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| No. 149 | YEAR 98, BAHÁ’Í ERA | December, 1941 |
Daily Inspiration for the Teaching Task[edit]
“Dearly-beloved friends! I can do no better, eager as I am to extend every one of you any assistance in my power that may enable you to discharge more effectively your divinely-appointed, continually multiplying duties, than to direct your special attention, at this decisive hour, to these immortal passages, gleaned in part from the great mass of Bahá’u’lláh’s unpublished and untranslated writings. Whether in His revelation of the station and functions of His loved ones, or His eulogies of the greatness of His Cause, or His emphasis on the paramount importance of teaching, or the dangers which He foreshadows, the counsels He imparts, the warnings He utters, the vistas He discloses, and the assurances and promises He gives, these dynamic and typical examples of Bahá’u’lláh’s sublime utterances, each having a direct bearing on the tasks which actually face or lie ahead of the American Bahá’í community, cannot fail to produce on the minds and hearts of any one of its members, who approaches them with befitting humility and detachment, such powerful reactions as to illuminate his entire being and intensity tremendously his daily exertions.”— Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, page 63.
This passage is followed by the Guardian’s translation of selected passages from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh to the extent of about nine pages, constituting our source of inspiration during these crucial times.
Deeply impressed by the Guardian’s loving wisdom in making available such a wellspring of the divine utterance, the National Spiritual Assembly calls the special attention of the friends to the passages in The Advent, and urges the Assemblies to use selections from them as part of the readings to be given during the spiritual portion of the Nineteen Day Feasts until the end of this Bahá’í year. The friends, one and all, are reminded of the bountiful gift which the Guardian has prepared for us all—a gift beyond the power of any king or state to equal. As conditions grow severe, let us use this door through which we may pass for some moments each day into the illumined world of the Spirit.
“O friends! Be not careless of the virtues with which ye have been endowed, neither be neglectful of your high destiny . . . Ye are the stars of the heaven of understanding, the breeze that stirreth at the break of day, the soft-flowing waters upon which must depend the very life of all men, the letters inscribed upon His sacred scroll.”—Bahá’u’lláh, cited in The Advent of Divine Justice, page 63.
Communications from the Guardian[edit]
“Much gratified. Praying speedy success. Persevere.” (Signed) Shoghi Rabbani.
(Cablegram received November 7, 1941.)
This message was in reply to a cablegram sent to the Guardian by the National Assembly on October 28: “Proceeding completion sixth (and) seventh faces (by) December. All castings needed completion eighth (and) ninth faces (in) 1942 already finished and stored at Temple.”
“Substitute ‘shining’ for ‘striving’ in detail cable dated September 29.” (Signed) Shoghi Rabbani. (Cablegram received November 8, 1941.)
“Ruhi’s sister married covenant-breaker Feyzi, whose mother joined and supported arch-enemy Muhammad Ali and whose father ‘Abdu’l-Bahá denounced openly and repeatedly as His deadly enemy. Ruhi’s family concurred. Inform all believers (that) all manner (of) communication (with) excommunicated family (is) forbidden.” (Signed) Shoghi Rabbani. (Cablegram received November 10, 1941.)
“(The) flagrant disloyalty (of)
Rubi’s family compels me (to) disclose
information so long (and) patiently
withheld (from) American believers
concerning his failure (to)
obtain my approval (of) his second
[Page 2]
visit (to) America. His subsequent
conduct regarding his marriage,
which I refrained from revealing (to)
anyone except your Assembly, as
well as Foad’s departure (to) England
without my knowledge, should
now be made known (to) believers.
Confident (of) unshakable steadfastness
(of) exemplary American
Bahá’í Community.” (Signed) Shoghi
Rabbani.
(Cablegram received November 10. 1941,)
To these messages the Assembly sent this cable on November 17: “Informing friends (of your) message (about) Ruhi’s family. Assure complete obedience protection unity (of) sacred Faith.”
On November 21, 1941, this reply was received:
“(My) confidence (in) immovable steadfastness (and) unstinted loyalty (of) American believers (is) reinforced.” (Signed) Shoghi Rabbani.
On November 17 also this cable was sent to Haifa: “Five faces complete, two more approaching completion. Planning concentrated, intensive campaign North America fulfillment (of) Seven Year Plan.”
On November 22 came the following message for the believers:
“Heart thrilled (with) pride (at) message announcing (the) approaching completion (of the) ornamentation (of) seven faces (of) Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, proclaiming (an) intensification (of) North American teaching campaign, (and) revealing (the) adamantine resolution (of the) Temple builders (and) stalwart crusaders, in face (of the) perfidy, ingratitude (and) opposition (of the) enemies both within (and) without (the) Holy Faith. As (the) fury (and) destructiveness (of the) tremendous world ordeal attains (its) most intensive pitch, so (the) Mission conferred twenty years ago by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sacred Will on (the) worldwide, indivisible (and) incorruptible body (of) His followers unfolds its fullest potentialities. Securely abiding (and) confidently battling within (the) impregnable structure (which) that Will has divinely established, (the) dwellers (in the) ark (of the) divine Covenant (the) world over watch with awe, pride and delight (the) evidences (of the) mounting momentum (of the) eternal process (of) integration (and) disintegration hurrying (the) Faith along (its) predestined course. The royal adversary, personally responsible (for the) recrudescence (of) persecution closing all Bahá’í schools (in) Bahá’u’lláh’s native land, (has been) humbled (to the) dust. (The) sufferings endured by (the) builders (of the) first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (are) being avenged. (The) cornerstone (of the) National Administrative Headquarters (of the) Egyptian Bahá’í community (has been) ceremoniously laid. (The) first officially recognized Bahá’í cemetery (is) ready (to) receive (the) precious remains (of the) illustrious Abul-Fadl (and the) immortal Lua. (The) Hazira’t-ul-Quds (in) Baghdad (has been) extended (and is) nearing completion. (The) property dedicated (as) first Administrative Center (of the) Syrian Bahá’ís (has been) purchased. (A) group (of) families (of) Persian believers, Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian (in) origin, afire (with the) example set (by) American pioneers, (are) settling (the) adjoining territories (of) Hejaz, Yemen, Afghanistan, Baluchistan (and) Bahrein Island. (The) spiritual competition galvanizing (the) organized followers (of) Bahá’u’lláh (in) East (and) West waxes keener as first Bahá’í century speeds to (its) close. With bowed head, exultant spirit (and) thankful heart, I acclaim these recurrent, increasingly compelling manifestations (of the) solidarity, loyalty (and) unquenchable spirit animating, throughout five continents, (the) community (of the) followers (of the) Most Great name.”
- (Signed) Shoghi Rabbani
(Cablegram received November 22, 1941.)
Finally, under date of October 26, 1941, the Guardian wrote these words to the Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly:
“Conscious of the state of the National Fund, and realizing the urgency of the task facing its administrators. I have felt the urge to devote the offering of the American believers to the International Fund to the work which is now vitally facing and challenging the friends in the teaching field. Much as I appreciate the spirit prompting you and your fellow members to make this monthly contribution to the Cause at the World Center, I felt that it was my duty to consecrate this offering while the Seven Year Plan is still operating, to that vital aspect of teaching upon which its success must ultimately depend. May the friends in view of the vastness of the field that stretches before them, and the potentialities of their labors within it, and of the glowing promise of future blessings which such a labor must yield, rise to still greater heights of self-sacrifice and evince nobler manifestations of solidarity in the face of the critical situation that so insistently demands their support.”
The Spiritual Quarantine[edit]
Warnings have come to the American Bahá’ís from the Master and the Guardian in turn, at odd intervals over a long period of years, to avoid association with Covenant-breakers. Our latest instruction about this very grave matter comes by cablegram, a copy of which appears in this issue and names Ruhi Afnan and his family as now to be included in the list of bad eminence—persons, for the protection of the Cause, to be avoided.
That a scion of the Holy Family and a close relative of the Guardian should fall into such error and loss cannot be surprising to those aware of some happenings in past cycles. Those records, however fragmentary, afford ample proof that the real bond between the Holy Manifestations, their appointed successors and those whom they guide and teach, is more spiritual rather than one after the flesh.
It is recorded that God had no respect for Cain, one of the sons of Adam. A son of Noah likewise became apostate. The brethren of Joseph, the Beloved of God, sold that Holy One into exile and slavery. Aaron, the brother of Moses, misled by his wife, joined her in murmuring against his Lord whom he had long so faithfully served. Both were grievously punished and Aaron was forgiven and restored only after his repentance plea for mercy.
Perhaps few persons recall that Jesus Christ had four brothers after the flesh. Their brief mention in the Gospels implies that they were quite unaware of the station of their illustrious kinsman; while strangers, attracted by the power of His Word, attained high rank in the spread of Christianity. Subh-i-Azal, half-brother of Bahá’u’lláh, became the Evil Tree and center of death in opposing the Tree of Life. Mirza Musa, another brother, was loyal.
- Christ prophesied:
“Many shall come from the North
and the South, the East and the West
[Page 3]
and shall sit down in the Kingdom of
God with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
while the children of the Kingdom
shall be in darkness.”
This prophecy was directly fulfilled in the lives of Muhammad Ali and Badi’Ulláh, the two sons of Bahá’u’lláh who became the fallen branches, influenced by pride and greed and opposing ‘Abdu’l Bahá. High in birth, they were abased to the lowest depths.
And now our Guardian utters the word which means the spiritual quarantine of the excommunicated family of Ruhi Afnán. The Guardian has been extremely patient and long-suffering. In making this special requirement he but fulfills his sacred duty of Guardian to all the friends. He counts upon our discernment and loyalty. We on our part know that our faith in the Cause of God, divinely aided and confirmed, is far too precious a pearl for us to imperil by our disobedience to such commands. Not only is the Guardian’s right to direct us revealed by the highest authority, but for fully a score of years, with supreme wisdom, ardent devotion, proficient services and high courage, he has guided the ship or the Cause through troublous seas to the havens of victory after victory. Unitedly, heartily, devotedly, reverentially, we hear and heed his behest.
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
To the Spiritual Assemblies, Communities and Groups of the Bahá’ís of the United states and Canada.
Beloved Friends:
The Guardian’s cablegram of October 14, quoted in the November issue of Bahá’í News, conveys an instruction which calls for consultation and decision by each local Assembly and by each Committee, as well as by the National Assembly itself. “Owing to the international situation strict economy in administrative expenses and supreme sacrifice needed to complete nine faces (of the Temple) by the end of spring.” The word “needed” shows us clearly that without such economy and sacrifice, the objectives of the Seven Year Plan might not be attained.
Therefore, we are under obligation to ponder this counsel in our hearts, discuss it in meetings, and do what lies in our power to realize economy in all the administrative activities.
Without a sound definition or all items coming under this heading of
Main Story Ornamentation No. 8, October 25, 1941.
“administrative expenses” it would
be difficult to adopt new measures
without perhaps impairing a collective
capacity to serve the essential
aims of teaching and Temple construction
to be achieved. It is not
economical to cripple a community or
Committee and prevent it from rendering
its full measure of service.
However, a Committee in drawing up its budget needs might check it items very carefully, to see if certain savings can be made without weakening the efforts to achieve the real aims. Perhaps the Committee records and minutes have become too detailed, in which case a simplification will be desirable. Often traveling expenses can be saved by using teachers living in or near the area oi activity.
Economy, in the true sense, is adapting means to ends and not sacrificing the ends to the means. Our objectives are vast and majestic. We cannot be niggardly in our plans to establish the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in twenty-one Latin American countries and in many North American States and Provinces. There has been nothing small and mean in the design of the House of Worship.
However, if the economy is not niggardliness, neither is it extravagance nor selfish materialism. The Cause has been served best by those who have sacrificed most, and this will always be true.
The increasing international difficulties require us to change our scale of living and working expenses, it we wish to continue serving the Cause.
There will be a great blessing for
us to the degree that we all do our
best to carry out the Guardian’s decisive
instruction. The National Assembly
has already made a beginning,[Page 4]
and feels assured that all the
friends will continue their efforts in
the direction of sacrifice. May the
entire American community achieve
a higher standard in carrying out the
Guardian’s decisive instructions.
- Faithfully yours,
Inter-America News[edit]
“O God! Be Thou their supporter and their helper, and in the wilderness, the mountain, the valley, the forests, the prairies and the seas be Thou their confidant—so that they may cry out through the power of the Kingdom and the Breath of the Holy Spirit! . . .”
The Inter-America Committee is deeply appreciative of the response which has been received to their circular letter with the selected readings for the Feast. Several Communities have written us, and one in particular is inquiring about the expense of deputizing a pioneer to some of the less distant posts now either left vacant by the necessary return of the teacher or not yet sufficiently provided with resident teachers. The vacancies now occurring are those of Bolivia, Guatemala, Honduras and Paraguay with assistance needed in Venezuela, which is a difficult country for a young woman alone to work in.
This Committee is now prepared to provide information on questions relating to climate and other physical conditions in Latin America and Mr. Edward Bode has been delegated to supply this information. Mr. Bode’s address is 256 Lasky Drive, Beverly Hills, California, or the inquirer may write to the Corresponding Secretary.
Elisabeth Cheney
We are happy to announce that Miss Cheney has arrived safely at her home in Lima, Ohio. Her serious illness had occasioned us great anxiety, but she is now in good hands and will receive such medical attention as well, we hope, completely restore her health and enable her to resume her remarkable service in South America.
Costa Rica
The Spiritual Assembly of San José has acknowledged with gratitude the receipt of the lovely copper plaque which was a gift to them from this committee. It has a beautiful symbol of the Greatest Name upon it and has deeply impressed them. The reports of this Assembly and of their expansion in other cities of the Republic are wonderful and a recent letter received by them from our beloved Guardian expresses his great joy in their work and contains the most gratifying promises for the future.
Costa Rica also has been favored with the splendid publicity which Señora de LaFrank has sustained for the Cause in various issues of her magazine “Alma Tica.” The October number contained an article on the Temple with an illustration of it, and a former number reproduced the photograph of the Spiritual Assembly and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, with a long article on the Cause. Señora de LaFrank is a member of the Spiritual Assembly and a devoted believer.
Publicity
Speaking of publicity we must not forget to mention the many interesting articles which have appeared in the press of other Republics of Central America, which are due to the energy and wisdom of John Eichenauer. John has used great tact and has written all his valuable contributions in excellent Spanish.
Ecuador
News has been received from Mr. Hans Döry who is a new believer, acting now as Secretary of the group in Quito, that the group celebrated their first Nineteen Day Feast on October 16. Their happiness was reflected in the letter which came to the Committee.
Puerto Rico
This country has recently been added to the list of Latin American countries which come within the province of this committee. We are informed by the National Assembly that the teaching field, there has recently been enriched by the presence of Mrs. Ella Guthrie, Mrs. Edith Marangella, Lucien McComb, Jr., and Mrs. Ayned McComb, so we shall expect great results from the forces gathered there.
Prospective Spiritual Assemblies
Several of the centers have now reached a membership which will enable them to organize on April 21, 1942, we trust. The growth and spread of the Cause in Latin America bears ample evidence of the bounty of Bahá’u’lláh which is bestowed upon those who pioneer.
Peru
Miss Eve Nicklin is now established in Lima, Peru, is becoming acquainted and writes about the beauty of the city and of her happiness in being there.
Chile
Our pioneer in Santiago, Mrs. Marcia Atwater, has expressed her determination to remain indefinitely in Chile, where she has met with wonderful success. She will extend her teaching also to Valparaiso and we hope elsewhere in time, as Chile is a very large country being three thousand miles long, but very narrow; however, we must sometime reach its most southern city, Magallanes, which is the most southern city in the world; and the Guardian has mentioned “The length and breadth of South America.”
Spanish Broadcast
It is with joy that we announce a Radio address which we hope will have occurred on November 26 at 6 p.m. over station KGEI in the Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco. Mrs. Amalia Ford, recently returned pioneer from Costa Rica, the speaker, will speak on the Cause and Costa Rica and all Latin American countries will be able to hear this address. In our monthly Bulletin we have informed the pioneers and groups and are asking all who may hear to write a word of appreciation to the Station; in this way we hope to secure further privileges.
Our Mail Bag
If the friends could see the amount
of interesting letters which come to
us day after day they would be convinced
of the fact that Latin America
is no longer a vague hope but a definite
reality. And the mail which
goes out from this Committee has
marked us in our local post office,
which is doing a wholesale business
in the matter of stamps. All letters,
as well as our Bulletin, must be sent
by air mail and we have learned to
confine our communications to the
limit of one air mail stamp by the
use of very thin paper and carefully
written text. We try to write frequently
to all the pioneers and by
means of the Bulletin to keep them
[Page 5]
in touch with each other. Anyone
wishing to learn the address of a
pioneer may communicate with us
and we shall be happy to inform him.
Visitors
Recently, one of the former members of the Assembly in Costa Rica has arrived in California and is expecting to make his home here. He was met at the dock when his boat touched in Los Angeles harbor and shown Bahá’í courtesy by some of the friends. This and his cordial reception in San Francisco has made him very happy and has impressed the members of his family and the believers in San José who are realizing what Bahá’í unity means.
- NELLIE S. FRENCH,
Teaching Activities in Canada[edit]
Of all the news which comes to the National Teaching Committee, the reports of the Canadian friends are more exhilarating. “The giant Canada is now awake and on his feet,” writes Rosemary Sala. It is certain that the 1941 Convention marked the opening of a dynamic chapter in the fulfillment of the Divine Plan and its goal for Canada. The promises of the Master seem now to be visibly approaching: “. . . The believers of God must become self-sacrificing and like unto the candles of guidance become ignited in the Provinces of Canada. Should they show forth such a magnanimity, it is assured that they will obtain universal divine confirmations, the heavenly cohorts will reinforce them uninterruptedly, and a most great victory will be obtained.”
With the coming of war and consequent limitations on travel, the Canadian Bahá’ís had perforce to organize their own summer teaching conferences. The following excerpts are drawn from reports by Regional Committees, the Toronto Assembly, and most liberally from Rowland Estall, who visited the three sessions in Montreal, Toronto, and Vernon, B.C.
1. Eastern Canada
The conference in Montreal, June 28th to July 2nd, the first summer session of its kind in Canada, received the Guardian’s recognition in a thrilling cable stating that he was overjoyed at first Canadian Summer Session and assuring those present of his deepest appreciation and fervent prayers.
Bahá’í Temple Model, Central Feature of San Francisco Flower Show Held in Rotunda of San Francisco City Hall on August 27 and 28, 1941.
“In all, seventeen Bahá’ís and
friends came to this historic Conference
from out of town, in addition
to the presence of the Montreal and
St. Lambert believers. Four people
came from Moncton, four from Hamilton,
five from Toronto, two from
Ottawa, one from Rouyn, and one
from Winnipeg . . . Three non-Bahá’ís
who attended this Conference . . .
have since declared themselves believers,
a striking evidence of the
confirming spirit so markedly present
throughout these five days . . .
“The Regional Committee had assigned to the Salas the job of organizing the Conference, Emeric in charge of the program and Chairman of the Sessions, and Rosemary as hostess. Both did a wonderful job, with the result that, although they had very short notice, everything ran very smoothly . . .
“The varied program provided daily talks and discussions based on the outline ‘Deepening the Spiritual Life’; study of the first part of ‘The Promised Day Is Come’ (led by Miss Winnifred Harvey); separate talks on ‘Bahá’í Administration’ (Siegfried Schopflocher, Ragnar Mattson, and Lou Boudler); ‘Bahá’í Attitude towards Christianity’ (Mrs. Agnes King); and ‘Post-War Reconstruction’ (John De Mille). Lorol Schopflocher contributed an account of her journeys to Central America and the British West Indies, and Emeric and Rosemary Sala gave us stories of their experiences in Venezuela and Columbia. A Teaching Forum, to which all contributed, was conducted daily by Rowland Estall. A Public Meeting at the Maxwell house drew about ten interested friends in addition to the thirty or more Bahá’ís present, and Emeric Sala and Rowland Estall spoke on ‘Post-War Objectives’, with Winnifred Harvey, Chairman.
“Sessions were held in the Maxwell house, at the Schopflochers and the Salas, interspersed with the lighter moments of fellowship and recreation, and with the bountiful hospitality dispensed in these three Bahá’í homes. An all-day visit to the Laurentian Mountain cottage of Mr. and Mrs. Lou Boudler concluded an eventful Conference.
“Pervading the whole Session was
the consciousness of a new spiritual
adventure begun; the happiness of a
new unity forged, a new strength
created between hitherto scattered
units of the Faith; the freshness of
new discoveries made of fellow-believers
from other places. The meetings
opened in the Maxwell house,
where so much of historic importance
to the Cause in Canada has
originated. The spirit evoked there[Page 6]
stayed with us throughout the various
sessions as we enlarged and
deepened our knowledge of the Faith;
as we consulted, and understood
more clearly the nature of our present
tasks, and prayed for guidance
and strength to carry them out.”
It is not possible to detail here the wide-spread activities which so many of the Conference delegates have already undertaken, throughout Canada and especially in the Maritime Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Future reports will underscore that a new responsibility was implanted at this session, and that truly “all went away . . . with a realization . . . of the urgency for the speedy construction of the great Edifice of spiritual peace and social unity which the Bahá’ís build in the midst of the debris of a tottering world.”
2. Ontario
The Toronto Spiritual Assembly “did a magnificent job” in arranging this region’s first Summer Conference, held August 3rd to 9th at Glen Lynden Farm, Rice Lake, under the general theme of “Our Colossal Responsibility.” Here too the delegates were blessed by a cablegram from Shoghi Effendi saying that he was delighted, and praying for success of the Ontario Summer Session.
“. . . Twenty-nine guests attended lectures, seventeen guests staying at the Glen Lynden Farm for the complete Conference . . .” Present were “Bahá’ís from Toronto and environs, Hamilton and Parry Sound, in Ontario; from St. Lambert, Rivière Beaudette and Rouyn in Quebec; and from Boston and Winnipeg.”
“The locale chosen was ideal, a large farm fronting on the Lake . . . The view was magnificent, looking out over green lawns, through white cedar and white pine trees to a green-gray, island-studded lake, extending to distant rolling hills beyond. It was a spot of inspiration.
“There were daily readings and meditations which began each day; a course in Applied Administration, conducted by Harlan Ober, which drew long discussions on administrative ways and problems . . . ; a daily Teaching Forum, conducted by Rowland Estall along the same lines as the one held in Montreal, but with special application to the requirements of the Ontario Region which has no other Province to consider as a direct teaching responsibility; talks given by Rosemary Sala on ‘The Bahá’í Pioneer’, by Emeric Sala on ‘Post-War Reconstruction’, and by William Suter on ‘Bahá’í Attitude towards Christianity.’ These were the scheduled sessions on the program.
“But no less value was the unplanned experiences. There were Harlan Ober’s stories of ‘Adu’l-Bahá, told with intimate knowledge and feeling by one who knew and loved the Master; Paul Sala’s arrival from his farm in Quebec and his talk on ‘Agriculture in the Bahá’í World’; Priscilla Waugh’s open declaration of faith, which thrilled all hearts; a motor-boat cruise across the Lake to an Indian Reservation where some of the friends had a brief chat with members of the Otonabee tribe; the inquiries made by Mrs. Harris, owner of the farm, about the Cause and her interest in it . . . It was an unforgettable week and one which will have lasting influence on the future of the Cause in Ontario.”
“From all aspects, the Conference completely exceeded the expectations of the Conference Committee. The Ontario Bahá’ís, for the most part young in the Faith, were completely amazed at the tremendous spiritual force generated at such a gathering . . .”
Perhaps the words of John Robarts, present at both the Montreal and Rice Lake sessions, most vividly epitomize their powerful benefits to the Seven-Year Plan. “I wouldn’t have missed either of those sessions for worlds, and that is the feeling of everyone who attended either or both of them. We got to know each other, and to realize the spirit of unity lives in all Bahá’í gatherings. We are different people as a result of those sessions and we pray that we may attain that station of heroism and sacrifice mentioned by the N.S.A.”
3. Western Canada
Vernon, B.C., was host from August 29th to 31st for the third of these Summer Conferences. In it “the Regional Committee essayed what was perhaps the most difficult Conference to organize. They undertook to combine the opportunity for study and consultation with an active program of public teaching in Vernon and Armstrong, two cities in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, some three hundred miles inland from the Coast . . . As in the case of the other two Canadian Conferences, cables were exchanged with the Guardian.”
“The Conference lasted two-and-a-half days. From 17 to 20 people participated in the various private sessions, and perhaps 15 to 20 others, residents of Vernon and Armstrong, attended one or more of the three public meetings. Visitors from other cities included two from Portland, Oregon; seven from Vancouver and West Vancouver; one from Calgary and two from Winnipeg.
“The Public Meetings, addressed by George Latimer and Rowland Estall, had been well advertised . . . and excellent publicity obtained. A printed program had been sent out to 250 people. A window display on the main street in Vernon (at the Chamber of Commerce) had been arranged with a large framed picture of the Temple, and Bahá’í books and posters of the meetings.” One memorable episode of the meetings occurred when a Canadian officer in the audience arose, “upheld the Bahá’í ideals and said the reason for the present troubled world conditions was that we had been too concerned in talking about Christianity rather than Christ. It developed that he had heard of the Cause in Palestine after the last war and had tried to see ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.” As a result of all this public activity, Austin Collin has reported that he has now “increased his study group to eleven people . . . and that interest has grown so much that he could now guarantee an audience of 50 people for a public meeting . . .
“Austin Collin was Chairman of the Conference Sessions which, in addition to the Public Meetings, consisted of three periods of study of ‘The Promised Day Is Come,’ led by Mrs. Liddell, Mae McKenna and Evelyn Cliff, and an evening of consultation on Teaching . . .
“Headquarters for the Conference was the Kalamalka Hotel in Vernon. The Vernon friends had generously decorated all our rooms with many colored gladiolas and chrysanthemums, sign of the affluence with which nature has endowed this fertile valley in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. One felt that the seeds of the spirit were equally well planted in the hearts of the believers in these two cities, and would produce an abundant harvest for the Faith in time.”
And so was inaugurated this summer
of 1941 a “new phase of Canadian
teaching activity,” through
three gatherings conspicuous, in the[Page 7]
words of Mr. Estall, for their initiative,
inspiration, and action. Not
large in numbers, they yet signalized
the unity of the Canadian friends in
the historic duty conferred upon them
by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. For Canada is on
the march, and our fellows there are
serving and sacrificing by a new
measure. Might not they lead us all
to a new and vigorous phase in our
glorious mission?
“O ye believers of God! Do ye not look upon the smallness of your numbers and the multitudes of the nations . . . The plain is covered with pebbles, but precious stones are rare. One pearl is better than a thousand wildernesses of sand; especially this pearl of great price, which is endowed with divine blessing.”
Temple Construction Cost Increased[edit]
The reasons for increases in the estimated cost of completing the exterior decoration of the Temple main story are simple.
In the main story the contractor has found technical problems which did not arise in his work on the Temple dome, clerestory, gallery or pylons. The main story faces were designed by the architect with both vertical and horizontal curves. The process of fitting the castings for this type of surface involved unexpected delays in preparing the surfaces for the castings, and adapting the castings to their respective positions on the surfaces. To fit each casting, or completed unit, to the other castings in place or to be placed required much more working time on the part of the crew, and the cost increases have been for labor time and not for the purchase of material.
Finally, the casts which carry the nine texts are all different, since one text is not repeated nine times but a different wording appears over each of the nine entrances.
This is the first time in the contractor’s experience when the cost of applying the casts has been greater than the cost of making them.
What the Temple Trustees pay for is not the estimated cost but the actual cost, and this actual cost is checked by the Trustee’s supervising engineer each month and only the cost certified by the engineer is payable by the treasurer.
In the case of ordinary construction work the form of the contract calls for a fixed cost estimate, and the contractor loses if this estimate is exceeded. In the case of the Bahá’í House of Worship that type of contract was employed for the construction of the superstructure, but the cost-plus contract is preferable for the exterior decoration as otherwise the contractor, to protect himself against unexpected costs, would have to make a maximum cost estimate, much larger than the present contractor has made.
Before the contracts for the gallery, pylons and main story sections were executed, the Trustees had the advice of a Technical Committee, whose members included leading experts, and the selection of Mr. Earley as well as the form of contract and the system of cost accounting to be employed was all examined and recommended by that Committee, as was reported in Bahá’í News several years ago.
On the other side of the picture stand the very considerable savings which the Trustees have effected in connection with Temple construction work. One, the supervising engineer has given his services without fee. Two, the entire supply of quartz needed during the past three or four years was bought in advance at an extremely low figure. Three, the expert workmen needed for certain types of the work are classified for a wage scale much lower than would be the case if a new crew had to be hired. Four, the reinforcing steel needed for the steps was bought nearly a year ago, before war conditions produced higher costs and priorities.
In conclusion, the Temple Trustees are happy to report that all the precast units and all the materials needed to complete the last two faces next spring are finished and in storage, at the Temple, ready for operations as soon as weather permits. Moreover, if funds are available, the outside steps can also go forward rapidly in 1942, as the steel is on hand, the cement on order, the plans complete and much preliminary work accomplished.
To bring this divine Temple to completion, and give to the world this unique symbol of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, the unity and sacrifice of the friends is now needed. The technical problems of construction, considered insuperable twenty years ago, have all been solved.
Publishing Announcement[edit]
The World Moves on to Its Destiny, by Shoghi Effendi, a four page leaflet reprinting excerpts from recent words of the Guardian, including passages from The Promised Day Is Come, which explains the spiritual significance of the present world-struggle. Sold in lots of 100 only. Price, 100 copies for 50 cents.
Feast Day and Anniversary Calendar. This four page card, pocket size reference, contains the list and the dates of the Bahá’í Anniversaries, Festivals, Days of Fasting, Holy Days on which work should be suspended, dates of the Nineteen Day Feasts, and the Guardian’s letter of explanation. For Assemblies, Groups and Regional Secretaries. 100 cards for $1.00 for resale at 2 cents each. Or 25 cards for 50 cents if the large quantity can not be used.
Spanish translations, not listed in catalog.
| Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era | $ .75 | ||
| Wisdom of Abdu’l-Bahá | .50 | ||
| Some Answered Questions | 1.50 | ||
| Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Bahá | .20 | ||
| Bahá’í Procedure | .75 | ||
| Bahá’í Prayers | .25 |
Promulgation of Universal Peace:
In case any one has a copy of Vol.
II, of this title and wishes to complete
the set, there are a few copies
of Vol. I still available at $1.25 per
copy.
Tablets of Abdu’l-Bahá’. (large size) In case any one has a copy of Vol I, of this title and wishes to secure a copy of Vol. II or Vol. III to complete their sets, a few copies of Vol. II or Vol. III are still available at $1.50 per volume.
It is of more than passing interest to note that World Order, The Bahá’í Magazine, is steadily enrolling Public and University Libraries to its subscription list.
Bahá’í Assemblies, Groups and individuals, impressed by the value of the magazine for interesting non-Bahá’ís in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, as well as being a medium of progressive enlightenment and comfort for Bahá’ís themselves, are donating gift subscriptions to one or more of their local libraries. One Southern Bahá’í Assembly, for example, has recently renewed its annual subscription gift to five local Public and University Libraries.
- BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING COMMITTEE
- 110 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Ill.
- 110 Linden Avenue
- BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING COMMITTEE
Green Acre News[edit]
The Green Acre School completed its 1941 session on August 31. How can one measure the effect of the nine weeks of teaching, learning, and living? Twenty-two regular, and as many incidental, instructors gave twenty approaches to a new society. Using as a basis the Divine Products of Bahá’u’lláh’s inspired Pen, they gave the pattern for living today and tomorrow. Then teachers and students went forth intellectually and spiritually inspired to live the pattern. Perhaps it is that “living” which is the best measure. It is sometimes called “the spirit of Green Acre.”
The physical needs of man were not neglected. Mrs. Valentine and her able corps created the substance for three of each day’s most pleasant hours. There were plenty of opportunities for recreation. The waterfront was improved with a substantial float and a fireplace; boat rides in Portsmouth harbor, square dancing on Monday evenings, music by a resident group of musicians and by record, walks in the pines and on Monsalvat, picnics at the beaches were some of the things enjoyed by many; Mrs. Street, Spanish, taught the language and coached a play for Youth week.
A heart-warming sight was the Children’s Class under the pines. The nine or ten children of several ages living at the Inn gathered to hear and learn the teachings under the guidance of Mrs. Swift or Louis Gregory.
The facilities of the School were placed at the disposal of the Regional Teaching Committee. Besides using the Bahá’í Hall for a Regional teaching meeting, they used many of the instructors as speakers at public meetings in New England cities.
Some arranged flowers in the rooms and halls; others served refreshing teas; there were many late lunches after the evening meetings.
There is another measure of education. It is the creation of a desire to learn. It may be that Mr. Ashton’s sale of four hundred dollars worth of books is a tangible indication of a creation of that desire!
Information for Radio Committee[edit]
The Radio Committee needs the cooperation of the friends in order to work out new plans for the extension of this important branch of public teaching activity.
Will the believers who have given radio talks, the Committees and local Assemblies who have conducted radio programs, kindly send in the following data:
Date of talk; topic (this not imperative); call letter of broadcasting station; picture (if possible) of the station and whatever information you have about the size of the radio audience which the station claims to have for its programs. The photograph can be of the studio or the building in which it is located, whichever the station itself gives out for publicity purposes. With the photo should come word that the station permits the photo to be used.
Kindly furnish this information at your early convenience. Address Mrs. Wendell E. Bacon, Secretary, Munson, Mass.
- RADIO COMMITTEE
In Memoriam[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.—Bahá’u’láh.
- Mr. George L. Tarot,San Francisco.
- Mr. Amos Hostetler. Lima.
- Mr. Ali Mazloom, Chicago.
- Mrs. William F. Slater, Chicago.
- Mr. Edward H. Luberger, Milwaukee.
- Mrs. Anna Peterson, Kenosha, Wisc.
- Mr. Elmer E. Miller, Atascadero, Calif.
Enrollments and Transfers[edit]
Los Angeles, seven. San Francisco, two. Wauwatosa, one. New Haven, two. Chicago, one. Richmond Highlands, one. West Chester, one. Hamilton, two.
Enrollments of isolated believers reported in November—twelve.
Bahá’í Calendar[edit]
Nineteen Day Feasts: Questions, December 12; Honor, December 31; Sovereignty, January 19.
Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly: at Wilmette, January 2, 3, 4, 1942.
Bahá’í Schools: Louhelen School, Winter session, December 26, 1941 to January 1, 1942.
Bahá’í Directory[edit]
November 28
ASSEMBLIES
Santa Barbara, Calif. Change of address. Mrs. Marie Lowell, Secretary, 36 West Valerie Street.
New York, N. Y. New Secretary elected. Rinaldo Quigley, Corresponding Secretary, Bahá’í Center, 119 West 57th Street.
Maywood. Ill. Dissolved for lack of numbers.
Montreal, Quebec. New Secretary elected. Miss Anne Savage, Secretary, 99 Guilbault Street.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Committee on Miscellaneous Materials: Harry E. Walrath, Chairman, Mrs. Flora Ernst, Mrs. May Scheffler, Soheil Hannen.
This new Committee has been appointed to serve as a central distributor for teaching material such as Displays, Lantern Slides, Moving Picture Films, Phonograph Records, Photographs, Ringstones and reproductions of the Greatest Name. A detailed announcement will be made later.
COMMIITEE ADDITIONS AND REVISIONS
Braille Transcriptions: Correction of error. New member added, Mrs. Elmer Duckett.
Youth Bulletin: Richard McCurdy appointed Editor. James Hammond unable to serve.
Regional Teaching Committee of Ontario: Mrs. John Robarts added.
Regional Teaching Committee of Texas. Change of address. Mrs. Doris Corbin, Secretary, 5011 Lindsay Street, Houston, Texas.
