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| No. 134 | YEAR 97, BAHÁ’Í ERA | March, 1940 |
“A POIGNANT REMINDER OF THE RESISTLESS MARCH”[edit]
Beloved Friends:
There are events in a spiritual Cause which have the special characteristic that they seem luminous with the light of inner significance. They shine through the twilight of our ignorance and incapacity. They are revealing of the vital importance of intention as well as of truth.
Such an event has now transpired in the Bahá’í Community of America. Let us endeavor to rise above the inevitable human feeling of grief and seek to apprehend it through the higher understanding that comes to us from the Manifestation and from those whose mission was created by Him.
Concerning those who leave their country to teach in foreign lands, Bahá’u’lláh has said: “They that have forsaken their country for the purpose of teaching our Cause—these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through its power. A company of Our chosen angels shall go forth with them, as bidden by Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Wise. How great the blessedness that awaiteth him that hath attained the honor of serving the Almighty! By My life! No act, however great, can compare with it, except such deeds as have been ordained by God, the All-Powerful, the Most Mighty. Such a service is, indeed, the prince of all goodly deeds, and the ornament of every goodly act. Thus hath it been ordained by Him Who is the Sovereign Revealer, the Ancient of Days.”
Again, we have these gemlike words from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “If you plant a seed in the ground a tree will become manifest from that seed. The seed sacrifices itself to the tree that will come from it. The seed is outwardly lost, destroyed, but the same seed which is sacrificed will be absorbed and embodied in the tree, its blossoms, fruit and branches. If the identity of that seed had not been sacrificed to the tree which became manifest from it, no branches, blossoms or fruits would have been forthcoming.”
| “SACRIFICE WORTHILY, ENDURE RADIANTLY”
Cablegram received Feb. 27, 1940. |
It is in the light of such utterances that we should approach the message from Shoghi Effendi which conveys to us the mystery associated with the passing of May Maxwell in Rio de Janeiro while teaching the Cause:
“ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s beloved handmaid, distinguished disciple May Maxwell (is) gathered (into the) glory (of the) Abhá Kingdom. Her earthly life, so rich, eventful, incomparably blessed, (is) worthily ended. To sacred tie her signal services had forged, (the) priceless honor (of a) martyr’s death (is) now added. (A) double crown deservedly won. (The) Seven Year Plan, particularly (the) South American campaign, derive fresh impetus (from the) example (of) her glorious sacrifice. Southern outpost (of) Faith greatly enriched through association (with) her historic resting-place destined remain (a) poignant reminder (of the) resistless march (of the) triumphant army (of) Bahá’u’lláh. Advise believers (of) both Americas (to) hold befitting memorial gathering.”—SHOGHI RABBANI.
Cablegram received March 3, 1940.
And as to the radiant heroism that must characterize those who serve the Faith of God, how could it be more nobly expressed than in these words of Ruhiyyih Khanum:
“Humbly grateful beloved mother
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answered Guardian’s call, turned southward (and) sacrificed (her) life (for
the) Holy Faith. Beg prayers (her)
daughter may follow her footsteps.”—RUHIYYIH KHANUM.
Cablegram received March 4, 1940.
Now, we may be assured, there are no longer separations and divisions between the peoples of North and South America for Bahá’ís. For Bahá’ís, a oneness has been established by virtue of the sacrifice which has been laid before the Throne of God.
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
LETTERS FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
The following excerpts from letters written by the Guardian through his Secretary to individual Bahá’ís are published with Shoghi Effendi’s consent.
“Regarding the five steps of prayer outlined by the Guardian, and recorded by Mrs. Moffett in her booklet, the Call to Prayer, these, he wishes me to explain, are merely personal suggestions and need not, therefore, be adopted strictly and universally by the believers.”—To Wilfrid Barton, June 30, 1938.
“In connection with your question regarding the reference made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to ‘His Highness Emmanuel’ in Vol. III of His Tablets; this obviously refers to the Báb, as the text shows it clearly, and is in no way a reference to Swedenborg.”—To Willard P. Hatch, May 9, 1938.
“With reference to your son’s request for advice regarding the observance of the Bahá’í Fast; much as the Guardian realizes the difficulty which a believer of his position, attending a military school, will have to encounter if he wishes to strictly conform to the regulations of the Fast, he nevertheless would advise him to make every effort to obtain from the school authorities the necessary permission. In case his request is refused the only alternative for him would be to obey his superior.”—To Mrs. Louise Caswell, October 27, 1938.
“Such hindrances (i.e., illness and outer difficulties), no matter how severe and insuperable they may at first seem, can and should be effectively overcome through the combined and sustained power of prayer and of determined and continued effort.”-To Mrs. Alice S. Cox, February 6, 1939.
“As regards the celebration of the Christian Holidays by the believers; it is surely preferable and even highly advisable that the friends should in their relation to each other discontinue observing such holidays as Christmas and New Year, and to have their festival gatherings of this nature instead during the intercalary days and Naw-Ruz.... Concerning the question how long it takes for the spirit to properly disconnect itself from the body; there is no reference to that in the Writings.... The healing prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh can be effective even though used by non-believers. But their effectiveness is of course greater in the case of those who fully accept the Revelation.”—To Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards, March 19, 1939.
“Concerning the idea of the Bahá’í World Order and the proper emphasis which should be laid on the social aspect of the Faith; the Guardian feels the necessity for all teachers to stress the fact that the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh can, under no circumstances, be divorced from the spiritual principles and teachings of the Cause; that the social laws and institutions of the Faith are inseparably bound up and closely interwoven with the moral and spiritual principles enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh, Who, Himself, indeed, has time and again emphasized the underlying oneness and the identity of purpose of all His spiritual, doctrinal, and social teachings. The Friends, while emphasizing both of these aspects, should, in particular, point out that they constitute parts of one and the same plan, and elements of a single, divine and world-embracing system.”—To Leroy Ioas, April 14, 1939.
| THE MEMORIAL IN HONOR OF MARTHA L. ROOT
|
“Concerning your question as to the status of those individuals whom the local Assembly or the N. S. A. have considered it necessary to deprive of the voting right and to suspend from local meetings and gatherings; such action which local and National Assemblies have been empowered to take against such recalcitrant members, however justified and no matter how severe, should under no circumstances be considered as implying the complete expulsion of the individuals affected from the Cause. The suspension of voting and other administrative rights of an individual, always conditional and therefore temporary, can never have such far-reaching implications, since it constitutes merely an administrative sanction; whereas his expulsion or excommunication from the Faith, which can be effected by the Guardian alone in his capacity as the supreme spiritual head of the Community, has far-reaching spiritual implications affecting the very soul of that believer. The former, as already stated, is an administrative sanction, whereas the latter is essentially spiritual, involving not only the particular relationship of a believer to his local or National Assembly, but his very spiritual existence in the Cause. It follows, therefore, that a believer can continue calling himself a Bahá’í even though he may cease to be a voting member of the Community. But in case he is excluded from the body of the Cause by an act of the Guardian he ceases to be a believer, and cannot possibly identify himself even nominally with the Faith.”—To Harlan Ober, May 8, 1939.
“It is certainly most difficult to thoroughly grasp all the Surihs of the Qur’an, as it requires a detailed knowledge of the social, religious and historical background of Arabia at the time of the appearance of the Prophet. The believers cannot possibly hope, therefore, to understand the Surihs after the first or even second or third reading. They have to study them again and again, ponder over their meaning, with the help of certain commentaries, and explanatory notes as found, for instance in the admirable translation made by Sale, endeavor to acquire as clear and correct understanding
[Page 3]
of their meaning and import
as possible. This is naturally a slow
process, but future generations of believers will certainly come to grasp it.
For the present, the Guardian agrees,
that it would be easier and more helpful to study the book according to subjects, and not verse by verse and also
in the light of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s interpretations which
throw such floods of light on the whole
of the Qur’an.”—To Mrs. Gertrude
Struven, August 22, 1939.
MOVING PICTURE FILM OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ[edit]
Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís can obtain copies of the moving picture film of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, taken in 1912 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Howard MacNutt, Brooklyn, for $10.00 per copy, in the 16 mm. size which is now most convenient. It is non-inflammable film, can be sent through the ordinary mails, and exhibited without fire hazard or requiring a licensed operator. It can be shown on any standard 16 mm. projector.
The availability of the historic film of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will no doubt lead many Assemblies to obtain a copy. Orders should be placed through Mr. Harry E. Walrath, Photograph and Sales Committee, 4639 Beacon Street, Chicago, Illinois.
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes this film to be shown only under conditions of dignity and reverence.
MEMBERSHIP IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly asks the friends to give careful and prayerful thought about their connection with non-Bahá’í organizations, and endeavor, each for himself, to make any adjustment necessary in order to consolidate his spiritual and social life in the new World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. For, as the Guardian has instructed in recent years, it is not merely ecclesiastical or political organizations from which Bahá’ís are to withdraw, but also any other type of organization whose aims and influence are incompatible with the nature of the Faith.
Thus, in the letter reprinted in Bahá’í Procedure, Section One, Sheets 7 and 8, the Guardian explained:
“Formal affiliation with and acceptance of membership in organizations whose programs or policies are not wholly reconcilable with the Teachings is, of course, out of the question. In the case of the World Fellowship of
The Purest Branch
Faiths, however, Shoghi Effendi sees
no objection if the American National
Assembly decides to appoint one or two
Bahá’í representatives to address some
of the public meetings held under their
auspices. To merely address such gatherings on a subject which is in harmony
with the spirit of the Teachings does
not constitute acceptance by the
Bahá’í speaker of the entire program
of the Fellowship. We should welcome and seize every opportunity that
presents itself, however modest it may
be, to give a wider publicity to the
Cause, to demonstrate its all-inclusiveness and liberal attitude, its independence and purity, without committing
ourselves, whether by word or deed,
to programs or policies that are not
in strict conformity with the tenets of
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the Faith, Shoghi Effendi hopes that
this principle will guide your distinguished Assembly in its dealings with
various associations which will increasingly seek, in the days to come, the
support of Bahá’í individuals and Assemblies for the attainment of their
ends.”
AMENDMENT TO DECLARATION OF TRUST[edit]
Article V has been amended to read as follows: The central office of this trust shall be located in the Village of Wilmette, State of Illinois, U. S. A., site of the Bahá’í House of Worship.
BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL AT PINE VALLEY, COLORADO SPRINGS[edit]
In answer to inquiries, the announcement is made that there will be no sessions of the School to be established on the Mathews property open to believers this year. The activities at the School will be in the nature of consultation on future plans. Notice will be published when the School is open to Bahá’ís.
FIRST WINTER SESSION LOUHELEN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL[edit]
Dec. 26, 1939—Jan. 1, 1940[edit]
All those who attended the first winter session at the Louhelen Bahá’í School were deeply impressed with the inspirational spirit, the atmosphere conducive to concentrated study and the objective program of this session.
During the week, seventy-one different people, representing twelve towns of four states, were present.
The theme of this session was “Methods of Training for Acceptable Service.” The program included a series of lectures by Frances Benedict Stewart, on Latin American conditions and peoples, their history and culture, giving to all present a better understanding of these neighboring countries. The first part of the week was devoted to Study Methods and actual work on a frame of reference of Bahá’í literature, directed by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick. The latter part of the week was spent discussing Teaching Methods, the various factors which condition the approach, and the points of contact. Ethel Neall-Furbush presented the Bible and Christian Science approach. Frances B. Stewart discussed the Catholic, Theosophical and Rosicrucian points of similarity and disagreement with the Bahá’í teachings. Harry Jay demonstrated his methods of conducting group study of the direct Word. He also proved his method of transferring this ability, by way of self-help outlines, to others who have no teaching training. A discussion of methods of developing teachers systematically was indicative of a felt need.
At the conclusion of the session, the students enthusiastically expressed an appreciation of the benefits derived from the exchange of ideas and they felt a very special stimulus to carry on their work.
Of this first winter session, one student stated: “This experiment is a real contribution toward the further development of the Bahá’í school.”
- Florence Holsinger, Corresponding Secretary,
- LOUHELEN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
INTER-AMERICA NEWS[edit]
| NEW ASSEMBLIES
The following groups have been authorized to form an Assembly this coming April 21: Waukegan and Madison, Wisc.; Santa Rosa. Big Bear Lake, Beverly Hills and Burbank, Calif.; West Haven, Conn.; Omaha, Neb., and Atlanta, Ga. In view of the Guardian’s desire that 100 Assemblies be elected this year, the National Assembly will receive and act on petitions from groups up to the last possible moment. |
Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher is visiting our Centers in Mexico and Central America, and will report her journey through the Inter-America Committee.
Mrs. May Maxwell and Miss Bolles have gone to South America for a short visit.
Miss Leonora Holsapple left Bahia this winter for an extensive teaching tour. She placed Bahá’í literature in seven different book shops in Pernambuco, and also distributed literature in Maccio, holding meetings in both cities. She has translated and published Esslemont in Portuguese.
Mrs. Frances Benedict Stewart is leaving soon to spend a year in South America; we may, therefore, expect our first South American Assembly in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Mr. and Mrs. Emeric Sala of Toronto have left New York to settle in Caracas, Venezuela.
Mr. John Stearns goes this month to Quito, Equador.
Mr. Gerrard Sluter, after excellent teaching efforts in Guatemala, reports formation of a study group.
Mr. Antonio Roca has completed his six-months’ teaching in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and through his efforts, the noted poetess, Angela Ochoa Velaquez, became attracted to the Bahá’í principles and has written a splendid article in the foremost publication of Honduras on the Faith.
Mr. Clarence Iverson has arrived in El Salvador and is assisting Mr. John Eichenauer, Jr., in the teaching work of San Salvador.
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Laws of Seattle, Washington, are sailing on the Rakyuou Maru on the 21st of March for Santiago, Chile, where they will make their home.
Mr. Filapac, steward on the S.S. Uraguay now carries Bahá’í Worlds as far as Rio de Janiero where Mr. Charles O’Hanion distributes them through the countries of South America. This is a definite gain since such large books take four to six months, otherwise, to reach their destination.
Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Blackwell are going to Haiti in the near future.
Miss Margaret Lentz of San Domingo writes of our first believer there, Maria Teresa Martin de Lopez. She intends to help Miss Lentz with Bahá’í work and, as soon as it can be arranged, will live with her and give all her time to the Cause.
The Assembly of the Philippine Islands is being formed with eighteen believers.
The new Inter-America Address Book has been completed.
A STUDY COURSE FOR TEMPLE GUIDES[edit]
The greatest attraction of the Bahá’í Faith in the Western World is the Temple. Those who come to it look to you and to me to tell them about the Bahá’í Cause. Nor can we leave it to the select few who voluntarily come in as guides and shoulder the load of the guide work. Nor will we if we look upon this as the golden opportunity that it is—a real test of our knowledge of the Teachings, and a real test of our loyalty to the Cause, to lay aside a part, a definite part, of our time and
[Page 5]
devote it to this marvelous outlet for
advancing the Teachings.
Whether you are a lecturer of note, whether you teach in your home, whether you have ever guided, whether you live near or far, the Temple stands there where you can give of your best efforts to those who are eager to hear and to know.
Shoghi Effendi has made it clear that a very high standard is set for guides for the Temple, and this standard has been followed in making up a Study Course for guides, seasoned or new, to study so that they may attain this standard, and use it as a means of making a proper presentation of the Cause and the interesting features of the Temple.
This course has been prepared by the Temple Guide Committee, under the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly, and gives in concise and complete form all the essential details that a guide must know to function properly, based upon the rapid advances being made in the Cause. This Course is up-to-date and contains not only useful and essential but interesting points about the Temple and excerpts from the Teachings that are an invaluable aid in guiding the many and varied types of people who come to the Temple, either through interest or curiosity.
Very shortly this Guide Course will be announced, with complete details as to place the meetings will be held, dates, etc.
The cooperation of believers in the Temple area is requested.
RADIO ACTIVITIES[edit]
During the past year nearly 700 radio talks were sent out to all the Assemblies and Regional Committees at request of The National Teaching Committee. These included a different series to each Assembly in a State, suggesting in following letters, that these Talks might be exchanged between the Assemblies, thus securing a series acceptable to each different locality. We also expressed the wish that each Assembly try to secure small stations which cover their localities, which permit easier access to the public because their programs offer more free time. We did hope also to receive reports as to their successes, which Talks proved to be acceptable and effective in securing good response, and what Talks did meet with the approval of the most stations. To date, only a few comments have been received
Temple Model on Exhibit at Illinois State Fair, 1939
which leaves us guessing as to what
kind of material to use, or what kind
of Talks to Compile to meet differing
conditions.
In a few cities the Talks sent were most successful in opening the stations for frequent broadcasts during the year, one every week ever since the first contact, and several more series were compiled in accordance with their suggestions and sent to them for further use. A few sample Talks have been sent us by different teachers who were successful with them, for which we are very grateful. Others have written us that the names, “Bahá’í Faith,” “Bahá’u’lláh,” “ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” could not all be used in any one Talk, but it is generally agreed that “The Bahá’í Faith” and “Bahá’u’lláh, The Founder of The Bahá’í Faith” were permitted, to which all our separate Talks conform. Some stations are willing to accept the Principles and Teachings without any restrictions; others will grant time for only the most indirect approach which, wherever used, has gained for us the growing confidence of the radio officials so that later, more direct Talks were kindly permitted.
We have educational talks; a series on the essentials for world peace; several interviews that are popular; two different ones on The Temple, compiled from our Temple pamphlets, for use especially with the exhibition of The Temple model, which gives an important opportunity to introduce the public to our Faith even in quite new places, doubly impressed by The Temple,
[Page 6]
with its accompanying exhibition
to prove itself as established in the
world; another series on “The Philosophy of Bahá’u’lláh” requested by one
of the station program directors; a
series on “The History of The Faith”
is being prepared,—one ready for order,
—“The First Woman Suffragist of the
World, Famed in The East”;—this
series can be given on such periods as
“Lives of Great Men and Women,”
which many stations have. A series
on “The Prophecies” has just been prepared for us by Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf which has been requested several
times, and this series will soon be ready
for order; it is in two parts. We are
anxious to have a series on “Comparative Religion”—a better subject might
be given,—and this will announce that
we are about to invite Mrs. Bishop to
compile this series for us, as it has
been requested in some places, and because our Committee is busy on the
historical series and drama.
We shall welcome any and all Talks proven successful in order that we may build a Library for the practical and scientific presentation of our Faith, built upon actual experiences over the country. Do let us have the cooperation of every Assembly and Regional Committee, and please give us your criticisms freely and frankly. This is all pioneer work with unique and limitless opportunity and responsibility, but we are groping blindly because only by our combined efforts can we be successful in attracting all over this great continent our unseen audiences; and to do this most efficiently we believe we have to carry the Creative Words themselves which radiate their own powers. Therefore we have compiled as much as possible our Teachings in quotations, conforming to limitations set by stations. We are trying to be a clearinghouse of all kinds of Radio Broadcasts.
May we give you a suggestion arising from our experiences in New England: Here it has proven effective to choose a good center, a well-known station, and also one small station in one of our big cities, and Massachusetts led in this plan,—to succeed if possible in the presentation of our Interviews on “World Peace”,—at a time when a peace-drive was planned throughout the state, while The Temple model was being exhibited also,—“The Temple of Light: A House of Prayer” and “America’s Great Opportunity.” The prestige of one large, well-known station in one city, and one small station in another large city, opened the way for other broadcasts in a Vermont city. If Managers
Bahá’í Children’s Classes
1. Kenosha. 2. Maywood. 3. Lima. 4. San Francisco. 5. Binghamton. 6. Philadelphia.
or Program Directors in one
large city have carried our Talks, their
names could be used as references, and
other stations will listen to our story
without so much criticism or objection.
It has proven easier by choosing a
Bahá’í who has had experience in meeting objections with the faith of the
Dawn-Breakers, because program directors give us all kinds of wild objections, and doors do not open readily at
best in the radio field, unless you pay
for time. It calls for fearless refutation of their objections together with
earnest prayers to God to open prejudiced ears. They are anxious to have
all new material possible and do not
like to be out-done by other stations,
which is in our favor.
The follow-up work of these Talks is exceedingly important, or else our efforts are lost. This cannot be done unless at the end of the Talk, the announcer adds this,—“All those who wish a copy of this Talk, please send promptly to this station, their names and addresses,” which fortunately is their custom. This brings immediately to us those who are interested, who are ready for a wise system of contact and teaching, without the long, laborious efforts trying to find them. This work may be done by both Assemblies and Regional Committees, covering groups, isolated believers as well as individuals especially fitted for this type of work, together with the prayers of the Assemblies and all not participating, for the success of the broadcasts in their region. It also gives opportunity for believers to invite to their homes those they know will be interested in the Talk, or the groups
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studying, to meet, hear the broadcast,
then follow up with some reading perhaps, and discussion. Here is opportunity for a systematized effort of the
Regional Committees to notify Groups
everywhere to form fireside groups for
neighbors and friends who would be
impressed by a broadcast of the Message and distribution of our little pamphlets if thought wise,—a united County program.
From what has been learned in this field, we find that with the help of the Regional Committees, groups could easily multiply with every broadcast. With the cooperation of all Assemblies, and their most experienced teachers for first contacts with the stations, preparing the way for those with good voices, to be ready to read familiarly, as though speaking, the Talks, there is nothing we cannot expect from the vast resources of the radio to reach all the inhabitants of this whole country. And no one can experience this work without coming to find that the Radio is Bahá’u’lláh’s Own created mouthpiece given to us to spread His Revelation to the world, especially this Continent. We of the Committee fully believe this work has not yet begun to scratch the surface of its destined place in the preliminary work of teaching in new areas, and for the development of those cities where there are Assemblies, where consultation and legislation are a wise equipment for anyone starting out to do the broadcasting of our Faith in this difficult time of transition, when everything is subjected to doubt.
Who knows what vast results would accrue to our Beloved Faith if we all cooperated in this pioneer field in our own cities and states, to send the echo of the Call of Bahá’u’lláh here from the West back to the land of The Dawn-Breakers! And by air!
Florence Morton Chairman.
PARENTS AND TEACHERS[edit]
Spring Classes Open for Children[edit]
The Child Education Committee is happy to learn of the increased number of groups now participating in the spiritual education of young Bahá’ís and their friends.
The parents are reminded by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “It is incumbent upon you to train the children from their earliest babyhood! It is incumbent upon you to beautify their morals!” To one of the teachers of the children in Washington, D. C., He said: “The Sunday School for the children, in which the Tablets are read, the Teachings of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh explained, and the Word of God read to the children, is exceedingly blessed.” “Undoubtedly meetings should be held regularly and invested with importance, so that day unto day its circle may be enlarged and be quickened with the breaths of the Holy Spirit ... but firmness and steadfastness are necessary, that it may not continue for a few days and later on little by little be forgotten. Its continuation depends upon firmness.”
Bahá’í parents are challenged by the lack of moral emphasis in the public schools. A news summary of WHCC, reporting on the article “Religion and Children in a Democracy” prepared for presentation and group discussion at a recent White House conference states: “Approximately one-half of the children and youth of America receive no formal religious instruction ... yet religion is presented as one of the fundamental essentials of the preservation of a democracy. Teaching religion to the youth of the land is termed an unsolved problem ... serious question is raised as to how the child’s religious needs shall be met as he grows older. It is pointed out that religion was once a part of the integral education of children in this country, the first schools having been religious schools. But as a result of several factors, such as the rise of the district school, increasing curriculum demands, and sectarianism of American religion, teaching of religion was excluded from public schools ... The report then estimated that approximately half the child population received no religious instruction whatever, citing as an authority the Department of Research of the International Council of Religious Education which has calculated that in 1926 of an estimated 30,000,000 children between the ages of 5 and 17, approximately 16,000,000 received no form of religious instruction.”
This most important factor, then, of our children’s preparation for life is lacking in the educational system. Bahá’í parents do not accept this defeat. No day is without its precious benefit to the Bahá’í child who knows that before he sleeps at night there will be time to draw near to Bahá’u’lláh with the loving and sympathetic help of a devoted Bahá’í parent. Perhaps there is in his city a group of children who come together during the week in a class for study as well. With what joy must our beloved Master look upon such children. “Make ye an effort,” He wrote, “so that these children may be trained and educated and that each of them may become perfect in the world of humanity.” “There comes a time in the development of character when nobility of expression becomes habitual. We then hardly have to try to be good.” “Cultivation by the farmer maketh of the grain the harvest, and the effort of the gardiner maketh of the seed a noble tree. The gentle teacher promoteth the children of the school to a lofty altitude and the bestowal of the trainer placeth the little child upon the throne of ether.” “Therefore, the beloved of God and the maid servants of the Merciful must train their children with life and heart and teach them in the school of virtue and perfection. They must not be lax in this matter; they must not be inefficient.”
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT[edit]
A simple picture course for tiny tots is now in the hands of the Secretary, Miss Elcore Georgenson. This course has for its theme, God the Creator, and its pictures are designed for five-year-olds, having to do only with God’s creations as the child knows them. Simple quotations accompany the pictures. Suggestions for their use will accompany each order. Each child will need his own set of pictures. Price, per set, ten cents. Name of course, “Creation.”
A Bahá’í Prayer Booklet for children, in mimeographed form, is also ready for distribution through Miss Georgenson, 615 West Elm Street, Lima, Ohio. Price, ten cents.
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, Esslemont—French language edition. The Publishing Committee has received 200 copies of this work from the International Bahá’í Bureau, Geneva. Paper covers. Price per copy.....$0.75
Study Outline, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Horace Holley—Based on the volume of this name containing the Guardian’s letters and on the excerpts from the Master’s Will and Testament available in pamphlet form. This Outline was planned for use by Bahá’í study classes and individual believers already familiar with the Guardian’s book but desiring further knowledge of its most important topics. Sold only in lots of ten. Price per 10 copies.....$0.50
NATIONAL PRESS BOOK REPORT[edit]
Newspapers are mirrors reflecting the consciousness of a people. An increasing awareness of the Bahá’í Community is being reflected in these mirrors
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of the western hemisphere indicating a steady and vigorous growth of
the Community.
A new field for publicity activity is opening up to many of the friends who have been changing their mode of living from city dwellers to country folk. Several of the friends have become “farm-minded” and have moved into isolated districts. Usually such locations are within easy driving distances of not one but several small farming communities which support weekly papers with a good sized circulation. To attract people in these localities whose lives necessarily differ in routine and interest challenges the ingenuity of the believers.
Among others, the Matthisens, formerly of Chicago, have gone into an isolated farming district in northern Illinois. They have been successful in obtaining generous responses from the papers of both Antioch, Illinois, and Bristol, Wisconsin. Articles on the Cause and more specifically on personal Bahá’í activities have been printed as well as pictures of the Temple. With the cooperation of the near-by Kenosha Assembly a large amount of Bahá’í publicity has been obtained in the Kenosha papers about the Bristol-Antioch group. Kenosha papers have large country circulation.
Allen McDaniel in Waterford, Virginia, has done much the same type of work from his farming community where he has become isolated. The Blue-Ridge Herald of Purcellville, Virginia, through the efforts of Mrs. C. L. Robey printed a picture of the Temple and comments on Mr. McDaniel’s lecture there. The Loudoun Times of Leesburg, Virginia, printed several articles about Mr. McDaniel’s Temple lecture.
Isolated believers can take heart from the work that is being done in finding ways to approach newspapers. The February bulletin issued by this Committee gives suggestions to isolated believers and can be obtained upon request.
A noticeable amount of new publicity is coming in from the southern part of the United States through the efforts of pioneers. The Columbia (S. C.) Record through the efforts of Miss Alta Wheeler has printed Bahá’í notices. The Fayetteville (W. V.) Tribune printed a long article on the Cause through the efforts of the Hilbert Dahls. Both the Commercial-Appeal and the Press-Scimitar of Memphis, Tenn., have carried many articles on Bahá’í activities and personalities with excerpts from the Writings through the endeavors of Mrs. Mabel Ives.
The Rutland (Vt.) Daily Herald printed notices of activities through Miss Neysa Bissell who is pioneering in Vermont. Papers at both Saranac Lake and Lake Placid have carried articles through the efforts of Mrs. Louise Erickson. The enterprising group in Circleville, Ohio, has obtained sustained response from the local paper concerning the Cause. Both the Omaha (Neb.) Star and World Herald have printed splendid long, signed articles by Doreene Holliday.
In addition to those who have contributed to the Press Books as listed in the last report we would like to mention the following towns and friends: State of California—Hollywood, Huntington Beach, South Gate and San Diego; State of Connecticut—New Haven and West Haven; State of Illinois—Maywood and Urbana; State of Michigan—Ann Arbor, Grosse Pointe and Dearborn; Moncton, New Brunswick and Toronto, Ontario, Canada; State of New York—Jamestown, New Rochelle, and Syracuse; Tennessee, Chattanooga; State of Washington, Spokane.
Among newspapers from other parts of the world, the Rangoon Times (India) has a long article in English by Mrs. Shirin Fozdar. The Norges Kvinder, November 17th and the Aftenpolten of November 24th of Oslo, Norway, carried articles on the passing of Martha Root.
This Committee has ready two new releases for general newspaper use and a six-page bulletin on publicity. These may be obtained by request. The National Press Books will close March 31st. We urge all the friends to mail in all their clippings by that date so that the Books may be arranged for Convention. If you do not know how to paste the clippings in preparation for mounting, we beg of you to ask us. It is very simple to paste the name of the paper and the date from the paper on to the top of the clipping, cutting the edges of both clipping and heading even with the column lines.
If we can be of any assistance please write us.
- BAHÁ’Í NEWS SERVICE COMMITTEE.
- February 22, 1940.
CINCINNATI BAHÁ’Í CENTER[edit]
The house at 206 E. University Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, was given to the Cincinnati Bahá’í Assembly in December, 1938, by Miss Josephine E. Vogler in memory of her mother, Mrs. Carolyn Vogler, an early Bahá’í in Cincinnati, and Adelle Stuber, their spiritual mother, another early Bahá’í of Cincinnati.
In order to accept this property the Assembly incorporated under the laws of Ohio, receiving papers under date of Oct. 17, 1938.
This meeting place is now known as the Bahá’í Center, and is used for our Feast meetings, weekly public meetings and has a fairly complete library of Bahá’í books, which the public is invited to use. The Center is used constantly for dinner meetings for attraction, discussion meetings, study classes and youth meetings.
The house was dedicated as the Bahá’í Center on May 23, 1939, and has been the means of increasing the activity of the Bahá’í community and the resulting increase in membership from 19 to 26.
JAMESTOWN ASSEMBLY ADOPTS PLAN TO INCREASE CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL FUND[edit]
A special report has been received from the Spiritual Assembly of Jamestown describing how it worked out ideas and plans to increase the community’s support of the National Fund. This report reveals so much concentration of effort upon the important task, and such cooperation among the friends, that an outline is published for the information of other Assemblies.
Consultation started on receipt of general communications from the National Assembly reporting Budget needs and requesting assistance from local Assemblies. Suggestions included desirability of each believer contributing at every Nineteen Day Feast, even though the sum had to be small, that a local Budget be planned, and that there be unified action from the community in raising funds by personal effort. The Assembly figured the proportionate share of the local community in the National Budget of $150,000 by showing that this means an average contribution of $50 for the year from every American Bahá’í. This made it amount to $750 for the year for Jamestown, or about $40 per Bahá’í month. Consultation at the Nineteen Day Feast brought out a number of ways in which believers could earn extra money for the Fund, and above all gave emphasis to the spiritual elements in the relationship of Bahá’ís to the progress of their administrative
[Page 9]
institutions. The result of
this extensive and cooperative effort
was to intensify the feeling of responsibility and devotion throughout the
community.
INVITATION FROM CHICAGO ASSEMBLY[edit]
Pre-Convention:
The Chicago Spiritual Assembly extends a cordial invitation to delegates, visiting believers and friends who will arrive before the Convention opens, to attend a banquet at half past six, Wednesday evening, April 24, at Chicago Women’s Club, 72 East Eleventh Street, Chicago. We have secured well known and interesting speakers. Banquet tickets, $1.25. Music. Make reservations before April 17th through Mrs. Fred Mortensen, 6223 Eberhart Avenue, Chicago, Ill.
Post-Convention:
Following their long-established custom, the Chicago Spiritual Assembly will tender a reception to all visiting and local delegates and friends, in the Chicago Bahá’í Center, 116 South Michigan Avenue, on Monday evening, April 29, at eight o’clock. We look forward to this annual event with pleasure of welcoming all visitors to the Convention in the Chicago Center on that evening.
BAHÁ’Í CALENDAR[edit]
March and April, 1940[edit]
Nineteen Day Feasts: March 2, Loftiness; March 21, Splendor; April 9, Glory; April 28, Beauty.
Anniversaries and Festivals: Feast of Naw-Ruz, March 21; Feast of Ridvan, April 21-May 2.
Period of Fasting: Nineteen days beginning March 2.
Meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly: March 29, 30, 31, Alicia Avenue and Evergreen Place, West Englewood; April 24, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette.
Annual Election of local Spiritual Assemblies: April 21.
Annual Convention: April 25, 26, 27, 28, Foundation Hall, Bahá’í House or worship.
BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY[edit]
Local Assemblies
Phoenix, Arizona. New address, Bahá’í Center, 302 West Portland Street.
Maywood, Illinois. New address, Mrs. Gladys M. Amerson, Secretary, 901 South 7th Avenue.
Cincinnati Bahá’í Center
Nashville, Tennessee. New address,
Miss Nellie J. Roche, Secretary, 703
Commerce Union Bank Bldg.
Jamestown, New York. New Secretary, Mr. Fred H. Reis, Corresponding Secretary, 518 East 6th Street.
Detroit, Michigan. New address, Mrs. Jessie B. Hall, Corresponding Secretary, 2910 Superior Street.
Kansas City, Missouri. New address, Miss Velma Vetter, Corresponding Secretary, 6400 Paseo Street.
Columbus, Ohio. New address, Mrs. Margarete Acebo, Secretary, 77 Taylor Avenue.
Los Angeles, Calif. The Secretary is now Mrs. Oni Finks, 453 East Avenue 28.
Groups
Bristol, Wisconsin. Correspondent, Mrs. Nina Matthisen, Haven Heights Farm, Route 1, Box 240.
Pine Castle, Florida. New Correspondent, Mrs. Layli E. Hickey.
Roseville, Michigan. Mrs. Katherine Page, Correspondent, 18450 Hazelwood Street.
Moncton, N. B. Correspondent, Mrs. W. H. McEwen, 92 North Street.
Toledo, Ohio. Correspondent, Mr. William Thiele, 402 Rockingham Street.
Knoxville, Tenn. Correspondent, Mrs. Lessie McMichael, Reid Hotel.
[Page 10]
National Committees
Teaching—Mrs. Mamie L. Seto added.
Radio—Mrs. Nina Matthisen added.
Temple Guides—Carl Scheffler unable to serve.
International Auxiliary Language—David Earle added.
Regional Committee of Tennessee, etc. New address, Miss Nellie J. Roche, Secretary, 703 Commerce Union Bank Bldg., Nashville.
Regional Teaching Committee of Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. New member added: Mrs. Edward Struven.
Convention Committee: Chairman, Miss Edna True. Sub-Chairman, Housing, Mrs. Carl Hannen. Sub-Chairman, Information Bureau, John Haggard. Sub-Chairman, Committee to provide meals during Convention, Mrs. H. E. Walrath.
Committee on Devotional Service at Convention, Clarence Niss, Chairman, Dr. James W. Lewis, Dr. Malcolm M. King.
Ridvan Feast: Program by Urbana Assembly. Feast by Chicago Assembly.
ENROLLMENT AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Grand Rapids, two. Eliot, five. Pasadena, two. Philadelphia, three. Maywood, two. Los Angeles, eleven. Milwaukee, one. Berkeley, five youth. Cincinnati, one. Chicago, one. Peoria, one. Helena, one. Oakland, one. Glendale, Ariz., two. New York, three. Pittsburgh, two. Dayton, five.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
“... The true believer, whose existence and life are to be regarded as the originating purpose of all creation.”—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
- Mrs. Sutherland Maxwell, Montreal.
- Miss Julia Threlkeld, Los Angeles.
- Mrs. Florence Price, Colorado Springs.
- Mr. Robert S. Abbott, Chicago.
- Mrs. Janet French, Montreal.
- Mrs. Alfredo Warsaw, Washington, D. C.
- Mr. Charles Matthews, Seattle.
- Mrs. Myron Potter, Cleveland.
- Mr. Lester J. Kaley, Binghamton.
NEWS OF EAST AND WEST[edit]
The volume on Illinois, in the American Guide Series (the WPA books on the various States) entitled Illinois, a Descriptive and Historical Guide, published by A. C. McClurg and Co., Chicago, has an article on the Temple on page 414, and a photograph between pages 586-587. Although an effort is being made to correct an inaccuracy in the next edition, the Bahá’í references in this work, prepared and issued under Federal auspices, are most gratifying. The text was prepared by the staff of writers engaged in preparing the book.
El Eco de Mexico, a magazine published at Los Angeles in Spanish, contains in the issue dated November 1, 1939, an article on the Cause entitled “Una Nueva Doctrina, El Movimento Bahá’í,” with illustration of the Temple and of Mrs. Charles R. Witt, Los Angeles Bahá’í.
The Bahá’í Faith is represented in a new handbook entitled “Where Do You Belong?” which lists modern religious and philosophical movements. It is published by Marya Mason, care of Fellowship of Divine Truth, 219 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, and copies can be obtained for 30c.
Another reference to the Cause in connection with the WPA is the leaflet, Tour Topics, Volume 3, Number 78, November 12-16, 1939, which announced WPA Free Educational Chicago Tours for Chicagoans. Adult Educational Program of the Works Progress Administration, sponsored by the Chicago Board of Education. The Bahá’í Temple is on the list of these tours.
A second article on the Faith has appeared in American Astrology, December issue, entitled “The New World Religion. 2, Bahá’í World Order,” by Dane Rudhyar. Here is the result of an independent study of Bahá’í books by a non-believer who uses his own channel to convey his impressions to the public. Undoubtedly many are being acquainted with the Cause by this series of articles in American Astrology who might not otherwise have learned of it for many years.
Mrs. Frances L. Wells, Correspondent of the group at Pine Knott, Calif., sends an interesting account of the display of the Temple model (see illustration in a late issue) which the group arranged for the last week in August, 1939, and extended two more weeks. The group, Mrs. Wells writes “took advantage of this wonderful opportunity by holding four public meetings, one of which was for youth. Mrs. Beulah Storrs Lewis was our guest speaker for the occasion and we have had wonderful response as result of these fruitful gatherings ... It is estimated that hundreds saw the Temple model and all the pamphlets we could get were given away. The map from the Year Book showing our many Centers in the world was framed on the door together with a card setting forth the twelve basic Bahá’í Principles....”
The Universal Atlas Cement Co. has issued a bulletin to architects entitled Architectural Concrete Slabs which illustrates and describes the Bahá’í Temple as an example of the use of this material. The bulletin is also incorporated in the well-known reference book, Sweet’s Catalog.
The Peoria Assembly conducted a meeting for Race Unity on January 25, the program of which was printed on the outside back cover of Bahá’í Reprint No. 1, The Image of God, an excellent idea. The speakers were Mrs. Dorothy Baker and Mr. Louis C. Gregory, Mrs. Alice Cox presiding.
The New York Assembly continued its Latin-American teaching activities with a program given at the Bahá’í Center on January 17 entitled An Evening in Puerto Rico. Patria Aran Gosnell spoke on “Puerto Rico—Its Culture and People”; a puppet show based on a child’s story entitled Perez & Martina was given by Pura Belpre; illustrations from the story book were exhibited by Querco-Chiesa; a travelogue film was shown, dance selections were rendered by Mercedes Virella and piano selections by Alicia Morales. A program for Inter-Racial Unity was carried out by the New York Assembly on January 31, with addresses by Mr. James A. Rogers and Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan, Mr. Bruce Wendell presiding.
The Indianapolis Assembly began an Esperanto class on January 15, with an able instructor secured through the WPA Adult Education Project. The friends believe that this class will provide many contacts for the believers.
The weekly publication Newsweek included in its February 19 issue an article reprinting the Bahá’í marriage of Oscar P. Stone and Eleanor Samuels at Teaneck. The National Assembly has written the editor of Newsweek in order to correct errors of fact and omission in their references to Bahá’í marriage.
NINTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF IRAQ[edit]
The Ninth Annual Bahá’í Convention was held Saturday evening, April 22, 1939, in Baghdad. Fourteen delegates attended, three others sending
[Page 11]
their votes by mail. Munir Wakil,
Presiding Officer and Chairman of the
out-going National Spiritual Assembly,
opened the meeting, addressing a word
of welcome to the audience. Then the
permanent officers of the Convention
were elected, with the result that Munir
H. Wakil was elected Chairman, Adib
R. Baghdadi, Secretary; while Salim E.
Juri and Kamil ’Abbas acted as Tellers.
ANNUAL REPORT: The Acting-Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, Adib R. Baghdadi, then proceeded to read the brief, annual report on the activities of the out-going Assembly. The following is an extract of it:
“The chief and outstanding accomplishment which, for the most part, absorbed the attention of the National Spiritual Assembly during the year just ended has been, as you are well aware, its constant endeavor to carry out the cherished wishes and expressed directions of our beloved Guardian relating to the Hazíratu’l-Quds. He found it necessary to communicate with the National Assembly on three different occasions during that period, in which he strongly urged the entire Bahá’í community of this country to make the utmost sacrifice, so that this significant enterprise might be completed within the appointed time. You are surely informed that the National Assembly has, through the gracious aid of Bahá’u’lláh and the generous cooperation of the friends, succeeded in accomplishing, to date, the greater part, of this divinely-appointed task, and the Bahá’í Hall, though still incomplete, stands now so attractively beautiful and stately.
“It is worthy to note that this noble undertaking has not only been responsible for enhancing the dignity and the good reputation of the Cause in Iraq but has proved a powerful factor in reinforcing the spiritual ties and genuine love uniting the members of the Bahá’í community. In fact, this Hazíratu’l-Quds can rightly be regarded as the sign of our unity and the center of our cooperation and sacrifice in our attempt to carry out the guiding instructions of our beloved Guardian.”
NATIONAL COMMITTEES: The activities of the different national committees were then discussed and explained. These committees are those of the: Hazíratu’l-Quds; Youth; Archives; History; Dawn-Breakers (Arabic translation of Egypt).
Other affairs of the Cause were also surveyed, particularly the all-important question of teaching; inasmuch as the underlying purpose of the various Bahá’í institutions and organizations is solely for the diffusion of the Divine Fragrance and the attraction of the receptive souls to the Fountain of Everlasting Life. And as the Hazíratu’l-Quds will, as witnessed by the Guardian’s messages, play an important role in the field of teaching it was unanimously agreed and recommended that the building operations be speeded up and completed without any further delay. Individual teaching efforts, however, will have to be continued in the meantime. Organized teaching campaigns, similar to those conducted by our esteemed co-workers in the West, might not be a far distant task which the community of the Blessed Beauty in this country might be called upon to shoulder and carry out.
In view of the general mourning in which the whole country was plunged on the occasion of the tragic death of His Majesty The King, the Convention did not think it wise to send a telegram of Ridvan greetings to the Guardian; and in order that it might not be deprived of the privilege of receiving the usual divine blessing at this time of the year, the Secretary thought it appropriate to read the latest message received from Shoghi Effendi on March 23, 1939, which was:
“Loving appreciation, praying unprecedented victories.”
ANNUAL ELECTION: The delegates then prayerfully proceeded to elect the in-coming National Spiritual Assembly for 1939-1940, and the result was the election of the following nine believers, who during the first session elected the officers of the Assembly:
Munir H. Wakil, Chairman; David S. Tuwayq, Vice-Chairman; Adib R. Baghdadi, Secretary; Salman J. Dlumi, Treasurer; Jalil Shirin, Salim E. Juri, Kamil ’Abbas, Ibrahim R. Shmi’, Haji ’Abdu’r-Razzaq Qassabchi.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF INDIA AND BURMA[edit]
The 11th Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of India and Burma was held on April 27, 28, 29 and 30, 1939 at Calcutta. The New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is unique in all its aspects. One thing that distinguishes the Bahá’í Faith from all other institutions and movements which are found to have risen up in almost all the religious systems of the world is that Bahá’u’lláh has not only enunciated beneficial principles for the good of humanity. He has at the same time brought a full scheme and powerful organization to help in administrating and practising those principles. The Annual Convention is one of the potent factors of this administration. It provides an occasion for the whole body of the believers of a country to take part in the affairs of the Faith and to elect a body through their delegates to manage and carry out the wishes of the entire Community throughout the year.
The delegates to the 11th Annual Convention hailed from all parts of India and Burma. There were Messrs. Isfandiar Bakhtiari and Khasrove Ardshir Izadyar from Karachi, Messrs. Siyyid Mahmud Hassan and Ahmed Yazdani from Delhi, Mr. Siyyid Ghulam Mortaza Ali from Rangoon, Messrs. Siyyid Mahfuzul Haq Ilmi and Habib Mehrali Manji from Bombay and Mr. Mujibur Rahman from Calcutta. These, with visitors from Bombay, Delhi, Lahore, Simla, Jaipur and the whole community of Calcutta, constituted a congregation whose hearts were washed clean of the hatred that seems to have gripped the world, by the throat and is killing it by strangulation.
The Convention was opened by Prof. Pritam Singh, the senior member of the outgoing National Spiritual Assembly and Mr. Isfandiar Bakhtiari read the opening prayer.
Mr. Isfandiar Bakhtiari and Mr. Habib Manji were elected President and Secretary of the Convention, respectively.
Mr. Habib Manji read the special prayer for the Convention and the proceedings began.
The following cablegram was then despatched to the beloved Guardian:
“Rabbani. Haifa. Convention supplicates confirmations, directions Six-year Teaching plan.”
The Secretary of the outgoing N. S. A. then read the annual report in Urdu and a discussion followed ending in several recommendations based on the Annual Reports and on the suggestions of the delegates. These recommendations related to the prosecution of the Six-Year Plan of Teaching and to other important affairs concerning the Holy Faith. Those of the recommendations that were accepted by the N. S. A. appear as resolutions in the Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of that body.
The election of the N. S. A. took place on April 28 at 3:30 P. M. Messrs. Mujibur Rahman, Khusrove Ardshir Izadyar and Siyyid Mortaza Ali were
[Page 12]
selected as tellers. As the name of each
delegate was called out he placed his
ballot in the box; the ballots of the
absent delegates received by post were
thrown in the box by the National Secretary. The results which were as follows were declared at 5 P. M. the same
day:—
- N. R. Vakil.
- Mrs. Shirin K. Fozdar.
- Miss Hla Hla.
- Isfandiar K. B. Bakhtiari.
- Prof. Pritam Singh.
- S. H. Koreishee.
- Mahfuzul Haq Ilmi.
- Habib M. Manji.
- Abbas Ali Butt.
The most encouraging feature of this
year’s Convention was the Cablegram
from the beloved Guardian, which ran:
“Urge delegates’ earnest deliberations aiming settlement unoccupied provinces, wider dissemination (of) Literature, deeper consecration (for) service. Fervently praying (for) unprecedented victories.”
This blessed Cablegram showed us once more the way to prosecute the Six-year Plan of Teaching and how to conduct the affairs of the Holy Faith in general.
A telegram was received from Dr. M. E. Lukmani on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Bombay offering greetings and congratulations to the newly-elected National Spiritual Assembly.
Dr. K. K. Bhargava of Jaipur offered to buy at cost price the whole stock of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era in Hindi for free distribution while Mrs. Shyama Bhargava sent a telegram requesting the Convention to accept a feast from her on the 9th Day of Ridvan. The feast was both grand and sumptuous and the friends enjoyed it very much more so because these detached souls from different parts of India and Burma had the occasion to meet at one table with the whole Community of Calcutta and to have joyous talks with each other. To see these shining faces thus engaged in conversation was a real joy and a foretaste of the time when the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh will have its full sway in this world.
Evenings during the Convention days were devoted to public lectures and some very interesting and impressive speeches were delivered in Brahmo Samaj Hall, Theosophical Society’s Hall and the Bahá’í Hall. On the whole, the Convention created a very good impression in the minds of those who came in contact with the servants of Bahá’u’lláh. These lectures were held during the days and at a time when the All-India Congress Committee had met to decide the affair of the Congress President. Naturally the whole atmosphere was charged with the political issue of the day and the attention of the people was diverted to these happenings.
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF EGYPT[edit]
The annual convention for 96 was held in Cairo on April 29 and 30, 1939, and considered many questions of great interest, to the cause.
THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
From the annual report of the National Assembly it was learned that the greatest part of the activities was devoted to the consolidation of the Cause in Egypt. Matters of personal status still absorb the greatest care of both National and local Assemblies. Events of last year served to draw the status of the Cause nearer to official recognition. Most of the Laws of Bahá’u’lláh are being applied and efforts are being made to obtain legalization of Bahá’í marriage contracts. A petition was lodged with the Authorities with a view to legalize those contracts in the same manner as enjoyed by other religious communities.
As a justifying document, a copy of the marriage contract of Dr. Saleh issued by the Spiritual Assembly of Haifa and legalized by both Palestine authorities and the Egyptian Consulate in Jerusalem was enclosed with that petition. It is earnestly hoped that the year 96 shall, through Abhá confirmations and the guidance of our Guardian, inaugurate a far-reaching stage in the history of the cause.
NEW PUBLICATIONS (THE DAWN-BREAKERS)[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly announces with much delight the start of publishing the Arabic translation of Nabil’s history.
Needless to remind the friends of the importance of the work undertaken by Judge Abdul-Galeel Bey.
This wonderful volume will constitute over 600 pages besides illustrations and Tablets.
Prices fixed were P.T. 25 (5 shillings) for each ordinary copy and P.T. 70 (14 shillings) for the De Luxe Edition besides postage.
It is hoped that early subscriptions will help its early appearance and be a cause of great service to the spread of the cause.
CABLEGRAM FROM THE GUARDIAN[edit]
“Praying (for) richest blessings (for) the Convention (and) unprecedented victories (for the) emancipation (of the) Faith.”
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF 96[edit]
Abdul Jalil Bey Saad, Chairman; Mohd Eff. Saieed Adham, Vice Chairman and Treasurer; Abdulfattah Sabry Eff., Secretary; Dr. Mohamed Saleh, Khalil Eff. Ayad, Abdul Rahim Yazdi Eff., Ahmad Eff. Husni, Youssef Eff. Mustapha, Iskander Eff. Hanna.
MARTHA L. ROOT IN INDIA AND BURMA[edit]
(Continued)
I came from Surat to Bombay, March 15.* Wrote a radio speech and broadcast it over The All-India Radio, March 17. Finished some writing for Bahá’í World Volume VII. Beginning March 21, Naw-Ruz, the Bahá’ís of Bombay had arranged a remarkable program. We had a Feast in Bahá’í Hall in the forenoon and another Feast for several hundred in the evening. The youth gave a Bahá’í play and original poems to welcome me. March 22, the former Mayor presided at a large gathering where I spoke under the auspices of the Social Workers’ Society of Bombay.
Mrs. Shirin Fozdar arrived in Bombay March 23, and we spoke together on every program in that city. March 23, the L. S. A. of Bombay gave a reception in Bahá’í Hall for two hundred guests,—journalists, educators, statesmen and others. The Mayor of Bombay came and he acted as Chairman for our short talks. The press took photographs and used good articles. Lectures were given before Theosophical Societies, Brahmo-Samaj, Buddhist Society, Arya Samaj, and an Oriental Institute, High Schools and a number of public lectures were given in the large Bahá’í Hall, centrally located. The Bahá’í community in Bombay is the “mother” group, the largest, the oldest, and all the friends did glorious work.
_____
* 1935
