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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 225 | NOVEMBER, 1949 | YEAR 106 | BAHA’I ERA |
PROGRESS REPORT: This picture, taken on August 31, is published to give a clearer idea of the first stage of interior construction. If you will look particularly at the columns at the right, you will see how it has been necessary to cut away part of the concrete in order to apply the cast stone mosaics. More than 75 percent of the isolated round columns were finished by the middle of October. The recirculating ventilation ducts have been installed in the dome, and ducts are being installed on the ceiling below the first gallery. Conduit, wiring, etc., is being installed as the work progresses.
Every Day Is Important ...[edit]
When the austerity period started, it looked like a long time. Two years seems a long time. But one fourth of the austerity period is now past. And events begin to crowd upon us. We have won a great spiritual victory in Europe. Too, our Latin American brothers will soon have their own National Assemblies.
The daily news brings us a picture of discord and a growing threat of atomic war.
Every day is important, for the heart of our Temple is being completed. While fear may increase, we have the promise of the Master: “Verily the founding of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will mark the inception of the Kingdom of God on earth.”
We must not falter or hesitate. Our daily sacrificial acts can bring healing to the whole world. The first response to the Temple Plan was tremendous. But the crisis has not yet passed. We still have much to give.
In briefest form, this is our financial position. On September 30, we had $450,000 in the bank for Temple construction. The greater part of this has been a single large, non-recurring contribution from one individual. ($305,000 is due for construction work in 1949.) About $355,000 will be needed for construction in 1950. We need more resolves and more sacrifice to meet the needs of 1950. The general budget (regular contributions from individuals, groups, and Local Assemblies) is $16,233.87 behind. This affects our vital non-Temple activities.
Day by day, the final beauty of the Temple unfolds. We can see it take shape through the dust and confusion of construction. In the future men will marvel that we had faith. Men will envy us the opportunity we had to be Temple-builders.
The Master said the completion of the Temple will “mark the inception of the Kingdom of God on earth.” And He Promised: “Whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with great power from His Supreme Kingdom and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend, which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the Glorious and Eternal God.”
Every day is important.
Echoes of European Conference[edit]
The news received by the European Teaching Committee in letters from abroad demonstrates the stimulating effect that the recent Brussels Conference had on the believers in all of our “goal Countries”, firing them with a renewed sense of dedication, and with zeal and enthusiasm. This had tangible expression in the post-Conference two-day meeting, the “echo”, conducted by the Bahá’ís of Holland, in Bussum (near Amsterdam). This was held directly after the Conference, and was attended by believers from Norway, Denmark and Sweden, as well as believers from many other countries. This occasion afforded an opportunity for real Bahá’í fellowship and for further discussion of basic Bahá’í Teachings. The pleasure and the benefit derived from this little “echo” was very real, as expressed to the ETC in letters and reports.
One of the happiest surprises for the visiting believers to the recent Conference was the Bahá’í Center recently established in Brussels (the first in Europe under the Seven Year Plan). This center is so very dignified and attractive, so efficiently functioning and radiating such a spiritual atmosphere that all were deeply impressed by it.
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This center has also proven a
great boon to the Brussels Community, as a great deal of interest in
the Bahá’í Faith has been aroused in
that city due to the Conference and
the large public meeting held in
connection with it, and the Center
affords a most appropriate place to
meet with inquirers and to hold
classes for newly interested people.
The Bern, Switzerland Community has just acquired a Center of its own and it is to be opened most auspiciously by the holding of an all-Swiss Conference on November fifth and sixth. The idea of holding this Swiss Conference was inspired during the Brussels Conference by the desire of the Swiss representatives to share with the believers at home the spirit of the Conference and the material used there for the consultations. Those participating will be the groups of Wolfhalden and Zurich, the Communities of Geneva and Bern, and the isolated believers throughout Switzerland.
The believers in our “goal countries” are very aware of the sacrifices that are being made by the Bahá’ís on the “home front” in carrying out the objectives of the second Seven Year Plan, and they have a deep sense of gratitude to them for the bounty of receiving the Faith into their own countries. A tangible expression of this has come in the form of contributions to our Temple Fund from several of these countries, This indeed represents great sacrifice, as these struggling new communities are giving their “all” for the promotion of the Faith in their home lands.
Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh and her two attractive children visited many of our “goal countries” this summer, and Mrs. Beatrice Ashton visited some of them on her return from Germany. These visits were of the greatest help to the newly established communities, and the ETC adds its warmest thanks to theirs for this assistance.
After the Brussels Conference Mr. John Robarts of Toronto, Canada paid a visit to most of our “goal countries”, and we have received glowing reports of these visits from all of them. Miss Rita Von Sombeek, one of the first pioneers to answer the call of the Guardian, has just returned to the United States from Holland.
Mr. George Townshend, author of THE
HEART OF THE GOSPEL, THE PROMISE OF ALL AGES, and the introduction to GOD PASSES BY, and many
others. Mr. Townshend has recently left
his position as Canon of St. Patrick’s
Cathedral in Dublin and Archdeacon of
Clonfert, to devote his whole time to
pioneering in Dublin and in writing for
the Bahá’í Faith.
“The Old Churches and the New World-Faith”[edit]
George Townshend, former Canon of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, formally withdrew from the Church recently. In a published statement printed as a pamphlet, Mr. Townshend declared his relinquishment of Orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church of America into which he has been ordained in 1906 in the diocese of Utah.
Because of its potential significance throughout Christendom in the West, Mr. Townshend’s statement was distributed by the British NSA to 8,100 leaders of thought in religious, educational, social and cultural fields.
Mr. Townshend received a “remarkably kind” reply from the Bishop of Utah. He also had questions from the Primate of Ireland, an invitation to speak to a religious society in London with an offer to print the address, and a number of private letters.
Copies of Mr. Townshend’s pamphlet have been received in this country and may now be purchased from the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, price $.25.
Public Relations[edit]
As have most Bahá’í committees during these times, Bahá’í Public Relations has minimized certain phases of its activities. These include national advertising and mailing of the familiar red-bordered “World Religion” bulletin. This month, however, the committee resumes use of its office at 112 Linden avenue, Wilmette. To those friends who have experienced delays in receiving requested PR materials, this announcement comes as good news. All correspondence should be directed to the PR secretary at this office.
Meanwhile, the relations between the Bahá’í community and the public continued without interruption. Impressions continued to be made. Latest of national magazine references to the Faith appeared in the September issue of the pocket-size “Negro Digest.” The Bahá’í Temple was displayed on the cover of Ward’s “Automobile Topics” and well described in the recently published “American Guide.” From an Eastern minister came a request for Temple slides to illustrate his lecture. Information and photographs were sent to a writer for a book on religions he was authoring. From their vantage point overlooking Chicago, thousands of visitors to the towering Board of Trade building were handed pamphlets describing the Bahá’í Temple, rising prominently to the northward. Elsewhere, Bahá’í pamphlets were listed in the Vertical File, distributed to libraries and colleges. And plainly marked on Rand-McNally maps of Chicagoland is found “Bahá’í House of Worship.”
To the Assemblies last month went a special 19-day Feast bulletin. This time it featured ways and means of promoting the Bahá’í Faith on UN Day, valued by the Guardian for its publicity use. Also included were publicity items of national interest with suggestions for local adaptation.
To the public the committee continued its selected mailing program, national publicity coverage, responses to queries, aids to colleges and libraries and other PR activities essential to its program.
Budgetless, the committee depends upon the friends as the only source of publicity items and references to the Faith made across the
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nation. A publicity map of the U.S.
is being prepared for the Guardian.
Will your community be included?
We need your help.
Alaska Is a New State[edit]
Gold, dog-teams, Eskimos, and timber may be your picture of this northern land, but our Bahá’ís are bringing forth a new gold, that of human hearts, and a new state, that of an actively lived Faith out among the people. Inquirers are so numerous that... “Believe me ... when I say there are not enough of us Bahá’ís up here to take care properly of the new contacts. We are all worked to a frazzle.... We learned how true Rúḥíyyih Khanum’s suggestion is when she said reach into the ‘pockets’.”
Of isolated Bahá’ís invited in for visits, Floyd Overhauser said: “I just can’t imagine living without the teaching and will surely do everything possible before leaving Woody Island to spread the Faith.” He goes then to University of Washington and will work closely with youth there. Agnes Parent (Indian and French) will return to Teachers College in Washington state and work with Floyd in teaching Indians.
Agnes and James Cooper appeared on a panel discussion with several speakers from various races. The room was crowded with new people. “One colored man who had studied for the ministry said that in all his travels in many parts of the world he had never found such a group that lived what they preached.” (This was said to the entire audience.) “Our lovely negro soldier Jim Cooper answered him so sweetly and intelligently that even our moderator was so moved it was difficult to speak ... A very fine looking man, a Buddhist, stood up and gave quite a talk and wants to study our books.” A tourist from New Mexico, a lady from Norway and one from Puerto Rico expressed the wish to know more of the Faith. More contacts were made for Fairbanks than by going there to live for a month.
A man came into Robinson’s Radio Shop for a radio to fill his time, but he got the Bahá’í Faith instead, remarking: “This is what I am going to investigate”. Two Mormon Elders stopped to talk to Mrs. Robinson as she swept the walk. They talked for over an hour about Bahá’u’lláh and wanted to come next week.
“All the friends have these wonderful things to tell. Some are growing a Bahá’í garden to send the proceeds to the Temple. All are arranging their affairs to give more.” This is the new state.
“Meeting the Crisis”
“Study the Word”[edit]
The book chosen for study in November and December is The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, written by the Guardian in 1934 on the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Faith. In it the Guardian reviews the root principles of Bahá’í belief. So that there may be no misunderstanding he explains the stations of the Chief Figures of the Faith, their relations to each other, and their relations to the Manifestations of the past. He divides his theme into four great parts — Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Administrative Order.
Notice how the Guardian brings together quotations to illustrate and prove his theme. Regarding the station of Bahá’u’lláh, he gives us eight quotations from the Báb, 46 quotations from Bahá’u’lláh, and nine quotations from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. In this way absolute testimony from the writings of the Chief Figures Themselves is brought together for us. The Guardian uses this method in each section.
Essential Verities[edit]
The Guardian states that his purpose is to clarify the root principles or essential verities of the Faith. In order to teach and prepare individuals for enrollment in the Bahá’í Community, these root principles should be absolutely clear to us.
We would like to suggest that you as an individual undertake one major effort in your study of the Dispensation. Study each section by itself; then go back and copy out the sentences which set forth the root principles of the Faith stressed by Shoghi Effendi.
Number your verities. When you have finished a careful study of all four sections, you should have a list of at least 18 verities. If you have less than that, we suggest you restudy the whole letter.
This is also an excellent letter to outline. Outlining the letter and listing the essential verities will enable you to take stock of your own knowledge to see what major principles you need to study more thoroughly.
We are asking you to study the Dispensation in November and December as preliminary to study of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in January and February. The January issue of Bahá’í News will contain special suggestions for that study.
“... Eyes to the Blind ...”[edit]
During the first six months of the year 1949-1950 the demand for literature for the blind has bean encouraging. Request for literature in Esperanto Braille for Holland was received from the European Teaching Committee Representative in Geneva. This came as a result of the talk in Esperanto given by Etty Graeffe on her last night in Europe. Orders for Braille books and pamphlets were received from as far south as Rio de Janeiro and as far north as Anchorage, Alaska.
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Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Make Checks Payable to:
National Bahá’í Fund Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Make checks for books and pamphlets payable to:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
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The Committee has no budget from the National Fund so that orders received constitute a revolving fund for the continuance and expansion of its service.
Most in demand are the following Braille Pamphlets:—
and
The World Faith of Bahá’u’lláh
(The set of these two pamphlets is ordered as THE SET) | $1.25 |
Faith For Freedom | $1.25 |
The price quoted, which should accompany orders, includes postage.
616 N. Oxford Avenue
Los Angeles 4, California
| Score to Date — October 15, 1949 on Response to the Temple Fund | |||
| Group | Number | Estimated for 2 years | |
| $400 | 140 | ................... | $112,000.00 |
| $100 | 521 | ................... | $ 104,200.00 |
| $ 25 | 524 | ................... | $ 26,200.00 |
| *Special | 972 | ................... | $212,811.78 |
| Totals | 2,157 | ................... | $455,211.78 |
| Received against above resolves | $228,654.17 | ||
| *All resolves not falling in other three categories. Many friends have asked if they could send in their next year’s resolve now. This would be very helpful.
—TREASURER
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Contributions from Assemblies for the Month of September[edit]
Alaska—Anchorage. Arizona—North Phoenix, Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas— Eureka Springs, Little Rock. California—Alhambra, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Burlingame, Carmel, Geyserville, El Monte Twp., Escondido Twp., Fresno, Glendale, Inglewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Monrovia Twp., Oakland, Oceanside, Palo Alto, Pasadena, San Bernardino, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, South Gate. Colorado—Colorado Springs. Connecticut—Greenwich, Hartford, New Haven. Delaware—Wilmington. Dist. of Columbia—Washington. Florida—Jacksonville, Miami. Georgia—Atlanta, Augusta. Hawaii—Honolulu, Maui. Idaho—Ada County, Boise. Illinois—Batavia, Champaign, Chicago, Danville, Elmhurst, Evanston, Maywood, Oak Park, Peoria, Phoenix (Harvey), Springfield, Urbana, Wilmette, Winnetka.
Indiana—Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend. Iowa—Cedar Rapids, Waterloo. Kansas—Topeka. Louisiana—New Orleans. Maine—Eliot, Portland. Maryland—Baltimore (Aug). Massachusetts—Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan—Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Grosse Pointe Farms, Lansing, Muskegon, Roseville. Minnesota—Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul. Mississippi—Jackson. Missouri— Independence, Kansas City, St. Louis. Montana—Butte, Helena, Great Falls. Nebraska—Macy, Omaha. Nevada—Reno. New Hampshire—Portsmouth. New Jersey—Bergenfield, Dumont, East Orange, Englewood, Jersey City, Newark, Red Bank, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque. New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Geneva, Jamestown, New York, Rochester, Waterloo, Yonkers. North Carolina—Greensboro. North Dakota—Fargo.
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Attention Local Treasurers:
If you wish the name of your assembly to appear monthly in the list of contributors, please see that your contribution is in the hands of your National Treasurer not later than the last day of that month. A deadline must be met for Bahá’í News material. We, therefore, cannot assure you that you will be included unless contributions are received no later than the above date. |
Ohio—Cincinnati, Cleveland, E. Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester. Rhode Island—Providence. South Carolina—Columbia, Greenville. South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Tennessee—Memphis, Nashville. Texas—Houston, San Antonio. Utah—Salt Lake City. Vermont—Brattleboro.
Virginia—Alexandria, Arlington. Washington—Kirkland, Marysville, Monroe, Richmond Highlands, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma. West Virginia—Charleston. Wisconsin—Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay. Wyoming—Laramie.|
?
Who reconstructed the Sacred House of Baha’u’llah in Baghdad? See Bahá’í World Vol. II, p. 68 |
Number of Assemblies | 174 |
Assemblies contributing | 159 |
Assemblies not contributing | 15 |
Groups contributing | 44 |
Individuals contributing | 82 |
| Special contributions from Assemblies of Adelaide, So. Australia; Geneva, Switzerland, and Rome, Italy; Brussels Conference and Fresno Bahá’í Children’s Class. |
The Home Front[edit]
YOUNGSTOWN, N.Y.
Heavy September rains were no deterrent to over 100 Bahá’ís who came to a teaching conference on the eighteenth. Guest speaker, Mrs. Victor Davis, secretary of Canadian NSA counseled that everyone should pioneer for the Faith, if not abroad, then in your neighborhood; budget time and find out how much you are devoting to the Cause of God. God wants this new Word given to every member of the human race ... let us subordinate everything to fulfillment of this. One new believer reported inviting 16 neighbors, of whom nine came, to share in an explanation of the Faith.
RICHMOND HIGHLANDS, WASH.
An eight-day summer teaching conference beginning Aug. 7 at the Fellowship House averaged attendance of 15 to 20 to participate in classes on “Personal Contacts,” “Functions of a Chairman,” “Bahá’í Speaking Technique,” “The Bahá’í Speaker,” “Newspaper and Radio Publicity,” and “Comparative Religions and Their Branches.” Complementing this day-time activity, some 50 people gathered nightly to hear The Promised Day is Come reviewed, Race and Man discussed, The Open Door presented, “Let’s Get Rid of Prejudice,” given by the children, and to enjoy a well-directed evening of entertainment. Fourteen children under the age of 15 camped on the grounds for the week, engaging in sports and helping in the kitchen. Two Sunday public meetings during the conference saw some 85 people gather to hear talks by Mr. King and Mr. Nordquist.
WATERLOO, N.Y.
The 27 people attending the Fall Workshop, Sept. 10-11 felt that new insight was gained on the topics discussed; “Aids in Teaching,” “How to Live the Bahá’í Life,” and “Deepening Our Understanding of the Teachings.” The spirit of the weekend was characterized in this phrase, “Everybody worked, everybody benefited.” Evaluation of the session was carried on the last evening and plans projected for a Winter Workshop at Christmas. Housing and eating were cooperatively handled by the Waterloo Bahá’ís.
ELIOT, ME.
Under a five-class program this community has averaged an attendance
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Dear Bahá’í friends: As you can well imagine the Treasurer’s Office is under great pressure because of the special drive and the continuing increase in our daily work. I am making every effort to keep expenses down and am at the present time operating with just one assistant who is making great sacrifices in both time and effort. It is becoming increasingly difficult for us to keep our records straight because local Assemblies and groups are sending in their own personal checks with no explanations as to who should be credited. When they are credited to the individual believers we receive letters from them asking us to change this because they meant the contribution for the Assembly, or group, or vice versa. This situation is growing continually worse and can only be straightened out by the immediate cooperation of the friends. If a contribution is sent in on a personal check, please see that it is accompanied by a letter or note stating that it is a personal contribution, a contribution from a group, or a contribution from an Assembly. We have no way of knowing unless you tell us. Thank you for your cooperation. PHILIP G. SPRAGUE, Treasurer
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of 45 for Sunday study from July until Labor Day. The classes, two for Bahá’ís, two for friends, and a Forum for both sometimes held a picnic lunch and intermission for tea. Related cultural and sociological topics occupied the Forum and the coming fall program will be such a group activity, conducted as roundtable workshops.
To correct an impression which some of us may have had regarding the Greenacre School area, it is brought to attention that the nearby town of Eliot has been a duly constituted local Spiritual Assembly since 1925 and actively carrying on work throughout the year. The Sunday activity reported is indicative of teaching going on most of the year.
MILWAUKEE, WIS.
Bahá’ís are active on the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights. Chairman George Brawley is a Bahá’í, as are Miss Bonner, assistant to the Executive Secretary, and Lawrence A. Hautz, chairman of the Fact Finding Committee.
BRIEFS[edit]
LOS ANGELES, CAL. Representative group of 81 from 26 communities met for Regional Conference Sept. 10, on “New Spirit of Teaching”. Cardinal points were: know the Teachings in word and spirit; way to learn to teach is by actual teaching; we must not just read the Writings but also act according to them.... PEORIA, ILL. This community begins a Sunday Worship Hour, Oct. 2 at the YWCA with readings from the sacred scriptures of the world and music. Monthly an outside speaker will talk... ALEXANDRIA, VA. A recent fireside discussion was led by Jimmie Fozdar, young Bahá’í from India, whose grandfather was one of first Persian pioneers to India. Several guests from Indian Embassy were among 30 who participated in an evening so enthralling that several walked out without umbrella, hat, and gloves ... CHARLESTON, W. VA. A three-session summer conference, Aug. 28, 100 percent attended, used the approach of each person acting as a teacher during the conference to strengthen their natural method of telling the story. All were enthusiastic about speaking and listening.... DENVER, COL. The Bahá’í center, crowded to its doors, saw Mrs. Ann Howard of Independence, Mo. speak on “The Nations Live Together”, Aug. 13 Audience was almost half non-Bahá’ís. ... BROOKLINE, MASS. “Idle Worship” was the talk given by Mrs. Ethelinda Merson before 35 guests in a Bahá’í home, keynoting necessity for a Faith which takes expression in deeds ... HOUSTON, TEX. The RTC for Texas expresses gratitude for the new direct mailing system of Bahá’í News and foresees greater cohesion between isolated believers and communities, besides reduction of mailing costs ... HAMILTON, MASS. An estimated 100,000 persons attended Topsfield Fair, Labor Day week, at which area Bahá’ís manned a display booth, distributing literature from their favorable site at the main entrance.
Local Spiritual Assembly
Annual Reports, Cont’d[edit]
Additional annual reports of Local Spiritual Assemblies have been received from Butte, Montana; Independence, Missouri; Providence, R.I.; and San Francisco, California.
BUTTE, MONTANA
Color slides of the Temple, of Green Acre and Louhelen summer schools and other Bahá’í activities were shown by Mr. George D. Miller to over 400 non-Bahá’í adults and 58 children at various meetings held in Butte and elsewhere in the state.
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New Deadline
An effort is being made to have Bahá’í News in the mail not later than the fifth of each month. Therefore all material for any one issue must be in the editorial office on or before the tenth of the preceding month. Material received after this date cannot be considered for use. —BAHÁ’Í NEWS EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
1001 W. Genesee St. Lansing, Mich. |
Window displays in the store windows of a flower shop and a candy shop in Butte received much attention. The displays featured a very large photograph of the Temple, around which were placed selected groups of Bahá’í books and pamphlets.
INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI
Regular newspaper advertisements produced a number of inquiries from interested readers, including a telephone call from a high school student who was writing a paper on the Bahá’í Faith for one of his classes. The youth had read about the Faith and noticed the telephone number in an advertisement.
At the request of the radio station KIMD program director, the Local Spiritual Assembly prepared and gave a program on the devotional period from 9:30 to 9:45
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o’clock on the mornings of September 27 through October 1st.
The program consisted of direct quotations from the writings of the Bahá’í Faith against a background of soft organ music. The readings occupied six or eight minutes of the time, with breaks of solo organ music.
PROVIDENCE, R.I.
In cooperation with the Jewish Community Center, the Providence believers sponsored a meeting last spring, which was part of the program for World Affairs Week.
The Jewish Community Center furnished the place, and the Bahá’ís furnished the speaker, Hilda Yen Male. She spoke from her United Nations background to an audience of 200 persons.
“Services for Brotherhood,” which consisted of inter-faith and inter-racial services in churches and temples held once a month, also received cooperation from the Providence Bahá’ís. Clarence Newport, chairman of the Assembly, was the Bahá’í representative at the committee meetings. Mr. Newport read from the “Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh,” and also read the “Prayer For All Nations” by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at some of the meetings. After each meeting, at which Bahá’í literature was made available, there were always some inquirers about the Bahá’í Faith.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Regular Friday night public meetings were maintained throughout the year with an average attendance of 26 people. Success of the meetings was attributed to the innovation of designating one evening a month as “special,” with refreshments and music together with the best Bahá’í speakers available.
Two of the four Anniversary meetings with special programs, publicity and mailed invitations were attended by 115 people each, while one meeting was attended by 79 people, and another by over 200.
The community also provided Mr. Firuz Kazemzadeh as the Bahá’í speaker to explain principles of the Faith to a class on Comparative Religion given at San Francisco State College.
BUSINESS MANAGER—Mrs. Clara R. Wood started her business career as fashion editor of “Bon Ton” magazine and was for 14 years with J. J. Little and Ives, New York publishers. For 20 years she has been business manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Committee with headquarters at 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette, (from “Wilmette Life”)
Publishing Announcements[edit]
The Citadel of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. To herald the approach of the half-way mark in the Second Seven Year Plan, the Guardian gave us a soul stirring message. This was sent individually to every Bahá’í and it is hoped that every Bahá’í has read and re-read it. It should be kept continually before us. There are still copies available, and they may be obtained from the Publishing Committee. Price per copy 10c or 12 copies for $1.00.
Questions the World Is Asking. The problem how to make favorable contacts is uppermost in the minds of every active believer. One effective method of developing contacts by individual believers or by community action is through use of the series of five leaflets entitled “Questions the World Is Asking.” The five questions successively raised are.
- Has Religion Failed?
- Why this World Upheaval?
- Is there a World Leader?
- Can Peace be Maintained?
- Can Human Nature be Changed?
Each leaflet stresses the importance of the five questions, and gives the Bahá’í teachings which answer them. The series can be used as a campaign for mailing lists or individual leaflets can be given out at meetings as free literature. The cost of this contact literature is very moderate. Five sets (25 leaflets) 25c.; 50 sets (250 leaflets) $2.25; 100 sets (500 leaflets) $4.00. Order from Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
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Hawaiian Bahá’ís and friends on the island of Maui, gathered for a luncheon in honor of Morris Freedman from Honolulu. Mrs. Mary Fantom (holding the Greatest Name) is the first Bahá’í of Hawaiian ancestry in the Territory.
Around the Bahá’í World[edit]
IRANIAN WOMEN CONFER
A conference composed of Bahá’í women representatives from 20 provincial centers and of members of the National Committee for the Advancement of Bahá’í Women was held in Ṭihrán at the National Haẓíratu’l-Quds during the week before Riḍván. The conference lasted for three days and was the third one of its kind to be organized and directed entirely by Bahá’í women. Its main object was to survey the vast field of work courageously undertaken by Persian Bahá’í women under their four-year project, to exchange views and to propose lines of action whereby progress in feminine education and welfare could be effectively insured and the existing handicaps and hindrances removed.
No one attending the conference or reading a report about its proceedings could fail to be impressed by the manifestations of ability and resourcefulness on the part of the members in conducting business and in directing the course of the conversation so as to produce concrete results. On the whole the conference was a great success. It enabled both the representatives and the committee members to obtain a fuller appreciation of what is being done by Bahá’í women in Irán in the way of self-advancement and to get acquainted with the nature of cares and problems with which each particular community is burdened. Moreover it awakened a rare spirit of love, joy and enthusiasm, a renewed sense of assurance and dedication in the heart of all those present and afforded a precious opportunity to strengthen ties of intimate fellowship between one another.
On April 14, the day on which the inaugural session was held, the conference members were invited to a luncheon arranged by the NSA in their honor. Also during the subsequent days they were befittingly entertained by various Bahá’í communities and organizations in Ṭihrán.
GREAT BRITAIN
The Crusade for World Government received active cooperation of the Edinburgh Bahá’ís when Eric Manton, pioneer from Northampton to Edinburgh, spoke at the first public meeting held by the World Government crusaders in Edinburgh.
INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA
(Year 105 Annual Reports)
The Jaipur Congress Souvenir for 1948 carried a two-page advertisement consisting of excerpts from “A Pattern for Future Society” by the Guardian. This was one of the publicity projects undertaken by the Bahá’ís of India, Pakistan and Burma, according to their Annual Report.
Copies of “The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh”, and “A Bahá’í Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights”, and “The Work of Bahá’ís in Promotion of Human Rights” were sent to all legislators in India, Pakistan and Burma, and in Ceylon to high-placed government officials, as well.
Principles of the Bahá’í World Faith were printed on the back of 700,000 copies of school exercise books published by Mr. Ghulam Husayn Amreliwalla of Bombay, giving country-wide publicity to the principles.
Further publicity resulted when the Higginbotham railway bookstall agents offered to display and sell Bahá’í literature at the 78 stations where they operate.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
In an effort to achieve the goals of their Six Year Plan the NSA at a recent meeting voted to increase their public relations, teaching and pioneering activities.
In metropolitan areas where conditions are favorable, the NSA adopted the policy of immediately establishing groups in towns nearby with the expectation that these small Bahá’í groups will eventually become Assemblies.
The “Act of the Governor’s Office”[edit]
(Received by Dr. Robert L. Gullick from A. H. Collesstaneh, M.D. Dated at Cairo, Egypt, 7/3/48)
“ ... Amongst the Bahá’í group of friends in Cairo, there is a poor old Bahá’í painter or ‘Khaṭṭáṭ’ as it is called in Arabic, who lives in a district called Siyyidih Zaynab in old native Cairo. Nobody ever heard of the activities of this humble servant of the Cause until he introduced three new believers (an engineer, a dentist, and a merchant) who came to be registered as members of the Bahá’í community. They met the special committee and in the last Nineteen Day Feast they were declared as Bahá’ís and moreover they said that they are the headliners for a big group which will soon follow their steps and will come forward to be registered! They were all from Siyyidih Zaynab! Who taught them the Bahá’í principles and guided them to the path of God? The answer was poor old Khaṭṭáṭ ‘Abdu’l-Básiṭ of whose activities very few knew anything!
“ ‘Abdu’l-Básiṭ has a small shop in which, I later found, he used to receive lots of visitors of different classes who went to him to enquire
[Page 8]
about the Faith. His neighbors knowing that he was a Bahá’í began a
series of troubles to his person and
his family which ended in a severe
beating of his poor old wife who submitted and was so courageous and
spiritual to forgive and not to complain. But attacks continued specially from the inhabitants of their
house (that has eleven flats of which
they occupy two rooms in the basement or lowest flat). The neighbors
frankly showed that they aimed at
dislodging the old couple and their
children.
“ ‘Abdu’l-Básiṭ then was compelled to address the police but he didn’t point to any particular person. Some time later the police, receiving a lot of letters of warning about ‘Abdu’l-Básiṭ’s ‘anti-government activities,’ called him to come on a special date to meet at the Governor’s Office with special authority to be questioned about the Faith. He went there, and let me quote his own words, he said: ‘Before going I made a short prayer and read the Tablet of Aḥmad and asked God to direct me in His Path and to let my weak tongue utter His own words and say His own message. So I was received in the Governor’s Office by ... Bey who asked the usual questions about my age, occupation, relations, residence, etc. and then he told me frankly that he had received lots of letters that I am working against the State and against its religion. I told him it is just the opposite because I am serving my State in a way no other patriot does or did; and I am serving and establishing true religion as much as my poor being can afford in the proper way it ought to be served. Puzzled by my answer, the man enquired for an explanation, when I told him that the present difficulties and tribulations not only in Egypt but in the whole world can only be solved by World Union and that can only be achieved by establishing the Faith I am serving. He said, “But you’re an infidel (káfir); you are a Bahá’í aren’t you? How would you say you are serving Islám when your Faith or whatever it is, is destroying the fundamental principles of Islám?” At that time other employees were in and listening to my talk, so I raised my voice to a degree of shouting so that other people in and out could hear and listen. I, in my poor language and knowledge, began to describe the meaning of Islám, the necessity of religion, what is meant by renewal of faith, etc., etc., and then I shouted to those who were present that I acknowledge that I conveyed to you the message of God: Oh ye who wait for the Manifestation, He is come. Come to me and ask for His proofs; He has come to save you from the blackness of ignorance, come and search and don’t lose this chance because the day will come when you will be responsible for your subjects, you are their heads that think and govern and it is through you that the Faith of God must be carried to those weak ignorant groups like myself. You learned people heard and were indifferent and not only that but fought the new Faith of God in such a manner that my heart has grieved. That is why I, the poor old ignorant weak individual, have found myself compelled to convey the message of God under any circumstance, instead of you. Later I mentioned some of Bahá’u’lláh’s holy Tablets which I had in memory in such a loud voice that even those 100 meters away could hear and I declared that the Manifestation of the Age, the Savior of the whole world can be no one but Bahá’u’lláh. During that time every attempt to stop me failed, I don’t know what force pushed me and how I was talking but I am sure it was Him, the Glory of God. The men found at last that the only thing they could do now was to get rid of me so they did and still shouting I was taken outside the Governor’s Office where I continued my talk to the big group of people who were waiting outside. Everyone was pointing to me saying. “He was the Bahá’í who was chanting and talking loudly in the Governor’s Office!” Later the visitors increased in my shop, and we were compelled to rent a special room for meetings. And here you see the result. I hope soon others will come or I will find another occasion like the “act of the Governor’s Office.” ’
“Very few can dare do or speak as this pure hearted man did. He was simply ready to accept anything up to martyrdom for the benefit of his Faith, and what a reward he had—a group of new believers whose hearts he assisted ...”
Latin American News[edit]
Approximately one and a half years remain before the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America and the National Spiritual Assembly of South America are to come into being. With the achieving of this goal of the second Seven Year Plan now so clearly in sight, it is a source of joy and inspiration to see the native believers throughout Latin America taking a more and more active part in the work of the Cause, and shouldering an ever-increasing share of the manifold responsibilities which, in such a relatively short time, will be exclusively theirs. More and more, they are arising to spread the Word of God.
But happy though we are to see this happening, it is equally evident that this spiritual prize has not yet been won, and that much work remains to be done before 1951. The role which the Bahá’ís of the United States must play in this crucial period acquires greater urgency, and our responsibilities toward our fellow-believers in Latin America remain as great as ever.
This has been given renewed emphasis in the Guardian’s recent message, so much of which is devoted to Latin America where, in his own words, “the work is rapidly nearing the first stage of fruition”. The many tasks still to be carried out are clearly set forth. It is at once the vital responsibility and the unique privilege of the North American believers to aid in deepening the spiritual life of “these newly-fledged, these precious and highly esteemed co-workers” and enlightening their minds regarding many aspects of their Faith and its Teachings.
Before these two new National Spiritual Assemblies are elected, there must be laid a foundation of sufficient breadth and depth to support them. The materials making up this spiritual foundation include more than simply knowledge of the Teachings on the part of the Latin American believers. There must also be a true understanding of the inseparable institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice; of the Bahá’í Administrative Order and the manner in which it functions; the twin Covenants out of which it was born; the laws from which it is fashioned; and the future World Order which it is destined to
[Page 9]
produce.
The work of laying this foundation has been carried on for some time, but it is not yet complete; and only a year and a half now remain in which to finish this task. From its inception, it has required the cooperative efforts of the Latin American and North American believers, working side by side. This is equally true of its completion.
This is why, during such a crucial period for the North American Bahá’ís, the Guardian has issued another call for pioneers to Latin America — “voluntary, self-supporting, wholly-dedicated pioneers” whose efforts will insure that our fellow-believers in Latin America will be fully prepared to enter upon the great spiritual adventure beginning for them in 1951.
Outdoor Teaching[edit]
The two Regions of upper New York State have completed a very full summer of picnics. Held on Sundays at two or three week intervals in public parks or the grounds of the believers’ homes, the picnics began with a basket or buffet lunch after which an interesting and informative talk, for both Bahá’ís and friends, was delivered by someone from a nearby region. Games for all ages, hiking and swimming offered variety and spice. Children were cared for by a special committee of young adults.
Each picnic was announced in the Regional Bulletin together with a map showing how to reach the grounds and signs were posted to indicate the exact spot where it was to be held. From 25 to over 100 were present on each occasion including as many as 48 inquirers. Much impetus and encouragement was lent by these regional programs to groups sponsoring local projects, among them an outdoor sunrise service and breakfast held by the Bahá’ís of Rochester and vicinity.
Seven regionals in the Northeastern Area sponsored successful teaching picnics, often in communities where Bahá’ís were very few in number. These outdoor activities offered a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship between believers and inquirers and to start fall programs.
Bahia, Brazil, Local Spiritual Assembly, July, 1949.
Regional Visiting Meetings[edit]
NORTHEASTERN AREA
The Regional Teaching Committees in the Northeastern Area have been carrying out a plan of going out through their regions to meet with all the isolated believers, groups and small communities. These visits have taken various forms, but all of them have proved a source of joy and inspiration and have produced concrete teaching results.
The regions which have shown the greatest results so far are those in which the entire committee took part. Usually a social gathering, such as lunching or dining together, has been followed by intimate consultation on concrete ways in which the regional committee can help the local believers. The committees have helped the Bahá’ís to hold public meetings, firesides, study classes and Feasts, and to place books in local libraries. They have also been able to give the Bahá’ís information on the progress of the Second Seven Year Plan.
Two outstanding results have been the holding of a well-publicized public meeting by a group of two in Petersham, N.H., and a very large fireside, full of glowing Bahá’í spirit, given by a group of two in Budd Lake, N.J.
Not all of the committees have as yet completed their visits, but they all plan to try to meet every Bahá’í in their region before the year is out. These meetings have brought us all closer together and have made us more aware of the fact that we are all a part of the American Bahá’í Community and of the Second Seven Year Plan.
RTC FOR MARYLAND AND DELAWARE
A very successful Bahá’í Get-Together was held on Sunday, October 2, 1949 at the home of Mrs. Amelia Watson in Chestertown, Maryland. There are only two Bahá’ís in Chestertown, but at this gathering there were 45 people — about half of whom were Bahá’ís, from Wilmington, Delaware; Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and isolated believers in Maryland and Delaware. The rest of the people were non-Bahá’ís from Maryland and Delaware who were invited by the Bahá’ís. Mrs. Watson served a delicious dinner. Then in the afternoon, on the lawn overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, Mrs. Hazel Langrall, of Baltimore, Maryland, spoke to the group on the subject “Thy Kingdom Come”.
[Page 10]
Bahá’í Summer School, Esslingen Germany, August, 1949
Visit to Bahá’ís in Germany[edit]
The Bahá’ís in Germany send most loving greetings to the Bahá’ís in the United States and other parts of the world, and are deeply grateful for the packages of food and clothing sent to them. This message is brought by Mrs. Beatrice Ashton who visited the Bahá’ís in Frankfurt-am-Main, Stuttgart, Berlin, Hamburg, Heidelberg-Neckargemuend, Karlsruhe, Esslingen and attended both weeks of the Bahá’í School in Esslingen-Krummenacker this past summer, during a thirty-day visit to Germany approved by the Guardian. It is impossible to express in words the depth of love and gratitude poured through this open door of contact after the many years that the Bahá’ís in Germany have been shut off from the rest of the Bahá’í world, and the happiness of the Bahá’ís there that contact has again been established. Conditions are “better” in Germany but this is a relative statement; there is still great need of food and clothing because there is no money with which to buy the supplies now available, and all money that the Bahá’ís in Germany can scrape together they wish to give toward building their National Administrative Headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, a project very dear to the heart of the Beloved Guardian.
For this building the Bahá’ís have bought part of a ruin at Westendstrasse 24, Frankfurt, and are restoring it. At present three rooms have been made ready: two large rooms on the first floor, one of which is used for meetings, and a kitchen in the basement. The project of the Bahá’í Youth a year ago in clearing away the rubble aided greatly in hastening the restoration of these rooms, and was an experience which all who worked there say is never to be forgotten, because of the consciousness of unity and spiritual confirmation felt by all.
If the Bahá’ís in the United States could realize how much the Bahá’ís in Germany look to us to show them the way, in teaching and in putting into effect the Bahá’í Administrative Order, it would make us very humble and more determined to set the example they expect from us. The great love and the courage shown by the Bahá’ís in Germany throughout their suffering can well stand as examples to us. The Bahá’í in Germany has no money for travel, but the first week of the Summer School was well attended. The Bahá’ís came quietly through the garden path and one did not know that some had come long distances by bicycle, one had “thumbed” her way the entire length of Germany, and others walked many miles with pack on the back, often bringing with them their bread and cheese. At the Summer School one could get soup and fruit, and with this one lived well. All were happy to be there.
All were eager to hear news from the U.S. and to ask questions. How do you teach in the United States? What do the pioneers do? How do they live? What is the progress on the House of Worship? What are “firesides” like?
A visit to the Bahá’ís in another land is a humbling experience, for one realizes how easily something that seems unimportant in one locality of one country becomes important and has an effect that may be far-reaching in the other country—that
[Page 11]
the oneness of mankind is not a
future condition but is a very
present reality. And that every
Bahá’í is a responsible member of
that oneness whether he realizes it
or not.
Bahá’ís Participate in Conference[edit]
“World Faith and World Peace” was the theme of a conference sponsored by prominent representatives of leading faiths and by the World Alliance for International Friendship Through Religion, in San Francisco on September 15, 1949. On the cooperating Committee of the World Alliance were two Bahá’ís, John W. Allen and Graham Conroy. The opening session featured an address by Mrs. Ruth Cranston of the Church Peace Union on “Together We Work.” This was followed by group discussion of plans for a future institute on what contribution religion can make to world peace. Three Bahá’ís, one each from the Oakland, San Francisco, and Berkeley communities, participated in the discussion.
Dr. Robert Gulick urged those present to center their attention on those things that unite and he advocated the setting up of a radio program on world order through religion to be sponsored and arranged by leaders of the various religious groups. Mrs. Cranston strongly favored the radio idea, stating that it would be a pioneer effort that could set the pattern for similar programs all over America; she added that she believed that the Reader’s Digest would be interested in featuring a story on such a project.
Each of the Bahá’ís stated his religious affiliation and quotations from Bahá’u’lláh were given. A representative of the Federal Council of Churches remarked that the Bahá’ís had taught them a great deal about unity. Afterward, we were swamped with requests for information and literature. One man said, “I heard of Bahá’í twenty-five years ago in Detroit. This must be the reason why I have come here today.” In the elevator at young woman asked, “Would it be too much trouble for you to tell me about the Bahá’í principles?” At dinner, a prominent San Francisco minister inquired, “Could I give a thousand dollars to the Bahá’í Temple?”
The man who presided at the dinner was Bishop Edward L. Parsons. When asked privately whether he remembered ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, he replied, “Yes, indeed, very well. I spent at least a half hour with Him and He was very kind and courteous. We discussed the troubles in the Balkans. I also attended one of His lectures.”
The evening session included music by an inter-racial choir, “Voices United,” a group that will later sing under the auspices of the Bahá’í youth of this area. Then came a panel discussion on “World Faiths for World Peace” by Mrs. Cranston, John Zucker, a Jewish Rabbi, Muriel Lester, a Quaker, and Fírúz Kazemzadeh, a Bahá’í. In this way, some two hundred persons, mainly non-Bahá’ís, were acquainted with the main tenets of the Bahá’í Faith. There was also a Bahá’í literature table but the supply of pamphlets was altogether inadequate to meet the demand.
Jamestown Teaching Conference[edit]
A teaching conference, sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Jamestown, N.Y., was held Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Hotel Jamestown. The theme of the Conference was “Completion of the Temple.”
The program was in the form of questions with direct answers from the Word of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian concerning the importance of this Mother Temple; its significance, spiritual and material; its bounties to the Bahá’ís who make sacrificial contributions; its ultimate benefit to the whole world.
Both questions and answers were given by the assembled believers with Miss May Lawson acting as chairman, and Dr. Shamey and Mrs. Wilkin serving as moderators. All Bahá’ís participated.
One of the highlights of the conference was a beautiful talk given by Mrs. Dorothy Holmlund on “Obedience.” Dr. Shamey concluded the conference with a short and vibrant talk on “The Twin Covenants of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”
Marriages[edit]
Lima, Ohio. Janet E. Spahr to John D. Wooddell, August 26, 1949
West Chester, Pa. Marguerite M. Bowers to A. Granville McCardell, August 31, 1949
For Greater Understanding[edit]
“Dearly-beloved friends! I feel it incumbent upon me, by virtue of the obligations and responsibilities which as Guardian of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh I am called upon to discharge, to lay special stress, at a time when the light of publicity is being increasingly focused upon us, upon certain truths, which lie at the basis of our Faith and the integrity of which it is our first duty to safeguard. These verities, if valiantly upheld and properly assimilated, will, I am convinced, powerfully reinforce the vigor of our spiritual life and greatly assist in counteracting the machinations of an implacable and vigilant enemy.
“To strive to obtain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation must, it is my unalterable conviction, remain the first obligation and the object of the constant endeavor of each one of its loyal adherents. An exact and thorough comprehension of so vast a system, so sublime a revelation, so sacred a trust, is for obvious reasons beyond the reach and ken of our finite minds. We can, however, and it is our bounden duty to, seek to derive fresh inspiration and added sustenance as we labor for the propagation of His Faith through a clearer apprehension of the truths it enshrines and the principles on which it is based ...”
The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh
Enrollments[edit]
Enrollments reported by
Local Spiritual Assemblies:
ARIZ., Tucson 1; CALIF., Escondido 1; Los Angeles 3; San Bernardino 1; Santa Monica 1; CONN., Greenwich 1; HAWAII, Honolulu 1; ILL., Chicago 1; Evanston 1; MICH., Detroit 1; Flint 1; MINN., Duluth 2; NEW JERSEY, Newark 2; NEW YORK, New York City 2; VA., Alexandria 1; WASH., Spokane 2; Tacoma 1. YOUTH 4
Enrollments reported by
Regional Teaching Committees:
NORTHEASTERN STATES
- East. N.Y. 1
- West. N.Y. 1
- E. Mass., R.I. 1
WESTERN STATES
- So. Calif. 2
- Alaska 1
- Idaho, Utah 2
- Ore. 1
- New Mexico 1
TOTALS: Adults, 33
- Youth, 4
|
Bahá’í News is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as the official news-letter of the Bahá’í Community. Edited for the National Spiritual Assembly by Bahá’í News Editorial Committee: Mrs. Roberta Christian, chairman, Mr. Richard Nolen, Mr. Gordon A. Fraser, Editorial office: Mrs. Roberta Christian, 1001 West Genesee St., Lansing, Mich. Please report changes of address and other matters pertaining to distribution to the Bahá’í National Office, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. |
|
Forwarding Mail
Bahá’í News cannot be forwarded, so if you are going on a vacation or going to be away for a time, request the one taking care of your mail to either hold it until you return or to re-address it and re-stamp it. If a forwarding address is marked on the envelope, it is returned to the National Office. This causes confusion, because we do not know whether this indicates that you have moved or are only away temporarily. When mail comes back, we must remove your mailing stencil and this means that you will receive no more mail until we have received word regarding your correct address. |
Directory Additions and Changes[edit]
Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries:
- Greenville, So Carolina
- Mrs. W. T. Bidwell (Temp.)
- 639 North Main St.
- San Diego, Calif.
- Mrs. Gladys Loudon
- 4037 39th St.
- Monroe, Wash.
- Mr. Ernest Walter
- General Delivery
- Duluth, Minn.
- Mrs. Grace Peterson
- Rt. 126, Box 290
- New York, N.Y.
- Miss Helen Campbell
- c/o Bahá’í Center
- 119 W. 57th St., Z. 19
- Santa Barbara, Calif.
- Mrs. Berdette Matteson
- 2820 Hollister Ave.
- Syracuse, N.Y.
- Mr. Frederick Schechter
- 1100 E Genesee St.
Regional Teaching Committees:
- No., So. Dakota, Minn.
- Mrs. Marie Tetu, Chairman
- Mrs. Helen Frink, Secretary
- 24 W Grant Minneapolis, Minn.
- Tenn., Ky.
- Mrs. Ethel Gabbard, Chairman
- Miss Mary R. Watkins, Secretary
- 913 Grove Ave.
- Nashville 4, Tenn.
In Memoriam[edit]
- Mr. Arthur J. Page, Roseville, Mich., 8-27-49
- Mr. Chester Evans, Milwaukee, Wis., 8-30-49
- Mrs. Nellie Winters, Milwaukee, Wis., 9-9-49
- Dr. Harriet Gillespie, San Francisco, Calif., 9-19-49
Calendar[edit]
FEASTS:
- Nov. 4, Qudrat—Power
- Nov. 23, Qawl—Speech
ANNIVERSARIES:
- Nov. 12, Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Suspend work.)
- Nov. 26, Day of the Covenant.
- Nov. 28, 1 a.m. Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Bahá’í Youth Committee of Alaska holds conference, attended by 19 in Anchorage, Aug. 14.
| Guardian | |
For Greater Understanding | 11 |
Act of the Governor’s office | 7 |
Addresses | 3 |
Alaska | 3 |
Annual Reports, Cont’d | 5 |
Around the Baha’i World | 7 |
Bahá’í News Deadline | 5 |
Calendar | 12 |
Directory | 12 |
Enrollments | 11 |
European News | 1 |
Eyes to the Blind | 3 |
Forwarding Mail | 12 |
| Fund | |
Assemblies Contributing | 4 |
Identify Checks | 5 |
Local Treasurers, Notice | 4 |
Score to Date | 4 |
Germany, Visit to | 10 |
Home Front | 4 |
Latin America | 8 |
Marriages | 11 |
Meeting the Crisis | 3 |
Memoriam | 12 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | |
Every Day is Important | 1 |
“Old Churches and the New World Faith” | 2 |
Outdoor Teaching | 9 |
| Pictures | |
Alaska Youth | 12 |
Bahia, Brazil | 9 |
Esslingen, Germany | 10 |
Hawaii | 1 |
Townshend, George | 2 |
Wood, Clara | 6 |
Publishing Announcements | 6 |
Public Relations | 2 |
Regional Visiting Meetings | 9 |
San Francisco | 11 |
