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The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey
“DRAW NIGH UNTO BAHÁ’U’LLÁH”[edit]
“Blessed is the man that hath acknowledged his belief in God and in His signs, and recognized that ‘He shall not be asked of His doings.’ Such a recognition hath been made by God the ornament of every belief, and its very foundation. Upon it must depend the acceptance of every goodly deed. Fasten your eyes upon it, that haply the whisperings of the rebellious may not cause you to slip.... Whoso hath not recognized this sublime and fundamental verity, and hath failed to attain this most exalted station, the winds of doubt will agitate him, and the sayings of the infidels will distract his soul. He that hath acknowledged this principle will be endowed with the most perfect constancy.” Gleanings, pgs. 86-87.
“Had this people attained unto a drop of the crystal streams flowing from the words: ‘God doeth whatsoever He willeth, and ordaineth whatsoever He pleaseth,’ they would not have raised any unseemly cavils.... The Cause of God, all deeds and words, are held within the grasp of His power. ‘All things lie imprisoned within the hollow of His mighty Hand; all things are easy and possible unto Him.’ He accomplisheth whatsoever He willeth, and doeth all that He desireth. ‘Whoso sayeth ‘why’ or ‘wherefore’ hath spoken blasphemy.’ ... Have they not heard that which He hath revealed: ‘He shall not be asked of His doings?’ In the light of these utterances how can man be so bold as to question Him, and busy himself with idle sayings?” Kitab-i-Iqán, pgs. 170-171.
“Thine is the authority to command whatsoever Thou willest. I bear witness that Thou art to be praised in Thy doings, and to be obeyed in Thy behests, and to remain unconstrained in Thy bidding.” Prayers and Meditations, pg. 319.
“I beseech Thee, O Thou Who art my Companion in my lowliness, to rain down upon Thy loved ones from the clouds of Thy mercy that which will cause them to be satisfied with Thy pleasure.” Prayers and Meditations, pg. 17.
POTENTIAL SPIRITUAL POWER HOUSE[edit]
The potential power resources of America are being studied and surveyed with a view to their more efficient utilization through development, coordination and integration. Vast resources of water power now lie idle in the streams which course down the mountain slopes—east and west. Underground are large areas of coal, gas and oil; fuels for the future generation of steam and for the production of electric energy. As our material civilization expands, its daily needs multiply and we become increasingly dependent on the electric current to light our homes, offices, factories and farms, to furnish transportation and communication from place to place, and to move our machinery in the home, workshop, mine or field.
Little do we realize the complete coordination of a multitude of parts, the harmony of adjustment of diversified elements and the unity of action required for the operation of an electric system. A closed valve, a thrown switch or a missing cable may throw an entire community into darkness and despair.
Communities are still dependent largely on local generating stations. To ensure dependability of service, especially in case of possible damage from storms and breakdowns from unforeseen sources, systems are being connected and developed into so-called “grids” which cover a region or section of the country. Thus the various sources of power are inter-connected so that the production of electric energy is augmented, assured, and protected for every part of the region; any person or family may have light, heat or power anywhere and at any time.
The Bahá’ís scattered throughout America, as isolated believers, in groups, or in communities, are potential units of spiritual power. As isolated believers, they are the nuclei for the development of power centers, which expand with the growth of the communities. Such growth is a measure of the harmony and unity of action among the believers, who constitute the elements of the spiritual power house. Personal antagonisms, selfish actions, disobedience of the Administrative order and lack of cooperation bring about maladjustments and even breaks in the spiritual power system—often to such extent that spiritual power is not radiated out to the community, but the community itself becomes inert, inactive and darkened.
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What a mighty task has been set before us by our Guardian in the Seven
Year Plan! Each and every believer
must begin with the self, cleansing and
purifying and raising the self to the
plane of selfless service, obedience and
cooperation. Then, and only then, do
we become suitable units to function
in the spiritual power house. The Local Spiritual Assemblies have the responsibility of so uniting and harmonizing these elements into a smoothly
running, efficiently operating generating station of spiritual power, which
should gradually radiate the Power of
the Spirit throughout their communities.
In time, these spiritual power houses, the Bahá’í communities will spread throughout the length and breadth of the land and through the National Spiritual Assembly become interconnected into one great spiritual superpower system.
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Vancouver, one. Los Angeles, six. Pasadena, six. New York, three. San Francisco, one. St. Lambert, one. Worcester, one. Glendale, Calif., one. Berkeley, two. Spokane, two. Washington, one. Philadelphia, five. Colorado Springs, three. Milwaukee, three. Peoria, two. Phoenix, one.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Death profferth 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.
- Charles Walline, Kenosha.
- Mrs. Emma Lindstrom, Kenosha.
- B. Frank Bierly, Seattle.
ASSEMBLY ROLL[edit]
Detroit, Mich., change of address. Mrs. Jessie B. Hall, Secretary, new address, 4121 Mitchell Street.
FOR CONSULTATION[edit]
Occasional questions are suggested by the National Spiritual Assembly for discussion at Nineteen Day Feasts.
Do your teaching methods reflect full study of all local possibilities? Are there Bahá’í books in the Libraries? Is publicity sent to the press? Can more Fireside study groups be established? Do you have copies of all Bahá’í books and pamphlets on hand for sale to believers and inquirers?
What proportion of the community contributes to the Fund? Why does any Bahá’í refrain from assisting the Faith, even if he can contribute only one penny a month?
“THE OUTSTANDING BUILDING ... OF THE WORLD”[edit]
In reply to the letter written the Postmaster of Wilmette by the National Spiritual Assembly conveying the appreciation of the Convention for the Wilmette design for Air Mail Week, the Postmaster wrote on September 7: “We felt that in choosing this (Temple) for our design, we were taking the outstanding building not only of Wilmette, but of the world, seeing that there is no other to compare with it in architecture.
“We also wish to thank you and your followers for the interest shown by them in mailing these cachets to their friends during Air Mail Week.”
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
| “THIS DECISIVE HOUR”
Cablegram from Shoghi Effendi (The) virtual termination (within the) appointed time (of the) ornamentation (of the) gallery section (of the) Mashriqu’l-Adhkar triumphantly ushers in (the) final phase (of the) major task courageously shouldered (by the) champions (of the) Seven Year Plan. (The) accumulation of no more than one-third (of the) funds required (for) completion (of the) last remaining unit (is) sufficient prerequisite (for) placing contract. On such (an) auspicious occasion in (the) evolution (of the) divinely-ordained Institutions within (the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh, and at so critical (a) stage in (the) disintegration (of the) manmade institutions beyond its pale, (the) American community (is) summoned afresh (to) rise (to the) level (of the) heroism this twofold opportunity demands. (The) poignant memory (of the) ever-loved Greatest Holy Leaf, inseparably linked to (the) American believers’ Temple exertions, impels me (to) offer, (at) this decisive hour, one thousand pounds in her name and as token (of) her debt of gratitude for their response (to) her last appeal addressed to them (in the) evening of her life. (I am) confident (that the) Temple Construction Fund, which from now on will ever bear her name and be consecrated (to) her memory, will, following this offering, swell (to) such proportions as will carry forward (the) stupendous undertaking (to a) glorious consummation.—SHOGHI. Cablegram received November 29, 1938. |
The Publishing Committee announces a new pamphlet, copies of which have been secured from the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles:
Bahá’u’lláh, by H. M. Balyuzi. Paper covers. Per copy, $0.20
The following books and pamphlets are emphasized:
Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, excerpts made under instruction of Shoghi Effendi. Paper covers. Sold in lots of ten copies only. Ten copies, $1.00
Bahá’í Peace Program, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet to the Committee on Durable Peace, the Hague, and His Tablet to Dr. Forel. Bound in fabrikoid, $1.00. Paper covers, $.50
Bahá’u’lláh and The New Era, J. E. Esslemont, revised edition. Copies bound in fabrikoid are once more available. Per copy, $0.75
Foundations of World Unity, selections from the Public Addresses delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America as reproduced in the two volumes of “The Promulgation of Universal Peace”. Bound in cloth. Per copy, $0.75
A World Faith, nine articles by different authors presenting various aspects of the Teachings for inquirers, recommended by the Guardian for teaching work. Paper covers. Per copy, $0.25
NOTE: The manuscript on prophecy approved by the Reviewing Committee last year has not yet been turned over to the Publishing Committee for publication in the series of Teaching Literature pamphlets. This information is given on account of numerous inquiries received.
RADIO COMMITTEE[edit]
The Radio Committee urges cooperation from Assemblies, groups and individual teachers. They are requested to send the Radio Committee copies of all radio talks that are presented, not, of course, including those that may have been secured from the Radio Committee itself. The Radio Committee is developing as many talks as possible and acts as clearing house for this type of teaching material.
Assemblies, groups and teachers are also requested to report their broadcasts, mentioning the results secured, what subjects are most successful, how many inquiries are received for copies
| LAST APPEAL OF THE GREATEST HOLY LEAF
And in this fervent plea, my voice is once more reinforced by the passionate, and perhaps, the last, entreaty, of the Greatest Holy Leaf, whose spirit, now hovering on the edge of the Great Beyond, longs to carry on its flight to the Abhá Kingdom, and into the presence of a Divine, an almighty Father, an assurance of the joyous consummation of an enterprise, the progress of which has so greatly brightened the closing days of her earthly life.—SHOGHI EFFENDI. (The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 67, 68.) |
of the talk, how many inquiries for information about the Cause, whether study classes or fireside groups are formed as result, etc. Also whether the radio talk leads to inquiries at the Public Library for Bahá’í books.
New fifteen minute talks now available are:
- A series of six on “The Philosophy of Bahá’u’lláh”, presenting the subjects of Prayer, Immortality, Faith, etc.
- A series of six on “The Divine Physician” for devotional hour.
- “Peace Realists.”
- “You Have Come of Age.”
- “Opening Doors to True Freedom.”
- “Eternal Life and Immortality.”
- “Jewels in the Crown of Faith.”
- “Prayer: The Key to Real Success.”
- “Love: The Key to World Unity and Peace.”
- “Atheism and the Existence of a Creator of Law.”
- “The First Woman Suffragette of the East.”
- “Biblical Prophecies Referring to This Day.”
- “A Calendar of Needs for World Peace.”
- “Good-Will and the Bahá’í Faith: An Interview.”
- “The Temple of Light: A House of Prayer.” This talk is especially intended for use in connection with displays of the Temple model.
- “The Old Frame House is Failing.”
- A series on the subject of “Civilizations and Their Founders.”
Mimeographed copies of these and many other radio talks will be supplied at cost of 10c per copy.
The Radio Committee has increased its facilities through the cooperation of the following staff of workers: Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews, Mrs. Marion Little, Mr. and Mrs. Willard McKay, Mrs. Hattie Chamberlain, Mr. Rowland Estall, Mr. Stanley R. Morton.
The teaching opportunity afforded to believers by Radio are boundless. Where local Assemblies are able to provide for a series of radio talks, the interest and value to the believers themselves are as important as the results upon the public. It is suggested that the Announcer be requested to state that copies of the talk will be mailed to those requesting them, and the Committee will provide the extra copies.
Vancouver last year and Montreal this year have provided fireside group meetings during the broadcasts, with discussion of the material presented over the air.
- FLORENCE R. MORTON, Chairman,
- 5 Wheeler Avenue,
- Worcester, Mass.
- 5 Wheeler Avenue,
“THE CHARTER OF THE NEW WORLD ORDER”[edit]
“The creative energies released by the law of Bahá’u’lláh, permeating and evolving within the mind of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, have, by their very impact and close interaction, given birth to an Instrument which may be viewed as the Charter of the New World Order which is at once the glory and the promise of this most great Dispensation.”—SHOGHI EFFENDI.
In order to promote a more direct and intimate spiritual association with the provisions of the Master’s Will and Testament on the part of the American Bahá’í Community, the National Spiritual Assembly will publish a series of excerpts from the Will, together with selections from the interpretive writings of the Guardian. The friends are urged to give deep thought to this new department of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
World Unity[edit]
“Should differences arise they shall be amicably and conclusively settled by the Supreme Tribunal, that shall include members from all the governments and peoples of the world.
“O ye beloved of the Lord! In this sacred Dispensation, conflict and contention are in no wise permitted. Every aggressor deprives himself of God’s grace. It is incumbent upon everyone to show the utmost love, rectitude of conduct, straightforwardness and sincere kindliness unto all the peoples and kindreds of the world, be they friends or strangers. So intense must be the spirit of love and loving-kindness that the stranger may find himself a friend, the enemy a true brother, no difference whatsoever existing between them. For universality is of God and all limitations earthly. Thus man must strive that his reality may manifest virtues and perfections, the light whereof may shine upon everyone. The light of the sun shineth upon all the world and the merciful showers of Divine Providence fall upon all peoples. The vivifying breeze reviveth every living creature and all things endued with life obtain their share and portion at His heavenly board. In like manner, the affections and loving-kindness of the One True God must be bountifully and universally extended to all mankind. Regarding this, restrictions and limitations are in no wise permitted.
“Wherefore, O my loving friends! Consort with all the peoples, kindreds and religions of the world with the utmost truthfulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, good-will and friendliness; that all the world of being may be filled with the holy ecstacy of the grace of Bahá, that ignorance, enmity, hate and rancor may vanish from the world and the darkness of estrangement amidst the peoples and kindreds of the world may give way to the Light of Unity. Should other people and nations be unfaithful to you show your fidelity unto them, should they be unjust toward you show justice toward them, should they keep aloof from you attract them to yourself, should they show their enmity be friendly toward them, should they poison your lives sweeten their souls, should they inflict a wound upon you be a salve to their sores. Such are the attributes of the sincere! Such are the attributes of the truthful....
“O ye beloved of the Lord! It is incumbent upon you to be submissive to all monarchs that are just and show your fidelity to every righteous king. Serve ye the sovereigns of the world with utmost truthfulness and loyalty. Show obedience unto them and be
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their well-wishers. Without their leave
do not meddle with political affairs, for
disloyalty to the just sovereign is disloyalty to God Himself.”1
“‘In every Dispensation,’ writes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ‘the light of Divine Guidance has been focussed upon one central theme.... In this wondrous Revelation, this glorious century, the foundation of the Faith of God and the distinguishing feature of His Law is the consciousness of the Oneness of Mankind.’ ...
“Let there be no mistake. The principle of the Oneness of Mankind—the pivot round which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh revolve—is no mere outburst of ignorant emotionalism or an expression of vague and pious hope. ... It does not constitute merely the enunciation of an ideal, but stands inseparably associated with an institution adequate to embody its truth, demonstrate its validity, and perpetuate its influence. It implies an organic change in the structure of present-day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced.... It calls for no less than the reconstruction and the demilitarization of the whole civilized world—a world organically unified in all the essential aspects of its life, its political machinery, its spiritual aspiration, its trade and finance, its script and language, and yet infinite in the diversity of the national characteristics of its federated units.
“It represents the consummation of human evolution—an evolution that has had its earliest beginnings in the birth of family life, its subsequent development in the achievement of tribal solidarity, leading in turn to the constitution of the city-state, and expanding later into the institution of independent and sovereign nations.
“The principle of the Oneness of Mankind, as proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh carries with it no more and no less than a solemn assertion that attainment to this final stage in this stupendous evolution is not only necessary but inevitable, that its realization is fast approaching, and that nothing short of a power that is born of God can succeed in establishing it.
“So marvellous a conception finds its earliest manifestations in the efforts consciously exerted and the modest beginnings already achieved by the declared adherents of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh who, conscious of the sublimity of their calling and initiated into the ennobling principles of His Administration, are forging ahead to establish His Kingdom on this earth.”2
_____
1Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
2The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Shoghi Effendi.
| “THAT MYSTIC CHAIN”
|
LOUHELEN SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
From July 9 to 19, the Louhelen Summer School Committee conducted an unusual course of study—a Laboratory course which was designed to prepare individuals for the teaching field. The response from those in attendance at this experimental session was so great that plans are already under way to gradually pattern all the Louhelen sessions in the future after the Laboratory Session this summer.
Four basic courses made up the program of study. Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg gave her course on “The Three Worlds.” Kenneth Christian gave a course on the organization and systematic study of the teachings. This completed the work of the morning. In the afternoon a course in public speaking was conducted. In the evening Mrs. Alice Bacon and Marguerite Reimer gave a course in publicity, radio, and personal contacts.
The chief difference between the Laboratory Session and other sessions was the emphasis on personal study by all the students present and the absence of the lecture-note-taking method. It was this practical, supervised study and research that brought such enthusiastic response from those present at the Summer School. Some individuals literally studied into the morning hours.
The success of this new venture has caused the Louhelen Committee to start more definite preparations whereby Louhelen may actually become a school for intensive and scholarly study of the Faith. In view of this, the first major need which presents itself is an adequate library. The following works are needed:
- Books and materials on Comparative Religions, especially books and materials on Christianity and Islam.
- Books and articles on the subject of Science and Religion, the Influence of Religion, etc.
- Books, pamphlets, magazines, and articles on the History of the Bahá’í Faith.
- Copies of all Bahá’í publications.
- Copies of compilations made by individuals.
The aim of the Louhelen Committee is to build up a large extensive, and
complete library which will meet all
the needs of the Bahá’í student. As
soon as such a library is established as
part of the School, there will be a
place for intensive research and study.
- LOUHELEN SUMMER SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
“ENDEAVOR TO SPREAD A NETWORK OF BAHA’IS”[edit]
To the believers of the U. S. and Canada:
There has lately been referred from the National Spiritual Assembly a resolution adopted by the last Convention requesting “the National Assembly to endeavor to spread a network of Bahá’ís in virgin territory of North America.” Beloved friends, the National Teaching Committee has no choice but to refer this resolution back to you!
To establish such a network is one of the two avowed purposes of the Seven Year Plan, the very aim of the Guardian in his series of impassioned messages, dating from that first historic cablegram of May 1, 1936. “Would to God,” he appealed “every State within American Republic and every Republic in American continent might ere termination this glorious century embrace light Faith of Bahá’u’lláh....”
Beloved friends, our Guardian is never vague in his claims upon us, nor does he under-estimate the power which is ours for the asking. Not one of us presumes that, of himself alone, he is equal to the standard of heroism
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required. Yet not one of us would
dare to doubt Shoghi Effendi’s confidence that we can attain it, through
the help of Almighty God! Our goal
is plain to us all; how shall we reach
it?
Fortunately we have the answer from the Guardian himself, and it is as a reminder that the Committee publishes again excerpts from his memorable words.
May 19, 1936: “Convention plea addressed to American believers cannot achieve its purpose unless dauntless pioneers promptly arise and, forsaking homeland, permanently reside countries where light of Faith not yet penetrated.”
June 4: “To the American believers, the spiritual descendants of the heroes of God’s Cause, I again address my plea to arise as one soul and to prosecute with unrelaxing resolve the high mission with which their immediate destiny is inextricably interwoven.”
June 26: “As the Guardian’s telegram clearly reveals, this teaching plan has two chief objectives: first, to establish a center in every State within the U. S. A. and then in every State throughout the American continent.
“What the Guardian would strongly advise is, first, to concentrate heart and soul on the first part of this teaching program, namely, to have at least one center established in those States of the American Republic where there are as yet no believers. This task can best be accomplished by means of settlement in these States by at least one believer.”
November 14: “An effort should be made to facilitate, as much as possible, the extension of the teaching work by helping those who are financially unable to reach their destination, and once there to encourage them to settle and earn the means of their livelihood.”
August 4, 1937: “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?”
Shoghi Effendi has stripped the blindness of inertia from our eyes, has directed us toward an unquestionable goal, and has defined the means whereby we may assuredly succeed. What more is there for him to say? The Cause needs pioneers! The Cause needs single-hearted individuals who, with pure motives and simple faith, accept the promise of Divine assistance in establishing new ties and homes. It needs young couples whose lives are not yet entrenched, and who believe that in obedience to the Will of God they may discover their deepest happiness, and win their most enduring security. It needs us all, and not one of us wishes to escape! But above all, if the network is to be laid down, and the initial stage of the Divine Plan consummated, there must be volunteers who, like the early followers of the Master, dared to risk their futures because He asked it.
“Forsaking home, kindred, friends and position a handfull of men and women, fired with a zeal and confidence which no human agency can kindle, arose to carry out the mandate which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had issued.... These men and women have been instrumental in extending, to a degree as yet unsurpassed in Bahá’í history, the sway of Bahá’u’lláh’s universal dominion.... It would be impossible for me to unfold in this short compass the tale of such heroic actions. Nor can any tribute of mine do justice to the spirit which has enabled these standard-bearers of the Religion of God to win such laurels and to confer such distinction on the generation to which they belong.” (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 87-88).
The National Teaching Committee would direct attention also to a statement previously prepared and issued in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, September, 1937, page 3. It is prepared to lend every aid in its power to those friends who gallantly arise in this pioneer service. May not our generation, too, earn the praise of the Guardian? Are we not also faithful to the mandate of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?
Beloved friends, the following article was written for us by Albert and Alice Entzminger, who have preceded us in the arena of service. Our love and gratitude go to them for their dauntless spirit in establishing the Faith in the pioneer State of Oklahoma. May their account inspire us to follow in this path!
- Faithfully yours,
- TEACHING COMMITTEE
“THE GREAT URGE”[edit]
“Let your exertions, henceforth, increase a thousand-fold....” “The scope of your exertions must needs be extended. The wider its range the more striking will be the evidences of Divine assistance....”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
“The moment this Divine Message is carried forward by the American believers ... this community will find itself securely established upon the throne of an everlasting dominion.... Then will the whole world resound with the praises of its majesty and greatness.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
It was during the late summer of 1936 when Shoghi Effendi’s first appeals had stirred the American believers, that we felt the great urge to respond to his call. But the fact that we were both new and inexperienced in the Cause made us hesitate. Also at the same time we were bound in an unhappy situation, release from which seemed well-nigh impossible. But the urge persisted and finally through inspiration we addressed our first letter to the Guardian, expressing to him the joy that was ours in having received in this Day the glorious Message of Bahá’u’lláh. In our letter, also, we made mention of our great desire to serve, however humble that service might be, saying nothing, however, of the obstacles which lay in our path.
It was but a few weeks later when suddenly in a most miraculous manner things began to happen, and almost before we realized it we found ourselves freed from the difficulties that had bound us. It was then we laid our entire problem before the National Teaching Committee, offering to them our services wherever they might think it best for us to go. Soon their suggestion was received that we, a family, take up our residence in Oklahoma City where, according to their records, Bahá’í work had been done some years previously.
So it was that in January, 1937, through the assistance of both the National Teaching Committee and our own Geyserville Community, we left California to become Oklahomans. Just the day before our departure came the reply from the Guardian, and we recognized through what Power these doors had been opened to us.
A week later we found ourselves, a family of four, in Oklahoma City in the midst of winter, without acquaintance and without means of livelihood. On the train the four of us had contracted the flu and we were ill on arrival; so our first thought was to rush to a hotel and to bed. Our prayers for healing brought response and a few days later our problem became one of finding a home. Having left our furniture and practically all our personal effects in California, we required a furnished house; but just at that time, with two children, without work, and without the needed references, this was no easy matter. But again Bahá’u’lláh was with
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us. One day during a blizzard we set
out, and at the first place we called we
found not only a clean, delightful little
cottage, but a genial landlord who
hesitated not at all that we were strangers and who also welcomed children.
You may be sure we made great haste
to move our baggage to our new home.
From the first the children adapted
themselves marvelously to the different
climate, to the new school system and
the city life. Almost immediately we
were able to make contacts, and we
were amazed at the surprising number
of instances we were able to give the
Message to strangers who came to our
door.
At once we started to look up the contacts which had been furnished us by the Teaching Committee and found, much to our surprise, true believers. Our joy knew no bounds. These devoted souls had responded to the fine work done by Orcella Rexford and Edwina Powell, and although they had not communicated or been in touch with the Bahá’í world and were thus completely isolated, their faith in Bahá’u’lláh remained firm. With their immediate cooperation we were soon able to form a study-class, meeting each Sunday afternoon, to be followed later by still another class on week-day afternoons. Later, in the month of September, these small classes evolved into a registered Bahá’í Group of nine.
Significant also was the manner in which, after five months of fruitless effort, employment was finally obtained. Here definitely there was another lesson that we were to learn. We had felt that the first thing was to find work, and because this was our understanding we brought upon ourselves many moments of anguish which could well have been spared us, had we fully realized that the paramount thing was really submission to God’s will. For undoubtedly God had other plans. Not until our study classes were well launched, and a physical infirmity of long standing, incorrectly diagnosed by California doctors, was completely and miraculously corrected by our newfound Bahá’í friends, was a position finally secured. And this long sought position, with a newly-organized company, could not under any circumstances have been available before; it became so on the very first day that we were physically able to accept it!
Many, indeed, were the other evidences of Divine Aid that we received, —in our contacts, in our material needs, in the many beautiful and inspiring messages of encouragement and support. Never shall we forget these first months in Oklahoma, for indeed it was then that we were privileged to
BAHÁ’Í EXHIBIT, CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION AT TORONTO, 1938.
feel the exhilaration of His Nearness
and receive the assurance of His never-failing help. Always there was response
to our prayers for strength and guidance, and this response came to us in
such manner that we lived in a veritable “valley of astonishment.”
As we write these words our stay in Oklahoma City has been but eighteen months, and the Group of nine which was organized in September, 1937, is now a Bahá’í Community of ten, for on April 21st of this year was elected the first Spiritual Assembly in this State. Also we are hopeful that very soon our number will be increased. During this time, Bahá’ís from all parts of the country have come to our assistance. Many were the letters that we received, often with names of friends for us to contact. The Teaching Committee has kept us well supplied with literature and has written frequent letters of advice and stimulation.
“How great, therefore, is the bounty of the Abhá Beauty Who, notwithstanding our utter unworthiness, hath through His grace and mercy breathed into us in this divinely-illumined century the spirit of life, hath gathered us beneath the standard of the Beloved of the world, and chosen to confer upon us a bounty for which the mighty ones of bygone ages had craved in vain.” “The souls of the well-favored among the concourse on high, the sacred dwellers of the most exalted Paradise, are in this day filled with burning desire to return to this world, that they may render such service as lieth in their power to the threshold of the Abhá Beauty.”—(Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 18).
PUBLICITY COMMITTEE[edit]
The National Publicity Committee is tremendously impressed by the number of individual believers who singly and alone have opened up new publicity channels over various parts of the country. A great deal of this new publicity material which has come to the National Press Books since May first this year has been the result of long and arduous effort.
From the newspapers of Eagle River and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, have come long articles on the Temple
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and the Cause through the efforts of
Mrs. Ruth Moffat. Some of these carried a picture of the Temple.
Miss Marguerite Reimer with the assistance of Mrs. William Russell, was successful in having numerous articles on the Cause published in connection with her radio talks given this summer in Madison, Wisconsin. These articles gave summaries of her talks. This type of publicity was effectively negotiated also by Mrs. Olivia Kelsey in Columbus, Ohio.
The Corpus Christi (Texas) Daily Chronicle rewarded Mrs. Kathryn Frankland’s continuous efforts, last August, by giving her a permanent column under the name, Loom of Reality. This column is a compilation of quotations from outstanding public figures on subjects of general interest which always include quotations from the Teachings.
Many of the believers have given good publicity to the Cause by contributing to Editor’s columns which are open to comments from the paper’s readers on any subject. Mr. C. H. Pettit of Bucyrus, Ohio, has had several such articles on various phases of the Teachings as well as direct articles in the news space of Bucyrus papers. Mrs. Margaret Atwater of Miami, Florida, has continued in her success during the summer in having articles published in a “To the Editor” column which give the Teachings without mentioning names. One of Mrs. Atwater’s articles on “Bahá’u’lláh, the Manifestation of God” was printed with her by-line in Phoenix, Arizona. Clinton Bugbee of Phoenix has been instrumental in having published a picture of the Temple with a long description of the building as well as other accounts of the Cause. It is interesting to note that a very long article on the Temple and the precepts of the Cause was reprinted from the Duke City News of Albuquerque, New Mexico in a Fernandina, Florida newspaper on June 24th mentioning that Dr. Lenore Morris had moved and opened Bahá’í headquarters in Albuquerque.
So far, we have heard from two of the three Summer Schools. A great deal of fine publicity was obtained in newspapers of seven communities neighboring the Geyserville Summer School as well as many outstanding articles on the sessions, personal and the Faith in the Geyserville paper. A part of the splendid publicity received in the papers in and around Davison, Michigan, concerning the activities at Louhelen Ranch was stimulated through the efforts of Mrs. Wendell E. Bacon, who directed a laboratory course in publicity. This gave practical
PANEL
With text on the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, part of the Bahá’í Exhibit, Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, 1938.
experience to those who attended
this session in July. The members of
the class went to work on articles and
releases and were successful in having
some of them published in the papers
of neighboring communities. Davison,
Michigan, last month celebrated its
founding; in connection with the celebration, the Davison newspaper printed a long article by Mr. Eggleston on
the history of the Bahá’í Summer
School at Louhelen Ranch.
Among the pioneer workers who have succeeded in obtaining effective publicity during the summer months is Mrs. C. N. Wells of Pineknot, California. She had had several articles published on the Cause. Mrs. Catherine Hall of San Diego, has had great success by having the picture of the Temple published in seven newspapers with accompanying articles of explanation, in San Diego and Ocean Beach.
Maywood, Illinois, has received publicity through the published list of its monthly Bahá’í activities as well as the picture of the Temple. Lima, Ohio, had a similar idea in making up an article on the weekly Bahá’í activities. The meetings of Lidia Zamenhof brought a good deal of notice from the papers there.
In the International section of the Press Books there are many pages given over to the tremendous volume of publicity that our beloved Martha Root has obtained in India. Lengthy articles, some of which are in English, from no less than nine East Indian cities on phases of the Cause, its principles and laws, give us added incentive to strive in this country for greater publicity results. Mrs. Stuart French’s Cape Cruise resulted in an article about the Faith in a paper of Oslo, Norway. Several clippings from the North-China News give accounts of the Teachings and also a review of Lorol Schofflocher’s book, “Travel and Adventure the World Over.”
Mrs. Esther Sego of Augusta, Georgia, has found effective the reporting of the Nineteen Day Feasts giving a short discussion of Bahá’í beliefs or activities all over the world. She uses a short line quoted from the Teachings or from other Holy Books as the closing paragraph of these notices and articles.
The newspapers of Omaha, Nebraska, have used many articles on the Cause and several pictures through the efforts of Dorene Halliday. Marvin Newport succeeded in opening new channels for publicity in Liberty, New York. Lake Placid and Stamford, New York, published items on the Faith. The Drs. Morris are receiving more and more notice for the Cause in the press of Albuquerque, New Mexico. One long article was a direct quotation from Bahá’u’lláh. Through the efforts of Mrs. Mathews and Mrs. Little a newspaper in Chattanooga, Tennessee, published a long article on the Cause. Many more believers have succeeded in spreading the Cause through this means during the summer months; Mrs. Johnson of Batavia, Illinois; Mrs. Bertha Kirkpatrick in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Mr. and Mrs. Meese in Benton Harbor, Michigan and Mrs. Lorol Jackson and Mrs. Edwina Powell in Helena, Montana.
Although only forty Assemblies out of seventy-eight have been heard from thus far, since May first this year, there is evidence of great activity, greater than in previous years. We would like to mention some of the outstanding work accomplished during the summer which is usually a slow season. Flint, Michigan, published five outstanding articles on “World Economics—a Solution” which ran as a series. Scranton, Pennsylvania, has reported many Bahá’í activities and meetings through the efforts of Mrs. Helen Interlied. Boston and Springfield, Mass.; St. Paul, Minnesota; Teaneck, New Jersey and many others.
The National Publicity Committee issued a general bulletin in August. It includes a general survey of the services offered to any and all believers who have any opportunity to obtain publicity openings. These services include releases on the Cause and pictures of the Temple. This picture service
[Page 8]
includes both mats and glossy
prints. There is an advance publicity
service for Bahá’í speakers and teachers to help build up meetings and to
interest the public.
We urge the local listing of Bahá’í Centers, groups and isolated believers as a means both of spreading the Cause and of assisting visiting believers in locating the friends.
We have outlined the valuable possibilities of reviewing articles from the World Order Magazine for use in local papers. There are many dignified ways of publicizing the Cause when one sets one’s ingenuity to the task, may we all become conscious of this need.
The Bahá’í News Service address has been changed to 125 Fourth Street, Wilmette, Illinois. Those desiring the last bulletin may receive it upon request through this address.
- BAHÁ’Í NEWS SERVICE COMMITTEE,
- VIRGINIA CAMELON, Chairman
- NINA MATTHISEN
- EDNA EASTMAN
- MARY HAGGARD
- EDNA TRUE
YOUTH STUDY DAYS[edit]
As reported last month, the Study Outlines prepared for use by the local Youth groups are being published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS so as to be available to all. The second Outline follows:—
Study Outline for Some Answered Questions[edit]
Section II
- Suggested Preliminary Reading
from other Bahá’í Sources:
- Bahá’í Scriptures, pp. 7-11; 17-19; 21-23; 31-32; 34-36; 124-130; 379-383; 447-448; 478; 495.
- Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, Esslemont, pp. 145-147; 247-273.
- Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, in index see Adam, Christendom, Christians, Fulfilment of Prophecies, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Judgment Day, John 1:1, Manifestations, Prophecies, Return.
- Security for a Failing World, Cobb, pp. 32-51; 184-190.
- The Divine Art of Living, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ch. VII, “The Power of the Holy Spirit.”
- The Kitab-I-Iqán, revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, 20-22; 24-28, 56-58; 61-62; 64-65; 80-81; 89; 118-121; 130-134.
- The Promise of all Ages, Christophil, pp. 70-119.
- The Promulgation of Universal Peace, Vol. I., ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 51; 55-56; 148-150; 162; 168-169; 192-197; 187; 214-215. Vol. II., 240; 285-287; 445-447.
- The Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 40-43; 48-53; 73-75.
- General questions which the public might ask which could be answered from this section.
- Is knowledge of only one kind? Explain.
- How do Bahá’ís regard the virgin birth of Christ?
- Wherein does Christ’s true greatness lie? Was He more than a splendid man?
- Why do Bahá’ís not use baptism when Christ considered it fitting for man?
- Why is it necessary that certain laws given to man by the Manifestations be abrogated at a later time? Are not the words in the New Testament as true today as they were nineteen hundred years ago?
- Do Bahá’ís believe in the “bread and wine” tradition? Explain.
- How should we regard the miracles in the Bible?
- Why has there so often seemingly been a conflict between science and religion?
- Do you believe in the second coming of Christ?
- Do Bahá’ís consider learning and knowledge as important?
- Do Bahá’ís believe in the Trinity? Why?
- What can we believe about the story of Adam and Eve?
- Are our sins forgiven today because Christ died upon the cross?
FIRST BAHA’I SUMMER SCHOOL IN INDIA AND BURMA
Believers (including Miss Martha L. Root) who attended the sessions of the First Bahá’í Summer School of India and Burma, held at Simla, September 19-30, 1938.
INTERNATIONAL AUXILIARY LANGUAGE COMMITTEE[edit]
The International Auxiliary Language Committee has the following to report for the summer and the beginning of the new season of 1938-39.
The Esperanto course at Green Acre was not well attended, only ten persons enrolling as reported by Miss Orloff, who was assisting Miss Zamenhof. These ten, however, were very enthusiastic and enjoyed both the course and Green Acre. The Committee wish to thank the National Spiritual Assembly and the Green Acre Committee for their co-operation for the course itself and the hospitality extended to Miss Zamenhof, and for the welcome given to the Esperantist visitors from Boston.
After leaving Green Acre, Miss Zamenhof visited Boston from September 6th to the 13th and had a very busy program there. The following is a schedule of her time:
- Tuesday, Sept. 6—Talk on Dr. Zamenhof under auspices of the Boston Esperantists.
- Wednesday, Sept. 7—9:30 A.M.—Radio Broadcast, interviewed by Station WORL.
- 11:00 A.M.—Received at the City Hall by the Mayor of Boston.
- 8:00 P.M.—Attended the regular Nineteen-Day Bahá’í Feast.
- Thursday, Sept. 8—8:00 P.M.—Talk before Discussion Group, composed of young Jewish men and women, graduates of college.
- Friday, Sept. 9—5:45 P.M.—Worldwide radio interview over Short Wave Station WIXAL.
- 8:00 P.M.—Talk under auspices of Boston Bahá’ís.
- Saturday, Sept. 10—10:30 A.M.—Talk from pulpit of Temple Israel, by special invitation of Rabbi Harry Levi, a great friend of Esperanto, and admirer of Dr. Zamenhof.
- 7:30 P.M.—Reception by group of Polish Jews.
- Monday, Sept. 12—8:00 P.M.—Talk under auspices of Boston Bahá’ís.
- Tuesday, Sept. 13—8:00 P.M.—Talk before group of Jewish girls, high school graduates.
These were her formal engagements, but there were many others sandwiched in between these, when Miss Zamenhof talks to individuals on the Cause.
From Boston she has gone to Cleveland to give her Esperanto course there. Her address is c/o C. R. Cairns, 1861 East 86th Street.
Some interesting information has just come to me from Oklahoma City. A New York Esperantist was out there this summer on business. Having advertised for contacts with persons interested in learning Esperanto he was able to start a class of from 40 to 50 persons from the responses he received. Mrs. Entzminger got into touch with him and the family joined the class, so that these contacts will be open to this very alive Bahá’í Community. I will quote from her letter to me—“Our joy, at this opportunity of making new acquaintances of this type, is indescribable and we give thanks to Bahá’u’lláh with all our hearts for this miraculous opening. ... When we came here to Oklahoma City over a year ago we tried to find contacts through Peace groups, Race-Amity groups, etc., but we could find nothing that was not controversial. In fact the Race Amity Society were forced to disband almost before they could meet, due to threatening letters repeatedly sent to members. So you see with what joy we welcome this new activity.” Mrs. Entzminger mentions a Latin teacher in a Junior High School and an attorney, as active in this Esperanto group. If this is a fair sample of the people contacted, they will present a fine opportunity for the Entzmingers who are so well able to take advantage of it.
- DELLA C. QUINLAN, Chairman.
MARTHA L. ROOT IN INDIA[edit]
(Continued)
Madras. Mr. Bakhtiari and I worked in Madras, December 25 January 3, 1938. We met the few friends and talked about how to promote the Faith, and had the Feast. We visited all the large libraries to see what Bahá’í books they have. The University of Madras Library has an excellent collection and the Librarian, Mr. S. R. Ranganathan, is keenly interested to build up the department of Bahá’í books. He is in correspondence with American Bahá’ís, the N. S. A., but up to this time he had never met a Bahá’í. His face is full of light. He said the Bahá’í books are drawn out and much read. (We later found many who have been reading the books.)
Adyar Theosophical Library, at Adyar, Madras, has also a good collection of Bahá’í books, and we found that many university students living in that section have been reading these books. We visited editors of all the leading newspapers of Madras and all used interviews followed by other articles about the Faith and resumés of our lectures later. Over two hundred articles about the Bahá’í Faith have appeared in the newspapers of Ceylon and India from September 13 to February 13, 1938, (I urge all Bahá’í teachers when possible, to carry a typewriter and make out good resumés of all lectures and give out to all newspapers. When one speaks, one may speak to hundreds, but through the press one can reach tens of thousands and sometimes hundreds of thousands).
A large public lecture was given in Ranade Hall, a cultural centre whose directors are connected with the university and some newspapers. Dewan Bahadur K. S. Ramaswami Sastri, retired District Sessions Judge and one of the brilliant scholars of Madras presided; the lecture was under the auspices of the South Indian Cultural Association. In introducing us he spoke concisely about the Cause, quoted the “Dawn-Breakers” and Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—has since presided again and has written for me to use in the West, two short articles, which were really his introductions; these are most interesting because they show the Bahá’í Faith in its relation to Hinduism. He is a great Hindu Indian scholar who has arisen to write about the Faith. I lectured in the Y. M. C. A. in Madras, Mr. Bakhtiari chanted and we both spoke before the Brahmo-Samaj Society of Madras. Brahmo-Samaj is a very quickened spiritual movement of India, a little like our Unitarianism of the West, its members are always friendly and very sympathetic to the Bahá’í Teachings. The Madras Brahmo-Samaj has since translated into Telegu language, “What is the Bahá’í Movement?” booklet and one thousand copies are being distributed. This is the first booklet, I think, that has ever been published in Telegu, and it is a fruit of the visit to Madras.
Also, two thousand booklets, “The Dawn of the New Day” translated into Tamil language are being published (were to be finished by February 15), Mr. Ishaq Pahlavan, a devoted faithful Bahá’í in Madras helped with this. The Tamil newspaper that published the booklet used the history and principles in a nearly three column article that has a circulation of twenty thousand. We felt very happy about these booklets because Tamil is much used in Southern India, Ceylon, Straits Settlements and a large colony in Durhan, South Africa.
Mr. Bakhtiari, Mr. Pahlaván and I went out to Adyar to three sessions of the International Theosophical Convention held December 26 to January 3, 1938; we met many friends. The Vice-President of the International Theosophical Society, Mr. Datta, said to me that the Bahá’í Teachings are the highest essence of Hinduism. Mr. Bakhtiari who did such great work returned to Karachi the evening of January 3rd.
As Madras is such an important spiritual and cultural centre in Southern India, Mrs. Shirin Fozdar and I came to Madras when we were returning from Colombo and stayed for six days, January 18 to 23, met the press, lectured in Pachaippa College of Madras University, also gave a public lecture in the P. S. High School, Mylapore Section, to several hundred students; lectured at an annual meeting of the Brahmo-Samaj ladies, and Shirin spoke at an evening meeting of the Brahmo-Samaj and broadcast.
Some of the young men who had been interested in the Cause when Shirin went to Madras in March of last year, arranged a meeting in their school where we spoke and they said they would form a study class. Mr. Pahlaván has a meeting sometimes for
[Page 10]
a little group of fine young men who
before had been Muslims. A group
had been formed last year, may an
Assembly soon be started.
I was so touched: a Bahá’í had gone from Calcutta nearly two years ago to spread the Faith. He was very poor and lived on seven rupees (less than three dollars a month). Bahá’í friends, I think, the N.S.A. of India and Burma had given him a present of money to buy a bullock and a cart to help him in his earning a livelihood. The bullock and cart were stolen from him and for several days he had no food, then Mr. Pahlaván found him, but later this most devoted self-sacrificing Bahá’í whom everyone who knew him praised took dysentery and passed on in Madras, a month before we arrived. Mr. Bakhtiari has had a tombstone erected over the grave and Mr. Pahlaván has had the lot made beautiful with flowers. To me that Bahá’í was as great as the widow with her mite (in the New Testament) for he too gave his all! Because of his self-sacrifice, Bahá’u’lláh will open the doors at Madras to the Bahá’í Faith!
Jamal Effendi, a Bahá’í teacher from Irán, in 1877, gave the Bahá’í Message to one young Madrasi, Siyyid Mustafa Roumie, and Siyyid Roumie has been efficiently and faithfully promoting the Bahá’í Faith in Burma for sixty years! “Where the acorns fall, the oak trees grow”: Bahá’u’lláh is doing all.
Bahá’í teachers are needed for Madras and all Southern India cities. Christianity spread very well in Southern India, is it not a portent that the Bahá’í Faith too, will be accepted there rapidly in this day? Much more has been done to promote the Bahá’í Teachings in Northern India than in the South. Who will hear the Call to the South?
ANNUAL REPORT, IRAN[edit]
The following reference to the Annual Report of the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran was written by the editor of the circular letter issued by the Haifa Spiritual Assembly in August, 1938:
The Report is divided into nine sections. The first section deals with the teaching of the Faith. We learn that no less than thirty-three Bahá’í teachers were engaged in different parts of the country in the promulgation of the Faith. These teachers included three women volunteers and three members of the National Spiritual Assembly. In addition, the said Assembly, on numerous occasions, encouraged the believers in various ways to convey the Message to souls thirsty for it. The Spiritual Assembly of Tihran passed a number of resolutions urging the believers to redouble their efforts in fulfilling their paramount duty of teaching the word of God.
The Report quotes from a number of communications addressed by various Bahá’í teachers, and local Spiritual Assemblies to the National Spiritual Assembly, recording the results of their activities in their various fields of service. The gist of their contents is a tale of love and devotion and sacrifice mirroring forth the unity of the believers, the strength of their organizations, the spirituality pervading their activities and above all their courage and steadfastness in conveying the Message in an environment charged with persecution and evil intentions.
The results of the teaching activities have been very encouraging, indeed, as a number of new believers have joined the Faith and seven new Spiritual Assemblies have been established.
In the second section of the Report we learn that twelve historical sites in various parts of the country—sites connected with the hallowed history of the Faith—have been acquired by the National Assembly. These sites include part of a house in Shiraz known for having been occupied at one time by the Báb, and a number of burial places of Bahá’í martyrs. Steps have been taken to purchase similar sites, one of them being the shop in which the Báb sold merchandise in Shiraz.
The following excerpts from the third section of the Report will convey to the friends in the West the conditions under which their brothers and sisters live and labor in many parts of Persia.
In Sangsar, nine believers including five members of the Spiritual Assembly of that town were imprisoned for sixty-two days, the reason being the closing of their shops on the Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Báb—a Bahá’í Holy Day. On being released the believers were threatened that should they take another Bahá’í Holy Day and close their shops they would not be allowed to open them again and would be forbidden to conduct the same type of business anew.
In a village in the district of Khuzistan, there lived five Bahá’í families. One day, all of a sudden and without the slightest warning, these families, men, women and children were set upon by the entire inhabitants of the village and cruelly beaten with clubs, shovels and picks, nine of the believers receiving severe head injuries in addition to cuts and wounds in every part of their bodies. As the wives, mothers and sisters threw themselves on the bodies of their husbands, sons and brothers, they too were dastardly beaten and severely wounded.
In the districts of Khurásán and Fárs a number of believers, old and young, were critically beaten with sticks and stones.
In Jahrom, a town in the district of Fárs, a Bahá’í child was stopped in the market place by a group of people and cruelly beaten. As the father ran to protect his child he too was set upon and beaten.
In the village of Marwast, near Yazd, while a handful of friends were gathered in the house of a believer who was sick in bed, all of a sudden a number of policemen and two soldiers all armed, entered the house and attacked the believers with sticks and clubs and the butt of their rifles inflicting painful injuries. Having satisfied their fiendish natures, they left the house taking away with them two Bahá’í books, a carpet and some articles of furniture.
In Kirmánsháh, the authorities have forbidden the believers to hold their meetings. It was in this town that Dr. ‘Abdu’lláh Jáwid, a Bahá’í and an officer in the army, was demoted to the rank of an ordinary soldier and sentenced to two years service in the army. In our News Letter of February, 1938, we reported the case in detail. It was in this connection that the officer questioning Dr. Jáwid made the remarkable statement: “Well, let us put the truth aside now. To-day, His Majesty the King says that no one has the right to use the word Bahá’í in the column headed by ‘religion’ (in the identity card). Anyone who disobeys this rule will be punished.”
In all the foregoing cases, no action was taken by the Government to redress the injustice done to the believers or to put a stop to further oppressions. Having made in vain several representations to the Government concerning the persecutions suffered by the believers, the National Spiritual Assembly wrote directly to the Prime Minister exposing the situation clearly and courageously. The letter to the Prime Minister brings out the following points:
- Discrimination is made between
believers and non-believers by the officials in every government department. Whenever a Bahá’í applies for
a position, as soon as he says that he
is a Bahá’í, his application is rejected,
[Page 11]
no matter how qualified he is for his
work. His only “crime” is that of
being a “Bahá’í.” Should a Bahá’í
report to the authorities an injustice
suffered by him, no matter how clear
and well-established his case might be,
as soon as it is known that he is a
Bahá’í, the case is dismissed, the defendant is freed and instead the plaintiff is subjected to vile humiliations
and even imprisoned!
- When the public notices such gross cases of flagrant injustice and deliberate distortion of truth, inspired by and emanating from high government circles, it will naturally conclude that the authorities condone acts of destruction, pillage and murder perpetrated by non-believers at the expense of their fellow-countrymen who happen to be Bahá’ís. Thus, the believers will be looked upon as “outlaws” and consequently, acts of violence will grow in number and intensity and cause untold misery, suffering and sorrow.
Bahá’í marriages still remain an outstanding problem of all the Bahá’í communities in Persia. The Government requires by law that all marriages and divorces be registered in official Register Books provided by the Ministry of Justice. Anyone disobeying this law is liable to be imprisoned from one to six months. But the Government provides four Registers only, for the four recognized religions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism. The Bahá’í Faith is not recognized and, consequently, no government office, not even the Census Bureau, accept to take note of Bahá’í marriages. Thus, technically speaking, all Bahá’í marriages in Persia are considered illegal and the parties involved are subject to severe penalties. The National Spiritual Assembly has written in this connection to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Justice.
In another section of the Report we learn that Persians living in Russia have been asked to leave for their country of origin. Among them are a number of believers. The National Spiritual Assembly in cooperation with a number of local Assemblies have taken steps to insure the comfort and safety of their brothers and sisters arriving in this country from the U. S. S. R., after great difficulties and much suffering. It has also been reported that a number of believers are in prison in Askabad and Bakû.
The work of building the Hazirat-ul-Quds (Bahá’í Hall) in Tihrán is progressing satisfactorily. The roof of the central Hall is now in process of construction.
The Nineteen-Day Feasts are being observed more and more diligently in most Bahá’í centers in the country. In Tihrán, sixty-four such meetings are held regularly.
TABLET OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH[edit]
He Is the Almighty[edit]
My hair is My Ambassador. Proclaiming at every moment upon the Branch of Fire in the Rose Garden of Holiness and Light, perchance the people of the world become severed from the dust soaring toward the Seat of Nearness, the Station wherein the Light emanated from the Beauty of God, the Mighty, the Unconstrained. O Thou, ye servants of Fire! Sing and praise, then become rejoiced and hasten ye toward the Adored One while crying; There is no God but God, the Knowing, the Wise, the Loving.
He Is the Wise[edit]
My Hair is My Fire. Therefore it is enthroned upon the seat of My cheek and is pasturing upon the Rose Garden of My Face. This is the station wherein the Son of Imron stripped from himself the garment of all save Him, and attained to the Lights of Holiness from the Fire of God, the Powerful, the Mighty, the Forgiving.
He Is the Mighty, the Beloved[edit]
My Lock is My Chain—whosoever clings to It shall never err from everlasting to everlasting, for therein is hidden the Guidence which leads to the Light of Beauty.
He Is God[edit]
My Hair is My Attributes—in which My Beauty is Concealed! Perchance the Eyes of the strangers from among My servants may fall (rest) on it, thus have We hidden from the Infidels the Beauty which is Shining and Exalted.
He Is the Eternal[edit]
My Hair bears witness to My Beauty—that I am God and there is no God beside. Verily I have been Single, the Unique, the Omnipotent, the Loving, the Unending, the Self-Subsistent God before the beginning of Creation. O ye people of Immortality. Listen ye to what emanates from those disheveled, waving, flying locks (tresses) upon the Sinai of Fire in the Tabernacle of Light on this throne of Manifestation.
Verily, there is no God beside Me. Verily I have been the King, the Sovereign, the Peerless, the Everlasting, the Exhaustless, the Ancient, the Holy.
In the Beginning before there was
no Beginning. O ye Inhabitants of the
heavens and the earth, should ye purify your ears ye would hear from My
Tresses, that verily there is no God
but He. He is unique in His Essence,
and barred from any reference; not
withstanding this how did they oppose
this Beauty when His Bounty encircled all those who are in the seas of
command and creation. Wherefore be
ye just in yourselves in judging this
Faith which is firmly founded in love
for this Youth who is riding upon the
snow white camel between the heaven
and earth, and be firm and steadfast in
Truth.
_____
This is the Tablet read by Mrs. Thomas Collins in presenting at the Convention the Guardian’s gift of locks of Bahá’u’lláh’s Hair. The Tablet is shared with the believers with the Guardian’s permission.
ANNUAL CONVENTION IN IRAQ[edit]
(From the BAHÁ’Í NEWS Letter published quarterly by the N. S. A., at Baghdad.)
Annual Convention[edit]
The eighth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís was held in Baghdad on Friday evening, April 22, 1938. Fifteen delegates and a number of friends attended. All those present felt the soft breezes of Divine guidance dominating and directing their deliberations for the promotion of the interests of the mighty Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, Who, through His infinite grace and power, has caused us, His weak and lowly servants, to gather together, in the midst of an unbelieving and chaotic world, to praise His Name and participate in the establishment of His unique New World Order.
The Convention lasted four hours, during which the secretary of the N. S. A. first read the Beloved Guardian’s foregoing telegram and his letter of April 1, 1938; then the Annual Report was delivered—different recommendations being submitted, in the course of the discussion that ensued, for consideration by the incoming N. S. A.; and last, but not least, the new N. S. A. was elected.
[Page 12]
The Annual Report, which was
brief, revealed the efforts of the outgoing N. S. A., which were mainly, directed toward the construction of the
new Haziratu’l-Quds, (i. e., Bahá’í
Headquarters); the formation of the
first Spiritual Assembly in Huwaydir
and Ya’qubiyyih; and the safeguarding of the interests of our beloved
Faith in this country.
Annual Election[edit]
The result of the election of the N. S. A. for 1938-1939 was as follows, the officers being elected in the first meeting of the Assembly at the close of the Convention:
Mr. Munir H. Wakil, Chairman; Mr. David S. Toeg, Vice-Chairman; Dr. Jamil I. Baghdadi, Secretary; Mr. Salim E. Joory, Treasurer; Mr. Adib R. Baghdadi, Mr. Jalil Shirin, Mr. ‘Abdu’r-Razzaq ‘Abbas, Mr. Husayn A. Shihadi, Mr. Salman Dloomy.
The vacancy in the membership of the N. S. A., recently occasioned by the transfer of Mr. A. R. ‘Abbas to Mosul, has been filled by Mr. Ibrahim Shmi’, who was elected by the delegates.
New Haziratu’l-Quds: Letters from the Guardian[edit]
The great importance which the Beloved Guardian attaches to the new Haziratu’l-Quds at Baghdad can be realized from his letter, in Arabic, dated April 1, 1938, addressed to the N. S. A. It reads:
“I am directed by the Beloved Guardian to write you that a sum of £50 is enclosed herewith as a contribution toward the completion of the Haziratu’l-Quds. He firmly hopes that the entire believers and Spiritual Assemblies of that region will, with utmost earnestness, unity and concord exert their efficacious endeavors to procure the means for the achievement and completion of this great enterprise—N. Zeine.
“May God, through His all encompassing power, aid you to complete this momentous enterprise.”—Shoghi.
In a subsequent letter dated May 13, 1938, Shoghi Effendi stresses the urgency of the undertaking as follows:
“He (the Guardian) said, ‘To complete this momentous enterprise during this year, without delay or retardation, is one of the paramount, sacred and bounden duties of the trustees of the National Assembly of that region. ‘Steadfastness, earnestness and inducement of the friends in all the Bahá’í Centers in ‘Iraq,’ he further pointed out, ‘are attractive of steady Divine confirmations.’ ”
NEWS ITEMS[edit]
A magazine published at Karachi, India, entitled “Mira” (East and West), contains in its issue dated July and August, 1938, a Frontispiece reproducing a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the following articles of Bahá’í interest: The Bahá’í Faith and the Modern World, by T. L. Vaswani; A University of the Spirit, Martha L. Root; and Three Bahá’í Leaders, a report of a meeting held by Miss Root.
A significant contribution to Bahá’í periodicals is “Penda Siperore,” a magazine founded by Refo Chapari at Tirane, Albania, and printed in the Albanian language. The title is the Albanian translation of “The Supreme Pen.” Mr. Chapari, who translated some Bahá’í books into Albanian while a resident in New York many years ago, has been most active in service since returning to his native land.
The Committee on International Auxiliary Language reports that the articles on International Language published in recent issues of World Order have been very helpful to the Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City in making new contracts.
“With a heart overflowing with exultation and love from this Blessed Spot, I am sending,” writes Miss Adelaide Sharp from Shiraz, “the greetings and love of the friends and the Spiritual Assembly of this city. Last night a number of believers and myself lighted candles at the Holy Shrine and prayed in behalf of the National Spiritual Assemblies, and each represented a different country.”
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Colby Ives, who have traveled and taught so extensively in many parts of America in recent years, have established residence in Toronto and become members of the local community.
The Editorial Committee of The Bahá’í World wishes the friends to cooperate by sending to Kenneth Christian, State School of Agriculture, Morrisville, N. Y., all possible information concerning references to the Faith in current books and magazines.
The Bahá’í communities of New York, Chicago and Vancouver were recently favored by a brief visit from Miss Kitty Carpenter, a Bahá’í of New Zealand.
On Sunday, October 2, 1938, the W. P. A. Federal Music Project of New York City rendered a Swedish Program which was broadcast over a local station. This program rendered “Persian Legend: Quarrat’ul-Ayn,” composed by Count Axel Wachtmeister, whose inspiration was received from the noble life of that Bahá’í martyr and pioneer.
Mrs. Frances Stewart, who sailed for Buenos Aires some weeks ago for several months of teaching activity on behalf of the Inter-America Committee, has begun to send interesting accounts of her experiences. The Inter-America Committee will report her activities in Bahá’í News as soon as possible.
Miss Josephine Kruka sailed for Finland on June 22, with the ardent intention of establishing the Faith in the land of her family origin. In letters written since her arrival there, Miss Kruka reports that in Finland the national religion is closely associated with national patriotism, which has prevented the use of newspaper or radio facilities. Despite these obstacles, Miss Kruka has confirmed a young minister and has held meetings in the home of a friend who received the Message from her in Duluth some years ago.
Miss Beatrice Irwin has returned after several months spent in London, where she presided at a Unity Feast held August 31. Miss Irwin reports that she is still receiving communications from contacts she made in Mexico during 1937.
Several months ago a group of the Cleveland friends became interested in Braille. Since then nine of the smaller books have been transcribed including Hidden Words. The copies are used locally but it is intended to place others at the disposal of libraries. Mr. A. C. Engelder, member of the National Braille Committee is directing the work and Mr. Adolph Feher and Mrs. Carrie Turner, Braille experts, serve as coaches and editors.
