THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Office of the Secretary
48 WEST 10TH STREET, NEW YORK CITY"Thou has written regarding the tests and trials to be manifested in the countries of America. Know this, that hardship and misfortune shall increase day by day, and the people will be distressed. The doors of joy and happiness shall be closed upon all sides: terrible wars shall happen. Disappointment and the frustration of hopes shall surround the people from every direction, until they are obliged to turn to God. Then the lights of great happiness will enlighten the horizons, so that the cry of 'Ya Baha' il Abha!' may arise on every side. This will happen." — ‘Abdu’l-Baha (in 1904).
Dear Baha’i friends:
The foregoing quotation has been selected at this time not to reflect discouragement or increase despair, but rather that, by pondering its significance, we may all attain a new standard of service and order our lives according to spiritual wisdom.
What happens is most needed at present among us all is a true balance and sense of proportion—the conscious correcting of our human instincts and views by reference to the supreme power guiding the affairs of the world. Otherwise it will continue to be difficult to maintain our Baha’i association upon a level far higher than that existing in other movements and groups, and occasional human misunderstandings and irritations will continue to obscure the noble nature of our institutions, divide our spiritual forces, and separate our souls.
Were every heart absolutely pure in motive, wholly severed from ourselves and from the world, the lives of the friends would flow together in perfect harmony, and our union reveal the pattern traced by the divine will through and amid the superficial differences of race, nation, class and creed. But our hearts have no innate purity; not one of us can trust to personal impulse as a compass to guide us through the inward and outward perils of human life. Therefore we are in need of realizations that force themselves upon the mind from knowledge of the text of revelation, for the truly informed mind can subdue the petty irritations of the heart of clay, and spiritual knowledge can lay down high-roads in the darkened jungle of personal impulse and instinct.
For years the friends of ‘Abdu’l-Baha have been aware of those teachings which disclose the mysterious character of this era and the irresistible necessities controlling the present age. The world's future has long been unrolled before our eyes in the words of the Manifestation and His Interpreter and Exemplar. Undoubtedly the effect of this fore-knowledge has been to refine the character and deepen the consciousness of many believers, and enable them to order their affairs according to a reality unknown to unbelievers whose motives are but re-actions from other limited human beings, and whose conception of the trend of events is but the fleeting image reflected from passion and desire. But now the time has come for us all to give full consideration to these teachings. The Sun of Truth mounts to that zenith whence its rays shall take complete in every activity of man.
Reconciling, as we can, the justice and the mercy of God; conscious of the simultaneous expression of reward and punishment throughout the world; avoiding on the one hand the paralysis of panic, on the other hand the indifference of those still sunk in the stupor of dream; knowing that the end of this valley of pain is the victory of divine love—let us endeavor henceforth to found our mutual associations upon a deeper realization of the relation of this Cause to ourselves and to the world. May we not thoughtlessly, impatiently or recklessly weaken any more these institutions of unity and cooperation which one day soon must stand as mighty bulwarks against the desperate forces of anarchy, lights of merciful guidance in a darkened night, islands of mutual safety amid the storm-tossed sea. To feel that the institutions are indeed divinely ordained but their human representatives are unworthy may be entirely natural, but this is a conditional and deferred loyalty which woefully tends to prolong the present era of transition, and deflect that power of divine confirmation promised to any and all who arise to serve the Faith. Until we learn to behold the limited human being in terms of the noble institution, instead of the institution in terms of the limited being, the Cause must needs suffer that grievous weakening which consists in the rise of other movements throughout society willing and able to perform those tasks and fulfill those responsibilities the Baha’is were first given the privilege to promote.
Surely our exact fore-knowledge of the coming years is sufficient to overcome the inertia of personal like and dislike, trust or suspicion, inherent in the present nature of mankind. Having such a standard, we should be able more and more to merge our lives together in a oneness never produced by nature but descended from God. Realizing that each and every human being must pay the full price of sorrow and grief, let us attain to a mercifulness, a patience, a steadfast devotion which in itself can cure the soul-sickness of which we are tempted to complain. The Baha’is are deprived of any excuse that we were neither forewarned nor forearmed.
In Baha’i unity, under the conditions
to take place throughout the
world, is alone fulfilment for any individual
life. Spiritually first, then mentally
and afterward materially, the life
of man today depends entirely upon
cooperation with his fellows according[Page 2]
|
of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada
48 West 10th Street, New York City Office of the Treasurer 1821 Lincoln Street Evanston, Ill. |
to the methods given us from the kingdom of Love. Side by side with the quotation printed above, let us read another passage from the Master which is its perfect correlation: "Therefore let us hold to these heavenly agencies which God has provided, so that through the love of God this soul bond may be established, this heart attachment realized, and the light of the reality of unity be reflected from you throughout the universe. If we do not hold fast to these divine agencies and means, no result will be possible."
When one has pondered these two passages long and reverently, and come thereby to a new understanding of how firmly the Baha’is must be conjoined on the spiritual plane, one may continue his meditation until the realization is born that spiritual oneness requires complete unity of association on all planes. Here is the secret not merely of mental clearness and poise; not merely of freedom from the many insanities and obsessions seizing upon the isolated life today; but also the secret of physical health, and of material well being and survival, amid the overwhelming changes already manifest in the world of practical affairs.
Although most of us would be tempted to give way to self-reproach and bitter regret when this vision first comes, on account of our blind and ignorant action in the past, nevertheless it is probably true that progress toward spiritual understanding in the Cause is general rather than particular, and we may be assured that our own experience is very widely shared. The true forgiveness is manifest in that we have been given the blessed privilege of attaining to a higher and purer view.
The essential fact is that we believers should order all the details of our lives from different motives and for different aims than we find expressed in an unbelieving world. When we attend the spiritual meetings, we turn toward the Sun of Truth. When we go forth to teach, we enter the realm of the executive power of the Holy Spirit. When we participate in consultation, we entrust ourselves to the divine. When we contribute to a Baha’i Fund, we build upon that Collective Center which alone will endure the shocks and changes of the Day of God.
Here and there already are evidences that the consciousness of oneness is permeating the life of Assemblies and groups, producing a faithfulness to the law of consultation which can heal every sickness and meet every need, bringing forth leaves and buds of that Civilization implicit in the divine religion. As we hold fast to that law, so shall we show forth the blessings promised man by his Creator from age to age. The integrity of a Spiritual Assembly consists in the fact that it represents the facilities for true consultation,—that ladder of hope in the darkness of human ignorance and greed, and wings of progress toward the illumined heavens of divine love. As anarchy increases upon the earth, foully bred from suspicion and fear, let us uphold the shining torch of consultation, being taught that whoso distrusts man, distrusts God.
Yours faithfully, in service to Shoghi Effendi,
THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY,
By Horace Holley,
Secretary.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
Since the publication of the last NEWS LETTER, the following cablegrams have been received by the National Spiritual Assembly: September 20th—"Guardian wires following: 'Recent report from Teheran states criminals unpunished. officials indifferent. Your powerful, eminently suitable appeal to Shah shared with Eastern Assemblies, will rejoice and console oppressed hearts. Affectionately, Shoghi.' (Signed), Bahiyyih." September 25th—"Guardian wires should Roumanian Queen visit States, friends refrain communicating with her unless National Assembly sanction. Excuse restrain. (Signed) Bahiyyih." (Note. The meaning of the last phrase is not quite clear, and the message seems to have been slightly confused in transmission.) October 16th—"Baghdad case progressing most favorably. Inform friends. (Signed) Shoghi."
A HEROIC BAHA'I SOUL PASSES TO THE ETERNAL KINGDOM[edit]
On October 10th, 1926, Miss Elizabeth H. Stewart departed this life after achieving a service which shall forever illumine the records of the Baha’i Cause. A suitable memorial of her life work, prepared by Dr. Moody, Miss Stewart's co-worker in Tihran, will appear in the Baha’i Magazine, Star of the West, and this memorial will enable us all to realize and gratefully appreciate both the extent of Miss Stewart's sacrifice and her unique contribution to that luminous Baha’i ideal, the commingling of East and West. That frail body for many arduous years served as a bridge across the dark chasm of religious, racial and national prejudice. She made herself the sign of that love which shall exist between Orient and Occident when the Divine Faith is firmly established in the hearts of men. The spiritual connection Miss Stewart made in these days of supreme difficulty and sacrifice is an eternal connection: we can but dimly guess what heavenly powers came into active operation as the result of her life work.
After Miss Stewart's return to America, in January, 1925, she received the true Baha’i hospitality of the Revells in Philadelphia. It was at their home that her soul found its longed-for release from the physical agony of many years. An impressive funeral service, arranged by Miss Stewart's sister, was held in Philadelphia on October 14th, where a few words of heart-felt appreciation were uttered by a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly following the reading of the Christian burial service. The Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia will hold a memorial service forty days after the ascension.
The profound grief of the Persian believers at news of this bereavement, mingling with that of the American friends, brings a oneness of spirit more powerful than all material differences which the world has raised between the physical bodies.
QUEEN MARIE OF RUMANIA MANIFESTS INTEREST IN BAHA'I TEACHINGS[edit]
Shortly after the National Convention
in San Francisco, the American
friends were highly gratified to come
upon a deeply felt, reverently expressed
reference to the Cause in the
daily papers over the signature of the
Rumanian Queen. Since then, two[Page 3]
more articles of the same nature have
been published in the series of syndicated
articles, under the general title
"Queen's Counsel," one dated September
27 and one September 28. It is
probable that the combined circulation
of all the newspapers carrying this
series amounts to more than ten million.
This exceedingly dramatic endorsement of the Baha’i teachings surely has a great significance, and is the measure of the confirmation which follows the consecrated services of Miss Martha Root.
The Guardian's cablegram on the subject of Queen Marie appears above. The friends will appreciate his longing that no action on our part shall in any degree lessen the Queen's willingness or capacity to express publicly her great interest in the teachings—an interest which her personal character and gifts, as well as her official position, enables her to exert with far-reaching influence.
The National Spiritual Assembly in October sent a special letter to the American Assemblies and groups suggesting that the believers in cities visited by Her Majesty express their appreciation of her spiritual services by sending her a suitable gift of flowers. Reports that this has been done have already come from Washington, D. C., and Buffalo. We hope to make an interesting announcement on this subject in the next NEWS LETTER.
THE WORLD UNITY CONFERENCES[edit]
The friends have already been informed of the action of the National Assembly in appointing a committee to arrange a series of World Unity Conferences in different cities of the United States and Canada at regular monthly intervals. This action was based upon the conviction that the present phase of the Cause in this country, considered in connection with the general trend of affairs throughout the world, demands at least one effort of a continuous character to uphold publicly the ideal of world unity—the ideal inherent in the teachings—upon a basis capable of demonstrating the universality of the Cause. The intention is to establish the Cause publicly in terms of this inherent ideal, raised far above the traditional conceptions of an exclusive or dogmatic religious movement, and thus bring to the various local Assemblies a greatly increased opportunity to extend their membership. The friends are urged not to regard the World Unity Conferences as implying the least criticism of the methods used for spreading the Cause by any local Assembly or individual, or as attempting to create a model to be imitated to the exclusion of existing methods and meetings. On the contrary, the Conferences are to be considered as a distinctly new phase of the work, a special activity of the National Assembly in direct cooperation with the local Assemblies, and a manifest proof that the Baha’is are willing and able to work effectively and wholeheartedly with all individuals and movements imbued with the ideal of the unity of the world. It represents the effort of the National Assembly to rise above the constant pressure of the details of administration and enter more actively the all important teaching field. Recent letters from Haifa assure us that the Guardian confirms this method of service. The expenses involved do not draw from the resources of any activity mentioned in the budget of the Plan of Unified Action.
Surely the decisive hour has come when the Baha’is should no longer be content to stand passive while other movements are arising to serve the noble idea of unity with purity of motive and energy of execution. While we have discovered the reality of world unity through our faith in the Manifestation, a large portion of the people of public capacity will probably discover the Manifestation through their devotion to the cause of world unity. All teaching efforts are blessed—all are necessary. The most useful view is perhaps that which perceives the sequence and succession of steps in any comprehensive teaching effort, from the public meeting which concentrates upon world unity in the spirit but not the letter of the Religion of God, to those intimate contacts wherein the sublime mysteries are revealed "from heart to heart." The general condition is such that unless the believers prepare themselves for large undertakings of the character of the World Unity Conferences, the initiative and influence will pass to others, for the longing for unity has become a passion not at all confined to the Baha’is. Knowing what the Source and Foundation of world unity is, we can without fear or inhibiting suspicion "associate with people of all religions in joy and fragrance." The Cause itself is not limited or bound when individual or groups and committees, participate in public demonstrations of world unity or other spiritual ideal.
In connection with this subject it might be well to point out that the delicate problem of contact and affiliation between Baha’is and others cannot be solved by any formal ruling, but is rather a matter of inward spirit and consciousness. A believer who is thoroughly informed and entirely reliant upon the power of Baha’u’llah can associate with other movements and groups and thereby many a direct and indirect service to the Cause; but if we weaken in our faith, and look to any other movement for a sustaining power, the result might be to draw us gradually from the plane of reality to that of human imagination and limited efforts foredoomed to fail.
Two Conferences have been held since the publication of the last NEWS LETTER: one in Philadelphia, September 24, 25 and 26; and one in Buffalo, October 22, 23 and 24. While from the material standpoint neither Conference was impressively successful, both have enlarged the range of influence for the local believers, and both brought invaluable experience which can be used in arranging future meetings. Of their effect and significance in the spiritual world, no one can speak.
The program of World Unity Conferences now includes the following meetings:
- Cleveland, Ohio, November 27, 28 and 29.
- Boston, Mass., December 10, 11 and 12.
- Columbus, Ohio, January 15 and 16.
- Chicago, Ill., January 21, 22 and 23.
- Washington, D. C., February 18, 19 and 20.
- New York, N. Y., February 25, 26 and 27.
- Rochester, N. Y.. March dates to be arranged.
- Springfield, Mass., March 25, 26 and 27.
- Montreal, Quebec, during 1927 Convention.
- Toronto, Ont., Detroit, Mich., during May.
The cities are not selected, but are those where local Assemblies or groups have requested that Conferences be held. It is physically impossible for the committee to cooperate directly with Assemblies and groups in the far West, but it is hoped that such Assemblies will themselves take the initiative, and the committee will assist them in every possible way. There is no reason why more than one Conference should not he held during any one month. The friends can address their correspondence on this subject to Mrs. Florence Morton, secretary, 5 Wheeler Avenue, Worcester, Mass.
1927 NATIONAL BAHA'I CONVENTION[edit]
The invitation of the Montreal Spiritual Assembly, extended by them for three successive years, and twice graciously withdrawn in favor of Green Acre and San Francisco, has been gratefully accepted by the National Assembly, and the friends are informed that the Nineteenth Annual Convention and Congress will be held in that city during Ridvan. The exact date and other details will be announced at a later time. Meanwhile we should not overlook two significant facts: first, that the forthcoming Convention will be the first held in Canada; and second, that with the fulfilment of the Baha’i number, nineteen, a new spiritual cycle will unfold in the history of the Cause in America.
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
The Publishing Committee announces the following: a second printing of Hidden Words in an edition of 5000 copies which makes it possible henceforth to sell the paper covered edition for 20 cents per copy and the leather bound edition for 85 cents; a new compilation of the Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha entitled "The Spirit of WORLD UNITY" and consisting of a 24-page, paper covered booklet of convenient size to sell for 10 cents a copy; and Volume One of the Baha’i Year Book, to sell at $1.00. A few hundred copies still remain of the reprint of letter written to the Shah of Persia. This sells at 10 cents each. The Publishing Committee also announces a new teaching folder, "What is the Baha’i Movement?" (written by Dr. Esslemont) to sell at $1.00 per hundred. The same folder, in Hebrew, sells for 2c each.
THE BAHA'I MAGAZINE[edit]
The September, 1926, issue was edited so as to develop the theme of education from the Baha’i standpoint, and the result is that this number of the Star will long endure as a notable expression of the Baha’i teachings and views on this all important topic. The contents include "Practical and Spiritual Education for the New Civilization." by Albert R. Vail; "The Unfolding Spirit," by Rosa V. Winterburn; "The New Gospel of World," by Dale S. Cole: "The New Education," by Keith Ransom-Kehler; "The Universal Esperanto Congress at Edinburgh," by Martha L. Root; "The Inner Spiritual Life," by Lilian Rea; "Changing Attitudes," by Grace Robarts Ober; "The Essentials of a Present-Day Education," by Howard L. Carpenter; and appropriate quotations from the Baha’i writings in addition to editorials which convey clear insight into the principles of the theme.
The October, 1936, number is similarly constructed around the subject of the universal auxiliary language. Its contents are: "The Relation Between the Baha’i Movement and Esperanto," by James F. Morton; "Why I am an Esperantist," by Martha L. Root; "The Universal Auxiliary Language," by Elizabeth Herrick; "International Broadcasting," by Robert S. Woolf; "Esperanto in Japan," by Agnes B. Alexander; "The Path to Truth," by Corinne True, and editorials dealing with the subject of language in its relation to civilization.
Recent consultation between the editors, business manager, and the National Spiritual Assembly have brought about a clearer grasp of the problems and opportunities of the Baha’i Magazine, with the result that an enlargement of policy is now being planned.
The exact situation is that the total number of subscribers now, as previously, falls short even of the number of declared believers in America. The difference between cost and income as estimated last year compelled the National Assembly to include an item of $400 per month in the budget of the Unified Plan in order to meet the deficit of the magazine. Aside from the financial aspect of the matter, important though this is, we are confronted by the fact that up to the present time, the magazine of the American Baha’is is exerting comparatively no influence upon the general public, even though vast numbers of people are displaying their interest otherwise in the principles and ideals contained in their purest form in the Baha’i teachings. Examining closely the various factors concerned, we see that originally the Star of the West was founded as a Baha’i News Letter, or organ of information about the teachings and activities of the Cause for the believers themselves. This function is now fulfilled by the present NEWS LETTER, and the relation between the two publications has been clearly defined by the Guardian, who recently expressed the emphatic hope that the magazine would occupy itself with the important task of reaching and influencing the general public. The Guardian's statement concerning the NEWS LETTER may be referred to in his letter dated April 10, 1925, a reprint of which was at the time sent to all the friends.
It is obvious that if the magazine is to fulfil its own unique mission, the Star should not in any way overlap the field of the NEWS LETTER, nor confine its appeal to the comparatively small number of confirmed believers who already exist. On the contrary, the supreme opportunity of the Star is to translate the Baha’i spirit and teachings into the language and thought capable of attracting and impressing the largest number of awakened souls and seeking hearts. The seed of our faith must become the fruitful tree of universal outlook, humanitarian zeal, whole hearted recognition of that which is truly spiritual or productive of permanent good in others' thoughts and activities—in brief, the spokesman of all movements and persons imbued with those principles and ideals which are the outward, visible manifestation of the New Day.
The National Assembly are therefore at present endeavoring to assist the editors of the Baha’i Magazine to adapt the magazine to this new policy, the successful realization of which will produce a publication of truly unique public influence and at the same time one of extreme helpfulness to ourselves. The task is tremendously difficult, and time is required in order to effect the transition; but with the believers in unity on this and all other matters, the foundation exists for bringing about that universal acceptance of the Faith which is our common end and aim.
One point must be made clear at this time: that the title "Star of the West" was not given the magazine by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and nothing exists to indicate that the Master endowed that title with special sacredness for all time. A detailed statement concerning the new plans of the magazine will be made at an early date. Will the friends meanwhile appreciate the fact that none of the present difficulties of the magazine derive at all from the work of the editors or business manager, which is entirely admirable and performed in spite of many serious obstacles.
A great service can be rendered the magazine through a prompt payment of overdue subscriptions on the part of the friends.
LESSONS IN PERSIAN[edit]
We are happy to inform the American friends that our brother Manucher Kahn has worked out methods of giving instruction in the reading and writing of the Persian language by correspondence. This is in acordance with the wishes of Shoghi Effendi. It is hoped that many Assembly classes will be formed. For information, address Manucher Khan. c/o Baha’i Library, 116 West 49th St., New York.
LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
[Page 5]
To the beloved of the Lord and the
handmaids of the Merciful throughout
the West.
Dearly-beloved brothers and sisters in ‘Abdu’l-Baha
In the course of the few months that have elapsed since my last communication to you recognizing the appalling circumstances that have culminated in the martyrdom of our Persian brethren in Jahrum, events of the highest importance to the future welfare of our beloved Cause have transpired, and with startling suddenness conferred abiding solace upon those who still have to face the pains and terrors of unmitigated and shameless tyranny.
You have, most of you, I presume, read with thrilling joy in one of the recent issue of the Star of the West that illuminating account given by our beloved sister, Miss Martha Root, wherein she tells with her characteristic directness and modesty the story of her moving interview with Her Majesty Queen Marie of Roumania and of the cordial and ready response which her gentle yet persuasive presentation of the principles of the Bahá'í Faith has evoked in the heart of that honored Queen. One of the visible and potent effects which this historic interview proved capable of achieving was the remarkable appeal in the form of an open letter which Her Majesty freely and spontaneously caused to be published to the world at large testifying in a language of exquisite beauty to the power and sublimity of the Message of Baha’u’llah.
It was indeed a never-to-be-forgotten occasion when, on the eve of the day commemorating the passing of Baha’u’llah, a handful of us, His sorrowing servants, had gathered round His beloved Shrine supplicating relief and deliverance for the down-trodden in Persia to receive in the midst of the silence of that distressing hour the glad-tiding of this notable triumph which the unbending energy and indomitable spirit of our beloved Martha has achieved for our sacred Cause.
With bowed heads and grateful hearts we recognize in this glowing tribute which Royalty has thus paid to the Cause of Baha’u’llah an epoch-making pronouncement destined to herald those stirring events which, as ‘Abdu’l-Baha has prophesied, shall in the fulness of time signalize the triumph of God's holy Faith. For who can doubt but that the deeds of those valiant pioneers of the Faith, unexampled though they have been in the abundance of their number and unexcelled in their sublime heroism, are but a faint glimmer of what, according to the Divine Promise, its steadfast followers are destined to perform? Those heroic exploits that have immortalized the names of its primitive adherents will continue to adorn and illuminate the pages of its blood-stained history; yet we cannot forget that the period of its full fruition with all its promise of world felicity and undreamt-of-achievements is yet to be realized, its golden age yet to unfold. Indeed, how chastening to our pride, how challenging to our enthusiasm, if we but pause for a moment amidst the world's many distractions and ponder in our hearts the vastness, the compelling urgency, the ineffable glory of what still remains unachieved.
But let us all remember, in this connection, that prior to every conceivable measure destined to raise the efficiency of our administrative activities, more vital than any scheme which the most resourceful amongst us can devise, far above the most elaborate structure which the concerted efforts of organized Assemblies can hope to raise, is the realization down in the innermost heart of every true believer of the regenerating power, the supreme necessity, the unfailing efficacy of the Message he bears. I assure you, dear friends, that nothing short of such an immovable conviction could have in days past enabled our beloved Cause to weather the blackest storms in its history. Naught else can today vitalize the manifold activities in which unnumbered disciples of the Faith are engaged; naught else can provide that driving force and sustaining power that are both so essential to the success of vast and enduring achievements. It is this spirit that above all else we should sedulously guard, and strive with all our might to fortify and exemplify in all our undertakings.
Moved by an irresistible impulse, I have addressed to Her Majesty in the name of the Baha’is of both the East and the West a written expression of our joyous admiration and gratitude for the queenly tribute which Her Majesty has paid to the beauty and nobility of the Baha’i Teachings. I have, moreover, assured Her Majesty of the far-reaching effect which her superb testimony will inevitably produce, and of the welcome consolation it has already brought to the silent sufferers in that distracted country. To my message of appreciation and gratitude there has come lately a written response, penned by Her Majesty, profoundly touching, singularly outspoken, and highly significant in the testimony it bears. From this queenly tribute to a Divine Ideal I quote these penetrating words
"Indeed a great light came to me with the Message of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha. It came as all great messages come at an hour of dire grief and inner conflict and distress, so the seed sank deeply. . . We pass on the Message from mouth to mouth and all those we give it to see a light suddenly lighting before them and much that was obscure and perplexing becomes simple, luminous and full of hope as never before. That my open letter was balm to those suffering for the Cause is indeed a great happiness to me, and I take it as a sign that God accepted my humble tribute. . . With bowed head I recognize that I too am but an instrument in greater Hands and rejoice in the knowledge. . . ."
Dear friends, with feelings of profound emotion we recall the glowing promises from the lips of our departed Master, and with throbbing hearts rejoice in the gradual realization of His most cherished desire.
And as we call to mind the circumstances that have led to such a notable advance, we are filled with admiration for that unique and great-hearted apostle of Baha’u’llah, our dearly-beloved Martha Root, who under trying circumstances and almost single-handed in her efforts, has so wonderfully paved the way for the universal recognition of the Cause of God. In her case we have verily witnessed in an unmistakable manner what the power of dauntless faith, when coupled with sublimity of character, can achieve, what forces it can release, to what heights it can rise.
Let such remarkable revelations of the reality and continuity of the Divine Purpose, made manifest from time to time to us His feeble children, serve to fortify our faith in Him, to warm the chill which fleeting misfortunes may leave behind, and fill us with that Celestial potency which alone can enable us to withstand the storm and stress that lives dedicated to His service must needs encounter.
- Your true brother,
- (Signed) SHOGHI.
- Your true brother,
- Haifa, Palestine,
- October 7th, 1926.
TARBIAT SCHOOL TUITION FUND—THE LILLIAN F. KAPPES MEMORIAL FUND[edit]
[Page 6]
In the pure light of Miss Elizabeth
Stewart's sacrifice, the Baha’is of the
United States and Canada are invited
to consider afresh our unique opportunity
to contribute directly to those
significant and important international
Baha’i institutions, the Tarbiat School
for Girls, and the Tarbiat School for
Boys, in Tihran.
In former years, these activities have been closer to the consciousness of the American friends than they appear to be at the present time. This condition is doubtless due to the disarrangements caused by the War, and also to the fact that the believers more and more incline to participate only in those activities formally endorsed by the local and National Assemblies.
The American National Spiritual Assembly desires at this time to emphasize strongly and ardently the permanent value of assisting in the development of the Tarbiat Schools, contributions to which will henceforth be handled as a special account within the National Baha’i Fund. It is not only in direct accordance with the methods and aims of Baha’i administration, but in fact highly desirable, for such local Assemblies and groups, and such individual believers throughout the United States and Canada, as have contributed to the Baha’i budget set forth in the Plan of Unified Action, to make special donations to the National Treasurer to the account of Tarbiat School Tuition Fund or The Lillian F. Kappes Memorial Fund, if it lies within their means to do so. All actions respecting the National Fund or any special fund controlled by it are, of course, absolutely voluntary in nature.
For the information of the friends we are happy to quote the following statement made by Dr. Susan I. Moody on the subject of The Lillian F. Kappes Fund. "A short time before her death, having realized that a private residence was not at all fitted to the School (which had grown from the thirty original pupils to more than three hundred), Miss Kappes determined to build a modern school building, and for this purpose raised among the Baha’i women in Tihran the sum of three hundred tomans (dollars). Soon after her death I found that it rested with me to carry out this noble enterprise. Hence The Lillian F. Kappes Memorial Fund.
"During the three following years, while I was still in Persia, the Fund grew rapidly, not by leaps and bounds but entirely through the love and devotion to her memory that existed among people of all nationalities. Thus the work reached out beyond Tihran throughout Persia and far beyond the islands of the seas.
"During the last two years the growth has been slower, owing to the ill health of Miss Stewart and the physical disability of the writer, which prevented us from keeping the Fund before the notice of those able and willing to assist. It is, I feel sure, only necessary to say a word about the eagerness to acquire an education evinced by the present generation in seizing an opportunity which never existed for their mothers. It is said over there that the enthusiasm of the girls, and their rapid progress, is without precedent.
"After receiving a certificate from the Board of Education for sixth grade, a Tarbiat scholar is equipped to teach in any girls' school in Persia, and as the Persian Government four years ago opened schools for girls, there is enlarged scope for our graduates who are securing positions in these schools, as well as opening other schools in distant cities. The beloved ‘Abdu’l-Baha sent me this word: 'It will reach its aim.' Twenty thousand dollars is necessary to buy a site and begin to build. Amount of Fund to date—On interest in Persia, $7500. On interest in America, $1431."
From Miss Genevieve L. Coy, another of that devoted, heroic band of American Baha’i women who have raised so magnificent a monument of spiritual service in Persia, we have received the following statement on the subject of Tarbiat School Tuition Fund.
"When the Tuition Fund first started, the contributions per year ran as high as one thousand dollars. During the first seven months of 1926 I have received only $19.34. The Tarbiat Schools perhaps do not need as much financial assistance from this country as they did in the early days, but there is still a very real need for such help. The Persian friends who are working for the schools count on help, and when it does not reach them, they may quite easily feel that the American friends have forgotten about their needs.
"This spring a member of the School Committee wrote Dr. Moody that they were about to give a dramatic performance in benefit of the Tarbiat School which was daily confronted by financial difficulties, and stating that they hoped to be able to avert the danger of bankruptcy until they could find a method for placing the school on a better financial basis.
"When the fund for Tarbiat School tuitions was first started in this country, the plan was for individuals or assemblies to undertake to provide tuition for designated pupils. An attempt was made to establish a real acquaintance between the donor and pupil through correspondence. At present each school in Tihran, as well as the Baha’i School in Kazvin, is supposed to have a certain number of scholarships. When money is sent for the schools from this country it is given out in proportion to the number of scholarships each school carries. For instance, the Kazvin school is supposed to have six scholarships, and six children are enrolled in the school as 'American scholars.' But when money is sent from this country the part of it that can be apportioned for Kazvin may be only enough to pay for one or two scholarships. When this is the case, the money for those tuitions must he made up from the earnings of the school from Persian paid tuitions, or by the (local) Spiritual Assembly.
"It would seem to me that we ought to find some way to make good on these scholarships, or else inform the Tihran Spiritual Assembly that we cannot carry out the plan, and that they therefore should not any longer count on such a fund.
"The funds which have come to me in the period of slightly less than two years during which I have had charge of the work have come from four Assemblies—Honolulu, Seattle, Portland and Denver, and from five individuals.
"At the time Mrs. Louise Boyle turned over the tuition fund to me, she sent me the sum of $306.66 which she had on hand at that time. The money which has passed through my hands up to the present time is as follows:
Received from Mrs. Boyle, Oct., 1924 | $306.66 |
Further contributions, 1924 | 36.00 |
Contributions in 1925 | 168.00 |
Contributions in 1926 to August 6 | 19.34 |
"Of this amount $400 has been sent to Persia, and the balance is at interest, in Dr. Moody's name. awaiting a more favorable exchange rate before being sent over."
The National Assembly is convinced that it would be abhorrent to the American believers to suffer these great undertakings to be further neglected, and that their complete abandonment is unthinkable. Considered with respect to the permanent world-wide influences of the Cause, this participation of American believers in the
development of modern educational facilities in Persia may well be one of the axes around which turn the creative processes of civilization in the new day.
Specifically, two aspects of the subject are evident—first, the fact that there can be no more effective way to extend the Cause in Persia itself than through the influence of teachers educated in Baha’i schools; and second, the fact that concrete evidences of the active cooperation of American Baha’is in these institutions of a non-sectarian and obviously helpful character would lend great weight to our efforts to secure justice and protection for the Persian believers so grievously suffering at the hands of the fanatic mob.
We feel certain that the matter will receive consideration in the thoughts of the friends and the deliberations of the local Spiritual Assemblies.
GREEN ACRE
Following the action of the annual meeting of Green Acre Fellowship in August, which voted to confirm the resolution passed by the same body in 1925 placing the control of Green Acre in the hands of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada through their National Spiritual Assembly, a cablegram of loving greeting was sent the Guardian by a committee of the meeting. The following reply was received from the Guardian on September 10: "Guardian wires following—'May newly confirmed union achieve its purpose by increasingly demonstrating universality of Baha’i Cause. Affectionately, Shoghi.' (Signed) Bahiyyih."
The National Assembly desires to express the warmest appreciation for the great services rendered Green Acre during the past season by Mrs. Emma Bliss, Miss Hartford, Professor Glenn Shook, Mr. George Spendlove, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, Mrs. Siegfried Schopflocher, Mrs. Louise Boyle, Professor Stanwood Cobb, Mr. Howard MacNutt, Mr. Albert R. Vail, Mr. Louis Gregory, Mrs. K. Foss Hays, Mrs. Carr, Mr. Edward Struven, Mrs. Powell. Miss Jean Hendry and Miss Agnes O'Neill.
The friends of Green Acre, and the believers throughout the world, will be overjoyed to know that through the generosity of a Baha’i who wishes to remain anonymous, the scope of the Green Acre School of World Unity can be vastly extended next year. A committee of the National Assembly is at present developing plans, and all information will he published as soon as possible.
Office of the Treasurer
1821 LINCOLN STREET
EVANSTON, ILL.
October 1, 1926.
Dear Baha’i Friends: In the financial statement for the quarter ending Sept. 30, 1926, shown on the following page, you will note that the total receipts in this period amounted to $12,435.64, and that the expenditures amounted to $11,765.31.
The amounts received as shown under the heading "Cash Receipts" are divided into various headings, because some of the friends have designated toward which activity they wished to contribute.
The moneys received for Greenacre, it will be noted have been ample to defray the expenses of this activity. Because the Budget Plan makes no provision for Greenacre, and since the National Spiritual Assembly have nevertheless had to assume entire responsibility for this activity, it has been most fortunate that some of the friends have made these special contributions. The amount shown includes Greenacre Fellowship membership dues and earnings of the Greenacre Inn, which last amounted to $1,253.91.
The value of Greenacre to the Cause, however, is so great as to amply justify the believers all over the country supporting the National Spiritual Assembly in its maintenance. We, therefore, would like to suggest that if it is at all possible, the friends in making their contribution to the Budget Plan give special consideration to this added responsibility of the National Assembly.
It is not expected that the expenditures in the coming months will be anywhere near as great as those shown in this statement, for among the items are old bills incurred before the National Spiritual Assembly took over the responsibility of Greenacre.
Under "Capital Expenditures" you will note "Greenacre Investment, Legacies Paid." This is to settle the obligations of the executor of the estate of Miss Sarah Farmer, through whom the bulk of the properties came into the possession of the Bahais, and which it was necessary to pay before a clear title to the property could be secured. The Treasurer has placed this under this heading, "Capital Expenditures" because this is like a payment on the land.
Under the heading "Star of the West" it will be noted that $900.41 has been paid by your treasurer to maintain this magazine during these past three months. This is because at this time very few subscriptions are being paid. It, however, is a clear indication that the believers have not thoroughly awakened to the value of this Bahai magazine. It is the hope of our beloved Guardian that the Star of the West should become self-supporting. It could easily be so if each believer would send in a paid subscription, and use this Magazine not only to read and enjoy, but as a means to spread the Cause.
Under the heading "World Unity Conference" you will see that we have expended for this activity $355.52, all of which was especially contributed by a few persons who have already contributed to the Budget Plan. These Conferences have been a great success. The next NEWS LETTER will tell about them.
"With regard to the total amount received during these past three months, we would like to call attention to the fact that ten months have passed since the Budget Plan was placed before the believers in this country. Under its provision the receipts should be about $13,500 per month. Some of the Assemblies are making the sacrifice and have found themselves able to meet the Budget Plan, as have many individuals. Some also are paying a great deal more than their share.
The Temple as it stands is a challenge to the believers in this country. The people near Chicago see in this uncompleted structure the failure of the Bahai Cause in this country. Let us not have it so, but let us each consider whether or not by some means or other we cannot make the sacrifice that will enable your servants to carry through to success this Budget Plan which our Guardian, Shoghi Effendi has termed "a test" of the believers in this country.
National Spiritual Assembly,
By: CARL SCHEFFLER,
Treasurer.
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of the Baha’is of the UNITED STATES AND CANADA Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements for Period July 1, 1926 to September 30, 1926 Balances July 1, 1926
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