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| No. 153 | YEAR 98, BAHÁ’Í ERA | June, 1942 |
Messages From the Guardian[edit]
1. To the 1942 Convention
Last phase (of) Seven Year Plan so auspiciously begun, so vigorously prosecuted, (is) opening. (The) first Bahá’í Century (is) fast running out. (The) agonies (of a) travailing age (are) culminating. (The) Báb’s stirring, unique injunction, directing (the) peoples (of the) West (to) leave their cities (to) insure (the) triumph (of the) Divine Cause (was) recorded (a) century age (in the) Qayyúmi-Asmá’. Bahá’u’lláh’s significant summons calling upon all (the) Presidents (of the) Republics (of the) western hemisphere (to) champion (the) Cause (of) Justice (was) issued seventy years ago (in) His Most Holy Book. (The) broad outlines (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s matchless design, conceived twenty-five years ago (for the) benefit (of the) North American believers, (was) transmitted (to) posterity (in the) Tablets (of the) Divine Plan. (The) Seven Year, Enterprise, regarded (as the) initial stage (in the) execution (of a) World Mission, (has been) already launched. (The) gigantic Temple undertaking, constituting (the) major obligation (of) this enterprise, (has been) virtually consummated. (The) vast Intercontinental Teaching Campaign (is) visibly yielding first fruits (in) every Republic (of) Latin America. Upon (the) crucial year ahead hinges (the) fortunes (of this) historic crusade. From Alaska to Chile, (the) Americas (are) astir (with the) leavening influences (of the) rising Order (of the) newborn Revelation. (The) great Republic (of the) West (is) inescapably swept (into the) swelling tide (of the) world tribulations, presaging (the) assumption (of a) preponderating share (in the) establishment (of the) anticipated Lesser Peace. Invisible hosts (are) marshalled, eager (to) rush forth (and) crown every effort, however humble, however belated, exerted (to) speed (the) unfinished tasks. Again (I) renew plea (for) closer communion (with the) Spirit (of) Bahá’u’lláh, (for) more passionate resolve, (for) more abundant flow (of) material resources, (and for) wider dispersion, intenser concentration, by (a) still greater number (of) pioneers, settlers (and) itinerant teachers (to) insure for (the) Plan (a) termination commensurate (with and) wondrous as (the) exploits marking (the) opening decade (of) first Bahá’í Century. Myself deprived (of) personal participation (in the) task allotted (to the) prosecutors (of the) epoch-making Plan, (I am) impelled (to) deputize five members (of the) American Bahá’í community (to) help fulfill (in) my behalf whatsoever pioneer field (is) must vital (to) its urgent requirements. Pledging five thousand dollars (for) accomplishment (of) this purpose.
2. To the National Spiritual Assembly
Rejoice (in the) formation (of the) new Assemblies. Extend cordial welcome. Praying still greater success. Urge concentration (on) potential Assemblies, particularly (in) States (and) Provinces where none exists.
Welcome renewed determination reflected (by) Assembly. Praying befitting discharge (of its) solemn, urgent responsibilities. Love.
First copy (of The) Bahá’í World received. Deepest loving appreciation (to) all contributors (for this) magnificent production.
3. To Officers of the N. S. A.
He also hopes that the National Assembly, aided by the Teaching and Inter-America Committees, will strengthen the work of the pioneers and exert their utmost endeavor that they not only remain at their posts, but that new ones go out to strengthen and reinforce the work.
It is hard to conceive of a time
which will demand greater dedication[Page 2]
and sacrifice, endurance and
courage, than the period at present
ahead of the American Bahá’ís. All
those noble traits of dedication and
eagerness to devote all their energy
to promoting the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh,
which they have increasingly
demonstrated these past years,
must now rise to meet the challenge
of the ordeal which they now, in
common with the vast majority of
their fellowmen, must support and
pass through.
(From letter dated December 21, 1941, written through his secretary, to Allen B. McDaniel)
The prosecution and completion of the task to which the American believers have pledged themselves must be insured, despite and in the very midst of the ordeal which they are now facing. The greater the anguish which this ordeal must entail, the most formidable the obstacles it will raise, the more meritorious their achievement, and the greater the spiritual power which their enterprises must and will exert in the future. I will pray that their efforts will be crowned with success that will cause the whole Bahá’í world to marvel.
(The Guardian’s postscript to the above letter)
It does indeed seem strange that people who have seen literally prophecy after prophecy fulfilled, and all that the Bahá’ís were led to anticipate, come to pass, still remain veiled from the reality of the Faith and spiritually lethargic. How deeply they will rue their lost opportunity when once their eyes become open!
Shoghi Effendi hopes that the N. S. A. and Teaching Committee are meeting with a wider response to the call for pioneers and teachers. The American believers have carried on with such enthusiasm and devotion, and established such a record, that now all the Bahá’ís the world over have the impression that they can do almost anything! They must exceed their own past records for speed and accomplishment in order to triumph in the Seven Year Plan.
(From letter dated February 28, 1942, written through his secretary, to Roy C. Wilhelm)
The Spirit of the Convention[edit]
The Divine Cause moves majestically onward, enlightening darkened horizons; diffusing its fragrances
|
June 14 The National Radio Committee informs the friends that Mrs. Lethia C. Fleming of the Cleveland Bahá’í community is to be the guest speaker on the Wings Over Jordan program Sunday morning, June 14. Her subject is “Beauty and Harmony in Diversity” from one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talks. This program is given over the CBS stations throughout the country. The hour differs from East to West, but the central time is 9:30 a.m. This important occasion will not only be of great interest to believers, but an excellent opportunity to bring the Bahá’í message to the attention of friends. The Committee suggests that Bahá’ís write appreciative letters to the station after the talk. |
over vast regions; raising with full faith and confidence, the Call of God; pointing the Way.
Whenever two or more Bahá’ís meet there are signs of eternal fellowship. But especially significant of spiritual attraction and power are these annual gatherings which draw together remote regions of the Earth into harmonious and loving brotherhood, through their chosen representatives. Such was the Thirty-Fourth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, which had both the seen and unseen Favor of God. The place was the foundation hall of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Dawning Place of the Mentions of God, and the time overlapped the end of the Ridván period, the great Festival, which commemorates the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh, a period of supreme happiness throughout the Bahá’í world.
Contact with influential people outside of the orbit of the Faith brings to light their increasing respect and reverence for the Bahá’í. The quiet, unobtrusive dignity, large-heartedness and sincerity of the friends, their patience and steadfastness through the period of derision and scorn, the marvelous beauty unfolded with the progress of Temple construction, have all been factors in this changed attitude in the greater Chicago area.
Race Unity Banquet
A prelude to the Convention was the Race Unity Banquet the evening before, held in the Chicago Woman’s Club and seating about two hundred and seventy-five among the most talented people of Chicago and its environs. It was sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, with its program and arrangements worked out jointly by the National Race Unity committee and Chicago Assembly. Mrs. Dorothy K. Baker, Chairman of the National Race Unity Committee, presided and following the pleasing repast, introduced about a score of speakers for short addresses. The chairman herself voiced hearty welcome to all, extending the warm greetings of the National body which had delegated two of its members to attend, in view of its own enforced absence. The scene of the banquet was one of harmony and beauty in diversity. Two American Indians, one of whom spoke in English and the other chanted a prayer in his native tongue; a Chinese; a local American journalist who formerly worked in Japan; an Esperantist who spoke in the tongue that seeks world service; two very prominent colored editors, who gave unqualified approval to Bahá’í ideals and working plans; a Latin American representative; three Persians of rank and various Bahá’í speakers, whose golden glow of heavenly teachings inspired all, were among the highlights of this beautiful setting. Besides all this, a rich musical program presented by a variety of artists from many groups, augmented the pleasure of entertainment and instruction. Although this banquet is now an annual event, this particular effort seemed to mark the spring tide of such noble endeavors serving the world of humanity.
The Convention Begins
The Convention’s first and successive days were enriched by the early morning prayers and readings, selections especially made for their beauty and creative power. A spiritual atmosphere is the best incentive to work.
Allen B. McDaniel, chairman of
the National Spiritual Assembly,
calling the convention to order,
expressed in feeling terms the blessed
privilege of being identified with[Page 3]
service in this the ninety-ninth year
of the Bahá’í era, now begun. The elation
was expressed over the completion
of five years of the Seven
Year Plan and confidence that the
western heirs of the Dawn-Breakers
would overcome the tears and ordeals
which the future may bring
and, through Divine Favor, pave the
way for the coming of the Most
Great Peace.
The convention organized with the election of George O. Latimer as chairman and Horace Holley, secretary. The first roll-call showed a majority of the delegates present, with about two-thirds answering later calls.
The secretary read the Guardian’s cablegram to the Convention, which is reprinted in this issue of Bahá’í News.
The Convention, after due consideration, cabled the Guardian as follows: “Delegates, friends grateful, overjoyed your soul-stirring message and bounty bestowed, the example set for the American Bahá’í community. With hearts overflowing with love (we) long to lighten your burden. Resolved rededicate ourselves (with) intense concentration (on the) accomplishment (of the) goal. Supplicating your prayers.”
The world currents and influence of the convention may be illustrated in part by inspiring and beautiful greetings received by wire or cable from Allentown, Pa.; La Paz, Bolivia; Rutland, Vt.; San Francisco, Calif.; San José, Costa Rica; Laramie, Wyoming; Anchorage, Alaska; Pentwater, Mich.; Beverly, Mass.; East Orange, N. J.: Birmingham, Ala.; Honolulu, H. I,: Denver, Colo.; Seattle, Wash.; Plainville, and Wrentham, Mass.; Westmount, Montreal, Canada.
Early on the first day, the passing of Mr. Ben Taylor of Cincinnati, one of the oldest Bahá’ís in service, was announced and the convention paused in silence while prayers for the departed were read.
National Secretary Reports
The National secretary presented his supplementary annual report, setting forth various activities not previously mentioned.
The approach of the Contacts Committee to a thousand prominent Americans, through letters and excerpts from the Sacred Writings; the Race Unity Banquet under National Auspices; the availability to the
Memorial to Martin. L. Root, Honolulu, T. H., Designed by C. Mason Remey and Constructed Under the Supervision of the Spiritual Assembly from Funds Contributed by the American Bahá’ís. “The Foremost Hand Which ‘Abdu'l-Bahá’s Will Has Raised Up in the First Bahá’í Century.”
friends of photostat copies of the
Wills of Bahá’u’lláh and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
at small cost; the formation
of new Assemblies and restoration
of others; the organization of five
new centers in Latin America; the
increasing effectiveness of regional
committees, among isolated believers
and the service rendered by the
Bulletin; the activities of the Race
Unity Committee in carrying the
message to seventy Colleges;
Bahá’í schools and their expanding
curricula; the activities of the Radio
and Children’s committees; the
various messages from the Guardian,
the belief, relayed from the Orient
and gaining ground in that area,
“that American Bahá’ís can accomplish
anything;” the burial of two
famous Bahá’ís, Mirza Abul Fazl and
Lua M. Getsinger, in a Bahá’í cemetery
in Egypt, and assurance that
the grace and bounty of the Holy
Spirit descends to pure hearts, where
the features of this luminous report.
The National Treasurer
Next came the National Treasurer, with an exhortation not to lean upon the past, but to be alive to the duty of today and the joy of sacrifice. One hundred percent of cooperation would make all things possible. While the Treasurer’s homily continued in this strain, with expression of regret that the annual budget was still thousands short — his faithful assistant, who was stationed at a favored spot, brought him the joyful news that during the brief session of the convention the budget deficit had not only been made up, but receipts now put the annual budget a thousand or more dollars over the top! Thus the tears of the Treasurer were turned into laughter, in which the delegates heartily joined. The convention registers outpourings in ways more than one!
National Teaching
This was especially a teaching
convention and the National Teaching
Committee, a body noted for
great devotion and efficiency, had
its interesting and thrilling time of
the demonstration. They gave a graphic
picture of the vast field of action,
supported by names of workers and
statistics, showing the victories of
the past five years and the need for
more intensive and sustained efforts
during the residuum of two,
during which the completion of the
Seven Year Plan as outlined by the[Page 4]
Guardian, puts a responsibility upon
every soul. The destiny of mankind
is affected by these efforts, since
only the Divine Relief can assuage
universal suffering. The call of the
Guardian some years ago for nine
souls to volunteer brought a response
from eighty-one. Now there
is an urgent call for sixteen to do
pioneer service, the yet unfinished
task. Who will hear and heed this
call?
This report precipitated a prolonged discussion in which many futile suggestions of methods and approach, wisdom, sacrifice, the eloquence of deeds above words, prayerfulness, service, harmony, intense concentration, etc. received warm and earnest mention. Some of those willing to fill the needed quota were found present. So the appeal is heard and the work progresses.
The convention gave a cordial welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Habib Sabet and their two children, visitors from Iran. Another distinguished visitor was Senor Pedro Espinoza, of the Spiritual Assembly of Mexico City who is most enthusiastic over the spread of the teachings in that great country, which already has a good teaching unit.
Inter America Teaching
This great arm of service made an inspiring report of the teaching work in various Latin American countries, all of which requires tact, wisdom and perseverance. Mention was made of many brave souls, who are overcoming unusual difficulties and are attracted by Divine Favor, the hearts.
The matter of obtaining passports, visas, transportation is not easy at such a time of upheaval. It is the duty of every believer to support this great campaign. A wealth of the Creative Words, bearing upon teaching gave many quotations. The freedom of South Americans from racial prejudice is in their favor in accepting the teachings. The Inter America School plays a noble part in training teachers. Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Y. Mottahedeh gave an interesting account of their flying trip to South America for teaching.
The Temple
The Temple supervising engineer, Mr. McDaniel, whose gratuitous and faithful services have been a bounty of the friends over so long a period of years, spoke happily of the dream-reality now become a physical fact. The epic of transformation, from the ugliness of the undressed foundation to the temple’s present loveliness, struck a poetic vein. The work of completing the two remaining faces, to go forward simultaneously with that on the two miles of steps started May 18. The former will be completed in about two months, the latter by November. The steps will be of the same material as the rest of the Temple.
The designs for interior decoration, purchased years ago from Mrs. Bourgeois, are now with the Guardian. The inscriptions over the doors will eventually become visible so as to be read at a reasonable distance. How great is the victory that temple construction should go forward during the years of world-wide depression and amidst the greatest upheaval known to mankind. On Mr. McDaniel’s suggestion a word of loving appreciation was sent Mr. John A. Earley, with prayers for his early recovery.
Annual Election
At the time appointed, and following Bahá’í procedure, the election was held in the new National Spiritual Assembly. This resulted, by report of the tellers in the reelection of the former body. The tellers who spent several hours in counting the ballots were voted the thanks of the convention. The new national body was later announced by Mr. Holley, organized as follows: Allen B. McDaniel, chairman; George O. Latimer, vice-chairman; Horace Holley, secretary; Louis G. Gregory, recording secretary; Roy C. Wilhelm, treasurer; Siegfried Schopflocher, assistant treasurer; Dorothy K. Baker, Leroy Ioas and Amelia E. Collins.
The Southern Field[edit]
The cooperative services of the Race Unity and Southern Regional Committees was an interesting phase of the convention story. Brave pioneers and itinerant teachers in their efforts to spread the teachings in a region largely fundamentalist in religion and reactionary in race-relations are meeting with notable successes. Slow but quite marked progress is made. The first definite instructions of the Guardian about the work in the South, to wit, that teachers in that region should consult with the minority group, find out from them who are the liberals among the majority, and then proceed with teaching, is fraught with divine wisdom and if followed would greatly facilitate the progress of the cause. The world is now in a state of rapid change and those who are just and are genuinely interested in human welfare are obviously the most likely to be attracted by the Great Message.
The chairman of the Race Unity Committee, spoke of her committee’s purpose, under instructions of the Guardian, to reach as many minority groups as possible. We are not to let the old traditions guide us; nor let discredited ideas and leadership swerve us from service. Strike out into new paths and pursue new ideals under the Supreme Guidance of Bahá’u’lláh.
Firmness in the Covenant
The most important task of teaching firmness in the Covenant and avoiding association with Covenant-breakers, was assigned Albert R. Windust, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly and veteran Bahá’í of Chicago. His was one of the ablest elucidations of the subject ever made on such an occasion, replete with illustrations and the authorities quoted. Covenant-breakers, animated by pride and disobedience, attack the principle of Prophetic succession and direct their bitter hatred against the appointed Center or Guardian of the Cause. Quoting the memorable words of the Master:
“They are indeed counted as dead. And the dead disintegrate and spread infection.” “He that sits with leper catches leprosy.”
In the region of Chicago there is a
man who for perhaps forty years
has carried on a one-man propaganda,
trying to show that Subhi Ezel,
the apostate half-brother, and not
Bahá’u’lláh, was the rightful successor
of the Báb! Behold how obstinacy
and absurdity march together in this
strange and impossible mind! Other
Covenant-breakers, professing loyalty,
attacked the Master. Others in
the same way, because he has
balked their greed and corruption,
now attack our Guardian, although
pretending loyalty to the Master.
Can the beetle love the rose or the
bat the sunshine? Even the density
and obstinacy of such souls have an
effect the least suspected by themselves.
Their futile efforts to destroy
the Cause focus a searchlight upon
their own motives which results in[Page 5]
greater faith and higher attainments
among united, loving and loyal
friends.
Various Committees
The Radio committee reported broadcasts over a wide area which made use of one hundred and sixty-six stations. A planography was distributed which equips workers to obtain a favorable hearing from broadcast station program directors.
The Publicity committee reported upon plans for press notices and appeals. The convention recommended the use of a publicity expert to aid this work.
The Contacts committee has a record of approaches by letter to many prominent people. It is not too much to hope that at no distant day, many very clever people will be drawn into the Faith.
The Archives and History Committee gave explanation of the Sacred relics displayed on the walls.
The Exhibits Committee offered the Temple itself as the greatest exhibit. Two beautiful pictures of it, made by Carl Scheffler, adorned the walls. In the corridors were impressive exhibits of practically all the various committees, with many pictures, charts and explanations.
The Study Outline Committee reported, among various labors, an outline for the study of Islám. Now available to the friends.
The various school committees, Green Acre, Geyserville, Louhelen and International unfolded the expanding curricula of their scientific and spiritual training.
The Child Education Committee reported progress in that fascinating field of work.
The chairman whose genial spirit both guided and entertained the delegates, brought its business sessions to its close by a prayer read by Mrs. Sarah Walrath.
Prior to this, however, the Assembly Development Committee held a hearing which was improved to impress the progress of the Cause which would be very rapid through a full functioning and active administration, as a stimulus, guide and guard in each and every center. A strong, virile, Spiritual Assembly makes a live, active community.
El Ridván[edit]
This greatest of all Bahá’í festivals was observed on Friday evening of the convention. It was arranged
Bahá’í Display in Window of Lyman Pharmacy, Linden Avenue at Fourth Street, Wilmette, During the Convention at 1942. Arranged by John Haggard.
by the Spiritual Assembly of
Milwaukee, whose chairman presided.
First came the reading of
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh addressed to
Kings, Statesmen and important
personages of the world. Then came
an address by Mr. Habib Sabet, visitor
from Iran, whose quaint humor
and powers of description drew a
vivid contrast yet oneness of spirit
between East and West. Miss Elsie
Austin presented the Bahá’í teachings
in language of such originality,
spirituality and charm as to attract
all hearts.
Ali-Kuli Khan, N. D. was at his best, giving with rare eloquence a spiritual and philosophical explanation of the meaning of Ridván. The Bahá’í friends were very inspired and happy, a state that was shared by the visiting friends.
Public Teaching Meeting
Carl Scheffler was happy as chairman. Mrs. Loulie A. Matthews presented “The House we live in.” That house, she said, is your identity. It must be in order and lighted by faith. As with the individual so must it be with the nation and the world. She then related the stories of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh and their successive calls to mankind. A bright future for America is indicated and all were invited to enter the Divine Cause as the Realm of Life.
Mr. Ali M. Yazdi, third generation Bahá’í, spoke on “The Challenge of the Times.” He said in part: We become aware of values by losses. Now, while mankind suffers, is the time to do good work. We must build real harmony out of the false unity created by wars, a new world designed for peace. This means one world neighborhood and the coordination of all human endeavors. Bahá’u’lláh has revealed to us the plan. Life will become a noble and exciting adventure under His New World Order. To live in this day is a privilege from God. We witness the birth of an age for which men have longed.
Summary
The convention is now a bright
memory. But it is certain that its
influence lives and grows. The bounties
from the Abhá Kingdom descended
in such abundance as to inspire
gratitude and reverence in the
hearts. Those who witnessed the difficulties
of the past year may well
marvel at the victory’s magnitude,[Page 6]
due to the secret forces of Celestial
Strength. Divine Promises are given the
assurance of greater victories.
May we not cherish the hope that the love, loyalty and approved activities of the American friends may be as a magnet, divinely charged, to attract ere long, the presence in our midst of our well-beloved Guardian? His coming at some time is indicated. At such a time as he deigns to make the journey, the Temple of God, in its transcendent beauty, will welcome him. A thousand homes will offer him service. Thousands of hearts gladdened by his presence, will overflow with love. Ten thousand times ten thousand minds will be enlightened by his mature wisdom.
The Sixth Year of the Seven Year Plan[edit]
Beloved Friends:
The Guardian has inaugurated the last phase of the Seven Year Plan by his cablegram of April 26 addressed to the Convention. The delegates and Bahá’í friends present at the Convention felt themselves inspired and renewed by the experience of rededication to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. As from a throbbing heart, the potent impulse generated in that experience has been communicated throughout the American Bahá’í community—to the Assemblies, to the believers, to the local and National Committees.
It is for us now to direct this holy and passionate zeal into definite undertakings for the fulfilment of the Seven Year Plan. We have but two years in which to make our individual and collective effort and reveal the degree of our longing to serve His Cause.
Important projects are already under way, for both the Inter-America and National Teaching Committees held continuous consultation with volunteer teachers and pioneers during the Convention period, and the incoming National Spiritual Assembly acted at once on the recommendations prepared by these two Committees.
In its successive messages to the friends in Bahá’í News, the National Spiritual Assembly will concentrate on the vital needs and steps of progress in the teaching work and in the Temple construction, and report the condition of the National Fund in relation to the current annual budget.
Annual Budget
1. Teaching, including North and
- South America and providing
- for all Committees related to
- teaching work or teaching
- facilities ...................$50,000
2. Temple construction, to provide
- all necessary funds for
- completion of main story exterior
- ornamentation, for the
- surrounding steps, and for payment
- of balance due on work
- done in 1941 ..................$40.000
3. Administrative expense, including
- all Committees not financed
- from the budget for teaching,
- the Convention, Bahá’í News,
- etc. ...........................$20,000
4. Maintenance of Bahá’í Trustee
- properties, including insurance,
- taxes, repairs and caretaking...$20,000
5. Repayment of balance due on the
- loan incurred in 1940 for Temple
- construction ...................$14,000
6. Reserve for contingent items...$6,000
- TOTAL ..............................$150,000
In announcing this budget, the National Spiritual Assembly must again emphasize the basic importance of the National Fund as the “life blood” of our unified Bahá’í activity, and the symbol of our sacrifice to the common goal. The individual believer is urged to ponder his own responsibility, and the local Assembly is requested to present the needs of the Fund at meetings of community consultation.
Temple Construction
On Monday, May 18, work was resumed at the House of Worship. The plan is to complete the last two main story faces and the steps by November, 1942, thus exemplifying the Guardian’s words in his Convention message: “The gigantic Temple undertaking, constituting the major obligation of this enterprise, has been virtually consummated.”
Photographs illustrating the progress of the work will be published as frequently as possible in Bahá’í News. All the materials, including the carved castings, are in readiness, and the final responsibility of the Bahá’í community in this historic undertaking is to meet the construction expense set forth in the budget. For details, consult the article in Bahá’í News for February, 1942.
North America Teaching
Last January the friends were given in Bahá’í News two maps showing the unsettled States and Provinces of North America, Twenty-three States, six Provinces, and the Territory of Alaska were listed. Now, from reports of local elections held April 21, it becomes possible to remove from that list the following areas: Louisiana, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia. But New Mexico has since been placed on the unoccupied list.
This leaves twenty States, three Provinces and Alaska to settle with a Spiritual Assembly by 1944.
In January there were twenty-four dissolved Assemblies to be restored. The recent elections restored the Assemblies of Moncton and St. Lambert, Canada, Lansing, Michigan, and Salt Lake City, Utah, but transferred Brookline, Massachusetts, to the number of Assemblies gone out of existence. All the election reports are not yet received, but the full and final Assembly roll for 1942-1943 will be published next month.
Latin America Teaching
As stated elsewhere in this issue, seven new cities and one existing Assembly reported this year, and reports are awaited from two other Assemblies, making a total of ten local Spiritual Assemblies.
This comes to us as impressive evidence of the spiritual power which the devotion of the pioneers and the energy and planning of the Committee has released in the Inter-Continental teaching field.
Plans are under way to settle pioneer teachers in Venezuela, Columbia and Brazil, while Dr. Malcolm King of Milwaukee has arisen to volunteer to settle in Jamaica two years for teaching activity. A detailed survey of current work will be reported next month.
“Again I Renew Plea”
The Guardian’s message identifies
each of us with the full success of
the teaching work. “Invisible hosts
are marshalled, eager to rush forth
and crown every effort, however
humble, however belated, exerted to
speed the unfinished tasks. Again I
renew plea for closer communion
with the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh, for
more passionate resolve, for more
abundant flow of material resources,
and for wider dispersion, intense
concentration, by a still greater
number of pioneers, settlers and
itinerant teachers to insure for the
Plan a termination commensurate
[Page 7]
with and wondrous as the exploits
marking the opening decade of the
first Bahá’í Century.”
The all-loving Father, Bahá’u’lláh, offers His children the supreme heavenly Gift—the privilege of sacrificing themselves for the Cause of God. We will search the whole world over and find nothing in palaces, universities, factories or legislatures to compare with the blessing bestowed upon the Bahá’ís. Pure intention, heroism, spiritual knowledge—every form of capacity any believer may possess in any degree—are in these days to be fulfilled, assuring to the faithful servants an eternal blessing.
Centering our firm vision upon the radiant goal, assured of success, rejuvenated in spirit, may we redouble our effort to accomplish definite tasks in this, “the crucial year ahead” upon which “hinge the fortunes” of the Divine Plan.
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Annual Election[edit]
The election held Friday, May 1, 1942, resulted in the following vote for members of the National Spiritual Assembly:
Horace Holley, 131; Louis G. Gregory, 125; Roy C. Wilhelm, 115; Mrs. Dorothy Baker, 112; Allen B. McDaniel, 110; Siegfried Schopflocher, 100; George O. Latimer, 98; Leroy Ioas, 85; Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, 84.
These members organized by the election of the following officers:
Allen B. McDaniel, Chairman; George O. Latimer, Vice Chairman; Horace Holley, Secretary; Roy C. Wilhelm, Treasurer; Louis G. Gregory, Recording Secretary; Siegfried Schopflocher, Assistant Treasurer.
Newly–Established and Restored Assemblies[edit]
The result of teaching efforts made last year has been gratifying in the number of new Assemblies established and former Assemblies restored to the roll.
The restored Assemblies are: Lansing, Mich., St. Lambert, P. Q., Moncton, N. B., Salt Lake City, Utah.
The new Assemblies: New Orleans, La., Halifax, N. S., Houston, Texas, East Orange and Englewood, N. J., Winnipeg, Man., Ann Arbor, Mich., Shorewood, Wisc., Arlington, Va., Beverly, Mass.
This adds fourteen Assemblies to
Bahá’í Center Dedicated by the Spiritual Assembly and Bahá’í Community of Honolulu, T. H., October 20. 1941.
the number of established Bahá’í Communities, and from the unoccupied areas, it removes the following States and Provinces: New Orleans, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia.
The Bahá’ís of Snohomish County, Washington, also formed an Assembly, but the recognition of such a large area for a local Assembly has raised an important administrative principle which has been referred to the Guardian. If the Guardian directs the National Assembly to accept this county, community, the number of new Assemblies elected on April 21, 1942, will be eleven instead of ten.
Latin-American Assemblies[edit]
The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has made remarkable progress and achieved signal victories in Central and South America in the fourth year of the Seven Year Plan.
It is a great privilege to announce that election reports have been received from eight cities.
These reports have made it possible to recognize the Spiritual Assemblies now existing in the following cities:
Montevideo, Uruguay; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Port au Prince, Haiti; Havana, Cuba; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; San Salvador, El Salvador; Mexico, D. F.; and Puebla, Pue., Mexico. To these eight Assemblies may doubtless be added the two Assemblies existing last year—Buenas Aires, Argentina, and San Jose, Costa Rica—whose current election reports have not yet been received.
The Assembly of Puntarenas was developed by teachers from San Jose, and the Assembly of Puebla by Sr. Pedro Espinosa of Mexico City, showing how much can be expected of the new friends in Latin-America as their numbers increase and they are supplied with comprehensive selections from the teachings in their native tongue.
The Crucial Year Ahead[edit]
Already the sixth year of our Plan is rushing on its way. Almost three months have vanished from the “crucial year ahead” on which, Shoghi Effendi has cabled. “Hinge (the) fortunes (of this) historic crusade.” Those who attended the Convention have now returned to their home communities, bearing the sober news of immense teaching requirements, the recognition of which implanted in every delegate an urgent resolve to “speed (the) unfinished tasks.”
The nature of these tasks was
clearly defined during the Convention
sessions. In North America, we
learned of the formation in April,
1942, of eleven Spiritual Assemblies,
seven in virgin territories, thereby
bringing the total of remaining virgin
States and Provinces to twenty-four.
Included were three disbanded
Assemblies, leaving twenty-three
yet to be re-established. To complete
this gigantic work the National
Teaching Committee asked for sixteen
[Page 8]
pioneers and the participation
of the entire American community.
REMAINING VIRGIN STATES
AND PROVINCES
| Alberta | Mississippi | ||
| Prince Edward Island | Arkansas | ||
| Saskatchewan | Iowa | ||
| Alaska | North Dakota | ||
| New Hampshire | South Dakota | ||
| Rhode Island | Kansas | ||
| Vermont | Nebraska | ||
| Delaware | Colorado | ||
| West Virginia | Wyoming | ||
| North Carolina | Idaho | ||
| Kentucky | Nevada | ||
| Alabama | New Mexico |
An immediate attack upon these
pioneer fields was made by the Regional
Teaching Committees, meeting
jointly for a half day with the
National Teaching Committee at
Convention time. Sixteen Committees
sent forty-eight representatives
to this meeting for survey and planning.
Each Committee determined
to study its area in relation to the
Seven-Year Plan, to subordinate
every activity to the completion of
the unfinished tasks, and to measure
its progress by selecting specific
objectives to be reached within
stated times. Thus, the initial survey
and outline for the year’s work
will be completed and submitted to
the N.T.C. by June 1, 1942.
It was the hope of all Regional Committees that Local Spiritual Assemblies would take an active share in the pioneer effort this year. Through the appointment of Extension Committees, as requested by the N.S.A. last January, innumerable reservoirs of strength and assistance will become available to the Regional Committees. The Assemblies have also been called upon to provide teachers, to urge those already qualified to volunteer their energies, and to train the younger and less-experienced friends to undertake their part in pioneer and circuit work. The Regional Committees stand ready to coordinate the efforts of both Extension Committees and teaching volunteers, and to guide them into the most essential fields.
Above all, however, the one essential in this vast campaign is the active support of the whole body of the friends. “American believers must unanimously pledge themselves,” cabled Shoghi Effendi in March. Unanimous work, unanimous prayers, unanimous giving,—such are the claims upon our devotion and faith in this critical hour!
Dear friends, we who participated in the Convention sessions, seeking and finding beneath the dome of our wondrous Temple a fresh spirit with which to conquer the obstacles ahead, can never doubt that victory awaits us in 1944, if we but take the steps that lead to victory. Is not the path to be found in these words of our Guardian: “Invisible hosts (are) marshalled, eager (to) rush forth (and) crown every effort, however humble, however belated, exerted (to) speed (the) unfinished tasks.”
Inter-America News[edit]
Publicity
The Cause is receiving the most gratifying publicity in the publications of both Central and South America, and many clippings are coming in which we are preserving as an historical record. These clippings show the wisdom and tact which our pioneers are using and evidence, by the amount of space involved, the willingness of the Press to present our purpose and carefully composed articles telling of the work of the pioneers.
Recently an article appeared in a magazine in Havana, and while not entirely correct, it was intended to be friendly and interested. John Stearns has sent us some copies of the Voice of Ecuador in which his article appeared in both Spanish and English, whereupon we promptly subscribed for the Magazine feeling that our interest might be helpful in fostering continental unity.
Cuba
A most enthusiastic letter has recently been received from Josephine Kruka telling of the celebration of Youth Day in the Bahá’í Center in Havana, which has resulted in the formation of a study class of young people who are very eager to learn of the Faith. Before Youth Day Miss Kruka had already established a small class for young people of from ten to seventeen years which was met with the greatest success.
San Domingo
Margaret Lentz also observed Youth Day with a party which was attended by a large group of young students, some of whom are living in the same house where she is, and this, too, will result in a study class. She was really overwhelmed by the reception which they gave to her suggestions and the appreciation of her hospitality.
Puerto Rico
San Juan is certainly blest since now it has six American pioneers residing there. Beside Rouhiyyih Jones and Mrs. Katherine Disdier, Mrs. Guthrie, Mrs. Marangella and Mr. and Mrs. McComb have taken up their residence in San Juan and are assisting in the activities of the community in Red Cross work and social welfare. This is a splendid way to become acquainted and to demonstrate the Bahá’í love for humanity and willingness to be of assistance wherever possible.
Chile
Mrs. Marcia Atwater arrived in California on March 13 from Santiago by plane since her health had suffered somewhat from the change of climate. Mrs. Atwater is radiant about the growth of the Faith in Chile and the unity which is coming about in the country itself which is subject for comment everywhere there. She will return in a short time and will remain indefinitely, there where now the work is extending to Valparaiso as well as Antofagasta and other cities. A great deal of publicity has been given to the Faith and some of the foremost writers and educators have evidenced their interest in most gratifying statements. Mrs. Atwater has brought quantities of clippings as well as many fine translations of the Bahá’í Writings in Spanish. There are now four native Chileans pioneering in various parts of the country.
Argentina
A letter from the chairman of the Assembly of Buenos Aires has written for fifty registration blanks as they wish to make a new list of membership. We are not sure whether this means that there are now fifty members, but the number looks very promising and the zeal of the friends there is wonderful.
Panama
Our two pioneers in Ancon have
now realized their hearts’ desire
since recently they have been reinforced
by the arrival of Mr. and
Mrs. C. E. Hamilton, who are going
to reside in Cristobal and thus they
can meet and study together even
[Page 9]
though they are not in the same
city.
Venezuela
Priscilla Rhoads writes that there are openings for young people in Caracas if they have some profession. She says that all the work is done by young people and we are very eager to see other pioneers there at once. After the Guardian’s last cable we are confidently expecting applications to come in!
Costa Rica
There are now two beautiful magazines of the highest order whose columns are open to the Faith. The Alma Tica magazine has for months been bringing out articles accompanied by photographs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Temple and the first Spiritual Assembly in Costa Rica; but now the Repertorio Americano of Sr. Joaquin Garcia Monje, which is a leading literary publication with wide circulation, will print articles in both Spanish and English on the Cause and Mrs. Woolson will write for it. Alma Tica Magazine is edited by Señora de LaFrank who is a member of the Spiritual Assembly and in no other publication that we know has the Cause been so beautifully presented.
Due to the extension work which has been done by the San José believers themselves there is to be a second Spiritual Assembly in Costa Rica in the city of Puntarenas. This certainly is cause for rejoicing. The friends in San José hope that the beautiful magazines may find interest among the believers in this country. Since they are published in Spanish and English, this committee will be glad to furnish particulars.
Honduras
The 21st of April has seen the formation of a Spiritual Assembly in Tegucigalpa, where John Eichenauer is now working. John sends “miles” of newspaper clippings from various parts of the Republic and recently the arrival of John’s brother Marshall, who, he says, is there on a visit, has been the occasion of another burst of newspaper publicity which is something splendid. John has visited many of the towns in Honduras and success attends him everywhere.
San Salvador
Clarence Iverson writes that he has recently officiated at the dedication
Bahá’ís at Kansas City, Mo., Gathered Together for Ridván Feast, 1940. Six of These Believers Were Among Those Who Established the Kansas City Assembly on April 21, 1935.
of a new organ in one of the
churches and that the priest has
asked him to teach music. He says
the priest knows he is a Bahá’í but
that “he doesn’t seem to mind.”
Bolivia
Mrs. Adler, who returned from Bolivia last August, left three ardent believers in La Paz and Flora Hottes, who went there some weeks ago as the latest of our pioneers, will surely augment the number. She is a librarian by profession and will try to introduce some work for children’s books there.
Literature
We are advised by the National Assembly that a copy of The Bahá’í World, vol. VIII, has been sent to the largest Public Library in each of the Latin American countries. We are also to distribute copies in Spanish of the Obligatory Prayers, and the “Basis of Bahá’í Community.” The Spanish translation of the “Dispensation” is now with the Publishing Committee and is awaited with great eagerness. We are grieved that we cannot produce the French and Portuguese translations also at this time.
Copies of our State Department’s certification of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws have been sent to our pioneers as a further evidence of their credentials in case of need.
We sincerely regret that space does not permit us to write more fully of all the fine reports we receive but the friends are assured of the wonderful growth of the Faith in the field we represent.
Bahá’í School Programs[edit]
1. Green Acre Bahá’í School
- July, August, 1942
Devotions, 7:45 A.M., Library
Morning Classes
June 29 through July 10—Essentials of
- The Bahá’ís Faith, Helen Archambault.
- Islám, Louis G. Gregory.
July 13 through July 24—Essentials of
- The Bahá’í Faith, Wm. Kenneth and
- Roberta Christian.
- The Influence Of Bahá’u’lláh In Modern
- Civilization, Harlan Ober.
July 27 through August 7—Essentials of
- The Bahá’í Faith, Dr. Glenn A. Shook.
- Establishing a Bahá’í Community,
- Mary Collison.
August 10 through August 21—Essentials
- of the Bahá’í Faith, Rexford and Sylvia
- Parmelee, Harriet Pettibone, Jessie
- Revell.
- Bahá’í Proofs, Ali-Kuli Khan, N.D.
August 24 through Sept. 4—Essentials of
- the Bahá’í Faith, Ruth Moffett.
August 24-28—Practical Applications of
- the Bahá’í Faith, Mamie Seto.
August 31-Sept. 4—‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the
- Divine Plan, Horace Holley.
Afternoon Classes
July 13 through July 24—Child Education,
- Harry Ford.
August 10 through August 21—Discovering
- the Most Great Ocean, Willard
- and Doris MacKay.
August 24 through Sept. 4—Prophecy Fulfilled
- in This Day, Ruth Moffett.
YOUTH WEEK[edit]
August 2 through August 8
Youth Discussions and Activities
Activities and classes arranged for children throughout the season.
Evening Meetings
Mondays—Fellowship Night, in charge of Bahiyyih Ford.
Tuesdays—Open.
Wednesdays—Activity Night, in charge of Harry Ford.
Thursdays—Open Forum. chairman, Dr. Glenn A. Shook.
Fridays—The Bahá’í Concept of Unity, in charge of Lorna Tasker.
Saturdays—Panel Discussion for students, at the Hall.
Sunday Meetings
11 A.M.—Public Meeting at the Hall. Special Speakers and Music.
8 P.M.—Music and Art Programs.
Conferences
July 4, 5—Teaching Conference, Chairman,
- Helen Archambault.
- An Inter-Community Conference under
- the direction of the Green Acre Program
- Committee, in cooperation with
- the New England Regional Committee,
- the Eliot Assembly Extension Teaching
- Committee and the Boston, Mass., Extension
- Teaching Committee.
July 25, 26—Inter-America, Chairman,
- Mrs. Frances B. Stewart.
August 9, 10—Youth Conference, Chairman,
- Jeanne Steed.
August 15, 16—Race Amity, Chairman,
- Louis G. Gregory, assisted by Dorothy
- Baker.
A series of Lecture Recitals on Music
- will be given during the season by
- H. R. Austin.
Rates:
$16 to $24, weekly, room and board; slightly higher for corner rooms, $3 to $4 daily. Special rate for entire season. Half rate for children under ten years. $14, rate for Youth Week. Due to war conditions no dogs will be allowed at the summer school dormitories or cottages.
Please make reservation early!
Apply to Mrs. Flora Valentine, 142 Regent St., Saratoga Springs, N. Y. After June 15th, address Mrs. Flora Valentine, Manager, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine.
Green Acre Bahá’í School Committee:
Lorna Tasker, Chairman; Marjorie Wheeler, Corresponding Secretary; Hattie Chamberlin, Recording Secretary; Louis G. Gregory, Harlan Ober, Dr. Glenn A. Shook, Rachel Small, Harry Ford, Bahiyyih Ford. Justin Williams, Jeanne Steed, Youth Representatives.
2. Geyserville Bahá’í School July 5 to July 25, 1942
Bosch Place, Geyserville, Calif.
First Week: July 6-12, inclusive
| Mornings | — General Courses — open to everyone. | ||
| 9:15-9:30 | — Devotional Meeting. | ||
| 9:45-10:45 | — Highlights of Bahá’í History. Showing main events and the thread running through. | ||
| 11:00-12:00 | — Islám — Its history and teachings. | ||
| Afternoons | — Specialized Courses for Bahá’í Students-by enrollment. | ||
| 2:00-3:30 | — Influence of the Manifestations of God. Historical analysis showing their relation to the cycles of civilization. Research and discussion. | ||
| 3:15-4:15 | — Channels of Teaching. Radio, Publicity, Pioneering, Fireside, Public Meetings, etc. | ||
| 3:15-4:15 | — Spanish. | ||
| 4:30-5:00 | — Half Hour of Music. | ||
| Evenings | — General Sessions—open to everyone. | ||
| 8:00-9:00 | — The Bahá’í World. ‘Abdul-Bahá in America. Early Days of the Cause in the West. Great Bahá’í Women. Bahá’í activities abroad. |
Second Week: July 13-19, inclusive
| Mornings | — General Courses — open to everyone. | ||
| 9:15-9:30 | — Devotional Meeting. | ||
| 9:45-10:45 | — Basic Bahá’í Teachings I. Spiritual Teachings. God and the Manifestations. The concept or Progressive Revelation. The nature of man. Immortality. Prayer, etc. | ||
| 11:00-12:00 | — Bahá’í Administration. Principles and practice. | ||
| Afternoons | — Specialized Courses for Bahá’í Students—by enrollment. | ||
| 2:00-3:00 | — Questions Most Frequently Asked by Inquirers. Assignment, study and discussion. | ||
| 3:00-4:15 | — Teaching Techniques. How to present the cause effectively. Spiritual pre-requisites. Psychological consideration. Essentials of public speaking. | ||
| 3:15-4:15 | — Spanish. | ||
| 4:30-5:00 | — Half Hour of Music. | ||
| Evenings | — General sessions—open to everyone. | ||
| 8:00-9:00 | — The Bahá’í Faith in Practice. Bahá’í character Attitudes toward current issues. Participation in current activities. Social and administrative standards. |
Third Week: July 20-25, inclusive
| Mornings | — General Courses — open to everyone. | ||
| 9:15-9:30 | — Devotional Meeting. | ||
| 9:45-10:45 | — Basic Bahá’í Teachings II. Social Teachings. Marriage. Community Life. Principle of Consultation. Foundations of the new economy. World order of Bahá’u’lláh. | ||
| 11:00-12:00 | — Humanity’s Coming of Age. Biological Evolution—current scientific data and the Bahá’í concept. Social and political evolution. Religious evolution, etc. | ||
| Afternoons | — Specialized Courses for Bahá’í Students—by enrollment. | ||
| 2:00-3:00 | — The Three Conditions of Existence. The word of God. The World of the Kingdom. The world of Creation. | ||
| 3:15-4:15 | — Teaching Laboratory. The Actual presentation of the Cause by members of the class before hypothetical groups, followed by discussion. | ||
| 3:15-4:15 | — Spanish. | ||
| 4:30-5:00 | — Half Hour of Music. | ||
| Evenings | — General Sessions—open to everyone. | ||
| 8:00-9:00 | — The Bahá’í Faith in Practice. (Continuation or second week.) |
Special Events:
Latin-American weekend. Sunday afternoon panel discussions. Public Meetings in Santa Rosa and Healdsburg. Radio Broadcasts. Picnics, Dancing, swimming, concerts, community singing, etc.
Reservations:
Write to: Miss Gladyce Linfoot, 156 Nova Drive, Piedmont, California.
Rates: Dormitory—two persons, one room $5.00 per week per person. Dormitory, upstairs, or rooms in near-by houses, $2.00 or $2.50 per week per person.
Geyserville School Committee:
Ali M. Yazdi, Chairman; Gladyce Linfoot, Secretary; John Bosch, Amelia Bowman, Louise Groger, Anita Ioas. Irvin Somerhalder, Marion Yazdi.
3. Louhelen Bahá’í School Program, Summer 1942
Laboratory Session
July 4 to July 13, inclusive
“The Law of Consultation”..Wm. Kenneth Christian “The Promised Day Is Come”..Alice Cox Forum* ...............Rinaldo Quigley
- Rates, per day, including meals:
- Per person, single room.........$2.35
- Per person, double room.........$2.00
- Per person, dormitory...........$1.60
Midsummer Session
July 15 to August 7, inclusive
“The spiritual Responsibilities of the Americas” ..........Marzieh Gail
This session designed for tutorial study and informal teaching work.
- Rates, per day, including meals:
- Per person, single room..........$2.35
- Per person, double room..........$2.00
- Children 12 years old and under,
- per day, per person .............$1.50
General Session
August 9 to August 16, inclusive
“The spiritual Evolution of Mankind” .......F. St. George Spendlove
“The Bahá’í in Everyday Life” .......................Mamie Seto
“The Law of Consultation” ...............Elisabeth Cheney
Forum* .....................Teaching Staff
- Rates, per day, including meals:
- Per Person, single room...............$2.35
- Per person, double room...............$2.00
- Per person, dormitory.................$1.60
Youth Session
August 19 to August 25, inclusive
“The Law of Consultation”..................Philip Sprague
“The Concept of Progress” ......................Stanwood Cobb
“Fundamentals of the Bahá’í Faith” .........................Arnold Ketels
“Reading for Radio” ............Teaching Staff
“Chorus”........................Esther Wilson
Forum* .........................Edmund Miessler
Counselors—Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Suhm,
- Miss E. Wilson.
- Rates including meals, per day, per
- person, $1.35. Youth rates for Youth
- only.
- Forum Subject—all sessions:
“How Can the Individual Bahá’í in the Present Emergency Best:
- a. Help His Country,
- b. Serve the World of Humanity,
- C. Teach Effectively?”
Reservations:
Please make reservations with Mrs. L. W. Eggleston, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. The school is located on M15, 3 miles south of Davison Michigan.
Louhelen School Committee:
Edmund Miessler, Chairman; Mrs. L. W. Eggleston, Secretary; Phyllis Hall, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Beatrice Eardley, Harry Whang, L. W. Eggleston, Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Dorothy Graf.
Schedule of Meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
All meetings during the current year will be held at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. On account of the increasing difficulty of the problem of transportation, and for the sake of economy in travel expense as well as the time of the members, the schedule adopted calls for longer meetings, with a slightly larger interval between meetings.
The current schedule, it will be noted, contains five more days of business sessions than would be provided if the Assembly met for two days at monthly intervals. For most of the members, the schedule of twenty-nine days in session at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds means that an even greater number of days will be spent in travel.
May 2, 3, 4; June 12, 13, 14, 15; July 17, 18, 19, 20; September 11, 12, 13, 14; November 12, 13, 14, 15; January 8, 9, 10, 11, 1943; March 5, 6, 7, 8; April 27, 28.
Bulletins for Believers Subject to the Draft[edit]
Local Assemblies have received copies of two special bulletins, issued
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ann Arbor, Mich., Newly Established
April 21, 1942.
by the National Spiritual Assembly
for the information of Bahá’ís
who wish to apply for non-combatant
service in connection
with their draft questionnaire.
The first bulletin was dated March, 1941. In April, 1942 a second bulletin was distributed informing believers how to proceed with an appeal in the event that the local draft board denied them the status of noncombatants.
Each bulletin has also been sent to individual believers asking for copies, and a copy has also been filed with the Regional Teaching Committees to advise them in meeting questions from isolated friends.
In June, 1942, two more bulletins are being distributed, which deal with a change in the form of the draft questionnaire bringing the matter up to date for Bahá’ís of the United States.
The special committee has also drafted a bulletin for Canadian believers which will be distributed as soon as possible. The bulletins previously issued have not dealt with the subject in relation to Canadian statute and practice since that country has not had a compulsory draft.
To sum up: Assemblies in the United States have access to four bulletins and should study these in order to assist members of their community. These three bulletins will be sent to any isolated believer subject to the draft. In a brief time a special Canadian bulletin will be distributed to Assemblies and Regional Teaching Committees of that country. Isolated believers of Canada subject to the draft will receive a copy on request.
Bahá’í Status for Believer in Military Service[edit]
From the Regional Teaching Committee of New England we have this excerpt from a letter written by Ashley King, now serving in the medical detachment at Lovell General Hospital, Fort Devens.
“Recently they decided to include our religion on the little identification tags we wear around our necks: ‘P’ for Protestant, ‘C’ for Catholic, ‘J’ for Jewish. They were somewhat at a loss what to do in my case. They kept suggesting that ‘Bahá’ísm‘ must be an offshoot of one of the other three Faiths, but I insisted that it was independent but embraced them all, so finally they had the full word ‘Bahá’í’ printed on my tags . . . ”
Annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
Subject to any changes found necessary,
the Committee has prepared
the following program for the Annual
Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to be
held at Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood,
N. J., Saturday, June 27,
the thirtieth annual gathering of Bahá’ís
to commemorate the Unity
[Page 12]
Feast and address given by the Master
in 1912.
2:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m., Symphony orchestra; solos by Walter Olitski of the Metropolitan Opera Company.
3:30 to 4:30 the meeting: Theme —The Promised Day Is Come. Readings from the Master’s talk by the chairman, Philip Sprague. Address of welcome, Roy C. Wilhelm. Speakers to be announced.
4:45 to 5:00 p.m. Prayer meeting in the grove conducted by Mrs. Maud Gaudreaux.
5:15 p.m. Refreshments served at Evergreen Cabin.
1943 Convention[edit]
The next Annual Convention has been scheduled for the four-day period of April 29, 30, May 1 and 2, 1943.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
1. In Spanish
The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, translated into Spanish. Paper cover. Per copy, $0.75.
Obligatory Prayers (Las Oraciones Obligatorias), translated into Spanish. Paper cover. Per copy, $0.15.
2. In English
Catalog. A new catalog, corrected to April 1, 1942, is available and copies will be sent free on request.
A Child’s Prayer Book. Compiled by Child Education Committee and issued as a pamphlet reproducing the hand-lettered original pages of the compilation. Paper cover. Per copy, $0.15.
I, Mary Magdalene, by Juliet Thompson. Copies of this novel of the days of Christ, formerly sold at $2.50 can now be obtained for $2.00.
The Publishing Committee can supply copies of Rodwell’s Koran, the translation recommended by the Guardian for Bahá’í students of Islám. Per copy, $1.00.
Send orders to Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Teaching Bulletin,
“A World Faith”
The friends are reminded that the public teaching bulletin, formerly entitled A New World Order, now called A World Faith, is obtained from the National Bahá’í Office and not from the Publishing Committee. These leaflets are furnished at the rate of 50 for 50c, 100 for $1.00, etc. Make check or postal order payable to the National Bahá’í Fund.
Cases of Mental Illness[edit]
In view of the fact that delegates raised at the Convention the question of how local Assemblies are to deal with believers who appear to suffer some degree of mental illness, the National Assembly wishes to advise the friends that this matter was referred to the Guardian some years ago.
His instruction, contained in a letter dated May 30, 1936, makes it clear that expert medical opinion is to be obtained, and that prayer alone is not sufficient.
“Regarding persons whose condition has not been defined by the civil authorities after medical diagnosis, the Assembly on the spot must investigate every case that arises and, after consultation with experts, deliver its verdict. Such a verdict, however, should, in important cases, be preceded by consultation with the N.S.A. No doubt, the power of prayer is very great, yet consultation with experts is enjoined by Bahá’u’lláh. Should these experts believe that an abnormal case exists, the withholding of voting rights is justified.”
Temple Model Display at Phoenix[edit]
From Mrs. Miriam Bugby we have this interesting report:
“The first week the Model was flat in the window with the flowers around and we thought much more attractive than on the pedestal but we could not very well ask her to change it for the picture. However the picture is quite good.
“On Wednesday before the Youth meeting on Feb. 22nd, Adrienne talked over the radio, the announcer over K.P.H.O. introduced her: ‘Miss Adrienne Ellis, Chairman of the Bahá’í Youth Group of Phoenix, will speak on The Architecture and Significance of the Bahá’í Temple which is being dedicated in Wilmette, Illinois, and dedicated to the promulgation of Universal religion and Universal Peace.’”
“Her talk was lovely and the announcement at close was: ‘A Model of this beautiful Temple is on display at 838 North Central Avenue.’
“Then he announced the Youth meeting by saying: ‘The Bahá’í Youth of Phoenix will observe International Bahá’í Youth Day by presenting a Symposium on The Ideals of Bahá’í Youth on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 22nd, at 3 o’clock at the Young Women’s Christian Association club room. The public is cordially invited to attend.’
“They were very nice at K.P.H.O. and we were grateful for time on the air.”
Enrollment and Transfers[edit]
Chicago, twenty-two. Maui, four. Minneapolis, four. Detroit, ten. Lima, three. San Francisco, three and one youth. Syracuse, two and one youth. Los Angeles, three. Indianapolis, two. Helena, two. Springfield, Mass., two. Binghamton, two. Phoenix, two youths. Sacramento, one. Jacksonville, one. Montreal, one. Pasadena, one. Cincinnati, one. Urbana, one. Muskegon, one. New Orleans, one. Milwaukee, one youth. New Haven, one. Miami, one. Boston, one. West Chester, one. Vancouver, one. Kansas City, one.
Fourteen isolated believers enrolled in March, forty-four in April.
In Memoriam[edit]
Grant, O my Lord, that they who have ascended unto Thee may repair unto Him Who is the most exalted Companion, and abide beneath the shadow of the Tabernacle of Thy majesty and the Sanctuary of Thy glory.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
Mr. William J. Burnett, Glendale, Arizona.
Mr. Richard Marshall, San Francisco.
Mr. George Drum, Washington, DC.
Mrs. Idella Shirkey, Vista, California.
Mrs. Frieda Kalfus, Los Angeles.
Mrs. Samuel Rodman, Batavia, New York.
Miss Gertrude Buikema, Chicago.
Mrs. Alvina Ayres, Celena, Ohio.
Bahá’í Calendar[edit]
Declaration of the Báb: May 23. To be observed on May 22, at about two hours after sunset.
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh: May 29. To be observed at three A.M. (standard time).
Nineteen Day Feasts: Grandeur, May 17; Light, June 5; Mercy, June 24.
Meetings of National Spiritual Assembly: May 2, 3, 4; June 12, 13, 14, 15, 1942, at Wilmette.
