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November, 1943
Bahá’í Era
| BAHÁ'Í |  |
NEWS |
The Few Remaining Months of this Century[edit]
Message from Shoghi Effendi
Dearly-beloved co-workers:
The latest evidences of the magnificent success that has marked the activities of the members of the American Bahá’í community have been such as to excite the brightest hopes for the victorious consummation of the collective undertaking they have so courageously launched and have so vigorously prosecuted in recent years. As the first Bahá’í Century approaches its end, the magnitude and quality of their achievements acquire added significance and shed increasing luster on its annals. The proceedings of the recently held annual Convention; the formation of twenty-eight Assemblies in the course of the year that has just elapsed; the splendid progress achieved in the Latin-American field of Bahá’í activity; the superb spirit evinced by the pioneers holding their lonely posts in widely scattered areas throughout the Americas; the exemplary attitude shown by the entire body of the faithful towards the machinations of those who have so sedulously striven to disrupt the Faith and pervert its purpose—these have, to a marked degree, intensified the admiration of the Bahá’í communities for those who are contributing so outstanding a share to the enlargement of the limits, and the enhancement of the prestige, of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. The preparations which the American believers are undertaking for the celebration of the Centenary of the Faith must be such as to crown with immortal glory the fifty-year long record of their stewardship in the service of that Faith. Such a celebration must, in its scope and magnificence, fully compensate for the disabilities which hinder so many Bahá’í communities in Europe and elsewhere, and even in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land, from paying a befitting tribute to their beloved Faith at so glorious an hour in its history. The few remaining months of this century must witness a concentration of effort, a scale of achievement, a spirit of heroism that will outshine even the most daring exploits that have already immortalized the Seven Year Plan and covered with glory its valiant prosecutors. The plea I addressed to them, at this late hour, will, I am sure, meet with a response no less remarkable than their past reactions to the appeals I have felt impelled to make to them ever since the inception of the Plan. He Who, at every stage of their collective enterprise, has so abundantly blessed them, will, no doubt, continue to vouchsafe the blessings until the seal of unqualified victory is set upon their epoch-making task.
Haifa, August 8, 1943.
The following excerpts are also published from that portion of the same letter written through his Secretary:—
“Regarding the status of believers resident in British territories of the West Indies: the Guardian feels that in view of their proximity to the U.S.A. they should be regarded as centers under the supervision of the American Bahá’í National Assembly. They are not included as objectives of the Seven Year Plan which comprises only the sovereign republics of Central and South America.”
“The Guardian has recently, in a detailed cable, urged that special attention be directed, during these remaining months of the first Bahá’í Century, to the strengthening of the centers requiring assistance in the Latin Republics as well as in the virgin areas of the North American continent, in order to assure the establishment of a permanent center in each of these Republics and the formation of a Spiritual Assembly in each remaining virgin area. Through further appeals for more pioneers at this eleventh hour; through further self-sacrifice aiming at the provision of ampler funds for the dispatch of these pioneers and other teaching purposes, the few unfinished tasks of the Plan must be speedily accomplished in order to insure the total success of the forthcoming Centenary Celebrations. During these remaining months the Guardian will, as he has already assured you in that cable, pray with redoubled fervor for the complete success of this vast undertaking, this organized crusade, the like of which has never been launched during the entire course of one hundred years of Bahá’í History.”
The following message was received October 5:—
My heart is overflowing with joyous
gratitude at the magnificent advance
made in numerous spheres
of Bahá’í activity. The formation of
an Assembly in the few remaining
areas of the North American continent,
the consolidation of the foundations
of the newly-established Assemblies,
and the preservation of the
status of the Bahá’í centers in all
Republics of Latin America, imperatively
demand vigilant care, concentrated
attention and further self-sacrifice
from the vanguard of the
valiant army of Bahá’u’lláh. The beloved
Faith is surging forward on all
fronts. Its undefeatable, stalwart
supporters, both teachers and administrators,
are steeling themselves
for noble tasks, braving acute
dangers, sweeping away formidable
obstacles, capturing new heights,
founding mighty institutions, winning
fresh recruits and confounding
the schemes of insidious enemies.
The American Bahá’í community
must, and will at whatever cost, despite
the pressure of events and the
desolating war, maintain among its
sister communities the exalted
standard of stewardship incontestably
[Page 2]
set during the concluding years
of the first Bahá’í Century. The confident
spirit, unfaltering resolution
animating its members, their tenacious
valor, elevated loyalty, nobleness
of spirit and mighty prowess,
will, ere the expiry of the century,
crown with complete victory the
monumental enterprises undertaken
during the course of the fifty years
of its existence.
Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Beloved Co-workers and Friends:
The nationwide, coordinated teaching campaign arranged for local Bahá’í communities during this year of the Bahá’í Centenary has been inaugurated. The theme of race unity announced for the period of September and October has been presented to the public with vigor and clarity in cities throughout North America. Now, as we are on the eve of the second period, November-December, when religious unity will be upheld by all the Bahá’ís, it is essential that any misunderstanding about the nature of this effort be removed, so that the entire community of believers may concentrate upon achieving their mission of preparing the public for the Centenary of our Faith in May, 1944.
Each local Assembly, or group, is to participate in the nationwide campaign in accordance with its capacity and the nature of the local condition. This is not a teaching plan which operates for the local community by effort from outside. What the National Assembly endeavors to accomplish is to place effective teaching material in your hands, and to assist in the following ways: First, by sponsoring a series of radio talks in three cities where the stations broadcast over wide areas: New York, Chicago, and San Francisco; second, by authorizing the National Teaching Committee to provide circuit teachers as possible for the smaller communities; third, by donating teaching literature up to $5.00 per community where there are not over twenty-five believers; and fourth, by sending out for each of the four themes a Portfolio of Teaching Material related to the subject. It is clear that the supreme opportunity afforded the friends is
Bahá’ís of Buenos Aires gathered for observance of Nineteen Day Feast in November,
1942. Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, representing American N. S. A., was present.
to center their efforts in constructive
teaching work which is local in
action but national in importance
and purpose. From time to time suggestions
will be made in order to
help improve the methods of action.
The programs adopted by some of the Assemblies for the race unity theme have already been reported, and examples will be given here representing how the teaching is being planned by both large and small communities.
The San Francisco Assembly conducted a Symposium on Racial Foundations of World Order in the Gold Ball Room of the Palace Hotel on September 24. The Chairman of the meeting Was Leroy Ioas, the speakers participating were Dr. Rudolph I. Coffee, President, Temple of Religion; Dr. Charles S. Johnson, Department of Social Sciences, Hon. Robert W. Kenny, Attorney General, and Mrs. Dorothy Baker, member of the National Spiritual Assembly and Chairman of the National Bahá’í Race Unity Committee. Some seven hundred and fifty persons attended this meeting, making it one of the largest Bahá’í meetings yet held in America. The testimony paid the Faith by the well known and influential non-Bahá’í speakers were a great service to the Cause and emphasized the exposition of the Bahá’í teachings on race delivered so eloquently by Dorothy Baker.
In Pittsburgh, likewise, the theme of race unity was presented through a program combining speakers from within and outside the Cause. This meeting was held September 28 in the Social Room of Stephen Foste Memorial. Walter S. Buchanan presided; Mrs. F. B. Chalfant of the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education described the Inter-racial Good Will Program of the Public Schools in Springfield, Mass.; and Mrs. Marguerite Ullrich presented the Bahá’í teachings. Discussion and informal and friendly conversation followed the talks, members of the audience signified their desire to attend a study class; and a photograph of the gathering was taken by the Negro paper. “The Pittsburgh Courier.” The Pittsburgh community, it will be noted, is among the dissolved Assemblies which have recently regained Assembly status.
The Wilmette believers after analysis
of their local teaching problem
decided that since no public meeting
could be arranged comparable to
those conducted in the House of
Worship by the National Temple
Program Committee it would be
more effective to take the teachings
directly into the homes of the people.
An arrangement was accordingly
made by the local paper, “Wilmette
Life”, to purchase a column
of space four times during the year,
for presentation of each of the four
[Page 3]
successive themes, thus bringing
the Cause to the attention of more
than five thousand persons. The
statement on race unity was published
September 30, under the heading
“Spiritual Teachings for the
Unity of Mankind—I. Unity of
Races.” The same caption, with subheadings
II. Unity of Religions, etc.,
will be employed for all four
statements.
Every local Spiritual Assembly is a center of spiritual influence for the attraction of the whole-hearted and enthusiastic, activities of the believers and the diffusion of the sacred teachings throughout its locality. Our health, our capacity, our value to the Cause depends upon the vigorous functioning of our local Assembly as the coordinator, the inspirer, the guide and the servant of the friends. This year may all our Spiritual Assemblies realize their opportunity to attain their real station as created by Bahá’u’lláh Himself, that the new century may dawn with a regenerated and an active and confident community throughout America.
New Publications[edit]
The Publishing Committee calls attention to the important additions to the Bahá’í literature recently made, as follows:
Bahá’í World Faith, the one-volume general compilation of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, $1.50
Race and Man, compiled by Maye Harvey Gift and Alice S. Cox; part one, excerpts from writings on race unity by educators and scientists; part two, excerpts from Bahá’í literature. 134 pages, paper bound, appendix. $0.90.
Peace a Divine Creation, 26-page pamphlet of excerpts from Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, with Statement on World Order by Shoghi Effendi. $0.10
The World Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, a summary of its aims, teachings, history and administrative order by the National Spiritual Assembly. A four-page folder, letterhead size (8½ x 11 inches). 100 copies for $2.00
Introduction to the Bahá’í Teachings, study outline by Mamie L. Seto. This outline is for the preparation of seekers and students for membership in the Bahá’í community. It
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Greensboro, North Carolina,
newly established April 21, 1943.
is a simplified course which can be
conducted by any believer or used
by any fireside group, requiring only
two reference books—Selected Writings
of Bahá’u’lláh, of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
and of Shoghi Effendi (set of three
pamphlets sold at one price) and
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, by
J. E. Esslemont. The Outline, the
three pamphlets of Selected Writings,
and the Esslemont book, bound
in paper, at the special price of $0.75.
All of these but with the Esslemont
book bound in fabrikoid, $1.00. The
separate prices are: Study Outline,
$0.15; three pamphlets of Selected
Writings, $0.25; Bahá’u’lláh and the
New Era, paper bound, $0.50, in
fabrikoid, $0.75.
Pamphlet literature series. The Pamphlet Literature Committee has developed two new pamphlets and recommends the reprint of another, making an initial offering of three pamphlets to be used in the extensive teaching work this year. All the pamphlets in this series are to be 3½ by 5¾ inches in size, suitable for mailing in ordinary envelopes and can be obtained at the uniform price quoted below.
Religion and the New Age, Dr. George Townshend, 100 copies for $2.00.
Victory of the Spirit, Dorothy Baker. 100 copies for $2.00. (This text appeared in World Order Magazine for October with the title “The Path to God.”)
The Bahá’í Principle of Civilization, Horace Holley. 100 copies for $2.00.
Race Unity[edit]
Our nation-wide teaching campaign, centering this fall on Race Unity, first of the four themes of the year, brings to light a surprising degree of willingness on the part of the American public to cooperate with the Bahá’í platforms everywhere. An example of this may be seen in the project of San Francisco, where a Bahá’í chairman and speaker were assisted by the leading Negro social worker of the city, a well-loved Rabbi, head of the Temple of Religion and Known throughout the country, and the Attorney General of the state of California. Over seven hundred attended the meeting. Reports from Los Angeles, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver, Colorado Springs, and other cities, bring news of equally distinguished collaborators.
Milwaukee Youth is continuing a
most interesting experiment in Race
Unity. They have recently concluded
a second inter-racial fellowship
night at the Y.M.C.A., entertaining
some thirty Japanese and
twenty Chinese friends. This was followed
by “A Persian Night,” a
playlet enacted at the Bahá’í Center.
At a recent Milwaukee Feast,
a profound consciousness of the
dawning unity between continents
and races was born when Blue
[Page 4]
Mountain, an Inca Indian visitor,
first Indian believer of South America,
stepped forward to meet Mrs.
Marian Steffes, Oneida, first registered
North American Indian believer.
Good news comes to us of contacts among the Indians of the Chicago area. Through the efforts of Mrs. Mary Stevison of that city, successive meetings have been held at 1651 Jonquil Terrace, to entertain the Indian friends in small, intimate groups. At intervals, Mrs. Stevison has taken these friends to the Bahá’í House of Worship to hear the Sunday afternoon speakers and to have the privilege of the guided tours through the Temple. This joyous occasion has always been followed by tea and informal lessons by a variety of Bahá’í speakers at her home. An increasing number of young Indian women are showing interest in the Faith through these sustained efforts.
Miss Janet Whitenack, who spent a year at Tulaksak, Alaska, an all–Eskimo community, was invited, upon her departure, to address the little village on the subject of her Faith. As far as we are informed, this historic event constitutes the first group approach to the northern race with whom we are so little acquainted. The Committee feels that Miss Whitenack is to be heartily congratulated, and hopes that she will be enabled to return to them at some future time for further friendly contact. Mrs. Kathryn Frankland of Albuquerque reports the confirmation of a brilliant young Eskimo friend, Melba Call, first of the Eskimos to accept full membership in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
Oneness of Humanity Keynote of Green Acre Conclave[edit]
The following account is substantially as appearing in the Portsmouth, N. H., Herald of August 17, 1943:
The outstanding event of the week at Green Acre was the Race Unity conference with four sessions during three days. This conference was fortunate in having as its opening chairman and keynote speaker Harlan F. Ober of Beverly, Mass., one who has rendered outstanding services to the Faith both in the Orient and Occident. He set forth the purposes of the conference with emphasis upon the oneness of humanity and true fellowship among all races, drawing a word picture of a future world order in which all insularities of thought would end. Bahá’ís can carry their optimism through this great upheaval, for through Divine Revelation they have faith in the ultimate outcome. Teachers should be ready to address great audiences in the future.
Miss Lorna B. Tasker reviewed the life of the world famous Negro scientist, the late George W. Carver, showing his great contribution to national and world culture, relating many incidents of his career, correlating the ideals which governed his life by the principles of the new age as proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh as the real cause of his greatness. In answer to inquiry, it was stated that over a period of twenty-five years Dr. Carver had met in succession seven Bahá’í workers and teachers, was much attracted by the spirit of the faith and with a clear vision saw its value.
At the second session Horace Holley, chairman, spoke on Race and the New Psychology. This address as a treasure trove from the mines of science, religion and philosophy. It clearly proved the widening horizon of men’s minds as influenced by the great Spirit poured upon mankind by Bahá’u’lláh. Heshmat Ala’i Irani stated that race adjustment had now ceased to be only a local affair and has become a world matter of absorbing interest. Not what men say, but what they actually do about it is now of the utmost importance to win confidence.
Mme. Ali-Kuli Khan related interesting stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His loving, wise and generous attitude toward all races during His American tour. Other speakers at this session were Dr. T. E. A. McCurdy of Boston, Rev. J. N. SamuelsBelboder of Dayton, Ohio, and Louis Caution of Cambridge, Mass., colored friends, who praised the spirit of the conference and the beauty of Green Acre.
The third session’s consultation centered around Race and Spiritual Renewal. Dr. Glenn A. Shook as chairman, briefly reviewed the new book entitled Race: Science and Politics, quoting a passage to show how shallow has been the foundation of race prejudice during centuries and ages. The author, Ruth Benedict, has been a deep student of racial groups over a long period of time and her conclusions harmonize with the Bahá’í teachings. Mrs. Mary Alice McClennen, a young Bahá’í teacher of unusual promise, spoke on the laboratory nature of Green Acre service, where visitors may see the ideals of the new age day by day applied to all races. The Holy Spirit confirms those who walk in the path. Another contribution came from Rev. Dr. E. Eliot Durrant, pastor of a large colored church in Harlem, N. Y. and a frequent visitor at Green Acre. Mrs. Louise A. M. Gregory sang Negro spirituals.
Miss Mabel I. Jenkins of Kittery reads extracts from the works of two Negro poets and told of her race contacts during a visit to Hampton Institute, Va., where she formerly was a teacher. Her services to Green Acre cover a long period as she was a close friend of Miss Sarah J. Farmer, the founder. Another speaker was Miss N. Grace Bissell, Bahá’í pioneer teacher at Rutland, Vt.
At the final session Louis G. Gregory, chairman, made an address on Race and the New Sociology. Mention was made of sociology as a new science which has sprung up in this day and how its students study groups, caused and motivated by such influences as education, economics, government, religion and race. But the Supreme Sociologist, Bahá’u’lláh, bestows the mysterious Power which can fuse all into harmony and productive strength.
Mrs. Doris Holley emphasized the need of present opportunities, observing that it is far easier to approach and understand those near at hand, even though of a different race, when they share the same language, laws, customs and civilization, than to fellowship with those at a great distance.
John A. Roberts of Toronto voiced
the Spirit of Unity, quoting from the
farewell address of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to
His American friends delivered on
ship board. Miss Maud Mickle, pioneer
teacher, related, interesting
stories of racial contacts and improved
conditions in race relations
[Page 5]
during her stay in South Carolina,
as showing an unmistakable trend.
She was able to aid both groups.
Maj. Gertrude Atkinson presented Historical Aspects of Race, showing how during the ages suffering has always preceded the progress of races and other groups. That the whole world is now suffering is significant of better things to follow. Mrs. Lorraine H. Welsh of Pt. Huron, N. Y., drew attention to the fact that Negro history is now being taught in many schools of both races, an innovation which can both increase the appreciation of races for each other.
This conference, an annual event, brings the record attendance for the season at Green Acre. Warm appreciation and praise were expressed to all who had lent their presence or had taken part, and suggestions for each and all to continue the work with bright minds and loving hearts brought the conference to a happy end, a period foreshadowing a bright future for those who know and do the divine good pleasure.
Notes from the Teaching Front[edit]
The Guardian has told us that the significance of our teaching work in North America lies in “the establishment of the structural basis of the Bahá’í administrative order.” As news flows in from every part of the continent, proclaiming the progress of the Seven Year Plan, we are thrilled to note how deep and wide are the foundations being laid. Evidences are many that the Faith is rising on a basis of enduring strength.
One of the first acts of the newly-formed Spiritual Assembly of Denver was to participate in an Inter-Faith Conference held June 13th at Grace Community Church, under the sponsorship of the Inter-Faith Commission of the Denver Council of Churches. This conference, attended by over three hundred, heard discussions on the theme, “Religion, the Conscience of Humanity,” presented by members of the Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, Islámic, and Bahá’í religions. Each speaker outlined “the origin, history, and basic teachings of his faith with the aim of finding points of agreement rather than of difference.” During the question period, we are told, the majority
Bahá’í Community of Louisville, Ky., who established a Spiritual
Assembly April 21, 1943.
of questions were asked of Valeria
Thornton, the Bahá’í speaker, Conference
chairman was Dr. Conrad
Rheiner, Pastor of the Universalist
Church of Denver, but the idea was
originated and much of the organization
carried out by Artemus Lamb, a
member of the Denver Bahá’í Assembly.
The reason expressed by the
Bahá’ís for holding such a conference
was the world crisis, calling for
“understanding and tolerance between
all the peoples and religions of
the world.” According to Mr. Lamb,
“the result seems to be much publicity
for the Faith, the direct giving
of the Message, the public recognition
of the Faith as the newest of
the world’s great religions, and the
beginning of a movement in Denver
towards the study of the various religions
of the world.” Before disbanding
the conference voted to
sponsor a two-day institute of the
same Faiths in the Fall. Surely this
is auspicious news of the progress
of the Cause in Denver, and leads
the way for Bahá’í communities
everywhere in the unfoldment of
Bahá’u’lláh’s distinctive principle of
religious unity.
In Reno the Faith has pioneered in still another direction, that of racial unity. The first Spiritual Assembly of Nevada is representative of three racial groups, white, negro, and Japanese, and we understand that the young Japanese secretary is the first of his nationality to be elected to an Assembly. Fireside meetings in Reno are thrilling experiences, foreshadowing as they do, the future World Order of Bahá’u’lláh!
From Alaska comes word that Janet Whitenack has resigned her teaching position in Tuluksak to insure the victory of the Seven Year Plan at Anchorage. The occasion of leaving the Eskimo village gave Miss Whitenack a remarkable chance to present the Message to eighty-five Eskimos, who invited her to speak at their church service on the fourth of July. She writes, “With a native interpreter it took about three quarters of an hour. It is difficult to know what the response was. They seemed interested, and several thanked me for talking to them. . .One man said, ‘Everybody liked it.’ ”
While the necessities of the Seven
Year Plan have taken Janet Whitenack
away from the Eskimos,
strangely enough, in Albuquerque,
N. M., the first Eskimo Bahá’í has
been confirmed. Kathryn Frankland
[Page 6]
has sent us the story of Melba Call,
a full–blooded Eskimo girl from Bristol
Bay, blind since four years of
age. Reared by a white foster
mother, Miss Call earned her way
through college, and in Albuquerque
was employed by the Department
of Public Welfare instructing
eighty blind students. Since accepting
the Faith her greatest hope
has become to teach the Faith among
the Eskimos. To her minister, she
wrote, in resigning from the church,
“I can see now that religion can be
just as progressive as science, education,
music, etc. Through the
Bahá’í Cause I have truly become
a firm believer in Abraham and
every one of his prophetic successors.”
The circle of coincidence was
completed when we learned from
Janet Whitenack that she knew Miss
Call’s foster mother, a teacher for
the Alaskan Indian Service. Surely
the hand of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is at work
to assist us in the fulfillment of His
Divine Plan for the Eskimo people!
The formation of a Local Assembly in Edmonton, Alberta, last April was a striking evidence of the power and vitality of the Faith. No group existed in Edmonton when Muriel Warnicker went there last summer. Soon, however, she had attracted a number of people to whom Marcia Atwater was then sent as a teacher. In November, after several had enrolled as believers, Anita Ioas moved to Edmonton as a pioneer. Less than a year elapsed from the beginning of this swift campaign to its climax in the election of an Assembly. Today Edmonton possesses nine native Bahá’ís, in addition to its settlers, and teaching opportunities have so increased that Anne McGee was recently transferred from Calgary to aid the work. Thus a bright victory has been won in this virgin Province, marking another milestone in the evolving Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
Inter-America News[edit]
Exhilarating evidences of “the miraculous unfolding of a fresh marvel every day” are showered upon us as the friendly postman delivers the news of our pioneers. Airplanes whisk them from Texas to Panama, from Chile to Argentina, across mountains and jungle valleys and seas. And airplanes bring their precious reports of goals achieved, and new seeds planted.
Central America
An exuberant letter from Julie Regal expresses her gratitude to Mrs. Cora Oliver for her help in securing the Canal Zone position which makes it possible for Julie to assist the teaching work in this important Republic during the next crucial months. Miss Regal enjoyed a brief chat with Mrs. Caswell in Chicago, which served to add to her fervor to participate in the teaching activities of this cross-roads of the world.
During the few weeks of her unexpected holiday Mrs. Caswell visited the friends in many localities. As soon as she had established Gwenne Sholtis under medical care, Mrs. Caswell went direct to the Geyserville Summer School and was present for the closing days of the Session. A brief visit with the friends in San Francisco was followed by a two-day stay in Los Angeles. The Bahá’ís of that area were delighted to hear of the increasing development of the Cause in Panama and of the teaching work which has been carried forward during Mrs. Oliver’s and Mrs. Caswell’s pioneer service there.
The Committee’s warm appreciation to Sr. Santos Dominguez for his recently published “Primer Centenario” received a reply from him, which was radiant with spiritual grace, with the dignity of deep humility, and gratitude that his “small work had proved useful for the spreading of the Great Cause.”
Sr. Hernandez, Assembly Secretary of the thriving Bahá’í Community of San José, Costa Rica, writes of the meetings, held twice weekly, which are a part of the teaching activities in this city. Sr. Hernandez also rejoices that a new supply of books has arrived to give an added impetus for a broader scope in the teaching field. The eagerness of all these energetic friends for an ever larger supply of the Bahá’í literature is a gratifying evidence of the solid foundations which are being laid in these blessed Bahá’í Centers.
Clarence Iverson is again in San Salvador but his recent letters have been filled with the activities of his month’s visit in Guatemala, from which point his mother returned for a few months visit to the States.
With characteristic enthusiasm Clarence’s letters reflect his happiness in meeting with the friends in Guatemala City. He renewed old friendships, made many new acquaintances, and was given numerous opportunities to show his collection of the Temple slides for various types of gatherings. On one of these occasions some of the friends who were present had seen the Temple at different stages of its construction, and all were keenly interested in the beauty of its completed exterior.
In a delightful letter from Sr. Batres, Secretary of the Guatemala City Assembly, we heard the most graciously of the pleasure the Bahá’í friends had received from Clarence’s sojourn. Sr. Batres also wrote of the earnest endeavors of the Assembly members to consecrate themselves to their new responsibilities that the Cause may be established upon the firm and noble foundations of the Divine Plan. A beautiful registration book, the gift of Sr. Torres, will record the membership of this new Community of the Most Great Name.
On her return to Panama, Louise Caswell wrote at length, and touchingly, of her visit to Mathew Kaszab’s grave in Brownsville, Texas. “An imposing Bahá’í stone” distinguished Mathews is resting place from the many other graves marked only by “wooden crosses or just a stick.”
Flying south Louise’s plane conveniently made scheduled stops in Guatemala, San Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. At each point there was time for a brief, happy visit with some of the Bahá’ís living in these Republics.
A few stimulating hours with three believers in Guatemala was followed by a joyful reunion with Clarence Iverson in San Salvador. “Their boys’ school,” writes Louise, “is one of the outstanding works in Latin American pioneer work.”
A charming letter from the Secretary
of the San Salvador Assembly
tells how close to their hearts is this
“youth Academy, founded in
March” for which they are busily
engaged in “seeking solutions of the
teaching and the needs of the students”
whose ages range from sixteen to
twenty years. Other activities are
the meetings held on Saturdays and
Sundays. The messages of the Guardian
[Page 7]
and the monthly Inter-America
bulletins are translated and read at
these meetings. The Bahá’í Procedure
in Spanish has been gratefully
received—“some articles of this Procedure
are read in each Sunday’s
Spiritual Assembly meeting.”
Honduras provided Louise with a glimpse of Gayle Woolson, which was “heavenly.” for all its brevity.
In Managua the word of arrival had been delivered in time for a beloved little Nicaraguan believer to meet the plane and have every precious moment for a mutually inspiring visit. This valiant Bahá’í has “a quenchless enthusiasm for the Cause, and is fanning the immortal flame which has been lit in Nicaragua.”
Glowing proof of her words greeted Louise’s return to Panama. An eminent Nicaraguan educator and statesman, fulfilling lecture engagements at Universities of Central and South America, arranged his plans in Panama to permit him to meet with the Bahá’ís and to serve as a speaker for their Spanish meeting. “This very humble and noble person,” explained Louise, had come to them from the gentle believer in Nicaragua!
South America
Vivid letters from Virginia Orbison have thrilled us this past month, as she flew across the Southern Continent, from Santiago, Chile, to go to the support of Asuncion, Paraguay for several weeks.
Nearly three weeks were spent with the friends in Buenos Aires, awaiting plane space to Asuncion, and Virginia thoroughly enjoyed the frequent meetings, with the more than thirty believers of this great metropolis of Argentina, made possible by the unexpected delay. The Guardian has written a number of letters to the Argentina Bahá’ís, and these messages, full of encouragement for their great work and destiny, have proven a mighty bulwark for this strenuous pioneer period.
Bahá’í meetings in Buenos Aires are held twice weekly. Virginia spoke at five of these gatherings, and adds — “my Spanish has a special flavor, but it makes understanding!” She continues, “the dear and devoted Etta Mae Lawrence is installed in a sweet apartment, which will be full of friends always . . . what has impressed me so
Younger children of the Children’s Class conducted at Geyserville School, 1943.
deeply is the genuine closeness and
profound love that exists between
the believers and everywhere is so
evident. Perhaps May Maxwell’s
wonderfully loving spirit is pervading
all of this country. It is profoundly
moving to arrive in a
strange city, among people that one
has never seen, and immediately to
have a feeling of deeper intimacy
and genuine affection than one ever
approaches with other friends. This
is what makes the goal of the Bahá’í
Faith absolutely certain of attainment.”
Two happy days were spent in Montevideo, where the hospitable Uruguayan Bahá’ís arranged for Virginia to speak to twenty-five people. Wilfrid and Marta Barton took her for a delightful drive “to see this beautiful city strung out along the mouth of the river.”
Later Virginia sketched her first impression of Asuncion, Paraguay— “There are many Americans here from the States . . . The weather is a bit of perfection, just now. It is nearly tropical here and extremely picturesque. Orange trees in bloom and fruit on the street give a wonderful fragrance, and the flowering trees are breathtaking in their beauty. One of the friends has written and is producing his own play at the main theatre next month.”
Flora Hottes, from the mountain city of La Paz, in Bolivia, draws entrancing verbal pictures that we wish all of you might have in their entirety. “The Message has been literally sown broadcast in the period of your two pioneers,” writes Miss Hottes, “and not a week goes by but there is some new contact or some old one renewed.” A broad range of human relationships and needs, significant of the universality of the Cause, is revealed in the descriptions of the varied Bahá’í activities being carried on in La Paz.
“Several new refugees have become interested in the Faith, fine people, who are touched with new hope, and will come to us again to hear more . . . The boys are still coming, and some of the thoughts they gather are clearly reflected in their school themes. . .The minister to the Aymara Indians, whose daughter we see occasionally in the school office, came for tea, and looked into the new books. He liked them for their love and tolerance, and said he was going to a meeting of young people with whom he wished to share these great ideas.”
A public meeting was arranged at
which an accomplished young Chilean
woman, whom Flora had met in
Lima a year ago, was invited to be
the guest speaker. Her humanitarian
work for women gave an opportunity
to “outline the Cause in relation to
the great developments of the age”
and to connect the dynamic influence
of Tahirih in the growing
emancipation of women. Another
[Page 8]
guest, a young Bolivian woman lawyer,
was deeply stirred to return
with her mother for a fuller understanding
of the greatness of the Message.
The La Paz group had befriended a little boy whose parents had been unable to provide him with the surgical care he needed. “Recently the father and mother came to talk to us about the Cause. They are real people of the country — so kind and hospitable. To visit them one rides through the real indigenous section of the city, the markets, the crowds of Indians, streets filled with the native folk with their burdens and their babies on their backs. So much life and needing so much of what our Faith will ultimately bring to humanity.”
When school is out in October, Flora will take a holiday in a lower altitude and will spend a month or two with Eve Nicklin in Lima.
Dominican Republic
Margaret Lentz sends us word of her new living arrangements in a letter vibrant with her plans for the teaching work to which she will now devote her entire time. At her pleasant hotel-pension she will also help the attractive young daughter of the owner to acquire English.
Miss Lentz wrote of her pleasure at a recent Embassy Reception when she learned, in the course of a conversation with the new Consul, that he had lived for some time in Bahia and enjoyed knowing Mrs. Holsapple-Armstrong during her residence there.
Haiti
L’Assemblée Spirituelle des Bahá’ís, Port-au-Prince, Haiti! With this letter-head the mailbag brings thrilling proof of the onward march of the Cause of Bahá'u’lláh!
Mr. Gerald McBean, Secretary of the newly established Spiritual Assembly of Port-au-Prince, sends the joyful news of two new believers accepted into the Faith. These two members have joined the Cause since the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell, and Mr. McBean adds— “. . .This will be good news to them. We are sorry they had to leave us, but we are doing our best to carry on the work. As usual the meetings are held at my home every Thursday night.”
The friends in Haiti are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the French translations which are being provided by the National Spiritual Assembly. “. . .nearly all of our friends are French speaking and most of our literature is in English. These reprints will help us wonderfully.”
Mrs. McBean also writes with poignant sincerity of their joy in serving the Faith and of their deep desire to help establish a beautiful Bahá’í Center in Haiti—“. . .we miss the Blackwells, they were much beloved in Haiti.”
Ecuador
Another new believer is joyfully reports from Ecuador. Hans Dory, Secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Quito announces that the Quito Community now numbers ten members.
Uruguay
The happy news of a wedding comes to us from Montevideo! The first of two joyous letters from Mrs. Mary Barton brought word of her happiness in the engagement of her son, Wilfrid, to Senorita Marta Brito del Pino, charming daughter of a distinguished family of Uruguay. Mrs. Barton’s second letter told of the beautiful wedding which was solemnized, early in July, at the home of the bride, in the presence of many relatives and friends. Mrs. Barton writes glowingly of her delightful and accomplished new daughter and of Wilfrid’s great happiness. Our congratulations and felicitations to Mr. Barton and his lovely bride.
Mrs. Mary Barton has been doing valuable teaching work in Montevideo since her arrival there in January. She has recently returned home, having postponed her return in order to remain in Wilfrid’s marriage.
Jamaica
Dr. Malcolm King, preparing to return to the States for a time, has sent a detailed record of the contacts he has made in his period of service in Jamaica. Many hundreds of people have heard the glorious Message and from all parts of the island have come inquiries about the Faith.
Notice of The Bahá’í World, Vol. X[edit]
Because Volume X of The Bahá’í World is the last volume of the first Bahá’í century it is of unusual importance. It will contain much material of historical interest and value relating to the whole of the first Bahá’í century as well as to the two years, April 21, 1942–April 20, 1944.
The committee desires particularly photographs, both those illustrating events and institutions of the Cause, such as summer school activities, pageants, exhibitions, activities of traveling teachers etc., during the two-year period covered by the book and those of earlier date. Please send them to Mrs. Anna Kunz, 714 Iowa Street, Urbana, Illinois.
Please send references to the Faith which appear in non-Bahá’í books, pamphlets and magazines, also references in specialized reference works to Mrs. Bertha H. Kirkputrick, Olivet, Michigan. These references should give name of book or magazine, author, publisher and page on which reference is found. The dates of these publications should be within the period 1942-1944.
Any other material which would prove interesting to the public at large or valuable to be preserved in the records of the book please send to the Secretary of the committee.
Care should be taken not to repeat material which has been used in former volumes.
Please send your material so that it will reach the committee by January first, 1944.
All material gathered will be sent by the committee to the Guardian, who selects what he considers best for the book.
BAHÁ’Í WORLD EDITORIAL COMMITTEE,
Request for Material on Youth or Children’s Activities[edit]
We would like to renew our plea
for all material relating to youth activities
and children’s activities for
publication in The Bahá’í World, Volume
X. While we have had interesting
accounts and photographs from
a good many youth groups, some of
our largest youth groups have not
[Page 9]
responded in any way. Also, we have
received thrilling reports from a
good many of our youth pioneers
while others have not been heard
from. The same may be said of
our youth in the armed services.
Many have responded with splendid
accounts whereas others have not
been heard from.
As for the children’s material, we are eager to have a strong children’s section in this issue of Bahá’í World, and are therefore begging all communities with children’s classes to send us a brief account of how your classes are conducted, what response you get from the children, etc. etc. Pictures of the children will be most valuable. Even if your children’s class consists of only two, three, or four children, let us hear from you.
Please send all material at once to Mrs. Margaret K. Ruhe, 840 Cherry Street, N. W., Atlanta, Georgia.
Publishing Committee Overcoming Emergency Conditions[edit]
Due to the emergency conditions affecting all publishing activities today, our Bahá’í Publishing Committee is making a determined effort to anticipate future demands for the books and pamphlets. Advance orders for paper and binding cloth have already been placed for the next volume of The Bahá’í World as well as for a new book which the Guardian is preparing to send in manuscript form in a few months.
It has become evident that a policy is needed in order to assure that the books and pamphlets of first importance can be kept in stock at all times, even though this may require the temporary discontinuance of certain standard books and pamphlets. The lack of paper and the inability of binding departments to fill orders not having war priority has seriously restricted our freedom to develop the important publishing work along lines of normal expansion.
For example, in the production of the compilation Bahá’í World Faith, the intention was to make the book as light in weight as possible, but the selection of grades of paper had become so restricted that the type of book readily possible a few years ago could no longer be manufactured.
Bahá’í Youth Gathering, New Zealand, result of activities and encouragement of
Alvin Blum, American Bahá’í.
Moreover, the schedule called
for the appearance of this book in
time for the Convention, but unavoidable
delays in manufacturing postponed
publication until after August
first.
By bringing out the set of three pamphlets entitled Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and of Shoghi Effendi, in an edition of 25,000 sets, and the new compilation Bahá’í World Faith in an edition of 10,000, the Publishing Committee has assured itself of capacity to provide Bahá’í literature for a period of from two to three years. The next step in the policy to be worked out with the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly is to establish an immediate printing schedule embracing every book and pamphlet needed in the teaching work tor the next four years for which printing and paper facilities can be obtained.
New and Restored Assemblies[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly is happy to report that four Assemblies have been formed in recent weeks, two in virgin areas, and two being the restoration of the Assemblies that were dissolved for lack of numbers. The new Assemblies are: Anchorage, Alaska; Fargo, North Dakota; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Omaha, Nebraska. Thanks to the Guardian’s recent direction, these Assemblies could be formed without awaiting until April 21, 1944.
All newly formed Assemblies are requested to report their establishment on one of the forms provided by the N.S.A., send a full list of members of the community with addresses, and also provide three copies of a group photograph.
Bahá’í Directory[edit]
ASSEMBLIES
Anchorage, Alaska—Mrs. Frances L.
- Wells, Secretary.
Pittsburgh, Pa.—Mrs. Otto Zmeskal, Secretary,
- 4628 Bayard Street.
Santa Barbara, Calif.—Charles A. Butler,
- Secretary, 312 East Fugueroa
- Street.
Rochester, N. Y.—Mrs. Rochelle Boonshaft,
- Secretary, 171 Alexander Street.
Syracuse. N. Y.—Mrs. A B. Bevan, 3566
- East Genesee Street.
Columbus, Ohio—Mrs. Margaret Acebo,
- 777 Franklin Avenue, Columbus 5.
Portland, Oregan—George O. Latimer,
- Secretary, 1927 N. E. 40th Avenue.
- Portland 13.
COMMITTEES
Library: Mrs. Dorothy Fisher added.
Radio: Address for correspondence, Mrs.
- Mildred Mattahedeh, Secretary, 225
- Fifth Avenue, New York, N, Y.
Youth: Marjorie Ullrich, Secretary, 124
- Carpenter Road, Mansfield, Ohio.
Contacts: Mae McKenna added, Nathan
- Goldstein added, Mrs. Evelyn Kemp
- unable to serve, Mrs. Audrey Robarts
- unable to serve.
Archives: Mrs. Gertrude Struven and
- Mrs. Beatrice Ashton added.
Regional Teaching Committees: Louisiana,
- Mississippi, Arkansas—Mrs. Keller
- and Mrs. Sims transferred from the
- Regional Committee of Tennessee and
- Alabama; North and South Carolina,
- Georgia—Mrs. Phoebe Babo added;
- Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas—
- Mrs. Dorothy Logelin has moved from
- this region; California, Nevada, Arizona
- —Mrs. Marion Longyear and Mrs. L.
- B. Herbert added; New York—John
- Woolston and Mr. and Mrs. Roland
- Hughey added. Mrs. Roberta Christian
- unable to serve; Ontario—Llyod Gardner
- has moved from this region; Virginia,
- West Virginia, Maryland—Mrs.
- Florence Hanson and Mrs. Martha Dorrida
- added. The Regional Teaching
- Committee appointed for Alberta and
- British Columbia has been dissolved
- and two separate Committees appointed
- for these two Provinces, as
- follows:—
Alberta Regional Teaching Committee
- Doris Skinner, Secretary, 303 Sixth
- Street, W., Calgary, Alta.
- Ann McGee
- Anita Ioas
- Clifford Gardner
- Nan Greenwood
British Columbia Regional Committee
- Mrs. Katherine Moscrop, Secretary,
- 6009 Alma Road, Vancouver, B. C.
- Mae A. McKenna
- Mrs. Eve Cliff Southwell
- Ethel Hammond
- Harold Moscrop
- Austin F. L. Collin
- Muriel Warnicker
- Elizabeth McGee
Bahá’í School Committees
(For 1944 Season)
Green Acre
- Lorna Tasker, Chairman
- Roushan Wilkinson, Secretary, R.F.D.
- l90, North Attleboro, Mass.
- Louis G. Gregory
- Mrs. Helen Archambault
- Harlan Ober
- Glenn A. Shook
- Rachel Small
- Mrs. Mary A. McClennen
- Mrs. Margaret Newman
Geyserville School
- Mrs. Sylvia Ioas, Chairman
- Gladys Linfoot, Secretary, 156 Nova
- Drive, Piedmont, Calif.
- John Bosch
- Mrs. Amelia Bowman
- Mrs. Sarah Kenny
- Ray Brackett
- Mrs. Amelia E. Collins
- Irwin Somerhalder
- Louise Groger
- Mildred Nichols
Louhelen School
- Edwin Miessler, Chairman
- Mrs. Helen Eggleston, Secretary,
- Louhelen Ranch, R.F.D., Davison, Mich.
- Phyllis Hall, Corresponding Secretary
- Mrs. Beatrice Eardley
- L. W. Eggleston
- Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick
- Paul Pellet
- Dr. Alice Kidder
- Charles Reimer
International School
- Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews, Chairman,
- P.O. Box 1064, Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Mark Tobey
- Max Greeven
- Inez Greeven
- Marion Little
- George O. Latimer
- Roberta Wilson
- Mrs. Wanden LaFarge
- The Committee known as Institute at
Bahá’í Education has been reconstituted with a different title.
Bahá’í College Speakers Bureau
- Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Chairman
- Wm. Kenneth Christian, Secretary 929
- Lancaster Avenue, Syracuse, N Y.
- Mrs. Marguerite True
- Dr. Glenn A. Shook
- Mrs. Marguerite Firoozi
- Mrs. Mary Collison
In Memoriam[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life. —BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
- Mr. J. W. Latimer, Portland.
- Mrs. Mary Revell, Philadelphia.
- Mr. Frederick Arthur Clapp, Los
Angeles.
- Mr. Earl E. Carré, Mariposa.
Calif.
- Miss Katherine Bacchus, Colorado
Springs.
- Miss Mary Young, Syracuse.
- Mrs. Leonora Obendorfer, Brooklyn.
- Miss Nancy Brown Van Riper,
Circleville, Ohio.
- Mr. Henry Banning, Kenosha.
- Mr. Rudolph Heman, Cabin John.
- Mrs. Theresa Hill, Circleville,
Ohio.
- Mrs. Isadore Chamberlain, Hackensack, N. J.
- Dr. Lillian K. Sielken, Indianapolis.
- Mrs. Alice Ward, Richmond Highlands.
Enrollments and Transfers[edit]
Teaneck, five. New York, five. Beverly, three and one youth. Los Angeles, three. Kansas City, two. Jackson, two. Richmond Highlands, two. South Bend, one. West Chester, one. Arlington, one. Washington, one. Laramie, one. Brattleboro, one. New Orleans, one. Baltimore, one. Miami, one. Charleston, one. Chicago, one. San Francisco, one. San Diego, one. Edmonton, one youth.
Enrollments by transfer reported by local Assemblies:
Los Angeles, eleven. New York, eight. Evanston, three. Brookline, two. Beverly Hills, one. Laramie, one. Milwaukee, one. Teaneck, one. Binghamton, one. Portsmouth, one. Jackson, one.
Enrollment of isolated believers in June, nine; in July, fourteen and one youth; in August, twelve; in September, thirteen and five youth.
Bahá’í Calendar[edit]
Nineteen Day Feasts: Power, November 4; Speech, November 23; Questions, December 12; Honor, December 31.
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, at 1:00 A. M.
Meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly: December 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, at Wilmette.
Teaching theme for November and December: Religious Unity.
Yerrinbool School, Australia[edit]
(Reprinted from “Bahá’í Quarterly”)
On Saturday, June 5th, friends journeyed to Yerrinbool to attend the Bahá’í Winter School. On Sunday, June 6th, in glorious weather, 36 friends gathered at “Bolton Place” for the Unity Feast. At 2:30 p.m. the Chairman of the committee opened the school and Mrs. Hyde Dunn read the prayer for All Nations. Mr. Bolton as Chairman welcomed the friends and read telegrams and messages of congratulation.
Mrs. Bolton reads “The Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” by Shirley Warde from the World Order Magazine which reported a gathering in America in June, 1912, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá held a unity feast.
Then Mrs. Dunn gave a short talk to the young people in reference to their responsibilities in the New World Order and congratulated them upon the enthusiasm which they displayed in all their activities. Mrs. Hall gave greetings from the Sydney community, and Mrs. Hambridge greetings to the Yerrinbool group.
On Monday morning the friends gathered in the Hyde Dunn Memorial Hall when the School sessions opened with devotions on Healing. Monday afternoon was devoted to the study of The Dawn-Breakers between 2 and 4 p.m. On Monday evening the Covenant of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was studied.
On Tuesday morning devotions were held and in the afternoon further studies and readings from The Dawn-Breakers. Tuesday evening was devoted to the reading of healing prayers and the “Experience of a Pioneer” from World Order Magazine.
On Wednesday morning devotions were from Prayers and Meditations. On Wednesday afternoon the dedication of the Hilda Gilbert Cabin was performed by Mrs. Hyde Dunn with a reading from the Gleanings (page 151) “Life after Death.” At the dedication Hilda’s favorite prayer “Forgiveness” was recited by Mrs. Bolton. After this ceremony a reading from The Dawn-Breakers was given by Mr. N. Walker. In the evening questions and answers were the order of the day.
On Thursday morning devotions were held and readings were selected by Mrs. Gale from the Gleanings. On Thursday afternoon Mrs. Hambridge selected readings from the Gleanings on Justice. Thursday evening was devoted to the study of Administration by Miss Belling.
On Friday morning Mrs. Coleman led the devotions, followed by further studies of The Dawn–Breakers. Friday evening concluded by the study of the Covenant and prayers.
The School closed on Saturday.
The entire study periods and periods of leisure were characterized by harmony and concord and as the garden develops and takes on a definite shape it will be a perfect setting for peace and tranquility which is so essential in these days of chaos and strife. So I would urge the friends to prepare now for the Summer School that is to be held in January, 1944, as we all know this is to be one of the most important years in Bahá’í history.
We had the privilege and pleasure of having two non-Bahá’ís with us, who both proclaimed their firmness and acceptance of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh before the school closed.
All we are asked to do is sow the seed and God will reveal to the people in His time the greatness of His Cause. Indeed we are living in a very great day.
Bahá’í Winter School Committee,
Teaching Activity in England[edit]
(From Annual Report of N. S. A. of the Bahá’ís Of the British Isles, 1942-1943).
Although we have for the moment put a great accent on publicity, we have not during the year forgotten our obligation to teach the Faith to all who are willing to learn. Both the local assemblies and the National Teaching Committee have done everything they can to foster existing outlets and to create new ones.
The National Teaching Committee’s work lies mainly amongst those believers who are not members of a local community. Their name was during the year changed from the lonely word “isolated” to the brave and encouraging “pioneer.” Working all by yourself, perhaps without even seeing a fellow Bahá’í for months, is not by any means easy. It takes courage and fortitude to keep on trying, especially if for a long time no tangible results are achieved. It shows the strength of the pioneers and the degree of their faith that out of the nine new believers declared during the year, seven are due to teaching efforts of pioneers or, in one case a group, rather than the work of the Assemblies. The National Teaching Committee, realizing that it is through the pioneers that new communities must come into being, has tried to help them as much as possible, by keeping in touch by correspondence, by giving suggestions, explanations of the Teachings, etc., through the Journal, and by offering to send any help which might be needed. The response to their efforts has not been quite what was hoped, but this no doubt will gradually change as the Faith becomes known and the pioneers are more and more involved in active teaching. The National Spiritual Assembly has also tried to help the pioneers, to understand their difficulties and to keep in touch with them by sending various of its members to visit different pioneers, to consult and discuss with them, rather in the way that a local Assembly consults with the believers at a 19-day Feast.
Believers serving in the Army have done their best to help the teaching work. One has given talks on the Faith to Toc H in Droitwich; one, who is in the Shetland Isles, has written asking for books to be sent. Another, who is in the Midlands, has also been trying everything he can think of. This believer was the main originator of an innovation in the Midlands, when four believers came together at Miss Eastgate’s home near Birmingham and for the first time held a Naw-Rúz Feast in that part of England.
A number of fireside meetings have been held in Blackburn during the year, and one was held at Blackpool where a newly declared believer lives.
There has been a good deal of activity in Northampton. A believer has gone to live there and by advertisements in the local press and by personal efforts, a number of fresh people have been contacted, and one has already declared himself a believer. The resident pioneer has held fireside meetings and has also spoken at various meetings, one a very large one.
Other pioneers may not have addressed big audiences or even held fireside meetings, but most of them have taken every opportunity to speak of the Faith here and there, helping thereby in publicity even if not yet in more intensive teaching.
Some months ago the N.S.A. appointed one of its members as Contacts Secretary, to deal with such things as statements in the press sympathetic to the Bahá’í principles, and to contact prominent people. During the year various people have been reminded of previous contact with the Faith, such as King Haakon of Norway, who was sent a telegram of greeting on his seventieth birthday, the Dean of Canterbury who was sent some books, and President Benes, Sir Ronald Storrs, and some others were sent a photograph of the Temple with greetings at the New Year.
Linked up with teaching is the question of the literature used. In August the N.S.A. appointed a committee, the members of which were to consult informally with members of the community and prepare a long-term plan for new literature needed. This committee has produced several suggestions, which in the course of time will be carried out, and also one idea which has already been put into practice. The committee stated that there was a definite need for a Bahá’í periodical for sale to the public, and out of this arose the decision to revive our previous magazine. “New World Order,” but in view of the paper situation, it has to be a quarterly instead of a monthly. Production has been greatly helped by a generous gift from one of the believers to give it a start. The first issue was out in time for Naw-Rúz, with the main subject of “World Unity.” The next one is to feature the Temple.
Bahá’í Martyred at Ival, Mazindaran[edit]
The village of Ival is a summer resort of Mazindaran, about 16 farsakhs from Sari. There are about a score of Bahá’í families there comprising in all some 200 souls. Our informants reported that during the course of the attack one Bahá’í, Mirza Aqa Jan Jazbani, was put to death. To verify this report, we immediately deputed an agent to Ival. Before his return Aqay-i-Vali’u’llah Jazbani, brother of the murdered friend, presented himself at the Sari Assembly and his answers to our queries brought out the following facts:
On the morning of the 2nd or 3rd of the current month, a party of eight armed horsemen proceeded to the home of Mirza Aqa Jan Jazbani and summoned him to the house of a Yaqub, the headman of the locality. Unaware of their design and wicked intent, this friend, accompanied by four others, appeared on the summoned spot. They were seized on arrival and their hands tied behind their backs. All manner of torture, then was levelled against their persons and all manner of abuse directed against their Faith. A ransom of one thousand tumans was further demanded of each prisoner. To this Mirza Jazbani replied, “Not even if we sell our total effects to the last button can we raise the sum you have named. Nevertheless, free one of us to enable him to collect whatever sum is within our means and submit it to you,” Jazbani was thereupon, set at liberty and by scraping together what he had of his own and some sums from others he was able to realize the amount of four hundred tumans which he presented to his captors. Finding the proffered sum to be less than they demand, these men recommenced their persecution and put the friends to the rack. Thereafter they conveyed all five of them, handcuffed and with bare feet, to Gird-Mir, a village one farsakh from Ival.
The same evening, another batch of fourteen armed horsemen dismounted at Ival. It was dark by the time they learnt the result of the activities of their accomplices; nevertheless, a local inhabitant, an opposer and enemy of the Cause, Saad’u’llah Ismail by name, who had at one time professed adherence to the Faith and had associated with the friends, directed them to the residence of each and every believer of that locality. Here these monsters wrought that which the pen shrinks from mentioning. They ended with plundering all their property, setting fire to all Bahá’í books and effects, and even the Assembly records which were in Jazbani’s house. The local Bahá’í census they carried away with them.
The next morning, all the captives, save Jazbani, were released. The enemies designed to pick off one of these by rifle-shot, when they had proceeded some distance. This friend, however, Faraj’u’llah Naimi by name, realized their sinister intention and, having once escaped their clutches, fled and gained safety.
Some hours later, Mirza Aqa Jan Jazbani, who was half-dead from the tortures inflicted on him, was allowed to return home. He had not gone far, however, before three of the ruffians shot at him from behind and there in the wayside martyred him.
(The above report was taken from statement issued by the Spiritual Assembly of Sari in December, 1941).
Frankland Home Transferred to Berkeley Assembly[edit]
Arrangements have been completed whereby Mrs. Kathryn Frankland made a gift deed to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Berkeley conveying, subject to a life estate, her old home located in an attractive residence section of the city. In this generous and greatly appreciated gift she was joined by her daughter, Mrs. Helen Kitzmiller, of LaJolla, California and by Miss Julia Culver, of Los Gatos, California, who also had an interest in the property.
The Frankland home is affectionately held in memory by Berkeley Bahá’ís. There Mrs. Frankland and her devoted husband during his lifetime, conducted earnest pioneer activities in the beginning of the Bahá’í Cause in Berkeley, and not a few of the community owe their first interest in the faith to spirited meetings held under the Frankland roof.
It was necessary for the Bahá’ís of Berkeley to become incorporated in order to receive title to this property and the community is much indebted to Miss Gladyce Linfoot and Attorney Maurice R. Carey for valuable legal services unselfishly contributed.
True to the same ideals that left their lasting impression on the Bahá’í Cause in Berkeley, Mrs. Frankland has been serving with much success in the pioneer field of Texas and New Mexico.
