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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 176 | AUGUST, 1945 | YEAR 102 | BAHA’I ERA |
Messages From the Guardian[edit]
1. To Chairman of Inter-America Committee
Heartfelt congratulations superb achievement Inter-America Committee opens year second Bahá’í century. Advise concentrate attention formation Assembly one remaining republic, Nicaragua. Consolidation newly fledged Assemblies multiplication groups throughout Latin America reinforcement outpost Magalannes intensified efforts, dissemination literature paramount tasks present year. Praying fervently removal obstacles dispatch pioneers fulfillment hopes necessary prelude launching the second stage Divine Plan. Appreciate two photographs each Assembly Central South America adorn walls mansion adjoining Bahá’u’lláh’s holy tomb.
Received April 30, 1945
2. To National Spiritual Assembly
Fully share National Assembly’s admiration and gratitude for National Teaching Committee’s remarkable exploits in recent years. I appeal to the new Committee to focus its attention upon the steady conversion of a considerable proportion of the existing groups into Assemblies through multiplication of settlers, intensification of individual teaching, and proclamation of the Message to the masses. I urge the Regional Teaching Committees to redouble their efforts to lend continued assistance to the attainment of these immediate objectives. I rejoice in the success of the high endeavors of the Peace Committee in San Francisco, and the departure of pioneers in Latin America. I renew my plea tor ever-increasing number of pioneers for both the Northern and Southern fields to unitedly arise and lend further, much needed impetus to the superb, historic enterprises initiated by the American Bahá’í community in the Western Hemisphere during the closing years of the First Century, and hasten the inauguration of a still more shining phase of their World Mission in the opening years of the Second Century.
Received June 30, 1945
(The National Spiritual Assembly had sent the following message to the Guardian from the June meeting a few days previously: “Grateful unsurpassed services National Teaching Committee. Unable continue. New Committee established in Temple area. Outstanding success efforts Peace Committee in San Francisco. Inter-America pioneers proceeding to posts: Elena Marcella, Gwenne Sholtis. Devoted Love.”)
National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Beloved Friends:
From 1937 to 1944 the American Bahá’í community concentrated its effort on the achievement of definite tasks within a definite allotment of time. Now that there is no similar schedule before us, let us not imagine that the demands of true faith are lessened, or that the community can fulfill its great destiny with the slightest relaxation of determination, concentration and sacrifice. The world about us plunges forward at accelerated pace, impelled by the action of divine forces to attain goals already known to every Bahá’í. The momentum of events, the release of a larger measure of power within our community—all this supplies us with a schedule which requires not merely a continuance, but an intensification of the best we have ever done for the Faith.
The Guardian’s Plea
“I renew my plea,” the Guardian declares to us in a message received June 30: “I renew my plea for an ever-increasing number of pioneers for both the Northern and Southern fields to unitedly arise and lend a further, much-needed impetus to the superb, historic enterprises initiated by the American Bahá’í community in the Western Hemisphere during the closing years of the First Century, and hasten the inauguration of a still more shining phase of their World Mission in the opening years of the Second Century.”
This plea is aimed directly at individual Bahá’ís, calling for more and more pioneers and settlers to arise and, under the supervision of the National Teaching Committee or Inter—America Committee, proceed to work in the field of heroic service. But it is directed also to the community collectively, that from our united consultation and action a new and mighty wave of Bahá’í influence shall gather force for achievements more remarkable even than those of the Seven Year Plan. Every local community and group needs to augment its numbers and deepen its spirit. The American Bahá’ís combined need to act through their National Committees in impressing the Bahá’í teachings upon the general public and its responsible agencies.
Plans for pioneer settlement and public teaching both depend for their realization upon the sustenance which can be furnished from the National Bahá’í Fund. The condition of that Fund mirrors forth the depths of our collective devotion at all times. Contributions are not a tax exacted by material authority, but a sacrifice made by the individual for the Cause of God. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá established this institution; the Guardian has consecrated it by his own donations to the great enterprises we have undertaken.
Treasury Items
In this light let us consider these items from the Treasurer’s report for June:
- 1. The donations received in May
and June together amounted to[Page 2]
$20,872.82, or $4,127.18 less than the
amount needed to carry the budget
through two months at an average of
$12,500 per month. The income for
June alone was $8,103.43.
- 2. The expenditures for May were
$10,091.60, for June were $10,343.19. The larger items were: Administration, May, $3,983.19, June, $1,952.68; Temple maintenance, May, $819.23; June, $590.88; Green Acre maintenance, May, no expense, June, $2,290.26; National Committees, May, $437.00, June, $804.48; Teaching (North and South America, including Regional items), May, $4,466.90, June, $4,604.89. It is of great interest to note that the total Inter—America teaching items exceeds annually the amount of the entire National Fund income and expense in the early years of the Guardian’s era before Temple construction was resumed.
- 3. Contributions were received
from 100 Assemblies in May, 102 in June. This means that more than 30 Spiritual Assemblies per month are failing to make any response whatever to the general needs and activities of the Faith in North America. Not estimating the total number of believers constituting these thirty or more communities, but the Assembly members alone, we have something like 270 Bahá’ís elected to serve on the bodies which form the bedrock of Bahá’u’lláh’s new order who, in their capacity as members of such bodies for some reason find it impossible for their Assemblies to generate enough determination to become represented in the Fund. Perhaps each Assembly, no matter how new or how small the community, should at least face the matter and come to the fixed decision that not one month shall pass without making its contribution in some amount to the National Treasury. It is by the decisions of that nature that the Assemblies unfold their latent and dormant powers, stride forward into the light of united action, and leave all negative, gloomy, unhappy and crippling conditions behind.
- 4. Of the groups, 55 contributed in
May and 66 in June, while 99 isolated believers made donations in May and 85 in June. Grateful acknowledgement is made for all these donations.
- 5. As of June 30, the amounts on
hand in all national accounts totaled $10,942.39, but deducting Trustee and earmarked funds, the balance available for expenditure by the National
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National Spiritual Assembly State Conventions Annual Convention Meetings of the NSA: September 5, 6, 7, 5, 9, 10; November 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; February (1946) 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; April 24, 25; April 30, May 1. State Elections: February 10, 1946. Annual Convention, April 26, 27, 28, 29, (election of National Spiritual Assembly on morning of April 28). |
Assembly on that date was exactly $580.76.
Annual Directory
The annual Bahá’í Directory is on the press and will be distributed with a copy of Bahá’í News. The Directory includes the National Spiritual Assembly, the roll of local Assemblies, the National Committees, Regional Teaching Committees and the Trustee Maintenance Committees, corrected to July 1, 1945.
Committee and Fiscal Year
In this connection the friends are informed that the administrative calendar, which has fixed the yearly term of the National Spiritual Assembly from Convention to Convention (from about May 1 to April 30), the National Committee term from July 1 to June 30, and the fiscal period covered by the Treasurer’s annual report from March 1 to February 28, has been synchronized, so that hereafter these two terms shall run concurrently, from May 1 to April 30, allowing the annual election to vary by a few days, according to conditions, as in the past, but making for one rather than three administrative years.
National Campaign
The national teaching campaign soon to begin is a challenge to every Spiritual Assembly to adopt its own program of unified effort for the year. The nations have pledged themselves to take the first step in the direction of peace. Many and severe are the problems to be surmounted on the path. But each successive crisis will be the opportunity of the Bahá’í community to connect the revealed Truth with the human and social need. The only effective means of action we have is through the use of the various Bahá’í institutions, local, regional and national in scope. Our unity of spirit has developed at this crucial time, for this specific purpose.
Consultation with Delegates Thirty-Seventh Annual Bahá’í Convention—1945
The National Spiritual Assembly, in publishing a summary of suggestions received from the delegates as their written response for consultation, thanks the delegates heartily for their important contributions. The list which follows is necessarily brief, but suggests the scope of the subjects treated in greater detail in the mass of letters received. These and other suggestions, some of which would require a decision by the Guardian, have been carefully studied, and the current national campaign is one answer to the widespread, heartfelt
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Bahá’í News in published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada as the official news-letter of the Bahá’í community. The first issue appeared in December, 1924. On April 10, 1925, the Guardian wrote: “The News Letter which you have lately initiated fulfills a very vital function. . . . I would urge you to enlarge its scope . . . that in time it may devote a special section to every phase of your activities, administrative, devotional, humanitarian, financial, educational and otherwise. “It should become a great factor in promoting understanding, providing information on Bahá’í activity, both local and foreign, in stimulating interest, in combating evil influences, and in upholding and safeguarding the institutions of the Cause.” The contents include: material supplied by the National Spiritual Assembly, such as the Guardian’s messages, the Assembly’s letters and its general statements and reports; Committee plans which have been approved and authorized; Committee news reports of activities; annual reports from local Assemblies; news items from local Assemblies; activities in regional areas as reported by or through the National Teaching Committee; activities in Central and South America as reported by the Inter-America Committee; news from other lands gathered from the bulletins of the various National Assemblies: a record of new enrollments and transfers; a record of deaths; photographs of general Bahá’í interest. Bahá’í News is edited for the National Spiritual Assembly by its Bahá’í News Committee: Horace Holley, Secretary, Garreta Busey, Mabel H. Paine. Address: Bahá’í News Committee, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill. |
demand for more potent action. To each individual believer and each local Assembly is commended earnest consideration of those items which deal with the spiritual life and the community.
I. Deepening the spiritual life of Assemblies.
- a. Weekly study night for the entire
- community, each believer serving
- as teacher in discussion of
- the book.
- b. Practice by each believer of
- prayer, fasting, love and service.
- Living the life.
- c. Instruction and assistance from
- the National Spiritual Assembly
- and National Committees on use
- of national and local resources.
- d. Intensive study and better understanding
- of Bahá’í Administration.
- e. Sunday meetings for public
- presentation of Faith.
- f. Individual effort to attain the
- spirit of love and humility through
- prayer and reading of the teachings.
- g. Full and frank discussion of all
- local problems in Assembly
- meetings.
II. Strengthening the bonds of love and unity within the Bahá’í Community.
- a. Emphasis on Feasts and activities
- of local Feast committee.
- b. Assignment of Bahá’í activity to
- every believer.
- c. Greater reading of creative
- word by each believer and at
- meeting.
- d. Greater effort to prepare new
- members for the Bahá’í activity in
- the community.
- e. Practice of courtesy, consideration,
- respect and esteem in community
- relations.
- f. Follow-up absent members, encourage
- personal service and
- sacrifice.
- g. More attention to committee appointments
- and activities.
- h. Teaching campaign on “How to
- be a Bahá’í.”
- i. Encourage regular contributions
- to local and National Funds.
- j. Regular visits of national teachers.
III. Preservation of Existing Assemblies.
- a. Careful selection of committees.
- b. National teaching campaign
- geared into local teaching programs.
- c. Study classes for all believers to
- deepen Cause and to prepare for
- teaching.
- d. Continuous effort to bring new
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Long Beach, California, 1944-1945.
members into the community.
- e. Investigation by the National
- Spiritual Assembly of weak Assemblies
- and periodic visits by
- teachers and members of Assembly
- Development Committee.
- f. Set the goal for at least 19 members
- in each Bahá’í community
- this year.
- g. More regional conferences.
- h. Full and frank consultation on
- local problems.
IV. Formation of Assemblies in Remaining Latin American Republics.
- a. Encourage Latin American
- Bahá’ís to pioneer in virgin
- areas.
- b. Speed more teachers in Latin
- America.
- c. Training of Latin American believers,
- groups and organized
- communities in Bahá’í Administration.
- d. Stress fireside groups, the value of
- prayer, need of study of the teachings,
- observance of the Feasts and
- living the life.
- e. Strengthening of existing Bahá’í
- centers.
- f. Developments of the school and
- establishment of funds for the training
- of teachers for Latin American
- service in South America.
V. Development of Groups throughout North America to Assembly status.
- a. Organized communities reach
out to assist and strengthen nearby groups.
- b. Emphasize individual study and
devotion. Living the life.
- c. Greater attention to fireside
groups, social gatherings and contact with outside groups.
- d. More intensive teaching by
group members.
- e. Increase unity and devotion
within the group by prayer, love, sacrifice and service.
- f. Outside teachers, teaching
conferences, visits from members of local and National Assemblies and committees.
- g. Strict observance of Feasts and
frequent periods of consultation.
- h. Holding of a series of attractive
public lectures to attract and confirm new people.
- i. Small teaching circuits in areas
or regions.
VI. Renewed call to pioneers for North and South America.
- a. Each Assembly conduct study
- group to prepare one or more
- members to go forth each year
- on the pioneer service.
- b. Tour of representatives of the
- National Spiritual Assembly or
- the National Teaching Committee[Page 4]
- among Assemblies to stimulate
- service.
- c. Nationwide survey for pioneers
- to be made by the National Spiritual
- Assembly in cooperation
- with local Spiritual Assemblies.
- d. Emphasize “call” for pioneers
- at all Feasts.
- e. Constant appeal through Bahá’í
- News.
VII. Proclamation of Faith to the Masses.
- a. Build a program for presentation
- of Faith to the business and
- commercial world by Bahá’í
- business men.
- b. Intensify radio programs and
- increase press publicity.
- c. Greater attention to more comprehensive
- teaching circuits.
- d. Wider and closer contacts with
- people of other groups—Jews,
- Mormons, Christian Scientists,
- Adventists, etc., etc.
- e. Wider distribution of free
- literature.
- f. Paid newspaper publicity and
- advertising.
- g. Special meetings of general interest
- related to the various phases
- of the Teachings; public meetings
- with large audiences.
- h. Holds large public banquets for
- the proclamation of the teachings on
- peace.
VIII. Active Association with Leaders of Public Thought.
- a. Bahá’ís join and participate in
- the activities of civil, business and
- professional organizations.
- b. Participate in open forums and
- public meetings.
- c. Continuation of work of Contacts
- Committee, of Public Relations
- Committee.
- d. More “broadsides” on peace
- and New World Order.
- e. Participation by Bahá’ís in
- non-political community activities.
- f. Participation in inter-racial
- group activities.
- g. Bahá’ís should develop themselves;
- become distinguished in
- work and life so as to take their
- proper place among leaders of
- thought.
- h. Individual contacts and invitations
- to homes for hospitality
- and presentation of teachings.
IX. A Centrally Directed National Teaching Campaign Making More Effective Coordination of Local and National Activities.
- a. Radio and news releases prepared
- by National Committees
- and supplied to local Bahá’í
- communities.
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Voted to adopt the principle that the fiscal and committee years should coincide as closely as possible with the administrative year, representing the term of office of each National Spiritual Assembly. In practice this means that while the election might be held on April 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30, the fiscal year and committee year will be from May 1 to April 30. |
- b. Develop circuit plan of teaching
- with nationally directed publicity,
- advertising, displays, radio
- programs, etc.
- c. Greater appeals for funds for
- teaching campaign.
- d. More emphasis on individual
- teaching.
- e. A centrally directed national
- teaching campaign.
- f. Better scheduling of traveling
- and circuit teachers.
- g. A corps of traveling teachers to
- visit the weaker Assemblies
- especially.
- h. More dissemination of news
- through Bahá’í News of teaching work.
Bahá’í Relations With Civil Authority[edit]
In view of recent inquiries on the subject, the National Spiritual Assembly feels it most desirable at this time for members of the American Bahá’í community to maintain a common understanding of the principles which underlie our relations with different departments of the civil government. In dealing with this matter, the Assembly has no intention of adding to a procedure or laying down its own regulations, but rather of examining the teachings themselves and bringing forth the principles expressed in the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the advices and directions of the Guardian.
We find that from the very beginnings of the American Bahá’í community the wise and loving Master counseled the believers to entertain no discussion of political matters in their gatherings. “During the conference no hint must be entertained regarding political affairs. All conferences (i.e., all consultations and discussion) must be regarding the matters of benefit, both as a whole and individually, such as the guarding of all in all cases, their protection and preservation, the improvement of character, the training of children, etc.
“If any person wishes to speak of government affairs, or to interfere with the order of government, the others must not combine with him because the Cause of God is withdrawn entirely from political affairs; the political realm pertains only to the Rulers of those matters; it has nothing to do with the souls who are exerting their utmost energy to harmonizing affairs, helping character and inciting (the people) to strive for perfections. Therefore, no soul is allowed to interfere with (political) matters, but only in that which is commanded.” (BWF, p. 407)
“Let them not introduce any topic in the meeting, except the mentioning of the True One, neither must they confuse that merciful assembly with perplexed outside questions . . . Make ye an effort that the Lord’s Supper may become realized and the heavenly food descend. This heavenly food is knowledge, understanding, faith, assurance, love, affinity, kindness, purity of purpose, attraction of hearts and the union of souls.” (BWF, pp. 407-408)
The penetrating power of these words continues through the years. They guide and inspire Bahá’í gatherings today as they did when revealed thirty-five or forty years ago. What the Master tells us is a two-fold truth: first, the positive definition of the purpose of Bahá’í meetings and consultation, which confines it to spiritual matters; and second, the inherent limitation implied in the accomplishments of the political realm. The aim of the Faith is to produce the reality of virtue and quality in souls and evolve institutions capable of dealing with social matters justly, in the light of the revealed truths. This is entirely distinct from the province filled by civil institutions.
Many years later, in 1932, Shoghi
Effendi gave us the message now
entitled “The Golden Age of the
Cause of Bahá’u’lláh,” at a time
when our ranks were being swelled
with new believers who had not been
trained by the Master’s Tablets,
when the local and National Assemblies
were developing power, and the
conditions of the Bahá’í community
had become less simple and primitive,
less hidden from the prevailing[Page 5]
influences of civilization. In that
message he reminded us of an
instruction deemed very important.
“And this principle is no other than
that which involves the non-participation
by the adherents of the
Faith of Ballá’u’lláh, whether in their
individual capacities or collectively
as local or national Assemblies, in
any form of activity that might be
interpreted, either directly or indirectly,
as an interference in the
political affairs of any particular
government. Whether it be in the
publications which they initiate and
supervise; or in their official and
public deliberations; or in the posts
they occupy and the services they
render; or in the communications
they address to their fellow-disciples
or in their dealings with men of
eminence and authority; or in their
affiliations with kindred societies
and organizations, it is, I am firmly
convinced, their first and sacred obligation
to abstain from any word or
deed that might be construed as a
violation of this sacred principle,
Theirs is the duty to demonstrate,
on one hand, their unqualified loyalty
and obedience to whatever is the
considered judgment of their respective
governments.
“Let them refrain from associating themselves, whether by word or by deed, with the political pursuits of their respective nations, with the policies of their governments and the schemes and programs of parties and factions . . . Let them affirm their unyielding determination to stand, firmly and unreservedly, for the way of Bahá’u’lláh, to avoid the entanglements and bickerings inseparable from the pursuits of the politician, and to become worthy agencies of that Divine Polity which incarnates God’s immutable Purpose for all mankind . . .
“Let them beware lest, in their eagerness to further the aims of their beloved Cause, they should be led unwittingly to bargain with their Faith, to compromise with their essential principles, or to sacrifice, in return for any material advantage which their institutions may derive, the integrity of their spiritual ideals.” (WOB, pp. 64, 65)
The application of this principle has produced a series of explanations by the Guardian and the National Spiritual Assembly, as recorded in “Bahá’í Procedure:” on the subject of the voting right in civil elections; on the status of believers in relation to military duty,
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Hamden, Conn., newly established April 21, 1945
etc. The National Assembly has also
felt it advisable to retain the function
of contact with the civil government.
Now we have another application of the same principle to consider with respect to the right, propriety or usefulness of exerting Bahá’í influence for the enactment of certain legislative measures which more or less reflect the aim of some Bahá’í principle or teaching. Should the Bahá’í community, local or national, lend the name of the Cause to support legislation, for example, which seeks to abolish race and religious discrimination in matters of industrial employment, or intervene when measures concerning the military training of youth are before a legislature?
The National Spiritual Assembly feels that, as a general policy subject to the Guardian’s specific direction in special cases, Bahá’ís and their administrative institutions should not feel obliged to adopt a “Bahá’í” attitude or course of action on matters of civil legislation. Our teachings and basic principles speak for themselves. These we can always declare and set forth with all possible energy whenever occasions arise. But a truth which is sundered from its sustaining spiritual Source, lifted out of its organic relationship to the Bahá’í community, broken off from the other truths, and made subject to the storm and stress of secular controversy, is no longer a truth with which we can usefully have a concern. It has become an enactment to be carried out by institutions and groups committed to other enactments, other aims and purposes and methods not in conformity with the “Divine Polity” entrusted to those alone who give full loyalty to Bahá’u’lláh. Far better for us to strive to mirror forth radiantly the individual and community virtues of a new era than to hope others than believers will achieve the holy mission of the Faith. We Bahá’ís have been reality accepted a world order and not merely a new decalogue of truths or commands. On the other hand, obedience to civil government, is an obligation laid by Bahá’u’lláh upon every Bahá’í.
“Dearly—beloved friends!” the
Guardian called out to us as long
ago as 1931, “Humanity, whether
viewed in the light of man’s individual
conduct or in the existing relationships
between organized communities
and nations, has, alas,
strayed too far and suffered too
great a decline to be redeemed
through the unaided effort of the
best among its recognized rulers and
statesmen — however disinterested
their motives, however concerted
their action, however unsparing in
their zeal and devotion to its cause.
No scheme which the calculations
of the highest statesmanship may yet
devise; no doctrine which the most
distinguished exponents of economic
theory may hope to advance; no
principle which the most ardent of
moralists may strive to inculcate,
can, provide, in the last resort, adequate
foundations upon which the[Page 6]
future of a distracted world can be
built.” (WOB, pp. 33-34)
Because our hope is firmly founded, our trust complete, our vision clarified, we Bahá’ís can tread the path of assurance through all the troubles of these days, knowing that the goal is secure.
Notice Concerning Teachers[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly, on suggestion and request made by a local Assembly, would like each National Committee, and each Regional Teaching Committee, which has occasion to send teachers to the Southern States, to advise the local Assembly or Committee making arrangements for the activities of, such teachers in that area, of the racial status of the teacher in each case, so that suitable plans can be made.
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.
- Mrs. Arthur Krug, Sao Paulo,
- Brazil.
- Mr. Robert Fairley, Vancouver.
- Mrs. Luda Dabrowski, Greenville.
- Mrs. Margaret Beckhart, Los Angeles.
- Miss Millie B. Herrick, Binghamton.
- Mr. J. F. Behrens, Coeur d’Alene,
- Idaho.
- Mrs. Florence Etta White, Greenville.
- Mrs. L. C. Haskell, Savannah, Ga.
Calendar[edit]
Nineteen Day Feasts: Names, August 20; Might, September 8; Will, September 27.
Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly; September 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Enrollments and Transfers[edit]
Reported by Local Assemblies
Tacoma, two transfers.
San Diego, two transfers.
Beverly Hills, one transfer.
Burbank, two transfers.
Greenville, one transfer.
Los Angeles, five transfers, one
- youth transfer.
Berkeley, one and one youth
- transfer.
Louisville, one transfer.
Detroit, two transfers.
Denver, two and two transfers.
Elmhurst, one.
Sioux Falls, one.
Chicago, one.
Birmingham, one.
New Orleans, one.
Teaneck, one.
New York, one.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, one.
- Reported by Regional Teaching
- Committees
In June, four enrollments.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Farewell Words To the American Friends[edit]
I am going away, but you must arise to serve the Word of God. Your hearts must be pure and your intentions sincere.
This is the day when pure hearts have a portion of the everlasting bounties and sanctified souls are being illumined by the eternal manifestations. Praise be to God! You are believers in God, assured by the words of God and turning to the kingdom of God. You have heard the divine call. Your hearts are moved by the breezes of the paradise of Abhá. You have good intentions, your purpose is the good pleasure of God, you desire to serve in the kingdom of the merciful One. Therefore arise in the utmost power. Be in perfect unity, Never become angry with one another. Let your eyes, he directed toward the kingdom of truth and not to the world of creation. Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for themselves. You will never become angry or impatient if you love them for the sake of God. Humanity is not perfect. There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and complete mercy. Therefore do not look at the shortcomings of anybody; see with the sight of forgiveness. The imperfect eye behold: imperfections. The eye that covers faults looks towards the Creator of souls. He created them, trains and provides for them, endows them with capacity and life, sight and hearing; therefore they are the signs at His grandeur. You must love and be kind to everybody, care for the poor, protect the weak, heal the sick, teach and educate the ignorant.
National Committees[edit]
Publishing Announcement
Foundations of World Unity, selections from the public addresses and writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, intended to make available a smaller work than the “Promulgation.” New revised edition in the convenient page size of the Esslemont book, Bound in paper. Per copy, $1.00.
Bahá’í Peace Program, the pamphlet consisting of compiled utterances issued by the Committee on Peace in San Francisco. (Not to be confused with pamphlet published with this title many years ago). Paper cover. Per copy, 15c.
The Dawn of World Civilization, reprint of compilation on peace published as a supplement to World Order Magazine of April, 1945. In lots of one hundred copies for $1.50.
Bahá’í World Faith, Centennial Edition bound in red leather. An impressive gift and a most suitable memorial for preservation in Assembly and Summer School libraries. Per copy, $5.00.
Study Outline for God Passes By, prepared by Horace Holley, Mimeographed, paper cover. Sold in lots of five. Per copy, 10c.
Temple Guides[edit]
As a means of attracting visitors and thereby making known to the public the Bahá’í Faith, the Bahá’í House of Worship not only sustains its record of previous years but shows a steady growth in the number of people being guided through. This, despite the fact that the transportation difficulties have increased during the war period. We feel that some credit in this direction is due to the efforts of the Temple Program Committee who have made various attempts in securing greater attendance, by means of “L” placards, letters to Bahá’í Assemblies, and also because of other forms of publicity in bringing to public attention special programs given from time to time.
The record of visitor-attendance
is its own evidence of the keen public[Page 7]
interest in the Temple and in the
Bahá’í Faith:
During the first five months of 1945 there were 1356 more visitors guided through the Temple than during the same five months of last year. Those who came to represented a cross-section of many classes, nationalities, races and religions. The total for these months in 1945 was 5095.
Especially during Sundays in March, April and May have there been a considerable number of visitors, running as high as 393 in a single Sunday. The record shows:
Month Sundays: 1st 2d 3d 4th 5th March 294 118 343 97 April 369 386 189 250 393 May 295 250 241 320
The foregoing came from many
countries, as indicated:
In March there were 897 visitors from 25 states, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan; Panama, Mexico, England and Wales.
In April there were 1680 visitors from 33 states, the District of Columbia, the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec; Mexico and Honduras.
In May there were 1821 visitors from 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Saskatchewan: England, Hawaii, Yugoslavia, Holland, Lebanon, Argentina and Brazil.
Among the visitors were many groups represented by various organizations, including:
Where From Group Represented
CHICAGO—Austin Y.M.C.A., Youth
- Group, Irving Park Congregational
- Church.
- Lawndale M. E. Church, Ishiking
- Club, Irving Park M. E.
- Church.
- Edgewater Lutheran Church,
- Englewood Hikers Club.
EVANSTON—National College of Education;
- Junior Guild of 1st M.E.
- Church; American Association of
- University Women.
WESTERN SPRINGS. ILL.—Congregational Church.
KENILWORTH, ILL.—Girl Scouts.
VALPARAISO, IND.—High School Senior Class.
WINNETKA, ILL.—Sunday School Class,
- Congregational Church (Eight grade).
LA GRANGE, ILL.—Sunday School
- Class of Evangelical Church.
In view of the foregoing record, it will be seen that the people guided through the Temple form a nucleus
San Francisco Peace Committee Exhibit at American Express Co., San Francisco
for carrying the Bahá’í message to
the farthest corners of the world.
Seeds are thus being sown in the
minds and hearts of people from
every walk of life, including
influential members of governments,
schools, colleges, clubs and professions.
It thus becomes increasingly
important to raise and sustain the
standard of the quality of guides
serving in the Temple, thus challenging
those who know most about the
Teachings to put forth efforts in behalf
of guide work.
College Speakers Bureau March 1—June 30, 1945[edit]
We have completed two projects involving literature distribution: the mailing out of reprints of “Ways to Wholeness” to an additional list of educators, and distribution of gift copies of The Bahá’í Centenary to educators who have shown special friendliness to the work of the Bureau.
Additional responses to our general letter to Assemblies have been received and indicate general willingness to cooperate in the development of this type of teaching work.
The record of college teaching, completing the work of the committee year, includes: Mrs. Margaret Randall Ford: Morris Brown College (chapel), Davy T. Howard, Jr. High School (2 social studies classes), Atlanta School of Social Work (class of postgraduate students), Moorehouse College (student group)—all in Atlanta, Ga., Miles College, Birmingham (class), Lanier High School, Jackson, Miss., (chapel, 4 classes); Rowland Estall; University of Manitoba (student group); Emeric Sala; University of Manitoba (student group); Mrs. Terah Smith: Georgia State College (chapel, 4 classes); Rex King: Olivet College; (small faculty group); John Robarts; Olivet College (college student forum); Stanwood, Cobb; West Virginia State College (chapel), Mrs. George R. True, Henderson Business College, Memphis (assembly), Booker T. Washington High School, Memphis (assembly). Vanderbilt University, Nashville (class). The number of students reported hearing of the Faith through these talks totals 4,465.
The members of the College Bureau Committee are deeply grateful for the assistance of Assemblies and individuals in working out these college engagements. By: W. KENNETH CHRISTIAN, Chairman
The Bahá’í World, Vol. X[edit]
The committee for Volume X of
the Bahá’í World urgently appeals to
the believers throughout the world to
become “Bahá’í World book conscious.”
By this is intended the biennial[Page 8]
publication which is known as
the Guardian’s book and which is
compiled and edited under his
direction and on which he depends
for presentation to distinguished individuals
and publications which he
desires to acquaint with the importance
of the growing worldwide activities
of the Faith.
The Bahá’í World is the only authentic reference book and is designed to be placed in public libraries and files of important newspapers, in college reference libraries and wherever inquirers might be inclined to seek information on the Bahá’í Faith. However important our other publications may be none carries in such complete form the actual historical records intended for general information and no honor is greater than that which accrues to the contributors of these biennial publications.
Because this is so, and because sometimes valuable material which is highly suitable and should find its way to this committee flows into other channels and reaches us too late if at all, we are now appealing to all who collect valuable data to make a special point of addressing their contributions to the Bahá’í World committee either direct to our offices or through the national office in Wilmette. By the Guardian’s instructions we require two copies of all material and we urge that everything he sent in by September first. Please bear us in mind and lend us your valued assistance.
- By: NELLIE S. FRENCH, Chairman
786 Chester Ave. San Marino 9. Cal.
American Memorial To ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
On Saturday, June 30th, 1945, at Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey, was held the Thirty-Third Annual Gathering, commemorating the “Unity Feast” given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912, when He came to America to promulgate Universal Peace, and visited West Englewood where He Himself, served the many guests, at the first Unity Feast.
Plants and bright flowers bedecked the grounds around the Cabin, and the fountains which had not been used for the past several years, were, that day, playing merrily during the meeting. The day was warm, so the friends came as early as noontime, to enjoy the country air and have their picnic lunch outdoors under the shade trees. Believers and friends from seven states attended and many of our Persian brothers and sisters were present. Approximately two hundred and fifty guests were served.
At three o’clock in the afternoon, the program prepared by the committee, began, outdoors, in a sort of amphitheatre arrangement, with amplifiers to carry the sound. The Chairman, Mr. Curtis Kelsey opened the program with prayer and greetings. Mr. Walter Olitzki, Baritone of the Metropolitan Opera Association sang four songs accompanied by Mrs. Harriet Kelsey. The address given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the original Feast, was read by Mrs. Maude Gaudreaux. Talks on “Promulgation of Universal Peace”—the theme of this gathering—were given by the following believers:
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Herald of Peace —Charles S. Krug
Youth Prepares for Peace — Rustam Payman
Bases for a Durable Peace — Elsie Austin
At the very spot where the Beloved Master’s holy footsteps fell as He chanted prayers and gave His message to the throng in 1912, was holding a service at 5 p.m.—in the Pine Grove. Vaffa Kinney presided and called upon those friends present who were present at the original Unity Feast, to recall a few words about that glorious day.
Many of the visitors remained for a picnic supper, after which was held an informal “fireside” meeting, presided over by Mr. Allah Kalantar. The spirit that pervaded the entire gathering during the whole day was of such fellowship and love that it well may have cheered the heart of our Beloved Master!
Bahá’í Peace Program at San Francisco During Allied Nations Conference[edit]
(Summary of Committee Report Received from Miss Marion Holley, Secretary)
Radio Activities: Thirty minute broadcast at 3:15 on April 21, over station KQW. Theme: “World Order is the Goal.” Recordings were made of this broadcast and have been sent by the National Radio Committee to 39 other cities for rebroadcast. Through cooperation of the Regional Teaching Committee in California, 20 sites throughout California obtained excellent publicity for the Regional broadcast.
Publicity: The two best newspapers in San Francisco carried large display advertisements, outlining the Bahá’í Peace Program. Excellent publicity secured in all Bay newspapers of all Bahá’í activities. There is a record of 69 items of publicity which appeared in 32 newspapers of 22 cities.
Public Meetings: Symposium on Bahá’í Peace Program held May 9. Speakers Dr. Rudolph Holsti, former delegate to the League of Nations from Finland; Dorothy Baker, Leroy Ioas. Chairman, Marion Holley. Attendance 650. This was the largest peace meeting of any peace organization held in San Francisco during the Peace Conference, according to the advices of two different San Francisco newspapers.
Banquet: Given by the National Spiritual Assembly to friends of Dr. Holsti attending the present Security Conferences:
His Excellency, Francisco Castillo
- Najera, delegate for Mexico and
- Ambassador to the United States.
His Excellency, Ivan Kerno, delegate
- for Czecho-Slovakia, Envoy
- Extraordinary and Minister
- Plenipotentiary.
Dr. Li Shu-Fan, Adviser to Chinese
- delegation, and adviser to Chinese
- Supply Commission.
Dr. Carlos Rodriguez Jiminez, Secretary
- to Venezuelan delegation,
- and Consul General.
M. Alphone Als, Adviser to Luxembourg
- delegation, and Chief of
- Cabinet, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
- (a friend of St. Barbe Baker)
In addition, there were 26 other non-Bahá’ís present, for the most part distinguished friends of Dr. Holsti. In all there were 50 banquet guests. Copies of the Bahá’í Peace Program were distributed to all present.
Bahá’í Peace Pamphlet: 9000 copies of this pamphlet were published by the Committee. 2,000 copies were mailed to all persons connected with the Conference. 1800 copies were sent to the leading citizens of the San Francisco area. 400 were distributed at the banquet, symposium, exhibit, etc. The Los Angeles Assembly ordered 1,000 copies for local teaching use.
Exhibits: Three exhibits were arranged on the Temple model with Bahá’í literature, maps and placards. Free literature distributed at each exhibit.
Official Observer: Marion Holley and Sylvia Ioas were appointed official observers for the Bahai Faith, which permitted them to attend the plenary sessions. Mrs. Ioas arranged a display of the Peace Pamphlet at the Conference Headquarters.
Local Activities: The San Francisco Assembly devoted a thirteen-week radio series to the theme “Foundations of Universal Peace.” Public meetings and fireside meetings were held in each locality along these same lines.
Inter-America[edit]
The reports of the Youth Symposiums in Latin America have been so inspiring that it was felt well worth while to devote the entire news to this subject. The South American Youth joined with their fellow Bahá’í Youth in North America, Europe and Asia on March 4th, 1945, the Tenth International Bahá’í Youth Day to present the Bahá’í Faith to the World.
Thirty youth were present at a meeting held in Buenos Aires, Argentina to hear Miss Etta Mae Lawrence speak on “The Dynamic Power of Religion.” Sr. Haig Kevorkian, who spoke on “Prophetical Utterances, Sr. Oscar Aguirre, whose subject was “God’s Plan for the Peace of the World,” and Sr. Antranik Kevorkian who spoke on “The Spiritual Challenge to Youth.” Sr. Antranik Kevorkian presided as chairman of the program. Tea was served following the meeting and everyone felt that the Symposium was a great success. A reporter from the Standard Newspaper of Buenos Aires interviewed the group prior to the meeting and as a result a very favorable article appeared in that paper.
From Santiago, Chile we hear that a wonderful meeting was held in the home of one of the members of the Youth Committee—“Thirty one guest were present; Marcia Steward and Roberto Hererra gave talks on the Cause, tea was served and a strenuous period of questions and answers followed. The interest aroused was truly marvelous, everyone requesting books and further information. Present were such types as an architect, newspaper men, a famous young Chilian actress, all young and of great capacity; practically every nationality
San Francisco Peace Committee Exhibit in Yazdi Gift Shop, Berkeley
was represented and a wonderful
spirit prevailed. We felt that this
meeting marks a great step forward
in our youth activities.” Also coordinating
with the youth of Santiago,
the youth of Punta Arenas
presented a program at the Hotel
Cosmos with seventeen young people
present.”
Twenty-one Youth attended the Youth Symposium in Lima, Peru. The theme of the Peruvian Youth was, “Youth’s Role in the World of Tomorrow” — Alejandro Franco, chairman of the Bahá’í Youth Committee gave the introductory speech, stressing the responsibility of Youth today. The very latest young Bahá’í woman spoke on “Woman’s Role in the World of Tomorrow.” Another young man spoke on the “Future World Economics,” presenting it more from the material viewpoint. The meeting was concluded with an impressive presentation of the Bahá’í Faith by a visiting Bahá’í Youth from Guayaquil, Ecuador— Jorge Sarco.
Carmelo Perez, chairman of the Bahá’í Youth in Havana, Cuba reports the success of the Symposium held in that city, “The Youth Symposium of Havana was held in the auditorium of ‘Radio Universal,’ Colon and Prado. The program was broadcast over C.M.B.F. Cantos de la Torre, a youth who has recently reached twenty-one years and hence is now a voting member, was chairman. He recited a Temple Poem which he had composed. Carmelo Perez, the Youth Chairman gave the History of the Cause and Dr. Walter Blomquist spoke of Youths’ Role in the New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, elaborating on the principles.” Thirty young people attended the broadcast, many of them having been attracted by the hand painted placards announcing the Symposium, which had been placed in prominent places all over Havana. A press notice in the Havana Post also announced the program.
The first Bahá’í Youth Day to be
celebrated in Guayaquil, Ecuador
was held in a sala of Mrs. Anita McGills
guest house. From Virginia Orbison,
we received the following,
“There was in the atmosphere a
strong feeling of solidarity and portent
among the six believers and
their five friends. There were nine
nationalities represented: English,
Norwegian, German Jew, Swiss,
French, Italian, Ecuadorian and
North American, Eduardo Gonzales
made the informal introductions and
gave the first talk on ‘Facing our
our Responsibilities’ and quoting at
length from the Guardian’s writings.
He then presented Lauro Sanchez . .
His talk was Why I am a Bahá’í.
The third talk was by Virginia Orbison,
traveling teacher in South
America. There are hopes that a real[Page 10]
Bahá’í Youth Group will result from
this beginning, with a place of their
own for meeting and constructive activities
for which they will take the
entire responsibility.”
News Service[edit]
It is apparent from the constantly increasing volume of newspaper clippings which are being sent to our Secretary that local publicity chairmen are meeting with greater success in their patient efforts. We appreciate the various types of publicity, attempted by individual Assemblies, Groups and even isolated believers. We should all be encouraged by this showing of an audacious spirit of teaching effort.
Miss Nancy C. Phillips of Phoenix, Ariz., writes of successfully placing this committee’s national release “Bahá’ís Attain Spiritual World Order” in the Arizona Sun, read by the 25,000 Negroes of Arizona, and in the Glendale (Ariz.) News. We commend the Phoenix publicity committee for its efforts in also contacting many other newspapers in their immediate territory. Credit is due the Misses Jessie and Ethel Revell and Blanche Lear for the first Bahá’í news release appearing in the Pottsville (Penn.) daily paper and thanks to them for their comments on the help of the Publicity Bulletin. The Panama (C.Z.) Assembly sends us fine clippings from La Nacion and The Panama American and a good “Letter to the Editor” clipping from the Waterbury (Conn.) Republican, The Atlanta (Ga.) Journal carrying an interesting report written by Rebecca Franklin of the statements by Ali Kuli Khan during his visit to that city have also reached us. The latter was in the form of an interview covering the Bahá’í Peace Program and the mention that the Wilsonian principles were the stepping stones to the United Nations plan and the world’s desire for a lasting peace. Mrs. Sarah M. Russell of South Bend, Indiana, pleased us with her good reports, a clipping from The (weekly) Mirror of that city and another from the Plymouth (Ind.) Daily Pilot.
We are sorry that space will not allow the mention of all the letters and clippings we have received recently. We do congratulate the local publicity chairmen for their good material in the Peoria (Ill.) Star, Chicago (Ill.) Tribune, Columbus Grove (Ohio) Vidette, Racine (Wisc.) Journal Times, Topeka (Kas.) State Journal, Wilmette (Ill.) Life, West Chester (Penn.) Local News, Helena (Mont.) Independent-Record, Charleston (W. Vir.) Mail, Union City (N.J.) Hudson Dispatch, San Francisco (Cal.) Chronicle, Wilmington (Del) Journal, Tacoma (Wash.) Times and many other newspapers throughout the country. We apologize to Miss Opal Winans of the Independence, Missouri, Assembly for inadvertently referring to her city as being in Kansas.
It has been brought to our attention that quite a number of house organs of the type used by commercial houses and, as well, small magazines by localized circulation are using illustrations of the Bahá’í House of Worship in their content. We would appreciate receiving any of the material for inclusion in the annual Press Books. Please send two copies of any Bahá’í mention you see to our secretary, Miss Virginia A. Russell, 2622 Prairie Avenue, Evanston, Illinois We thank all publicity chairmen for their good cooperation in helping us keep our files up to date.
Annual Reports[edit]
1944-1945
Radio In response to a request from the National Radio Committee, the Bahá’í Communities of the United States and Canada have submitted their reports on radio activities in their areas for the Bahá’í year 1944–1945. These reports have been digested by the National Radio Committee, and have been assembled here in brief form.
Many of the reports expressed the regret that there had been no radioactivity. The reasons were stated, and these particular problems have been passed on to the incoming radio committee for whatever assistance they may be able to give in the coming year.
Some of the local reports were still not available by the time this national report was completed.
In addition to the regularly scheduled broadcasts tor the past year, this report contains a brief survey on the special 30 minute transcription “The Goal Is World Order.” This program, featuring the Attorney General of California and several Bahá’í speakers was transcribed during the Peace Conference in San Francisco. It was then shipped to many of the communities of the United States and Canada. The transcriptions were financed by the National Radio Committee.
The special Centenary broadcasts have been covered in a previous report already published in the Bahá’í News.
The summarized report for the year 1944-1945 follows:
1. Total number of stations used: 41
- Total number of states having
- broadcast: 25
- Total number of Provinces having
- broadcasts: 6
2. Total number of programs: 215
- Total number of special
- announcements: 35
- (A.) 4. Thirty minute broadcasts
- 195 Fifteen minute broadcasts
- 14 Ten minute broadcasts
- 2 Five minute broadcasts
- 34 One minute announcements
- 1 Two minute announcement
- (B.) Total number of hours on air:
- 55 hours, 51 minutes.
3. Total estimated audience (all stations)
- based upon the primary and secondary
- coverage of stations used, number of
- programs, average audience, etc.
- 9 Million persons
4. The following is a list of the Bahá’í
- communities carrying broadcasts during
- the past year:
- San Francisco—32 Fifteen minute
- broadcasts
- Fargo—28 Fifteen minute broadcasts;
- 5 Five minute programs
- Reno—22 Fifteen minute broadcasts:
- Two announcements (one
- minute)
- New York—11 Fifteen minute
- broadcasts
- Regina—1 Fifteen minute broadcast
- Racine, Wis.—3 Fifteen minute
- broadcasts
- Washington, D. C.—1 Fifteen minute
- broadcast
- Cleveland—2 Fifteen minute broadcasts
- Pasadena—1 Fifteen minute broadcast
- Moncton—1 Fifteen minute broadcast
- Cincinnati—1 Fifteen minute broadcast;
- 2 Ten minute programs
- Madison, Wis.—1 Fifteen minute
- broadcast; 1 Ten minute program
- Jacksonville — 1 Fifteen minute
- broadcast
- Atlanta—3 Fifteen minute broacasts
- Columbus, Ohio—4 Five minute
- programs
- Portsmouth, N. H.—3 Fifteen minute
- programs
- New Haven, Conn.—3 Fifteen minute
- programs
- Flint, Mich.—2 Fifteen minute
- programs
- Jamestown, N Y.—1 Fifteen minute
- program
- Los Angeles—13 Fifteen minute
- programs: 1 Thirty minute program
- Fort Wayne, Ind.—2 Announcements
- Spokane, Wash.—1 Two minute announcement
- Dayton, Ohio—6 One minute announcement
- Beverly, Mass.—24 One hundred
- word announcements
- Brattleboro, Vt.—6 Fifteen minute
- programs
- Boise, Idaho—2 Fifteen minute programs
- Denver, Colo.—1 Thirty minute programs
- Minneapollis—1 Fifteen minute program
- New Orleans—1 Fifteen minute program
- Philadelphia—2 Fifteen minute programs;
- 1 Announcement (one minute)
- Omaha—1 Fifteen minute program
- Albuquerque — 17 Fifteen minute
- programs
- Urbana—4 Fifteen minute programs:
- 11 Ten minute programs
- Jackson, Miss.—1 Fifteen minute
- program
- Yonkers, N. Y.—1 Fifteen minute
- program
- Binghamton—2 Fifteen minute programs
- Cedar Rapids, Ia.—3 Fifteen minute
- programs; 1 Thirty minute
- program
- Pittsburgh—1 Fifteen minute program
- Miami—2 Fifteen minute programs
- Baltimore—1 Fifteen minute program;
- 1 Thirty minute program
- Halifax—3 Fifteen minute programs
- Charlottetown, P. E. I.—4 Fifteen
- minute programs
- Charleston, W. Va.—2 Five minute
- programs
5. The following is a listing of the Bahá’í
- Communities to which the Peace transcription
- “The Goal Is World Order”
- was shipped:
- Phoenix Urbana
- New York Reno
- Iowa City Charleston, W.Va.
- Cedar Rapids Philadelphia
- Fargo Danville, Ill.
- Jamestown Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Portsmouth Halifax
- Charlottetown Greensboro
- Baltimore Madison
- Birmingham Scranton
- Montreal Chicago
- Elmhurst, Ill. Indianapolis
- Moncton Seattle
- Washington, D.C. Flint
- Atlanta Little Rock
- Binghamton Albuquerque
- Jacksonville Milwaukee
- St. Louis Denver
- Cleveland Lima, Ohio
- (A.) Total time on air if used by all
- communities would be: 19 hours,
- By: WILLIAM B. SEARS, Chairman
Local Assemblies[edit]
Peace Programs
In accordance with the recommendation of the National Spiritual Assembly, an effort was made by most of the local assemblies to give public meetings on the Bahá’í peace plan. Reports of some of these meetings have come to the Bahá’í News Committee.
Colorado Springs presented the Bahá’í teachings on successive days. Gladys Roberts, the secretary of the Assembly writes as follows: “. . . the Colorado Springs Bahá’ís were cosponsors with 25 other organizations in a Town Hall Meeting held Saturday, April 7, with a Denver speaker, and a question panel of 9 people. The subject was ‘Our Stake in World Peace.‘ Chosen on the panel was Mrs. Wanden LaFarge. Bahá’í from Fountain. Sunday, April 8th. the Bahá’ís held a meeting at Halfway House for Mrs. Marzieh Gail, and despite the previous night meeting and no paid advertising, we had 22 people, 15 of whom were non-Bahá’ís. We had very good publicity for her in the Sunday paper. On Monday we held a meeting at my home where she spoke on ‘Persia as I Saw It.’ Her subject on Sunday was ‘Faith in World Peace.’ ”
Geneva, N. Y., issued a very attractive program announcing a Spring Recital “in tribute to the purposes of the San Francisco Conference on World Organization.” A very fine musical program was given, with students from the Eastman School of Music participating. During an intermission William B. Sears of New York talked on “The Dawn of World Civilization.”
The Bahá’ís of the County of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, gave an enormous peace banquet on March 24th at the Schroeder Hotel, where a model of the Temple was displayed in the lobby, along with books which were for sale, Marie Fricke, the secretary of the Milwaukee Assembly writes:
“We feel this teaching Banquet was a wonderful success, particularly as a publicizing feature. There were over 700 people present, including members from as far away as Iowa, members from the cities of Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston, Oak Park, and Chicago, all of Illinois, and members from all over the state of Wisconsin—it is estimated that about 50% of the attendants were non-Bahá’ís. Influential and prominent people attended—including Dr. Frank E. Baker, President of Wisconsin State Teachers College, Lowell P. Goodrich, Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, Daniel W. Hoan, Ex-Mayor of Milwaukee, Miss Dorothy Enderis, Director Municipal and Social Recreation Centers, William V. Kelley, Secretary Milwaukee Urban League, Miss Elizabeth Campbell, Executive Secretary International Institute of Milwaukee County, Inc., and Mrs. Grace M. Corwin, Church Editor of the Milwaukee Sentinel. There were also several clergymen present.
“The races were also well represented. There were a goodly sprinkling of Negroes, some Chinese, Japanese, and a Japanese Hawaiian, also some Indians.”
“The speakers were splendid, the music brilliant and suitable, the tables decorated with red roses and over it all the blue and rose lights interposed in the chandeliers cast a beautiful glow upon the happy faces of the friends. We were all immensely happy—this was indeed a Peace Meeting.”
The New York City peace program took place June 8th at the New York Times Hall. It began with music by Mr. Thomas Richner, concert pianist, winner of the Naumburg prize. This was followed by an address by Mrs. Dorothy Baker on “World Peace, everyman’s part,” three solos by Mr. Walter Olitzki, baritone of the Metropolitan Opera Association, and an address on “World Peace, essential institutions” by Mr. Horace Holley.
The San Francisco friends invited the public to celebrate with them the Bahá’í festival of Naw-Rúz, at which they presented a program entitled “Foundations of Universal Peace.” Rev. Dr. Rudolph I. Coffee, President of the Temple of Religion, was the guest speaker, and Miss Marion Holley and Mr. Leory C. Ioas gave the Bahá’í Teachings. This was one of six discussions on the subject, “Prerequisites of Peace” scheduled for March and April. The printed announcement also carried a notice of the Bahá’í World Order Radio program given Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on Station KYA.
The Bahá’ís of Washington, D. C.,
Alexandria and Arlington, Cabin
John, and Chevy Chase, united with
the Regional Teaching Committee to[Page 12]
give a symposium, April 16 on “The
Problems of a Lasting Peace.” The
guest speaker was Mr. Philip Leonard
Green, Foreign Relations Specialist
for the United States government,
author and lecturer on foreign
affairs. Mr. W. Kenneth Christian
was the Bahá’í speaker, and music
was furnished by Mr. Walter Olitzki,
of the Metropolitan Opera. Attractive
invitation cards were issued for
this event as well as the printed programs
given out on the evening itself.
The Portland, Oregon, meeting was held April 13th. Dr. Norman F. Coleman and Mr. George Orr Latimer spoke on “World Unity and an Enduring Peace.”
The Beverly, Massachusetts, Assembly reports thirty present at its World Peace Forum, fifteen of them non-Bahá’ís. It was held May 18, and the speakers were Miss Margaret Curtis, a Director and Chairman of a Study Group of the United Nations Association, and Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan, delegate to the Versailles Peace Conference.
Race Unity Meetings[edit]
From Albuquerque, New Mexico, comes the announcement of a very interesting race unity meeting given March 29th. Mr. O. Leon Anderson, Acting Relocation Supervisor, spoke on the subject “Gleanings from the Relocation Program for Racial Adjustments” and illustrated his talk with motion pictures in color. The Bahá’í speaker was Dr. E. Lenore Morris.
The Seattle Bahá’ís gave their annual amity tea on April 8th this year. There was music, furnished by Professor Emilio Bonsilau and Prisca Langay, and a panel discussion on “Illusion of Separateness” given by Mrs. Alice Elmendorf and Mr. Mark Tobey.
The Urbana, Illinois, Assembly, in combination with the Bahá’í Group of Champaign, presented a race unity program in the City Building of Champaign on April 28th. Non-Bahá’í speakers were Miss Lucy Nobler, student at the University of Illinois, who talked about race unity from the scientific point of view, and Miss Mary Grace Jordan, who told of practical work for better race relations being done by non-Bahá’í organizations. The Bahá’í teachings on the subject were presented by Mr. Farhang Javid, a Persian student at the university. There was a large attendance.
Bulletins[edit]
A new local bulletin has been added to the list of those received. This is the Albuquerque Bahá’í News. The first issue was for the month of ‘Ala’ (beginning March 2nd). It carries the announcement of the weekly Bahá’í radio program, a list of Bahá’í events for the month, a few news, notes about individual friends, and the financial report.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, continues to issue its attractive little bulletin, beautifully hand-written, and adorned with small sketches in color inks.
News of Other Lands[edit]
British Isles
From the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles comes the inspiring news that they have just pledged themselves to attain the goal set them by the Guardian in response to the request of the 1944 Convention: to form nineteen Spiritual Assemblies in the British Isles before the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Báb in July, 1950, these Assemblies to be spread over all the different areas, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Eire.
Australia
The following excerpts are from a letter from E. W. Handley, Librarian, Hobart Bahá’í Group, Box 392 C.G.P.O., Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. The letter brought a renewal order covering five World Order subscriptions.
“The Hobart Bahá’ís extend their greetings and good wishes to the American friends. The Hobart Group is the only Group in Tasmania. It numbers six persons, of whom five are women. We represent only 0.002% of Tasmania’s population; we have, however, a promising Youth Group of ten, whose ages range from eight to sixteen years. They have made contact with one or more American Bahá’ís visiting or passing through Australia.”
“We would be glad to hear in advance
Hyde Dunn Memorial House, Yerrabool Bahá’í Summer School
of any visiting Bahá’ís, for
obvious reasons the chances of such
meetings are greater now than ever
before, or at any other Australian
Center.
“Our second public meeting this year was held at the Hobart Town Hall, on the 30th of June. Our previous effort was at Launceston, 130 miles away, in February. Both were worthwhile efforts carried out chiefly by Misses Crowder and Lamprill.”
“We have been invited to have representation of the Tasmanian Branch of The League of Nations Union. We expect that this will further the Bahá’í Cause.”
There is being introduced into the curriculum of Tasmanian Schools a system of non-sectarian religious training. This will be imparted by the Class-teachers and not by religious ministers. We wish that there had been a prepared syllabus of Bahá’í teaching suitable for schools. We might have introduced it at this juncture. Do let us know if there are any such available, as the system, if continued, will probably extend throughout Australia.
We note with pleasure the efforts of American Bahá’ís to carry the teaching to the remoter parts of your Continent. We too, are trying to devise schemes whereby the teaching will be extended in our country. Our conditions are different from those in U.S.A., and our problems are probably fewer.
We were delighted to hear of the completion of the exterior of the Bahá’í Temple in America . . .
We have to thank an unknown donor for a copy of the Bahá’í Year Book, which came to hand in 1942. We would like this publicly acknowledged if possible . . .
We appreciate the articles published in World Order and whenever possible read aloud extracts from it at the weekly meetings.
