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| No. 189 | NOVEMBER, 1946 | YEAR 103 | BAHA’I ERA |
“No Will But Thy Will”[edit]
Glorified art Thou, O Lord my God! Thou seest me dwelling in this prison-house that lieth behind the seas and the mountains, and knowest full well what I have endured for love of Thee and for the sake of Thy Cause. Thou art He, O my God, who hath raised me up at Thy behest, and bidden me to occupy Thy seat, and to summon all men to the court of Thy mercy. It is Thou who hast commanded me to tell out the things Thou didst destine for them in the Tablet of Thy decree and didst inscribe with the pen of Thy Revelation, and who hast enjoined on me the duty of kindling the fire of Thy love in the hearts of Thy servants, and of drawing all the peoples of the earth nearer to the habitation of Thy throne.
And when, as bidden by Thee, I arose and called out, by Thy leave, all Thy creatures, the wayward among Thy servants opposed me. Some turned away from me, others disowned my claim, a few hesitated, while others were sore perplexed, notwithstanding that Thy testimony was set forth before the followers of all religions, and Thy proof demonstrated unto all the peoples of the earth, and the signs of Thy might so powerfully manifested as to encompass the entire creation....
I have no will but Thy will, O my Lord, and cherish no desire except Thy desire. From my pen floweth only the summons which Thine exalted pen hath voiced, and my tongue uttereth naught save what the most Great Spirit hath itself proclaimed in the kingdom of Thine eternity. I am stirred by nothing else except the winds of Thy will, and breathe no word except the words which, by Thy leave and Thine inspiration, I am led to pronounce....
Behold, then, O my God, my loneliness among Thy servants and my remoteness from Thy friends and Thy chosen ones. I beseech Thee, by the showers of the clouds of Thy mercy, whereby Thou hast caused the blossoms of Thy praise and utterance and the flowers of Thy wisdom and testimony to spring forth in the hearts of all them that have recognized Thy oneness, to supply Thy servants and my kindred with the fruits of the tree of Thy unity, in these days when Thou hast been established upon the throne of Thy mercy. Hinder them not, O my Lord, from attaining unto the things Thou dost possess, and write down for them that which will aid them to scale the heights of Thy grace and favor. Give them, moreover, to drink of the living waters of Thy knowledge, and ordain for them the good of this world and of the world to come.
Thou art, verily, the Lord of Bahá, and the Beloved of his heart, and the Object of his desire, and the Inspirer of his tongue, and the Source of his soul. No God is there but Thee, the Inaccessible, the Most High. Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. BAHÁ’U’LLÁH Prayers and Meditations, p. 106.
Messages from the Guardian[edit]
The Forces Mysteriously Released Are Inconceivably Potent[edit]
The opening year of the second Seven Year Plan so auspiciously inaugurated is half spent. The entire American Bahá’í Community, galvanized through fuller perception of the progressive unfoldment of its glorious destiny, is geared to a higher speed of organized activity, and uplifted to a new level of collective achievement. The forces mysteriously released, designed to direct the operation and stimulate the processes to insure the consummation of the second stage of the Divine Plan, are inconceivably potent. Full, rapid use of these forces, by an organized community alive to the sublimity of its mission, is imperative. The manifold agencies, local, regional, national and intercontinental, directly responsible for prosecution of the Plan are now called upon to achieve, in their respective spheres, ere termination of this current year, successes so conspicuous as shall immeasurably fortify hopes of winning, within the stipulated time, a total, decisive victory. An immediate notable increase in the number of pioneers, particularly for the newly-opened transatlantic field of service, is the supreme necessity of this challenging hour. The present trickle must at all costs swell into a steady flow of consecrated settlers and itinerant teachers, who, mindful of the Master’s poignant plea, careless of their limited resources, undismayed by the somber international outlook, undeterred by the formidable character of the tasks undertaken or by the obstacles to be surmounted, will, in both the administrative and teaching spheres, arise to accomplish feats outshining the exploits immortalizing the record of American Bahá’í stewardship in both continents of the New World since the inception of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan. May the months immediately ahead be productive of results exceeding my fondest expectations.
Haifa, Palestine
October 7, 1946 (Cablegram)
“Mounting Evidences of Magnificent Work”[edit]
Overjoyed, grateful for mounting evidences of magnificent work achieved. Assure the departed and the prospective pioneers of my boundless gratitude, fervent prayers and loving admiration, and abundant reward for exemplary response and magnificent labors.
Haifa, Palestine
October 19, 1946 (Cablegram)
Note: The Guardian’s message of October 19 was sent in reply to the cablegram which the National Assembly addressed to him from the October meeting as follows:—
“Deep gratitude your message October seventh sending copy every believer
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stop Happy report helpful conference Temple Technical Committee European pioneers departed Solveig Corbit, Etty Graeffe, Jetty
Straub, Rita Van Sombeck and committee chairman Edna True for surveys conferences Mr. Mrs. Nielsen
scheduled sail October eighteenth.
First Public Meeting Minneapolis
attracted overflow audience. National advertising campaign arousing interest. Devotedly.”
There Is No Time to Lose[edit]
Dear and valued co-workers:
As the opening phase of the Second Year Plan draws inexorably to a close, the American Bahá’í community, which has already abundantly demonstrated its capacity to carry to a triumphant conclusion the initial stage of the Plan conceived by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, must equally—nay, even more convincingly—prove to the entire Bahá’í world, its inflexible determination and undoubted ability to discharge befittingly whatever responsibilities the constant evolution of the Plan may impose upon its members under any circumstances and in whatever continent of the globe. As the field of their historic labors steadily widens, as the implications of their high mission become more apparent, as the complexity of their task increases, as the agencies designed to facilitate and accelerate its execution multiply, the members of this community must, individually as well as collectively, redouble their efforts, evince a nobler spirit of self-sacrifice, display greater resourcefulness, unity, initiative, steadfastness and enterprise, rise to loftier heights of heroism and self-abnegation, and establish, more convincingly than ever, their right to be regarded as the worthy champions of a glorious Cause, the principal builders of a unique Order, the chosen trustees and executors of a divinely conceived Plan.
Theirs is the duty, at once urgent, inescapable and sacred, to scatter more widely and as far as the extremities of both the North and South American continents, to cross the ocean in ever-increasing numbers, and reinforce, rapidly and systematically, the outposts of the Faith in Western Europe, lay, on a definite and unassailable basis, the foundations of new and flourishing communities, disseminate, energetically, and on a far more extensive scale, the literature of the Faith in all the languages which the execution of the Plan, at its present stage, demands, collaborate more closely with the two National Assemblies and their subsidiary agencies already functioning in that continent, initiate, wisely and patiently, whatever measures may be required to further the purposes of the Plan, and surmount, at whatever cost, every obstacle they may encounter in their path.
As to those who, owing to circumstances beyond their control, are unavoidably prevented from participating in this national and inter-continental crusade, and are denied the privilege of struggling in the forefront of battle, either at home or abroad, theirs is the no less meritorious task, to aid by every means in their power, whether through financial assistance, constant support and encouragement, the supply of literature or the appointment of deputies, the little band of their heroic brethren, who have assumed so preponderating a share of the responsibilities now facing the entire community:
Memorial to John Stearns, first Bahá’í pioneer to Ecuador. Interment at Lima, Peru
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all, without exception, without reservation, without further delay, must participate. Each and
every one, to the fullest extent of
his or her ability, and however distracting the prevailing circumstances, or circumscribed the means,
must arise to contribute to the success of this new enterprise, that will
at once safeguard the fruits already
garnered through the successful conclusion of the first stage of the Divine Plan, and enable its prosecutors
to launch, at the appointed time,
the third and a still more glorious
stage in its evolution.
There is no time to lose. The task, though prodigious, is not beyond the capacity of those, who, in so short a time, in such distant fields, over so wide an area, and in the midst of a people so alien in temperament, language and custom, have won such conspicuous victories for their beloved Faith, and laid so enduring a foundation for its nascent institutions.
This gallant community is now summoned to undertake, further afield and in circumstances admittedly more adverse and challenging, a task infinitely more meritorious, and considerably richer in its potentialities. To fail, at this critical juncture, to rise to the height of the occasion, would jeopardize the colossal work so painstakingly achieved in the course of many long years, and irretrievably shatter the hopes for the early opening of the third and most shining phase of the Divine Plan,—a stage whose completion must mark the closing of the initial Epoch in the Plan’s progressive unfoldment.
May this community, faithful to its pledge and obedient to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s mandate, arise as one man and carry out, in its entirety and within the stipulated time, the task on which it has so spontaneously embarked.
Haifa, Palestine
October 5, 1946
The following passages are from the Guardian’s letter of October 5, 1946, written through his secretary.
Need for Pioneers[edit]
Shoghi Effendi wants to particularly emphasize the need for more pioneers and travelling teachers, most particularly in the European field. The present very unsettled state of the world, the confusion and suspicion which seems to be growing rather than dissipating, necessitates immediate action; no postponement to future years of an increase of workers abroad can be permitted, if the goals of this second Seven Year Plan are to be successfully achieved. Indeed a time may come when the friends will look back and regret every hour of delay as a priceless opportunity irrevocably lost! Rapid as has been the work in Latin America, the work in Europe must go forward at a much more urgent pace. Although he feels the European Teaching Committee has already done wonderfully well, he urges you to appeal to the believers to arise in far greater numbers, and go abroad at once, heedless of the sacrifices involved. He himself, through his personal correspondence is constantly pressing the Bahá’ís to volunteer for this service, and hopes during the coming months many more people will place themselves at your disposal for this all-important service.
I need not tell you all that he constantly prays for your success and guidance in the discharge of your increasingly heavy duties. He admires greatly the spirit of perseverance and dedication with which you are serving, and you may call upon him at any time for his assistance and advice.
The Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Guardianship[edit]
The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
With the approaching observance on January 6th of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Guardianship, our minds turn back this month to the events of 1921 which connect the Guardianship with the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. To refresh our minds concerning the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, we quote brief selections from a letter of Louise Bosch written from Haifa, December 5, 1921.
“Our beloved ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed from this earth early Monday morning. It was at half-past one o’clock—that is to say, one and one-half hours after midnight on Sunday. He had no illness in bed. His departure from this world was a rather sudden occurrence. It was half an hour before he closed his benign eyes forever that he said to Rouha Khanum, who was alone in the room with him, “I am dying.” There was no one else in the room with him, as all were in their respective beds asleep, no one imagining on awakening that such could be the case. Notwithstanding the fact that our blessed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was not so well that day, and in truth had not been well for a long time, but in consideration of his work which he did every day, and the care that he took to carry out his work every day, and the attention which he paid to matters great and small, and the visitors which he received up to the last, and his inquiries after the welfare of the pilgrims present and the sick in the village, and the requirements of the holy family—in short, notwithstanding the fever which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had that day and several days previous, which fever would come and go and was designated as malarial—the members of the household were not aware of the approaching departure.
“After Rouha Khanum had given him some medicine, she awakened the holy mother. The others, also Dr. Krug, were sent for. He happened to be (as a pilgrim) on the grounds. He and his wife were lodged, and still are at the present time, in the room which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had built for himself as an addition to his house—the room to which a stairway leads, in the garden near the entrance. So Dr. Krug was not far away and could come quickly; but alas! ‘Abdu’l-Bahá breathed only a few times more and all became still within his holy temple.
“At first we were as dumb and speechless, bewildered. We stood or kneeled before the bed. We gazed upon his face and could not trust our eyes.... Then, after awhile, the mosquito netting over the bed was let down, and this covered from our eyes the earthly remains of our Lord. We got up and went into the adjacent room, and the door of the room out of which we came was closed.
“The holy funeral took place on Tuesday morning, the casket being borne on the shoulders of men, up and up and up Mount Carmel, until the sacred spot of the Tomb of His Holiness the Báb was reached, and there ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was temporarily buried.
“The holy family awaits the arrival
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of Shoghi Effendi Rabbani from
England. Until that time nothing will
be undertaken regarding the reading
of the Testament of Our Lord, the
Center of the Covenant of God. He
left a letter addressed to Shoghi
Effendi, and this letter he gave for
safe-keeping to the holy mother, and
gave the order to write to Shoghi
to come home....”
From “Star of the West,” vol. XII, pp. 276-282.
When we observe on November 28 the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, let us also prayerfully review the lifelong labors of the Master and the great heritage He has bequeathed to us.
“Thus was brought to a close the ministry of One Who was the incarnation, by virtue of the rank bestowed upon Him by His Father, of an institution that has no parallel in the entire field of religious history, a ministry that marks the final stage in the Apostolic, the Heroic and most glorious Age of the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.
“Through Him the Covenant, that ‘excellent and priceless Heritage’ bequeathed by the Author of the Bahá’í Revelation, had been proclaimed, championed and vindicated. Through the power which that Divine Instrument had conferred upon Him the light of God’s infant Faith had penetrated the West, had diffused itself as far as the Islands of the Pacific, and illumined the fringes of the Australian continent. Through His personal intervention the Message, Whose Bearer had tasted the bitterness of a life-long captivity, had been noised abroad, and its character and purpose disclosed, for the first time in its history, before enthusiastic and representative audiences in the chief cities of Europe and of the North American continent. Through His unrelaxing vigilance the holy remains of the Báb, brought forth at long last from their fifty-year concealment, had been safely transported to the Holy Land and permanently and befittingly enshrined in the very spot which Bahá’u’lláh Himself had designated for them and had blessed with His presence. Through His bold initiative the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the Bahá’í world had been reared in Central Asia, in Russian Turkistan, whilst through His unfailing encouragement a similar enterprise, of still vaster proportions had been undertaken, and its land dedicated by Himself in the heart
From forty to forty-five children of all ages attend the daily Bahá’í class given by Sra. Natalia Chávez of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The children have a good knowledge of the Faith and their parents are friendly to it, and some of them are studying it. The picture shows some of the members of the class, with Marcia Steward in the doorway and Sra. Chávez in front.
of the North American continent.
Through the sustaining grace overshadowing Him since the inception
of His ministry His royal adversary
had been humbled to the dust, the
arch-breaker of His Father’s Covenant had been utterly routed, and the
danger which, ever since Bahá’u’lláh
had been banished to Turkish soil,
had been threatening the heart of
the Faith, definitely removed. In
pursuance of His instructions, and
in conformity with the principles
enunciated and the laws ordained
by His Father, the rudimentary institutions, heralding the formal inauguration of the Administrative Order to be founded after His
passing, had taken shape and been
established. Through His unremitting labors, as reflected in the
treatises He composed, the thousands of Tablets He revealed, the
discourses He delivered, the prayers, poems and commentaries He
left to posterity, mostly in Persian,
some in Arabic and a few in Turkish, the laws and principles, constituting the warp and woof of His Father’s Revelation, had been elucidated, the fundamentals restated and
interpreted, its tenets given detailed
application and the validity and indispensability of its verities fully
and publicly demonstrated. Through
the warnings He sounded, an unheeding humanity, steeped in materialism and forgetful of its God,
had been apprised of the perils
threatening to disrupt its ordered
life, and made, in consequence of
its persistent perversity, to sustain
the initial shocks of the world upheaval which continues, until the
present day, to rock the foundations
of human society. And lastly,
through the mandate He had issued
to a valiant community, the concerted achievements of whose members had shed so great a lustre on
the annals of His own ministry, He
had set in motion a Plan which, soon
after its formal inauguration,
achieved the opening of the Australian continent, which, in a later
period, was to be instrumental in
winning over the heart of a royal
convert to His Father’s Cause, and
which, today, through the irresistible
unfoldment of its potentialities, is
so marvellously quickening the
spiritual life of all the Republics of
Latin America as to constitute a
befitting conclusion to the records
of an entire century.
“Nor should a survey of the outstanding features of so blessed and fruitful a ministry omit mention of the prophecies which the unerring pen of the appointed Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant has recorded. These foreshadow the fierceness of the onslaught that the resistless march of the Faith must provoke in the West, in India and in the Far East when it meets the time-honored sacerdotal orders of the Christian, the Buddhist and Hindu religions. They foreshadow the turmoil which its emancipation from the fetters of religious orthodoxy will cast in the American, the European, the Asiatic and African continents. They foreshadow the gathering
| Bahá’í Addresses
Treasurer’s Office:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
|
of the children of Israel in their ancient homeland; the erection of the banner of Bahá’u’lláh in the Egyptian citadel of Sunni Islám; the extinction of the powerful influence wielded by the Shí‘ah ecclesiastics in Persia; the load of misery which must needs oppress the pitiful remnants of the breakers of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant at the world center of His Faith; the splendor of the institutions which that triumphant Faith must erect on the slopes of a mountain, destined to be so linked with the city of ‘Akká that a single grand metropolis will be formed to enshrine the spiritual as well as the administrative seats of the future Bahá’í Commonwealth; the conspicuous honor which the inhabitants of Bahá’u’lláh’s native land in general, and its government in particular, must enjoy in a distant future; the unique and enviable position which the community of the Most Great Name in the North American continent must occupy, as a direct consequence of the execution of the world mission which He entrusted to them: finally they foreshadow, as the sum and summit of all, the ‘hoisting of the standard of God among all nations’ and the unification of the entire human race, when ‘all men will adhere to one religion ... will be blended into one race, and become a single people.’ ”
(From “God Passes By,” pp. 314-316.)
Bahá’í visitors to New York from Mexico City. Left to right: Sra. de Vegara and her two children, Mrs. Bolles, Sr. Carlos de Vegara, and Mr. Randolph Bolles, Jr.
National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
| Race Unity Consultation
Change in Agenda Since the general plans reported in October Bahá’í News were adopted, the National Assembly has found it advisable to provide for more intensive consideration of the teaching policies involved in the best promotion of the Faith in the Southern areas. The proposed banquet to be held Saturday evening, December 7, in Chicago is eliminated from the plans. Instead, a laboratory session will be held Saturday evening with the Race Unity Committee, non-Bahá’í consultants, and members of the NSA. The Sunday morning conference in Temple Foundation Hall, December 8, is limited in attendance to the representatives of the Assemblies and Regional Teaching Committees of the Southern States as listed in October Bahá’í News. The Conference will be devoted to the subject of teaching and race relations in the South, hence the natural limitation of the participating areas. The public meeting Sunday afternoon in Temple Foundation Hall will be held as previously announced. |
How to Increase Bahá’í Effort[edit]
Dear Bahá’í friends:
Each of you has received a personal copy of the message which Shoghi Effendi cabled from Haifa on October 7. When he calls upon the “manifold agencies, local, regional, national and intercontinental,” to achieve conspicuous successes this year, the Guardian addresses himself to every individual Bahá’í and every Bahá’í committee and Assembly now existing in North America.
How can the sum total of our Bahá’í effort be greatly increased—that is, effort expressed in deeds, not words?
The answer is, by employing the full capacity each of us already has—by turning into action the devotion and the knowledge which we actually possess. The intention is mysterious and profound, but the method of realizing the intention is simple, clear and measureable from day to day. For example:
- Do I attend the Nineteen Day Feasts regularly? If not, what prevents me?
- Am I aware of the definite plans adopted for attaining the objectives of the new Seven Year Plan? Have I felt that I have no responsibility under the Plan if I am not a member of one of the National Committees?
- What are the facts about my contributions to the Bahá’í Fund? Have I ever thought through this matter of expressing my faith in terms of sacrifice? Am I donating twice as much as last year?
- Am I teaching the Faith? If not a lecturer or public speaker, do I find ways to share the teachings with others? Have I taught myself to the degree that I begin to express the basic truths and attitudes in my daily life?
- Do I contribute to the unity and enthusiasm of my community or group? Or am I carried along by the spiritual power generated by others?
- Am I able and willing to abandon my present way of life and offer to go to some post of difficulty and trial?
- Do I study the teachings regularly, with others or alone?
The self-examination is the important thing, and not the particular form of questions we ask ourselves. Action today is the sign of faith, and not acceptance of any passive formula which leaves ourselves out of the daily work. Let each of us set a higher standard of Bahá’í work. Living up to a higher standard is the way to grow in strength, integrity, capacity, usefulness, assurance and the joy that nothing can take away.
Liability of the National Spiritual Assembly to Third Persons[edit]
In the execution of its business and administrative responsibilities the National Spiritual Assembly will have occasion to use the services of employees, independent contractors and sub-agents which have been appointed or employed by its national committees or other agents. This is a general statement regarding the responsibility and liability of the National Spiritual Assembly resulting from such appointment and employment, and as such is necessarily limited to a discussion of the general legal principles applicable.
1. As a matter of general law, the
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National Spiritual Assembly will be
held responsible to third persons for
the acts of committees or other
agents appointed by it, if the acts
in question are within the scope of
the authority and duties assigned to
such committees or agents.
2. The National Spiritual Assembly will also be responsible to third persons for the acts of an employee—a person who is employed for special or particular work and who works under the general supervision and control of the National Spiritual Assembly, its committees or agents, provided that the acts are within the scope of the employee’s duties and authority.
3. The National Spiritual Assembly will not be responsible for the acts of an independent contractor, i.e., persons such as contractors, caterers, or others who are employed for certain services and who are put in complete control of the work without interference from the National Spiritual Assembly or its committees.
4. As a general rule the National Spiritual Assembly will not be responsible to third persons for the acts of sub-agents who are appointed by its committees since an agent is not permitted to delegate his authority to another person. However under certain circumstances the National Spiritual Assembly may find itself liable for the acts of such sub-agents. Such liability results when the sub-agent is appointed by a committee or agent which has been assigned work which in view of normal business customs ordinarily includes the authority to appoint other agents, and which properly conducted reasonably requires the employment of other agents.
In view of these general legal principles and the inability to make any rule which can cover all cases, the National Spiritual Assembly should guard itself against committee actions based more upon enthusiasm than wise judgment by issuing a general statement regarding the limitation of committees. The following statements are suggested for inclusion in all committee appointments by way of notice to committee chairmen:
A. It is understood in accepting this appointment that no committee or committee member shall have authority to bind the National Spiritual Assembly by any contract or agreement with third persons unless the National Spiritual Assembly shall have in writing officially and expressly assented thereto.
B. All committees or agents acting on their own initiative must advise third parties that the National Spiritual Assembly can be made liable only by its written agreement or assent to any undertaking and that no agreements made by committees or agents shall create any liability upon the National Spiritual Assembly.
Treasurer’s Report[edit]
Dear Bahá’í friends:
Since we are into our sixth month of this Bahá’í year it might be well to review the Budget as of September 30th, 1946.
The total Budget for the period from May 1 to September 30 was $104,166.66.
Total contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund and Trustee Accounts amounted to $89,167.01, leaving a deficit in meeting our Budget of $14,999.65.
It might be well to remember that in this item of $89,167.01, which represents the total contributions for the period, that there are several non-recurring legacies which we have received since the beginning of this Bahá’í year.
Plans are going forward rapidly in all branches of Bahá’í activity and it will not be long before the Fund will be drawn upon in large sums for the interior decoration of the Temple.
The degree to which we support the activities which the Guardian has outlined for the Second Seven Year Plan, through the Fund, will measure our ability to reach these goals.
- Faithfully,
- PHILIP G. SPRAGUE, Treasurer
Greeting to Esperanto Convention[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly sent through the Chairman of the World Language Committee the following message to the national Esperanto Convention held in July:
| Memorial Gathering in Honor of Mr. John D. Bosch
|
The American Bahá’ís send cordial greeting and best wishes. We trust that your gathering will be crowned with success in your devotion to the great principle of a universal auxiliary language which is a goal also sought by the followers of Bahá’u’lláh.
This year our hearts are deeply touched by the loving memory of the late Lidia Zamenhof, whose lamentable death in Poland has shocked her many friends throughout the world. The American Bahá’ís are arranging a memorial meeting in her honor to be held by our local groups in hundreds of cities throughout North America. We hope that her Esperanto friends will meet with the Bahá’ís on that occasion.
Four who plan to “group pioneer” in Cleveland. Left to right: Larry Kramer, Mabelle Perry, Narrine Klug, Robert Imagire.
Concerning Bulletins from A. J. Stenstrand[edit]
For twenty years or more, circular letters have been issued to some of the Assemblies by a party who signs himself A. J. Stenstrand, Chicago. These bulletins apparently seek to make Bahá’ís believe that Bahá’u’lláh was not a Manifestation, the One foretold by the Báb, but an imposter. When asked what to do with such communications, the National Spiritual Assembly has always advised the Assembly or individual to put them in the waste paper basket and forget them. They merit no consideration by Assemblies, with their feeble echo of the violation of a bygone day.
Ask for Credentials[edit]
One more Assembly has reported having extended financial assistance to a person claiming to be a Bahá’í, whose statements were later proven wholly unreliable and untrue. The name used in this case was Robert Williams.
Bahá’í membership can, whenever necessary, be authenticated. Whenever a stranger, claiming to be a believer, seeks to exploit the Faith in any way, the Assembly’s duty is to request credentials.
November World Order[edit]
- A Bahá’í Philosophy of Education—John Stroessler
- Scientific Approach to Moral Conduct—Jack B. Fatooh
- We Long for Divine Guidance—Shirley Warde
- Blazing the Trail—Stanwood Cobb
- This Glory, This Power, (Editorial)—Horace Holley
- Akká, Poem—Laura Romney Davis
- The Promised Day Is Come, Book Review—Mabel Hyde Paine
- Double Rainbow, Poem—Nell Griffith Wilson
- South African Misson—Fanny Knobloch
- With Our Readers
Foreign Language Editions[edit]
Part of the new editions prepared by the European Teaching Committee has been acquired by the Publishing Committee for sale here.
Bahá’u’lláh et L’Ere Nouvelle (Esslemont book in French), per copy, $1.25.
Bahá’u’lláh Og Den Nye Tid (Esslemont book in Danish). Per copy, $1.50
Address: Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Books and Pamphlets[edit]
The Publishing Committee calls attention to several titles which are either new publications or timely subjects, helpful in teaching work.
Race and Man, compiled by Maye Harvey Gift and Alice Simmons Cox, consisting of excerpts from current scientific, sociological and religious authors, and selections from the Bahá’í writings. A valuable source of material, and a book which can be presented to libraries, teachers and race leaders. 134 pages. Paper cover. Per copy, $0.90
Bahá’í Peace Program, by the National Committee on Bahá’í Peace Plan, 1945. Excerpts from writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, with comment relating the teachings to the current world problem. 16 pages and cover. Per copy, 15 cents.
This Earth One Country, by Emeric Sala. An introduction to the Faith of special interest to adult, socially responsible persons. 185 pages. Cloth cover. Per copy, $2.50.
The Dawn of World Civilization, a peace compilation reprinted from World Order Magazine, April, 1945. At a cost of 1½c each, this pamphlet can be widely circulated by individuals and communities. 8 pages. Paper cover. 100 copies for $1.50
Bahá’í: The Coming of World Religion. 12 pages, with illustrations of ’Abdu’l-Bahá and the House of Worship, printed on heavy paper, in large type and bound in portfolio form, with place for name of person to whom copy is presented. Supplied with heavy manila mailing envelope. Second edition. Prepared by Public Relations Committee. Per copy, $0.50
Progress of the Seven Year Plan[edit]
Pioneers to Europe Begin Teaching[edit]
Shoghi Effendi once said to a visiting pilgrim: “God raises up whatever means He needs to promote His Cause.” This surely seems to be so as we follow the destinies of those pioneers who have volunteered to inaugurate the European Teaching Campaign. On September 7th New York harbor was filled with ships unable to move because of the maritime strike. Two ships and two ships only, the “Kingsholm” and the “Stavangerfjord,” were able to sail on that day (because of special circumstances), and one of these two ships carried our pioneer to Norway, Mrs. Corbit, and our representative to Geneva, Mrs. Graeffe. A New York daily paper reported that these two ships sailed that day “under dramatic circumstances.” And our Committee adds: “Did it not!”
Through a series of equally fortuitous circumstances our Chairman, Miss Edna True, sailed September 25th on the Dutch liner “Westerdam,” directly to Holland. Within two days of sailing she was able to get passage for our two Dutch pioneers, Miss Rita von Sombeek and her sister, Mrs. Jetty Straub, on the very same ship. This too is a “dramatic circumstance,” as the ship these pioneers intended to leave on was indefinitely delayed by the strike, and is, at this writing, still tied up in New York harbor.
Already letters are beginning to come back from these first pioneers, and these letters are full of hope
Miss Edna M. True (center), Miss Rita van Sombeek and Mrs. Jetty Straub sailed for Europe on S. S. Westerdam on September 25th. Miss True, Chairman of European Teaching Committee, will make a general survey of a number of countries, arrange for opening a branch office in Geneva, and consult with the National Assemblies of the British Isles and of Germany about printing supplies of Bahá’í literature for use in the ten European countries. Miss van Sombeek and Mrs. Straub are our two pioneers for Holland.
[Page 8]
and enthusiasm. Mrs. Corbit writes
from Oslo, Norway, that there are
many interested persons there. Miss
Johanna Shubarth (formerly of Urbana, Illinois) has done splendid
contacts work in Oslo, and through
her efforts several meetings were
held while Mrs. Graeffe was there.
Among other things, Miss Shubarth
and Mrs. Corbit are starting a study
class composed of young Norwegians
who speak English.
On October 18th, our pioneers to Denmark, Mr. and Mrs. Anders Nielson, will be sailing for Copenhagen to take up permanent residence there. These will be followed in the very near future by other pioneers, as soon as transportation can be arranged.
In our next report we hope to give many details of the progress of the work in Europe. This time the European Teaching Committee has wanted to share with the friends our conviction and our gratitude that the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh cannot be held back by such things as maritime strikes or any other material obstacles. “God raises up whatever means He needs to promote His Cause!”
European Teaching Committee
Preparation for the Latin American Conferences[edit]
Excitement is running high as 19 delegates begin their trek to the first Bahá’í South American Conference, which will open in Buenos Aires the evening of November 7th. It is expected to be a memorable occasion foreshadowing the future unity of the 10 South American Republics in a single National Spiritual Assembly to be elected in April, 1951. Every one of the ten countries will be represented at the Conference by one or more delegates. The 19 en route are from countries other than Argentina, where the congress will be held.
Because of the immense distances to be traversed and the equally high expense of such journeys, one most generous Bahá’í made a sacrificial gift to aid with transportation, where necessary, so that no country, however far, might be left unrepresented. The interesting thing is that, in spite of the poverty of many of the believers, only three of the most distant countries accepted aid to the extent of a complete round trip for their delegate. Even then, he was to pay his personal expenses, hotels, etc., en route and any necessary expenses in Buenos Aires. Five of the other countries accepted aid with half of the transportation expense, for one delegate per country. Eleven are planning to go entirely at their own expense. The majority are traveling in buses or trains; sometimes part of the way by sea, in order to reduce expense and gather in the Argentine capital on the opening night.
The Buenos Aires Assembly, ably assisted by Shirley Warde, has been putting on a fine publicity campaign accompanied by a series of public meetings with audiences overflowing the Bahá’í Center and resorting to public halls in order to accommodate the people. Among North Americans who plan to be present are Shirley, Flora Hottes, now in Montevideo, and Artemus Lamb, who has been pioneering in Punta Arenas and doing regional teaching throughout Chile. His sister, Mrs. Valeria Nichols, and his mother are en route from California to join Artemus in Santiago, Chile, where they will reside and assist the believers. Chile has three Assemblies and four new groups have recently been formed.
The first tests of combining correspondence teaching with visits of itinerant teachers has worked out very well in Cali, Colombia, this month. Mrs. Louise Caswell made some contacts there last December. These were sustained through correspondence and others added. The group invited Mrs. Gayle Woolson to visit them, when possible. She did so the middle of September with the result that 13 adults and 2 youth were confirmed as Bahá’ís and a class of 20 is continuing to study. Among the members of this new Bahá’í community are a prominent physician and the grand master of the Masons of western Colombia. Gayle continued her regional teaching trip into Ecuador, with the result that seeds planted there began to bear fruit. Three new memberships and enthusiastic reports have just come in from Guayaquil, while the secretary of the group in Quito reports two former members reconfirmed and active and one new member added, making six active members in their group. He writes, “This is fruit of the seed Johnny Stearns has sown, but Hascle Cornbleth and Gayle have now made it ripe.” He winds up, “We need registration cards. Please rush!”
Mrs. Gwenne Sholtis has been doing an outstanding teaching job
Some young Czechoslovakian Bahá’ís. The little girl on the right and the baby are the children of Vuk Echtner, a Bahá’í of Prague.
in the Bolivian goal city of Sucre,
where three new adult members and
one declared youth have just come
in through her efforts. A Bahá’í Center has been opened and meetings
are continuing now in her absence.
Flora Hottes and Sra. Yvonne L.
de Cuellar of La Paz contributed
to the founding of the group in Sucre
as well as to the teaching work in
La Paz.
Enthusiastic reports have been pouring in from Central America as the result of Mrs. Marcia Steward’s three and a half months’ teaching trip through the six countries. Mrs. Steward emphasized the guardianship and the reality of Bahá’í Administration in preparation for the election of the second Latin-American National Spiritual Assembly, which will include Central America, Mexico and the West Indies. Two new membership cards accompany a most enthusiastic letter from the secretary in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Many important persons were reached by Marcia, assisted by the members of the various assemblies. Among them was Dr. Guerrero, president of the International Court of Justice, who said to the Bahá’í representative, “I feel myself completely linked with you, and I wish you to do me the honour to consider me from now on as a member of your organization.”
Miss Louise Baker will sail from New Orleans November 1st for Vera Cruz, Mexico. She will teach in Vera Cruz and Puebla. Mr. Charles Mason Remey will leave Washington in December to visit the Panama Bahá’í Conference and also to call upon the Bahá’í Communities in the West Indies and Central America. The Conference is officially set for January 19 - 25. Mrs. Loulie Matthews of Temerity Ranch, Colorado, plans to attend it as a representative of
[Page 9]
the Inter-America Committee. A second representative will be Dr. Edris
Rice-Wray of Glenview, Ill., who will
visit Guatemala on the way south
and stop in some of the islands of the
West Indies en route homeward. Mr.
and Mrs. Emeric Sala of Canada
have now completed their plans for
a teaching trip in December including the West Indies and Venezuela.
Word has come that Mr. and Mrs.
Edmund J. Miessler of Columbus
Grove, Ohio, have just arrived in Rio
de Janeiro, where they will spend a
month prior to continuing to their
pioneer post in Sao Paulo.
Twenty-three adult memberships and four declared youth, as well as the reconfirmation of two additional Bahá’ís, have been received from Latin America this month.
Public Meetings Series Opens Successfully[edit]
The series of Public Meetings for 1946-1947 opened with the Minneapolis meeting on October 13th, held in the East Room of the Curtis Hotel. The “Trio Unique,” a piano and string ensemble, set the stage with fifteen minutes of music while the audience was gathering. The ushers in colorful formal attire and of various races, demonstrated the Bahá’í principle of the Oneness of Mankind, as variegated flowers from the garden of humanity.
Maria Montana, a member of the Minneapolis Community and professional concert artist, contributed greatly to the program with the sacred song, “How Beautiful Upon the Mountains,” by F. Flaxington Harker, with violin cello accompaniment by Dr. Charles Frink.
A lighted model of the Temple, loaned by the St. Paul community, was used as a window display during the week preceding the meeting and in the hotel lobby the night of the lecture.
Daily spot announcements were made over the radio the week of the meeting. Two fifteen minute broadcasts used the transcriptions provided by the National Radio Committee. The radio director of one of the stations said that the transcriptions were so fine that if he could find time to run them again after the rush season was over (sports etc.), he would give them free time. The meeting was well publicized in the newspapers and two thousand invitations were mailed out.
The hall capacity was 450, all seats were filled, and a good many stood during the entire program, while others were turned away. The speaker of the evening was Carl Scheffler and the finest tribute to his work comes through Lawrence Hautz, chairman of the evening, who said: “The audience remained glued to their seats after the completion of the lecture, and it was necessary to inform them a second time that the program was over.” As follow-up work a regular Wednesday night meeting is scheduled at the Minneapolis Bahá’í Center.
The Key Cities holding meetings in November are as follows:
- Nov. 3rd—Albuquerque, N. M., speaker, Dr. Edris Rice-Wray;
- Nov. 5th—Urbana, Illinois, speaker, Miss Elsie Austin;
- Nov. 10th—Binghamton, N. Y., speaker, Mr. Matthew Bullock;
- Nov. 24th—Winnepeg, Manitoba, speakers, Dr. Edris Rice-Wray and Mr. Emeric Sala.
Salt Lake City has its meeting tentatively scheduled for December 15, with Helen Bishop as speaker; San Francisco, for Jan. 10th, with Horace Holley and Elsie Austin as selected speakers. Baltimore is planning its meeting for January 21st with William Sears as speaker.
Montreal’s meeting will be held in February with Horace Holley, speaker. Miami and Nashville will also hold meetings in February, with Harlan Ober as speaker.
For the month of March Cleveland is scheduled, with Dorothy Baker, and Pittsburgh, with Kenneth Christian.
Last year’s Key Cities, reporting similar meetings to date are — Atlanta, Detroit, Denver, Boston (meeting scheduled for October 25th), New Orleans (the latter part of January), New York (November 7th with Matthew Bullock as speaker), Portland (February 3rd with Mark Toby as speaker), Toronto, and Washington, D. C. (October 12th). Chicago and Los Angeles are the only cities that have not been heard from to date.
Temple Display on Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, during the week preceding the National Public Meeting, October 13th.
Sixteen New Settlers in Goal Cities[edit]
A review of the activities in the twenty-one regions of the United States and Alaska during the first six months of the new Plan indicates a movement toward the accomplishment of the goals which have been given us by the Guardian. To aid in the establishment of the first objective of the new Plan, a total of sixteen believers have moved to goal cities, and the National Teaching Committee has arranged twelve inter-regional circuits to give teaching assistance to the weaker Assemblies and groups holding promise of Assembly status, besides approving twenty regional projects designed to stimulate teaching activity.
Fourteen Regional Teaching Conferences have been held to focus the attention of the believers on the goals of the second Seven Year Plan and to discuss ways and means of achieving these goals. Several of the Regional Committees have provided large maps of the region designating the location of the goal cities, and the agendas of the meetings have covered such topics as: “How to bring groups to Assembly status”; “Fireside meetings”; “Consolidation of the Victories Already Won”; “Ways and Means of Securing an audience;” and various aspects of the new Plan such as regular contributions to the National Fund, need for pioneer settlers and teachers, etc.
In connection with most of the Regional Conferences, a well-advertised public meeting has been held and this has been very helpful to the smaller communities. Those cities where Conferences have been held are: Rochester, N.Y.; Red Bank, N.J.; Jackson, Miss.; Laramie, Wyo.; Topeka, Kan.; Kalamazoo, Mich.; Fort Wayne, South Bend and Indianapolis, Ind.; Logan, Utah; San Francisco, Calif.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Washington, D.C.: Kenosha, Wis.; and Chicago, Ill. An RTC Conference in Minneapolis on Nov. 16th will provide follow-up interest for the big meeting held there in October, and a Conference and public meeting is planned for Knoxville, Tenn. in December to aid the group in its effort to increase its membership and achieve Assembly status next April.
The National Teaching Committee has planned for two conferences with Regional Teaching Committee members of nine Eastern and Southern regions to talk over general plans for the accomplishment of the goals of the new Plan. The first conference was held with members of the five Regional Committees of New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, in New York, N.Y. on October 20th, and the second is to be held on Nov. 10th in Atlanta, Ga. with the members of Regional Committees from the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas.
In these nine regions there are twenty-three weak Assemblies in need of strengthening, and sixteen groups holding promise of Assembly status, or over half of the thirty on which the Guardian has focussed attention to “speedily attain Assembly status.” With but six months in which to accomplish the goals set for this first year of the new Plan the National and Regional Teaching Committees are endeavoring to utilize every opportunity for the furtherance of the teaching work.
The settlement of believers in the goal cities during these months has likewise been a very important part of the work of consolidation, as sixteen believers have moved to the following goal cities: Mr. and Mrs. Lucien McComb and Mrs. Gutherie of Long Island, N.Y., and former pioneers in Puerto Rico, have moved to Portsmouth, N.H.; Mr. Clarence Newport of Elmhurst, Ill. has moved to Providence, R.I.; Mrs. Barbara Jones of Lima, O. has moved to Brattleboro, Vt.; Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Erfurth have moved to Boise, Idaho, but unfortunately just temporarily, as they find their property is outside the city limits and they will be moving to their new home when it is completed in the spring; Miss Gertrude Eisenberg of Chicago, a former pioneer in South America, has become established in Louisville, Ky.; Miss Josie Pinson of Charleston, S. C., has secured a transfer of her position to Greenville, S.C.; Dr. and Mrs. Clyde Longyear of Los Angeles have moved to Beverly Hills, Calif.; Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Aldrich of Fargo have been transferred to Butte, Mont.; Mr. and Mrs. Betty Arrants of Gadsden, Ala., have settled in Knoxville, Tenn., to bring the membership of the group there to nine, thus insuring Assembly status in April. Settlers are still urgently needed and we urge anyone free to move to one of the goal cities to write Mrs. Sarah S. Walrath, Sec’y. of the National Teaching Committee, 4639 Beacon St., Chicago, Ill.
Twelve Regional circuits have provided teaching help to the goal cities, the most recent of which are: A circuit arranged for Mrs. Sara E. Witt of Santa Monica, Calif., through the Upper New York region in September, and during October arrangements have been made for visits to Fargo, Butte, Helena and Salt Lake City. Mrs. Witt will be the guest speaker for the public meeting in connection with the RTC Conference in Logan, Utah, on October 26th and 27th, going on to Boise, Ida., and to Reno, Nev., in November.
Mr. Duncan McAlear of Boston, Mass., covered a circuit which included Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and the Finger Lakes. Mr. William DeForge of Teaneck, N.J. made a three-day teaching tour which included New Haven, Hamden, and Orange, Conn. centers, and over Columbus Day Mr. DeForge visited Brattleboro, Vt. Mrs. Margery McCormick of Evanston, Ill. will visit Greensboro, N.C.; Greenville, S.C.; Columbia, S.C.; Augusta, Ga.; and Atlanta, Georgia the latter part of October and November.
Especially intensive teaching work has been going forward in Louisville,
Bahá’í Regional conference, July 27-28, at Hampton Institute, Virginia. (See Bahá’í News, October.)
[Page 11]
Ky., in an effort to build up
that community. Mrs. Kathryn
Frankland has been actively engaged for several months in making
contacts and doing the preparatory
work for a series of meetings planned by the National Teaching Committee for October and November.
The series opened on Oct. 6th with
a talk by Mr. Horace Holley on the
subject, “World Hope of Religion,”
before an audience of seventy-five;
excellent publicity and radio announcements advertised the meetings. A series of six 15-minute broadcasts are also being given through
cooperation with the Natl. Radio
Committee. Mrs. Sarah Walrath of
Chicago spoke on “What should Religion do for the Individual” before an
audience of fifty deeply interested
and responsive people on Oct. 17th,
and Mr. Carl Scheffler of Evanston,
Ill., will speak on “Material and
Spiritual Education” on Oct. 27th.
Mrs. Frankland is following up the
interest that has been aroused
through fireside meetings, teas,
luncheons, etc. Dr. Rice-Wray will
speak early in November and negotiations are under way to provide a
youth symposium and further speakers during November.
Developments in National Publicity and Advertising Campaign[edit]
Bahá’í advertisements have appeared in Newsweek, World Report, Editor and Publisher, Publishers Auxiliary, and Broadcast. 126 written requests for literature have been received, one of which listed eleven other persons. The total mailings of literature to October 11 have been 137. The booklet, World Order Through World Faith, is sent out with a copy of the summary.
The indirect results of the campaign are interesting and important. The advertising magazines, Printers Ink, Advertising Age, and Tide, all published a notice, and Tide interviewed our public relations counsel and on September 13 published an extensive statement with picture of the Temple.
When the article in Tide was noted by the editors of The Christian Century, they wrote an editorial about the campaign in their issue of September 2, which stated that the “plan is all right. The Bahá’ís have something to sell.” They wonder, however, how the Bahá’ís are going to tell the people about the stations of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian.
The next link in the chain of cause and effect is that the editorial in The Christian Century was noted in the editorial office of Time Magazine, and a wire was sent to their Chicago office for information which could be used in the preparation of an article. The Chicago office interviewed our public relations counsel and a number of Bahá’ís in the Chicago area and sent the results to New York. The new religious editor of Time Magazine shortly afterward came to Chicago and spent some time in the National Bahá’í Office obtaining information and literature. His attitude was that a brief and dignified general statement about the Faith should be published in their religious section and he hoped his material would be approved.
The main point is, that every step forward in the promotion of the Faith produces unexpected and mysterious results. The confirming power of the Spirit acts whenever the believers press forward.
During September two newspaper articles have been distributed through our counsel to about 675 papers in 350 towns. The list includes a number of national magazines. Subjects: The new European Teaching Campaign, and the need for Spiritual Education.
The following figures show the extent of public influence which can be exerted through publicity for the Faith. The Public Relations Committee has received 417 clippings of the U.S. Navy aerial picture of the Temple sent out to a special list of small town papers last spring with the caption “Landmark for Peace.” Allowing for possible duplication, the Temple picture was seen by at least two million readers. Associated Press has recently distributed another picture of the Temple with caption reporting plan to complete the interior, and so far the clippings show it has appeared in seventy-seven different papers.
To assist the cities holding meetings under the Public Meetings Committee, the Public Relations Committee with its counsel has prepared three advertisements and three press releases which with change of local data can be used in all the cities. The Committee is prepared to render further service in these cities through mailings of literature to selected lists.
The Contacts Division of the Committee has mailed out 1,450 pieces of literature to a selected list of 725 persons of influence, including lecturers, radio commentators, authors, educators, musicians.
A circular letter was issued to Assemblies, Regional Teaching Committees and some active individual workers on September 18 with a sample copy of the 32-page booklet. Assemblies were requested to supply lists of names and addresses.
Our public relations counsel has carried out a number of special projects including: letter to travel and tourist bureaus, hotels and other agencies in the Chicago area with material about the Temple, to interest convention delegates and tourists visiting Chicago to include the Temple in their sight-seeing arrangements; special memo to New York papers concerning Miss Edna True’s departure for Europe on the work of the European Teaching Committee; contact with the New York Herald-Tribune Forum to include a Bahá’í speaker on their program; interviews with magazine editors, editing and placing of the advertisements and press releases.
For its contacts campaign, the Committee now has available a supply of the following printed material: The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh (summary and outline), Chicago Sunday Tribune reprint of Temple picture and article, Bahá’í — The Coming of World Religion, and these four-page reprints—The Principle of Religious Unity, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; Industrial Justice, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; The Reality of Brotherhood, excerpts from the Teachings; The Pattern for Future Society, Shoghi Effendi; and the booklet, World Order Through World Faith.
One of the permanent projects in development is the working up of a National Bahá’í Mailing List of Key Persons and Organizations, classified according to their major interests, for the regular distribution of literature. The more names and addresses received, the more the Committee can help the local community or group.
New Braille Publication[edit]
“The Reality of Man” in English Braille, grade one and a half, published earlier in the year is now available to all Braille readers in the United States and its Territories through the placing of one gift copy in the Library of Congress and in
[Page 12]
each of its distributing libraries for
the blind. Blind people know the location of these libraries and how
they may borrow the books free.
Further information may be had
from Bahá’í Service for the Blind,
606 N. Oxford Street 4, Los Angeles,
California.
Visual Education Committee[edit]
The Visual Education Committee for 1946-47 was assigned the functions of three former committees of allied interests, in order to coordinate the resources for visual teaching under one plan. The timeliness of this action of the National Assembly has been amply proven by the flood of inquiries which have come to the committee from all parts of the continent, and many points beyond this country. So great has been the demand that the National Assembly has suggested that we summarize our plans and the service we can offer, through Bahá’í News.
The work of the Committee falls into three areas of method, and a technical unit has been set up for each one. These units are (1) Exhibits and Displays; (2) Photography for teaching and documentary purposes; (3) Motion Pictures, silent and sound; Slides and Slide-films are part of No. 2 and No. 3. Our over-all budget is $500.00 for the year. It is therefore apparent that our work this year must be largely survey and experimental in character, and serve as the basis for efficient production and distribution to aid the teaching campaigns of the new Seven Year Plan.
At the present time, however, production on a small scale is being undertaken in each unit. Our budget will not allow us the short-cuts of using commercial firms to carry out our projects, but in two localities, Los Angeles and the Temple area, volunteer service groups are working under the supervision of a V.E.C. member to create specific designs or projects. Exhibits for the Public Meetings campaign, approved and financed by that Committee, are now getting under way in the Temple area, under the direction of Mr. Arthur H. Patterson. In California, the Los Angeles Youth Group, supervised by Leonard Herbert, are working on materials for the porfolios of sample illustrations of displays, which will serve as models for arranging small window and counter exhibits. The designs for these have been kept simple and the “props” are few and easily available. Models for travelling exhibits are still in the experimental stage, but will be reported through these columns as soon as shortages of materials can be overcome.
Exhibits for State and County Fairs, Festivals, and Community Parades, and other similar events cannot be served by the V.E.O. this year, as they involve large scale supplies and expenditures beyond our capacity.
Another committee project is the planning and preparation of synchronized slide-and-script programs to serve as teaching aids for inexperienced teachers, or to supplement the work of trained teachers. Methods of production and distribution have not been set up for this section yet.
The motion picture unit is occupied with plans for both documentary and teaching films. The script for the first Bahá’í teaching film is now being written. In the survey area a study is being made of suitable commercial films, on educational subjects, which can be used as a valuable adjunct for Bahá’í programs.
The Committee will welcome any inquiries or suggestions about its activities. New progress of the work will be reported in subsequent issues of Bahá’í News.
Please note new address for V.E.C. mail: Mrs. Clyde S. Longyear, Secretary, 456 South Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills, California.
VISUAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Good Response to Questionnaire Cards[edit]
The new Questionnaire enterprise recently put into operation by the National Questionnaires Committee, is meeting with a response beyond our early predictions. The new question cards seem to fill a long felt need, that of locating new seekers. With these cards the rank and file of the believers are equipped to give the Message daily to those with whom they come in contact. Questionnaires are coming in from many different sources, including editors and faculty and students of colleges and theological seminaries. Praise for the questionnaire service is voiced by Assemblies, groups, and even non-Bahá’í seekers who have sensed the possibilities of this growing project.
In the seven-month period that this committee has been issuing these questionnaire cards, over 3,000 pieces of literature have been mailed out to new seekers who have checked the questions or subjects. So far, 33 states have been heard from as well as the Philippines and Hawaii. Through the enthusiastic cooperation of Assemblies, groups and individual believers, these cards have spread throughout the nation in less than half a year. It can be readily seen what an important tool they are in locating real seekers. Every believer should carry them with him at all times. Put your own name in a corner, if you wish, and you will then be able to ascertain how many of the cards you have handed out are bearing fruit.
Card number 3, headed “Questions I Would Like to Have Answered” has brought the greatest response to date—a proof that people are more interested in questions that concern their individual lives than they are on the general topics listed on Card No. 2. This gives us a very good idea as to what makes for attractive subjects to publicize for fireside groups and also for lecture topics. Listing them in the order in which they are most widely checked at this time:
- What are the principles of the
Bahá’í Faith?
What are your teachings about healing?
What is the difference between the mind, spirit and soul? - Is it possible to attain true happiness?
What is true prayer?
Is prophecy being fulfilled? - What are some of the problems
to be overcome before a lasting peace can be attained?
Does the soul progress more through sorrow or through joy in this world? - How does the Bahá’í Faith teach
that workmen should share in
the profits of a business?
How does the Bahá’í Faith propose to eliminate strikes? - Will the love one has entertained for another be forgotten in the next world?
- Are we ever cut off from those in the other world?
Through the National Teaching Committee these cards are distributed to the Regional Committees for follow-up work, especially when cards are sent in from places where there are as yet no Bahá’ís.
[Page 13]
The questionnaire cards are an
added incentive to Bahá’ís themselves to inaugurate study classes
to become thoroughly informed of
the answers to the questions on the
cards so that if, after handing one
of these cards to an individual, he
should ask him to immediately answer one of the questions, the believer will be ready to answer it.
A study outline for this purpose is
in the process of completion and
assignment to the Study Aids Committee.
The questionnaire cards are available to assemblies, groups and regionals at the rate of $5.00 per thousand or 60 cents a hundred. A special small package of fifty cards is now available to individual Bahá’ís for 35 cents.
Packages containing complete sets of answer literature for study classes may be had for 25 cents. All orders are to be mailed to Ward Calhoon, Chairman National Committee Bahá’í Questionnaires, Box 1, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
Temple Visitors from Six Continents[edit]
Report for July, August and September[edit]
Through the Bahá’í House of Worship, the Bahá’í Faith is becoming known in the six continents of the world. Every month visitors come from every state, or nearly every state, and many foreign countries. Some write about it in newspapers, magazines and novels, thus inspiring others to come. A number use it in their advertising. Since June, 1932, through September, 1946, 237,237 have been conducted through the building.
The largest group during this three-month period was 80. Each month has exceeded the same month of all previous years in the number of visitors. Following are comparative figures for the past six years:
| July | August | Sept. | |
|---|---|---|---|
1941 | 2,391 | 4,027 | 2,838 |
1942 | 1,960 | 2,428 | 1,793 |
1943 | 2,497 | 2,918 | 1,980 |
1944 | 2,929 | 2,654 | 2,451 |
1945 | 4,434 | 5,154 | 4,424 |
1946 | 5,506 | 6,407 | 5,066 |
For the year beginning October 1,
1945, and ending September 30, 1946,
the number of visitors was 33,124.
For the year ending September 30,
1945, the number was 25,298. Some
of the increase may be due to the
fact that in 1946 the Temple was
kept open until 8 p.m. each day
during July and August.
Groups visited the House of Worship from every state in the Union and from the District of Columbia. The numbers of groups from countries outside the United States will show how far-reaching the influence of the Temple is: From Hawaii there were 9 groups, from Alaska 1, Puerto Rico 2, Ontario 43, Manitoba 5, British Columbia 10, Alberta 2, Saskatchewan 4, Quebec 3, Mexico 6, Panama 1, Costa Rica 7, El Salvador 1, Honduras 1, Haiti 1, Jamaica 2, Bahamas 1, Cuba 3, Trinidad 1, Equador 1, Brazil 7, Uruguay 1, Peru 1, Bolivia 1, Chile 4, Argentina 1, British Guiana 1, Sweden 4, Iceland 1, Norway 3, Denmark 2, England 5, Scotland 1, France 1, Spain 2, Italy 1, Czechoslovakia 1, Turkey 4, Greece 2, Cyprus 1, New South Wales 1, Lebanon 4, Syria 1, Iran 3, India 3, China 1, the Philippines 2, Guam 1, Transvaal Colony 2, South Rhodesia 1, Cape Colony 3, Hunan (West Africa) 1, Egypt 1.
Much Bahá’í literature was purchased by the visitors. In July sales amounted to $531.97, in August to $496.36 and in September to $462.11.
One of the delightful and thrilling happenings was the fact that eleven members came from great distances to help in this teaching effort. Mrs. Elsbeth Renwanz of St. Joseph, Mo. arrived July 2nd and stayed until August 20th, serving nearly every day of that time. Miss Clara Edge of Grand Rapids, Michigan, served three weeks. Miss Cora Edge, Grand Rapids; Mrs. Murdoch Eaton, Grand Rapids; Miss Roan Orloff, Boston; Mrs. Della Quinlan, Brooklyn, New York; and Mrs. Catherine Healy, Montclair, New Jersey, each served one week. Those serving a few days were Mr. Murdoch Eaton, Grand
Display at the State Fair, Springfield, Illinois.
Bahá’í Temple Exhibit, at Illinois State Fair[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Springfield, Illinois, reports a beautiful exhibit of the model of the Temple at the State Fair Grounds in August. It was so situated in the Floral Cultural Building that it could not be missed from any of the four entrances. To answer the questions of inquirers Bahá’í groups from Urbana, Springfield, Danville, Quincy, and Peoria made their services available. Books were displayed and hundreds of pamphlets were given to the public. It is thought that at least between ten and fifteen thousand individuals made inquiries.
Springfield also reported that the Central Illinois Teaching Circuit held an inter-city picnic and short conference at Lincoln State Park at Old Salem on Sunday, September 8th. About 46 people from Peoria, Danville, Urbana, Champaign, Springfield and Quincy were present. Miss Pearle Easterbrook served as chairman.
Rapids; Mrs. Kathryn Alio, Dayton, O.; Mrs. Eunie Baxter, Omaha, Nebraska and Mrs. Amy Raubitschek, West Englewood, New Jersey. They felt that guiding was a real privilege and that the experience gained therefrom would give them inspiration for their teaching work back home. Needless to say the Guides Committee was more than happy to have them and appreciate the beautiful spirit they showed in sacrificing time and money to come here.
With the continual increase in the number of visitors, it is quite evident that we will need more and more guides. We hope that many more will be able to spend their vacations here next summer. All wishing to do so, should have their names approved and sent in by their Spiritual Assembly or Regional Teaching Committee, if their group has not yet reached Assembly size. The supply of Guide Courses has become exhausted, but new ones will be ready by January, we hope. When they are available, announcement will be made in Bahá’í News. These may be purchased through the Publishing Committee. A guide class is held in the Temple at 1:30 each Sunday, which any one living near may waukee, also. Any community wish-join. Classes are being held in Miling to start a guides class may do so after the new courses are printed. There is no opportunity or privilege equal to Temple guiding in the Cause. Those wishing to guide here should study and prepare themselves well, for the influence exerted through guiding is far reaching.
Bahá’í Literature in Public Libraries[edit]
Since our Annual Report was made we are happy to announce that books have been placed in the following libraries:
College and University libraries
First donation: Massachusetts State
College, Elmhurst College, Illinois, State
Agricultural College, Fargo, N. D., Santa
Barbara College, Cal., State Teachers
College, Valley City, N. D., State Teachers College, Mayville, N. D., University
of Pittsburgh, Pa., Buena Vista College,
Storm Lake, Iowa, Central College, Fayette, Mo., Albion College, Mich.
Additional books given to: University of Vermont, Hunter College, N. Y., University of Washington, Appalachian State Teachers College, N. C., University of Iowa, Bucknell University, Pa., Rice Institute, Texas, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Colorado A & M College.
Public Libraries
First donation: Logan, Utah, Dickinson, N. D., Williston, N. D., Oakes, N. D.,
Tulsa, Okla., Lisbon, N. D., Linton, N. D.,
Geyserville, Cal. (Branch Library), Valley City, N. D., St. Peter Minn., Albert
Lea, Minn., Valley Stream, Long Island,
N. Y., Fernandina, Fla., Gainesville, Fla.
Additional books have been given to Bozeman and Glasgow libraries, Montana; Blair, Neb., South Bend, Ind., and East Jaffery, N. H.
We regret that the Oklahoma public libraries with Bahá’í books were omitted in the Annual Report: Claremont, El Reno, Miami, Muskogee, Norman. The following public libraries in Missouri were also omitted from that report: Carthage, Hannibal, Jefferson City, Joplin, Liberty, Lexington, St. Charles, St. Joseph, University City, Warrensburg. Bahá’í books are also in the following public libraries in Oregon; Cascade Locks, Corvallis, Medford, Oregon City. Mississippi has books in the following libraries: Biloxi, Greenwood, Harrison, Laurel, McComb, Natchez, Vicksburg.
Bahá’í World, Volume 9 is not in any large public library to our knowledge. Will the Assemblies report any donation of this important book to their Main Public Library for our records? Our budget was limited to college and university libraries and we know the Assemblies will respond to our appeal to present this book to large Public Libraries. It is our hope that all new Bahá’í books will be placed in their local libraries by Assembly Library Committees so that the collections in these libraries will be up-to-date.
It is most important that all of our books in the long list of libraries published in our Annual Report and given in Bahá’í News be kept in active circulation. Will the friends cooperate by using these books to keep them on “open shelves”? MRS. STUART SIMS, Chairman
International Relief
Correction of Address List[edit]
In the August and September issues of Bahá’í News, the American believers were given names and addresses of Bahá’ís of Europe to whom essential relief material can be sent. Inevitably in the preparation of these lists certain errors occurred, and from the information received since their publication from the International Bahá’í Bureau, Geneva, and the German National Assembly, the following corrections are to be noted by the friends.
Frankfort, Germany. Herr Richard Glaser has left the Faith.
American Occupied Germany. Frl. Elsa Grossmann, Neckargemünd, Fr. Ebertstr. 39; Adolf Lorey, Kreidach über Waldmichelbach i/Odw. (am Bahnhof); Frau Margarete Walcker, Murnau/Obb., Kohlgruberstr. 75 c; Paul Schreher, Wiesbaden, Nerobergstr. 24; Frau Marie Ott, Heilbronn a/N, Raabeweg 6; Frau Annamarie Schweizer, Zuffenhausen b/Stuttgart, Friesenstr. 26; Familie Bracht Macco, Th. b. Immenstadt Allgau, Thalkirchenrf. Distributing centers are: Herr Paul Gollmer, Neckarstr. 127 III, Württemberg, and Frl. Anna Kostlin, Wehrneckarstr. 1, Esslingen.
France. Mme. Elisabeth Hesse, 1 rue Rafaëlli, Paris 16-eme; M. Charles Kennedy, 6 rue Leon Bonnat, Paris 16-eme; M. Sasha Pitoëff, c/o Mr. Pierre Pitoëff, 28 rue Tronchet, Paris 9-eme.; M. Pierre Cugnot, 48 rue Isabey, Nancy, Mthe et Mlle.; Mr. Pierre Tessier, 6 rue du Deltam, Paris 9-eme.; Mlle. Lucienne Migette, 10 rue Mounet-Sully, Paris, 20-eme; Mme. Marie Soghomonian, 31 rue Deuverger, Marseilles; Mme. Roume, 35 Boulevard Riondet Hyeres, (Var); Mlle. Toussaint, 15 Boulevard Riondet, Hyeres (Var); Mme. Lucienne Acard, Le Clos Fleuri, La Poterie, Hyeres (Var).
Norway. Mrs. Aagot K. Ramsli, Vagavej 7, Kristiansund N., Norway.
Holland. A new address for Holland is: Mevrouw E. M. Tyssen, Haagweg 168, Ryswyk, Holland/den Haag. (These are old Bahá’ís and are very much in need.)
Switzerland. Mrs. Anne Lynch, International Bahá’í Bureau, 6 Cours des Bastions, Geneva; Mme. Vautier, Pension Neptun, 15 Seefeldstrasse, Zürich. Other believers in Switzerland are: Mr. Leo Bernhard, Grubenacker-str. 67, Zürich 11, Seebach; Mr. Leuthold, Kochlistr. 35, Zürich; Mr. and Mrs. Frischmann, Gossau Mettendorf (Cant St. Gallen).
Recipients in Switzerland no longer have to surrender ration tickets for articles received.
Bulgaria. Miss Marion Jack, c/o English Speaking Society, 25 Bld. Tzar Osvoboditch, 25, Sofia.
Hungary. Miss Jenny Komlos, Vilma Kiralynó 29. f-2, Budapest 7.
Jugoslavia. Mme. Desanka Forgovice-Tokin’s address is changed to: 20 Sindjeliceva, Vrsac.
Czechoslovakia. Mr. Vuk Echtner, c/o Bruckner, U. Pujcovny 2, Praha.
Austria. Mr. and Mrs. Franz Pollinger, Bocklinstrasse 14, Tur 15, Wien 11; Mrs. Wittmann, Deutsch-Wagram, Helmersdorf; Mrs. Maria Amschel, Wienerbergerstrasse 10x3; Wien 12; Mr. and Mrs. Lappinger,
[Page 15]
Reisnerstrasse 7/11, Wien; Mrs. Julia Schwarz, Ramperstorfferstrasse
25, Wien; Mr. Franz Bausdeck,
Brunnerstrasse 79, Stammersdorf
b/Wien; Mr. and Mrs. Victor Erdmann, 119 Kahlenbergerstrasse 59,
Wien 19.
The British Isles. A letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles, 1 Victoria St., London S.W. 1, points out the British believers are not much in need of relief. It says: “While living is somewhat austere and monotonous, we do not suffer from inflationary prices. The cost of living is officially estimated to be about 50% above pre-war. We are not in need of the necessities of life and feel that the need of some of the European countries is much greater. We suggest that if the American friends wish to send us parcels they might send them to the Local Assemblies and the National Assembly so that we could send them to those who need them most.” The addresses of the Local Assemblies are as follows: Bradford, Bahá’í Centre, 68 Great Horton Rd., Bradford; Bournemouth, Mrs. E. Cranmer, Sec’y., 182 Seabourne Rd., Southbourne, Bournemouth; London, Bahá’í Centre, 1 Victoria Str., London S.W. 1; Manchester, Bahá’í Centre, 39 High Str. Manchester 4; Torquay, Bahá’í Centre, 14 Market Str., Torquay.
Local Communities Discuss Seven Year Plan[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly welcomes heartily the effort made by some twenty-seven local Assemblies to respond to the request for reports on the result of consultation with the community on ways to further the Seven Year Plan.
The following specific suggestions have been compiled from the various reports, and are presented for the information of other communities.
- Increase contributions to the National Fund. Six assemblies reported their determination to double their contributions made last year.
- Discuss the Fund at each Feast.
- Continue and increase newspaper advertising.
- Organize prayer squads.
- Increase contacts with Latin Americans.
- Study Spanish.
- Encourage and increase youth work.
- Send members of the Youth Group to Summer School.
- Give youth experience and training by service on committees.
- Use qualified youth as chairman at public meetings.
- Develop local mailing projects in order to assist in reaching the masses of the people. Arlington, Va., is starting a project whereby a Bahá’í text card and questionnaire card will be sent to each name in the local telephone directory.
- Assist the Public Relations Committee by supplying names for the national mailing list.
- Present books such as This Earth One Country, Security for a Failing World, and Heart of the Gospel to stores having lending libraries.
- Place books in hospital libraries.
- Place World Order on the newsstands.
- Develop books, pamphlets, and radio talks presenting the Faith “in clear and simple language.”
- Strengthen weak Assemblies by assistance in developing the spirit and functioning of the Administration.
- Extension teaching to build near-by groups to Assembly status.
- Train more teachers in the local community.
- Strengthen and develop the new believers.
- Special effort on the part of Assemblies to keep contact with near-by isolated believers.
- Increase fireside teaching.
- Use visual aids and films in fireside meetings.
- Make Bahá’í Centers more attractive.
- Have the Bahá’í Center open regularly as a public reading room.
- More thorough planning of teaching projects undertaken.
- Develop a definite program of formal and informal public meetings.
- All Assemblies should be listed in phone books.
- List Assembly (address and phone number) with local Chamber of Commerce.
- Make a thorough study of A God-Given Mandate.
- Try to lend all possible support to plans of the NSA and National Committees.
- Use more radio time for teaching the masses of the people.
- Dayton, Ohio, reports that a local believer is re-establishing his amateur radio station in order to make international contacts for the Faith.
Charleston Formulates New Teaching Plans[edit]
Very thorough reports of Charleston’s activities have been received through its news reporter, Mrs. Marion Lippitt, who tells us that from regular Assembly consultation and from the special Community Conference relative to the Guardian’s Seven Year Plan for the American Bahá’ís, several new projects for the Autumn have been planned. 1) A series of “round-table discussions,” suitably publicized, to be held twice a month, on various questions of general current interest to which the public will be invited to bring its answers and to share with the Bahá’ís their answers. These are to be opened by a Bahá’í chairman with about five minutes of introduction using appropriate readings, and are to be closed with a clear statement of the Bahá’í solution of the problem. At the first of these discussions in September on “Can Capital and Labor Agree?” all participated in a lively session. At the close of the meeting the pamphlet, “Industrial Justice” was read and a copy given to each visitor. 2) Three youth classes to be started for Kindergarten Youth Intermediate Youth and Senior Youth. Although the nucleus of each class appears to be no more than two pupils, it is hoped that regular meetings may soon attract others. 3) On Friday afternoons the Center will be open as a reading room and as a lending library. During that time there will be a “Bahá’í Book Review Hour,” using the World Order Magazine reviews as far as possible. A mimeographed list of Bahá’í literature, with a paragraph to describe each book, has been prepared and will be distributed to a large list to stimulate use of the reading facilities. This teaching medium was instituted in September and was given publicity in both newspapers. 4) At least one Bahá’í home will be open regularly every Saturday evening for fireside gatherings, resuming a series that was interrupted during the summer.
[Page 16]
The Charleston Extension Teaching Committee was authorized by
the Regional Teaching Committee
to write to 110 weekly newspapers
throughout the state and offer a series of brief “inspirational” quotations to be run with a cut of the
Temple. Enclosed with each letter
was to be a pamphlet together with
a sample of the 1-inch, 1-column
advertisement as published last year
in a Charleston daily newspaper.
It is hoped the weeklies will accept
this without cost. The letters have
been begun.
Youth Enrollment Cards[edit]
A new form of youth enrollment card is in preparation. The local Assemblies having the older type of card on hand are requested to note that it was prepared for the registration of isolated youth and therefore provides for signature of the Regional Teaching Committee. When used for youth in organized communities, the committee signature is naturally not needed.
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. W. H. Lighty, Madison, Wisconsin. September 29, 1946.
- Mrs. Ebba Sherman, Verdun, P. Q., Canada. August 4, 1946.
- Mrs. Elizabeth Jagger, Shark River Hills, N. J. September 10, 1946.
- Mr. John Whitton, Geyserville, California. July 13, 1946.
- Mr. Ernest W. Stirn, Boscobel, Wisconsin, October 2, 1946.
- Mrs. Gertrude Atkinson, Eliot Maine, July 16, 1946.
- Mrs. Annie Jacobsen, Racine, Wisconsin, September 15, 1946.
- Mrs. Daisy Jensen, Chicago, Illinois. Reported September 26, 1946.
- Mrs. E. H. Hamilton, Chicago, Illinois. Reported September 26, 1946.
- Mr. Howard Hall Martin, Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 27, 1946.
- Mrs. Cora Starr Taylor, Santa Barbara, Calif.
- Mrs. Eva Karst, Regina, Saskatchewan.
- Mr. Frank Liliendahl, Salt Lake City, Utah, July 20, 1946.
Calendar[edit]
Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, November 12; Day of the Covenant, November 26; Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, November 28, at 1:00 a.m.
Nineteen Day Feasts: Power, November 4; Speech, November 23; Questions, December 12; Honor, December 31.
Directory[edit]
Local Spiritual Assemblies:
- Laramie, Wyoming—Mr. Neil W. Hand, Sec’y., P. O. Box 112.
- Springfield, Mass.—Mrs. David Hutton, Sec’y., 8 Oak Grove Ave., Springfield 9, Mass.
- Houston, Texas—Miss Dorothea Sligh, Sec’y., 1616 Main St., Houston, Texas.
- Providence, R. I.—Mr. Wm. Doull, Sec’y., 545 Potters Ave., Providence, R. I.
- New York, N. Y.—Mr. Rustam Payman Sec’y., 160 Broadway, New York 7, N. Y.
- Regina, Saskatchewan— Miss Eva Slack, Sec’y., P. O. Box 264, Regina, Saskatchewan.
- Evanston, Illinois—Mrs. Helen Roach, Sec’y., 1227 Leon Place, Evanston, Ill.
Regional Teaching Committees:
- Illinois and Iowa—Miss Elizabeth Hackley and Mrs. Margot McNamee Johnson appointed; Mrs. Anna Kunz and Mrs. Grace Decker, cannot serve.
- Michigan—Miss Gladys Kline cannot serve.
- Alabama and Tennessee—Mrs. Irene Gleadon appointed.
- New York—Mr. and Mrs. Robert McLaughlin appointed.
Committees[edit]
- The Bahá’í World, vol. XI, Editorial Committee: Mr. Harold Gail, Mr. Matthew Bullock and Mr. George O. Latimer appointed.
- Child Education Committee: Miss Annamarie Mattoon, Secretary, 105 Sixth Street, Wilmette, Illinois. Mrs. Bess Ioas cannot serve.
- Bahá’í Service for the Blind: Mrs. C. S. Longyear cannot serve.
- International Relief Committee: Mrs. Beatrice O. Ashton appointed.
- Visual Education Committee: Mrs. Clyde S. Longyear, Sec’y, 456 South Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills, Calif.
- Study Aids Committee: Mrs. Beatrice Ashton, Box 302, Winnetka, Ill.
- Geyserville School Committee for 1947 season: Mr. Arthur Dahl, Jr., Chairman, Miss Gladyce Linfoot, Secretary, 156 Nova Drive, Piedmont, California; Mrs. Rex Collison, Mrs. Louise Groger, Dr. Mildred Nichols, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Mrs. Arna Perron, Mrs. Jessie Vanderford, Miss Sally Sanor, Miss Anita Ioas.
- Louhelen School Committee for 1947 season: Mr. Winnie Foster, Chairman, Mrs. L. W. Eggleston, Secretary, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, Michigan; Mr. Arnold Ketels, Mr. Albert Segan, Mrs. J. E. Kirkpatrick, Mr. Paul Pettit, Mrs. Rebecca Wideman, Mr. L. W. Eggleston, Mr. Larry Hautz, Mr. Kenneth Christian.
- International School Committee for 1947 season: Mrs. E. R. Matthews, Chairman; Miss Ophelia B. Crum, Secretary, P. O. Box 1064, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, Mr. George O. Latimer, Mrs. Gladys Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Ford, Mrs. R. D. Little, Mrs. Nathaniel Clark.
- Committee on Pamphlet Literature: Mr. Kenneth Christian, Chairman; 819 Fayette St., Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Arthur Patterson, Mrs. K. Christian, Miss Elsie Austin, Mr. Harlan Scheffler.
| Page | Col. | |
“No Will but Thy Will,” Bahá’u’lláh | 1 | 1 |
| Messages from the Guardian | ||
Forces Mysteriously Released | 1 | 1 |
Mounting Evidences of Magnificent Work | 1 | 3 |
There Is No Time to Lose | 2 | 1 |
Need of Pioneers | 3 | 1 |
25th Anniversary of Guardianship | 3 | 2 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | ||
Race Unity Consultation | 5 | 2 |
Concerning A. J. Stenstrand | 6 | 3 |
How to Increase Bahá’í Effort | 5 | 2 |
Liability of N.S.A. to Third Persons | 5 | 3 |
Treasurer’s Report | 6 | 2 |
Greeting to Esperantists | 6 | 2 |
Memorial to John D. Bosch | 6 | 3 |
Ask for Credentials | 7 | 1 |
| Progress of the Seven Year Plan European Teaching Committee | ||
Inter-America Committee | 8 | 1 |
Public Meetings | 9 | 1 |
National Teaching Committee | 9 | 1 |
Public Relations | 11 | 1 |
Visual Education Committee | 12 | 1 |
Questionnaire Committee | 12 | 2 |
Temple Exhibit at Illinois State Fair | 13 | 2 |
Temple Visitors, July, August and September | 13 | 1 |
Bahá’í Literature in Public Libraries | 14 | 1 |
Books and Pamphlets | 7 | 1 |
Foreign Language Editions | 7 | 1 |
Braille Publication | 11 | 3 |
Local Communities Discuss Plan | 15 | 2 |
Charleston New Teaching Plan | 15 | 3 |
Relief List Corrections | 14 | 2 |
Youth Enrollment Cards | 16 | 1 |
World Order Magazine Contents of November Issue | 7 | 1 |
Bahá’í Addresses | 5 | 1 |
In Memoriam | 16 | 2 |
Calendar | 16 | 2 |
Directory | 16 | 2 |
| Photographs: | ||
Memorial to John Stearns | 2 | 2 |
Children’s Class Tegucigalpa | 4 | 2 |
Visitors from Mexico City | 5 | 1 |
“Group pioneers” | 6 | 3 |
Miss Edna M. True, Miss von Sombeek and Mrs. Straub | 7 | 2 |
Young Czechoslovakians | 8 | 3 |
Temple Display Minneapolis | 9 | 2 |
Regional Conference at Hampton Institute | 10 | 2 |
Display at Illinois State Fair | 13 | 2 |
