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| BAHÁ’Í NEWS |
| Bahá’ís of the United States |
| NO. 251 | BAHÁ’Í YEAR 108 | JANUARY, 1952 |
Messages from the Guardian[edit]
Increasing Rebelliousness[edit]
A Cablegram from the Guardian[edit]
With feeling profound concern, grief, indignation, am compelled disclose Bahá’í world recent developments Holy Land furnishing further incontestable proof relationship established old (and) new Covenant-breakers demonstrating increasing boldness, marked, tragic decline (in) character (and) spiritual condition grandchildren ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Their shameful attitude (and) conduct receiving approbation their elders. Evidences multiplying attesting Ruhi’s increasing rebelliousness, efforts exerted my eldest sister pave way fourth alliance members family Siyyid ‘Ali involving marriage his granddaughter with Ruha’s son (and) personal contact recently established my own treacherous, despicable brother Riaz with Majdiddin, redoubtable enemy Faith, former henchman Muhammad-‘Ali, Archbreaker Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. Convey information all National Assemblies.
Cablegram received
Wilmette Dec. 13, 1951
Shoghi Effendi’s report of the recent developments in
the Holy Land demonstrating further evidences of disloyalty and rebelliousness among members of the family of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will be received with grief and profound horror by every American Bahá’í. The record as
disclosed in successive messages sent by the Guardian
over a period of years quickens us with a greater sense
of our own personal and collective responsibility. The
faithful Bahá’ís, the far-flung community of the Greatest
Name, represent the true inheritors of the spiritual estate bequeathed for the enrichment of the world by the
Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. We who would above
all long to be sources of consolation to our great Leader,
must, with increasing determination pursue the allotted
tasks and press onward to the exalted goals.
May the entire American Bahá’í community become imbued with such unshatterable determination that the evidences of this vigor will be visible in Haifa. This is our answer to every example of Covenant-breaking that may occur, now or in days to come.
The Guardian’s Message to State Conventions[edit]
Advise assembled friends focus attention (on) vital, pressing, paramount needs (of) National Fund (at) this critical juncture. Hour (is) ripe recall unnumbered tribulations, sacrifices heroically endured (by the) Dawn-breakers, culminating (in) Bahá’u’lláh’s afflictive imprisonment (in) Síyáh Chál, Centennial of which (is) now approaching. Urge deepening realization (of) sacredness, preeminent importance (of) twin purposes (which) individual resolves serve. Appeal immediate, unanimous, sustained, decisive response, safeguard thereby American community’s share tribute (to) memory (of) Founder (of) Faith (on) occasion (of) forthcoming Jubilee (of) Birth glorious Mission. Praying befitting answer (to) heartfelt plea.
| Cablegram received November 4, 1951 | —SHOGHI |
The Guardian’s clarion call to the State Conventions
was sent to the various State Convention Committees
with request that it be given to the Convention officers
to present to those present as the first order of business.
The cable is published in Bahá’í News for the inspiration of the entire American Bahá’í community. The only befitting answer which the National Assembly can make to Shoghi Effendi’s heartfelt plea is that the number of resolves has been greatly increased. Until the body of the friends is unitedly committed to sustain the two purposes of the financial plan—payment at Shrine contracts in Italy and cost of Temple landscaping, that befitting answer cannot be made. The members of the National Assembly are convinced that the message of our revered Guardian has had full effect.
“Work on the octagon walls as seen from the elevation behind the Báb’s Shrine.” — Shoghi Effendi. (A comparison of the pictures published here with those taken in August and published in Bahá’í News for November and December will show how fast the work on the Shrine is progressing).
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“View inside the octagon being erected on the roof of the original building of the Báb’s Shrine. Note the door frame which will give access to the roof of the arcade from the interior of the superstructure.” — Shoghi Effendi.
When a Person Becomes a Bahá’í[edit]
On March 12, 1949, the Guardian, through his secretary, wrote the following answer to a question submitted by Mr. George B. Galinkin.
“When a person becomes a Bahá’í, he gives up the past only in the sense that he is a part of this new and living Faith of God, and must seek to pattern himself, in act and thought, along the lines laid down by Bahá’u’lláh. The fact that he is by origin a Jew or a Christian, a black man or a white man, is not important any more, but, as you say, lends color and charm to the Bahá’í community in that it demonstrates unity in diversity.”
Corrections[edit]
The letter from the Guardian published on page one and two of Bahá’í News for July, 1951, contains an unfortunate typographical error.
On page two, first column, fifth line, the words “embossed in so sacred a mountain” should have been printed, “embosomed in so sacred a mountain.” These passages are excerpts from the long letter, dated March 29, 1951, which had previously been published as an insert in Bahá’í News.
In the cablegram from the Guardian, dated September 24, published on page two of Bahá’í News for November, the correct reading should be: “Prolonged delicate negotiations involving ministries of Finance and Religious Affairs and Haifa Municipality” and not “of Haifa Municipality.”
National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Fellow Co-workers:
At the State Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly submitted for consultation by the friends, in the light of the Guardian’s special message to the Conventions, a statement showing the budget requirements of our Funds for the first six months of the current Bahá’í year, and the extent to which our cash receipts fell short of these budget needs.
A similar budget statement, covering the seven month period ending November 30, 1951, is given below.
It will be noted, that in this seven month period, our contributions fell $54,500 short of the Budget needs. It also will be noted, that if we are to meet the budget set up for the present Bahá’í year, during the remaining five month period (December 1951 to April 30, 1952), contributions totaling $242,000, or an average of $48,400 per month, are required. During the first seven months of the year, the average monthly contributions were $29,700. This will indicate to the friends, the degree of sacrifice which will be necessary during the remaining months of this fateful year, if we are to meet our budget.
Budget Requirements, and Cash Receipts,
for Bahá’í Year 1951-1952
Budget for Year 1951-1952:
| Resolve Fund: | |
Shrine of the Báb | $200,000.00 |
Temple Landscaping | 75,000.00 |
| —————— | |
Total Resolve Fund | 275,000.00 |
National Bahá’í Fund | 175,000.00 |
Total Budget | $450,000.00 |
At the end of the first seven months of the current year, here is where we stand in relation to our Budget.
| Budget Requirements |
Contributions Received |
Deficit | |
| May- | May- | May- | |
| November | November | November | |
| Resolve Plan | $160,400.00 | $110,000.00 | $50,400.00 |
| National Bahá’í Fund | 102,100.00 | 98,000.00 | 4,100.00 |
| —————— | —————— | —————— | |
| Total Progress | $262,500.00 | $208,000.00 | $54,500.00 |
|
REQUIREMENTS—December 1, 1951—April 30, 1952 | |||
| Budget | Deficit | Total | |
| Requirements | Requirements | ||
| December- | May- | December | |
| April | November | April | |
| Resolve Plan | $114,600.00 | $ 50,400.00 | $165,000.00 |
| National Bahá’í Fund | 72,900.00 | 4,100.00 | 77,000.00 |
| —————— | —————— | —————— | |
| Total Requirements | $187,500.00 | $ 54,500.00 | $242,000.00 |
The Annual Convention[edit]
In order to quicken in the hearts of the friends a deeper realization of the vital importance and unique functions of the Annual Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly has decided to publish a series of three articles on this subject in successive issues of Bahá’í News. They will be based upon the words of the Guardian.
First of all let us consider the fact that the Convention determines the membership of the national administrative body each year. In so doing it chooses those who are to serve as trustees of the national activities of the Faith, those who publicly represent the entire Bahá’í community, those who are responsible for the collective decisions and receive and dispense its collective funds. The nine elected members have, under the Guardian, final authority over the admission and removal of individual believers, appoint all national and regional committees, safeguard the status of each local Spiritual Assembly, and even (in the future) serve as the electoral body for the selection of the members of the Universal House of Justice.
Those whom the Convention chooses must represent the Faith in relation to the civil government and the community in relation to other national Bahá’í communities. They hold title to all national Bahá’í properties and they initiate or sponsor all national plans.
Bahá’í progress ultimately rests upon the spirit generated and released through the community. The Convention therefore has the mission of determining all manner of qualities, and capacity on different planes.
“Hitherto the National Convention has been primarily called together for the consideration of the various circumstances attending the election of the National Spiritual Assembly,” the Guardian wrote as long ago as January 29, 1928. “I feel, however, that in view of the expansion and the growing importance of the administrative sphere of the Cause, the general sentiments and tendencies prevailing among the friends, and the signs of increasing interdependence among the National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world, the assembled accredited representatives of the American believers should exercise not only the vital and responsible right of electing the National Assembly, but should also fulfill the functions of an enlightened, consultative and cooperative body that will enrich the experience, enhance the prestige, support the authority, and assist the deliberations of the National Spiritual Assembly. It is my firm conviction that it is the bounden duty, in the interest of the Cause we all love and serve, of the members of the incoming National Assembly, once elected by the delegates at Convention time, to seek and have the utmost regard, individually as well as collectively, for the advice, the considered opinion and the true sentiments of the assembled delegates.”
The remainder of this passage will be found in Bahá’í Administration.
Later the Guardian amplified this statement in order to correct a certain erroneous impression. “Concerning the status, rights and prerogatives of the Annual Bahá’í Convention, the Guardian wishes to make it quite clear to all the believers that this annual meeting of the delegates is by no means a continuous consultative body all through the year; that its twofold function of electing the body of the National Spiritual Assembly, and of offering any constructive suggestions in regard to the general administration of the Cause is limited to a definite period; and that consequently the opinion current among some of the friends that the delegates are to serve as a consultative body throughout the year is at variance with the fundamental, though as yet unspecified, principles underlying the administration.”
“Nothing short of the all-encompassing—all-pervading power of His Guidance and Love,” Shoghi Effendi reminded us in 1925, “can enable this newly enfolded order to gather strength and flourish amid the storm and stress of a turbulent age, and in the fullness of time vindicate its high claim to be universally recognized as the one Haven of abiding felicity and grace.”
This appeal makes it incumbent upon us all to broaden our view not only of the Convention but of every Bahá’í body, until we perceive them all in terms of their destiny—to maintain the social order of humanity in the age of justice, knowledge and peace.
Concerning Bahá’í Elections[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly is issuing a series of brief statements concerning elections, based on the Guardian’s directions.
No believer can exercise his voting right to its utmost possibility without being profoundly conscious of the nature of Bahá’í institutions and of the qualities needed in their elected members.
“The Lord hath ordained,” Bahá’u’lláh revealed, “that in every city a House of Justice be established therein.” The Guardian has likewise cited many passages from the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “The prime requisite for them that take council together are purity of nature, radiance of spirit, detachment from all else save God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, humility and lowliness amongst His loved ones, patience and longsuffering in difficulties and servitude to His exalted Threshold.”
“Should they be graciously aided to acquire these attributes, victory from the unseen Kingdom of Bahá shall be vouchsafed to them. In this day, assemblies of consultation are of the greatest importance and a vital necessity. Obedience unto them is essential and obligatory.”
Shoghi Effendi has referred to “the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience.”
Reflection upon these passages makes it clear that the Bahá’í elector, independent as he is of party influence and political machinery, has a real responsibility to consider the qualities, action and services of his fellow-believers, not hastily, as the election draws near, but continuously throughout the year.
“I feel that reference to personalities before the election would give rise to misunderstanding and differences,” the Guardian has written. “What the friends should do is to get thoroughly acquainted with one another, to exchange views, to mix freely and discuss among themselves the requirements and qualifications for such a membership without reference or application, however indirect, to particular individuals. We should refrain from influencing the opinion of others,
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of canvassing for any particular individual, but should
stress the necessity of getting fully acquainted with the
qualifications of membership referred to in our Beloved’s
Tablets of learning more about one another through
direct, personal experience rather than through the reports and opinions of our friends.”
Shoghi Effendi has also emphasized the believer’s responsibility for taking part in elections, but has stated that new believers, or believers moving to a new locality, unacquainted with the members of the community, are not obliged to vote.
Bahá’í Identification for Members of the Armed Forces[edit]
After extensive correspondence with the Office of the Adjutant General in an effort to secure Bahá’í identification tags for believers serving in the armed forces, the National Spiritual Assembly is very happy to report the result to the friends.
In a letter dated September 7, 1951, the Adjutant General’s Office wrote: “It is permissible ... for the soldier to wear or carry on his person in such ways as to be concealed from view an additional identification disc or tag provided by his religious group to identify him as a member of that group.”
This means that while the army will not provide Bahá’í identification tags, we may do so for members of the Bahá’í community.
The National Spiritual Assembly therefore has taken steps to secure a quantity of circular discs perforated for cord, bearing the words “Bahá’í Faith.”
Believers in the armed forces may obtain one by applying to the National Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill.
The Green Acre Story[edit]
Beloved Friends:—
Our hearts were gladdened and our spirits lifted by the opening of the Summer Schools this year. Your National Assembly has received glowing reports from many of those who attended the various schools, which indicate that the high purpose to which these Bahá’í Institutions are dedicated is gradually being achieved.
In order that you may have a fuller understanding of the summer school operations, we plan to publish in Bahá’í News statements covering all the schools. The first of these concerns Green Acre, in Eliot, Maine, which is the largest of the schools, and is the site where the Beloved Master stated the first Bahá’í University would be erected.
Green Acre opened its season with a highly successful Bahá’í Youth Camp, from June 15 to July 1. This camp was attended by a total of forty youth and eighteen adults. Many of the youth were non-Bahá’ís who were greatly attracted to the Faith, and at least two of them subsequently declared themselves as believers. Much work was performed in building maintenance, improvements, beautification of the grounds, with recreation and study as a balance. There were daily consultation, devotions, and formal study courses. Rates were $15 per week, which met the bare expenses of food and maintenance.
Recently appointed Green Acre Development Committee. Reading left to right: Lyle Hadden, Borrah Kavelin, David Ruhe, Robert McLaughlin, Stuart Sims, Lucien McComb, Curtis Kelsey.
The formal school season opened on July 3 and extended for almost ten weeks terminating after the Labor
Day weekend. Records indicate the highest attendance
of any season in many years, with a total in all categories of 923 (including the youth camp). Of this number, 419 were transient. Classes were of an exceptionally
high level, and the “Spirit” was very much in evidence
throughout the season.
When it is considered that the Green Acre School Property comprises over one hundred acres of land, improved by seventeen buildings whose replacement cost would represent hundreds of thousands of dollars, it will be readily seen that utmost care has been exercised during our period of austerity to maintain this valuable property on as moderate a basis as permissible.
Through the services of a devoted, excellent caretaker, Mr. Lucien S. McComb, Jr., who has done much of the repairs and maintenance at little cost except for supplies and materials, and as a result of much work done by the Youth Camp, we have endeavored to limit as much as possible the expense of deferred maintenance that accumulated during the two years in which the schools were closed.
The following figures are self-explanatory:
Gross Income (1951 School Season)
| From Rentals of rooms | $12,884.05 |
| From transient meals served | 437.95 |
| From miscellaneous income | 1,197.04 |
| ————— |
| Total Gross income: | $14,519.04 |
| Operating Expenses (including all salaries) | 13,902.41 |
| ————— | |
| Net Operating Profit | $ 616.63 |
It was necessary this year to replenish much of the
worn-out equipment and add to the furnishings. The
total cost of capital expenditures, repairs, and maintenance was $4,364.75. It was also necessary to purchase a second-hand station wagon at a cost of $1,345.
Taking these costs into account, the net cost of the
school operation this season was $5,093.12.
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The normal expenses of maintaining this property
must, of course, be met whether or not the school is
in operation. Some of these expenses are:
| Real estate taxes: | $1,644.62 |
| Insurance on the buildings | 1,523.66 |
| Water charges | 158.00 |
| Salary of caretaker (estimated) | 600.00 |
| Miscellaneous | 400.00 |
| ————— | |
| $4,326.28 |
These expenses are in addition to the cost of operating the school and may be regarded as fixed charges.
Steps are now being taken by your Trustees to secure exemption from real estate taxes of the properties at Green Acre that are used in connection with the operation of the school.
Living the Bahá’í Life:[edit]
Sacrifice and Service[edit]
Praise be to Thee, O Lord my God! I am the one who hath sought the good pleasure of Thy will, and directed his steps towards the seat of Thy gracious favors. I am he who hath forsaken his all, who hath fled to Thee for shelter, who hath set his face towards the tabernacle of Thy revelation and the adored sanctuary of Thy glory. I beseech Thee, O my Lord, by Thy call whereby they who recognized Thy unity have sought the shadow of Thy most gracious providence, and the sincere have fled far from themselves unto Thy name, the Most Exalted, the All-Glorious, through which Thy verses were sent down, and Thy word fulfilled, and Thy proof manifested, and the sun of Thy beauty risen, and Thy testimony established, and Thy signs uncovered,—I beseech Thee to grant that I may be numbered with them that have quaffed the wine that is life indeed from the hands of Thy gracious providence, and have rid themselves, in Thy path, of all attachment to Thy creatures, and been so inebriated with Thy manifold wisdom that they hastened to the field of sacrifice with Thy praise on their lips and Thy remembrance in their hearts. Send down also upon me, O my God, that which will wash me from anything that is not of Thee, and deliver me from Thine enemies who have disbelieved in Thy signs.
Potent art Thou to do what Thou willest. No God is there beside Thee, the Help in Peril, the Selfsubsisting.
Bahá’í World Faith, p. 152
Man must become evanescent in God. Must forget
his own selfish conditions that he may thus arise to the
station of sacrifice. It should be to such a degree that
if he sleep, it should not be for pleasure, but to rest
the body in order to do better, to speak better, to explain
more beautifully, to serve the servants of God and to
prove the truths. When he remains awake, he should
seek to be attentive, serve the Cause of God and sacrifice his own stations for those of God. When he atttains to
this station, the confirmations of the Holy Spirit will
surely reach him, and man with this power can withstand all who inhabit the earth.
Bahá’í World Faith, page 384.
Encyclopaedia Britannica Article Reprinted for Teaching Use[edit]
Acting upon the suggestion of a number of the friends, the National Spiritual Assembly has requested the Publishing Committee to reprint the brief statement on the Faith, which has appeared in the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Permission to reprint has been obtained from the editor of the Encyclopaedia and a notation to this effect appears on the reprint.
The statement is now available in the form of a 6x9 sheet which can be given out at meetings or mailed with letters and printed programs. The use of this summary of the Teachings in the Encyclopaedia carries a definite prestige which should add to its value in your teaching work, $2.50 per 100 copies, from the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Publishing Announcement[edit]
The 1952 Calendar (Bahá’í Era, 108-109) showing an Interior view of the Temple, taken from the upper gallery, is available at 15c each.
The Institute—Study, Drama of Salvation, announced in December Bahá’í News, is $1.50 per copy. Order through: Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Membership Restored[edit]
The believers are informed that Mr. James Overbeck has been restored to voting membership in the American Bahá’í Community.
Notice to All Bahá’í News Readers[edit]
Notification concerning change of address, deaths, marriages, transfers and anything else pertaining to the mailing of Bahá’í News should be sent directly to National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.
If thou seekest eternal glory, let thyself be humble and meek in the presence of the beloved God; make thyself the servant of all, and serve all alike. The service of the friends belongs to God, not to them. Strive to become the source of harmony, spirituality, and joyfulness to the hearts of the friends.
Ere long the word of God will display a wonderful influence and that region (America) will become the paradise of Abhá. Consequently, strive ye bravely that this aim may be accomplished in the near future. Striving means this: ye must live and move according to the Divine commands and behests, be united in loving with joy and ecstacy; ... engage continually in the service of the Cause of God.
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.
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Bahá’ís attending the fourth European Teachings Conference and Summer School, August 31-Sept. 10, 1951, at Scheveningen, Holland.
Fourth European Teaching Conference[edit]
Note: The Guardian’s portentous announcement of the plans for celebration of the Jubilee in 1953 includes a Teaching Conference to be conducted by the European Teaching Committee in Stockholm. This indicates the extreme importance of the European project carried on by the European Teaching Committee since 1946. The believers will therefore follow with intense interest all current reports of this work, especially of the impressive annual conference. To place the full report in the reader’s hands, the editors publish the entire text in this issue, repeating the opening paragraphs appearing in December.
“Beloved Guardian’s Message to Fourth European
Teaching Conference moved one hundred forty representatives from nineteen countries to prayerfully dedicate themselves to the accomplishment of the breathtaking goals laid before us with loving confidence. Conference sends heartfelt prayers for the Guardian’s task
for building Holy Shrine.”
This cable which was sent to the Guardian from the Conference expresses the spirit that permeated all the sessions of the Fourth European Teaching Conference, held at the Palace Hotel, Scheveningen, Holland, from August 31st to September 4th, 1951.
The Guardian himself set the tone of the Conference in his cable*, read at the opening session, setting forth the goals of the closing years of the Second Seven Year Plan in Europe, and declaring his confident anticipation that “upon (the) termination (of the) brief span (of the) remaining two years”, there would be “(the) gradual formation (of) regional National Assemblies (as) prelude (to the) emergence (of a) separate National Assembly (in) each goal country as well as (the) launching (of) organized campaigns,” in collaboration with the United States and Germany, “timing (at the) spiritual conquest (of the) remaining sovereign states (of) Europe and, God willing, reaching beyond its borders as far as (the) heart (of the) Asiatic continent.” And climaxed in the reminder that “(The) future edifice (of the) Universal House of Justice, depending for its stability on (the) sustaining strength (of the) pillars erected (in the) diversified communities (of the) East (and) West ... awaits (the) rise (of the) establishment (of) similar institutions (on the) European mainland.”
The Conference meetings were held in the large ballroom of the palatial Palace Hotel, just five minutes’ walk along the beach, which afforded excellent opportunity for exercise between sessions, with the added advantage of a change of locale. Seven long tables covered with soft green velour accommodated the friends, and at the speaker’s table pink begonias and ferns made a lovely setting. A large screen was placed at one end of the room on which to show pictures and films, and on the walls were pictures of the Shrine of the Báb, the Temple in Wilmette, together with pictures and material on the Africa Project. A display of the books which have been printed in the goal countries was very artistically arranged by Ugo Giachery.
Everything that could possibly be done to provide the friends with the physical comforts had been done, and in the address of welcome given by Miss Rita van Sombeek, chairman of the Amsterdam Local Spiritual Assembly, she said, “We have been responsible for the physical aspect of the Conference, and we feel it has been a source of unity drawing us all together. We have felt at every step the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh because without His assistance nothing could have been arranged on such short notice! We, therefore, realize how heartbroken our Italian friends must be that they were deprived of this bounty of acting as your hosts.”
- *Published in November Bahá’í News.
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The Dutch believers also provided folders in which to
keep the mimeographed copies of the various addresses
and messages, and those folders for the delegates were
artistically decorated with scenes of Holland.
Miss Edna True, Chairman of the European Teaching Committee,—and so deeply loved by every European Bahá’í—acted as Chairman of the Conference, and on her right side sat Miss Honor Kempton, the representative of the ETC in the Geneva office, who assisted by reading the many cables and letters that poured in during the session, and provided copies of mimeographed material used during the sessions.
The Conference opened with the reading of a prayer by Hans Slim, the second Dutch Bahá’í under the Second Seven Year Plan, and was followed by a brief review of the world events which had transpired in the World Center of the Faith since the last Conference, by Miss True. “We have entered into a new stage in the evolution of the world-wide Bahá’í community,” she declared, “one which demands a fuller maturity than has ever been manifested before, one which calls for the most careful and conscientious balancing of effort and resources as we learn to function and serve simultaneously really on three levels of Bahá’í action,—local, national and international.
“We are fast nearing the completion of this phase of the Second Seven Year Plan—the European Teaching Project. In the short time left to us much, very much,” she warned, “has still to be accomplished, ... the most vital and important of which is the establishment and development of strong, firm, vigorously functioning communities!” And in her closing remarks expressed the hope that “from this gathering may flow a great cleansing, renewing invigorating spirit, which, like the tiny circle starting from a stone dropped into the midst of the ocean, will grow and spread throughout the Cause. Thus, though our personal efforts may seem very unimportant and the part that we as individuals are to play, far removed from the world-wide sweep of the Cause, we may come to realize that, endowed with the eternal spirit of God we become an integral part of His Plan for the Redemption of mankind. As the drop of rain both partakes and adds to the wealth of the ocean, we will joyously contribute our share and thereby gain inestimable spiritual blessings.”
You can imagine the emotions that were stirred at the reading at this point of the cable from our Guardian by Honor Kempton, and the immediate buzz of excited conversation that followed. After the translations the Chairman announced that a special time would be given for the consideration of the cable point by point, but in the meantime, “please jot down your ideas and suggestions.”
Messages were also read from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, the European Teaching Committee, the newly formed NSA of South America, LSA’s of Rome, Brussels and Copenhagen, Mother True, Mary and Ed Bode, Bahá’ís at Louhelen School, and Etty Graeffe, who had hoped to be present at the Conference but was prevented because of illness. A healing prayer was read in her behalf. A personal greeting from the NSA of England and from Germany was given, together with those from many other countries including Australia, the farthest, and Turkey represented at the Conference for the first time by a father and son from Istanbul. Greetings were brought from Josephine Kruka in Finland and a prayer was read for her assistance. The messages are too numerous to mention all, but perhaps the last one should be mentioned since it came from far-off Greenland from Palle Bischoff who had attended the previous Conferences, the first Bahá’í in Denmark under the ETC project, and who is referred to in the Guardian’s cable.
The Roll Call the first day showed 128 Bahá’ís in attendance and in the days following, as new ones arrived, it became 140, representing 19 countries in Western Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.
Consultation at the first afternoon session was keynoted by Jean Deleuran of Copenhagen, whose paper on “Living the Bahá’í Life”, was read by his wife, because he unfortunately could not be present. One excerpt from Dr. Deleuran’s paper will suffice to convey his dynamic and practical approach to this subject: “Studying the Holy Writings and meditating upon them must be a part of our daily life. Man must learn to prepare his spirit, empty himself of all except the will to serve God, to be able to become a pure channel and an effective instrument for God. He must feel himself ‘at home’ in the Divine Writings, to know them as well as he knows the different components of his material life. It is normal that we feel ‘at home’ in a telephone directory, in the quotations from the fish market, in the newspapers and a thousand other things which surround our daily life. How much more important it is, that we feel ‘at home’ in the Divine Writings, the foundation upon which our lives, our work and our deeds must be based ...” His challenge that “Bahá’ís must have the courage to be different” evoked very lively and interesting consultation.
In the evening everyone enjoyed pleasant relaxation in a truly international program arranged by Mrs. Marian Little with Dutch and Negro Spirituals song by Arnold van Ogtrop of Bussum, Holland; Spanish songs by Virginia Orbison of Madrid, Spain; and Portuguese songs and dances by Lidia and Armando Boucas of Lisbon, Portugal. These were followed by the German Bahá’ís and other groups singing national songs rounding out a delightful evening.
“Building the Bahá’í Community” was the subject for the next morning’s session and was keynoted by Louis Henuzet “who” the chairman explained in introducing him, “has had growing pains on the Brussels Assembly!” That the pains were worth having, was evidenced by the apparent ease with which he answered the questions, and conducted the consultation on this subject.
“On the faith of each member of the community”, he said, “rests the foundation of the administrative structure which is taking shape. Christ said: ‘Thou art Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my Church.’ Friends,” he cried, “Let our faith be like a rock! The Cause of God may rest on such a rock! From faith is born hope! From faith is born assurance! From faith is born a vision of the world of tomorrow. And our Cause leads to the realization of this vision; our Cause which is the only, the unique Ark of Salvation for humanity!”
From the discussion of the community the Conference turned in the afternoon to consideration of the wider field of “Regional Cooperation” in which the teaching
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aspect on the national level of cooperation was presented by Amelia Bowman, pioneer in Oslo, Norway.
Mrs. Bowman pictured the process of the Administrative machinery at work during the first Seven Year
Plan in America, and then visualized the possibilities
ahead in the development of the institutions of the
Faith in Europe, in five groupings as follows: the Scandinavian countries, the Benelux countries, the Iberian
Peninsula, Italy, and Switzerland. “Might we not hope
and try for the formation of at least one pillar of the
Universal House of Justice by 1953”, which would be
just 30 years after the formation of our first NSA’s of
Great Britain, Germany and India in 1923! ... Switzerland seems to be challenged especially since our Guardian in his cable to their Conference asked them to
be an example! They have already had two very successful national teaching conferences, circuit teachers,
a Bulletin, etc. They are already working together
gaining experience on this next level of national cooperation!”
Mrs. Muller of Switzerland was then asked by the chairman to speak of their experiences in connection with the Conferences. “The first thing we learned,” she said, “was to work together in harmony”, pointing out that “to attain to such radiant collective effort requires the assistance of every Bahá’í”. “The Conference is important,” she continued, “because each individual becomes deepened in the faith to a tremendous extent, and the close contacts are confirmed by the spirit.” “I might add”, she said in closing, “that our Conferences have been patterned after these European Teaching Conferences.”
Ake Norgren of Stockholm, Sweden, was asked to speak of the experiences of the Scandinavian Committee in its efforts on this higher level of cooperation, and Miss True explained that the Committee had come into being following a meeting of the believers from the three countries, held during the Copenhagen ETC Conference last year. He covered their activities briefly explaining that “This first year we have been trying to organize the Committee to make the work more effective ... Then we planned a Bulletin which should be like a mouthpiece and distribute information from the Bahá’í world ... Also compiling a list of the books and material that has been translated and is available in each country and finally about the teaching work,—we decided to give each other results of our study classes, experiences, etc.”
There was no discussion on “Regional Cooperation” since, the chairman explained, it would be talked about the last evening together, under the subject “Goals Ahead”, and the friends were asked to bring their ideas on the development of this regional work at that time.
How the independent summer schools could further our efforts toward the national level of cooperative effort, was discussed by Mrs. Mildred Clark, pioneer of Luxembourg. She presented a very well worked out pattern for such an activity, and pointed out ways in which it would be a great impetus to the work. “In the combination of summer school and conference”, she said, “It seems we have a fine beginning.”
Delegates and guests from other countries were the feature of the Unity Feast held that evening in the dining room of the Grand Hotel. Here we felt “en famille” with Ugo Giachery as master of ceremonies in his own delightfully informal manner, and enjoyed the intimate greetings from the Assemblies of the ten goal countries through their delegates, besides the greetings transmitted by Bahá’ís from Teheran, Australia, Turkey, and England. The appearance of Mrs. Marian Holley Hofman on this occasion was a delightful surprise. Marcella Suzani of Italy played several very beautiful numbers on the violin during the evening, and Ake Norgren and Doris Corbin of Stockholm provided music while the guests were being seated. The arrangement of the dining room, with the speakers all seated at a long table on a circular dais about two feet higher than the others, made a very effective setting for the fifteen delegates, and other guests, whose loving messages created in the hearts of all deep appreciation of this gift of “Unity” which is ours! Hans Slim of Amsterdam spoke of his experience in presenting Bahá’í literature to the secretary of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.
The last day of the Conference was given to the subject of “Teaching” in its various aspects. Mrs. Lea Nys of Brussels, spoke first of teaching as a responsibility of the individual Bahá’í, and then as a responsibility of the community, with the Assembly to coordinate and direct the efforts of the believers, and committees. “Do we accomplish all that is in our power?” she challenged, which brought forth perhaps the best consultation which we had experienced during the session.
The first part of the afternoon session was spent in consideration of “Extension Teaching” presented by Mrs. Ugo Giachery, pioneer in Italy. Mrs. Giachery spoke of three “important factors”, in extension teaching work. “The first”, she said, “is the development of Bahá’í teachers. The second important factor is the organizing and supervising agency that ... will select, instruct, dispatch and guide such teachers ... The third important factor is the establishment of a fund to carry out Extension Teaching plans and assist those teachers who cannot finance themselves.”
Teaching children and youth was the last topic of consultation on the Conference agenda, and Mrs. Tove Deleuran of Copenhagen, who has had unusual success in this field, spoke very enthusiastically of her efforts and shared many interesting experiences, as well as giving very concrete help on such things as the classification of the children into groups as to their knowledge and age with suggestions for teaching material that might be used. “Comparative religion,” she said, “is wonderful teaching material, that interests all ages ... Roll up the luminous colors of the far East with its strange costumes and fragrances. Draw a picture of Shíráz at dusk with the high inkblack firmament luxurious with sparkling stars, towards which the minarets point their silhouettes, the silver clear splash from one of the many blue tiled fountains, for which Shíráz is so famous. With a thousand different tropical flowers, and the song of a myriad nightingales ...”
The afternoon session was shortened to afford the friends the opportunity for a sight-seeing trip to the Peace Palace at The Hague, arranged by the Dutch Bahá’ís who were at the street car to show them around, and of all the beautiful things to be seen, none quite rejoiced the friends as did the sight of Bahá’í books, old and new, in the library there. A group picture was
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taken in the beautiful garden and the amateur photographers also had an opportunity to get snapshots.
That evening at the closing session of the Conference we were lifted to the international level of our Bahá’í activities. The significance of the formation of the International Council and its duties were explained by Doris Lohse, pioneer from Zurich. She also showed why it was formed, and enumerated its achievements thus far. Marian Little gave a very beautiful word picture of the World Center and what it means today. “Within the heart of this planet”, she said, “lies the Most Holy Land acclaimed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the ‘nest of the Prophets’, and which must be regarded as the center of the world, and the nations. Within this Holy Land arises the mountain of God, Carmel, the Vineyard of the Lord, the retreat of Elijah ...”
Then the scene shifted to Lima, Peru, in South America as Edna True described the various phases of the birth of that National Spiritual Assembly as well as that of Central America this past April. The friends listened breathlessly and in fancy were no doubt visualizing their own National Assembly coming into being in the not too distant future!
The Conference closed with the showing of the colored films of the Gardens in Haifa, and of the Shrine of the Báb. Mrs. Amelia Collins, vice-chairman of the International Bahá’í Council had lovingly prepared small envelopes for each Bahá’í at the Conference, containing petals from flowers that had been placed in the three Shrines in the Holy Land. This was a beautiful ending indeed to a Conference, the accomplishments of which might best be expressed in the words of our Guardian’s cable as “clearer vision of the strenuous tasks ahead, deeper awareness (of) their significance, (a) firmer resolve (toward) their prosecution (and a) greater dedication (to) their purpose.”
As one who was at Scheveningen wrote:
“I witnessed there one of the greatest miracles of Bahá’u’lláh, the spiritual rebirth of the divers races and nationalities gathered together on that occasion, through the mighty potency of His Word and the magic of His Love.
“ ‘Thy Paradise is My Love’, wrote Bahá’u’lláh. I felt we were in Paradise during those memorable days spent in Scheveningen.”
By: Amelia Bowman
United States Africa Committee News[edit]
The earnest and devoted efforts of the American Bahá’ís to contribute services, money and pioneers to the Africa Teaching Project are bearing fruit. Our first American pioneer to Africa. Mrs. Ethel Stephens is now in the Gold Coast. This is joyful news. Behind it, however, there is a story of faith, courage and sacrifice which cannot be written here. The way of the pioneer is filled with difficulties, crises and unexpected events. We who work on the home front should keep all the pioneers in our minds and hearts and remember to pray constantly for them and to send them loving thoughts.
December promises to be another achievement month. Mr. William Foster has informed the Committee that he will be travelling to Liberia on business. Thus our cherished hopes to see an American Bahá’í in this African Republic will be fulfilled.
In February two American Bahá’ís, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Collison, who with dedicated hearts volunteered to pioneer on their modest retirement income, will sail for a third goal area in Africa—Uganda. This will leave only one of the original goal areas—Tanganyika—without an American Bahá’í. The Committee continues to work, prepare and plan for the next opportunity.
There is now a panel of 21 approved pioneers waiting for job opportunities or for deputization funds. We find strength in Bahá’u’lláh’s words:
“By the Righteousness of God should a man all alone arise in the name of Bahá and put on the armor of His love, him will the Almighty cause to be victorious...”
In the recent memorial to our beloved Louis Gregory, first Hand of the Cause of his race, there was wonderful evidence of the light of this holy soul, and some dawn of understanding of the Guardian’s prophetic words.... “Rising Bahá’í generations on the African Continent will glory in his memory and emulate his example....” Those who attended that beautiful and impressive meeting were thrilled to hear among the many tributes to Louis Gregory, cablegrams from African Bahá’í groups in Dar-es Salaam. Tanganyika, Cairo, Egypt, and Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia.
In the next Bahá’í News a summary of progress from all countries participating in the Africa Teaching Project will appear.
Volunteer for Africa Teaching Mission[edit]
At the meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly held November 3 and 4, the members learned from the Africa Teaching Committee that Mr. and Mrs. Rex Collison, residents of Geyserville, California, had volunteered to serve in the Africa teaching field. This fact was included in a cablegram sent to the Guardian from that meeting.
On November 9 the Assembly received this cabled message from Shoghi Effendi: “Assure Collisons delighted; fervent, loving prayers.”
International News[edit]
Public Relations Repercussions “Down Under”[edit]
From the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand we have this news report:
Pix is one of Australia’s most popular, and therefore most widely distributed, illustrated weekly magazines. On its—“Readers have their say” page (October 20, 1951) was printed a letter from the Secretary of our Public Relations Committee, which states, inter alia, “You will be interested to know that as a result of your feature, “What is Bahá’í?” (Pix, 24/2/51) letters and comments have been received from all over the Commonwealth and many places overseas: a wounded British soldier in a military hospital in Japan, a storekeeper in the United States, a stenographer in Switzerland; these and many others wrote about this article. And from England, Germany and Hawaii have come other comments—a tribute to a fine magazine and a gesture of appreciation to the Bahá’í Faith.”
SUVA, FIJI: During her recent teaching trip to Suva, Mrs. Gertrude Blum was a guest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nur Ali. The fact that she stayed at an Indian
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home greatly impressed people and proved to be a
vital factor in demonstrating the teaching of the Oneness of Mankind in an island where race and color
bars are much evident. Good press publicity and a fifteen minute radio talk created immense interest, and
soon the Message was being given morning, noon and
night to folk who would “drop in.” Mrs. Blum also
interviewed the Colonial Secretary, radio, and press officials, who much appreciated the courtesy of her calling.
NEW ZEALAND: The R.T.C. was assisted by the Devonport Community on October 24th at the official Honoring of Age held at the Wintergarden, Hamilton, one of the goal towns. On the following Sunday, three of the friends journeyed again to Hamilton to attend the Rev. Heaslip’s service; they report that he broadcasted a magnificent tribute to the Faith.
Írán[edit]
From the N. S. A. of Írán comes news of a well-organized and earnest teaching program. After the summer vacations the friends are again in full activity with concentration upon a personal knowledge of the Faith for all ages, and the promulgation of it by every means.
The Children’s Training and the Bahá’í Education classes are in session and the Bahá’í children and youth are busy learning the Principles and the Laws of the Faith. The Women’s Progressive Committee has classes in Tihrán and in the Provinces. The “Search for Truth” meetings which are for non-Bahá’ís, have also commenced. In these gatherings, Tablets and Addresses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and talks by Bahá’í speakers, form part of the teaching approach. The Tihrán Assembly is happy to report that a great number of seekers have attended these meetings.
All voting members of the Tihrán community were invited by the L.S.A. to come to the National Headquarters to a variety of meetings for deepening in the Faith. At some, the believers eagerly listened to the reading of Tablets and other Writings, and heard speakers who stressed the importance of teaching the Cause and the necessity of living the Bahá’í life; at others, the importance of the Center of the Covenant was emphasized. The Youth also had their sessions for the discussion of this subject. All members of National Committees have met the N.S.A. and the urgency of their work has been explained to them.
The N.S.A. has formed a special committee to meet the many people from all over the world who will visit Persia to attend the celebration of the 1000th year of Abu All Sina, so that while in that country they may, as much as possible, become informed regarding the Bahá’í Teachings.
South America[edit]
From the National Spiritual Assembly of South America we learn that the Regional Teaching Committees are making a large contribution toward the rapid growth and deepening of the believers in the new as well as the longer established Communities. Each country has its own Regional Committee, and where countries are large and Communities are far apart, as is the case in Brazil, there is more than one. Each Regional Teaching Committee works under the guidance of “C.E.B.S.A.,” or the National Teaching Committee.
At the first meeting of the N.S.A. of South America, the following goals for the Regional Committees were agreed upon: 1) If an Assembly has less than 15 members, it may call upon the Regional Teaching Committee for contact and teaching assistance. 2) Groups are to be brought to Assembly status by April, if possible. 3) Regional Institutes are to be held at stated times during the year. The Treasurer of the Regional Teaching Committee has been given a special task this year. He deposits the funds contributed for continental purposes from the different Bahá’í Communities of his country, and reports monthly to the N.S.A.
“This our Year of Dedication,” the course prepared by C.E.B.S.A., united all the countries of this vast Continent in the study of the Guardian’s three goals for this year. Each Institute was conducted in the manner best suited to the conditions of the particular country. For example, in one country where the government frowns upon large public meetings of this nature, small groups of 3 or 4 persons met in different parts of a city; while La Paz, Bolivia, where much freedom in publicity is enjoyed, took the opportunity of having a large public gathering during the time of its Institute.
Each year will place a greater responsibility upon these Regional Teaching Committees of South America, because, no doubt, some future day will witness a National Assembly in EACH of the ten countries. Which of these ten countries will be the first to win that “Glorious Crown”? The answer to this question will depend very largely upon the dedicated work of the Regional Teaching Committees.
The Central American Area[edit]
From the N.S.A. of Central America comes the following:
The National Spiritual Assembly of Central America held its third meeting in November at San Jose, Costa Rica. Emphasis was still on the important process of consolidation of the local Assemblies. A committee composed of the four National Assembly members who gave courses on consolidation from Mexico to Panama met to give reports on the results.
As a result of this meeting, the Consolidation Course began to emerge from its experimental stage into a definite form. A handbook of Administrative Principles has been started, incorporating a part of the work already done, and will be amplified until it covers all problems and points necessary to the efficient functioning of Assemblies, Regional and Local Committees, pioneers and resident teachers. The handbook is more than a down-to-earth, step-by-step course on Administration and Procedure, for it stresses the spiritual attitude of loving justice, cooperation, and selflessness with which all Bahá’í Administration must be accompanied.
Steps have been taken to translate the handbook into English and French, to carry on work started in the capital cities of Central America, and to present the course in the Islands of the Caribbean and the Assemblies outside of Capital cities.
Very excellent radio and press materials, and materials for the celebration of anniversaries and special events are constantly being prepared and are being received enthusiastically by groups and assemblies.
Two new National Committees were named: a Youth Committee with its headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico; an Indian Committee to begin a study of languages,
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customs, geographical areas of Indian peoples,
as well as to start preliminary teaching work among
them.
The National Assembly is happy to announce that opportunities exist for teachers of English to earn their living in several Central American countries, and wishes to advise any person who speaks both Spanish and English and who would like to establish residence in this area to write to the National Secretary, Miss Elena Marsella, Apartado No. 513, Panamá, Republic of Panamá.
Mrs. Barbara Davenport is conducting a series of classes in the home of Mr. Mori, Tokyo. The group includes Mr. Fugisawa, Miss Mori, Mrs. Davenport and Mr. and Mrs. Hongo.
Greenland[edit]
Our August issue brought us the notice of the providential discovery of a pioneer for Greenland in the person of Danish Palle Bischoff. From the latest Bahá’í News of Canada we now learn that he has arrived at his far northern post, thus marking the achievement of another of the seven requirements of the Five Year Plan. Dagmar Dole, of the Copenhagen L.S.A. writes: “Palle is a very wonderful young man, but he is approaching a very difficult job, in a material as well as a spiritual sense, and will need all of the prayers he can get. He has asked for them.”
Palle in his first report from Greenland tells of the beautiful crossing from Denmark, and states: “The evening before we were due to see the first of Greenland I went out in the still night in the front of the ship and said the Greatest Name 95 times. I prayed that both in this country and the rest of the world people would turn their hearts to the Spring of Life; that Bahá’ís throughout the countries, deeper and deeper, would understand the greatness of the message of Bahá’u’lláh and make His Teaching to be their lives.”
Egedesminde, where Palle has fortunately obtained a position as manager of a fishing station, is named after Hau Egede, the first Christian priest who came to Greenland with the purpose of Christianizing the Eskimos. One cannot but call to mind the glorious and prophetic words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
“Should in Greenland the fire of the love of God be ignited, all the ices of that continent will be melted and its frigid climate will be changed into a temperate climate—that is, if the hearts will obtain the heat of the love of God, that country and continent will become a divine garden and a lordly orchard, and the souls, like unto the fruitful trees, will obtain the utmost freshness and delicacy. Magnanimity is necessary, heavenly exertion is called for.”
Report to the Friends[edit]
The meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly held on November 3 and 4 was called as an additional meeting not originally scheduled, and its actions were directed to consultation and decision on matters held over from previous meetings.
Two general observations are added to those made in the Report published a month ago: first, that the Minutes themselves are organized under departments or classes of subject, each with its own heading, and are preceded each month by an Index, making it possible to refer quickly to any desired subject. The Index added to the Minutes for November 3 and 4 lists 89 different items, plus three annexes. In addition, a card Index has been compiled since 1947, giving the date and page reference to every item.
Examining the Minutes, we note that there are 58 pages of Minutes, 2 pages of Index, and 12 pages of Annexes. The votes recorded numbered 188, making a total of 1014 actions since the Convention.
The messages from the Guardian presented at this meeting was his cable addressed to the State Conventions, the text of which appears elsewhere in this issue of Bahá’í News, and copy of his letter of March 12, 1949, addressed to Mr. George P. Galinkin, an excerpt from which was chosen for publication.
The Treasurer’s regular reports as presented at the successive meetings are summarized for the inspiration of the friends from month to month in Bahá’í News. It is interesting to note that twenty-seven contributions were received in September in memory of some departed relative or Bahá’í friend. The receipts in October included a bequest from the estate of the late Ella M. Roberts.
The members keep a watchful eye on reports from the national administrative headquarters on enrollments sent in by local Assemblies and Regional Teaching Committees.
Publishing activities included action to reprint “Bahá’í Prayers,” progress on a new edition of “Gleanings” with Introduction, reprint of “Teaching Problems” by Ruhíyyíh Khanum, and reprint of the Bahá’í article in Encyclopaedia Britannica.
United Nations Conferences reported were those held in Indonesia and Managua, Nicaragua.
The meeting gave careful consideration to reports of the Africa Teaching Committee. The first pioneer from America, Mrs. Ethel Stephens, will be followed soon by Mr. William Foster, who plans to settle in Liberia. Action was taken to request the Committee to work out a pioneering project for Mr. and Mrs. Rex Collison, who have volunteered to serve in the African field.
A beautifully designed scroll has been presented to the Temple by the Bahá’ís of Japan, and the Assembly has sent its loving appreciation.
Tablets revealed by the Master have been received from a Bahá’í in Shanghai and placed in the Archives.
The assignment of delegates to the various States and Electoral Districts made on the basis of proportionate representation, was approved. Progress on the
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mailing out of Convention calls and ballots was reported. The working staff has been assisted by a number of volunteer workers from the believers of the
Temple area.
Steps were taken to investigate the possibilities of issuing a correspondence course for special service to Bahá’ís unable to attend classes.
The Legal Committee was requested to submit a revision of the bulletin on Marriage, making use of directions and explanations from the Guardian not available when the bulletin was last published.
An interesting point raised in local Assembly correspondence is whether an Assembly member, after his term of office has expired, has the right to see the Minutes of a meeting, held while he was still a member. As a general principle, the National Spiritual Assembly recognizes such a right.
The Urbana Assembly forwarded copy of a letter from the Guardian, an excerpt from which will be published in Bahá’í News.
The Indianapolis Assembly is now legally qualified to conduct Bahá’í marriages.
A regrettable number of communications bring up local situations which ought not to exist. It is difficult to deal with problems of human relations at a distance. Even when the fundamental principle involved in a dispute is explained, the responsibility for reconciliation remains as a spiritual and local obligation.
The National Assembly, in meeting a question raised by a local Assembly concerning the use of the Bahá’í Center, adopted the principle that any property dedicated to Bahá’í use publicly so known, cannot be identified by or associated with services of worship and religious instruction of other religions.
Many Assemblies reported gratifying reports of the collective local response to the national appeal for support of the Resolve Plan.
Action was taken to explain why a believer cannot be associated with any meetings of a non-Bahá’í organization of subversive character.
A letter from the Guardian about memorial meetings for deceased believers was reported by an individual believer, and this directive was filed with material for reference when needed.
It was decided on recommendation from a believer to publish again the Guardian’s letter stating that if necessary the Nineteen Day Feast can be held on a different date.
Action was taken to apply to the Library of Congress for a separate listing of “Bahá’í” in the Dewey Decimal System.
It was decided to publish a series of statements in Bahá’í News on the subject of Bahá’í elections.
From Mr. George Miller the Assembly received negatives of illustrations in The Dawn-Breakers for use in producing sets of slides. The Visual Education Committee was requested to make positives of these pictures.
Action was taken to reinstate the voting rights of Mr. James Overbeck.
The Assembly continues its intimate contact with the two new National Assemblies of Latin America, devoting much time at each meeting to consultation on their correspondence and reports. A series of bulletins is being prepared for their information, containing excerpts from the Guardian’s writings.
The Minutes recorded receipt of letter from the Office of the Adjutant General advising us that an identification disc can be given Bahá’ís in military service, and the National Spiritual Assembly voted to order a supply of Bahá’í tags to give these Bahá’ís on request. The National Assembly also took steps to clarify what is required by the military authorities of men who have noncombatant status.
National Library Committee Plan[edit]
Realizing that when the Temple is opened to the public in the spring of 1953, it will be necessary to have in prepared form at least one basic book in each of the many public and college libraries in the country to meet the demand for information on the Teachings, the National Library Committee is trying to meet this forthcoming emergency by a unique plan during the interim austerity period. The committee feels that there will be a call for Bahá’í books for study, research and information by radio commentators, newspaper men, clergyman, lecturers, college students and many of the general populace.
Checking all libraries in the country recently, the National Library Committee found that there are still 400 public libraries (cities, upwards of ten thousand population); about 800 small cities (five to ten thousand population) and over 200 small colleges without literature. With a small budget, how could they meet this problem?
The National Spiritual Assembly has given permission to send the listing of “barren libraries” to the various National Area Teaching Committees and has approved asking the friends for personal voluntary donations of the basic book Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era. No moneys for this purpose can be taken from Local Funds, nor from committee appropriations, nor are the friends being asked to subtract in any way from all their various Resolves and regular fund donations. However, above all other contributions, small amounts “from a dime to a dollar” will be gathered together to buy some basic books for the “barren libraries.” The Regional Teaching Committees will go over their lists and try to coordinate this library campaign, asking for volunteers to visit certain libraries and present the books, as the friends donate them. It is hoped by this plan that the larger libraries will each receive a copy within a year or so and that gradually the entire list of libraries will be ready for 1953 by having the Teachings available to the public.
With each donation, the National Library Committee plans to give a Library of Congress file card for quick cataloging of that book and a book review to bring the book to the attention of the public. It seems highly possible that in pursuing such a campaign by easy stages, several hundred copies might be donated personally by the friends and placed in libraries this year. Announcements of the plan will be placed in Regional Bulletins, given at conferences, and given to the friends as a whole at the Nineteen-Day Feasts.
Reservations for Annual Convention[edit]
Believers planning to attend the National Convention are urged to act promptly on their hotel or room reservations.
Those who wish to stay in private homes are requested to write the Housing Committee, 221 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill.
Hotel reservations are to be made by believers direct. If you wish a hotel reservation for the Convention period you can make your own arrangement with any of the following hotels:
- The Evanston Hotel, 840 Forest Ave., Evanston, Ill. Rates: Single $4.00—Twin $7.00.
- The Evanshire Hotel, 860 Hinman Ave., Evanston, Ill. Rates: Single $4.50—Twin $8.00.
- The North Shore Hotel, 1611 Chicago Ave., Evanston, Ill. Rates: Single $5.50—Twin $8.00.
- The Georgian Hotel, 422 Davis St., Evanston, Ill. Rates: Single $5.50—Twin $7.50.
Deposit must accompany Hotel reservations.
The Convention will be held April 24, 25, 26 and 27.
The Riḍván Feast will be held the evening of April 23.
Outstanding Memorial Gift to Bahá’í Service for The Blind[edit]
Bahá’í Service for the Blind gratefully acknowledges an outstanding memorial gift of Bahá’í literature in Braille from the library of the late Ruth Nordstrom, young blind Bahá’í of Kirkland, Wash., who recently passed to the Abhá Kingdom. Of the 35 books and pamphlets, which comprised this gift, 26 had been transcribed by non-Bahá’ís.
In accordance with the wishes of Ruth’s parents, these books will be placed at the disposal of blind Bahá’ís and inquirers through the facilities of the loaning library of this Committee, which had been used by Ruth as a valuable adjunct to her personal library and a useful tool for her teaching work.
The Nine Inscriptions booklet, when received from Mr. and Mrs. Nordstrom, was open, as Ruth had left it, to the Words of Bahá’u’lláh, “I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve?”
The National Reference Library[edit]
The friends are urged to assist in building up their National Reference Library. Here are some ways in which you can cooperate:
- Send us copies of rare Bahá’í books, pamphlets and documents.
- Also send us copies of books, pamphlets, etc., covering other Faiths and other subjects of interest to those engaged in research on various aspects of the Bahá’í World Faith.
- Make a notation in your Will, requesting that your Bahá’í books be sent to the National Reference Library, so that valuable Bahá’í libraries will not be dissipated through channels where they will not be appreciated.
A receipt will be issued for every piece of material received. Any material which this Committee finds unsuitable for the Reference Library will be offered to one of the Summer School libraries, or to a Public Library where it will be acceptable.
The temporary headquarters of the National Reference Library: 5400 North Lake Drive, Milwaukee 11, Wisconsin.
Lawrence J. Hautz, Chairman
United Nations Day display arranged by the Bahá’ís of Nassau County, N. Y. for their reception for foreign students. Streamers ran from the globe to the appropriate Bahá’í publications in different languages. Quotations from various religions on brotherhood were displayed.
American News[edit]
United Nations Day Is Observed[edit]
Some of the communities have sent reports of their United Nations Day observances. Bahá’í News gives details which may help other groups with next year’s programs.
At Palo Alto, California, the Bahá’ís on the peninsula mailed printed invitations of their program “Essentials of World Unity.” Bahá’í speaker was Arthur L. Dahl, Jr., and guest speaker was Dr. Harold H. Fisher, chairman of the Hoover Library on War, Revolution, and Peace at Stanford University, an author and radio commentator.
“Each public meeting we try a new advertising stunt. This time we proudly placed posters in all local buses. Our attendance was over a hundred people.” Along a thirty mile strip of the coast the communities obtained newspaper articles, free radio announcements, an interview, and had posters and book displays. Lists are offered at the public meetings describing each of the Bahá’í books available at the public library and giving the name and address of the Assembly secretary.
Ann Arbor reports a panel discussion, “World Religion the Essential of World Unity” with Robert Wolff, moderator, Hiro Shah of India, Eton Sun of Korea, and Quentin Farrand of the Bahá’ís. The discussion was preceded by a tea enabling the Bahá’ís to establish a friendly informal atmosphere and allowing late comers to arrive without interrupting the meeting.
The panel was broadcast over the university radio station and its seven affiliated stations and over the local Ann Arbor station, WHRV and was to be rebroadcast over the Voice of America. A colorful display
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of United Nations flags with Bahá’u’lláh’s quotation,
“The earth is one country and mankind its citizens”
and Bahá’í books and pamphlets was loaned to the
International Center, a gathering place for over 800
foreign students.
The Bahá’ís of Nassau County, New York, invited the foreign students of Adelphi and Hofstra Colleges, Long Island to a tea and reception at the Garden City Hotel. Students from Colombia, China, Iceland, Greece, Denmark, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines attended. Mr. Keith de Folo, of New York City, associate editor of Forbes Magazine and a member of the United Nations Committee was the Bahá speaker. Some of the students stayed three hours discussing the Faith with Mr. de Folo.
Milwaukee’s observance of United Nations week attracted about 100 people, a third of whom were non-Bahá’ís. Rev. Rodney Shaw, Methodist minister, spoke on “God’s Demand for a Governed World,” and Charles Reimer gave the Bahá’í teachings in “The Future World Commonwealth.” Milwaukee has been consistently successful in receiving good newspaper publicity both before and after public meetings. With follow-up articles they are able to quote speakers and give the direct Bahá’í principles.
American Bahá’í Writes Book on Persia[edit]
Mrs. Marzieh Gail, well known among Bahá’ís for her numerous articles in World Order Magazine, Bahá’í World, etc., is the author of a book entitled Persia and The Victorians just published in London by George Allen and Unwin, Ltd. This very readable volume deals with the impact of Persian life and literature upon British men of letters of the Victorian period and it mentions Bahá’u’lláh in at least three chapters: “The Glory of God,” “Browne and the Eastward Yearning,” and “On the Nature of Sufism.” Shahs, dervishes, British Ambassadors, poets, and princes are among the characters who come to life in these pages.
Believers on local Library Committees can get in touch with their public libraries and request that this book be ordered. This will be another means of arousing interest in the Faith at no expense. The order desk at the public library (and branch libraries as well as the main library should be approached) will want the following information:
Gail, Marzieh, Persia and the Victorians. Important new material on the influence of Persia on such men of letters as Sir William Jones, Sir Charles Murray, Edward Granville Browne, George Borrow, Sir Richard Burton, Edward Palmer, and the best known translator of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam—Edward FitzGerald. Published April 1951 by George Allen & Unwin, Ltd., 40 Museum Street, London, England. 176 pages. Price about $2.25.
Living the Bahá’í Life:[edit]
Sacrifice and Service[edit]
Hear Me, ye mortal birds! In the Rose-Garden of changeless splendor a Flower hath begun to bloom, compared to which every other flower is but a thorn, and before the brightness of Whose glory the very essence of beauty must pale and wither. Arise, therefore, and,
A warm welcome and deep interest was accorded to Mrs. Sumie Takeuchi, Bahá’í of Tokyo, Japan, who addressed a public meeting arranged by the Spiritual Assembly of Ada County, Boise, Idaho, on August 19, 1951. The meeting was well noticed by the press.
with the whole enthusiasm of your hearts, with all the
eagerness of your souls, the full fervor of your will, and
the concentrated efforts of your entire being, strive to
attain the paradise of His presence, and endeavor to
inhale the fragrance of the incorruptible Flower, to
breathe the sweet savors of holiness, and to obtain a
portion of this perfume of celestial glory. Whoso followeth this counsel will break his chains asunder, will
taste the abandonment of enraptured love, will attain
unto his heart’s desire, and will surrender his soul into
the hands of his Beloved. Bursting through his cage, he
will, even as the bird of the spirit, wing his flight to
his holy and everlasting nest.
Bahá’í World Faith p. 115
... Nearness to God is possible through devotion to
Him, through entrance into the Kingdom, and service
to humanity; it is attained by unity with mankind and
through loving-kindness to all; it is dependent upon
investigation of truth, acquisition of praiseworthy virtues, service in the cause of Universal Peace, and personal sanctification. In a word, nearness to God necessitates giving up of all to Him. Nearness is likeness.
The Divine Art of Living p. 62, 73
If we relax in our purpose, if we falter in our faith,
if we neglect the varied opportunities given us from
time to time by an all-wise and gracious Master, we
are not merely failing in what is our most vital and
conspicuous obligation, but are thereby insensibly retarding the flow of those quickening energies which
can alone insure the vigorous and speedy development
of God’s struggling Faith.
Bahá’í Administration, page 121
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.
- Mr. Louis Landry, St. Louis, Mo.
- October 27, 1951
- Mrs. Jane Ellen Howitson, Huntington, L.I., N.Y.
- October 28, 1951
- Mr. Walter Wright, Detroit, Mich.
- September 21, 1951
- Prof. Rosser, St. Augustine, Fla.
- (date not reported)
- Mr. Richard Klingenberg, Lima, Ohio
- October 30, 1951
- Mrs. H. W. Cuthbertson, Ridgefield Park, N.J.
- (date not reported)
- Mr. Norman W. Swindell, Chicago, Ill.
- August 1, 1951
- Mrs. Dorothy Johnson, Milwaukee, Wis.
- October 28, 1951
- Mrs. Gertrude Heller, Shorewood, Wis.
- November 12, 1951
- Mr. John Weiss, Brattleboro, Vermont
- September 29, 1951
- Miss Beatrice Eardley, Baltimore, Md.
- November 13, 1951
- Mr. Albert Ackerman, Corona, Calif.
- October 26, 1951
- Mrs. Emma Harmon, San Jose, Calif.
- November 5, 1951
Directory Additions and Changes[edit]
Local Spiritual Assemblies:
- St. Augustine, Fla.
- Miss Mae Thitchener, Act. Sec’y.
- 20 River Rd.
- Augusta, Ga.
- Mrs. Anne Fourcher, Act. Sec’y.
- 421-11th St.
- Great Falls, Mont.
- Mrs. Elaine Caldwell, Sec’y.
- 512-10th St., N.W.
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Miss Lydia Martin, Sec’y.
- 11529 Kelton Ave.
Area National Teaching Committees:
- Southern Area — Western Div.
- Mrs. Olivia Blackwell, Sec’y.
- 4035 Prescott Ave.
- Dallas, Texas
Marriages[edit]
St. Louis Mo., Miss Ruth L. Weber to Mr. Robert A. Barr October 27, 1951
Evanston, Ill., Miss Barbara Plymate to Mr. Harlan Scheffler October 20, 1951
Detroit, Mich., Mrs. Mary Louise Noe to Mr. C. G. Long (non-Bahá’í) (date not reported)
Glenfield, N. Dakota, Miss Lila Alley to Mr. Gilbert Lang (non-Bahá’í) (date not reported)
Syracuse, N. Y., Miss Edith Segen to Mr. E. Lowell Johnson October 20, 1951
Flint, Mich., Miss Martha Jean Hill to Mr. Dannie Ray (non-Baha’i) (date not reported)
Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Dorothy M. Cleworth to Mr. Donald Ramage (non-Bahá’í) (date not reported)
Ritzville, Wash., Miss Phyllis R. Armstrong to Mr. Larry Kiehn (non-Bahá’í) June 14, 1951
Brookfield, Ill., Miss Julie Regal to Mr. Kenneth C. Swec (non-Bahá’í) October 27, 1951
Cambridge, Mass., Miss Lida Fabbri to Dr. Manucher Javid October 19, 1951
Champaign, Ill. Mrs. Doris J. Fincham to Mr. Burton I. Davis (non-Bahá’í) October 23, 1951
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.
BAHA’I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1951-52: Miss Eunice Braun, Miss Garreta Busey, Managing Editor, Mr. Wm. Kenneth Christian, Miss Mae Graves, Mrs. Doris Holley, Mr. Horace Holley, Chairman, Miss Flora Emily Hottes, Mrs. Eleanor Hutchens, Mrs. Ruth Jones. EDITORIAL OFFICE: 503 West Elm St., Urbana, Illinois, U.S.A. CHANGE OF ADDRESS should be reported to National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.
