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January, 1944
Bahá’í Era
| BAHÁ'Í |  |
NEWS |
“Imperishable Bounties”[edit]
Letter from the Guardian
Dear and valued co-workers:
The vigorous action promptly taken by your Assembly to insure the success of the forthcoming Centenary Celebration is highly commendable, and provides a fresh demonstration of the magnificent response made by the American believers to every call demanding renewed exertion they put in the service of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. The progress recently achieved in building up Spiritual Assemblies in the virgin areas of the North American continent has been truly remarkable. To consummate so vast an enterprise, however, a still more compelling display of the vitality of the spirit animating the American Bahá’í community is required, a still greater concentration of effort is needed, an even more stirring evidence of the daring boldness of its members is imperative. Whoever will arise, in these concluding, fast-fleeting months of the last year of the first Bahá’í Century, to fill the remaining posts, and thereby set the seal of total victory on a Plan so pregnant with promise, will earn the lasting gratitude of the present generation of believers in both the East and the West, will merit the acclaim of posterity, will be vouchsafed the special benediction of the Concourse on High, and be made the recipient of the imperishable bounties of Him Who is the Divine Author of the Plan itself. Whoever will rush forth, at this eleventh hour, and cast his weight into the scales, and contribute his decisive share to so gigantic, so sacred and historic an undertaking, will have not only helped seal the triumph of the Plan itself but will also have notably participated in the fulfillment of what may be regarded as the crowning act of an entire century. The opportunity that presents itself at this crucial hour is precious beyond expression. The blessings destined to flow from a victory so near at hand are rich beyond example. One final surge of that indomitable spirit that has carried the American Bahá’í community to such heights is all that is required, as the first Bahá’í century speeds to a close, to release the flow of those blessings that must signalize the termination of the first, and usher in the dawn of the second, Bahá’í Century. —SHOGHI
- Haifa, November 16, 1943.
Certificates of Incorporation
He requests you to send him from now on, two copies of the photostatic reproductions of incorporation, certificates of any Assembly, which becomes incorporated in the future, and immediately after its incorporation. He has already placed in the Hall of the Mansion the copies of all the incorporation, certificates of the Assemblies, and he wishes to have a complete record of them in that historic building, so close to the shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.
Local Election Date, Latin America
The Guardian’s directions regarding the formation of local Assemblies before April 21st applies to Central and South America as well as to the North American communities.
Teaching Effort in Latin America
The maintenance of the existing Assemblies in Central and South America, at whatever cost, and the reinforcement of the groups that have been formed, should be the constant care of the N.S.A. and the special object of the Inter-America Committee during the remaining months of this last year of the first Bahá’í Century, particularly the Republics where the situation is still precarious and the foundation as yet insecure.
Teaching Effort in North America
Every effort should be made to carry out the last details of the Assembly settlement in the United States and Canada, so that there will not be the slightest failure to impair, at the last moment, the truly glorious achievements of the American believers in connection with the Seven Year Plan. The Guardian views with immense pride and satisfaction the almost miraculous success that has attended their efforts during the past year and a half, and he desires that, on the occasion of so momentous a celebration as that of the 100th anniversary of the Faith, the record should be complete, the roll call filled, and the mighty task victoriously concluded.
(The above passages are excerpts from that portion of the Guardian’s letter of November 16, 1943, written through his secretary).
Letters from the Guardian to Individual Believers[edit]
With Shoghi Effendi’s consent, excerpts from two or his letters to believers are published here for the information of the friends.
From letter written on January 25, 1943, to Mr. and Mrs. William Kenneth Christian:—
“The questions you ask in your letter about individual guidance have two aspects, one might say. It is good that people should turn to God and beseech His aid in solving their problems and guiding their acts, indeed every day of their lives, if they feel the desire to do so. But they cannot possibly impose what they feel to be their guidance on anyone else, let alone on Assemblies or Committees, as Bahá’u’lláh has expressly laid down the law of consultation and never indicated that anything else superseded it.”
“As to meditation; This has also been a field in which the individual is free. There are no set forms of meditation prescribed in the teachings, no plan as such, for inner development. The friends are urged—nay enjoined —to pray, and they also should meditate, but the manner of doing the latter is left entirely to the individual.”
“The same thing is true of teaching methods; no system, for teachers to practice, exists. But obviously the more people know about the teachings and the Cause, the better they will be able to present the subject. If some people find that prayer and placing all their trust in God, releases in them a flood of inspiration, they should be left free to pursue this method if it is productive of results.”
“The inspiration received through meditation is of a nature that one cannot measure or determine. God can inspire into our minds things that we had no previous knowledge of, if He desires to do so.”
“We cannot clearly distinguish between personal desire and guidance, but if the way opens, when we have sought guidance, then we may presume God is helping us.”
From letter written to Mrs. Amelia E. Collins:—
“Regarding your question concerning the Fast: Travelers are exempt from fasting, but if they want to fast while they are traveling, they are free to do so. You are exempt the whole period of your travel, not just the hours you are in a train or car, etc. If one eats unconsciously during the fasting hours, this is not breaking the Fast as it is an accident. The age limit is seventy years, but if one desires to fast after the age limit is passed, and is strong enough to, one is free to do so. If during the Fast period a person falls ill and is unable to fast, but recovers before the fast period is over, he can start to fast again and continue until the end. Of course the Fast, as you know, can only be kept during the month set aside for that purpose.”
Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Beloved Co-workers and Friends:
This letter comes to you under date of 1944, the most fateful and significant year in our Bahá’í lives. It culminates a century of Revelation, creation, sacrifice and consecrated service. It fulfills the first and most important measure of achievement laid upon the community of believers. It finds the world engulfed in the toils of war and conscious of the immense difficulties of attaining peace when the conflict ends. The radiant Figure of the Báb sends forth its illumination to the hearts of the faithful. The Guardian, appointed Trustee of all the divine hopes for a regenerated and united mankind, calls upon us to redouble our efforts in pressing forward to the sublime goal.
Now only a few months, weeks, days and hours remain in which to complete the task assigned the American Bahá’ís to discharge before the Centenary of the Declaration of the Báb finds us assembled in the House of Worship after sunset, May 22.
As reported by the National Teaching Committee on November 30, there are five unfinished tasks which require additional settlers:—
| Regina, Saskatchewan, settlers needed | 2 | |
| Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, | ||
| settlers needed | 2 | |
| Moncton, New Brunswick, settlers | ||
| needed | 2 | |
| Halifax, Nova Scotia, settlers needed | 1 | |
| Reno, Nevada, settlers needed | 1 | |
| Number of new settlers needed at once | 8 |
To state this need in figures of unoccupied areas and settlers required is to show the marvelous work done in the past few years, for the goal is now within our grasp. But in spiritual matters there is no such thing as “almost accomplished” or “nearly done” or “only slightly imperfect.” We must accomplish the Seven Year Plan completely and perfectly or acknowledge that We have failed.
Therefore the National Spiritual Assembly sends out for the National Teaching Committee this most urgent and imperative call. Only eight settlers are requested, but this is a minimum number. It does not provide settlers for other areas where the unavoidable loss of one single believer would dissolve the Assembly and replace the State or Province in the list of virgin areas still demanding help.
Twelve or more settlers are needed! This number of souls must be kindled with zeal and enthusiasm, charged with the spirit of heroic mission, and dispatched to their posts within the next few weeks. Every believer in the land must ponder his or her responsibility under this final call. Every Assembly must accept the challenge to discover the pioneers in its own community. Every Regional Teaching Committee must earnestly scrutinize its list of believers in prayerful resolve to find ready and willing Bahá’ís.
The volunteers are to report immediately to the National Teaching Committee, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Secretary, l56 Nova Drive, Pied mont, Calif.
“Progress in the completion of the tasks of the Seven Year Plan has been slowing up,” the National Teaching Committee has written, “due largely to the general feeling that seems to exist among the American Bahá’ís that the goals have been achieved or are within easy reach. Actually, we still have five virgin areas and need for at least nine settlers. Many of the Sixth Year Assemblies are very weak and in need of a great deal of teaching assistance. . . .”
“The American Bahá’ís should not be permitted for a moment to overlook the fact that our position with respect to the Seven Year Plan is still extremely precarious.”
All this means, dear friends, that concentration upon the Seven Year Plan is still our central and predominating responsibility. The plan of the five successive teaching themes and the portfolios of teaching material being given the Assemblies are aimed to draw the local communities within the spiritual arena of teaching effort, not as a substitute for the Seven Year Plan, but deeper consecration to assure its complete success.
In a few short months, whether we celebrate the Centenary in the House of Worship in Wilmette, or in our local Center, or alone in our own home, it will be as though we have the glory of meeting the Báb. The Letters of the Living who met Him gave their lives to receive Life. Can we hold back, refusing to give our time, our effort, to fulfill their sublime martyrdom?
- —NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Bahá’í Centenary Plans[edit]
SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT
The Centenary Committee has received
a large number of signed application
forms as requested in the
first Announcement included as insert
in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for November,
1943. The purpose of that application
is to acquaint the Committee
with the approximate number of
friends who plan to attend the Centenary
and Convention sessions. As
the Committee is explained to each
applicant by letter, the sending of
the signed form does not mean that[Page 3]
an actual reservation has been made.
Reservations are made after the applicant
receives information concerning
the accommodations available
and has made his selection and
sent the cash required.
ROOM SHORTAGE
The Centenary and Convention coincide with an emergency situation as far as rooms in private homes or hotels concern in the Chicago area. The vast increase in the population due to construction of new industries and the establishment of various military establishments makes it necessary to search out every possible facility in order to meet the needs of the Bahá’ís and their guests.
An appeal is made that believers having homes or apartments in the Temple area with a room or so that could be used during the Centenary week notify the Committee so that these special accommodations may be added to those already in sight.
Rooms will be assigned in the order of the applications as soon as possible. Those who made their written application need take no further step until they hear from the Committee. However, there are doubtless many more believers who expect to come, and all these friends are urgently requested to fill out and return the application form as reported on page six. Such applications do not obligate the sender financially—they are merely a notice of intention, and each notice will be acted upon by the Committee as soon as possible.
Further announcements will be made in BAHÁ’Í NEWS from month to month, Please watch for them. To repeat the information already given:—
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
1. The dates are FRIDAY, MAY 19,
- through THURSDAY EVENING, MAY
- 25. The Convention will begin Friday
- morning, and the first public meeting
- will be held unit evening. The morning
- and afternoon sessions are to be
- for the business of the Convention, except
- Sunday afternoon, when a public
- meeting will be conducted; and evenings
- are to be public meetings in accordance
- with the following schedule:
2. Friday evening, May 19—Public meeting
- on the subject of the Temple.
- Sunday afternoon—Public meeting for
- the presentation of the Faith.
- Monday evening, May 22—The meeting
- of spiritual dedication in Temple
- auditorium, followed by the most
- important of the public meetings in
- Foundation Hall.
Bahá’í House of Worship Photograph No. 1
- Tuesday evening, May 23—Public
- meeting with speakers chosen from
- North America pioneers.
- Wednesday evening, May 24—Public
- meeting with speakers chosen from
- Latin American pioneers.
- Thursday evening, May 25—Banquet
- in a Chicago hotel.
3. The Committee feels I great responsibility in its task of providing accommodations for all the friends who wish to attend this occasion of surpassing historic importance. The only way that this responsibility can be met is by making the necessary arrangements now with hotels and owners for rooms on the basis of the number of reservations actually applied for before December.
North America Teaching[edit]
The culminating year of the first century has opened with far-reaching activities. In every part of the United States and Canada pioneers, settlers, and teachers are proclaiming the Faith with challenging and vital force. A record of those bold spirits who have added their names to the Pioneer Roll of Honor since May, 1943, is published in this issue. We wish there were space to recount the adventures and bounties which have sustained them in their irresistible advance on every front.
Since Convention four Spiritual Assemblies have been formed, three in virgin territories — Anchorage, Alaska; Fargo, N. D.; and Omaha, Nebraska—and the fourth in Pittsburgh, Pa., which was formerly disbanded.
During this same period more than twenty-five teachers have undertaken circuits or special assignments in pioneer areas and newly-organized communities. Everywhere their reports reflect a universal readiness to investigate the Plan of Bahá’u’lláh. Perhaps the following notes on a few of these circuits will speak for the achievements of all.
During August and early September Mrs. Milly Collins visited the friends in the Pacific Northwest, the Prairie Provinces of Canada, and North Dakota. After “three happy days” in Vancouver, Mrs. Collins stopped in Calgary where individual and fireside meetings with friends of this pioneer group resulted in enthusiastic plans for a study class. Next came a week in Edmonton with six meetings, described in glowing terms by the Local Assembly. Delighted with her talks for inquirers, the believers also found their own knowledge clarified and deepened. “She gave us so much encouragement in the work already done and to be done in the future.” Then followed a week in Regina for intensive work in this important virgin Province, and a short visit to Winnipeg, after which Mrs. Collins arrived in Fargo “exactly at the psychological moment” to assist the friends to prepare for the election of the first Spiritual Assembly of North Dakota.
Another extensive circuit was carried
out by Virginia Camelon, who
left the South in mid-August to assist
with teaching campaigns in St.
Louis, Kansas City, Topeka, Omaha,
Fargo, Winnipeg, and Regina. It is
reported that the St. Louis group is[Page 4]
fast approaching Assembly status.
Both here and in Fargo Miss Camelon
found an especially warm public
response to the Faith. Five public
meetings and several informal occasions
were arranged in Fargo, the
latter attracting many of the city’s
outstanding women. In a radio talk
Miss Camelon introduced the newly-formed
Assembly as a part of the
world Bahá’í Community, emphasizing
its future significance for the
State. “Fargo,” she pointed out,
“has now become a part of an historic
and world—embracing force.” A
brilliant public meeting with fine
publicity was held in Winnipeg, and
in Regina a series of four public
meetings was arranged causing
widespread interest. Writing of the
universal response Miss Camelon
commented: “All these groups seem
to be the result of long years of work
everywhere: the fruiting is now!”
Eastern Canada received the stimulus of a visit from Dorothy Baker in August. An enthusiastic report from the Toronto Assembly described two overflowing meetings at the Bahá’í Center when “many hearts were attracted,” and a large youth study class was founded as an outcome. Mrs. Baker also visited
Since writing this report news has come of remarkable success in Regina.
Montreal and points in upper New
York State. In mid—September a circuit
was arranged as a part of the
publicity campaign sponsored by the
National Assembly, which brought
Mrs. Baker to California (Berkeley,
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Alhambra,
Pasadena, Burbank, and San
Marino), Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver,
and Laramie. The significant
and impressive meetings and publicity
which were made possible by
Mrs. Baker’s tour have been fully
reported to the N.S.A.
A teaching journey to Nashville, Birmingham, and Tuskegee was carried out in September-October by Mr. George Washington, member of the Seattle Assembly. An interesting meeting for men was arranged in Nashville, where four busy days were spent. Important contacts were also made in Birmingham, and the Regional Committee held high hopes for Tuskegee, where Mr. Washington was a former student.
These are but samples of the dynamic work which Bahá’í teachers have undertaken throughout the country. Other projects already carried out (by mid-October) included:
Louis Gregory ..............Central States
Marguerite Ullrich .........Pittsburgh
Muriel Warnicker ...........Regina
PIONEER HONOR ROLL[edit]
| Name | Pioneer Front | Home City | |
| Mr. Verne Stout | Anchorage, Alaska | Geneva, New York | |
| Miss Janet Whitenack | Anchorage, Alaska | Tuluksak, Alaska | |
| Miss Dagmar Dole | Anchorage, Alaska | Glendale, California | |
| Mrs. Zara Phanco | Regina, Sask., Canada | Seattle, Washington | |
| Miss Gertrude Barr | Regina, Sask., Canada | St. Catharine’s, Ont. | |
| Miss Theresa Lillywhite | Regina, Sask., Canada | Denver, Colorado | |
| Mrs. Grace O. Peterson | Regina, Sask., Canada | Duluth, Minnesota | |
| Mrs. Doris McKay | Charlottetown, P.E.I. | Moncton, New Brunswick | |
| Mr. Willard McKay | Charlottetown, P.E.I. | Moncton, New Brunswick | |
| Miss Helen Gidden | Charlottetown, P.E.I. | Ottawa, Ontario | |
| Miss Agnes McKinnon | Charlottetown, P.E.I. | Beverly, Massachusetts | |
| Mrs. Rosa Shaw | Halifax, Nova Scotia | San Francisco, California | |
| Miss Marion Matthews | Moncton, New Brunswick | Toronto, Ontario | |
| Miss Jesse Perry | Wilmington, Delaware | Jersey City, New Jersey | |
| Mrs. Grace Wilder | Greenville, South Carolina | Los Angeles, California | |
| Mrs. Hattie Shelben | Jackson, Mississippi | Starkville, Kentucky | |
| Mrs. Sarah Ellen Peake | Jackson, Mississippi | Louisville, Kentucky | |
| Mrs. Martha Kavelin | Jackson, Mississippi | Forest Hills, New York | |
| Miss Emmalu Wever | Omaha, Nebraska | Pasadena, California | |
| Mrs. India Haggerty | Omaha, Nebraska | Basking Ridge, N.J. | |
| Mrs. Arthur Schulte | Topeka, Kansas | Rural Topeka, Kansas | |
| Mr. Arthur Schulte | Topeka, Kansas | Rural Topeka, Kansas | |
| Mrs. Ethel McAllister | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Berkeley, California | |
| Mrs. Alice Mickle | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Inglewood, Calif. | |
| Miss Frances H. Jones | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | New York, New York | |
| Mrs. Jeynne Stapleton | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Minneapolis, Minnesota | |
| Mrs. Etty Graeffe | Fargo, North Dakota | Lake Forest, Illinois | |
| Mrs. Edna Angell | Fargo, North Dakota | Lansing, Michigan | |
| Mr. George Angell | Fargo, North Dakota | Lansing, Michigan | |
| Miss Margaret Detwiler | Fargo, North Dakota | Sterling, Ohio | |
| Mrs. S. V. Corbit | Laramie, Wyoming | Portland, Oregon |
| Dr. Otto Zmeskal | Pittsburgh, Penn. | Mt. Lebanon, Penn. | |
| Mrs. Florence Zmeskal | Pittsburgh, Penn. | Mt. Lebanon, Penn. | |
| Miss Agnes Maye Ayres | Findlay, Ohio | Celina, Ohio | |
| Harlan Ober | Maritime Provinces | ||
| Roan Carter | Fargo | ||
| Marguerite True | Sioux Falls | ||
| Monroe Ioas | Sioux Falls | ||
| Valeria Thornton | Boise | ||
| Imogene Talbot | Butte | ||
| Sara Witt | Butte | ||
| Clara Rainboth | Oregon-Washington | ||
| Dagmar Dole | Tacoma, | ||
| Richmond Highlands, Spokane | |||
| Kathryn Frankland | Laramie, Denver | ||
| Annie Romer | Omaha | ||
| Carl Scheffler | Omaha, Little Rock | ||
| Eva McAllister | Greenville, Atlanta | ||
| Marion Little | Jackson, Little Rock | ||
| Helen Inderlied | Greensboro |
These projects, combined with
others already planned or under
way, undoubtedly represent the
most intensive and widespread campaign
effort ever released for the
triumph of the Faith in North
America.
The Bahá’ís of Denver have recently completed two successful experiments in indirect teaching. The Inter-Faith program arranged last June, which resulted in a permanent Inter-Religious Study Group, has been reported previously. More recently a “Brotherhood of Man Program” was carried out under the chairmanship of Artemus Lamb, in which eleven local organizations including the Bahá’ís participated. The approach used in inviting groups was to point out “that none of them knew much of anything about the others, and that it should be most educational, inspiring and beneficial for each and the public in general to have a joint program at which each organization would introduce itself and its platform on the brotherhood of man.” The meeting was highly successful, with a Judge of the State Supreme Court as presiding officer and an audience of over 400 to hear speakers and examine literature displays of each group. “Such a splendid feeling of fellowship and trust has come out of this affair that it is impossible to describe,” Mr. Lamb has written, adding that the purpose of these efforts “was not merely to display the Bahá’í principles, but to obtain recognition of the Cause and to get it directly into circles where it seemed no other way would do it. . . . He reports that Denver is gratified with the results.
- —NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE
Final Tasks of Seven Year Plan[edit]
With the completion of the pivotal
sixth year of the Seven Year Plan,
the American Community won to a
height from which “total victory”[Page 5]
was “in sight.” Only seven States
and Provinces stood between us and
the final goal. Since the Convention
five of these assignments have been
thrillingly consummated, with the
election of Spiritual Assemblies in
Fargo, N. D., on September 2nd;
Anchorage, Alaska, on September
8th; Omaha, Nebraska, on October
11th; Sioux Falls, S. D., and Greenville,
S. C., on November 5th,—
bringing within the orbit of the Faith
these far-flung territories.
Now, in mid–November, with Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Nevada as added tasks, we are confronted with five remaining objectives. Here is the actual situation:
| Bahá’ís | Needed | ||
| Reno, Nevada | 8 | 1 | |
| Charlottetown, P.E.I | 7 | 2 | |
| Moncton, N.B. | 7 | 2 | |
| Halifax, N.S. | 7 | 1 | |
| Regina, Sask. | 7 | 2 | |
| 8 |
Clearly, we stand in a strong but critical position. Our strength is proven, the steps to be taken are but few. Actually, only eight Bahá’ís are needed to fulfill the goals in North America! Yet the Teaching Committee is compelled to report that it lacks these volunteers.
The months are swiftly passing; we dare not hesitate. Our sure weapon of conquest is a swift and sweeping response to the Guardian’s uncompromising call: “Veteran believers, however brilliant their record, neophytes, however limited their experience, is alike summoned as the final hour approaches to rush forth in a last supreme effort to bridge the remaining gaps in the spiritual from extending the entire length of the Western Hemisphere.”
Beloved friends, this summons to “a last supreme effort” comes from the Guardian himself. As in those early days when Shoghi Effendi raised the call for “nine holy souls” and we with thrilling momentum fulfilled his anxious and expectant hopes, is not today our golden, our compelling hour to rise again and claim a brilliant victory?
- —NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE
New Temple Photographs[edit]
This issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS reproduces three new Temple views taken by Curtis Kelsey, and later issues will illustrate more about this series of pictures. The friends have long wanted a selection of attractive pictures of the House of Worship with
Bahá’í Symposium on “Racial Foundations for World Order,” Gold Ball Room, Palace Hotel, San Francisco, September 24, 1943. Speakers:—Dr. Rudolf Coffee, Hon. Robert Kenny, Leroy Ioas, Chairman, Robert Flippen, Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Robert Kenny, Attorney General of State of California, speaking.
the completed exterior decoration,
and the National Spiritual Assembly
has arranged for the sale of photographs
through the Temple Library
and Sales Committee.
The size is eight by ten inches, and the cost per picture is 40c which includes packing and shipping.
Send cash with order (and specify whether glossy or matted print is wanted) to H. E. Walrath, Chairman, 4639 Beacon Street, Chicago, Ill. Order by key number as assigned to each of the photographs reproduced in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
Inter-America News[edit]
“The Book of God is wide open, and His Word is summoning mankind unto Him.” We hasten to share with you the glorious news of the surging response to the Divine summons. Sixteen adult believers, and two youths, are newly enrolled recruits in the ranks of Bahá’u’lláh’s Universal Cause! Like powerful magnets, their devoted service will attract added bounties for the six Latin-American countries which are their homelands. A precious harvest, indeed, has thus been garnered from the sacrificial labors of our valiant pioneers and their loyal supporters in the American Bahá’í Community. Five new believers were enrolled a month ago.
Honduras
The Spiritual Assembly of Tegucigalpa has had the joy of welcoming Sr. Antonio Fernandez as a member of the Bahá’í Faith. The announcement was also received that Sr. Leorigaido Alfaro is now serving as the Assembly Secretary of this thriving community.
Delightful letters from the friends
in Tegucigalpa express their deep
gratitude for the teaching stimulus
gained by the “many packages of
wonderful literature” they have received
from the National Spiritual
Assembly. Sr. Dominguez and Sr.
Viana describe their local plans for
a special program in honor of the
Bahá’í Centennial. Sr. Viana is preparing
a summary of the teaching
methods he has developed for his
weekly children’s class. “Sixteen
wonderful children” attend this Sunday[Page 6]
morning class. Additional newspaper
contacts are being initiated,
and the Libraries of Honduras have
been supplied with Bahá’í literature
in Spanish.”
El Salvador
Delightful letters have come from Senora Montalvo, Secretary of the San Salvador Spiritual Assembly. This enterprising Assembly maintains a circulating library of Bahá’í literature, conducts studies classes twice weekly, sponsors the Bahá’í Youth Academy, and carries on extension teaching work in tour additional towns and cities in El Salvador.
Clarence Iverson writes that they are much encouraged by the increased interest being shown among the residents of Santa Ana, the second largest city in El Salvador. Members of the San Salvador Assembly visit Santa Ana as often as possible and continue the work in all the extension areas through the supply of books and pamphlet material.
Clarence Iverson has cheered us with his decision to remain for another year at his post in San Salvador. He sent us a splendid photograph of the young people who attended the Bahá’í Youth Academy, and comments that the school will close for the customary vacation period of November and December. Their plan, however, to organize as a Bahá’í Youth Group and carry on activities!
The Extension Teaching work undertaken by the San Salvador Assembly in the neighboring city of Santa Ana, is bearing fruit. The Santa Ana Library recently asked for a supply of Bahá’í books, and one of the San Salvador friends promptly made the journey to fulfill this welcomed request.
Another San Salvador member is spending two months visiting the Bahá’ís of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Sr. Vega expects to leave Costa Rica for a prolonged visit in Panama.
Thus the Divine Plan continually evolves! Threads of friendly human contacts, weave back and forth, bringing out in ever elaborated beauty the Divine Pattern of World Unity. Business trips, vacation journeys and letters of introduction all combine to draw together the friends of many lands, through the imperishable bonds of service to our beloved Faith.
Haiti
The Spiritual Assembly of Port–au–Prince joyfully announces the acceptance of two new believers—Mr. Royer Dejean and Mr. Andre Paul. Letters from both Mr. and Mrs. McBean are radiant with gratitude for this testimony of the growth of the Cause in Haiti. Every avenue of approach is being explored by the Assembly for ways and means of establishing the Faith in Port–au–Prince with befitting strength and dignity.
The National Spiritual Assembly has arranged to assist the Spiritual Assembly of Port–au–Prince, to broaden the scope of their teaching activities through the additional increase of pamphlet material in French.
In nearby San Domingo, Margaret Lentz has found a charming house which she hopes will lend itself to a
| COMMITTEE ON BAHÁ’Í CENTENARY
Edna True, Chairman 418 Forest Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois To cooperate with your Committee in its effort to estimate the number of reservations required by Bahá’ís who wish to attend the Convention and Centenary, I hereby report my intention to be present. Kindly send me information and rates covering accommodations for the following number of persons in my family or party:
Address________________________________________________ |
wider range of Bahá’í activities for the city of Trujillo. The return of Dr. Berges to Trujillo will broaden the scope of the concentrated teaching efforts these two workers will strive to carry out during the coming months.
Jamaica
To Marie Louise Browne and Marion Lord Maxwell, of Kingston, has come the imperishable privilege of being the first residents of Jamaica to enlist under the Banner of Bahá’u’lláh. Dr. Malcolm King’s many months of patient, loving service for the Cause has been bountifully rewarded in the confirmation of these two radiant believers. We rejoice with him that Miss Browne and Miss Maxwell will carry forward the Divine Plan in Jamaica when he returns, shortly, to the United States.
To the precious nucleus of two believers in Kingston has been added the thrilling strength of three new members! Both men and women are now sharing the privilege of establishing the foundations for the Spiritual Assembly of Kingston, Jamaica. We send our heartfelt congratulations to Miss Siley, Mr. DuffPorter and Mr. Mitchell—new members of the Bahá’í World Community.
Poetic beauty graced Dr. King’s expression of his heart’s gratitude to Bahá’u’lláh, and to all the friends “whose prayers most assuredly have been answered in a definite way.” Tenderly he writes of his plans to assist the group to grow in understanding of their new and sacred trust—“and on November 4th, God willing, I am hoping to give the first Bahá’í Feast in Jamaica, according to the method used in the United States. Is this not a most glorious blessing? I hope God will continue to crown my effort, and keep me in His service without deflection in the ardor and love of His sublime Cause. Time is short and the sand in the hour glass is running low. We must spread the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh for God’s Divine Kingdom to everyone, or we shall be found wanting in our responsibilities, and unworthy recipients of such a noble heritage in this Divine Springtime of His Revelation.”
Dr. King sent us a number or newspaper
clippings containing the series
of articles on the Faith, which he had
been invited to write. These clippings,
he tells us are only a few, and
the others will arrive later! “The
paper in which these articles are[Page 7]
published circulates, not only in
Jamaica,” he comments, “but also
in Central America and the United
States. God’s mysterious forces will
cause them to be seen by people
with receptive hearts.”
Paraguay
Virginia Orbison’s buoyant letters have flown swiftly to us from Asuncion, during the two months of her visit there. In one of these, she wrote with deep tenderness of the celebration of the Feast of Might— the first Feast to be held after her arrival. Typifying the chaos of the world, a roaring storm of thunder, wind and rain raged outside, through which the little band of believers had bravely struggled in order to meet together. A sense of physical and spiritual sanctuary was heightened by the “very impressive atmosphere of love and unity among all.” This momentous night marked “another fruit - bearing of Elizabeth Cheney’s efforts in Paraguay”; the first two Bahá’ís of Asuncion made this the occasion for a heart–warming reaffirmation of their Faith, and two others of the original group made their declaration of Faith and enrolled as members.
Virginia has renewed the interest of a number of charming and talented people, also a part of Elizabeth Cheney’s spiritual legacy, as well as meeting many new friends. Physicians, writers and educators have listened graciously to the Great Message. In several instances, their courtesy has flowered into a more intensive eagerness to learn about the promise of peace enshrined in the Bahá’í Revelation. In every contact of her daily life, Virginia has offered warm friendliness, and the “Glad Tidings,” to young and old, to Paraguayan acquaintances in varied walks of life, and to people from other countries who are finding a refuge and a new homeland in Paraguay.
Argentina
Sr. Barros, the energetic Secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Buenos Aires, has supplied us with a most informative resume of the various activities of this largest Bahá’í community of South America. Local work functions progressively, by means of regularly scheduled classes, and supplementary study is made available through their circulating library. Extension teaching work continues in neighboring areas, with intensive effort directed to two
Bahá’í House of Worship Photograph No. 2
adjoining cities over a period of
months.
The National Spiritual Assembly has authorized that Bahá’í literature in Spanish be published in Buenos Aires to facilitate quicker distribution throughout the South American countries. Sr. Barros writes of the earnestness with which the members of the Reviewing and Publishing Committee are seeking to expedite the work. He mentions that Wilfrid Barton, of Montevideo, Uruguay, is a valued member of this Committee and joins their consultations as frequently as possible.
Bolivia
Flora Hottes bestows fascinating news from La Paz in intimate, flowing phrases which banish distance and bring these dear Bolivian neighbors
Students, Bahá’í Youth Academy, San Salvador
very close to us. We share the
richness of their joy in the declaration
of a new believer—the fifth Bolivian
Bahá’í! This gracious new member
moved almost immediately to
Tarija, and yearns to spread the
Creative Message in this southern
city of Bolivia. Through their
prayers and frequent letters, the
Bahá’ís of La Paz will support this
brave pioneering work of their beloved
friend—“who is lovely to look
at and lovely in her desire, sweetly
and sincerely, to know and serve the
Cause.”
Every contact of daily life is utilized that the Teachings may be offered to those in all walks of life. The kindly serving maid becomes aware of new horizons; the little seamstress stitches new hope into the garments she mends; a talented young Bolivian diplomat snatches spare moments from a busy day to read from his treasured collection of Bahá’í literature. Loving and patient work continues with the Indian friends, to whom gentle explanations are offered. A former happy acquaintance was renewed, and more books were given, when a charming couple returned for a brief visit to La Paz from their home in Isla del Sol. Writes Flora: — “These two splendid people have given years of wise and selfless service to the Indians by Isla; they are the very highest type of Bolivians. . .always together, they read and meditate upon the great universal truths of Bahá’u’lláh, and they love His Cause.
“Gradual as is the unfoldment of the wonder of the Cause in hearts and minds, nevertheless I think that some day there will be a noble harvest of believers here. And how I love this country and the people! . . . Our little Bahá’í Group in La Paz is devoted, loyal and generous, and is achieving a greater and greater unity in cooperation and consultation.”
Miss Hottes pleads the ever increasing need for Bahá’í literature, the outgrowth of widening opportunities for attracting the interest of studious cultured individuals. Their gatherings are drawing many guests distinguished for their achievements in various fields of the sciences and the arts. A recent evening brought together some of the college friends of Senora de Castillo’s son, and a number or the literary men of La Paz. One of these guests “read a very beautiful poem, which he had written and dedicated to one of our former meetings.” This brilliant galaxy of writers, professors and authors contributed a stimulating and unforgettable evening.
Colombia
Mail from Bogota tells us that this capital city of Colombia is now blessed by eight resident Bahá’ís! Six Colombian believers are enrolled as members and are striving to deepen their knowledge of the Faith, with the help of Winnie Lou Baker and Gerrard Sluter. We hope to have a further interesting word for you about this Bahá’í Group as additional letters come flying up to us bearing more details of their activities. A glorious future is destined for each of these South America Republics whose citizens so nobly respond to the call of God.
Venezuela
The first issue of an exceptionally attractive new magazine, entitled “Pro-America” arrived by recent post. This beautiful magazine is published in Caracas by the Consejo Nacional de la “Union de Mujeres Americanas.” Auspiciousiy, enshrined within its pages, is a significant discourse from the Bahá’í Writings on the equality of the sexes. We send our felicitations and congratulations to the editors and their able co-workers. May their glorious purpose succeed far beyond even their fondest hopes!
The demand for Bahá’í literature in the Latin-American countries is growing by leaps and bounds. Approved Spanish translations of various pamphlets, and selected compilations, are being published as rapidly as possible. Sr. Lupe Torres, of the Berkeley, California, Bahá’í Community, recently completed a scholarly translation of the “Pattern For Future Society,” an excerpt from the Guardian’s World Order Letters. Copies of this translation have been sent to all the Bahá’í centers where the Spanish language is used.
Mrs. Leonora Holsapple Armstrong continues her valuable labors of translating the needed literature into Portuguese for use throughout Brazil.
- —INTER AMERICA COMMITTEEE
- By Marion H. Longyear
Radio Teaching[edit]
With the national radio campaign so well under way, the National Spiritual Assembly has felt it advisable to ask the friends to consider the unique nature of this new and universal medium which serves to link together countless persons in the reception of one and the same message or program.
By its very nature the radio is a universal teaching medium, since the influence of radio talks cannot be confined to any limited place such as the administrative area assigned to any one local Spiritual Assembly. The talk is carried out far and wide as on invisible wings—an audible edition of a book or pamphlet which, if printed and circulated to the same number of persons would represent a considerable undertaking.
Every believer using the radio necessarily transcends the administrative bodies which bear responsibility for the accuracy of talks and lectures delivered to audiences in the customary way. Therefore the administrative body or individual believer employing the radio should regard itself or himself as a trustee acting for the entire Bahá’í community.
The importance attributed by the National Spiritual Assembly to the quality of the Bahá’í material employed in radio programs is indicated by its recent action in appointing a Radio Script Reviewing Committee as announced elsewhere in this issue. Its purpose in establishing this Committee was to make available the best possible Bahá’í radio material, and to stimulate the greater use of radio as a teaching medium. Moreover, the National Assembly feels its responsibility in making it possible to maintain radio activities under its National Bahá’í Radio Committee.
At present a national radio campaign is being conducted by the Committee in three different cities.
In New York the station is WQXR, the Bahá’í program being known as “Musical Calendar,” a broadcast going on Wednesday evenings at 9:15. This program consists of selected classical music, with comments by the composer, with a period in which passages are read from the Bahá’í teachings. No lecture or address is given. The program is identified as Bahá’í, the public meeting held weekly at the New York Bahá’í Center is announced, and Bahá’í literature offered to those requesting it.
This type of program is new and experimental, but the Committee and the New York Assembly, which participates jointly in the program, are satisfied that it is producing excellent results.
In Chicago the station is WCFL, the Bahá’í program is also entitled “Musical Calendar,” and the time is 9:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings for thirteen weeks, beginning December 28.
A program has likewise been arranged in San Francisco, but the details are not yet reported. This program will be described in BAHÁ’Í NEWS next month.
To have three campaigns proceeding simultaneously is a great undertaking and a powerful effort on behalf of the Faith. Every local Assembly,
Bahá’í House of Worship Photograph No. 3
The Regional Teaching Committee and
group in these three areas should
take vigorous action in order to
make use of this potential force.
Like the momentum of a river turned
into useful work by the construction
of dams, sluices and waterwheels,
the best of radio programs will accomplish
little unless we ourselves
develop the contacts and teaching
activities taking full advantage of its
influence.
Ninth Bahá’í World Youth Symposium[edit]
Once again the Bahá’í Youth of the World will meet together on February 27, 1944, in spirit and in love for the Ninth “World Bahá’í Youth Symposium.”
It is hoped that the Bahá’í youth
everywhere, no matter how few the
number, will hold a fitting program
for this occasion, either by themselves[Page 10]
or by joining with youth from
nearby vicinities.
“The Bahá’í Centennial” has been chosen for the main theme. This cannot be over-emphasized, as in May, 1944, “we will celebrate not only the termination of the first century at the Bahá’í Era, but also the centenary of the birth of the Bahá’í Dispensation, of the inception of the Bahá’í cycle, and of the birth of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and commemorate as well the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Bahá’í Faith in the Western World.”
- The four subjects follow:
- History of the Bahá’í Faith.
- The Bahá’í House of Worship.
- The New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
- The Need of Spiritual Living.
Transliteration of Bahá’í Terms[edit]
In one of the Guardian’s earliest letters (March 12, 1923) published in Bahá’í Administration, he directed the believers to follow the system of transliteration provided for the accurate writing and printing of Bahá’í terms. The code sent with that letter was reproduced in the Bahá’í Year Book (Volume One of The Bahá’í World) and amplified lists of transliterated Persian words and terms have been made available in all successive volumes of that work. “I feel confident,” the Guardian wrote, “that all the friends will from now on follow this system and adhere scrupulously and at all times to this code in all their writings.”
A Suggestion for Individual Teaching[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has received, and endorsed, a suggestion which individual believers who desire to amplify their teaching activity might well adopt.
If 4,000 American Bahá’ís would each distribute one hundred copies of the summary entitled “The World Faith of Bahá’u’lláh” the result would be to give a clear statement of the aims, teachings and history of the Faith to 400,000 persons. Such a project is well within our collective capacity, and those who act upon it can be happy in the thought that they are obeying the divine law that Bahá’ís must teach to be confirmed in their own faith.
Local Assemblies might bring up this suggestion for consultation at a Nineteen Day Feast, and Regional Teaching Committees refer to it in their bulletins. The best results will be obtained in communities, or regional areas, where the Assembly or Regional Committee not only urges the individual Bahá’ís to act, but assigns a definite period, say a month, when the suggestion is to be carried out by all.
More interest will doubtless be aroused if the summary is accompanied by one of the available pamphlets.
Publicity Bulletin[edit]
The Bahá’í News Service Committee has just sent out the first of its bi-monthly bulletins containing releases and suggested types and ways of obtaining publicity. If you did not receive a copy and would like one, write the secretary, Miss Virginia Russell, 2622 Prairie Avenue, Evanston, Illinois.
Please send two copies of all publicity clippings, assembled, to the secretary. All clippings must be received not later than March 31 to appear in the Press Books for 1943–44.
Appeal By Archives Committee[edit]
The response of the American believers has been most generous to the recent appeal of the National Archives and History Committee that the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the letters of the Guardian be placed in the National Bahá’í Archives before the close of the first century. Lists of these Tablets and letters and other sacred objects given to the Archives are now being completed under the names of the donors. Orders will be filled in the near future for more than 300 photostatic copies of these sacred manuscripts, received within the past three months.
Local Assemblies and groups are requested to remind the friends at the next Feast that this is their last opportunity to become one of that great company of believers who, within the first fifty years of the history of the Faith in America, have added their most precious possessions to that growing spiritual treasury of the original writings of the Master and the Guardian,—the National Archives.
- MAY SCHEFFLER, Secretary,
- 1821 Lincoln Street
- Evanston, Ill.
- 1821 Lincoln Street
- MAY SCHEFFLER, Secretary,
Calls for Bahá’í Books in Public Library[edit]
The library Committee would like to share with the friends this encouraging report on the circulation of our books in the Syracuse Public Library and the University of Syracuse. We should welcome similar detailed reports which show the great teaching value of placing books in libraries. In the Syracuse Public Library, most of the books have circulated active from 1940 to 1943. Even The Bahá’í World volumes have been taken out with Volume 7 having a record of six withdrawals. The two copies of the Book of Assurance had been drawn out seven times; Spirit of the Age, seven times; Some Answered Questions, eighteen times; Modern Social Religion, twenty times; Splendor of God, twelve times. Remey; Bahá’í Movement and Universal Consciousness, six and eight times. The Bahá’í Revelation by Thornton Chase was out at the time of the report. Nineteen of the twenty-one books in this library has been drawn out.
The Syracuse University report was also most gratifying as the copy of the Scriptures had been taken out fourteen times and had been on reserve three times; Volume one of Promulgation of Universal Peace had been drawn out nine times; Spirit of the Age seven times; Some Answered Questions, four times and on reserve twice. Most of the Remey books had been drawn out several times up to 1942.
Circulation reports from other cities would be most welcome as a basis for comparison and to show the public interest in the Bahá’í books in libraries.
Messages from Tihran and Adelaide[edit]
Two messages have been received full of interest for the American Bahá’ís. One is from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iran, the other from the NSA of Australia and New Zealand.
From Tihran we have the thrilling
news that the Memorial to Keith
Ransom-Kehler has been completed
and that photographs are being
mailed. The message states: “Monument
to beloved Keith, first distinguished
American Bahá’í martyr and
eminent hand of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh
have been completed. We will
mail photographs and report. May[Page 11]
the exemplary services of beloved
Keith continue to exert an abiding
influence upon the humble services
of the believers of Persia.”
The words of the Guardian, and a memorial notice by the NSA concerning Keith were published in the BAHÁ’Í NEWS of January, 1934, and the design for her Memorial in Isfahan made by the late Myron H. Potter was illustrated in March, 1935. Her passing was duly observed in The Bahá’í World, Vol. V.
From Adelaide we have an acknowledgement of the contribution of $500 made by the National Spiritual Assembly for the American friends toward the cost of a National Bahá’í Headquarters for the NSA of Australia and New Zealand. “Munificent donation for National Headquarters gratefully received. National Assembly and all the believers are profoundly moved and inspired by this manifestation of the true Bahá’í spirit. We pray for great blessings for the loving American friends.”
New Assemblies[edit]
In addition to the tour Assemblies reported in the November issue, the National Spiritual Assembly is gratified to list the following additions to the Assembly roll: Tacoma, Washington; Greenville, South Carolina; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Alexandria, Virginia. The formation of Assemblies in South Carolina and South Dakota remove two more States from the virgin areas.
Bahá’í Directory[edit]
Assemblies
Tacoma, Washington—Mrs. Lois A. Griffin,
- Secretary, 412 South 4th Street.
Greenville, South Carolina—Adline S.
- Lohse, Secretary, 3 Vannoy Street.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota—Frances B.
- Jones, Secretary, 106 West 21 Street.
Alexandria, Virginia—Mrs. Harold Bowman,
- 916 Chalfont Drive.
Ann Arbor, Michigan, change of Secretary—
- Mrs. William Parker, Secretary,
- 1601 Pontiac Street.
Cabin John, Maryland, change of Secretary—
- Herbert J. Patser, Secretary,
- Box 133.
Fargo, North Dakota—Mrs. Esther B.
- Morrill, Secretary, 1240 Broadway.
Montclair, New Jersey, change of Secretary—
- Bess Noyes, Acting Secretary,
- 17 Carteret Street, Upper Montclair.
Committees
Radio Script Reviewing Committee:
This new Committee has been appointed to pass upon radio scripts with a view to determining their Bahá’í accuracy and suitability for a Public presentation of the Faith.
Edmund Miessler, Chairman, 411 So. Main Street, Columbus Grove, Ohio; Elisabeth Cheney, Frank A. Baker.
Pamphlet Literature: Allen B. McDaniel added.
Contacts: Martha Heber, Mrs. Mary A. McClennen added.
Geyserville School: Dr. Mildred Nichols, Chairman. Mrs. Sylvia Ioas unable to serve as Chairman.
Louhelen School: Mrs. Clinton Wideman and Roscoe C. Springston added.
New York Regional Teaching: Elizabeth Murray added. Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh unable to serve.
California, Nevada, Arizona Regional Teaching: Robert F. Willis added. Mrs. Helen M. Robinson has moved from the area.
American Memorial to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Philip G. Sprague unable to serve.
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
- Mrs. Mary D. Haskell, Chicago.
- Mr. Peter Coyne, Chicago.
- Mr. Carlton Keeler, Ocean Grove,
N. J.
- Miss Alice N. Parker, Boston.
- Mrs. Helen Lillywhite, Laramie.
- Mr. Irving Rothstein, New York.
- Mrs. Shelley N. Parker, Chicago.
- Mrs. Ila Shetterly, Wilmington,
Calif.
- Miss Alma Knobloch, Cabin John.
Enrollments and Transfers[edit]
New York, ten and one youth. Los Angeles, two. Urbana, two. East Orange, two. Flint, two. Houston, two. Albuquerque, one and one youth. Dayton, one. Boston, one. Milwaukee, one. Madison, one. Miami, one youth. Washington, one. Chicago, one youth. Kansas City, one. New Orleans, one. Pasadena, one. Ann Arbor, one. Winnipeg, one youth. San Francisco, one. West Chester, one. Winnetka, one.
Enrollments by transfer reported by local Assemblies:
Los Angeles, eight. New York. four. Pasadena, three. Baltimore, two. Oklahoma City, two. Washington, two. Montreal, two. St. Lambert, two. Salt Lake City, two. Halifax, two. Syracuse, two. Oakland, two. Glendale, one. Dayton, one. Vancouver, one. Urbana, one. Cabin John, one. Charleston, one. Greensboro, one. Anchorage, one. Cleveland, one. Chicago, one. Miami, one.
Enrollment of isolated believers in October, nine; in November, 8.
Bahá’í Calendar[edit]
Nineteen Day Feasts: Sovereignty, January 19; Dominion, February 7; Loftiness, March 2.
Period of the Fast: nineteen days, beginning March 2.
Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly: March 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Teaching theme for January and February, World Unity.
“The Auspicious Year”[edit]
Message from Shoghi Effendi
The auspicious year destined to
witness the Centenary of the Birth
of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is brilliantly
opening. The last year of the
first Bahá’í Century was more than half
spent. The tempo of organized, concerted
activities of the members of
the worldwide Bahá’í community is
correspondingly accelerating. Teaching
campaigns, enterprises of institutional
significance, publicity
measures, publication projects, and
celebration plans are rapidly multiplying.
Inter-community competition
is steadily mounting. The world–desolating
conflict, now in its fifth
year, is powerless to cloud the splendid
prospect of the triumphant termination
of the first, most shining
century of the Bahá’í Era. Ṭihrán
reports thirty-four Assemblies, constituted,
fifty-four groups reinforced,
fifty-eight new centers established.
Messages from Delhi indicate that
Bahá’ís have established residence
in over sixty localities in India
and eighteen Assemblies are already
functioning. To the National
Bahá’í Headquarters previously
founded in Ṭihrán, Wilmette and
Baghdád, are now added similar
centers in Cairo, Delhi and Sydney,
officially registered in the
names of their respective National
Assemblies, and representing an addition
to Bahá’í national endowments
amounting to approximately eighteen
thousand pounds. The Bahá’í international
endowments have been further
enriched by a recent acquisition
of Mount Carmel in the vicinity
of the Báb’s Shrine transferred to the
name of the Palestine Branch of the
American National Assembly.
Twenty-five acres of land situated in
the Jordan valley have just been
dedicated to the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh.
The recent acquisition of land adjacent
to the site of the projected
Ṭihrán Temple raises the holding to
over three and a half million square
meters. The Seven Year Plan, providing
the chief impulse to the extraordinary[Page 12]
expansion of these magnificent
activities, must, during the remaining
five months, as befitting
thanksgiving act for the continued outpouring
of God’s unfailing grace,
surge ahead to dazzling victory surpassing
our highest expectations.
The prosecution of the Plan, whose
scope transcends every other enterprise
launched by Bahá’í communities
throughout the whole century,
must, ere the hundred years run out,
culminate in one last, supreme effort
whose repercussions will resound
throughout the Bahá’í world.
Received January 4, 1944
Temple Teaching[edit]
The number of visitors to the Temple for the first ten months of 1943 compares favorably with the years before there were so many transportation difficulties. The visitors seemed to be unusually receptive and a large number requested literature.
The following statistics might be of interest:
Total visitors for the first ten months
- of 1943 ..........................14,479
- of 1942 ..........................12,872
- of 1941 ..........................15,268
- of 1940 ..........................15,644
- of 1939 ..........................13,737
Total from the time guiding started, July 1, 1932, through October 31, 1943 ..................164,360
More visited in August than in any other month of 1943, namely, 2,918.
The visitors this year has come from all the states and the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Alaska, seven provinces of Canada, and the countries of England, Australia, Bahamas, Wales, Cuba, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Austria, Monaco, India, Palestine, China, Honduras, Bolivia, Brazil, and Mexico. No doubt they came from many other countries as well, since only one-fourth sign the Visitors’ Register from which this information was taken.
The Temple Guides Committee has many difficult problems to solve, one of which is the obtaining of enough guides to perform this prodigious task. Pioneering in Bahá’í work, the armed services, defense work, illness, removal from town, etc., have taken a toll of at least forty-two from the list of active and prospective guides. Appeals for volunteers in this work have not brought enough response. Due to the national publicity and radio broadcasting that will take place prior to the Centennial Celebration, there will surely be a large increase in visitors. We must have more guides.
Weekly classes to prepare guides will be started in the Temple on Sunday, January 9th, at 2 p.m., and in the Chicago Bahá’í Center, 116 S. Michigan Avenue, on Wednesday, January 5th, at 7:30 p.m. All who can possibly do so are urged to attend these classes.
Those who guide are thrilled and enthusiastic about the work. Some come from such great distances that the trip each way takes two and three hours, such as, the far south side of Chicago, Riverside, Waukegan, Franklin Park, and Milwaukee, Nine guides came from Milwaukee, two guiding every Sunday and holiday and the rest twice a month.
Our Temple is a beautiful building. It attracts throngs. We have invested at least $1,343,000 in it so far. We should make the most of our opportunity to use it in making the world cognizant of the Teachings of this Faith, God’s remedy for its ills.
- TEMPLE GUIDES COMMITTEE,
- Mary Haggard, Chairman
Bahá’í Service for the Blind[edit]
Through the devoted service of a member of the Bahá’í Service for the Blind, 50 copies of the pamphlet, Principles of the Bahá’í Faith, in printed Braille are available to Assemblies or groups with blind believers or blind friends; also available to pioneers. This service is rendered by Mrs. Amedée Gibson of California, in the name of the Nat’l Spiritual Assembly; and in memory of Mrs. Constance Rodman and Mr. Albert Engelder, whose devoted services to the work for the blind—although they have passed to the life beyond—still inspire us.
Please address requests for the above to the chairman of the Bahá’í Service for the Blind, Miss Ella C. Quant, 1089 Glenwood Boulevard, Schenectady, N. Y.
Following is a list of Books in Braille at the Reserve Library. These books are available for use of the blind—free of charge—loaned for a period to suit the individual need. Kindly address all requests for Reserve Library books to Mrs. Mayme Jackson, 9615 N Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio.
Advent of Divine Justice
Atoms in Action
Bahá’í Prayers and Meditations
BAHÁ’Í NEWS
Brief Reference to Bahá’í Faith
- (Helen Keller)
Bus Ride (Short Story)
- Gertrude Schurgast
Chinese Proverbs
Divine Art of Living
Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh
Goal of New World Order
Golden Age of the Cause of
- Bahá’u’lláh
Hidden Words
Homoculture
House of Worship
Laboratory of Life
Moon–lit Cup
Path to God
Prayers and Meditations from
- Words of Wisdom
Prayers and Meditations
- (Memorial to the blind)
Prayers
- (from World Order Magazine)
Principles of the Bahá’í Faith
Reality of Man
White Silk Dress
- (short story) Marziah Gail
Bahá’í Service for the Blind, as a committee, has a two-fold objective, towards which the individual members are looking and working; that is, to enlarge the Reserve Library, thereby increasing its capacity to serve; also to establish a system of “Talking Books” for the blind who do not read Braille; that in the Centennial Year of the Glorious Manifestation of Bahá’u’lláh, he who is physically sightless may be enabled to say in the spirit—“Although once I was blind, but now I see!”
- Ella C. Quant, Chairman
