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NEWS |
| No. 231 | MAY, 1950 | YEAR 107 | BAHA’I ERA |
Temple Interior Construction
Progress to April 17, 1950
Temple Progress[edit]
By the early part of April the stone facing of the main Temple columns was more than 60 per cent completed. At the Earley Studios the casting of the large bay sections at the first gallery level is underway, and at least one bay was scheduled to be in place by Convention.
Almost all the structural steel work is in place. Heating and ventilating is installed complete, except for a few items which must wait until the balance of the interior work is done. The electrical installation is practically complete except for things which must also wait until other work is done.
Pole scaffolding has been erected, which will remain in position until such time as all stone work is completed. The curved concrete stair has been poured.
From the Guardian[edit]
(Excerpt from a letter to Mr. Hascle Cornbleth, dated Aug. 5, 1949, from Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary):
“As we suffer these misfortunes we must remember that the Prophets of God Themselves were not immune from these things which men suffer. They knew sorrow, illness and pain too. They rose above these things through Their spirits, and that is what we must try and do too, when afflicted. The troubles of this world pass, and what we have left is what we have made of our souls: so it is to this we must look—to becoming more spiritual, drawing nearer to God, no matter what our human minds and bodies go through.”
(Excerpt from another letter to Mr. Cornbleth, concerning the illness of Mr. Walter Olitzki, dated Sept. 5, 1949, from Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary):
“Cancer is such a terrible scourge in the world today! But when the believers are called upon to go through such bitter ordeals they have the faith to sustain them, the love of their Bahá’í friends to comfort them, and the glorious words of Bahá’u’lláh regarding immortality to give them confidence and courage. Blessed are we, indeed, even in the midst of our greatest trials.”
Calendar[edit]
19-Day Feasts:
- June 5—Núr—Light
- June 24—Raḥmat—Mercy
State Conventions[edit]
The following actions were taken by the National Assembly on recommendations received from State Conventions:
Alabama: recommends that recordings be made of the talks of outstanding speakers in the Temple.
- ACTION ALREADY TAKEN.
Northern California: recommends that clarification be made as to whether it is obligatory to vote for the full number of delegates allotted for each district. The Convention felt the same course as followed by the National Spiritual Assembly elections should prevail—that is, if the ballot is not completed, it should be discarded.
- VOTED TO PUBLISH IN BAHA’I NEWS THAT THE SAME OBLIGATION EXISTS FOR CASTING FULL VOTES AT THE STATE ELECTIONS AS EXIST FOR ELECTION OF ASSEMBLIES, EITHER NATIONAL OR LOCAL.
Southern California: recommends
(1) the desirability of compiling in pamphlet form, excerpts of teaching about the Prophets of God in progressive revelation as a first step in teaching.
- VOTED TO FILE THIS WITH THE MATERIAL ON SURVEY OF BAHA’I LITERATURE.
(2) that next year’s state convention have a means of badge identification for members in attendance.
- VOTED TO TURN THIS RECOMMENDATION OVER TO NEXT YEAR’S STATE CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE.
District of Columbia: recommends pamphlets supplied for distribution at special public meetings (for instance, World Religion Day) should be smaller, more convenient size to carry in pockets.
- VOTED TO PLACE THIS IN THE FILE FOR THE CONTINUING STUDY OF OUR PUBLICATIONS.
Idaho: recommends
(1) clarification of point of affording opportunity to the friends convening at State Conventions, at special holiday gatherings and anniversaries, to participate in special Temple contributions.
- VOTED TO RECORD THE VIEW OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY THAT CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE MADE AT HOLIDAY GATHERINGS AND ANNIVERSARIES IF NO PRESSURE IS EXERTED UPON THE FRIENDS.
(2) that more extensive and all-inclusive plans for State Conventions be inaugurated and encouraged and brought to the attention of all future Convention committees.
- VOTED TO POINT OUT THAT THE DELEGATES AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION COULD BE ASKED TO DISCUSS WAYS AND MEANS OF IMPROVING THE STATE CONVENTIONS.
Northern Illinois recommends
(1) that the financial report presented by Mr. Ioas be suggested to the National Spiritual Assembly as Bahá’í News material.
- VOTED TO RECORD THAT THIS WAS PUBLISHED IN BAHA’I NEWS.
(2) that the National Assembly consider in instructions for State Conventions next year, the setting up of a specific procedure in connection with casting of ballots which will overcome the policy of roll calls and the necessity of roll calling the votes of the absent members. Also that mailed ballots be counted beforehand.
- VOTED TO RECORD THAT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IS MAKING AN EFFORT TO WORK OUT A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE.
(3) that the National Spiritual Assembly make it part of the teaching program that teachers and spiritual Assemblies give a more definite understanding to the new believers of the financial obligation.
- VOTED TO RECORD THE FEELING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY THAT INCREASING ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN IN PREPARATION OF INCOMING BELIEVERS TO THEIR OBLIGATIONS.
(4) that an article be put in Bahá’í News pointing out that the deficit in the General Fund may temporarily have to be made up by borrowing from the Temple Fund, but since contributions to the Temple Fund are earmarked, it still must be repaid.
- VOTED TO RECORD THE VIEW OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY THAT WE FEEL THIS WAS MADE CLEAR IN THE TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT.
(5) that the National Spiritual Assembly institute special gatherings to raise funds for the General Fund to carry forward the teaching work.
- VOTED TO RECORD THE VIEW OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY THAT SUCH GATHERINGS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN ON THE INITIATIVE OF LOCAL ASSEMBLIES AND SHOULD IN NO WAY BRING PRESSURE TO BEAR ON INDIVIDUALS.
(6) that the National Assembly communicate to the Area National Teaching Committees the technique that has been described (by the Evanston community) and that a brief written statement about the technique be furnished to the National Assembly by Evanston so they may send it to the other communities for their use. Also that it be put in Bahá’í News so every one can have it.
- VOTED TO REQUEST THE EVANSTON ASSEMBLY TO WRITE THIS METHOD UP FOR BAHA’I NEWS.
(7) the National Assembly be asked to request the Regional Teaching Committee if a plan outlined in the recommendation could be instituted for this region.
- VOTED TO RECORD THAT THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY HAS DEVELOPED A TEACHING INSTITUTE WHICH IT IS HOPED WILL BE USED IN ALL THE ASSEMBLIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.
(8) that in the State Elections the names of only the first 14 (or whatever number of delegates is to be voted for) be read at the meeting, that the number of votes only be put in the official record going from the Convention Committee to the National Spiritual Assembly, and the number of votes not be given.
- VOTED TO APPOINT A SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO STUDY THIS RECOMMENDATION.
Southern Illinois: recommends suggestion to the National Assembly that in the future the meeting place of the Convention be planned on a rotation basis.
- VOTED TO RECORD THE POLICY THAT THIS RECOMMENDATION IS DESIRABLE, BEARING IN MIND, HOWEVER, THE NECESSITY OF MEETING IN AN AREA WHICH WILL BEST SERVE THE CENTERS OF POPULATION; THE LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.
Montana: recommends
(1) that we should have (when the austerity program does not interfere) a good basic index to all the
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writings of the Bahá’í Faith, and the
Koran and the Bible, which will be
under topic headings.
- VOTED TO POINT OUT THAT EXCELLENT BIBLE CONCORDANCES ARE AVAILABLE IN MOST OF THE LARGE CITY BOOK STORES.
- VOTED TO TURN THE INDEX SUGGESTION OVER TO THE INCOMING NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
- VOTED TO RECORD IN BAHA’I NEWS THE INDEX BY MARMADUKE PIKTHALL IN HIS TRANSLATION OF THE KORAN.
(2) we should have a good pronouncing gazette that would cover the Persian names as well as other pertinent terms relative to this Faith which would be phonetically broken down and make for correct and common usage.
- VOTED TO RECORD THAT DUE TO THE AUSTERITY PROGRAM PROJECTS OF THIS NATURE WERE DROPPED, BUT THE FRIENDS MAY FIND ONE PAGE OF PERSIAN PRONUNCIATION IN THE STORY SUPPLEMENT OF “GOD PASSES BY.” PHONOGRAPH RECORDS ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR AT A LATER TIME.
(3) we need a good primer that could be used to give to new seekers, that would contain more than the “principles” pamphlet but would not be as inclusive as the New Era.
- VOTED TO RECORD THAT ALL PAMPHLET LITERATURE IS BEING STUDIED FOR THE POST-AUSTERITY PERIOD.
(4) that Assemblies and groups study Rúḥíyyih Khanum’s suggestions as published in the December, 1949 and January, 1950, Bahá’í News on “Some Thoughts on Giving” with the idea of developing the highest potentialities out of our present membership. This would not be soliciting, merely a deeper sense of the ideas presented so that we would be using our resources to the fullest in this time of need.
- VOTED TO APPROVE THE SUGGESTION THAT LOCAL ASSEMBLIES CONSIDER THIS.
(5) that other states might be interested in the summer study session similar to the one held in Butte last summer which, in addition to attracting non-Bahá’ís, helped deepen the knowledge of the Bahá’ís.
- VOTED TO APPROVE THE IDEA THAT LOCAL ASSEMBLIES HAVE SOME CONCENTRATED SUMMER STUDY PROGRAMS.
Nevada recommends that the number of delegates allowed to each state or district be indicated on the voting list as well as on the Convention Call.
- VOTED TO TURN THIS RECOMMENDATION OVER TO THE INCOMING NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY FOR ITS STATE CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE.
New Jersey: recommends
(1) that the National Assembly ask the Guardian if a state Convention can be called, soon after the National Convention, to give a report of the highlights of the National Convention, by the delegates.
- VOTED TO CALL ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT INTER-ASSEMBLY CONFERENCES GIVE A LOGICAL PLACE FOR POST-CONVENTION REPORTS AT WHICH VARIOUS COMMUNITIES OR ADJOINING ASSEMBLIES, AS WELL AS GROUPS AND ISOLATED BELIEVERS IN THE AREA CAN BE PRESENT. THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HOPES MORE INTER-ASSEMBLY TEACHING CONFERENCES WILL BE HELD IN THE FUTURE AND SUGGESTS THAT ONE FOLLOW THE NATIONAL CONVENTION AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. SUCH CONFERENCES CAN BE CALLED BY THE REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEES.
(2) that future State Conventions be held in two sessions, with a recess for dinner, in order to complete the agenda.
- VOTED TO APPROVE THE SUGGESTION AND TURN OVER TO THE INCOMING NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR ITS STATE CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE.
New Mexico recommends
(1) that the National Assembly set up an employment office to help secure employment for those who wish to pioneer in the countries recommended for pioneering by the National Office, and that anyone having friends or relatives having businesses in those countries that might be able to employ pioneers, write that information to the National Office in order that the National Office may be able to recommend them as pioneers.
- VOTED TO POINT OUT THAT THE EUROPEAN TEACHING COMMITTEE AND THE INTER-AMERICA COMMITTEE HAVE MADE IT A PRACTICE TO GIVE ALL THE PRACTICAL ADVICE THEY CAN CONCERNING EMPLOYMENT TO PROSPECTIVE PIONEERS AND WOULD WELCOME ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ANYONE COULD SUPPLY.
(2) that the National Spiritual Assembly make a point of sending resident active, successful, qualified teachers to those communities whose activities are below par or weakened.
- VOTED TO POINT OUT THAT THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTED THE POLICY OF HAVING LOCAL ASSEMBLIES UNDER FIFTEEN CONTINUE TO RECEIVE TEACHING ASSISTANCE FROM THE REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEES.
(3) that Bahá’í literature be left in reception rooms of bus stations, hospitals, railroad stations and hotel lobbies in order that others may have greater opportunity to come in contact with the Bahá’í Faith.
- VOTED TO POINT OUT THAT THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES ARE AT LIBERTY TO ACT ON THESE SUGGESTIONS
(4) that Bahá’ís obtain more information about progressive movements in order to make it possible to better present the message to the various progressive groups.
- VOTED TO WARN THE FRIENDS THAT WHILE THIS IS A GOOD SUGGESTION IT WOULD BE UNWISE TO INVEST MUCH TIME IN OTHER MOVEMENTS DURING THIS PERIOD OF CRISIS.
Northern New York recommends
(1) that the State Convention Call of the future include the recommendation that believers—whether isolated or member of a community—who are unable to attend the Convention, plan to meet together in prayer in their own locality, during those hours and give their spiritual support to the Convention.
- VOTED TO RECORD APPROVAL OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THIS SUGGESTION AND TURN OVER THE SUGGESTION TO THE INCOMING NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
(2) that the National Spiritual Assembly find a medium of more personal contact between that body and the other believers for the purpose of creating greater unity and support amongst themselves and the believers as a whole.
- VOTED TO RECORD THE VIEW OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY THAT ANY PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR CARRYING THIS OUT WILL BE VERY WELCOME.
Southern New York: Teaching methods in the United States: Part of the report of the Long Island Committee indicated the great value of getting Bahá’í representation in strong community groups, such as Nassau County Women’s Forum, on which one of our Bahá’ís, Mrs. Cowan, is a representative.
- VOTED TO APPROVE IN PRINCIPLE
North Carolina recommends
(1) a condensation of The Glorious Kingdom of the Father Foretold as Stanwood Cobb’s Security for a Failing World.
- VOTED TO TURN THIS OVER TO THE INCOMING NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE CONTINUING STUDY OF PUBLISHING NEEDS.
(2) that effort be made to have authentic articles on the Bahá’í Faith published in some of the better class popular magazines, such as Life, American, Reader’s Digest, etc.
- VOTED TO TURN THIS SUGGESTION OVER TO THE PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE AND REMIND THE BELIEVERS AS WELL THAT THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEMPT SUCH ARTICLES.
Question from North Carolina: Would asking believers if they could attend the Convention, if elected, be considered “electioneering”?
- VOTED TO RECORD THAT DISCUSSION OF WHETHER A PERSON IS OR IS NOT COMING TO THE CONVENTION IS MOST EMPHATICALLY A FORM OF ELECTIONEERING.
Ohio recommends
(1) to ask the believers in the city chosen for the State Convention to arrange housing for those attending, through a committee, as the National Assembly does for those attending the National Convention.
- VOTED TO TURN THIS SUGGESTION OVER TO THE INCOMING NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR ITS STATE CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE.
(2) to ask the Regional Teaching Committees to plan a teaching conference for the day before the State Convention.
- VOTED TO RECORD THAT THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY HAS INCLUDED DISCUSSION OF THE STATE CONVENTIONS IN THE NATIONAL CONVENTION AGENDA.
Pennsylvania recommends
(1) that the National Spiritual Assembly clarify the relation of the isolated believers to the community—that is, whether or not an isolated believer is to be encouraged to attend the Nineteen-Day Feasts of a nearby community.
- VOTED TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO PREVENTION OF ATTENDANCE BY AN ISOLATED BELIEVER IN ADJACENT FEASTS AND IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED A COURTESY TO INVITE HIM IF HE DOES NOT BELONG TO A GROUP.
(2) that the National Assembly clarify the status of Bahá’ís in regard to voting in a political election.
- VOTED TO REQUEST THE FRIENDS TO REFER TO THE GUARDIAN’S WORDS IN “THE BAHA’I COMMUNITY.”
Virginia recommends
(1) that any appeals made for specific things (pioneers, etc.) by the Guardian be brought to the attention of the believers through special letters to the local Assemblies, Regional Teaching Committees, isolated believers—this special letter to be in addition to the regular insertion of such appeals in Bahá’í News.
- VOTED TO RECORD THAT THIS HAS BEEN DONE IN CASES WHERE THE NEED SEEMED TO WARRANT IT.
(2) that if any particular teaching theme be adopted for the coming year, consideration be given to “The Appearance of the Manifestation” as being the most important event of our time.
- VOTED TO TURN THIS SUGGESTION OVER TO THE INCOMING NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE NATIONAL PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE.
(3) that in order to give children in small communities (or isolated children) the feeling of belonging to a large group of children (wherein there would be greater challenges, exchanges of ideas, opportunities for meeting other children, etc.) regional child training centers be established.
- VOTED TO RECORD THIS SUGGESTION IN THE HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE GROUPS THAT CAN ADAPT IT TO THEIR OWN USE AND NEED.
Washington recommends consideration of re-issuance of The Oriental Rose by Mary Hanford Ford.
- VOTED TO TURN THIS OVER TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION.
West Virginia recommends to the National Spiritual Assembly that when printing the State Convention Agenda, to include the page numbers of the selections to be read from Bahá’í Administration.
- VOTED TO TURN THIS OVER TO THE INCOMING NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE STATE CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE.
The Home Front[edit]
MIAMI, FLA. A week’s visit by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ford brought two interviews on radio stations, public talks at one negro and one white high school, talk before 50 at a women’s club, public addresses on “One World or None” at Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, and a picnic with blackboard explanation by Mr. Ford of the Administrative Order. This community further says it has been getting free announcements of Bahá’í affairs weekly over the two most important radio stations.
Seeking to arrange a book display for World Religion Day the librarian gave permission on the condition literature be included from all churches. So at least one minister of many of the Protestant denominations and a priest of the Catholic Church was reached and all gave literature for the display, besides hearing of our Faith in turn. The display made use of the World Religion Map and a Temple picture, as well as the literature, and was placed in the downtown library.
MADISON, WIS. With the thought of unity as the keynote of our teachings, this community set up a project to draw members closer together. Once a month Bahá’ís and their families only, meet on Sunday for brief talks and discussion, followed by potluck supper, then games and fun, with all phases of the gathering being organized by committees. The friends are delighted with the spirit of these meetings, some ask that they be held oftener, and capacity and talent is continually being uncovered.
BRIEFS
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. Charles McAllister of this community has been speaking of the Faith on a team representing various religions at several places in the city ... MIAMI,
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FLA. On Mar. 5, James Whitehead,
associate director of National Conference of Christians and Jews was
guest speaker on program with Philip Marangella. At Sunday public
meetings, program committee has
been giving visitors boutonnieres
thus having a chance to talk with
them ... TUCSON, ARIZ. At an organizational meeting of youth in Arizona, Miss Rosella Schoeny was
elected secretary of Bahá’í Youth for
that state. Everyone had a grand
time, enjoying the dinner prepared
by one youth ... ANCHORAGE,
ALASKA. Commenting on the March
7 public meeting at which a Christian, a Buddhist, a Moslem, and a
Bahá’í held a round table on “The
Aim of Religion Is World Unity,” before an audience of 33, a visitor expressed admiration for willingness of
Bahá’ís to have public discussion on
various religions ... SYRACUSE,
N.Y. Observing a notice of a new
book on religions on a Utica College
bulletin board, Lowell Johnson found
the Bahá’í part to be inadequate and
unauthorized and called it to the attention of the Philosophy instructor
who was the means of his bringing
the real Message to 120 students, later, in his classes ... WATERLOO,
N.Y. Central New York Bahá’ís gathered Feb. 11-12 for a workshop on
“What is Religion” and “Bahá’í Principles in Action,” noting among other
conclusions that all principles and
solutions to problems are contained
in the love of God ... N. E. AREA
TEACHING COMMITTEE (excerpt
from letter referring to a new believer) “You find you cannot help
by working alone — that you must
give along with the efforts of a
group ... He entered into the Bahá’í
Faith to be able to give it whatever
support he can, not to ask for the
solving of his personal problems.”
(from same letter) “This particular
chap (another seeker) I speak of,
told me that every time I said the
Word ‘Bahá’í’ I looked beautiful! He
will realize some day that it wasn’t
I who looked beautiful, but the Word
itself!” ... KNIGHTSEN, CALIF.
Speaking on “The Underlying Causes
of Juvenile Delinquency”, at Brentwood High School, Dr. John Stroessler so impressed the group that he
and other Bahá’í speakers will be invited in the future. Though not speaking directly on the Faith, he was following the Guardian’s advice in “The Advent of Divine Justice” to associate with educational organizations
and enterprises ... HAMILTON,
MASS. The New England Teaching
Conference, Mar. 12 brought out this
point to the 70 attending: the Covenant is not only an agreement of stupendous proportion, but a promise
as well; a promise, the fulfillment
of which is conditioned solely by the
active acceptance by each Bahá’í of
his share of the responsibilities involved in this Document.
Around the Bahá’í World[edit]
CANADA
- (From Canadian Bahá’í News)
Twenty-five people enjoyed a week of study at the Bahá’í winter school at Beaulac in December, Bahá’ís from England, Calgary, Greater Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal, New York, Brooklyn and St. Lambert were represented at the session. At the morning class, some aspects of individual growth were considered under the theme, “Faith For Today.” Social emphases of the Bahá’í teachings were discussed at the evening sessions under the topic, “This Earth One Country.”
World Religion Day programs across Canada were reported successful. In spite of a howling blizzard, 40 people (of whom 10 were Bahá’ís) attended a Winnipeg World Religion Day symposium on the theme, “The Foundation of World Unity.”
INDIA, PAKISTAN, BURMA
- (From Bahá’í News Letter)
To the growing success of the Indian Bahá’í teaching and pioneer efforts, was added a note of tragedy on October 2, 1949 at Kamarhatti, near Calcutta when Akaloo Mian was stabbed to death by a Moslem fanatic.
To protect themselves against rising resentment among a portion of the Moslem population of the city, the local Bahá’ís had petitioned the Government for protection and had received it.
However, an armed Moslem entered a room where Bahá’ís were assembled for a daytime meeting and fatally stabbed Akaloo Mian, who was nearest, before losing his nerve and running from the building.
The assassin surrendered himself at the nearest police station after the crime. Authorities assured the Bahá’ís that justice would be done, and that no further injury would be done to them.
Latin America[edit]
Before these notes are published the Bahá’ís of Latin America, thirty-eight Assemblies and about twenty groups, will have entered their last, challenging year before the election of National Spiritual Assemblies in the Central and Southern regions. While these two new “pillars of the International House of Justice” will be under the wing of the NSA of the United States until the termination of the Second Seven Year Plan, the Latin believers have their hearts set upon the realization of this great goal, and they, too, are sacrificing their means and their time in dedicating themselves toward its achievement.
International Congresses[edit]
The friends will remember that last year two members of the NSA attended the Latin Bahá’í Congresses in Guatemala City and Sao Paulo. This year the same two representatives, also members of the Inter-America Committee, have again undertaken journeys into Latin America. Amelia Collins has gone to the Caribbean region for guidance and consultation with several of the Assemblies in the Islands before the Annual Meeting, while Dorothy Baker is sacrificing attendance at the Convention this spring in order to be with the Latin friends in their Congresses at San Salvador for the Central region, which is being held early in the Riḍván period, and at Lima for South America, which starts late in the Riḍván. Each Congress lasts for five days.
Delegates have been chosen in each country and we believe that all countries will be represented at their respective Congresses this year; also, that one or more members of most of the Assemblies will attend. Only delegates are given financial assistance, when necessary, and a number of delegates are paying all of their own expenses. We can appreciate what this means when we remember that average distances traveled by delegates to the South American Congress are at least twice as great as in the United States.
In addition to reports of National Teaching, Publishing, Bulletin and Radio Committees, the agenda for the Congresses includes a study of the responsibilities, methods, and problems of a National Spiritual Assembly, led by Dorothy Baker; reviews and discussions on Administration
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and Bahá’í procedure, methods
of teaching, preparation of native
teachers, and consolidation of local
Assemblies, led by Latin teachers
and delegates.
North American Pioneers[edit]
During the past month (March) two new pioneers have gone to Central America, Idabel Kent of Kansas City to Jamaica, and Larry Kramer of Chicago to Mexico. At the time of writing North American pioneers in the Latin field, by countries, are as follows:
- The Central Region
- Costa Rica, Louise Caswell
- Cuba, Josephine Kruka and Ruth Moffett
- Dominican Republic, Marsella Elena
- Guatemala, None
- Haiti, Amelie Pumpelly Bates and Matthew Bullock
- Honduras, Elisabeth Cheney
- Jamaica, Idabel Kent
- Mexico, Larry Kramer
- Nicaragua, Sheila Rice-Wray
- Panama, Cora Oliver
- Puerto Rico, Margaret Swengel; Edris Rice-Wray soon to return.
- El Salvador, None
Note that two of the above countries are without pioneers, and in two others (1) the projects are temporary.
- South America
- Argentina, None (1).
- Bolivia, None
- Brazil, Leonora Armstrong, Edmund and Muriel Miessler, Roy Worley
- Chile, None at present; Marcia Steward may return this summer
- Colombia, Gayle Woolson
- Ecuador, None (2).
- Paraguay, None
- Peru, Eve Nicklin
- Venezuela, Katharine Meyer
1. Mr. and Mrs. Miessler expect to go to Argentina for a six months teaching project in the near future.
2. Bob Miessler recently stayed in Quito for two months helping to consolidate the Assembly.
There are six countries in South America which are at present without a pioneer. It is a “Challenging Requirement of the Present Hour,” one which the Guardian has called upon us to meet,—that of sending qualified teachers to these lands still so much in need of deepening in the teachings of our beloved Faith.
To the Bahá’í Youth[edit]
(A letter from Rúḥíyyih Khanum)
(Continued from last month)
Rolling bandages and knitting mufflers and buying bonds and doing our part as civilians or workers, or even in some form of war service is not much, it’s just a minimum. It helps and it must be done, but it is only a palliative. The Bahá’ís’ task is bigger and harder; it is to BE a Bahá’í.
The other day a man asked Shoghi Effendi: “What is the object of life to a Bahá’í?” As the Guardian repeated his answer to me (I had not been present with the visitor), indeed, before he did, I wondered in my own mind what it had been. Had he told the man that to us the object of life is to know God, or perfect our character? I never really dreamed of the answer he had given, which was this: the object of life to a Bahá’í is to promote the oneness of mankind. The whole object of our lives is bound up with the lives of all human beings; not a personal salvation we are seeking, but a universal one. We are not to cast eyes within ourselves and say: “Now get busy saving your soul and reserving a comfortable berth in the Next World!” No, we are to get busy on bringing Heaven to this Planet. That is a very big concept. The Guardian then went on to explain that our aim is to produce a world civilization which will in turn react on the character of the individual. It is, in a way, the inverse of Christianity which started with the individual unit and through it reached out to the conglomerate life of men.
This does not mean we must neglect to prune our personalities and weed out our faults and weaknesses. But it does mean we have to do a lot of radiating out to others of what we know to be true through the study of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings. It also means, it seems to me that our “Administrative Order,” our Spiritual Assemblies, Committees, Nineteen Day Feasts and Conventions, present a near-at-hand and very challenging testing ground to us. If we don’t and won’t learn to work with our fellow believers as we can and should in our Bahá’í community life, then we cannot very well expect that the world is going to listen to us or follow our example; we are prone to think of our Administration as a set of procedures, a way of conducting Bahá’í business. Maybe that is why we do not get the results from it which we know we should get. It is not a bunch of regulations, it is a mould of oneness, a mould of joint life. Every single thing we conceive of as being Bahá’í—love, justice, lack of prejudice, fairmindedness, liberality, understanding, etc.—should find its living embodiment in our way of conducting as a group our affairs. When we have oneness on our assembly we will more than likely have it or be able to produce it in our community; when we get it as far as that, people will start entering the Cause in droves. Why shouldn’t they? What is the world looking for except just this, something that actually does enable people to work and live harmoniously together? Until we can do it ourselves why should we believe anyone else is going to be interested in our ideas really seriously?
That is why I felt that I could help that soldier, and beyond him all the others of my kind, suffering so grievously today, if I just made it a point of being a Bahá’í. A real one. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is credited with having said that the secret of self-mastery is self-forgetfulness. If there is anything wrong with the way our administration works it is this, that we just don’t forget ourselves. Our own little ego—or big one, as the case may be—goes right along with us into our Assembly or any other meeting; there we sit with our superiority complex or our inferiority complex or just our normal, healthy selves, waiting to impose our views or to get upset over an imaginary insult, or just to monopolize unconsciously time, or to be too tired to make the effort to contribute our legitimate share. I should be allowed to say this, in all humility and with deep sympathy for all my fellow Bahá’ís, as I served on many committees and once on an Assembly, and I look back with horror and amusement on my past follies and attitudes. I can remember how very important my point of view was to myself, how offended or distressed I got if it was not at least weighed with great consideration, how
[Page 7]
I sometime believed only I was a firm Bahá’í amongst those present who
were about to wreck the Cause by a majority decision in which I did not
share! We must be patient with not only others, but with ourselves too. But
also we must try much harder to be Bahá’ís in the place where it counts
most heavily—in our joint Bahá’í life.
There is really nothing easier in this world than to tell other people what to do; the pinch begins when you try to tell yourself what you ought to do and get yourself to do it! Even we Bahá’ís share in this commonest of human weaknesses. We are prone to fix our attention on the failings of our fellow believer, and thinking that if she (or he) were not such an impediment, the affairs of our group, assembly or community would run smoother. Of course, there is probably justification for our criticism. But the criticism is not going to help matters much; on the contrary, it is more likely continually to divert our attention from more important tasks. At the same time, some bias, some defect of our own, is no doubt a test and a hindrance to others as much as theirs is to us. The best way to overcome our weaknesses is, it seems to me, twofold: Try to perfect yourself, for if you are better it stands to reason the sum total of the community is that much better too; and direct your energies into really working according to the administration which is a living, dynamic thing, and not a set of do’s and don’ts.
Bahá’ís, quickened as they are by the fire of a living religious conviction, are for the most part conscientious in following the laws and principles of their Faith. They take pride in their teachings; they really love them and sincerely seek to live up to them. The sacrifices (for such they seem in the eyes of the sophisticated and the worldly) they make, such as not drinking, when it is the commonest social custom of the age, living a chaste and noble life in a society that for the most part believes any restriction on its sensual life to be unnecessary and unhealthy, accepting censure and even ostracism rather than go against the belief that all colors and classes are to be treated with absolute equality and associated with freely and lovingly—are gladly accepted as a means of demonstrating the reality of their Faith.
There is no doubt, too, that the believers have a high reputation for character and integrity amongst those who contact them. But for some reason or other, all our little weaknesses seem to come out in the working of the Administrative Order, perhaps because it is the touchstone Bahá’u’lláh has applied to the ills of the world. I have thought about this very much and wondered why it is so; for what my conclusion is worth, I offer it to others. It can’t be the whole answer—but maybe it will help a little towards finding it.
We have a tendency to put aside spiritual laws when we deal with administrative problems. If one thinks about it, this is the exact opposite of the whole concept of Bahá’í government. Bahá’u’lláh, the “Father,” has come to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. If we really believe this (which of course we do) then we must analyze it. It implies a world run by law, but spiritual law. It implies order, discipline, organization, but based on the principles given by God’s unerring Prophet and not constructed by the little, self-interested minds of men. It follows that the place where a Bahá’í should be most actively one, living up to his teachings to the fullest extent of his capacity, is in any gathering representing the Administrative Order. And yet so often you see a very fine Bahá’í put aside a lot, if not all, of his spiritual attitudes when he enters an Assembly meeting, or a committee or a Convention, and become a business man, a mere executive, or even something faintly resembling a politician! When this happens we may well suppose that inspiration and guidance from on High flies out of the window! We have plugged up the pipe line, and we are not going to be moved by the great spiritual forces of our Faith, but, just like the members of all other floundering councils of the world, by mixed motives, personality problems, individual aggressiveness, etc. I wonder why? Is it because we have the age old belief that God is something connected with a purely inner state, and there for the salvation of the soul and the after-life? Or because we feel we are competent to run any mundane affairs according to our own lights? Whatever it is, it is the thing that is preventing our Bahá’í community life from attracting large numbers to the Cause, because it is the
Annual Report, Audio-Visual Education Committee[edit]
C. L. Welsh, Dr. David S. Ruhe, Miss Doris McLandish, Secretary.
The Audio-Visual Education Committee has concentrated on the planning, organizing and writing that must precede future production. Until funds are available, no new production can be considered but much slow groundwork both in planning and writing can be accomplished.
The National Spiritual Assembly appointed this year a number of specialized panels to aid in this work. They were Planning, Reporting and Archives, Utilization, Distribution, Posters and Exhibits. This has greatly facilitated the work as each panel was able to concentrate upon its own particular phase of visual production and prepare for an efficient assembly line.
In the fall, the Visual Education Committee held a meeting of many believers in the Northeastern area who were interested in visual aids to teaching. At that time, those present voted “Progressive Revelation” as being of greatest importance as a film. The temple was also considered an important subject. Acting on these and other suggestions, the Planning Panel began a script for a second motion picture on the building of the temple intended as a means of conveying the spiritual significance of this structure. The preparation of a film on Progressive Revelation was considered to be a longer term project.
The Reporting Panel has made plans for a completely equipped darkroom to be installed in the Cabin at West Englewood, New Jersey. Members of the Panel have donated their equipment and time to make this possible. Duplication of motion pictures is also planned but will not yet be done in any quantity due to the expense of equipment, a pictorial archives was begun to aid in preparing slide films and it is hoped that a liaison, may be established with every Bahá’í community to aid with this and with the recording of Bahá’í activities for Bahá’í World and Bahá’í News.
The Utilization Panel began reviewing of films and film strips which are available from outside sources. Temporarily they also functioned as the Distribution Panel in answering requests for information about sources.
To the Bahá’í Youth (Cont’d.)[edit]
thing that is preventing us from showing that love and unity, amongst a body of people, for which the whole human race is starving.
We think too much of our capacities and abilities, and altogether too little of what the power of God can do through any little soul, however insignificant, who opens himself to that power. The greatest living example of what one person can do who hitches herself to the power of God, that I have seen, was Martha Root. Not that she was insignificant, she wasn’t; she was a fairly gifted and intelligent woman—. But what she accomplished was infinitely beyond her own resources. And she knew it. She also well understood the process at work. She used to say: “Bahá’u’lláh does it.” She was too modest to put the matter even more pointedly and say: “I let Bahá’u’lláh do it.”
“Meeting the Crisis”
“Study the Word”[edit]
In previous months this past year we have urged careful study of the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh and of the Master’s Will and Testament. Now that our Annual Convention is just past, a time when we turn our hearts to Haifa and think of the world growth of the Faith, we suggest a restudy of Rúḥíyyih Khanum’s pamphlet, Twenty-five Years of the Guardianship.
In this pamphlet Rúḥíyyih Khanum reviews the work of the Guardian in the first quarter century after the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. We see in perspective the gigantic problems which Shoghi Effendi faced, and we see how, under his leadership, the believers grew in understanding and arose to extend the frontiers of the Faith in all parts of the world. We can better understand our present Seven Year Plan with a background of this pamphlet.
After you have read the pamphlet thoroughly, check your knowledge with the following questions, looking up the answers when you are not certain.
Twenty-Five Years of the Guardianship[edit]
- What titles and functions did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá center upon the Guardian? (pp. 3-4)
- When was Shoghi Effendi first appointed, unknown to himself? (p.4)
- When did he become informed of his God-given responsibility? (p.6)
- In what way does the Master’s Will complete the Aqdas? (p. 4)
- To whom is the Huququ’lláh payable? (p. 4)
- Of how many documents is the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá composed? (p. 4)
- How old was Shoghi Effendi when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ascended? (p. 5)
- What University did the Guardian attend? (p. 5)
- What was the state of the believers at the time of the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? (p. 6)
- Did Shoghi Effendi ever attend the services in a Mosque? (p. 7) Why?
- What two major tasks had the Guardian accomplished by 1923? (pp. 7-8)
- What was accomplished in the Administrative Order between 1923 and 1934? (p. 8)
- What is meant by the Guardian’s “vision of the Cause”? (p. 8)
- What is the ultimate purpose of the present day Administrative Order? (p. 9)
- Which community became the arch pattern? (p. 9)
- What is known as the “Spiritual Mandate,” as the “Vehicles of the Divine Plan”—for the American believers? When were they disclosed to us? When did the Guardian call American believers to action? (pp. 10-11)
- When did the Guardian ask for pioneers? Who were they? (p. 11)
- What were some of the achievements, by the Bahá’ís in the Cause, during this first 25 years, under the guidance of the Guardian? (p. 12-13)
- How many local Assemblies existed in the Western Hemisphere by 1944? (p. 13)
- What are the goals of the Second Seven Year Plan? (p. 13-14)
- Why have our enemies failed to establish anything outside the Faith which could thrive or prosper? (p. 14)
- Trace the world advancement of the Cause (pp. 14-15)
- Trace world development at Bahá’í literature. (pp. 15-16)
- What did the Guardian himself, singlehanded, accomplish during this period? (pp. 16-18)
- Who was the first Bahá’í Queen? (p. 18)
- What units comprise the foundations of the structure calculated to hold up the future “dome” (International House of Justice) of the Bahá’í World Faith? Why was not the International House established first? (p. 19)
- List some of the Covenant-breakers. (pp. 20-22)
- What discipline of the personal ego is necessary to achieve “unity”? (p. 22)
- How are we to regard our triumphs over the Covenant-Breakers? (p. 23)
- How does the principle of “successorship” resemble the hub of a wheel? (p. 23)
- What recent publication has been the greatest single factor in helping the American believers to appreciate the significance and station of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh? (p. 24)
- Name some of the translations by the First Guardian for the English-speaking believers. (p. 24)
- What helps to sustain the Guardian? (p. 26)
- What should be the aim of the first recipients of the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in “history’s darkest years”? (pp. 26-27)
(*See Bahá’í News No. 191, pp. 9-15)
For Meditation[edit]
The following quotations are suggested for Meditation during the month (one for each week).
(1) “O People of God! Be not occupied with yourselves. Be intent on the betterment of the world and the training of nations.”
(2) “Religion is the greatest instrument for the order of the world
and the tranquility of all existent beings.
(3) “Verily justice is My gift to
thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes.”
(4) “It beseemeth all men, in this
Day, to take firm hold on the Most
Great Name, and to establish the
unity of all mankind. There is no
place to flee to, no refuge that any
one can seek, except Him.”
European News[edit]
The spirit of the new believers in Europe is exemplified in the following quotation from a letter recently received from Denmark:
“Thank you ever so much for your heart-warming letter to me, for the pictures of the House of Worship and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and for the little book....
“Please forgive me my long silence. I have been ill in bed for over two months, and I have been feeling depressed because I could not help in the Cause, but I have read a lot and the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and Shoghi Effendi have encouraged me immensely....
“You are right in saying that this wonderful new spiritual adventure is the great blessing that can be vouchsafed to any of us, and I cannot tell you how thankful I am to have had the chance of getting in touch with Bahá’í pioneers; and how much I admire you Americans for undertaking the task of sending pioneers out to the world....
“We are a very small group here in Copenhagen, but a very happy one. We are trying our best to spread the Wonderful News and we realize that we must devote all our spare time to translate as much as possible.... only by reading does one begin to understand many things, and by reading more and more one gets the courage and the hope to live a real life....”
Naw-Rúz was the occasion for a wonderful celebration in all of the cities of the goal countries. Reports have come that this meeting was the best attended one of the year and was truly a joyous occasion. The ETC received many Naw-Rúz greetings from the different communities with the request that they convey to all the American believers their love and gratitude.
On April 1, the first Bahá’í wedding in Switzerland took place in Basle. The bride is the first Bahá’í of Basle and the bridegroom a Persian, a third or fourth generation Bahá’í from Teheran. Miss Honor Kempton of the Geneva ETC office officiated at the Bahá’í service. She reports that the family of the bride were so deeply impressed with the beauty and the significance of this service that they now wish to
Library display set up in East Providence, R. I.
make a systematic study of the
Teachings. Thus through this happy
event the city of Basle will be opened
to the Faith.
Plans for the Conference to be held in Copenhagen in July are going forward, and from all reports this Conference will have the largest attendance ever yet assembled. This year, for the first time, a summer school session is to be held, directly following the Conference.
Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
The Annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will be held June 24 at West Englewood, N. J. from noon until evening. This is to remind the friends that they are welcome to attend this annual gathering in remembrance of the visit of our beloved Master to America.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
Bahá’í World Faith, bound in red leather. This important book, was published in commemoration of the Centennial of the Bahá’í Faith and a copy should be in every Bahá’í Library. 466 pages gilt tops, bound in flexible red leather and containing over 1600 excerpts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Price per copy.....$5.00
The Bahá’í Centenary. Record of America’s response to the Call of Bahá’u’lláh, published for the Centennial of the Bahá’í Faith. 254 pages bound in blue fabrikoid. Price per copy.....$2.00
In years to come these books will be invaluable, and when present stock is exhausted, will probably not be available.
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LSA’s Please Note The budget for the National Library Committee does not allow donations of The Bahá’í World, Vol. X to the important large public libraries in the country. Will the local Assemblies make an effort to contribute this volume in large cities and notify us for our files? —NATIONAL LIBRARY COMMITTEE
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa L.S.A. incorporated Apr. 25, 1949, with the L.S.A. members at that time, l. to r. (seated) Charlotte Thornton, Edna Mackinson, Ruth Burrill (Mrs. John A.), Etta Little (Mrs. C. C.). (standing) Frank Mittvolsky, Luella Balsiger, Marguerite Ashlock (Mrs. Ray), Anne Iben, Ted (C. C.) Little.
Directory Additions and Changes[edit]
Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries:
OCEANSIDE, CALIF.
- Mrs. Louise Sweeney
- 1632 S. Nevada St.
GREENWICH, CONN.
- Mrs. Margaret Ruhe
- 41 Center Drive
- Old Greenwich, Conn.
OMAHA, NEBR.
- Mrs. Josephine Jones
- 6714 Lake St., Zone 4
BERGENFIELD, N. J.
- Miss Doris McCandlish
- 87 N. Washington Ave.
In Memoriam[edit]
- Mrs. Henriette Corrodi, Columbus, Ohio 3-5-50
- Mrs. Margaret Beinecke, Carmel, Calif. 3-9-50
- Mrs. Hampton Williams, Vienna, Va. 10-5-48
- Mr. George Haecker, Jamestown, N.Y. 3-19-50
Marriages[edit]
Wilmette, Ill. Miss Bahia Faraju’llah and Mr. Robert L. Gulick, Jr., Jan. 17, 1950. Mr. E. W. Mattoon, chairman of the Wilmette Local Spiritual Assembly presided. A story and picture appeared in Wilmette Life.
Davison, Mich. Miss Laura Moore and Mr. Robert Markovich, Feb. 25, 1950. Mr. Gordon Fraser, chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Flint presided.
Urbana, Ill. Miss Kathleen Boland and Mr. Farhang Javid, Dec. 22, 1949, at the Bahá’í Center.
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?
Where is an early photograph of Bahá’ís of Tokyo? See Bahá’í World,
Vol IV, p. 491. |
Florida State Convention, Miami. Jan. 29, 1950
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Prayer for the House of Worship
O Lord, make these holy souls who have arisen to build this Temple the dawning points of light and the manifestors of Thy signs. Make each a leading cornerstone in this great edifice, a pillar of its pillars, for Thou art the Helper, the Supporter, the Rewarder! These souls have arisen to serve Thee well, and have begun their servitude. Confirm, aid and encourage each by the promise of Thy divine favors and make them of the elect. Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the Powerful, the Able, the Giver, the Shining, the Hearer and the Seer! O God! O God! I implore Thee with throbbing heart and streaming tears, to aid each one who endeavors for the erection of the House of the Lord, the building wherein Thy Name is mentioned every morn and eve. Send down Thy benediction on whomsoever endeavors for the uprising of this Edifice among the sects and religions, and confirm him in every good deed of mankind; open the doors of riches and wealth unto him and make him an inheritor of the treasures of the kingdom which perishes not; make him the sign of giving among the peoples and reinforce him by the sea of Thy generosity and bounty, which is surging with the waves of grace and favor. Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Merciful and the Bountiful! —‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
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Ruhaníyyih Moffett stands between the Masonic Youth and Cuban National flags with the group of enthusiastic young Masonic men, one of the eager audiences when she and Josephine Kruka flew to Cuba to help open up new goal cities. In the first month there, February, Mrs. Moffett gave lectures in many Masonic Lodges, the University of Havana, Rotary Club, Havana Women’s Club, Cultural Circles in Havana, Mantanzas, Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, and also the Theosophical Society.
Contributions from Assemblies for the Month of March, 1950[edit]
Alaska—Anchorage. Arizona—North Phoenix, Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas—Eureka Springs, Little Rock. California—Alhambra, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Carmel, El Monte Twp., Escondido Twp., Fresno, Glendale, Glendale Twp., Inglewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Monrovia Twp., Oakland, Palo Alto, Pasadena, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica.
Colorado—Colorado Springs, Denver. Connecticut—Greenwich, Hartford, New Haven. Delaware—Wilmington. Dist. of Columbia—Washington. Florida—Miami. Georgia—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. Massachusetts—Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan—Battle Creek, 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. Nebraska—Macy, Omaha. Nevada—Reno. New Hampshire—Portsmouth. New Jersey—Dumont, East Orange, Englewood, Jersey City, Newark, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque. New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Geneva, Jamestown, New York, Syracuse, Waterloo, Yonkers.
North Carolina—Greensboro. North Dakota—Fargo. Ohio—Cincinnati, Cleveland, E. Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Lima, Toledo. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester. Rhode Island—Providence. South Carolina—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. Wisconsin—Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa. Wyoming—Laramie.
Number of Assemblies | 174 |
Assemblies contributing | 148 |
Assemblies not contributing | 26 |
Groups contributing | 59 |
Individuals contributing | 101 |
| Special contributions: Copenhagen, Denmark, Assembly |
| Score to Date — April 15, 1950 on Response to the Temple Fund | |||
| Group | Number | Estimated for 2 years | |
| $400 | 139 | ................ | $111,200.00 |
| $100 | 530 | ................ | $ 106,000.00 |
| $ 25 | 549 | ................ | $ 27,450.00 |
| *Special | 1122 | ................ | $244,128.00 |
| Totals | 2340 | ................ | $488,778.00 |
| Received against above resolves | $348,253.91 | ||
| *All resolves not falling in other three categories. | |||
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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. |
Enrollments[edit]
Enrollments Reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies:
CALIF., Fresno 1; Glendale 1; Los Angeles 4; Monrovia 1; Monrovia Twp. 2; Palo Alto 1; COLO., Colo. Spgs. 1; ILL., Chicago 4; Oak Park 1; MASS., Boston 1; MO., St. Louis 1; NEW YORK, Jamestown 1; New York City 1; SO.
CAROLINA, Greenville 1; WIS., Wauwatosa 1; YOUTH 7.
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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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Enrollments Reported by Regional Teaching Committees:
NORTHEASTERN STATES
- E. Mass., R.I. 2
- E. New York 1
CENTRAL STATES
- Mich. 3
- Ill., Iowa 1
WESTERN STATES
- No. Calif., Nev. 3
- Alaska 1
- So. Calif. 7
- New Mexico 1
- Ore. 1
TOTALS:
- Adults, 42
- Youth, 7
Memorial Gifts[edit]
(Memorial gifts have been made during the months of February and March in the names of the following:)
A. Charles Adams, Mrs. Everett Anderson.
B. Horace Benton, Ella M. Beeson, Margaret Beinecke, Henry Benning, Mrs. Elvira Benning, A. C. Bechtold, Wendell Bacon, Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Bonowitz, Bennie Bonowitz, Theodore Sylvester Baker.
C. Henrietta Corrodi, Eugene F. Curley, Dr. Frederick Hills Cole, James W. Champion, Sr., Grace Call, Oliver Call, Ray Call, Harvey Call, Amelia Conrow.
D. Elinore E. Duckett, Mrs. Adeline Duff, Kirk Dooley.
F. Stuart W. French, Mrs. Maverette A. Fisher, Husband of Mrs. Maude Fisher.
G. Robert Lee Gulick, Mrs. Adeline S. Gulick, Wm. E. Goetting, Gustaf Wilhelm Gustavson, Donald P. Gibson.
H. Lida M. Harvey, Wm. T. Harvey, Joseph F. Haylen, Carl L. Henning, Anna H. Henning.
K. Helen Kent, Earl Kent, George Kuhlman, Mrs. Clara Knox.
L. Brother of Lester Long, H. Morton Langrall.
M. Khaykh Faraju’llah Zaki Al-Kurdi Marivani, Mary B. Martin, Ada Mary Murray, Max McArthur, Elizabeth Muther, Mr. McVicker, Ella J. Meissner.
N. Mario Nie, Mother of Margaret Naismith.
O. Christ Olsen, Augusta Olsen.
P. George Pappas, Jeannette Pam, Martin Parks, Charles Parker.
R. Mrs. Ida Rinne, Adolph Rinne.
S. John Stahlheber, Hannah Sobel, Margaret Schneider, Bruno Schneider, Robert Schlilaty, Leon Stern, Mildred Rae Smith, Mrs. Thomas Stroppel, Harry Lucius Sehmer.
T. Alphonse Tetu, Anthonia Tetu, Mrs. Emma Thuerman.
V. Ralston Vollmer, Frederick Van Meer.
W. David Seymour Willard, Amelia B. Willard, Richard Wilkinson, Mrs. Richard Wilkinson, Mary Livingston Willard, Evelyn Watson, William Weisman, Gustave Sherman Wistadt, Mrs. Cornelia Ann Whicker, Augustine F. Wilburt, Evelyn Watson.
Y. Harlan R. Young.
| Guardian | |
Messages to Individuals | 1 |
Addresses | 12 |
| Annual Reports | |
Audio-Visual Education Committee | 7 |
Around the Bahá’í World | 5 |
| Audio-Visual Education Committee | |
Report | 7 |
Calendar | 1 |
Contributions from Assemblies | 11 |
Directory Changes | 10 |
Enrollments | 12 |
European News | 9 |
Home Front | 4 |
Latin America | 5 |
Library Committee Announcement | 10 |
Marriages | 10 |
Meditation | 8 |
“Meeting the Crisis” | 8 |
Memorial Gifts | 12 |
Memoriam | 10 |
| Pictures | |
Cedar Rapids LSA incorporated | 10 |
Florida State Convention | 10 |
Library Display, E. Providence | 9 |
Mrs. Moffett in Cuba | 11 |
Temple | 1 |
Programming Committee | 8 |
Publishing Committee | 9 |
| Rúḥíyyih Khanum | |
“To the Bahá’í Youth” | 6 |
Score to Date | 12 |
Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá | 9 |
State Conventions, NSA Actions | 2-4 |
Temple Prayer | 11 |
Temple Progress | 1 |
“To the Bahá’í Youth” | 6 |
