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| No. 135 | YEAR 97, BAHÁ’Í ERA | April, 1940 |
THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUSTEESHIP IN THE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY[edit]
Beloved Friends:
On April 21, as the American believers gather for the election of their local Spiritual Assemblies, it will be well if we make effort to realize once more, and more deeply, the nature of our association with these divinely-created institutions of the future world order. A divine institution can never be assumed nor taken for granted: its potent force continues to exert itself as a commanding influence upon all its members throughout the duration of the cycle it was established to serve. Therefore, although there have been years of study and thought devoted by the Bahá’í communities to the subject of administration, no one can feel that for him the subject is exhausted and his knowledge complete.
This is the year when the Guardian has urgently appealed for effort to elect one hundred local Assemblies in the United States and Canada. This call will bring many new Assemblies into existence. Whatever their present knowledge of Bahá’í community affairs may be, actual experience is required before that knowledge can ripen into understanding. The first requisite, nevertheless, is the factor of knowledge—knowledge of what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and what Shoghi Effendi have said about the local, national and international institutions of the Faith. The Guardian’s letters published with the title of Bahá’í Administration have by no means been absorbed into the collective mind and heart. They are a source of knowledge and inspiration to which we should turn time and again.
Knowledge, of necessity, begins as a catalog of facts, and then traverses a chapter of basic definitions. First the alphabet, then the words, then the sentences; and finally, the capacity to use language creatively as an instrument of feeling and thought. This experience we repeat when we enter the Faith. It is a new world, a new medium, and the final test of our knowledge lies in the way we act.
At the basis of Bahá’í community life there lies the principle of trusteeship. Every Bahá’í is first of all a trustee in relation to his capacity to serve the Faith. The divine law that conscious man serve His Cause brings about a complete reorganization of personal character. Secondly, every member of a Bahá’í institution, whether Assembly or Committee, is a trustee in relation to the activities of that institution. No one can serve a divine institution with the primitive personal instincts. The principles of personal possession, personal control and personal influence, legitimate in their own limited fields, do not pertain to a Bahá’í institution. There must be severance in order to realize the supra-personal nature of the new creation, and sacrifice in order to evolve with its needs.
The more we realize the nature of Bahá’í institutions in terms of spiritual quality, the better we will understand them in terms of constitutional functions. In fact, the two are inseparable.
Consequently, as the day approaches when the Bahá’í community will be tested for its faith, firmness and efficiency by organized opposition from outside, let us lay stronger foundations in the world of spiritual experience, drawing so near the divine source that no human power can ever prevail against us.
The station of the local Spiritual Assembly is very great. Its endowment of purpose and function is Bahá’u’lláh’s blessing to mankind. Every Bahá’í Assembly is destined to work miracles of social recreation, solving problems and removing hardships and anxieties beyond the capacity of any other type of human institution to remedy. There is no spiritual law under which the time for these blessings is deferred to a far-off future. On the contrary, the dire need is now. With radiance of spirit, unity of purpose, complete trust in the Author and Source of all power and authority in the new day, let us fulfill our trusteeship by the way we approach and conduct the election of the local Spiritual Assembly on April 21.
“THIS SUPREME, THIS INFALLIBLE ORGAN”[edit]
Words of Shoghi Effendi[edit]
The passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, so sudden in the circumstances which caused it, so dramatic in its consequences, could neither impede the operation of such a dynamic force not obscure its purpose. Those fervid appeals, embodied in the Will and Testament of a departed Master, could not but confirm its aim, define its character and reinforce the promise of its ultimate success.
Out of the pangs of anguish which His bereaved followers have suffered, amid the heat and dust which the attacks launched by a sleepless enemy had precipitated, the Administration of Bahá’u’lláh’s invincible Faith was born. The potent energies released through the ascension of the Center of His Covenant crystallized into this supreme, this infallible Organ for the accomplishment of a Divine Purpose. The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá unveiled its character, reaffirmed its basis, supplemented its principles, asserted its indispensability, and enumerated its chief institutions. With that selfsame spontaneity which had characterized her response to the Message proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh, America had now arisen to espouse the cause of the Administration which the Will and Testament of His Son had unmistakably established. It was given to her, and to her alone, in the turbulent years following the revelation of so momentous a document, to become the fearless champion of that Administration, the pivot of its new-born institutions and the leading promoter of its influence. To their Persian brethren, who in the heroic age of the Faith had won the crown of martyrdom, the American believers, forerunners of its golden age, were now worthily succeeding, bearing in their turn the palm of a hard-won victory. The unbroken record of their illustrious deeds had established beyond the shadow of a doubt their preponderating share in shaping the destinies of their Faith. In a world writhing with pain and declining into chaos this community—the vanguard of the liberating forces of Bahá’u’lláh—succeeded in the years following ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing in raising high above the institutions established by its sister communities in East and West what may well constitute the chief pillar of that future House—a House which posterity will regard as the last refuge of a tottering civilization.
| MEMORIAL GATHERING IN HONOR OF MRS. MAY MAXWELL
Regret is expressed for the error by which the city in which Mrs. Maxwell ended her earthly life was given as Rio de Janeiro instead of Buenos Aires. It was the former city which was mentioned in the telegram first received by the National Assembly. This gathering will constitute the first unified action on the part of Bahá’ís throughout the Americas. From it great blessings will flow forth for the fresh impetus of Inter-America teaching. |
In the prosecution of their task neither the whisperings of the treacherous nor the virulent attacks of their avowed enemies were allowed to deflect them from their high purpose or to undermine their faith in the sublimity of their calling. The agitation provoked by him who in his incessant and sordid pursuit of earthly riches would have, but for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s warning, sullied the fair name of their Faith, had left them in the main undisturbed. Schooled by tribulation and secure within the stronghold of their fast evolving institutions they scorned his insinuations and by their unswerving loyalty were able to shatter his hopes. They refused to allow any consideration of the admitted prestige and past services of his father and of his associates to weaken their determination to ignore entirely the person whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had so emphatically condemned. The veiled attacks with which a handful of deluded enthusiasts subsequently sought in the pages of their periodical to check the growth and blight the prospects of an infant Administration had likewise failed to achieve their purpose. The attitude which a besotted woman later on assumed, her ludicrous assertions, her boldness in flouting the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and in challenging its authenticity and her attempts to subvert its principles were again powerless to produce the slightest breach in the ranks of its valiant upholders. The treacherous schemes which the ambition of a perfidious and still more recent enemy has devised and through which he is still striving to deface ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s noble handiwork and corrupt its administrative principles are being once more completely frustrated. These intermittent and abortive attempts on the part of its assailants to force the surrender of the newly built stronghold of the Faith its defenders have from the very beginning utterly disdained. No matter how fierce the assaults of the enemy or skilful his stratagem they have refused to yield one jot or one tittle of their cherished convictions. His insinuations and clamor they have consistently ignored. The motives which animated his actions, the methods he steadily pursued, the precarious privileges he seemed momentarily to enjoy they could not but despise. Thriving for a time through the devices which their scheming minds had conceived, and supported by the ephemeral advantages which fame, ability or fortune can confer, these notorious exponents of corruption and heresy have succeeded in protruding for a time their ugly features only to sink, as rapidly as they had risen, into the mire of an ignominious end.—The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pages 89 and 90.
TRUE VICTORY[edit]
Shoghi Effendi’s effort to free us from the political practices and methods of the old order is intended to develop us to that station of unity which Divine Guidance uses as its entrance into this troubled world. The true victory of Bahá’í life is victory over self, so exalting us above the personal plane that our participation in the choice of Bahá’í workers may express the Will of Bahá’u’lláh.
We glimpse this tremendous victory in The Advent of Divine Justice, which stands like a mighty gate at the entrance to the Kingdom—a gate that bars the way to the weak and the insincere—the gate flung open to all who expend themselves in service to His Faith.
THE BAHÁ’Í CONCEPTION OF MARRIAGE[edit]
The following paragraphs are taken from a letter written by the National Assembly to the Editor of Newsweek in order to correct and complete its article on Bahá’í marriage published in its issue of February 19. They are reprinted
[Page 3]
here for the information of the
believers.
“The Bahá’í conception of marriage is a reconciliation of three vital principles: obedience to God, personal freedom of choice, and social responsibility. Marriage in the Bahá’í community is a divine institution; the two persons concerned marry because it is their will and desire; and before the Bahá’í Assembly will sanction the marriage it must have the written consent of all four parents, or of all parents who have survived. The followers of Bahá’u’lláh believe that marital love can not be isolated from the whole texture of personality, and therefore this love, to be real and permanent, must be subordinate to the love of the soul for its Creator.
“This conception, the Bahá’ís believe, renews and re-creates the institution of marriage, ridding it of any merely ecclesiastical ritualism and priestly authority on the one hand, and of all superficial civil license on the other. Bahá’í marriage has been observed in this country for many years, but always, until recently, in addition to the civil ceremony. Of late years a number of local Assemblies have incorporated as religious bodies, and authority to conduct a legal marriage derives from this new status.
“It might be added that Bahá’í marriage also reflects the underlying spirit of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, which aims to produce a unified, harmonious society and not simply a new religious sect. We regard the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh as the psychological and sociological laws of the new era of history—the era characterized by world problems and the ultimate conflict between the human soul and materialism. The faith of the Bahá’ís is that the older, provincial culture and ethics can not solve world problems, and when this is more generally recognized, the Bahá’í Faith will be accepted as the World Faith of man.”
DEVOTIONAL PROGRAM FOR CONVENTION[edit]
- Thursday Morning, April 25th, 1940—
- Prayer, Prayers and Meditations, page 190.
- Reading, Gleanings, pages 35-40.
- Reading, Gleanings, pages 215-216.
- Prayer, Prayers and Meditations, pages 57-58.
- Friday Morning, April 26th, 1940—
- Prayer, Prayers and Meditations, pages 132-134.
Bahá’í House of Worship showing stage of completion at end of third year of Seven Year Plan
- Reading, Gleanings, pages 12-16.
- Reading, Gleanings, pages 294-297.
- Prayer, Prayers and Meditations, pages 42-43.
- Saturday Morning, April 27th, 1940—
- Prayer, Prayers and Meditations, pages 172-174.
- Reading, Gleanings, pages 27-35.
- Prayer, Prayers and Meditations, pages 240-242.
- Sunday Morning, April 28th, 1940—
- Prayer, Prayers and Meditations, pages 310-312.
- Reading, Gleanings, pages 264-270.
- Prayer, Prayers and Meditations, pages 130-132.
LOCAL ASSEMBLIES[edit]
Digest of Annual Teaching Reports[edit]
Many years ago the friends in East and West were instructed by Shoghi Effendi to establish local Spiritual Assemblies, in a series of letters which grow in value and meaning as our experience unfolds. Certain memorable phrases may well motivate us today, as we labor to strengthen the support of these basic institutions and to increase the scope of their teaching responsibilities. “The members of the Spiritual Assembly must day and night endeavor to create love and unity among the believers, to glorify the
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Cause of God and to propagate the
Divine Faith,” the Guardian wrote to
the Eastern Bahá’ís in 1923. And to
America on February 23, 1924: “The
various Assemblies, local and national,
constitute today the bedrock upon the
strength of which the Universal House
is in future to be firmly established and
raised. Not until these function vigorously and harmoniously can the hope
for the termination of this period of
transition be realized.”
In view of these clear statements, we rejoice to discover in the annual reports received from the local Spiritual Assemblies, the evidences of original and active work on the part, not only of our larger Assemblies, but of the smallest and most remote. Confident that every community will profit by these reports, we have therefore compiled a number of excerpts which will certainly be useful to us all.
Berkeley, California, inaugurated a campaign of pioneering at home this year “which has served to stimulate, as well as concentrate, the energies of each individual member in one organized drive. For over nine months the Berkeley Bahá’ís have been playing a game. Just as children accomplish difficult tasks while pretending, we decided each to act the part of a pioneer Bahá’í at home. We tried to imagine what could happen in Berkeley if all of us who have worked here so long were removed, and one fresh pioneer Bahá’í arrived to ‘open up’ Berkeley. It positively hurt to realize that with new courage, new vigor, and a new approach, this little city could soon hum with the news of the Cause. So we agreed to pretend that each one of us was a lone pioneer moving into Berkeley bag and baggage with two objectives uppermost: to spread the Message widely, and to make new Bahá’ís. Thus we started on the project unencumbered, with no past to pull us down, with no despair or discouragement.”
| YOUTH LUNCHEON
|
The following methods were used in this united campaign:
- Daily prayer at a stated time by all members of the Teaching Committee.
- A series of firesides in different homes, with each host inviting his own circle of friends plus persons interested at former meetings. Fourteen firesides were given by Bahá’ís and five by non-Bahá’ís, with a total attendance of 393, of whom 225 were non-believers. This project constantly gathers momentum; it has spread the Cause to many parts of town and to many different types of people; several inquirers have become believers; many of the non-Bahá’ís are spreading the Faith in their clubs, making Bahá’í openings, and sending literature by mail to friends throughout the world.
- Publicity: regular news articles; programs and literature sent to selected mailing list and to Fair contacts.
- Luncheons, visits, gifts, attentions to those showing friendship for the Faith.
- Three exhibits of the Temple model: at Architecture Hall of the University of California from January 22 to February 5, with an illustrated Temple lecture in conjunction with this at a professor’s home; at “The Flower Shop”, February 5 to 12; and at the Yazdi Shop beginning February 12.
- ‘Opening up’ the University of California, with the Temple exhibit, short news items in the student newspaper, and a weekly discussion group at the YWCA sponsored by Bahá’í youth.
Los Angeles, California, also reports that its firesides have been the most successful teaching work. Eight regular groups are held, three of these in sections of the city not previously active. “We have divided the city into nine sections with the intention of opening at least one fireside group in each section. Have chosen teachers of experience, preferably the newer ones, accompanied by a relatively inexperienced assistant, who reads and gives a short talk on the subject, developing confidence.” These groups stress “hospitality and warmth” and their success can be judged by the fact that thirty new Bahá’ís have been enrolled!
New Haven, Connecticut, writes: “As our Guardian has informed us that freedom from racial prejudice should be adopted as the watchword of the entire body of the American believers, and in accordance with the suggestions ... for pioneering at home, a deliberate attempt has been made to attract the negro race in this city. About forty homes of members of this race have been visited with the result that many friends have been made, several are making a study of our Bahá’í books, and one has become a member of our Community and is on our Local Spiritual Assembly.” On November 16th Mrs. Bechtold spoke to thirteen colored women of a Neighborhood Reading Circle; also two believers spoke on the Faith at the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “Another attempt at pioneering has been an effort to bring the Bahá’í Braille books for the blind to them, and a set of fifteen volumes of the ‘New Era’ has been accepted at the State Board of Education for the Blind at Hartford.”
Jamestown, New York, has started a Bahá’í University, the plan of which merits some detail. “In a more than serious attitude, we conceived in the early days of our Community the necessity of a more deep and thorough study on certain of the Teachings. To do this, and not impair our regular public teaching work, we felt a distinctive title was necessary to understand the purpose of this effort. The word University stands for a comprehensive further study on a variety of subjects ... The first term began September 17th with the following courses and instructors: Esperanto—Miss Onolee Eddy; Public Speaking and Teaching Practice (including reading aloud)—Mr. John P. Stearns; Prayer and Meditation—Mr. and Mrs. Willard McKay. The Holiday Season intervened between the first and second term, which began January 7th and will continue through April 14th. The courses follow: Esperanto—Miss Eddy; Bahá’í Administration—Mr. Fred Reis; Bahá’í Expression—Mrs. Doris McKay; Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh—Mr. Willard McKay.
“Bahá’í Expression is a continuation of the public speaking, with emphasis on the Bahá’í application. It includes analysis of the seeker, psychological effects of teaching, background of seeker, and fireside efforts and methods. The University courses are presented every other Sunday evening, beginning at 7:15 and ending about 10:30. This gives us eight three-quarter hour courses a term. Class methods vary with lesson matter and there are practically no rigid teaching methods. We find this a very successful venture in enlightening and deepening our Community membership’s understanding of their Faith. Certain ‘almost-persuaded’ contacts are also permitted to attend University classes.” Students gain practical experience through the monthly public meetings and fireside
[Page 5]
groups which are sponsored by the
Assembly.
Youth activities in Binghamton, New York, deserve special notice. The most notable project was the “June weekend which was reported in Bahá’í Youth. We had thirty-two young people from out of town, some of them isolated youth to whom such an event was a source of inspiration, and some newly interested ones to whom it was a practical demonstration of Bahá’í fellowship. To our own friends it served to show that the Bahá’í Faith is something much bigger than just our local group. We hope this will be an annual affair. Since the Jamestown community gave the meeting at our June week-end, our youth group returned the favor by spending a weekend in their city in the early fall ... We also cooperated with Geneva in a series of three picnic meetings at which talks and discussion were led by members of our group, for which a group of young people from Geneva and Canandaigua were the audience ... One other thing. A group of twenty-two members of a young people’s Sunday School class from Endicott attended one of our youth group meetings early in December. They had been studying Comparative Religions, and wrote to ask if they might learn of the Bahá’í Faith by coming to us, instead of having someone come and speak to them ... This seemed quite significant to us, as it was our first taste of the time when groups would come seeking!”
Chicago has based its most successful teaching project on the new contacts made with visitors to the Temple Exhibits at Treasure Island and the Wisconsin State Fair. Last summer personal letters were sent to these names with enclosures of literature. A musical and reception was then arranged to which they were invited. “The response was most gratifying, about 150 people being present.” Each month since a similar type of reception has been held, “with an enlarging and an increasingly interested audience.” Entertainment has included technicolor pictures of Hawaii and the Holy Land. “At these gatherings the Bahá’í Faith was not specially stressed, although at each of them a few minutes were devoted to remarks about the Cause. The purpose of the meetings was primarily to establish a contact with people who had expressed an interest in the Exhibit and to further a friendly feeling between them and ourselves.” The next event was the public meeting arranged for the National Spiritual Assembly, at which time announcement was made of a series of four lectures beginning January 29th, a comprehensive outline of the Faith by Mr. Horace Holley. The Teaching Committee next plans to arrange a class for intensive study. “We are greatly encouraged with the result of the continuity of effort with the same group of people and we are hopeful that at the close of the year the Message will have taken root in new soil.”
Indianapolis, Indiana reports: “In the broadest sense we consider the complete reorganization of this Community to be the most successful achievement this year ... We carefully reviewed the efforts and methods of the past two years ... and took effort to create the necessary steps to evolve from a fireside group into one of larger dimensions.” These steps included leasing a Bahá’í hall, sponsoring a public meeting for Mr. Holley in the American Legion Auditorium, and organizing a study group in Esperanto for which a teacher was provided by the Work Projects Administration. “You will note that our efforts are very definitely those of a group rather than individuals; this is one of the elements which we have striven to develop as much as possible ... We are beginning to feel a greater sense of assurance and too, a closer and more intimate relationship of individuals as a Community, and believe that the fruits of this better organized and systematic action will be evident in the coming year.”
Detroit, Michigan, produced twelve new believers this year “by fireside group or personal contact work,” and has also supplied thirteen members for pioneer work. “At the close of 1939 five of the community withdrew to start a group in Grosse Pointe, five in Dearborn and two in Lincoln Park all at the same time, which meant re-election to the Spiritual Assembly and reorganizing of committees. We have supplied one pioneer, Mr. S. C. Brandon, who went to Houston, Texas ...” In addition, many activities have been carried on at the Bahá’í Center, which was acquired “for the first time in years” after the Temple exhibit at the Detroit Flower Show last March. These activities included a class in public speaking, two series of public meetings addressed by local believers, various public meetings for visiting teachers, Sunday afternoon teas bi-monthly, open feasts to attract inquirers, a children’s group, and a youth group. Considerable radio work has been done and “we are now working on a special series of Esperanto programs for radio.”
“Teaching work in Flint and at Louhelen
Miss Honor Kempton(at left), Bahá’í Pioneer at Anchorage, Alaska, with Miss Jane Whitenack, first Alaska believer.
(Michigan) is closely related and
with cooperation the entire year. The
Sunday meetings at Louhelen make
contacts for study classes in Flint ...
and have also made contacts in two new
towns near here ... Mrs. Furbush
has been doing good work at Lapeer,
a number of people definitely interested
and studying ... After Marzieh Gail’s
teaching and speaking, doors were open
everywhere for good speakers.”
Grand Rapids, Michigan, a newly organized Assembly, has set a fine example in its first year. Two new members were added and many others are attracted. Most successful activity was the weekly fireside meeting, an outgrowth of a tea attended by twenty-five. From October through January the firesides were attended by sixty-six inquirers and twenty-seven Bahá’ís. Open Forums are held regularly and local believers are usually the speakers. A study class for Bahá’ís has covered the Thirty-Six Lessons and is now studying the Advent of Divine Justice. There is also a youth group.
Teaneck, N. J., reports that its outstanding success this year was the “performance of a Bahá’í marriage without the civil ceremony recognized by the State.” This community’s membership represents thirteen towns!
New York City concentrated its efforts this year upon the Exhibit at the World’s Fair and counts this its most successful work. Also at present Orcella Rexford is teaching a class, after a presentation of the Faith to three hundred students. New York has many opportunities to provide Bahá’í speakers to churches, clubs, museums, Latin American groups, etc., and is also carrying on extension work in nine nearby communities. Nineteen of its members have become isolated believers and nine have undertaken pioneer teaching by settlement.
Yonkers, N. Y., arranged an exhibit of the Temple model with a book display,
[Page 6]
for a month at the Public Library.
A fine meeting was held for Mrs. Dorothy Baker last June, with seventy people present.
Jacksonville, Fla., obtains long articles each week in the largest newspaper which reaches three-quarters of the State. A monthly period for radio broadcasting is also being arranged. A new city opened is Green Cove Springs, about sixty miles distant.
Dayton, Ohio, a community totaling only sixteen members, added five of these this year. “Our most successful effort is what we term Meetings of Attraction, designed to further the interest of newly-contacted people and also to attract new ones. A social and informative time is combined, using our own talent as well as Bahá’ís from nearby towns. These meetings, along with the firesides, have resulted in the enrollment of five new Bahá’ís.”
East Cleveland, Ohio, has its individual method of making contacts. “We attend every Sunday a group of modern thought people, at which time the chairman always asks us to read Bahá’í prayers, to take part in their discussion, and they announce regularly our Bahá’í meetings. As a result, seven of their members are coming to our weekly meeting, very much interested in our Bahá’í activities. They have manifested the desire to study and come with us to the Convention.”
Oklahoma City, with only twelve members, has been without any outside help this year, except for the visit of Miss Roan Orloff on behalf of Esperanto. Nevertheless, through Miss Orloff, a subsequent opportunity for Mr. Entzminger to address the Esperantists, and much individual work, the Bahá’ís have won many friends. A recent contact was made with the president of the Pan-American club which opens a new field of endeavor. “Truly many, many people here know of the Bahá’ís, and now it is for our Assembly to work on a plan to get those who are truly interested into classes.” Outside of Oklahoma City, contacts exist in Yale, Claremore, Tulsa, Lawton, and Chickasha, and interest is maintained through correspondence. Recently the Spiritual Assembly has offered to assist some fine new contacts in Tulsa, resulting from the visit of a Peoria believer, and the devotion of our Oklahoma co-workers is reflected in this personal comment on the action: “We are so eager to assist them that I, for one, would be willing to walk there. Oh, I mean it! Sometimes I get so full of the Bahá’í spirit that I could burst! Then I take up my pen, or put on my hat and coat and make a call on someone with whom I can talk about the Teachings!”
Here then, in the challenging reports of our local Spiritual Assemblies, we may observe pioneering in a variety of aspects—at home, among minority groups, with the blind, in outlying communities, and through the working out of diverse teaching and study methods.
Let us be taught by such exploits, that the threshold of the year may find us prepared, quickened in vision and zest, to take our places in the resistless march! For “now is the time, the appointed time, for the American believers, the vanguard of the hosts of the Most Great Name, to proclaim, through the agencies and channels of a specially designed Administrative Order, their capacity and readiness to rescue a fallen and sore-tired generation, that has rebelled against its God and ignored His warnings, and to offer it that complete security which only the strongholds of their Faith can provide.” SHOGHI EFFENDI, (“Advent of Divine Justice,” p. 40).
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
Three more titles have been added to the new series of Bahá’í Reprints which have proved so useful in teaching work.
Industrial Justice, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’í Reprint No. 3. This makes readily available the famous chapter on Strikes in Some Answered Questions. Sold in lots of 100 only. Price per hundred, net.....$2.00
Religion a Living Organism, by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reprint No. 4. The Guardian’s explanation of how the Bahá’í Faith differs from Christianity or Islam by virtue of its teachings on world order. Sold in lots of 100 only. Price per hundred, net.....$2.00
A Pattern for Future Society, by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reprint No. 5. The Guardian’s brief but most suggestive summary (from Unfoldment of World Civilization) of the elements making the future world commonwealth. Sold in lots of 100 only. Price per hundred, net.....$1.50
The announcement made two months ago about advance orders for copies of I, Mary Magdalen, by Juliet Thompson, is amplified by the statement that cash must accompany the orders.
WORLD ORDER MAGAZINE[edit]
The April number, the first of Volume VI, is an adaptation of the magazine to a new and more direct teaching function. The magazine aims at present to: 1, convey information to Bahá’ís about the teachings as they apply to important social problems and as they make possible a higher order of spiritual experience; 2, provide believers with material which they can use in their own teaching work; 3, give study material to groups and communities; 4, maintain a forum for
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correspondence on matters pertaining
to the teachings; 5, develop means to
serve the National Committees which
produce material intended for the believers to convey to the public—the
Teaching, Inter-America, Radio, Race
Unity and other Committees; 6, reflect the growth of the organic Bahá’í
community, which will develop more
and more knowledge, insight and dramatic activity; 7, offer an instrument
for the administrative body to publish
any official statements which might
have interest for the public as well as
the Bahá’ís; 8, publish hitherto unpublished Tablets and Bahá’í Writings
as they may be received from the
Guardian.
The annual subscription has been reduced to $1.50, single copies 15c, eight copies of any one issue for $1.00. Foreign subscriptions, $1.75.
RACE UNITY[edit]
A Reading List[edit]
How Odd of God by Lewis Browne is a thoughtful analysis of the factors that have produced prejudices between the so-called Jews and Gentiles. Mr. Browne presents a concise, clear history of the Hebrew people, and explains the significance of the Torah or book of the Law, and the Talmud which is an extensive compilation of rabbinic law written through the centuries. Mr. Browne later analyses the constant segregation which the Jews have endured during the last 1900 years. He states: “In each instance it is clear that the segregation persists because of external pressure rather than internal wilfulness.”1 The Jews have longed to be assimilated and accepted, but repeatedly they have been rejected and despised by those around them. The fate of the “New Christians” in Spain after 1492, of the “Marranos” in Portugal, and the unfortunate “Chuetas” in Majorca are good examples of the ceaseless persecutions suffered by the Jews. Mr. Browne says that “always everywhere they (the Jews) remain distinct from the rest of the population as though recent immigrants.”2 The author finally points to Russia where race barriers no longer exist and where the Jews are accepted on an equal basis with all other peoples. This he sees as the ultimate solution of this age-old problem—a complete breaking down of racial prejudices coupled with a striving for true brotherhood. This, too, is the Bahá’í vision and hope.
Common Ground by Morris S. Lazaron is an attempt to point to the common beliefs and spiritual values of Protestants, Catholics, and Jews. The Bahá’í reader will profit greatly by reading this volume, for he will gather much factual material about the relationships between these three groups, and he will gain a new feeling of the need for a renewal of religious life in the world. Mr. Lazaron states the following: “We need a new dynamic in American life; something that will set us on our feet again; something that will override the selfish interests that tear the nation asunder; something so great and compelling that it will sweep us up by its life so that we may see beyond the lesser loyalties of personal or class interest, give us a vision of what we might be as a people and the strength to realize that vision.3—It must be, it can only be a dynamic of the spirit—that will bind the masses and the classes into one brotherhood—; that will sweep away old prejudices and mold us into one people—.”4 All the way through this book the reader feels that the author has caught the Bahá’í idealism. He says: “Let us try religion in the largest sense. We have had churches and synagogues and cathedrals; we have had preachers and rabbis and priests—perhaps we have not had enough real religion.”5 Again he remarks that all religious groups have two tasks which they can accomplish together: “Insistence upon the spiritual values as the basis of human life and the expression of those values in economics and politics and in human relations.”6 The influence of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is spreading, and many of our writers are catching the new spirit of this day.
There are a great many other books on this subject which will throw light on the problems of wiping out anti-semitic feelings. Professor Herbert A. Miller recommends the following: Anti-Semitism Yesterday and Tomorrow by Lee J. Levinger; Jewish Experiences in America by Bruno Lasker; Christians Only by Heywood Broun and George Britt; and Mr. Emmanuel by Louis Golding. You are sure to find at least one or two of these books in your local library. The Race Unity Committee urges you to read as widely as possible on this subject so that your understanding of its many problems may grow.
Shoghi Effendi wrote these words to a Bahá’í youth about a year ago: “Above all they (Bahá’í youth and of course, all Bahá’ís) should strive to get rid of all their ancestral prejudices, whether of race, creed, or class, and thus attract through the example of their lives many outsiders to the Cause. At a time when racial prejudice is becoming so widespread and intense, it
_____
1 Browne, Lewis, How Odd of God, p. 56.
2 Browne, Lewis, How Odd of God, p. 60.
3 Lazaron, Morris S., p. 259.
4 Lazaron, Morris S., p. 262.
5 Lazaron, Morris S., p. 302.
6 Lazaron, Morris S., p. 293-294.
[Page 8]
should be their constant endeavor to
associate and mingle with the members
of all races, and thereby demonstrate to
the world at large the hollowness, nay
the stupidity of the racial doctrines and
philosophies which are so increasingly
poisoning the minds of individuals,
classes and nations throughout the
world.” Only by the example of our
lives can be achieved a lasting solution
to the race problem. We must constantly “endeavor to associate and
mingle with the members of all races.”
Finally we must unceasingly pray: “O
my God, Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great
purpose. May they follow Thy commandments, and abide in Thy law. Help
them, O God, in their endeavor, and
grant them strength to serve Thee.
O God, leave them not to themselves,
but guide their steps by the light of
Thy knowledge, and cheer their hearts
by Thy love. Verily, Thou art their
helper and their Lord!”
BAHÁ’Í CALENDAR[edit]
April and May, 1940[edit]
Nineteen Day Feasts: April 9, April 28, May 17.
Anniversaries and Festivals: Feast of Ridván, April 21-May 2. Holy Days on which work should be suspended, first, ninth and twelfth day of Ridván. Declaration of the Báb, May 23, 1844. Birth of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, May 23, 1844. Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, May 29, 1892. Work should also be suspended on these two anniversaries.
Annual election of local Spiritual Assemblies: April 21.
Annual Convention: April 25, 26, 27, 28.
Meeting of National Spiritual Assembly: April 24, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.
Note: In this issue of Bahá’í News the first two instalments of the Bahá’í Calendar co-related with the Gregorian (civil) calendar are reproduced. The other seventeen Bahá’í months will appear similarly in the course of the coming year. These monthly calendars have been designed by Mr. Irving W. Stevens of the Chicago Bahá’í Community and the drawing were made by Miss William James of Toronto.
Frequent reference to this type of calendar will begin to give us the habit of thinking of dates in terms of the Bahá’í calendar. To use it correctly, follow the Guardian’s instructions as to the hours when some of the Anniversaries are to be observed, the fact that the Bahá’í day begins at sunset, etc.
THE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS[edit]
The Bahá’í Schools are assuming an increasingly important function in the educational program of the Faith. They have been steadily evolving from more or less general lectures, to the point where they provide definite Study Courses, attuned to the requirements of the Teaching Plan and to life in the New World Order.
Each of the Schools draws from a large section of the country and provides the opportunity for those broader and deeper contacts which mean so much in the development of the Bahá’í life. Not only have minds been stimulated and horizons expanded, but many deep and lasting friendships have had their beginning in the happy and constructive atmosphere of a Bahá’í School.
In planning your vacation have you considered the possibility of attending one of the Schools, sharing in its activities, and renewing your enthusiasm through contact with those who are finding the heavenly confirmations that come from service in the Cause?
The programs for the various sessions are as follows:
July-August, 1940, Green Acre, Eliot, Maine
Morning Devotions Daily.
Classes, 9:30 to 10:45 and 11 to 12:15, mornings, except Sundays.
- July 1-6—“Bahá’í Ethics,” Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf. “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh,” Mr. Rinaldo Quigley.
- July 8-13—“The Laws of Bahá’u’lláh,” Mr. Allen B. MacDaniel. “Science and Religion,” Mr. and Mrs. Don T. MacNally.
- July 15-20—“Some Answered Questions,” Mr. F. St. George Spendlove. “Character Building,” Dr. Stanwood Cobb.
- July 22-27—“Points of Approach,” Mr. and Mrs. Willard MacKay. “Islam,” Mr. Mahdi Firoozi.
- July 29-Aug. 3—“Functioning In A Bahá’í Community,” Mr. Clarence Niss. “Toward A Divine Administration,” Dr. Glenn Shook.
- August 5-10—“Race Unity,” Mr. Louis Gregory and teacher to be announced. “Education,” Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ford.
- August 12-17—Youth Week. “The Guardian’s Letters,” Mrs. Dorothy Baker. “Administration.” Teacher to be announced.
- August 19-24—“Letters of the Guardian,” Mr. Harlan Ober. “Life In The New Age,” Mrs. Orcella Rexford.
- August 26-31—“Fulfillment of Prophecy,” Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher. “Deepening The Spiritual Life,” Mr. Horace Holley.
Sunday Morning Meetings.
Evening Activities.
- Monday evenings, “Fellowship Night,” Chairman, The Hostess.
- Tuesday evenings, Open for visiting with local community.
- Wednesday evenings, Fireside Groups, Chairman, Mrs. Harold M. Bowman.
- Thursday evenings, Panel Discussions, Chairman, Dr. Glenn A. Shook.
- Friday evenings, “A Bahá’í Views The News,” Miss Lorna Tasker.
- Saturday evenings, “Resumés,” by Teachers of the week.
- Sunday evenings, Concerts, Readings, Lectures. Chairman, The Hostess.
Green Acre Program Committee: Mrs. Harold M. Bowman, Chairman, Miss Marjorie Wheeler, Secretary, Mr. Harlan Ober, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ford, Mr. Harold M. Bowman, Miss Lorna Tasker, Mr. Howard MacCausland.
Rates, Students—Room and board, $13-$22., according to size and location of room, 15% higher for guests not attending classes.
- Daily rates, $2.00-$3.50.
- Half rates for children under twelve years of age.
- Special rates available for guests remaining the entire season.
- Youth Week—August 12-17.
- Students, $11.00. (Regular rates above apply to Youth not attending classes.)
The Bahá’í School at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, had its beginning in 1894, when Sarah J. Farmer established conferences for the discussion of all aspects
of spiritual truth. This school is under the supervision of trustees for the National
Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada. The property
includes an Inn, cottages, Auditorium, Bahá’í Hall, and large tracts of pine grove
[Page 9]
and land beside the beautiful Piscatequa River. The weekly rate for board and
room is intended to make the classes available to the greatest number of students.
August 12-17
Sunday, August 12, 8 P.M., Symposium, Subject and speakers to be announced. Party afterward, to welcome all Youth.
Monday Through Friday,
- A. M. 7:45 Devotions.
- 9:30 “The Guardian’s Letters,” Mrs. Dorothy Baker.
- 10:45 “Administration,” Leader to be announced.
- P.M. 2:00 Forum, “Attitudes of Bahá’í Youth,” Leader to be announced
- 8:00 Social Activities.
Saturday, August 3
- 10:00 A.M. “Our Part In The Teaching Program,” A Conference. Leader to be announced.
Fourteenth Annual Session
Bosch Place, Geyserville, California, July 7 to July 28, 1940- Unity Feast: The annual reunion of the Friends and their Guests at 12:00 noon, Sunday, July 7, 1940.
- Devotions: 9:15-9:30 A.M. daily.
- Study Classes: 9:45 to 12:00 noon daily except Sundays, in Bahá’í Auditorium.
- Courses of Study:
- The “World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
- The Cultures of Racial and National Groups in America.
The program for the first week is repeated during the third week.
- Children’s Program: Study at 9:45 A.M. daily except Sundays.
- Public meetings: Tuesday and Thursday Evenings at 8:00 P.M.
- Round Tables: Discussion on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2:00 P.M.
- Youth Panels: Discussion, daily except Sundays.
- Accommodations: Reservations should be made immediately through Mrs. N. F. Ward, 2330 Rose Street, Berkeley, Calif.
- Rates per person: $2.00 per week in outside and upstairs in the Dormitory, $5.00 per week in first floor rooms of the Dormitory.
First Youth Session—June 26-30, inclusive:
- Course on Bahá’í Ethics, by Horace Holley.
- Course on Study Methods, by Kenneth Christian.
- Course on Fundamentals, by Arnold Ketels.
- Forums conducted by Mrs. Kenneth Christian.
- Spanish will be taught through all sessions.
Laboratory Session—July 3-12, inclusive:
- Central theme: Prerequisites for teaching.
- Methods of Study and Research, by Kenneth Christian.
- Courses on Comparative Religions.
- Course on Latin American History and Cultures.
- Course on Teaching Methods.
- Forums.
General Session—Aug. 11-18, inclusive:
- “The World of Tomorrow,” A. Tichenor.
- Course on the “Qur’an,” Marzieh Gail.
- Course on Latin American History and Cultures.
- Lectures.
Second Youth Session—Aug. 21-25, inclusive:
- Course on Bahá’í Ethics.
- Course on The World of Tomorrow, A. Tichenor.
- Course on Fundamentals, Flora Hottes.
- Course on Latin American History and Cultures, by Marzieh Gail.
- Forums.
At the Youth and Laboratory sessions, all attending will take part in an inter-America project showing the outstanding contribution of each of nine nations to the spirit of the new age.
ESSLEMONT BOOK IN BRAILLE[edit]
List of Libraries in each of which has been placed one set (3 volumes) or the Braille edition of ten sets of the book Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.
- Wayne County Library, Department for the Blind, Detroit, Michigan.
- St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, Missouri.
- Cleveland Public Library, Cleveland, Ohio.
- Illinois Free Circulating Library, School for the Blind, Jacksonville, Illinois.
- Perkins Institute for the Blind, Watertown, Massachusetts.
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- State Library for the Blind, Saginaw, Michigan.
- Schenectady Public Library, Schenectady, New York.
- Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Miss O. B. Crum, Bahá’í Exhibit, New York World’s Fair, New York.
RADIO TALKS AVAILABLE FROM RADIO COMMITTEE[edit]
Series A:—Introductory:—
- “Federation of the Nations and Peace.”—Talks 1 and 2.
- “Peace Realists.”
- “World Peace: America’s Great Opportunity.”
- “The Bahá’í Goal of World Peace.”
- “Justice and Universal Peace.”
- “The Basis of the Brotherhood of Man.”
- “The Dawn of a New Day.” (Historical.)
Series B:—
- “Character the Goal of Education.”
- “Communion with the Infinite.”
- “The Most Modern Man.”
- “True Modernism.”
- “Humanity Has Come of Age.”
- “The First Woman Suffragist of the East.” (Historical.)
Series C:—
Talks one and two:—“Prophecies Fulfilled in This New Age.”
- “Progressive Revelation.”
- “The New Name.”
More intimate Talks to Follow:—
- “The Philosophy of Bahá’u’lláh.” Talks 1, 2, and 3.
- “Eternal Life and Immortality.”
- “Prayer: Man’s Approach to God.”
- “Submission—Radiance.”
- “Jewels in the Crown of Faith.”
Series D:—(Another introduction.)
- “Atheism and Laws of Nature.”
- “Can Human Nature Change?”—An interview.
- “The Fusion of Human and Divine Nature.”
- “The Spirit of This Age and Its Laws.”
- and 6 as in Series A, if desired; and 7.
We shall welcome most heartily all those Talks which have been effectively presented in any of our stations, as a great help in our collection for a Radio Library. These Talks could be very well used in Group teaching, as many report, in which case they will be 10 cents for each.
Florence Morton, Chairman.
BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY[edit]
Local Assemblies
St. Lambert, Quebec. New Secretary, Miss Blanche Mosher, 278 Desauliuers Street.
Groups
Arlington, Va., Miss Feny E. Paulson, Correspondent, 851 No. Jefferson Street.
Medina, Ohio. Mrs. Burt Beach, Correspondent, R. F. D. 7.
Grosse Pointe, Mich. Mrs. George R. True, Correspondent.
Fruitport, Mich. (After April 21) Mrs. Mary Frazier, Correspondent.
National Committees
International Auxiliary Language—former Associate Members made full members of the Committee: Dr. C. R. Witt, Mme. Elsa Chaslon, Miss Lucy J. Marshall, Mrs. Anna Kincaid, Mr. A. E. Regal, Mrs. Mabelle Davis.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
“... The true believer, whose existence and life are to be regarded as the originating purpose of all creation.”—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
- Dr. Jeanette Matilsky, Portland, Oregon.
- Mrs. May Ruth Graham, Circleville, Ohio.
- Mrs. Mabel Hune, Cincinnati, Ohio.
ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Boston, two. Vancouver, one. Pasadena, two. Washington, three. Muskegon, two and one youth. New York, one. Jamestown, one youth. Detroit, three. San Francisco, three. Topeka, one. East Cleveland, one. Kansas City, two and one youth. Wauwatosa, one youth. Los Angeles, two. Huntington Park, two. Oklahoma City, one and one youth.
GREETINGS FROM NORWAY[edit]
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Already three years have gone since I sent my last greeting. It is difficult to get time for all one wants to do, but in my prayers every day my thoughts and good wishes embrace you all.
There is as yet little visible result of the Bahá’í work done in Norway. However, I am going on translating and telling about the Cause whenever I find people wanting to listen. Copies of the Norwegian Esslemont are freely distributed. The pamphlet The World Religion by our beloved Guardian is published in Norwegian and is also freely distributed.
For more than a year there is a new Bahá’í in Norway, Mrs. Aagot Krantz Ramsli, Vaagevei 7, Kristiansund N. Mrs. Krantz Ramsli has learned of the Bahá’í Faith in America and she writes me that she distributes literature and promulgates the Teachings whenever possible.
Several dear friends, Mrs. Schopflocher, Mr. and Mrs. French, Miss Bertha Matthiesen and Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins and their daughter Mrs. Dodge have made very welcome, although short, visits in Oslo these last years.
Last summer I went to England for the Bahá’í Summer School, and it was a feast to meet so many of the English believers as well as hearing the good lectures and talks.
Words have just now come to me about the passing of our beloved sister Martha Root. I cannot express my feelings of loss and sorrow, and I send to all the friends, and especially to the American believers, her dear compatriots, my deepfelt sympathy and condolence. I have succeeded in getting a necrology of our dear sister in one daily paper and in a women’s weekly, as well as in an Esperanto paper.
I gratefully acknowledge the receipt of News Letters and other communications from Haifa, Tihran, Bagdad, India and Burma, Poona, Cairo, Geneva, United States and Canada, Auntie Victoria, Albuquerque, N. M., England, France, Australia and from Youth Groups in Iraq and America. Some time ago I received a copy of Advent of Divine Justice by Shoghi Effendi, which I have read and am rereading with the greatest interest and admiration. As there was no name of the sender I take this opportunity to express my appreciation, hoping the kind sender in some way will read this.
With loving greetings to each and all of my dear Bahá’í brothers and sisters I am, humbly in His Service, faithfully yours,
- JOHANNA SCHUBARTH.
MARTHA L. ROOT IN INDIA AND BURMA[edit]
(Continued)
April 5, I came with Mrs. Shirin Fozdar to her home in Ajmer for one week’s visit. Dr. Fozdar had arranged everything so well. They have interested many friends. We spoke at the Ajmer Women’s Club, and I lectured in Government College, Ajmer. (Mrs. Fozdar had spoken there a short time before.) Every day friends came or we went to their homes. In Ajmer I wrote my speech, “What the Bahá’í Faith Can Do For Poverty,” for the Indore Conference.
April 14, I arrived in Indore to take part in the All-Faiths’ League Convention. The Poona friends had so kindly mimeographed five hundred copies of my speech and forwarded them to Indore. The United Press in Indore sent out two hundred copies of my speech with advance interview to newspapers throughout India. It is still appearing in newspapers: only yesterday I received The Rangoon Times, with the entire speech, four columns, printed in the July 1, edition. In the first two weeks it came out in newspapers aggregating 300,000 copies altogether. In Indore I also published seven thousand copies for distribution, and Bombay gave us two thousand “Dawn of the New Day” for distribution at the Conference. Mrs. Fozdar arrived in Indore April 17. She is Honorary Secretary of this League. Interviews and her speech were sent out that day all over India.
We both spoke at the opening of the Convention, April 18, more than fifteen hundred people were present. I read the following cablegram from our beloved Guardian: “Martha Root, Care of Postmaster, Indore. Convey All-Faiths’ League Convention expression my best wishes for success deliberation. May divine Guidance enable assembled representatives achieve their high purpose and extend range their meritorious activities. Shoghi.” Bahá’í literature was given out at every session during the four days. All religions were represented in the audiences, delegates coming from all parts of India; the thinkers of India were there! 1,500 people were present at every evening session and often more than 1,000 at the day session. There were 1,500 present when Shirin spoke and when I spoke on April 20.
