will. If we
will anything less than unity, disunity
must inevitably result.
It is by a deepening realization of the responsibility laid upon the American Bahá’í community that we can make the transition to the new stage of reality indicated by the Guardian this year. The resolution to adopt and fulfill the Seven-Year Plan, amidst the general darkening of the world’s horizons, must survive every conceivable test before the resolution can become firmly established. The task surpasses the capacity of human emotion and thought, as faithfulness to the achievement of the task saves us from the limitations of human nature as they have existed in the past. Solely by concentration upon the two aspects of the Plan in our daily lives and meetings can we hope to become worthy of its ultimate success.
- Faithfully yours,
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY,
- By: HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary.
ANNUAL REPORT 1937-1938[edit]
Trustees for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada[edit]
A year ago the Trustees reported for the first time a detailed summary of the origin, development and management of the various corporate trusteeships that have been created to control and supervise the different properties that have been acquired either by gift or purchase by the National Spiritual Assembly over a period of years, and which are located in the States of Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, California and Massachusetts. It was pointed out in that report that it had been necessary to form these separate trusts in order to protect the National Fund from any contingencies that might possibly involve one of these properties. The officers and members of these corporate bodies are the same as those of the National Spiritual Assembly and are elected each year by the same vote that elects the National Assembly. In this manner the Bahá’í community of the United States and Canada is assured that all of the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith are under the direction of their duly qualified representatives.
Owing to the ever-increasing responsibilities in connection with these estates it has been necessary to appoint special Maintenance Committees to assist in their management. These committees have rendered most valuable services this past year and merit the gratitude of the friends. As the Cause grows, and more use is made of these properties, it may be necessary to place them under the supervision of a general manager.
This year the National Assembly appointed a Committee on Financial Records of all Bahá’í Properties in North America. This committee is preparing a set of records that will contain photostats of all the Indentures of Trust, survey maps and photographs of the properties, inventories, annual tax and insurance records, payrolls and terms of employment, leases and development plans as well as a list of the lands held by the Palestine Branch with the names of their donors. A new financial set-up is being made that will provide for a capital account and an accounting of the annual maintenance, alterations, and improvements, which have to be provided from the National Bahá’í Fund. This record will be made in duplicate and one copy will be forwarded to the Guardian, the other will be available for reference at all meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly. It will assure a more effective supervision of all these sacred trusts which are valued in America alone at more than a million dollars.
The annual report of the National Treasurer will give the exact figures of income and expense involved in the management of these trusteeships as related to the National Bahá’í Fund. This record will give the salient points connected with the supervision of the five properties for the current Bahá’í year and the approximate fixed charges of each trust,—the Temple, Green Acre, Wilhelm, Bosch and Malden, to March 1, 1938.
Temple Trustees[edit]
The trustees received a new responsibility when the memorable and inspiring cabled Message from Shoghi Effendi was received during the 1937 Convention, investing the American Bahá’í community with a dual task to continue the teaching campaign and “resume with inflexible determination exterior ornamentation entire structure (of) Temple. Advise ponder message conveyed delegates (through) esteemed co-worker, Fred Schopflocher. No triumph can more befittingly signalize termination first century Bahá’í era than accomplishment (of) this twofold task.”
Mr. Schopflocher further reported that the Guardian hoped that the exterior ornamentation would be completed before the end of the first Bahá’í century, 1944, and that a committee of experts, Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í, should be appointed to submit costs and make recommendations to the National Assembly about the contract for the next step in the construction. A committee was appointed of three Bahá’ís and three technical experts, consisting of L. W. Eggleston, chairman, E. Roger Boyle, Frank R. McMillan, Stuart W. French, Frank A. Baker and C. Herrick Hammond.
This committee considered the most efficient, economical and satisfactory methods to be employed in the completion of the entire exterior ornamentation of the Temple, the nature and terms of the contract and to whom it should be given, and after a careful survey of the problem made a unanimous recommendation that the contract be placed with Mr. John J. Earley, who had so successfully completed the Dome and Clerestory ornamentation. After consideration of the type of contract, whether on a cost-plus
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basis or a fixed amount, it was
found that the latter would run nearly
$50,000.00 higher, and the cost-plus
basis was recommended. The technical committee further recommended
that the Research Service, Inc., be
employed to supervise the construction
work, on behalf of the Trustees.
With these recommendations before it the National Assembly met with both the Technical Committee and Mr. Earley during its August meeting at Green Acre and voted to accept the recommendations and to enter into a contract with Mr. Earley for the completion of the gallery section of the Temple at an estimated cost of $140,000.00, which includes all materials, labor, insurance, social security taxes and freight charges at actual cost, and which should also cover a contingency reserve for unforeseen conditions and raises in wages and the 15 per cent fee of the Earley Studios. Mr. Earley stated that he would like to purchase all the necessary steel and quartz and cement necessary to complete the contract as soon as possible. He also gave an estimate of $350,000.00 for the completion of the entire outer ornamentation. The National Assembly then cabled the following message to Shoghi Effendi: “Under recommendation Technical Committee contract next Temple unit given Earley. Estimated cost his work $125,000, total estimated cost $145,000 including contingency reserve.” The following reply was received on September 2nd, “Approve Committee’s decision. Place contract immediately.”
When this information was received by the Trustees they voted to appoint a committee of Mountfort Mills and Allen McDaniel to prepare the terms of the contract in accordance with the standardized type of agreement used by the American Institute of Architects and to authorize any five Trustees to sign it on behalf of the Trustees. Mr. Earley was further authorized to make an immediate purchase of the materials needed for the performance of the work at an estimated cost of $20,000. This was done on the advice of the National Spiritual Assembly that the sum of $76,000 was available and that an additional $50,000 would be available in January, 1938. The contract was signed on October 5, 1937.
It was further voted to appoint Mr. Allen McDaniel the representative of the Trustees in supervising the execution of the agreement entered into with Mr. Earley and that the treasurer be directed to pay the expense incurred by Mr. McDaniel in connection with the supervision of the work at the Earley Studio as well as at the Temple, including the preparation of detailed monthly reports and travelling expenses. It was likewise voted to pay any expense incurred by the Technical Committee in connection with its survey.
The Trustees are happy to report that this committee is available for consultation at any time in connection with any technical problems that might arise during the construction work and that they made no charge for their professional advice. A full report of the work of this Committee will be given by its chairman, Mr. Eggleston, during the 1938 Convention.
The purchases of materials was started in September, and during the early part of October, Mr. Earley had trained assistants make the measurements at the Temple necessary for the working drawings from which the models and moulds are prepared. The work has continued for six months at the Earley Studio and all clay models and casts were completed the first part of April. On March 25, the first car containing contractor’s equipment, reinforcing steel and wooden moulds for the placing of the ornamentation that is to be poured at the Temple, was shipped. On March 28, a second car was shipped containing 54,000 pounds of crushed stone and sand, 28 columns, 51 imposts, 2 sections of cornice ornamentation and 2 sections of window band ornament. The friends attending the 1938 Convention will have the renewed inspiration of again seeing the Temple under construction.
A detailed monthly report of all operations has been furnished the Trustees by Mr. McDaniel which includes every item of expense from the reinforced steel down to a whitewash brush. This progress report divides the work into three sections; A. Cost of Models and Moulds, B. Cost of precast Ornament, C. Cost of materials and work at the Temple. The estimated cost of the work to March 31, 1938, according to figures supplied by Mr. Earley was $45,162.28, while the total expenditures to the same date have amounted to $43,354.34, showing that up to the present time the work has advanced according to outlined schedule and the actual cost is running reasonably within the estimates. The system of accounting is the same as that installed in the Earley Studio by the auditor of the City of Nashville when Mr. Earley completed a contract with that city some years ago. The entire gallery section should be completed within a two year period from the signing of the contract. The trustees visited the Earley Studio on December 11th and found the work proceeding ahead of the outlined schedule. They also viewed the splendid Temple Model made by Mr. Earley and which can be purchased by local Assemblies for $95.00. One of these models was sent to Shoghi Effendi, one will be on display at the Temple and one was sent to the Concrete Institute; others will be available for Teaching campaigns.
Two most generous gifts, one of $100,000 and another of $25,000 gave a great impetus to the start of the Temple construction fund the early part of the Bahá’í year. The friends throughout the land have arisen to the great task before us inspired by the Guardian’s cablegram of July 4, 1937: “Immeasurably gratified National Assembly’s initial step presentation Seven-Year Plan. Successful operation Temple enterprise necessitates carrying out faithfully, energetically following successive steps. First, expedite preliminary investigations. Second, utilize Fred’s historic munificent donation by immediate signature contract for next unit. Third, redirect with added force nationwide appeal to entire community insure uninterrupted completion first unit and accumulation sufficient funds enable placing without delay final contract. Fourth, place final contract as soon as half required sum available in National Treasury. Fifth, re-emphasize supreme obligation triumphant consummation so vital a part of American believers’ twofold task by May, 1944. Advise communicate above message all believers stimulate universal response Assembly’s future endeavors.” The Trustees feel confident they will not have to make any further loans to complete payments for contracted work on the Temple as the believers will be ever mindful that “No sacrifice (is) too great for community so abundantly blessed, repeatedly honored.”
Considerable attention has been given to the problem of the Temple grounds this past year. A preliminary survey of the landscaping plans is under way so that the nature and amount of fill necessary for the ultimate ground plan can be determined. The Trustees have informed the United States Engineer’s Office that they are in a position to build the necessary bulkheads and arrange for the fill when dredging operations in Wilmette harbor are started.
For the information of the friends the following computation of the area of the Temple grounds was made by Mr. McDaniel last October:
| Acres | |
| Triangular plot adjacent to | |
Marshall Studio | 0.1768 |
Burgeois Studio plot | 0.9105 |
Temples plot | 5.8835 |
| ______ | |
Total area | 6.9708 |
The Trustees have spent much time
trying to arrive at an equitable settlement of the division of the stub-end
part of the old Sheridan Road upon
information from the Wilmette Village authorities that it has been abandoned, and that they will cooperate
with the Trustees in making a settlement with the Goldblatt family which
have acquired the adjacent Marshall
property. This matter should be terminated in the near future, as three
Trustees, Mr. Wilhelm, Mr. Holley
and Mr. Scheffler met with the owners last Fall and reported that a settlement has been proposed.
Upon the advice and instruction of the Guardian, an agreement has been entered into with Mrs. Pemberton for the purchase of the interior designs of Temple at the cost of Forty Dollars a month, payable to her during the term of her natural life. Payments started in January, 1938, under this agreement. The drawings will be forwarded to Shoghi Effendi after a set of prints have been made.
The following necessary repairs and improvements were made this past year: a new steel rolling door was installed in the foundation wall at a cost of $251.00; plastering $150.00; screen and storm doors, $101.77; grading and seeding the ground, $558.96; and roofing, refacing the walls of the Temple Studio and caretaker’s cottage, $738.68—a total of $1,800.41. Travelling expenses of the Technical Committee amounting to $297.84 and legal expense of $88.35 have been paid. Insurance was renewed on the Temple Studio, Liability and Workmen’s Compensation and the Boilers in the Temple, this latter at a saving of $74.25 for three years. The annual maintenance costs will be found in the Treasurer’s report. Beginning March 1st, Mr. Hannen’s salary was increased to $125.00 a month. Allen McDaniel and Carl Scheffler acted as the Maintenance Committee.
Green Acre Trustees[edit]
Prior to the opening of Green Acre for the Summer School sessions for 1937, the rebuilding of the third floor of the Inn was completed, second floor accommodations had been added in two of the cottages adjoining the Inn, and the new Bahá’í Hall, overlooking the Piscataqua River—the generous gift to the Cause by Mrs. Florence Morton—was finished and ready to provide a beautiful and necessary auditorium for lectures, classes, conferences and feasts. In addition to her greatly appreciated gift of the Bahá’í Hall, Mrs. Morton contributed $1,500.00 for the third floor improvements in the Inn.
Another important gift to Green Acre was the transfer by deed of the so-called Ball cottage with its three acres, running from the main highway to the Ole Bull property, by Mr. and Mrs. Schopflocher. In addition they donated $250.00 for the repair of the roof and paid the current taxes on this property, which is a valuable addition to Green Acre because of its year-round rental opportunity, when necessary repairs and improvements are made in the amount of $3,000.00.
The following cottages have produced income for the Trustees:
McKinney Cottage—annual rental | $ 10.00 |
Rogers Cottage—annual rental | 30.00 |
Reeves Cottage—annual rental | 25.00 |
Lucas Cottage—season rental | 100.00 |
Ball Cottage—August, 1937 rental | 75.00 |
| _____ | |
Total | $240.00 |
Repairs in the amount of $100.00
were expended on the Lucas Cottage
and $115.00 on the Ball Cottage. Additional repairs will be necessary to
the Ball Cottage to make it rentable
during the winter months. Besides
the third floor improvements at the
Inn, it will be necessary to repair and
paint the roof over the kitchen and
dining-room at a cost of $260.00.
The Trustees voted to expend the balance of the Yandell Art Fund, of
$375.00 for installing a toilet and making improvements in the Arts and
Craft Studio and Mrs. Nancy Bowditch has been appointed to conduct
classes in drawing, painting and designing this coming season. The taxes of $662.72 and $9.75 on McKinney
Cottage for 1937 have been paid. In
this connection, the Trustees felt that
the Bahá’í Hall, Fellowship House and
the Arts and Crafts Studio are subject
to tax exemption as they are used exclusively for religious purposes and a
committee of Mr. Harold Bowman,
Mrs. Emma Flynn and Mr. Horace
Holley met with the Village Selectmen
and presented a request for exemption
in the valuation of $6,000.00, the limit
allowed by the laws of the State of
Maine. Favorable action on this request is hoped for this year. It will be
necessary to make certain repairs on
Fellowship House roof and also on
the interior supports in Rogers Cottage.
The matter of insurance became another serious problem to the Trustees this past year, as notice of an increase of rate on Fellowship House from $1.75 to $3.75 per hundred was published by the New England Insurance Exchange. Mr. Latimer, who has been authorized by the Trustees to handle all insurance items, met with the Agents last August at Green Acre and had them file an application for revision. Finally in March of this year, word was received that the old rate had been restored and this amounted in a savings of $200.00 to the Trustees. Owing to the improvements to the Inn and Cottages, additional insurance has been placed on these buildings and the amount reduced on Fellowship House. Total insurance paid this year amounts to $666.98 on the buildings, liability and workmen’s compensation.
Mrs. Ormsby managed the Inn for the Trustees in 1937. The Inn was thoroughly fumigated at a cost of $175.00 and new beds and equipment installed on the third floor and in the cottages at a cost of $534.80. A station wagon, costing $353.00 was purchased for the use of the Inn and its guests. Mrs. Marguerite Bruegger served as a Bahá’í hostess during the season. Food, pay-roll, supplies and miscellaneous expense for light, water, coal, ice, laundry, amounted to $4,412.27, while the income from guests, cottage rents and miscellaneous amounted to $3,979.51, leaving a deficit for the season of $432.76.
Mrs. Flora Valentine has been engaged to manage the Inn and cottages for July and August, 1938, at a salary of $100.00 a month. The manager is to send in a weekly financial report this coming season to the Trustees and supply a copy for the Maintenance Committee. The Trustees adopted a policy that Green Acre is to be recognized as a Bahá’í summer school, the aim of which is to train and inspire believers to become Bahá’í teachers, and plans made to attract non-believers are to conform in all respects to the highest interests of the Faith. It is hoped a deeper spiritual appeal will promote greater unified effort and enthusiasm, to the end that it may become financially self-supporting.
The following committee was appointed jointly by the National Assembly to combine the functions of program and maintenance: Florence Morton, chairman, Alice Bacon, Harold Bowman, Amelia Bowman, Roushan Wilkinson, Harlan Ober and Glenn Shook. Emma Flynn was appointed supervisor of properties and directed
[Page 15]
the caretaker’s duties. Mr. Edwin La Pointe served as caretaker for the year at a part time
monthly salary at $76.80. It is the
hope of the Trustees that the attendance at Green Acre this coming season
will increase to such an extent that
there will be no operating deficit and
a great spiritual contribution be made
to the furtherance of the Seven-Year
Plan.
Wilhelm Trustees[edit]
The Trustees are happy to report that another welcomed gift has been made to this property which witnesses each year the most memorable event connected with the visit of the Master to America in 1912—the Annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Mr. Walter Goodfellow and Jessie Goodfellow, his wife, presented to the Wilhelm Trustees two lots adjoining the present property. This indenture was executed December 31, 1937 and recorded on January 4, 1938, in the office of the clerk of Bergen County, in Book 2097, page 482 of Deeds. These lots make a valuable addition to the present property, and our deep and abiding appreciation is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Goodfellow.
Last year Mr. Samuel Shure, attorney for Mr. Wilhelm, advised the Trustees that the Teaneck Township assessor stated that the lots located in the pine grove were not tax exempt because they are separated from the property used for religious purposes. Mr. Wilhelm paid the taxes on these lots for 1937. The town has agreed to give exemption on lots No. 8 and No. 9 for 1938 and successive years.
The Cabin has been leased for meetings to the Teaneck Spiritual Assembly at a monthly rental of $30.00, and this Assembly pays for its portion of the liability insurance, light and heat. This past year Mr. Wilhelm installed a separate oil tank to supply oil to the Cabin for determining exactly the costs to the Teaneck Assembly. The only costs to the Trustees have been $18.40 for legal expenses and about $10.00 for insurance, Mr. Wilhelm having borne all other costs.
Bosch Trustees[edit]
Since our last report the beautiful dormitory at Geyserville was completed and its dedication took place on July 4th, the opening day of the Summer School. It was an occasion of great joy to have Mrs. Thomas Collins present at these services. She and her husband, who was deprived of seeing the culmination of his devotion to this institution, have complemented the wonderful gift of John and Louise Bosch, with their endowments of the Bahá’í Hall and the dormitory. The two-story dormitory, with thirteen rooms on the main floor and beds for fourteen on the second floor, will accommodate about fifty people. This beautiful building will stand as a memorial to Mr. Thomas Collins.
Mr. Joe Borzoni was employed as caretaker last May at a salary of $50.00 per month, for part time services. An arrangement has been made that whatever work he does for the friends who have cottages on the property in his spare time shall be deducted from the wages paid by the Trustees and assumed by the other parties. These services are not available during the period of the summer school.
The summer school and maintenance of the property have been conducted up to the present time without any budget from the National Fund, the only costs being the caretaker’s salary which amounted to $521.66 and workmen’s compensation of $34.05. Mr. and Mrs. Bosch and Mrs. Collins have taken care of the taxes, water, light, and other insurance items. Other friends have contributed sums to carry on the summer school work. Last year there was a deficit of $20.00, which included a nominal weekly charge for the rooms to cover laundry, etc. This deficit was made up by the friends.
The Trustees appointed the following Maintenance Committee to supervise the management on their behalf: George Latimer, chairman, Leroy C. Ioas, secretary, John Bosch, Amelia Collins, N. Forsyth Ward and Harry R. Munson. This committee will render an annual report to the Trustees.
Malden Trustees[edit]
The friends are aware that this house was turned over to the National Spiritual Assembly by Shoghi Effendi because of its memorable association with the Master’s visit to America in 1912. On June 4, 1937, the following word was received from the Guardian: “Concerning the house at Malden, Mass., the Guardian leaves all the questions related to its restoration and renting to the discretion of your N. S. A., but wishes only to emphasize the absolute necessity of keeping this house as the property of the Cause. Under no circumstances should it be sold or given to non-Bahá’ís, though it may be rented to them, in view of the references ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has made to it in His Tablet. Whatever arrangement the Assembly decides upon should be made after due consideration of this important fact.”
Owing to the age of the house many repairs are necessary. The following most urgent ones have been taken care of at a cost of $390.15, a new hot-air furnace, replacement of old window frames and sashes, new modern electric wiring throughout, plumbing and plastering of ceiling. Taxes amounted to $204.04 and water $18.96. Rent was received amounting to $171.00. Other repairs will be made when necessary.
The following Maintenance Committee was appointed by the Trustees: Victor Archambault, chairman, Florence Morton and Wendell Bacon. This committee has taken over the work formerly entrusted to the Boston Assembly.
Conclusion[edit]
This detailed report is rendered to the friends in order to show what is required to maintain these various properties which are the manifest signs of an ever-growing Faith and also to indicate the responsibility on the part of the Trustees in their care and management of these sacred trusts. To recapitulate: the operating costs for the past year, including caretakers’ salaries, taxes, light, heat, water, telephone, insurance, legal expense, repairs and capital expenditures for improvements, are divided as follows:
| Temple Maintenance | $7,596.23 | |
| Repairs to Studio and Caretaker’s Cottage and Ground | 1,833.72 | |
| Green Acre | $6,435.78 | |
| Less new equipment | 887.80 | |
| _______ | ||
| $5,547.98 | ||
| Less special contributions | 1,750.00 | |
| _______ | _______ | |
| $3,797.98 | $3,797.98 | |
| Geyserville | 555.71 | |
| West Englewood | 33.40 | |
| Malden, less $171.00 rent received | 452.00 | |
| _______ | ||
| Total | $14,269.04 | |
| The cost of Temple construction to April 1, 1938, including Technical Committee expense of $297.84 | $44,036.03 |
It will be noted from the above figures that the monthly withdrawals
from the National Bahá’í Fund have
averaged $1,189.00 for the past year.
Next year some heavy insurance renewal items for the Temple will be due
but there should be a corresponding
reduction in repairs in the other trusteeships. If the applications for tax
exemption are approved there will be
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another reduction. However, with the
increasing needs of an expanding
community, the friends should realize
that at least $14,000.00, annually, or
$1,200.00 a month will be required
from the National Bahá’í Fund, for
the next few years.
These institutions are definitely a part of the Seven-Year Plan as the Summer Schools bear a most important relationship to the Teaching Activities. Therefore, they must be considered as an integral obligation of the National Bahá’í Fund. There is almost the needed amount in the Temple Fund to insure the payment of the balance that will be due on the completion of the Gallery Section of the Temple. The friends must now bear in mind the following stage, the completion of the main story, in their budget plans. The Trustees feel sure that the friends will not fail in their task. The Guardian has pointed the way in his most recent communication: “Each and every believer, undaunted by the uncertainties, the perils and the financial stringency afflicting the nation, must arise and ensure, to the full measure of his or her capacity, that continuous and abundant flow of funds into the national Treasury, on which the successful prosecution of the Plan must chiefly depend.”
- Respectfully submitted,
- Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly
- By GEORGE O. LATIMER
