| ←Previous | Bahá’í News Issue 246 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
| BAHÁ’Í NEWS |
| Bahá’ís of the United States |
| NO. 246 | BAHÁ’Í YEAR 108 | AUGUST, 1951 |
The Twin Houses in ‘Akká[edit]
(We reprint, from the British Bahá’í Journal, a letter written from Haifa by Lotfullah Hakim, a member of the International Bahá’í Council. The account has been edited, at Dr. Hakim’s request, before publication).
I would now like to tell you a little about the two houses of Bahá’u’lláh at ‘Akká. These two houses are historically very important in the Bahá’í world. When we know a little about their history and some of the events with which they were connected during the lifetime of the Blessed Beauty and of the Master, we realize their importance.
These houses are old and very large. Bahá’u’lláh and His family occupied the top storey of each. After having been confined in barracks for two years, He moved from house to house, eventually settling in these two houses, which are known as the Eastern House and the Western House. First He and His family lived in the house on the eastern side and in His room in this house, now known as the Master’s Room, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas was revealed. Later Bahá’u’lláh moved to the Western House.
While living in these two houses, some difficulties arose between His followers and those of Azal, and some of the Azalis in ‘Akká were killed. Bahá’u’lláh knew nothing about it, but He and the Master were called to the Governorate and interrogated. He was kept in a room for 24 hours and the Master (‘Abdu’l-Bahá) was chained in a dungeon for about two days. At Last They were found absolutely innocent and were allowed to return to the house, but with guards and in strict confinement.
Very many other events happened while They were living in these houses. It was from these that Bahá’u’lláh sent out His most important Tablets addressed to the kings and rulers, to the Pope and to other important personages in the world. It was also here that the Master was married.
Should I go on writing on different historical events that have happened in these two houses, I will never be able to finish this letter. At any rate, the Western House where Bahá’u’lláh was living has a balcony. His room and balcony faced the sea. For nine years Bahá’u’lláh lived in this place and did not see any verdure or green until once He said that He had not been out and seen verdure or green all that time. This gave the Master a clue. There was a Pasha who lived in ‘Akká and showed great enmity to Bahá’u’lláh. He had a mansion at Mazra’ih, some few miles from ‘Akká. The Master went to him and said: ‘Why don’t you live in your mansion?’ He replied: ‘I am ill and cannot live there alone. It is too far away from town.’ ‘Then in that case,’ the Master said, ‘rent it to us.’ After some persuasion he agreed, and the Master rented it for a period. Then the Master prepared a carriage and when everything
Terraces leading to the Shrine of the Báb on Mt. Carmel. The recently built two additional terraces can be seen at the top of the avenue; there is now a direct access from the Shrine to the city.
was arranged, He went to Bahá’u’lláh and told Him that
a beautiful place, the mansion at Mazra’ih had been
prepared, and that a carriage was ready to come to
take them to live there. Bahá’u’lláh said: ‘I am a prisoner here.’
The Master asked Him on three different occasions and each time received the same answer, so He did not insist any more. But He went to a certain noble man in ‘Akká who was a very daring man, and although a great friend of Bahá’u’lláh, was not a Bahá’í. He said to this man: Go to Bahá’u’lláh and beg that He should come out. Do not leave Him until you get His consent. The man went to Bahá’u’lláh and said: ‘My Lord, a lovely mansion is prepared for you. Everything is ready; why don’t you go and live there?’ ‘I am a prisoner,’ Bahá’u’lláh replied. But the man answered: ‘No one can imprison you. You must come out.’ He begged and insisted so much that at last Bahá’u’lláh consented. He told the Master and the next day Bahá’u’lláh and the Master drove out through the gates of ‘Akká in a carriage. The guards were standing at the gates, but said nothing.
The Blessed Beauty stayed for a few days in the garden of Riḍván, then came back to ‘Akká. After a little while He went to Mazra’ih, where He stayed for over two years, and then He went to live in Bahjí until He passed away.
I was writing about the two ‘Akká houses. While Bahá’u’lláh was living at Bahjí with His sons and others,
[Page 2]
the Master, with His wife and sister (the Greatest
Holy Leaf) were living in ‘Akká in the Western House.
Every day the Master used to visit His Father. Then
came Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension. Muḥammad-‘Alí and his
brothers rose up against the Master and did not obey
Bahá’u’lláh’s Will. They began to intrigue and cause
all kinds of trouble. For five years the Master tried
His best to help them recognize the truth, but they
refused to do so and broke Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. He
was living in ‘Akká with His sister while they were
enjoying themselves at the Mansion in Bahjí. He did
His best for five years with no effect, so He was
obliged to sever the connection.
At this time He was always very depressed. After He had left His brothers to go on their own way, the first party of American pilgrims came to Him at ‘Akká; His life changed, so to speak, and He became happy. But every time He went to visit Bahá’u’lláh’s shrine at Bahjí, the Covenant-Breakers would laugh at Him and mock Him from the balcony of the Mansion. They began a continuous intrigue with the Government against the Master, until at last the Committee of Investigation came to ‘Akká; the Master was kept in close confinement and His life was in great danger. You know the history of this episode very well and there is no need for me to give an account of it.
After all this had happened, the Master came to live in Haifa. The houses in ‘Akká began gradually to go to ruin. Some of the friends were living in the lower storey of the houses, and the upper storeys were empty. Our beloved Guardian had the upper storeys of the two houses where Bahá’u’lláh, the Master and the family used to live, restored and repaired. Lately he has prepared all kinds of furniture, historical pictures, etc., and furnished the two houses. Electric light has been introduced into both, except for the rooms of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master. These have been left absolutely intact, with the same old furniture and beds of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master as they had before.
For three days (February 28th, March 1st and 2nd) the Guardian and I went early in the morning to ‘Akká and came back late at night. We had several of the friends from Bahjí and Mazra’ih there helping. The Guardian would arrange what to put in each room and how and where to put it. There are a good number of books—the Bahá’í World, volumes of the “New Era” in different languages, etc.—in the main hall and the office. There are beds and carpets in the rooms. In the central hall, a very nice model of the Temple at Chicago is on the table....
Now the two houses are ready for the friends to visit and for tourists to see, just as the Mansions of Bahjí and Mazra’ih are. In fact, the rooms are so arranged with beds that in the future, pilgrims will stay there comfortably for one or more nights and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the place.
National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.
National Treasurer, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Bahá’í News Editorial Office—see notice elsewhere in this issue.
“Delighted Progress Temple”[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly shares with the friends this cablegram from the Guardian received June 17, 1951: “Delighted (with) progress (of) Temple ornamentation. Praying (for) extension (of) range (and) consolidation (of) splendid, unforgettable achievements.”
The Two-Year Plan of Preparation[edit]
Recognizing the need to deepen our individual knowledge of the Faith, to strengthen our community life through a better understanding of the administrative order and to broaden the basis of our public teaching program, the National Spiritual Assembly, last year, adopted a Two Year Plan of Preparation to be implemented by the National Projects Committee. This Plan was announced in the March issue of Bahá’í News. The basic elements of the plan are:
- Institutes (Group Study)
- Preparation for enrollment
- Deepening classes for new believers
- Public meetings
- Follow-up meetings
- Firesides
- Prestige promotion
- Individual Teaching (making and developing contacts; “Telling the Story”)
This balanced project is the focal point of our Bahá’í
activities in this critical period. Wherever it has been
fully utilized, it has proven of immense value. Reports
which have come in on the Spring Series of Public
Meetings indicate that the communities participating
were delighted with the programming and materials
furnished them, enabling them to hold effective public
meetings.
The institute on the Covenant and Administration has perhaps been the most widely used technique of group study ever undertaken by the believers in this country.
The second Institute, previously announced in the Two Year Plan, will be available in August. The National Projects Committee is now preparing for the Fall Series of Public Meetings and Follow-up meetings. Bulletins for these, giving dates, themes and materials available, will be sent to all Communities and A.N.T.C.’s.
The National Spiritual Assembly urges that each believer, each community, each A.N.T.C., each R.T.C., and each local teaching committee examine again the salient features of the Two Year Plan, so that each one will take his part in this vital undertaking. Only through the cumulative effect of the action of each individual believer can the American Bahá’í Community become virile and inspired to demonstrate that the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh alone can redeem the world.
Assembly Meetings[edit]
Mr. Willard P. Hatch received a letter from the Guardian, written through his secretary on October 29, 1950 with this reference to meetings of local assemblies.
“The Spiritual Assembly must decide how often it should meet in order to properly handle the affairs of the Cause under its jurisdiction. Twice a week or twice a month is not the point, the point is that it should be alert and carry on the work adequately.”
[Page 3]
View of the completed dome, June 26, 1951. Work on the interior is nearly completed. Bahá’í News will carry a set of views of the interior ornamentation in an early issue.
Corrections in the Guardian’s Messages[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has been directed by the Guardian to make corrections in two of his recent cables published in Bahá’í News.
In cable dated March 21, the sentence at beginning of second paragraph should read: “Approaching Centenary (of the) birth (of the) prophetic Mission (of the) Founder (of the) Faith, (the) virtual consummation (of the) fifty year project culminating (in the) termination (of the) interior ornamentation (of the) Mother Temple (of the) West, (the) risks involved (in) any delay”, etc. The last sentence in the third paragraph should read: “Austerity period previously affecting (the) fortunes (of the) American Bahá’í community unavoidably prolonged (and) now extended (to) embrace (the) entire Bahá’í world in recognition (of the) pressing needs (and) paramount importance (of) this glorious international task.”
In cable received April 25, the next to last sentence should read: “(Our) distinguished co-worker, Millie Collins, Vice-Chairman (of the) International Council (is) acquainting you (with the) pressing problems (and the) projected plans (and the) contracts afoot designed (to) accelerate (the) process initiated (in the) Holy Land (for the) furtherance (of these) supreme, momentous, highly meritorious objectives.”
Will each believer make these corrections in his copy of these cables, so that the correct text may be maintained in his records of the Guardian’s words.
Ten New and Restored Local Spiritual Assemblies[edit]
Beloved friends:
The Bahá’í Directory distributed with this copy of Bahá’í News calls for careful consideration. It is a living document, informing each believer of the functions, membership and address of all national committees and all regional committees serving until April 30, 1952. How many letters are received by the National Assembly asking for information which the annual Directory places in the hands of every Bahá’í!
Furthermore, the Directory lists the local Spiritual Assemblies of the United States, at present numbering 163. The traveling believer making use of his Directory can meet the friends in any of these cities he visits, and every visit to a Bahá’í community enlarges our sense of the Bahá’í world.
For local Assemblies, the Directory points out the great number of national and regional committees appointed for the sole purpose of rendering each one its particular form of service to the Bahá’í community.
Let us pause to greet the seven newly formed Assemblies: Altadena Township, San Gabriel Township and Beverly Hills Township, Calif., Anchorage Recording District, Alaska, Highland Park, Mich., Mamaroneck, N.Y., and Brookfield, Wis.
Greet also the three Assemblies restored after dissolution: Butte, Mont., Mansfield, Ohio, Penn Yan, N. Y.
In these ten localities, nine or more adult Bahá’ís have become trustees of a divinely endowed institution. So vast is its potentialities that for all of us in the early stage of a new and small community the efforts of the Assembly members seem feeble indeed. They have no material estate to administer, no wealth to distribute, no worldly prestige to bestow. Rather is their inheritance the most formidable problems of human relationships, their glory sacrifice, their work mysterious, their duty a trust to God.
Just as in its first stages, the growth of the tree is within the earth, in darkness, unseen, the thrusting out of roots seeking nourishment from the soil, so are the first years of every local assembly a development of inner forces and powers, a building of new attitudes, a slowly emerging awareness of the way in which God in this era has associated man with the laws, the principles and the institutions of His Kingdom. Here faith rather than human ingenuity points the way to growth; here humility rather than cleverness prepares the tools by which in coming years the institution will do its part in redeeming man and society.
To each assembly the Master has given assurance of celestial aid, warning that destruction will come if it fail in unity. To serve an assembly, the individual must do the work of God. A Bahá’í institution is no one’s possession, for it has descended to us from the world of creation, the realm of the Prophet, and in its apparent simplicity and weakness a power greater than the world lies concealed.
“The Books of God Are Open”[edit]
The author, E. S. Campbell, based the title of this compilation upon two quotations, one from the Bible, “... and the books were opened and another book was opened.” (Revelation 20:12) and “The Book of God is wide open and His Word is summoning mankind unto Him.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, XCII, pp. 183, 4).
In this 13-page mimeographed booklet, there are more than twenty quotations from the Bible and an equal number from the Bahá’í Writings, proclaiming the oneness of the Prophets and the coming of the Glory of God in this day.
As a reference source for Bahá’í writers and speakers, this is a veritable treasure chest. But of even greater importance is the fact that here, Bahá’ís will find the answers to questions asked by their Christian friends concerning fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Here indeed, in words from the Christian Scriptures, and in the words of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, are to be found logical explanations of such challenging statements as
- The Great Day of God—Impending Cataclysmic Upheavals
- The Best Beloved is Come—The Appearance of the Manifestation of God
- The Most Great Peace—The Kingdom of God Upon Earth
Available through the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 50c per copy.
Are We Prepared?[edit]
The Delegates at the 1951 Convention very solemnly cabled to the Guardian that “we are prepared” to meet the heavy responsibilities of the present Bahá’í year, as well as to take advantage of the glorious opportunities this fateful year offers to this community, already so greatly blessed and favored by the beloved Master, and now by the beloved Guardian.
This issue of Bahá’í News carries an outline of our financial structure for this Bahá’í Year, and explains that the budget of $450,000 approved by the Guardian, includes $200,000 for the Shrine work (to be met through our National Treasury); $75,000 for Temple Landscaping; and $175,000 for national operating expenses.
The National Assembly now shares with the friends, the status of our various Funds after two months of the Bahá’í Year have passed, during which time, our contributions were 50% less than the Budget requirements. As contrasted to this slowness in arising to meet our financial need, the funds needed for the Shrine Work in Haifa and Italy, have far exceeded the anticipated schedule of payment by the National Fund. Thus it has been necessary to borrow funds from the Temple Interior Construction Fund to meet the Shrine needs:
Cash on hand April 30, 1951 | $ 3,256.21 |
Contributions during May and June 1951 | 14,814.67 |
Funds cabled to Haifa and Italy | 56,000.00 |
Amount expended over cash and receipts | 37,929.12 |
Amount owed Temple Construction Fund April 30, 1951 | 10,000.00 |
Deficit June 30, 1951 (owed Temple Construction Fund) | 47,929.12 |
Payments to be met in July | $33,000.00 |
and in August | 15,000.00 |
Payments on the Shrine Account can only be met from
contributions to the National Treasurer for that purpose,
and from Resolve Payments. The Resolve Plan (set up
at the request of the Delegates at the 1951 Convention)
of $275,000 contains $200,000 for the Shrine work. Unfortunately, responses to the Resolve Plan have been
very disappointing. As of June 30, 1951, there have been
received only 269 responses, totaling payments of
$31,338.14 during the year; of which $7,756.36 were in
cash.
Cash on Hand April 30, 1951 | $12,328.35 |
Contributions received during May and June | 24,094.62 |
Total | 36,422.97 |
Payments during May and June | 31,815.74 |
Cash on Hand June 30, 1951 | 4,607.23 |
Total Estimated Construction costs | 892,000.00 |
Amounts paid to June 30, 1951 | 802,610.00 |
Balance to be paid | 89,390.00 |
Cash and Securities on hand | 40,957.51 |
Amount due on loans to Shrine of Báb Fund | 47,929.12 |
Amount short of goal | 503.37 |
American Bahá’í Financial Structure[edit]
May 1, 1951 to April 30, 1952[edit]
- Our promise to the Guardian—“We Are Prepared.”
Budget:—Approved by Shoghi Effendi
National Bahá’í Fund | $175,000.00 |
Temple Landscaping | 75,000.00 |
Shrine of the Báb | 200,000.00 |
| ————— | |
| $450,000.00 | |
What each Fund covers:
- National Bahá’í Fund—All collective national activities of the Faith, including European, Africa and Latin American teaching, etc. — but, excepting Temple Landscaping and contributions to the Shrine of the Báb.
- Temple Landscaping—This year’s proportion of estimated cost of landscaping the Temple grounds.
- Shrine of the Báb—Payments we must collectively meet to cover contracts made by the Guardian for marble, steel, cement, etc. in Italy, for the Shrine. The payments have been set up in the contracts on a monthly basis of approximately $16,750.00.
How the Funds are derived:
- National Bahá’í Fund—Principally, from contributions of Assemblies and Groups to the National Treasurer. Some individuals, particularly isolated believers, make contributions for this Fund, directly to the National Treasurer.
- Temple Landscaping, Shrine of the Báb—These two Funds have been combined into the Resolve Fund. This Fund of $275,000 is derived from Resolve payments, principally by individuals, to the National Treasurer. Some contributions are received from Groups and Assemblies for this Fund.
How each and every one can participate:
- Individuals—Support the Local Fund. Make as substantial Resolve payments to the National Treasurer as possible.
- Groups—Support the National Bahá’í Fund. Operate as economically as possible.
- Local Assemblies—Curtail Budgets all possible. Operate as economically as possible. Support the National Bahá’í Fund.
- Committees—Local and National
Operate as economically as possible.
- National Assembly—Curtail Budgets all possible. Operate as economically as possible. Meet payments on Shrine of the Báb contracts, amounting to $200,000.00 out of the Resolve Fund.
Individuals given permission to send contributions direct to Shoghi Effendi in Haifa.
The Guardian, in message received April 25, 1951, graciously gave permission to individuals to make contributions directly to him in Haifa; over and above the individual’s local and national responsibilities. This message from the Guardian, makes it clear that funds transmitted directly to him will be used to meet expenses incurred in the Holy Land, in connection with Shrine construction, etc.
When an individual sends funds directly to the Guardian, it can be handled readily, as follows:
For amounts $1.00 to $20.00: Purchase American Express
[Page 6]
Domestic Money Orders and mail them to
the Guardian.
For amounts $21.00 and more: Purchase American Express Foreign Money Orders. These Foreign Money Orders are transmitted by the American Express Company to the person for whom the donation is intended, and the name of the donor is not supplied to the recipient abroad. Thus it is necessary for each one who contributes by purchasing a Foreign Money Order to advise the Guardian of the gift, supplying him with the number indicated on the receipt which the American Express Company provides the donor.
In instructing the Express Company where to deliver the Foreign Money Order, and in writing the Guardian, the correct address is:
- Shoghi Effendi Rabbani
- P. O. Box 155
- Haifa, Israel
Send your communication Air Mail, the rate being 25 cents per ½ ounce.
Marriages[edit]
Detroit, Mich., Mina Mary Alice Pearson (non-Bahá’í) to Mr. Frank R. Catlin, June 16, 1951
Kent, Ohio, Miss Hazel Messimore to Mr. John Rourke June 9, 1951
Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Mabelle Party to Mr. Hector Garcia (non-Bahá’í) Nov. 4, 1950
Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Ora Taylor to Mr. Clarence Sandman (non-Bahá’í) June 2, 1951
Chicago, Ill., Miss Dolores Higgins to Dr. Hushang Javid June 15, 1351
Chicago, Ill., Miss Jean Cleveland to Mr. James Groundwater (non-Bahá’í) June 30, 1951
Seattle, Wash. Miss Barbara Jones to Mr. Dale A. Enger (non-Bahá’í) date not reported.
Two displays representing living religions, arranged by the Bahá’ís of Boise, Idaho, on the second annual World Religion Day. Left: Hinduism. Right: Sabeanism.
In Memoriam[edit]
Death Proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.
- Mrs. Rena White, Omaha, Nebr. May 29, 1951
- Mrs. Mabelle Anderson, Shorewood, Wis. May 21, 1951
- Mrs. Anastasia Meyerowitz, Essex, Maryland, June 21, 1951
- Mr. William Muffler, Marseilles, Ill. date not reported
- Mrs. Eolah Bartley, Western Springs, Ill. July 5, 1951
- Mrs. Alice Raith, Kittery, Maine, July 1, 1951
- Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, San Francisco, Calif. July 12, 1951
- Mrs. Cynthia Fannie Lee, Beverly, Mass. July 10, 1951
- Mr. Bernard Daly, Anchorage, Alaska, July 9, 1951
- Miss Gesena Koch, Los Angeles, Calif. July 26, 1951
- Mr. Louis G. Gregory, Eliot, Maine, July 30, 1951
Braille Slates Needed[edit]
As the Committee, Bahá’í Service for the Blind, is making plans for the training of future transcribers, in order to fill the increasing needs of blind inquirers, it would be greatly appreciated, in view of the high cost of equipment, if those believers having braille slates which they will no longer use, would donate them to this Committee, so that they may be put into valuable service. Kindly communicate with Bahá’í Service for the Blind, 616 N. Oxford Avenue, Los Angeles 4, Calif.
Are You Burying Your Talents?[edit]
Believers who have acquired training and experience in new occupations since filling in their vocational questionnaire cards, are requested to send up-to-date information to the National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, for adding to the Bahá’í vocational files. This applies especially to those who have entered new vocations or occupations with a view to making a career of them, and also to those who have acquired valuable experience in some new field of activity.
Any Bahá’í may secure a copy of the questionnaire card by writing to the National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters. If you have not already filled one in, why not do it now? The purpose of compiling and filing this information is so that we may be able to make greater use of Bahá’í talent in various ways as we near the end of the austerity period. We can best promote the Faith of God, if we let our talents shine. (A vocational questionnaire card is mailed to every newly enrolled believer.)
Second Call for Material Bahá’í World, Volume XII 1950 - 1952[edit]
The Editorial Committee for The Bahá’í World is issuing a renewed appeal for material for this permanent international record of the Faith. The Guardian has recently combined the volumes for 1946-48 and 1948-50 into one, Volume XI. Thus the volume for 1950-52 becomes Volume XII (instead of XIII).
The time is growing short for assembling material for Volume XII. The Editorial Committee therefore urgently requests all who have material to send, to do so at the earliest possible date. This is the time for you to write that article with an interesting approach to the Faith, which you have had in mind for some time, remembering that The Bahá’í World is read and consulted by non-Bahá’ís who seek information on the Faith, in public and university libraries. Therefore the articles should be of an impersonal nature, accurate, and well written. They should be between 3,000 and 5,000 words in length, and typed, double space, and two copies submitted.
Material for Bibliography and Directory sections is urgently requested, and the Committee hopes that all National Spiritual Assemblies who have not already done so, will send this material for Year 107 and 108 (if available), as soon as possible.
Detailed list of material appropriate for The Bahá’í World was given in the first Call for Material for the 1950-1952 volume published in Bahá’í News, January, 1951, p. 7.
Let us gladden the overburdened heart of our Guardian by providing accurate, interesting articles, historical data and clear photographs for this permanent record of the progress of the Faith in the world.
Please address all material to: Bahá’í World Editorial Committee, Box, 548, Evanston, Illinois.
Radio Scripts Available[edit]
Script number one from the 1951 National Radio Committee is now available. It is an interview script with two Persons taking part. It is called: “What Is the Bahá’í Faith?” This script can be obtained by writing to: William B. Sears, Chairman, National Radio Committee 4643 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The cost for the script is 25c plus postage. Ask for Script 151.
A one minute spot announcement is also available. This announcement is 45 seconds long with 15 seconds left open at the end for a local insert relative to local meeting times, etc. This can be obtained for 5c plus postage. Ask for Spot 151. If your order is delayed until just before you may want the script and it is necessary to send it air mail special, be sure to include sufficient postage. The Radio Committee is operating on an austerity budget. The cost of the scripts is to cover the cost of preparing and mimeographing. Direct all orders to: National Radio Committee, William B. Sears, Chairman, 4643 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Archives[edit]
The National Archives Committee has been authorized by the National Spiritual Assembly to send out another appeal to the believers to send in their Tablets, letters of the Guardian, sacred and historical relics and photographs, with all possible data, in these critical and uncertain times.
The NSA requests that “all Regional Teaching Committees, Area National Teaching Committees and the local Spiritual Assemblies take up with the believers the important matter of Archives material and sending it for preservation to the Archives.”
The Committee would also ask the friends that when gifts for the Archives are brought to the Temple in the absence of the secretary, to please acquaint her of the fact so that they may be properly recorded. Material should be sent in care of the secretary, Mrs. Gertrude S. Struven, 714 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill.
For Your Reference Library[edit]
Star of the West and Bahá’í Magazine for the years 1913 to 1935 are still available at 10c per copy, net. These publications contain a wealth of material of inestimable value as a source of interesting facts to be used by Bahá’í writers and speakers. In addition to authentic data concerning the history of the Faith, these magazines carry numerous photographs of early believers, and of the beloved Master. Send orders to the Bahá’í Publishing Committee.
Teaching Projects in Latin America[edit]
Bahá’ís wishing to offer their services in the Latin American teaching field for settlement or short projects are invited to write directly to the National Teaching Committees of the two Latin American territories.
South American Teaching Committee: Mrs. Mary de Beckett, Apto. 772, Lima, Peru.
Central American Teaching Committee: Mrs. Elena Marsella, Apto. 513, Panama City, Panama.
Spanish literature may be purchased from Miss Mabel Sneider, Apto. 2008, Ancon, Canal Zone.
BAHA’I NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. Copies are sent without charge to Bahá’ís throughout the United States, and to Bahá’í administrative bodies in other lands. Its purpose is to keep members of the Faith informed of international, national and local Bahá’í developments, and serve as an organ for the distribution of messages written by the Guardian of the Faith, the International Bahá’í Council, and the general announcements prepared by the American National Spiritual Assembly.
Reports, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from national assemblies of other lands.
Bahá’í News is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1951-52: Miss Garreta Busey, Managing Editor; Mr. Wm. Kenneth Christian, Miss Mae Graves, Mrs. Doris Holley, Mr. Horace Holley, Chairman, Mrs. Flora Emily Hottes, Mrs. Eleanor Hutchens, Mrs. Ruth Jones. EDITORIAL OFFICE: 502 West Elm Street, Urbana, Illinois, U.S.A.
[Page 8]
WORLD RELIGION DAY
Group gathered in the YMCA at Burbank, California, Jan. 21, 1951.
Third Annual World Religion Day[edit]
World Religion Day plans for 1952 were announced this month by Bahá’í Public Relations in a letter addressed to all Bahá’í communities. The third annual observance of World Religion Day will be held January 20, 1952, the third Sunday in the month. Last January, more than 150 Bahá’í communities participated in the event.
In creating and planning World Religion Day, Public Relations’ long-range view is to educate the public’s understanding of World Religion. This is being done step by step, in a yearly accelerated and accumulative process. Thus our theme remains the same: World Religion is the only possible source of world unity and peace. Based upon progressive revelation and raised above all religious, national and racial prejudices, the Bahá’í theme is a unique contribution to the world no other religion can make.
For Bahá’í communities, then, World Religion Day is an obligation and a privilege to patiently and determinedly educate public opinion to this true understanding of World Religion. In this respect, World Religion Day gives Bahá’í communities the opportunity of proclaiming through a public event the very essence of our teaching: World Religion. It also provides an opportunity of reaching the public through almost every known channel of communication.
The present Public Relations survey (reported in May 1951 Bahá’í News) brought more than 150 returns to the questionnaire sent to all local communities, groups and regional teaching committees following last year’s World Religion Day. The survey, and a study of more than 1,000 press clippings headlining World Religion Day, demonstrate the tremendous value of advance planning. It also illustrates the importance of the communities availing themselves of the widest possible use at World Religion Day material and approaches.
As a result of this survey, Public Relations has produced a World Religion Day Kit containing complete program materials. The “package” includes publicity releases, radio spot announcements and programs, information on planning and publicizing a World Religion Day program, how-to-do-it section on exhibits and displays, a large blow-up of World Religion Day press clippings for display purposes and promotion aimed at local newspaper editors and radio program directors. Also included in the Kit is a pamphlet outlining the purpose of World Religion Day.
These materials will be released by Public Relations in September. This suggested calendar plan of action enables Bahá’í communities to dismiss and plan their World Religion Day programs and schedules at the Feast of Names, August 20. National publicity on World Religion Day will break on November 15.
For all information concerning World Religion Day, write Bahá’í Public Relations, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Display of Bahá’í literature, Boise, Idaho on second annual World Religion Day.
Bahá’í Relationship To United Nations[edit]
As the believers know, a relationship has existed with United Nations for several years. It began with an application made by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada for recognition as a national non-governmental organization, and this application received favorable action.
The National Assembly became authorized to have observers at United Nations sessions, and to appoint delegates and observers to attend United Nations conferences within America open to non-governmental organizations. A United Nations Committee was appointed to conduct activities related to United Nations on behalf of the Bahá’í community.
The next step was to apply for recognition of the international Bahá’í community as an international non-governmental organization. To do so, each of the other National Assemblies authorized the American Assembly to act for it in relation to United Nations. This method was approved by the Guardian. The result has been to open the door to Bahá’í observers at United Nations Conferences in many parts of the world. The title of the National Assemblies in relation to United Nations is “The Bahá’í International Community.”
All non-governmental organizations make contact with UN through its Department of Public Information, Section for Non-governmental Organizations. The status of the non-governmental organization has been defined by the Section for Non-governmental Organizations in a letter written to the Bahá’í United Nations Committee.
“The Department of Public Information does not accredit organizations, but accredits the person nominated by an organization as an observer. This system is similar to the accreditization of newspaper correspondents, which does not give accreditization to the paper, but to the man. Of course, the accreditization of the observer or the correspondent is dependent upon the standing of the organization or paper. This may seem a fine line, but it is specifically designed to avoid the impression that we give status to organizations as such. The only way in which an organization can receive status from the United Nations is through having been granted consultative status by the Economic and Social Council.”
This definition of the Bahá’í relationship to United Nations is important. In referring to that relationship in public talks or publicity, the correct statement to make is: Bahá’í observers are accredited from the Bahá’í International Community (or from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States if reference to the national non-governmental organization is intended).
As to the question of securing consultative status through the UN Economic and Social Council, the matter was taken up with the Guardian some time ago. To make application, an international organization of a fixed and centralized type not yet existing among the National Spiritual Assemblies is required. The Guardian himself as the international Head of the Bahá’í world community does not enter into such arrangements with United Nations or other organizations. He advised against attempting to apply for consultative status at this time.
A record or history of Bahá’í activity in United Nations matters should be prepared. In addition to participation in a number of UN regional and international conferences, four Bahá’í documents have been formally submitted: “A Bahá’í Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights,” 1947; “A Bahá’í Statement on the Rights of Women,” 1947; and “The Work of Bahá’ís in Promotion of Human Rights,” 1948. On November 9, 1949, a letter was addressed to United Nations explaining the Bahá’í concept of worship, in connection with the effort of UN to formulate a method of worship acceptable for use in its future prayer building. This letter and the reply received from the office of the Secretary-General were published in Bahá’í News for February, 1950. The first three statements were reprinted in World Order Magazine, and the fourth in Bahá’í News for February, 1950.
On May 9, 1947, the Guardian wrote through his secretary to explain why he was encouraging Bahá’í association with United Nations, and this letter was published in Bahá’í News for July of that year. “He feels that the friends should bear in mind that the primary reason that he is encouraging Bahá’í association with the United Nations is to give the Cause due publicity as an agency working for and firmly believing in the unification of the human family and permanent peace, and not because he believes that we are at present in a position to shape or influence directly the course of human affairs! Also, he believes this association will afford the believers an opportunity of contacting prominent and progressive-minded people from different countries and calling the Faith and its principles to their attention. We should associate ourselves in every way with all movements of UN which are in accordance with our principles and objectives; but we should not seek to take the initiative or ... focus a glare of publicity and public attention on a very wide scale upon ourselves which might prove very detrimental to our own interests. He considered, for instance, the ‘Bahá’í Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights’ appropriate and believes this type of action to be wise and suitable.”
Other references in words of the Guardian were published in Bahá’í News of September, 1948. From cable dated April 16, addressed to the Convention: “Recognition extended to the Faith by United Nations as an international non-governmental body, enabling appointment of accredited representatives to United Nations conferences is heralding world recognition for a universal proclamation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.” From cable of April 26, 1948, a passage included recognition by United Nations as one of the achievements of the American community, “whose spokesmen are securing recognition of the institutions of Bahá’u’lláh’s rising world order in the United Nations.” From letter dated May 18, 1948: “The recognition given your Assembly (as representative of the other National Spiritual Assemblies) by UNO as a non-governmental body entitled to send representatives to various UNO conferences, marks an important step forward in the struggle of our beloved Faith to receive in the eyes of the world its just due, and be recognized as an independent World Religion. Indeed, this step should have a favorable reaction on the progress of the Cause everywhere, especially
[Page 10]
in those parts of the world where it is still persecuted, belittled, or scorned, particularly in the East.”
The above explanation concerning why there is no connection between the Bahá’í community and UNESCO is made in response to a subject raised at the 1951 Convention. It would not be proper for any local Assembly, as an institution of the Bahá’í community, to initiate its own direct contact with United Nations. Our national and international contacts with UN are conducted through the duly appointed United Nations Committee of the NSA. If opportunities arise which make it possible for any local community to cooperate in a conference or activity of United Nations, the local Assembly will be informed. In the same manner, it would not be suitable for any individual believer, on the basis of our collective recognition by UN, to attempt any personal contact. The National Assembly has requested that all Bahá’í contacts be made through and by the United Nations Committee.
The Africa Teaching Campaign[edit]
The Africa Teaching Campaign is proceeding with swift and challenging developments. Five National Arsemblies have now been linked by the Guardian in this great Crusade. Seven new territories have been added by the Guardian for pioneer settlement in Africa. Uganda, The Gold Coast and Tanganyika are the goal areas to which British and the United States pioneers will go. Egypt has been called on to send pioneers to Libya and Algeria. Persia is despatching pioneers to Somaliland, Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia. India has been asked to forward pioneers to Zanzibar and Madagascar. These areas added to the eight in Africa where Spiritual Assemblies now exist make seventeen African territories which are now within the pale of the Faith.
The British Bahá’ís, putting aside their year of respite, launched the Africa Campaign. Already the British Africa Committee has by its determined efforts succeeded in getting five pioneers to Tanganyika. It is expected that there will be nine or ten Bahá’í pioneers there by late summer. The U. S. Africa Committee is swiftly overcoming the handicaps of its late start. We rejoice to announce that twenty Bahá’ís of the United States have volunteered for pioneer work in Africa. The Committee is now exploring every possible lead to find work openings for these friends. Two Bahá’ís have helped to speed up the progress immeasurably by offering to deputize an African pioneer for one year. It now appears that two Bahá’í pioneers from the United States will soon be ready to leave.
This is but a beginning for the United States and we trust it will insure a powerful “follow through” in additional pioneers and efforts to further the Africa Teaching Campaign. In the meantime, those who wish to help the Africa Campaign on the home front should remember that there are numerous African students studying and working in college communities during the summer. They can be contacted and shown Bahá’í courtesies with an end to interesting them in the Teachings and making them friendly toward the Faith. When they return to their homeland they will carry an understanding and admiration of the Faith to their peoples. From Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington we have had most interesting reports of the contacts Bahá’í groups and individuals have made with African students. The committee welcomes such news.
The Committee will also welcome news of any job openings or contacts regarding such openings. Above all we hope that the friends will constantly pray that pioneers will arise dedicated to this teaching objective and that opportunities for service in Africa will speedily develop in order that the United States Bahá’ís may contribute a generous share to this “vast, momentous, newly-launched, historic enterprise.”
Let us remember that this work is very close to the Beloved Guardian’s heart. His recent cable to the Committee evidences this.
“Praying fervently success. Urge strenuous endeavors.”
News From Other Lands[edit]
Germany and Austria[edit]
Miss Bertha Matheisen, traveling in Germany and Austria reports to the National Spiritual Assembly, that on the Gripsholm, sailing for Europe September, 1950, there was “a contingent of Baptist ministers from Scandinavian countries, two of whom accepted Bahá’í literature. A Swedish reporter for a Gothenburg paper asked for an interview and promised to carry an article on the Faith. He had visited American relatives who lived in the Temple area and was supplied with Bahá’í literature.”
Miss Mathiesen found one young woman in Innsbruck who was already mildly interested in the Faith and who later declared her acceptance. It is not possible to carry on public work in Innsbruck.
In Vienna she spent nineteen days with the friends in an effort to re-establish their Assembly. They were conducting a public class at which she spoke twice. She also met with a number of individuals in their homes. Eight outsiders were present at the commemoration of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, all of them educated people. “The most interesting to me,” Miss Mathiesen writes, “was a Catholic priest, a pastor of a reformed Catholic Church, who has succeeded in bringing the clergymen of Vienna together for weekly talks.... It seemed thrilling to me that in the darkened area of Vienna, on a cold and desolate night, with inadequate transportation (no taxi available until you reach the English zone) and in a city of strange disappearances, our little group of steadfast Bahá’ís were able to hold aloft this flaming torch of light!” The Assembly was re-established.
In Munich she found the people very open to the idea of a federation of European States and a world language, but it was difficult for them to accept the divine origin of these ideas. The NSA of Germany and Austria was very desirous of establishing a Spiritual Assembly in Munich, and Miss Mathiesen thought that this could have been achieved had it been possible to
[Page 11]
find living quarters there. Living conditions are very
trying in Germany, as food is as high as in the United
States and wages are very low.
Canada[edit]
The Canadian National Convention, held in Vancouver April 27, 28, and 29, was memorable because of the gift of a lock of Bahá’u’lláh’s hair, presented by the Guardian and Rúhíyyih Khánum. This established a spirit of reverence and unity which pervaded the session. “Rain was falling outside the windows, but the warmth and sunshine of Bahá’í love and unity being built inside our hearts was felt throughout the room, and when holding this precious gift, one was conscious of the oneness of hearts throughout the whole world, united in the love of Bahá’u’lláh.”
In such a spirit the delegates cast their votes for the Fourth National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada, which then proceeded to organize. The results are as follows: John Robarts, Chairman; Rowland Estall, Vice-Chairman; Laura R. Davis, Secretary; Emeric Sala, Treasurer; Rosemary Sala, Lloyd Gardner, Mae McKenna, Winnifred Harvey, Sigfried Schopflocher.
There was some mirth at one of the sessions, when a hat was placed on the table for the resolves of those present. The hat yielded 21 resolves, totalling $6,592.00.
The Canadian Bahá’í News for June carries the announcement that the great difficulty of finding a pioneer for Greenland has been resolved. Palle Bischoff, a young Bahá’í of Copenhagen, has been appointed by the Danish Government to be manager of a fishing station at Egdesminde for four months of the year. He will be in Govkussak as manager of another station for the winter months. Those Americans who were in Copenhagen for the European Conference last summer will remember Palle, who was tireless in his service to the Cause and to all the individual Bahá’ís. He acted as chairman of the public meeting held in Copenhagen at that time. To the Greenland Committee of the Canadian NSA, he writes, “It is exciting and I pray that I will be able to light the fire of the love of God among the people there so that the unity and harmony of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh will be manifested also in that country.”
Finland[edit]
From the Geneva Bureau News Exchange we learn that there is an active study group in Finland.
“Thanks to the valiant pioneering efforts of Josephine Kruka, and other travelling teachers before her, the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh has finally taken root in Helsinki, Finland’s capital. A believer writes: ‘I want to thank you so much for your letters and for the books I received a few days ago. They help us in our study of the Bahá’í Faith. At our last meeting we had seven people present. I read parts of the International bulletin I had translated into Finnish, then we had discussion. ... We had two new guests for whom we repeated the 12 Principles of Bahá’u’lláh. My son gave some music, then we had refreshments. My greatest wish is that some day, we will be able to have a real Bahá’í organization.’ She wrote a fortnight later that at the next meeting they had eight persons. ‘All participants were surprised that the Bahá’í Cause is established on such a large scale throughout the world.’ They have meetings once a fortnight, and are looking forward eagerly to Josephine’s return from the USA some time in May. They need literature very badly, primarily in their own language of course, but they can also use it in English.”
American News[edit]
Publicity Crosses Border[edit]
Johnny Eichenauer, former Central American pioneer, cites us an interesting case of how the Faith moves on and is introduced to whole new groups of people. When he was in Panama attending the historic Convention which elected the first National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico, Central America and the Antilles, he read an article published in a Panama newspaper, about a public Bahá’í program in which Dr. Lasso de la Vega, well-known lawyer and professor of the National University of Panama, appeared jointly with Horace Holley. Dr. de la Vega, who is not a Bahá’í, gave an address entitled “A Refuge for Humanity”, in which he said among other things, “Disputes and bloodshed seem to have increased in the course of history ... but there have always been idealists. The Bahá’ís will be able to gain the goal of peace because of the scientific structure of the plans which they propose”. In conclusion he remarked, “I believe that the Bahá’í Faith is extremely interesting because it develops what the people need and it does not exclude anyone”. Mr. Holley’s talk on a similar theme, was well reported at some length in the same article.
Johnny brought the newspaper back to Phoenix with him, and at a fireside showed the article to Mr. José Rosell, director of “La Voz del Pueblo” (The Voice of the People), a Mexican-American news sheet. Mr. Rosell was at once interested, rewrote the article for his own paper, and accompanied it with a picture of the assembled Bahá’í delegates in Panama, including “our reporter, J. Eichenauer”. Johnny states that Mr. Rosell also wanted a mat of the Temple, and adds that he hopes that the enthusiasm of this new and influential contact may open the way for some more Spanish-speaking believers in the Phoenix Community, whose only Latin-American member had moved to Los Angeles
Youth Activities[edit]
The Bahá’í Youth News for June, 1951, carries some interesting items, among them two accounts of successful youth activities in places where there are no young Bahá’ís, or only a few. In Arlington, Virginia, where there were no Bahá’í Youth, the Washington, D. C., Youth Group arranged a meeting to observe, at the same time, Naw-Rúz and World Youth Day, and twenty-five attended. The program was a symposium drawing its non-Bahá’í speakers from the local high school dramatics class.
Latin America Holds Historic Conventions[edit]
Acclamation by Bahá’í World Community[edit]
“Together, then, we press forward,” wrote the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, “in service to Bahá’u’lláh, undismayed by the calamities of the world, assured of the nobility of our task and relying upon His grace and inspiration.
“As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed in His Tablet to a party of Latin Americans through Martha Root in 1920: “Since a sweet scent is wafted towards me from the rose garden of your thoughts and aspirations, My heartfelt wish
Those attending the first National Convention of Central America.
Those attending the first National Convention of South America.
compels Me to write you this letter
... You will see how the world is
upset with internal conflict and
many lands are dyed in human
blood ... The source of all these
catastrophes is racial fanaticism,
patriotic fanaticism, religious fanaticism and political fanaticism. The
source of these fanaticisms is ancient imitatians, religious imitations,
racial imitations, patriotic imitations
and political imitations. As long as
following such imitations persists,
the very foundation of humanity is
wrecked and the world of man is in
great jeopardy.
“Now since you are the servants of the world of humanity, you must strive with your heart and soul, in order that the human world may be delivered from the darkness ... and attain to the light of the Divine World.... Today the world of humanity will not find peace and tranquility except through these Teachings....”
Forty-four Assemblies[edit]
Ten new and restored assemblies have been added to the two territories this year: in South America, the new assembly of Callao, Peru, and the restored assemblies of Sucre, Bolivia; Asunción, Paraguay; Montevideo, Uruguay, and Medellin, Colombia. In the northern territory, the new assemblies of Cienfuegos, Cuba; Port Antonio, Jamaica, and Quetzaltepeque, El Salvador, and the restored assemblies of Taulabé, Honduras, and Quépos, Costa Rica, have been added this year. The new National Assemblies will represent nearly 700 believers and 44 local assemblies, 22 in each territory. All but one of the 22 countries have either already obtained incorporation of the Faith or are in process of doing so, so that there may be a firm legal basis for the new pillars.
A few North American traveling teachers, as well as settlers, will remain in Latin America to join forces with the native teachers in pursuing to a final triumph in 1953 the complete fulfillment of our Master’s cherished hopes for these vast territories, as expressed in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.
