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| No. 156 | YEAR 99, BAHÁ’Í ERA | October, 1942 |
“An Intensification of Bahá’í Activity”[edit]
Dearly-beloved co-workers:
I am thrilled with admiration as I contemplate, at this advanced stage in the unfoldment of the Seven-Year Plan, the vastness of the field already covered by the pioneer activities of its stalwart and valiant prosecutors. The heights of heroic self-sacrifice to which they have attained, the depths of faith and devotion they have plumbed in the course of their ceaseless exertions are no less noteworthy than the immensity of the task they have already performed. An effort so prodigious, a mission so sublime, a solidarity so truly remarkable, an achievement, which in its scope and quality, stands unparalleled in American Bahá’í history, provide a befitting climax to the century old record of magnificent accomplishments associated with the rise and progress of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Such a glorious century, so unique in the annals of mankind’s spiritual history, is, however, not yet completed. The gigantic enterprises which the American believers are pledged to consummate are as yet but partially concluded. The remaining two years must witness an intensification of Bahá’í activity, throughout the entire Western Hemisphere on such a scale as to eclipse the splendor of all past achievements, and worthily crown this initial phase in the progressive evolution of the Divine Plan. An unprecedented multiplication in the number of pioneer teachers and settlers; an unexampled flow of material resources for their maintenance and the extension of their labors; a still wider dissemination of Bahá’í literature, to aid and support them in their presentation of the Faith to Latin American peoples; an immediate increase in the number of groups and Assemblies in the States and provinces of North America; an increased awareness on the part of all believers, whether in the North or in the South, whether newly enrolled or of old standing in the Faith, that every one of them shares, vitally and directly and without any exception, in the responsibility for the successful prosecution of the Plan; a still firmer resolution not to allow a world-convulsing conflict, with its attendant miseries, perils, dislocations, and anxieties, to deflect them from their course or distract their attention; these are the crying needs of this critical, this challenging, this swiftly passing hour; to exploit its possibilities, to meet its challenge, to grasp its implications, is the manifest, the inescapable and urgent duty of every member of the Bahá’í communities now laboring so assiduously in the Western Hemisphere. May the cumulative effect of their concentrated and sustained labors shed further luster on the concluding years of this, the first century of the Bahá’í Era.
Haifa, Palestine
August 15, 1942
Pioneers to Retain Their Posts[edit]
He is fervently praying that the
new pioneers, who have volunteered
to teach in Colombia, Venezuela,
Chile and Nicaragua, will be able to
complete the necessary arrangements
for their voyage to South
America, and will be enabled, without
interruption or delay, to consolidate
and extend the range of the
activities inaugurated in those countries.
Every effort should be made
to increase the number of such pioneers,
to facilitate their departure,
to insure their settlement in virgin
territories, to keep in close and constant
touch with them, and to reinforce
their activities through visiting
teachers, adequate financial assistance,
and constant moral encouragement.
The Guardian wishes
to urge them, and those who have
preceded them, to retain their posts
at all costs, to face the obstacles in
their path with courage, faith and
[Page 2]
confidence in the future outcome of
their work. The National Assembly,
on the other hand, must do everything
in their power to enable these
self-sacrificing workers to continue
their pioneer services, and to discourage
their return until the results
of their labors are so substantial as
to insure the continuity of the Bahá’í
Community after their departure.
This is their greatest responsibility,
their immediate task, and
the most meritorious service they
can render the Cause, at this juncture,
in the American Continent.
Excerpt from letter written by Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, August 15, 1942, to the National Spiritual Assembly.
Pioneer Activity of Utmost Importance[edit]
He considers that at present pioneer activity is of the utmost importance and that the NSA should do everything in their power to insure that those who have gone to Central and South America, as well as those who are going there, remain there and consolidate their work—otherwise all the efforts and all the money, sacrificed by the believers for this effort, will have been spent practically in vain. The same applies to a lesser degree to the work in the United States and Canada. Whereas in these parts the difficulties of pioneer settlement for the purpose of teaching the Faith are not so great, the work still remaining to be done is tremendous. The Guardian feels that the paramount need is to get the people to settle in these virgin territories as quickly as possible, and that if too much emphasis is laid on the highest possible requirements for pioneers, the work may risk remaining unaccomplished. The believers have future years in which to improve on the groundwork done at present, but they only have about two years left to do this all-important groundwork in. Speed should be your motto.—
Excerpt from a letter written by Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, August 15, 1942, to the National Spiritual Assembly through the Treasurer.
This Crucial Year[edit]
Progress Report No. 3 Issued by the National Spiritual Assembly for the Period July 1-Aug. 31, 1942
The National Spiritual Assembly continues its series of reports of plans and activities aimed at completing the unfinished tasks of the Seven Year Plan.
11. The Inter-America teaching effort increases in intensity and scope. Passports have been issued to Ruth Shook for Colombia, to Virginia Orbison for Chile, and to Gwenne D. Sholtis for Venezuela. Each of these pioneers is prepared to settle in the country and strive for the establishment of a Spiritual Assembly. There has been much delay in obtaining airplane reservations, due to serious restrictions imposed on civilian travel. The final report is that Miss Sholtis left New Orleans by boat for the Canal Zone on August 25 with the intention of flying from the Canal Zone to La Guaira. Miss Shook has been waiting at Brownsville, Texas, for plane reservation. Early in September she left for Guatemala City by rail, hoping to take a local plane to Colombia. Miss Orbison flew to Mexico City on August 20 and took the train from there to Guatemala City, hoping to find local plane reservations available for the remainder of the journey. The National Spiritual Assembly approved a project for pioneer settlement by Mrs. Eleanor Adler from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but necessary papers have not been obtained.
12. Plans for construction of the Memorial to May Maxwell at Quilmes Cemetery, Buenos Aires, have proceeded rapidly since the Convention. With the invaluable cooperation of Salvador Tormo of the Spiritual Assembly in that city, a block of Carrera marble has been selected and purchased. With the marble assured, the greatest obstacle in the way of the project has been removed. Now we are fortunate in having the placing and execution of the contract supervised by a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly, Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, in consultation with Mr. Tormo and Wilfrid E. Barton. Mrs. Collins has had three reservations taken away since July 25, due to priorities for passage, and now will proceed by boat from New Orleans September 24 for Valparaiso, Chile, from where she can obtain passage to Buenos Aires.
13. The exterior ornamentation of the Temple has been completed. All work on the nine faces of the main story was finished in July. Work on the steps is well under way, and we have the contractor’s assurance that the steps will be done this calendar year. Progress photographs reproduced in Bahá’í News from month to month will enable the friends to follow the course of this, the concluding construction work on the Temple called for under the Seven Year Plan.
14. The National Spiritual Assembly has approved a number of recommendations and projects submitted by the Race Unity Committee. These include: effort to establish editorial columns in newspapers and periodicals published by minority groups in order to promote the subject of the oneness of mankind; reprint of Louis Gregory’s article entitled Bahá’í To Jew in World Order Magazine in an edition of 2,000 copies; intensive follow-up work by Louis Gregory and Elsie Austin in Negro colleges in the South; race-relations talks by Mr. Gregory in white colleges of the South; visits to Indian and white colleges by Mrs. Baker in the Southwest; monthly one-page letters on race unity work addressed to local Assemblies; a Race Unity Conference to be held at Green Acre. A compilation on Race Unity, made by Mrs. Alice S. Cox and Mrs. Maye Harvey Gift, part of Bahá’í sources and part from non-Bahá’í scientific and sociological sources, has been referred to the Reviewing Committee.
15. The drive for accomplishment
of the teaching tasks in North America
gains great momentum with each
passing month. The following projects
have been started, or approved
for immediate action, since those
listed in paragraph 4 of the report in
the Bahá’í News for July:—Nellie Roche,
Regional Secretary, follow-up work
in Birmingham; intensive teaching
campaign in Saskatchewan and Alberta;
Mrs. Eleanor Adler, teaching
work in Reno, Nevada; Lulu Barr,
continued teaching work in Saskatoon;
Mrs. Ruth Cornell, teaching
work in Hot Springs for two months;
Ruth Westgate and Mrs. Mildred Hiatt,
settlement in Denver; Mrs. Ruth
Moffett, additional work in Greensboro,
S, C.; Mrs. Clara Rainboth,
work with groups in Washington;
Muriel Warnicker, teaching in Edmonton;
Mrs. Marcia Atwater,
teaching in Edmonton; Regional
Teaching project in Wilmington, Del.,
and Ridgewood, N. J.; Regional
Teaching project in Denver; Mrs.
Kathryn Frankland, settlement in
Albuquerque: Mrs. Lorol Jackson,[Page 3]
settlement in Lead, S. D.; Mrs. Charlotte
Grover, settlement in Lead,
S. D.; Mrs. Sara Ellen Peake, settled
in Louisville, Ky.; Mr. and
Mrs. Richard Walters, settlement in
Albuquerque; Mrs. Mable Ives,
teaching in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and
Omaha, Neb.; Mrs. Ruth Moffett,
teaching in Wilmington, Del.
16. An inter-regional radio campaign has been approved, under which stations will be selected in various parts of the country for a series of five or six talks. A monthly budget has been appropriated. The purpose is to reinforce the present teaching activities of Assemblies, Regional Committees, groups and National Committees by providing an additional public presentation of the Faith. Definite plans will be reported to all concerned. The first series was arranged over WAIT, Chicago, and includes six five-minute talks at 1.20 P.M. Sunday beginning September 13. Mrs. Nina Matthisen, member of the National Radio Committee, worked out all the detailed arrangements of this program.
17. A summary of current financial items. From May 1 to August 31, the National Fund received $30,671.15. In August donations arrived from 75 Assemblies, 77 groups and 91 isolated believers, to the amount of $8,861.53. August expenditures included: Temple construction, $5,000.00, National and Regional Teaching, Inter — America Teaching, $1,196.07, Administrative expense, $1,024.55: Temple maintenance, $603.28, Green Acre maintenance, $133.35.
The Call to Pioneer[edit]
The call to pioneer, to “scatter to sow the Divine seeds,” has summoned the American believers throughout the course of the Seven Year Plan. In fact, it has claimed us since the earliest days of our mission under the Divine Plan. But With Convention, 1942, this call became an insistent challenge, pressed home continuously by the Guardian’s emphatic words. “Immediate unprecedented multiplication (of) pioneers imperative,” he cabled. “Nothing short (of) prompt, wide, systematic, sustained dispersion an properly safeguard (the) fruits (of) past labors (and) sacrifices
Main Story Ornamentation No. 11, July 31, 1942. (Completion of Ninth Main Story
Face.) All scaffolding has been removed from the building except the hoist needed
for work on the steps contract.
. . .” “The time in which to
respond to it is relentlessly shortening.
Let men of action seize their
chance ere the swiftly passing days
place it irretrievably beyond their
reach.”
Although many believers have felt the impact of this call and have hastened to carry our beloved Faith to distant places, the vast majority of us are still to be found at home. Disturbed though we may be by the Guardian’s ceaseless pleas, we have not as yet visualized our personal role in this mighty effort, nor imagined ourselves capable of any heroic endeavor. Yet Shoghi Effendi is asking for “a greater, a far greater number of pioneers.”
To the Teaching Committee it appears that the present need is for a new type of worker. In every State and Province the preliminary steps have been accomplished. Resident pioneers have settled and in some localities groups are now established. The call today is not so much for public speakers, not even for teachers of long experience, but rather for believers of faith and dedication. Bahá’í families are wanted who will move to new homes to strengthen the “pioneer front.” Believers are needed who will carry on study classes, reflect through their lives the light and warmth of the Faith in darkened communities, who by their very presence will widen the basis and stimulate the activities of the newly-formed Bahá’í centers. These are assignments which every Bahá’í can undertake. All are wanted. “The increase in the number of pioneers, of every class, race, age and outlook is the vital need of the present hour,” the Guardian writes. Our paramount need is for such believers who, by settling in virgin States and Provinces, will constitute the strong second line in the army of Bahá’u’lláh’s “dauntless defenders.”
It is the Committee’s deepest belief that now is the time when we must respond to the Guardian’s call. Now is the “crucial year” on which “hinge (the) fortunes (of this) historic crusade.” Now is the year when the foundations must be laid for Spiritual Assemblies in twenty-three virgin areas. Beloved friends, the call today is for action. The call is for pioneers.
Inter-American News[edit]
“ ’Neath the shade of Thy protecting wings let them nestle and cast upon them the glance at Thine all-protecting eye.”
Four pioneers are literally poised for flight! Mrs. Collins, whose destination is Buenos Aires, Miss Shook, who is to work in Colombia, Miss Virginia Orbison whose destination is Chile and Miss Sholtis who will settle in Venezuela. Besides these there will be another wave of travelers in the fall as Philip Sprague hopes to visit practically all centers on the continent of South America; and Mrs. Barton plans to go to Montevideo, while we have a special pioneer in Brazil and several applications on file which will be accepted as soon as it is possible to foresee the granting of passports for them.
Recently we received the declaration of intention to join the Faith from Paul Bravo of Santiago. Chile who is now fourteen years old. Paul is a wonderful believer and has done some very fine translating notable among which is the Guardian’s long cablegram received some months ago. We are hoping to establish correspondence between the beautiful group of young people in Havana and Paul, for we believe this would be of great value especially in future years. The group in Havana are studying with the avowed intention of becoming Bahá’í teachers.
John Stearns has also sent us the declaration of a youth in Quito, Ecuador whose name is Hans Levy and whom we welcome with true Bahá’í joy and hope he will soon be of the age to become an active member.
John Eichenauer has an excellent position in Guatemala City and his brother Marshall also is employed and both are doing fine work.
Clarence Iverson has had his mother with him for a few months, but she has been ill and will shortly return to Phoenix.
We note with great satisfaction the adherence to the Administrative Order which the friends in Honduras are observing. Their letters are beautiful, also those of San Juan, Puerto Rico, where steady work is going on and our pioneers are interesting themselves in the activities of the local people and gaining a real place in their affections.
The friends in Montevideo are diligently working on the translation of the Dawn-Breakers. They have already completed the translation of the Thirty-six lessons which should give them a wonderful knowledge of the Cause.
When all our prospective pioneers are settled and the visiting teachers have passed through the different centers and held public meetings, then we shall expect very great results. we have still ten groups to bring to the point of becoming Assemblies before the expiration of the Seven Year Plan. This must be our goal and our constant prayer.
The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh in Spanish[edit]
The appearance of this fundamental exposition of the Faith by the Guardian in a Spanish edition symbolizes the power we attain through Bahá’í consultation, since this important work was made possible by the combined effort of many.
The original translation was made by Miss Lillian MacRae in Buenos Aires, and then reviewed by a Committee consisting of Salvador Tormo, Miss MacRae, and Sr. Ricci and Sr. Barrows, all members of the Spiritual Assembly of Buenos Aires. This Committee revised the translation.
The translation was then brought to New York by Sr. Ricci and was again gone over to put in final form by Sr. Ricci and Sra. Anduaga, after which the Guardian’s words were printed for use in the Inter-America field. Incidentally, the cost of translation was met by a special donation from Philip Sprague.
Race Unity Conference[edit]
The Race Unity conference at Green Acre had five meetings over a period of three days. Two of these meetings, the second and last, were conducted as forums for general discussion, in addition to formal addresses. It was held under the joint auspices of the Race Unity and Green Acre Program Committees.
The chairmen of the various meetings in order were. Horace Holley, Miss Lorna B. Tasker, Ali-Kuli Khan, N. D., Matthew W. Bullock and Harlan F. Ober. These devoted workers held their meetings to a high plane of dignity, movement, courtesy, scientific illumination and spirituality. Presentation of the prayers and teachings, with a universal outlook for all races and nations, and the leading part to be played by America in the guidance of the nations to world harmony and peace, brought a stimulus, sustained interest and cheerful atmosphere of the entire conference. There was a good attendance despite the difficulties of travel.
Mrs. Dorothy K. Baker made three scheduled addresses, her subjects being: “Achievements of Minority Groups.” “The Cause and Cure of Prejudices,” and “Sharing Civilization.” Among many principles of reality, she advocated a better adjustment between nations, races and classes, universal education, the diffusion of spiritual as well as scientific knowledge and a far more universal outlook for all mankind.
Another feature of the program was the address of Miss Mabel I. Jenkins on “Two Great American Poets.” These were Phyllis Wheately, black slave girl who was a contemporary of George Washington and won praise from him for her poetry, and from other illustrious people at home and abroad. She was called the poet laureate of Greater Boston, in her day. The second poet mentioned was James Weldon Johnson, author of “God’s Trombones” and “The Negro National Anthem.” Readings from their lines and something of their life stories were of deep interest and great value.
Various phases of freedom as advocated by men of genius were examined in the light of the Bahá’í Teachings by Louis G. Gregory. Among other speakers were Mrs. Doris McKay of Moncton, Canada, who told of the enlargement of her outlook and interests to include all races, by the illumination of the Bahá’í Teachings, and what happiness this brought her. Mrs. Ethel Hunt of Washington D. C. spoke for the Jewish minority. A voice of universality and good will was that of Mrs. Jane Kelly, of Birmingham, Ala., a new Bahá’í from the deep South and one greatly pleased with Green Acre, where all races, nationalities and faiths are drawn together.
An interesting phase of the forum[Page 5]
discussion was on the best names for
minorities. Much of interest and
value from the standpoint of approaches,
customs and usages, past
and current, with scientific and spiritual
significances in a rapidly
changing and evolving world,
occupied the attention of the conference.
The deep earnestness of the workers
and the spiritual harmony which
prevailed and the genuine sociability
of all present were most impressive
as among the signs of the New
Day when freedom, peace and happiness
are to be the heritage of all
mankind through Divine Providence
which brings the Revelation of
Bahá’u’lláh.
Letters of regret came from Dr. Leslie Pinckney Hill, Editor Roy Wilkins, Dean W. M. Menchan, Dr. W. N. DeBerry, Prof. R. Augustus Lawson, Dr. Edward F. Goin, who were prevented from attendance only for what seemed the most cogent reasons. These are all distinguished leaders among the largest minority group. They are prospects for another year.
The music of the conference was rendered by Mrs. Eula Fritz of Schenectady, N. Y., and Miss Monaver Bechtold of Brooklyn, adding much to the joy of the gatherings.
“If ye meet the abased or the down-trodden, turn not away disdainfully from them, for the King of Glory watcheth over them and surroundeth them with such tenderness as none can fathom except them that have suffered their wishes and desires to be merged in the Will of your Lord, the Gracious, the All–Wise.” (Gleanings, P. 314.)
Appeal for Bahá’í Students[edit]
A letter has been received from Miss Margaret Lentz, pioneer teacher in Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic, urging young believers to consider enrollment as students in the University of Santo Domingo. For those able to do so, the information is reported that the entrance requirements include a high school degree, but the chief difficulty would be in obtaining transportation. Living expenses would be about $50.00 a month, in addition to the university fees.
The address of the University Registration Office is Rodolfo Bonetti Burgos, Director del Registro Universitario,
Temple Steps Progress Picture No. 3. The concrete units are cast in forms (as at right), polished, cured, and moved from the Temple floor to be placed on the steps.
Trujillo City, Dominican
Republic.
Temple Slides for Illustrated Lectures[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has recently approved the preparation by the National Archives and History Committee of a set of 46 (size 2x2 inch) slides for still projection, showing the historical background, the progress of construction, and various details in the exterior ornamentation of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.
These slides will be available in October, and they will be supplied in the form of a roll or positive, 35 mm. film strip containing 36 black and white transparencies or separate views, to be cut apart and mounted between glass covers by the user, together with 10 natural color transparencies ready for mounting.
For the projection of the slides after mounting, an S.V.E., Eastman, or Argus kodaslide type projector is recommended, the light strength used (from 100 to 300 Watts) depending upon the size of the audience.
For mounting the transparencies, “S.V.E. slide binders”, which may be had in local photo shops, are at 50c per dozen, are suggested.
The cost of the black and white film strip (36 views) is $1.50, and of the color transparencies (10 views), the cost is $2.50. Either group A or B of the color slides (5 views each) may be had for $1.35. A check or money order for the total amount plus 25c to cover postage and insurance should accompany each order.
Orders may be placed by local Assemblies, Extension Teaching Committees, or teachers in the field through the Temple Library and Sales Committee, Mr. Harry E. Walrath, Chairman, 4639 Beacon St., Chicago, Ill.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
Bahá’í Writings—Prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Excerpts from Bahá’í Writings: this very attractive new compilation is intended particularly for the new friend and the seeker who requires spiritual food. The prayers and other selections have been carefully chosen for their appeal and help to those who have not yet accepted the Faith. An exquisite gift. Bound in red leather with gold title, 56 pages, four by six and a quarter inches in size, $1.00. Bound in red paper, $0.50.
Believers who have ordered copies
of the Qur’án are advised that the[Page 6]
American firm handling this work by
importing copies from England has
been out of stock though a fresh supply
was ordered some months ago.
They expect that their order will arrive
by the next ship, and the Publishing
Committee will fill all outstanding
orders as soon as possible.
(This refers to the Rodwell translation,
recommended by the Guardian.
Price per copy, $1.00)
Address orders and inquiries to Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
World Order Magazine[edit]
The steady day-by-day enrollment of new and renewal subscriptions brings to the business office many appreciative letters. One active teacher writes: “Save me a complete series of the Star of the West, they contain so much splendid, inspiring and impressive teaching material.” The magazine today, as World Order, continues this mission of spiritual reinforcement, knowledge and guidance.
Leading articles in recent months: —April, Charter for World Peace, by Alice Simmons Cox; May, Unchallengeable Victory, by Maye Harvey Gift; June, The Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, by Shirley Warde; July, Bahá’u’lláh as Protector, by Mabel Hyde Paine; August, A Calendar for a World Faith, by Horace Holley; September, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Call for Firmness in the Covenant.
The business office shares with the friends this significant incident: on the very day that the newspapers reported the bombardment and invasion of Burma, the office received advises from a New York bank that they had received cabled instructions from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India and Burma to pay for seventy yearly subscriptions to the magazine.
Subscriptions, $1.50 a year. Address Publication Office, World Order Magazine, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Call[edit]
The American Bahá’í community was profoundly stirred by the Master’s Tablet calling to firmness in the Covenant, His last and final exhortation addressed to the American friends. The text was translated and certified by Shoghi Effendi in January, 1922, after the Ascension, and this Tablet came to America at about the same time as the text of the Will and Testament.
This great Call has been made available to the new believers by reprinting in the September number of the World Order Magazine, accompanied by a brief compilation of relevant passages.
Temple Guiding[edit]
From January to August, 1942, there were 10,423 visitors guided through the Temple, only about 200 less than in the same period of 1941, which is a remarkable showing in view of the limitations on transportation this year.
In May, 1942, visitors came from 33 states, the District of Columbia, the Province of Ontario, Canada, Cuba, Brazil and Bolivia; in June, from 42 states, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Bulgaria, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico and India; in July, from 34 states, the District of Columbia, the Provinces of Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta, Canada, Brazil, Bolivia, India, Germany, Afghanistan, Turkey and Korea; in August, from 38 states, the District of Columbia, the Provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, Canada, Costa Rica, India and China.
There have been more guides to help in this work in 1942, due partly to the assistance of six from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, five from Waukegan, Illinois, and one each from Bristol, Wisconsin, Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Batavia, Illinois. These guides have spent considerable time and money in traveling to do this work. They say they consider guiding in the Temple a privilege and a joy and feel sustained all the next week. Some of the guides from Chicago spend four hours traveling to and from the Temple each day they come and some guide one or two days each week. The radiance of their beautiful spirit shines in their faces.
More with such a spirit will be needed soon, for the National Spiritual Assembly, as well as some of the contractors and periodicals, will publicize this Temple when the outside is finished later this year. Guide classes will be started during the first part of October, at whatever times and places are most convenient for those interested in attending. In order to cover the material in the course it will be necessary for classes to meet every week until May 1. Please notify a member of the Guides Committee if you wish to join a class. The Chairman’s address is 1229 Cleveland St., Wilmette, Ill. The telephone is Wilmette 5039.
A booklet covering the portion of the Guide Course dealing with the Temple itself — its architecture, symbology, history, materials and construction, and other information have been approved by the Reviewing Committee and can be ordered through the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. This should be useful to those displaying the model or wishing to give a lecture on the Temple. (The Publishing Committee will announce this course when the edition is ready).
Many people all over the country who are now Bahá’ís first learned of the Faith through coming to the Temple. About 17,000 a year are given the message there. From forty to eighty people come each weekday, and hundreds on Sundays and holidays. It should be remembered that this is perhaps the only place in the world where the Bahá’í teachings can be presented every day to so many voluntary and willing listeners. In these chaotic times when it is so necessary that mankind know about the solution Bahá’u’lláh has given them for the problems of the world, we can do teaching work in the Temple on a large scale. The Guardian has said guides must have a sound knowledge of the Teachings and know all the facts about the Temple. We hope more Bahá’ís in the Chicago area will prepare for this work by enrolling in the classes in October.
Assemblies and Groups wishing to organize Guide Classes may obtain study outlines from the Guides Committee.
- Chairman
Revision of Bulletin on Change in Draft Questionnaire[edit]
With reference to the Bulletin entitled
“Change in Draft Questionnaire
Affecting Bahá’ís Subject to
Selective Service,” issued by the
NSA in May, 1942, this Bulletin is
being reprinted with one alteration[Page 7]
suggested by the Selective Service
Advisory Committee.
In the original text, the final paragraph on page 2 reads as follows: “I wish to apply for noncombatant service in accordance with the provisions of Section 5(g) of the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, and of Local Board Release 51.”
In the revised text, the sentence quoted above is preceded by the words: “If and when I am classified as available for service.” The alteration has been made in order to make it clear that the believer is stating his attitude about noncombatant service after he has been called up, and is not volunteering his services in a noncombatant capacity.
In this connection, it might be well to call attention to paragraph 363 under Section XXV, entitled “Procedure on Claims of Conscientious Objectors.” This paragraph is in Vol. III of the Selective Service Regulations, and reads as follows:
“A registrant who claims to be a conscientious objector shall offer information in substantiation of his claim on a special form (Form 47) which when filed shall become a part in his questionnaire. The local board, upon request, shall furnish any person claiming to be a conscientious objector, a copy of such special form (Form 47). In the case of any registrant who claims to be a conscientious objector, the local board shall proceed in the ordinary course to classify him upon all other grounds of deferment and shall investigate and pass upon his claim as a conscientious objector only if, after physical examination, but for such claim, he would have been placed in Class I-A, Class I-B, Class I-D, or Class I–E. The procedure for appeal from a decision of the local board on a claim for conscientious objection is provided for in paragraph 375.”
Hospitality Extended to Latin American Visitors[edit]
The members of the Inter-America Committee are finding many ways to extend hospitality to visitors from South and Central America, who are passing through Southern California.
Recently, sixty-five young men from the different countries of Central and South America, who are in this district in order to study the
Temple Steps Progress Picture No. 4. September 2, 1942. The eighteen steps are built up by placing the units in the concrete supports, each step interlocking with the step below and above. There will be 900 units in the completed steps. These units have the same appearance as the exterior ornamentation itself.
different branches of aviation, were
extended the hospitality of the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wolcott, of
the Los Angeles Bahá’í community,
and were met and entertained there.
The evening proved to be a tremendous success as a gesture of friendship and a tactful way of showing our Bahá’í interest and desire to further friendly relations with South America. Mrs. Helen Bishop gave a little address of welcome in Spanish and read from the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Bahá’í attitude towards strangers, expressing our eagerness to foster friendly relations.
Mr. Wolcott, the host, has been very active in meeting these young men and entertaining them both individually and collectively in his home since this occasion.
The evening was spent in dancing and singing and many opportunities were afforded to explain the Bahá’í attitude toward members of other nations and other systems of thought.
As an example of the universality of the meeting, one of the Committee members had in her car a Venezuelan, a Brazilian, a Panamanian and two Guatemalans, and the exchange of Spanish and English was highly amusing and contributed to the festival spirit of the evening.
Enrollments and Transfers[edit]
Hereafter, the National Spiritual Assembly will publish enrollments of new believers, and transfers of believers, as separate items, and Assemblies and Regional Teaching Committees in their reports are requested to keep the same distinction.
San Francisco, four. Milwaukee, four. Los Angeles, three. Nashville, two. Chicago, two. Washington, two. Miami, one and one youth. Berkeley, one. Grand Rapids, one. Pasadena, one. Portland, one. Honolulu, one. Flint, one. Teaneck, one. Phoenix, one.
Isolated believers enrolled in July, 1942, nine. Enrolled in August, eleven.
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. Albert E. Lewis, Los Angeles.
Mrs. George L. Loeding, Chicago.
Mrs. Mary A. Hoyt, Denver.
Mr. Rudolph Steinmetz, Minneapolis
Mr. Oscar O. Winter, Minneapolis.
Mrs. Faith Amberg, Baltimore.
Mrs. Coralie Franklin Cook, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Richard Barnitz, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Theresa Hill, Circleville, Ohio.
Mrs. Nancy Brown Van Riper, Circleville, Ohio.
Mrs. Electa Timmerman, Springfield, Mass.
Bahá’í Calendar[edit]
Nineteen Day Feasts: Will, September 27; Knowledge, October 16, Power, November 4.
Anniversaries: Birth of the Báb, October 20; Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, November 12; Day of the Covenant, November 26; Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, November 28.
Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly, November 12, 13, 14, 15, at Wilmette.
Annual Reports—Concluded[edit]
April, 1941—April, 1942
Regional Teaching Committee for
California and Nevada
This Committee has tried earnestly to carry out the many exhortations and injunctions of the Guardian for the Seven Year Plan. The Regional Committee’s part in this plan is to assist isolated Bahá’ís and Bahá’í groups with their teaching efforts, the re-establishing of disbanded Assemblies, and the establishment of the Faith in new cities outside the areas in which Local Spiritual Assemblies are carrying on extension work. It is to exercise initiative in the areas outside the jurisdiction of local Assemblies, and coordinate Inter—Community Conferences. In accepting these responsibilities, this Committee has sponsored and performed the following activities:
Firesides and Public Meetings
Regular firesides were held in Inglewood, Huntington Park, Alhambra, Riverside, and Santa Rosa, Burbank and Claremont, California; also Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada. The attendance was small, numbering about five to twenty-five. Sporadic firesides were held at Santa Barbara, Monrovia, Ojai, Arcadia, Fresno, Bakersfield, Knightsen, Long Beach, Santa Maria, and Healdsburg, with an average attendance of around twenty.
Public meetings were given in Fresno, Bakersfield, Lower Lake, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Pacific Grove, Reno, Las Vegas, Alhambra and Burbank. All of these were small also, with an average audience of about twenty, but as high as eighty-five.
This committee wishes to express its gratitude to the following friends for their generous contribution of time and services as speakers and teachers at the above meetings: Valeria Thornton, Sara Kenny, Sarah Witt, Eleanor Adler, Helen Bishop, Willard Hatch, Marion Holley, Leroy Ioas, Sylvia King, Shirley Warde, Dagmar Dole, Marzieh Gail, Mr. Sabet of Persia, Charlotte Linfoot, Robert Gulick, Marguerite Sears, and Mrs. Amelia Collins.
Attendance became so poor at firesides and public meetings that constant effort was devoted toward evolving new ways and means of attracting the public. Some of these methods are described hereafter in this report.
Youth “Flying Squadron”
This proved to be one of the most stimulating of the many ideas presented. The Youth Group of the San Francisco Bay area offered to send out monthly a flying squadron on week-end trips to points within the area for the purpose of presenting public symposiums on the Cause. This was immediately accepted and a schedule worked out covering Santa Rosa, Reno, Sacramento, Pacific Grove, Fresno, Modesto, and Pacific Grove again in the order named. Through the combined efforts of the Youth Group, parents, Isolated Believers, and Regional Teaching Committee, meeting places, audiences, sleeping accommodations and transportation were arranged for, and the trips made with more successful results. Both the inquirers and believers were most inspired by the splendid talks and sincere enthusiasm of the youth. Those participating were: Anita Ioas, Ferouk Ioas, Sally Sanor, Frances Nowlin, Barbara Rutledge, Jack Fatoh, Margaret Rutledge, and Alex Holcombe.
This committee hopes that it will be so blessed as to always be able to have such a project underway.
Unity Festivals
This method of spreading the name, spirit, and foundation principles of the Cause was found to be particularly effective in those cities having several different racial groups such as are found on the Pacific Coast.
The anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb was celebrated in this manner in Bakersfield, in the beautiful Palm Room of the Bakersfield Motel given for the occasion by the management. The Chinese, Japanese Christian, Japanese Buddhist, Mexican, Negro Baptist, A.M.E. Church, and Mennonite groups participated, each contributing music or dancing or both, and in addition many individuals and the splendid High School Mixed Chorus. Edna Tillyer was Chairman and chief promoter of the evening, and Sylvia King, Valeria Thornton, and Artemus Lamb gave brief Bahá’í messages. About two-hundred and fifty attended, of whom only ten were Bahá’ís so it can be seen that this proved to be a more successful way to spread the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The affair attracted much attention among the citizens of Bakersfield and was much played up in the local press. This idea was originally obtained from Sylvia King last year when Naw-Rúz was celebrated in such manner in Fresno.
Club Solicitation
An attempt was made to interest the various service and social clubs in using Bahá’í speakers on their platforms. Attractive brochures were made up on four of the outstanding Bahá’í speakers and distributed by mail to the clubs. In many cases, these were followed up by additional letters or by telephone or personal calls and attention directed to future dates and places at which the speakers could be heard. Also, at the Women’s Club in Beverly Hills, in Southern California, the local Assemblies assisted the Regional Teaching Committee in arranging an audition of the speakers being publicized by holding a public meeting, Mrs. Stuart French and Mrs. Shirley Warde were the speakers, to which were invited the Program Chairmen of the clubs and at which these speakers talked. About two hundred and fifty clubs were circularized and of these eight have so far used one or more of our speakers. Of course, all of those contacted were made acquainted with the word “Bahá’í and many were given the message.
Radio
A detailed radio report has been[Page 9]
furnished to the Radio Committee.
In brief, however, Bahá’í talks were
given over nine different stations
under the complete or partial supervision
of the Regional Teaching
Committee, most of which were presented
by the studios as sustaining
time. In some cases a known audience
was built up by notifying the
believers and friends in the area
ahead of time, but in most instances
this was impossible because of the
shortness of the notice given by the
station. This is the chief disadvantage
of using sustaining time. This
committee is particularly indebted
to Edna Tillyer, and Marion Yazdi
in this phase of teaching and also
to Kenneth Christian, and Marzieh
Gail.
Literature
A personal survey was made (by Artemus Lamb) of all the Public Libraries in the whole region from Geyserville south to the border. Bahá’í books were placed in all the most likely towns. Fifteen of such Libraries as well as those of two colleges accepted Bahá’í literature for the first time and additional books were added to the Libraries of eight more towns. At the request of the National Library Committee all the Army and Navy Camps in the region were contacted and Bahá’í books accepted in nineteen of them. This committee greatly appreciates the splendid cooperation of the Library Committee and the Publishing Committee in this work. One conscientious objectors’ camp received a set of books at the request of an “inmate”.
In addition, World Order Magazine subscriptions were presented to two public and three college libraries. Also, at the suggestion, and with the generous help of, the Publishing Committee, World Order Magazines were placed on sale in magazine stores in some cities. So far the circulation has been chiefly limited to Bahá’ís but we believe that it is well worth while to continue this experiment, so long as the dealers will consent to receive the magazine, as a very inexpensive but dignified way of keeping the Cause before the public. Upon the arrangement of Mrs. Leroy Ioas with the Librarian, books were sent to the San Mateo County Library.
Newspaper Publicity
No particular projects pertaining
Bahá’ís gathered on the occasion of the re-interment of the remains of Mirzá Abu’l-Fadl in the new Bahá’í cemetery in Cairo, Egypt.
to this very fertile field were undertaken,
although where possible articles
announcing and following-up all
possible events were submitted to
the newspapers. Two isolated believers,
Edna Tillyer and Estelle
Wacaser, gained splendid publicity
by writing regular columns for their
local papers. This would seem to be
a teaching phase worthy of further
investigation and efforts. Many
inches have been obtained as a
result of the public meetings held.
Teaching Conferences
Only one teaching conference was sponsored by the Regional Teaching Committee itself, and this was so successful that more are being planned. In this one held in Alhambra in Southern California, the local Assemblies of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, and Pasadena, gave generous and valuable assistance. The program consisted of a morning conference devoted particularly to the isolated believers and their activities, buffet lunch, and afternoon public meeting. Leroy Ioas gave a stirring talk to open the morning session and acted as the final court of appeals for all knotty problems. Ralph Brown and Helen Bishop gave the talks in the afternoon and Edward Bode presided. About one hundred and fifty attended in the morning and approximately two hundred and fifty in the afternoon. The spirit of enthusiasm and unity was very marked and more are being looked forward to, as the Guardian asks the believers to persevere in holding such meetings.
In such a report it is impossible to describe in detail the worthy efforts made by the believers and teachers in many places. A few outstanding ones may be mentioned:
Fresno
The Naw-Rúz meeting held in Fresno by Mrs. Delia Brandin, a new believer. This meeting was not as large, nor did it include as many participants as last year, on account of the war. A banquet, with Mrs. Valeria Thornton of Beverly Hills and Mrs. Edna Tillyer of Bakersfield as speakers succeeded in interesting about seventy-five people. “Friendship rather than form seemed to be the order of the whole evening.”
Ojai
Mr. Sabet with Virginia Orbison as interpreter spoke to the Community Art Center of Ojai in March. About eighty-five people listened, asked questions and had tea. More Bahá’í speakers were asked for also literature. This meeting was held by the efforts and financial assistance of Mrs. Elizabeth Carpenter and Mr. and Mrs. M. Carter of Santa Paula.
Inter-America Friendship Meeting
An Inter-America Friendship
meeting held on April 12, just before
the Pan-American Day, at the Brazilian
Room near Berkeley, had as
participants and speakers the Mayor
of Berkeley, Mr. F. Gaines; Latin
American musicians; Consuls; a
speaker in the person of the Honorable
Fernando Berckemeyer, Consul
General of Peru; Marzieh Gail[Page 10]
read a passage from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
on Sympathy Towards Strangers.
The meeting was financed by Mrs. E. R. Mathews. Over twenty-five inches of publicity was obtained, and over a hundred people attended. Seventy-eight were non-Bahá’ís. It was probably the largest meeting north of Fresno ever sponsored by the Regional Teaching Committee. Mayor Gaines of Berkeley remarked that the Bahá’ís were to be congratulated for sponsoring such an admirable program.
Burbank Meetings
As part of the Regional’s activity in re-establishing disbanded Assemblies, a series of five public meetings were held on Sunday evenings in Burbank during March. The speakers were Mrs. Charles Reed Bishop, who spoke twice. Mr. Habib Sabet, Persian visitor (with Marzieh Gail as interpreter), Mrs. Shirley Warde, Miss Virginia Orbison, and Mrs. Valeria Thornton.
The attendance was from twenty–five to fifty persons. The Temple model was displayed in the hall for two weeks where about five hundred persons saw it, and could read the literature. It was later displayed in the Police Officers’ League street window. Fairly good newspaper publicity was obtained in Burbank and Glendale.
Santa Rosa
During the month of March, Mrs. G. A. Finks of Los Angeles made a stay in Santa Rosa for the purpose of trying to re–establish the Spiritual Assembly there. It was a very difficult task valiantly essayed, as many special problems are involved. Mrs. Finks succeeded in many new contacts, and some of her experiences were remarkable.
Las Vegas
Mrs. Sarah Witt was sent by the National Teaching Committee for regional teaching in Las Vegas. Many valuable contacts were made, and the Regional Committee hopes that this will be followed up by another teacher soon.
Work progressing on the dome of the Ḥáẓíratu’l–Quds of the N.S.A. of the Bahá’ís of Persia at Tihran.
Reno
Through the courageous efforts of the pioneer in Reno, Helen Griffing, and assisting traveling teachers, there are now seven believers in Reno.
Regional Bulletin
As transportation has become increasingly difficult, a Regional bulletin called Bahá’í Pioneering was started for the purpose of keeping the isolated believers and groups informed of the activities of the Cause in our region, and in stimulating them and giving them ideas for teaching, and for carrying out their duties for the Cause. This bulletin was started in January and appears (almost) monthly. About one hundred and forty copies are mailed.
Regional Changes
In January, Mr. Artemus Lamb resigned as Secretary, after having performed prodigious work in traveling throughout the region, and in directing the affairs of this Committee. Virginia Orbison was appointed to succeed Mr. Lamb for the rest of the term.
Mrs. James Crouchley and Mr. Charles Bishop were appointed to succeed Mrs. Isobel Thompson and Mr. John Keith.
While no new Assemblies have been established in this Region during the year, still, we know that multitudes of persons have heard of the Cause, have declared an interest, and many are studying earnestly. A few have signed cards. While the task set to us by the Guardian seems nearly impossible, surely we shall be aided in accomplishing all that is expected. In so doing, we shall ourselves grow in efficiency, good will, and harmony, putting aside all issues, but the one all-important issue of carrying out the will of the Guardian, who says “. . . American believers must unanimously pledge themselves to subordinate every activity, canalize every resource, exert every ounce of effort to insure befitting discharge of their supreme one responsibility to carry the light of the Faith. . .”
VIRGINIA ORBISON, Secretary
ARTEMUS LAMB, Previous Secretary
ROBERT THEISS
RALPH BROWN
MRS.ISOBEL THOMPSON
MRS. SYLVIA IOAS
CHARLES BISHOP
ROBERT GULICK, JR.
ROBERT WILLIS
MRS. JESSIE KEMPER
MRS. JAMES E. CROUCHLEY
MRS. WILLIAM SEARS
WILLIAM SEARS
