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| BAHÁ’Í NEWS | |||
| PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES | |||
| NO. 265 | BAHA’I YEAR 109 | MARCH, 1953 | |
THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE TO THE AFRICA INTERCONTINENTAL CONFERENCE[edit]
To the Hands of the Cause, the Members of the National Spiritual Assemblies, the pioneers, the resident believers and visitors attending the African Intercontinental Teaching Conference in Kampala, Uganda.
Well-beloved Friends:
I hail with a joyous heart the convocation in the heart of the African continent of the first of the four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences constituting the highlights of the world wide celebrations of the Holy Year which commemorates the hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Mission of the Founder of our Faith. I welcome with open arms the unexpectedly large number of the representatives of the pure-hearted and the spiritually receptive Negro race, so dearly loved by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, for whose conversion to His Father’s Faith He so deeply yearned and whose interests He so ardently championed in the course of His memorable visit to the North American continent. I am reminded on this historic occasion, of the significant words uttered by Bahá’u’lláh Himself, Who as attested by the Center of the Covenant, in His Writings, “compared the colored people to the black pupil of the eye,” through which “the light of the spirit shineth forth.” I feel particularly gratified by the substantial participation in this epoch-making Conference of the members of a race dwelling in a continent which for the most part has retained its primitive simplicity and remained uncontaminated by the evils of a gross, a rampant and cancerous materialism undermining the fabric of human society alike in the East and in the West, eating into the vitals of the conflicting peoples and races inhabiting the American, the European and the Asiatic continents, and alas threatening to engulf in one common catastrophic convulsion the generality of mankind. I acclaim the preponderance of the members of this same race at so significant a Conference, a phenomenon unprecedented in the annals of Bahá’í Conferences held during over a century, and auguring well for a corresponding multiplication in the number of the representatives of the yellow, the red and brown races of mankind dwelling respectively in the Far East, in the Far West and in the islands of the South Pacific Ocean, a multiplication designed ultimately to bring to a proper equipoise the divers ethnic elements comprised within the highly diversified world-embracing Bahá’í Fellowship.
I feel moved, on this auspicious occasion, to pay a warm tribute to the elected representatives, as well as the members, of the British, the Persian, the American, the Egyptian and the Indian Bahá’í Communities which have participated, in pursuance of their respective Plans, in the opening stage of a colossal teaching campaign, constituting a vital phase of the impending decade-long World Crusade, and aiming at the spiritual conquest of the entire African continent. I desire in particular to express to all those gathered at this Conference my feelings of abiding appreciation of the magnificent role played and of the remarkable prizes won, by the small band of Persian, British and American pioneers, in the course of the initial stage of this divinely propelled and mysteriously unfolding collective enterprise, which has overshadowed both the Latin American and European teaching campaigns launched in recent years, which is destined to exert an incalculable influence on the fortunes of the Faith throughout the world, and which may well have far-reaching repercussions among the two chief races dwelling in the North American continent.
To the American Bahá’í Community, the chief executor of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan; to the British Bahá’í Community, destined to play in future decades a predominating role in opening to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh not only the British Territories throughout the African continent, but the divers Dependencies of the British Crown scattered on the surface of the globe; to the Persian Bahá’í Community, at once the most venerable and most consistently persecuted among its sister communities in both the East and the West; to the Egyptian Bahá’í Community that may well boast of having erected in that continent the first pillar of the Universal House of Justice; to the Indian Bahá’í Community, fated to contribute, to a marked degree, to the spiritual quickening of the Indians constituting a notable element of the population of Africa—to these Communities I feel I must acknowledge my deep sense of thankfulness for the strenuous efforts exerted by their pioneers to raise aloft the standard of the Faith in the territories allocated to them in Liberia, Uganda, Tanganyika, the Gold Coast, Kenya, Somaliland,
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Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesia, Libya, Algeria, Zanzibar and
Madagascar. To others who, though
not following the fixed pattern of the
Plan initiated for the present African campaign, have arisen to introduce the Faith in the Territories of
Sierra Leone, Angola, Mozambique
and Southern Rhodesia I feel, moreover, a debt of gratitude is due for
their share in extending the range
of Bahá’í pioneer activity in that
continent.
The hour is indeed propitious, as the climax of the world wide rejoicings signalizing the Holy Year approaches, for the National Spiritual Assemblies of these same Communities to gird up their loins, in collaboration with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq, in a supreme effort to launch, on the morrow of this fateful Conference, that phase of the ten year Crusade which, God willing, will culminate in the introduction of our glorious Faith in all the remaining territories of that vast continent as well as the chief neighboring islands lying in the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans. The decade on whose threshold they now stand must, circumstances permitting, witness: First, the erection of three additional pillars within the confines of that continent and its neighboring islands, designed to support, together with no less than forty-five other National Spiritual Assemblies to be established in other parts of the world, the final unit in the erection of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, namely: The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central and East Africa, to be formed under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles, with its seat in Kampala; the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South and West Africa, to be formed under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America, with its seat in Johannesburg; the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North West Africa, to be formed under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Egypt and Súdán, with its seat in Tunis. Second, the initial purchase of land for the future construction of three Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs, one in Cairo, one in Kampala and one in Johannesburg, situated respectively in the north, the heart and the south of the African continent.
Third, the opening of the following thirty three virgin territories and islands: Cape Verde Is., Canary Is., French Somaliland, French Togoland, Mauritius, Northern Territories Protectorate, Portuguese Guinea, Reunion I., Spanish Guinea, St. Helena, and St. Thomas I., assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America; Ashanti Protectorate, Basutoland, Bechuanaland, Italian Somaliland, Southern Rhodesia and Swaziland assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Persia; French Equatorial Africa, French West Africa, Morocco (Int. Zone), Rio de Oro, Spanish Morocco and Spanish Sahara assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Egypt and Súdán; Comoro Is., French Cameroons, Gambia, Ruanda-Urundi and Socotra I. assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma; the British Cameroons, British Togoland, Madeira and South West Africa, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles; and Seychelles Is. assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq. Fourth, the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature in the following thirty-one languages to be undertaken by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles: Accra, Afrikaans, Aladian, Ashanti, Banu, Bemba, Bua, Chuana, Gio, Gu, Jieng, Jolof, Kuamyama, Krongo, Kroo, Luimbi, Malagasy, Nubian, Pedi, Popo, Ronga, Sena, Shilha, Shona, Sobo, Suto, Wongo, Xosa, Yalunka, Yao, and Zulu. Fifth, the consolidation of the twenty-four following territories already opened to the Faith in the African continent: Angola, Belgian Congo, Gold Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanganyika, Uganda and Zululand, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles; Abyssinia, Algeria, Eritrea, Libya, French Morocco, Somaliland, Súdán and Tunisia, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Egypt and Súdán; Madagascar, Mozambique and Zanzibar, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma; Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Persia; Liberia and South Africa, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America. Sixth, the establishment, circumstances permitting, of a National Bahá’í Court in the capital city of Egypt, the recognized center of both the Islamic and Arab worlds officially empowered to apply, in matters of personal status, the Laws and Ordinances revealed in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Mother-Book of the Bahá’í Revelation. Seventh, the incorporation of the three above-mentioned Regional National Spiritual Assemblies. Eighth, the establishment by those same National Spiritual Assemblies of National Bahá’í Endowments. Ninth, the establishment of a National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Johannesburg and one in Tunis and the conversion into a similar institution of the local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Kampala. Tenth, the formation of a National Bahá’í Publishing Trust in Cairo. Eleventh, the formation of an Israel Branch of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Egypt and Súdán, authorized to hold, on behalf of its parent institution, property dedicated to the Holy Shrines at the World Center of the Faith in the State of Israel. Twelfth, the appointment, during Riḍván 1954, by the Hand of the Cause in Africa, of an auxiliary Board of nine members who will, in conjunction with the six National Spiritual Assemblies participating in the African Campaign, assist, through periodic and systematic visits to Bahá’í Centers, in the efficient and prompt execution of the Plans formulated for the prosecution of the teaching campaign in the African continent.
May the six aforementioned National Spiritual Assemblies, aided by the Hand of the Cause appointed in that continent, and the auxiliary Board to be chosen by him, and supported by the national committees and sub-committees to be formed in due course, and reinforced by the constant and energetic efforts of an ever-swelling number of pioneers, whether settlers or itinerant teachers, and assisted by the whole-hearted collaboration of the indigenous believers in all localities, be spiritually welded into a unit at once dynamic and coherent, and be suffused with the creative, the directing and propelling forces proceeding
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Photos showing detail of the Shrine of the Báb. At right is the Greatest Name in the central panel of the parapet on the front of the Shrine.
from the Source of the Revelation
Himself, and be made, as the projected campaign unfolds, the vehicle
of His grace from on High, and
prove themselves worthy and effective instruments for the execution
and ultimate consummation of one
of the most thrilling and far-reaching enterprises undertaken in the
Formative Age of the Faith and constituting one of the noblest phases
of the most glorious Crusade ever
launched in the course of Bahá’í history for the systematic propagation
of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh over the
surface of the entire planet.
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Beloved Friends:
The first of the four Intercontinental Conferences was held at Kampala, Uganda, from February 12 to 18, 1953.
The Guardian’s Message, published above, was read to the attendants by Leroy Ioas, Hand of the Cause, and the Guardian’s representative. In this letter we have the fundamentals of the Ten Year Crusade as planned by Shoghi Effendi for the African Continent and adjacent islands. It inaugurates the mighty Crusade.
Every Bahá’í on earth has a responsibility for contributing to this Crusade, and a glorious opportunity to consecrate his life to this vital stage in the unfoldment of the Divine Plan.
The believers in each of the six National Spiritual Assemblies to which specific African areas are assigned will give particular and prayerful attention to their own collective share of the great enterprise, and ponder how they may serve, whether by pioneering, by deputizing a pioneer, or in other ways.
The Conference proceedings will be reported by the British National Spiritual Assembly, which sponsored the Conference. The specific plans adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States will be reported to the American believers at a later date.
What we have to consider here is the grandeur of the Guardian’s Plan, the immensity of the field, the necessity of success in achieving the goals, and the great extension of intimate cooperation and fellowship established by the Plan for the six participating National Spiritual Assemblies. Our first task is to understand the Message; our second task is to pray for consecration, and our third is to arise in action in some way corresponding to our personal capacity and condition.
For American Bahá’ís, other teaching areas will be defined as responsibilities of the United States in the Guardian’s Message to the All-America Conference, the European Conference, and the last of the four Intercontinental Conferences, to be held at New Delhi, India, in October.
What has been launched at Kampala is a World Crusade not merely exceeding anything ever attempted by Bahá’ís, but also exceeding any spiritual undertaking ever carried out in the past history of religion.
RAPID PROGRESS OF THE TWIN SACRED UNDERTAKINGS[edit]
Eve convocation (of) history making, long eagerly anticipated African Inter-Continental Conference share (with) communities Bahá’í World (the) joyous news (of the) rapid progress (of the) twin sacred undertakings launched (on the) Mountain (of) God (and the) Holy Plain (of) ‘Akká destined (to) culminate (in the) erection (of) worthy sepulchers (of the) Herald, (and) Author (of the) Bahá’í Revelation. Stop. World wide celebrations (of the) Holy Year inaugurated last October (are) heightened (during) course present month through (the) holding (of the) epoch
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making gathering, (and) moving
steadily towards climax (during) approaching Riḍván festivities (and)
greatly enhanced (by the) latest developments (of the) institutions (at
the) World Center (of the) Faith.
Stop. Construction third unit (of the)
Báb’s Shrine (is) terminated synchronizing (with the) safe arrival (at
the) port (of) Haifa (of the) last
consignment (of) stones ordered (in)
Italy totaling over thirteen hundred
tons. Stop. First section (of the)
brim (of the) dome, constituting (the)
base (of the) topmost tier (of the)
triple crown (of the) majestic edifice
(has been) erected heralding (the)
placing (during) Riḍván period (of)
tiles as well as construction (of) ribs
(of the) golden dome. Stop. (The)
landscaping initiated (at the) inception (of the) Holy Year (of) thirteen
thousand square meter area immediately surrounding (the) Qiblih
(of the) Bahá’í World, involving extension (of) its outer sanctuary,
to be designated henceforth (as the)
Harami-Aqdas, (is) virtually concluded, paving (the) way, successively (for the) embellishment (and)
extensive illumination (of the) entire
area (and) erection stately portals,
presaging (the) rearing (at a) future
date (of a) magnificent Mausoleum
(in) its heart. Stop. (The) striking
enhancement (of the) beauty (and)
stateliness (of the) most holy spot
(in the) Bahá’í World, constitutes (a)
befitting tribute (to the) memory (of
the) Founder (of the)Faith, within
(the) hallowed area adjacent (to)
His resting place (on the) occasion
(of the) Centenary Celebrations (of
the) birth (of) His glorious Mission.
February 9, 1953.
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Beloved Friends:
The Guardian’s cable of February 9 was presented at the Africa Intercontinental Conference held in Kampala by Leroy Ioas, Hand of the Cause, in his capacity of the Guardian’s representative.
Shoghi Effendi’s report of progress of the “twin sacred undertakings” he has launched “on the Mountain of God” at the World Center will be acclaimed as one more evidence of the rapid development of the Shrines and institutions at Haifa and ‘Akká which symbolize the potent emanations of the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh in these days. They are the tokens of our ultimate victory in the World Crusade, and as such inspire in all Bahá’ís a profound reverence and joy.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
AMERICAN BAHA'IS INVITED TO ATTEND INTERCONTINENTAL CONFERENCE IN STOCKHOLM[edit]
The European Teaching Committee, as the appointed Convenor of the Third Intercontinental Bahá’í Teaching Conference, joyously extends to all of the believers in the United States a warm and cordial invitation to attend this historic gathering to be held in Stockholm, Sweden beginning with an Informal Reception Tuesday evening, July 21 and extending through Sunday afternoon, July 26.
The four Intercontinental Bahá’í Teaching Conferences, marking the “inauguration ... of the intercontinental stage in the administrative evolution of the Faith”, have been called by our beloved Guardian to launch the Ten Year Global Teaching Campaign, destined to establish the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh throughout this planet. The friends gathered at Stockholm in the third of these Conferences will share the great privilege and bounty of meeting with believers from all parts of the Bahá’í World and of participating in the deliberations of plans designed to carry out the tasks, specifically assigned by our Guardian as Europe’s part in this glorious spiritual Crusade.
The members of the European Teaching Committee are gratefully and humbly aware of the bounty and privilege bestowed upon them in serving as your hosts and in welcoming you to this momentous occasion.
Housing Accommodations[edit]
The housing arrangements which have been made include rooms in Youth “Hostels”, in the Domus or Student Hotel and in the Hotel Malmen, ranging in price from $1.00 to $4.50 per day (without meals). Any one contemplating attending the Conference should write immediately to:
- Miss Honor Kempton
- 37 Quai Wilson
- Geneva, Switzerland
If definite reservation is desired, please designate which of the three categories of accommodation you desire.
LETTER FROM HAIFA DEFINES "AGES" AND "EPOCHS"[edit]
In a letter dated January 18, 1953, written on behalf of the Guardian by Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary, the terms “age” and “epoch” as used by the Guardian are defined.
“The Faith is divided into three Ages, the Heroic, the Formative, the Golden Age, as has been outlined in his writings. The Heroic Age closed with the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Formative Age is divided into epochs. The first epoch lasted 25 years. We are now actually in the second epoch of the Formative Age. How long the Formative Age will last is not known — and there will probably be a number of epochs in it.
“The Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is divided into epochs. The first Seven Year Plan constituted the first stage of the first epoch; the second Seven Year Plan constitutes the second stage; while the ten year Crusade will constitute the third stage of the first epoch of the Divine Plan. The first epoch of the Divine Plan will conclude with the conclusion of the ten year Crusade.”
THE GREATEST NAME AND PICTURES OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA IN GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS[edit]
The friends will be very happy to learn that in a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, believers are informed about the proper position for the Greatest Name and for the picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when they are used in group photographs.
“It is quite important that the Greatest Name or a picture of
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‘Abdu’l-Bahá be placed in a dignified
position. They should not be placed
on the floor nor, on the other hand,
should they be held above the heads
of the people in the photograph. It
would seem that the proper position
would be for them to be held about
chest height.”
MEMORIAL ARTICLE ON LOUIS G. GREGORY[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly requested Miss Elsie Austin to prepare a memorial on Louis G. Gregory for publication in Bahá’í News. Copies were provided for the Intercontinental Conference in Kampala on account of the Guardian’s association of this Hand of the Cause with the Faith in Africa.
Acknowledgment is made to Mrs. Mariam Haney and Mr. Harlan Ober for their contribution of information about Mr. Gregory’s life and Bahá’í career.
CORRECTIONS IN GUARDIAN'S CABLES[edit]
Cable dated Oct. 14: “construction (of) ribs (of) drum (and) brim (of) lantern (of) dome” should read: “construction (of) drum (and) ribs, (and) brim (and) lantern (of) dome.”
Cable dated November 12: “who placed (a) residence” should be “who placed (his) residence.”
ISRAELI BROADCAST DESCRIBES SHRINE AND GARDENS[edit]
The English section of the Israeli broadcasting station “Kol Zion” recorded an interview in the gardens of the Shrine of the Báb and broadcast this by short wave December 29.
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National Bahá’í Addresses
National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters:
National Treasurer:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
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At the opening of the broadcast the announcer explained that Israel was not only the home of Judaism, Christianity, and Islám, but of a fourth religion, the Bahá’í Faith. He then asked Rúḥíyyih Khánum for some explanatory remarks. She briefly sketched the various exiles of Bahá’u’lláh and His arrival in ‘Akká. She said that the creation of world peace was the Bahá’í objective, and enumerated the principles designed to attain this end. She explained how Bahá’ís work through elected local and national bodies and that Shoghi Effendi Rabbani will head our international body. It is the desire of all Bahá’ís, she said, to come here as pilgrims to meet their world leader face to face.
The next part of the broadcast came from the gardens immediately in front of the Shrine. The announcer asked Leroy Ioas a number of questions about the gardens and the Shrine of the Báb. In the concluding part Rúḥíyyih Khánum talked briefly of the life of the Báb and His martyrdom, how His remains were hidden in place after place before being brought here for interment.
This broadcast is another impressive evidence of the growing recognition of the Faith.
LOUHELEN SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
“World Crusade” Program Theme[edit]
“The World Embracing Spiritual Crusade”, will be the general theme of the 1953 summer sessions at Louhelen Bahá’í School. In addition to courses on basic Bahá’í Writings, and special subjects, there will be week-end program units on such themes as United Nations, Israel, Africa, Bahá’í Geography and Family Relations. A tentative outline of Louhelen sessions follows:
JUNIOR YOUTH SESSION I July 5-July 11
- Subjects: Bahá’í History, Comparative Religion, Living the Life, Crafts, and Recreation.
JUNIOR YOUTH SESSION II July 12-July 18
- Subjects: Bahá’í History, Comparative Religion, Living the Life, Crafts, and Recreation. Continuation of courses begun in Junior Youth Session I.)
WEEK-END PROGRAM July 18-19
- Subject: The New Africa, Matthew Bullock — Chairman.
GENERAL SESSION I July 19-July 25
- Subjects: Gleanings, This Earth One Country, and The Dynamics of Prayer.
WEEK-END PROGRAM July 25-26
- Subject: The New Israel.
GENERAL SESSION II July 26-August 8
- Laboratory session including courses on Dawnbreakers, Comparative Religion, Bahá’í Geography and the Guardian’s Letters.
WEEK-END PROGRAM August 2-3
- Subject: Family Relations
WEEK-END PROGRAM August 8-9
- Subject: The United Nations
GENERAL SESSION III August 9-August 15
- Subjects: God Passes By, part I; The Bahá’í World Faith, part I; and a special course on Islám.
WEEK-END PROGRAM August 15-16
- Subject: Bahá’í Geography
GENERAL SESSION IV August 16-August 22
- Subjects: God Passes By, part II; Bahai World Faith, part II; and a special course on Bahá’í Administration.
YOUNG PEOPLE’S SESSION August 23-September 5
- Subjects: Keys to Pioneering, Bahá’u’lláh’s Book of Certitude, and Some Answered Questions. (This is a two-week session for youth and adults, ages 15 and up.)
WEEK-END PROGRAMS
- Week-end programs will be harmonized with youth and family needs. The session will culminate with Homecoming the week-end of September 5-6.
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Jubilee Year
AMERICAN NATIONAL JUBILEE PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
This issue of Bahá’í News presents the first detailed announcement of all the events which are part of our National Jubilee Celebration. The program as it has been finally developed should prove to be a rich and deeply inspiring experience to all privileged to attend. Of the eight days during which the events are scheduled, the friends will note that the first three days are devoted to the Annual Convention, including the Riḍván Feast and a meeting in the Temple Auditorium commemorating the Master’s visit to the Temple grounds May 1, 1912. The fourth day is devoted to the Dedication of the House of Worship — the great public event which will inaugurate public Bahá’í worship in the United States of America. That evening the Sacred Gift being sent by the Guardian will be unveiled for the attendant Bahá’ís. The final four days are set aside for the Second Intercontinental Conference of this Jubilee Year. A further study of the program will show that the first and alternate evenings are Public Meetings for the proclamation of the Faith. Further details of these meetings and of the commemorative and dedication services will be announced later. The National Assembly is aware that this program is more than an Annual Convention, a Temple Dedication, and an Intercontinental Conference, even though these are the three chief divisions of events. Our National Jubilee is the entrance into conscious, mature, world responsibility in the unfoldment of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. The full spiritual impact we may not see for some years. We are grateful that the Guardian is sending his personal representative, Amatu’l-Bahá. We will come as pilgrims, joyous and eager for that larger vision that will enable us to become “the quickeners of mankind.” —NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASEMBLY
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois, April 29-May 6, 1953 NATIONAL CONVENTION April 29-May 1
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SECOND INTER-CONTINENTAL BAHA’I CONFERENCE May 3-6
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
Summer Schools[edit]
The Yerrinbool Summer School was held at Bolton Place, Yerrinbool, Australia from January 1st to January 11th, 1953. The Hyde Dunn School in New Zealand met from December 27th, 1952 to January 10th, 1953.
Preliminary reports of these Jubilee Year Summer Schools indicate that the sessions were the best ever held from a material and spiritual sense. The average attendance at Hyde Dunn School was over thirty-five people. Yerrinbool attendants reported particularly happy and dynamic sessions.
Shortly after the summer school sessions World Religion Day was observed in Australia and New Zealand on February 8th.
CANADA[edit]
National Haziratu’l-Quds[edit]
The Guardian called upon the Canadian National Assembly to establish a national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in February, 1952. In one of his messages he stated, “... effort must ... be exerted for the establishment of an institution which, though not an integral part of the (five year) Plan, formulated for that community, is none the less regarded as indispensable owing to its emergence into an independent existence, and the necessity of its following the lead of its sister communities in East and West, which have, at various stages in their development, adopted this vital measure for the consolidation of their national institutions and the raising of the prestige of the Faith in their respective countries.”
The Ḥaẓíra has recently been purchased in Toronto, Ontario. It is a beautiful three story stone and brick residence standing on a large property of a dignified area in the heart of Toronto.
The Canadian Bahá’í News carried the following picturesque editorial:
“If you go west along Bloor Street, in Toronto, past Yonge and Bay—an area rapidly becoming the shopping
The National Hazíratu’l-Quds of Canada, in Toronto.
center of the city—past Avenue Road
and Varsity Stadium, you come to
St. George Street. Turn up this pleasant, tree-lined thoroughfare and go
north a short block-and-a-half and
you will be standing opposite number 188. It is a substantial, three-story brick house separated from the
sidewalk by a wide lawn. If you walk
up the path to the large stone, pillared porch and pass through the
double front doors, you will find
yourself in a large hall, comfortably
furnished, with a polished oak stairway set off to one side.
“You are now standing in the center of a house that, at present, is the house of many different people, carrying
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out their affairs in its sixteen
rooms. And yet, you can still feel the
atmosphere of the time when only
one family lived here, a quieter and
more gracious era at the turn of the
century. As you stand in this reverie
you begin to wonder how it will look
next year when skilled tradesmen
start making changes. That big room
on the south side—the one with the
bay window in the corner, looking out
on the street—how will that look partitioned and furnished as two up-to-date offices? Or the one behind it
that looks out over the big garden at
the back? Then, upstairs where those
walls are to come out to make an assembly hall. How will that look?
“Decorating problems and questions race through your mind as you go up to the top floor. The front room—hmm! Visitor perhaps? Then this huge room next to it with the bay window and the big fireplace. Obviously the living room. Yes—firesides! And you can almost see the people gathered around the hearth—listening and asking. Then down the passage—bedroom—bedroom—kitchen and bathroom. Yes, everything would be just right.
“Perhaps it is as you go down to the hall again, as you tread that polished hardwood, that the realization dawns. The concept of what this house is to become. Once again it will be the home of one family—the Bahá’í family of Canada. Here is a building with quiet dignity that would be fitting for such a purpose. The space for offices, a panelled library, an assembly room big enough for two hundred people, a home for a caretaker, and space for visitors from distant places. Here is the hub of the Bahá’í Administration of Canada, here is a pillar of the future world order, here is our new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
“As you leave 188 and walk down St. George, turn and look back from under the trees. Perhaps you will see just another three-story house—or maybe you will see more than that. Perhaps you will see a foundation stone in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, a piece of solid proof that this administration is a living fact—not just a vision in a book. That is what I saw: the Canadian Bahá’í Community taking a mature step towards World Order, and I hope that you will come and see it too.”
The Guardian has pointed out that the significance of this Edifice is not only national in scope, but international as well. It will, he says, serve further to link five continents in a chain of Bahá’í National Institutions and thus enhance the growing prestige of our Faith around the world. And finally, he points out, that the discharge of the responsibility to establish the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds will “constitute a befitting contribution by one of the youngest national communities in the Bahá’í world to the world-wide celebrations that are to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s mission and parallel the termination of the fifty-year-old enterprise of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the West, and its official opening for public Bahá’í worship.”
CENTRAL AMERICA[edit]
Annual Convention[edit]
In order to give as many Central American Bahá’ís as possible the chance to attend the Third Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Central America and to go on from there to the All-America Intercontinental Conference in Chicago, the National Assembly named Havana, Cuba, as the site of the Convention. Because of the central location of Havana midway between the Central American countries and the Islands of the Antilles, an unusually good attendance is anticipated.
Teaching Activities[edit]
The Spanish National Teaching Committee has already begun to put into effect an extensive teaching campaign by mail consisting of four introductory leaflets designed to awaken interest in the Faith amongst non-Bahá’ís in all cities and towns of the Spanish-speaking area.
The English National Teaching Committee reports that as a result of the recent Institutes for Preparing Teachers, twenty-three believers from the English and French-speaking areas offered their services, either for local teaching or for teaching in other countries of the area. Six offers were received from Kingston, Jamaica, six from Port Antonio, Jamaica, and seven from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Effort to Achieve Goals[edit]
Every effort is being made during these last few months before Riḍván of 1953 to fulfill the three basic goals laid down by the Guardian in his message to the first Central American Convention in 1951 and the later specific goals for individual Communities set by the National Assembly. Riḍván of 1953 marks the “coming of age” of the youthful National Assembly of Central America which has, for the first two years of its life, been under the loving guidance of its big sister, the National Assembly of the United States, but which will be thereafter independent.
GERMANY[edit]
The Committee of Persian Bahá’í Students in Germany and Austria arranged public meetings in Esslingen at the Engineering School, in Darmstadt at the University of Tübingen, and at the Technical High School in Karlsruhe. At these meetings a national Bahá’í teacher as well as a Persian Bahá’í student presented the East-West and historical aspects of the Faith in bringing world understanding. Eight other meetings are planned at universities and high schools throughout Germany.
INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA[edit]
UN Seminar on the Status of Women[edit]
A Seminar on the status of women in South East Asia was held in India in December, under the auspices of the United Nations.
Three Bahá’í delegates were appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly to represent the Bahá’í Community. They were: Mrs. Fozdar of Singapore, Miss Vakil of Surat and Mrs. Bomas of Lashkar (Gwalior).
SOUTH AMERICA[edit]
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil[edit]
The National Conference of the Organization of Non-Governmental Entities of Brazil that works with the United Nations, in November elected the Bahá’í Community of Rio as one of the groups to belong to the Administrative Council. Of the 250 member organizations about ninety are elected to the Administrative Council. The Bahá’í delegate to the National Conference made many contacts and gave out Bahá’í literature. A representative of the Brazilian
[Page 10]
government asked for a round table
discussion on the Faith.
While stopping in Rio on her way home from a National Assembly meeting in Peru, Mrs. Margot Worley was interviewed by a television reporter. The following day the filmed interview on the Faith was televized. The camera-man became so interested in the Faith that he has attended every Bahá’í meeting in Rio since that day, and has offered his help in publicizing the Faith.
A portion of the World Religion Day program was televized over the national news show.
Sao Paulo, Brazil[edit]
World Religion Day was observed in Sao Paulo with a large public meeting which featured three speakers. Besides the Bahá’í, two able and widely known speakers representing the Jewish colony of Sao Paulo and a Protestant movement to unite the Christian Churches participated in the program.
The last several meetings of this Community, held regularly each month in the Municipal Library have been televized.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
FAITH IN ACTION[edit]
Chattanooga, Tennessee was recently opened to the Faith by a weekend program which was preceded by radio and newspaper interviews of the speaker. Meetings held in the Read House, the city’s leading hotel, were well attended.
From Waukesha, Wisconsin comes thrilling news of what can be accomplished by joint effort and inter-community cooperation. At a week long Seminar held in the Avalon Hotel under the joint sponsorship of the RTC and the communities of Waukesha County, several believers were enrolled and a study class of very interested seekers was formed. Where there had been no Bahá’í activity at the beginning of the week, at the end of it there was a flourishing group. Radio, newspaper, and TV publicity was sought and obtained, and this helped to make the Seminar successful.
It is hard to evaluate immediately the effect of local newspaper publicity, but we do know that the more often the Faith is mentioned in print, the more chance there is for attraction of true searchers. This month the NEWS has received many clippings from Syracuse, N.Y.; Little Rock, Ark.; Kuna, Idaho and Meridian, Idaho in which we find that believers there have used all occasions to keep the name before the general public. World Religion Day, the coming Jubilee and 10 Year Crusade, and the House of Worship, as well as announcements of local meetings, all seem to have news value as far as local editors are concerned, and can be used to promote interest.
Chicago, Ill. believers gathered at the Chicago Bahá’í Center on Thursday, February 12th, to offer “fervent prayers for the success of the first Inter-Continental Conference at Kampala, Africa.”
Within three months of their arrival in Oxnard, California, a Bahá’í couple have been able to develop enthusiastic firesides, secured the first mention of the Faith in the local newspaper by a story on the development of the Bahá’í Faith, and are now planning public meetings on the theme of the Jubilee Year.
BAHA'I INVITED TO ADDRESS COMMONWEALTH CLUB[edit]
An opportunity to present the Bahá’í Faith as “A force for unity in the Middle East—and the world” came through a contact made by Mr. Arthur L. Dahl, Jr., of Palo Alto, with the Commonwealth Club of California. This organization, well known as one of the outstanding discussion groups of the United States, invited Mr. Dahl as a Bahá’í to speak to its Section on Mediterranean Problems, of which he had recently become a member. Amin Banani was also invited, as a representative of the Faith from the Middle East, to answer questions. He spoke briefly on the status of the Faith and its contribution to that part of the world. A lively discussion period attested to the interest of those attending the luncheon meeting. It was also possible to place several books about the Faith in the Club library.
NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]
BAHA'I CENTENARY NEWS SERVICE[edit]
Radio Scripts Available[edit]
Current
| No. 1 | THE BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP, SYMBOL OF HOPE — a talk script about a new type of religious worship which is being introduced into the United States with the dedication of its House of Worship. |
| No. 2 | THE BAHÁ’Í TEMPLE, A SYMPHONY IN STONE—a talk script which takes the listener on an imaginary visit to the Temple. |
| No. 3 | CENTENARY OF UNIVERSAL RELIGION—an interview with good historical information. |
| No. 4 | CENTENARY OF UNIVERSAL RELIGION—a conversation between the narrator and a questioner or announcer. Good also for Naw-Rúz time, changing title to “A Divine Springtime.” |
| No. 5 | An INTERVIEW SCRIPT—which is an interesting conversation between a woman called Mrs. Adams and a Doctor North on whom she has called to inquire about the Bahá’í Faith. Note: This is stemmed to World Religion Day but can be easily adapted to general use. |
| No. 6 | WHAT’S THE WORLD COMING TO?—a modernly written interview between the announcer and a Bahá’í, which gives the high-lights of a Centenary of Universal Religion. (This can also be adapted to general use.) There is a limited supply of scripts on hand which were produced by the National Radio Committee the last few years, as follows: |
| No. 450 | Interview on the Temple and the Faith. |
| No. 451 | General Interview on the Faith. |
| No. 452 | World Religion — Source of True Brotherhood. |
| No. 453 | World Religion — Keystone of Education. |
| No. 454 | New Life for the World (Naw-Rúz straight talk.) |
| No. 455- 456 |
The Birth of Bahá’u’lláh |
- These scripts are $0.25 each.
- Order from—
- Bahá’í Centenary News Service
- Mrs. Nina Matthisen, Sec’y.
- 77 E. Cedar St.,
- Chicago 11, Illinois
Press Clippings[edit]
World Religion Day head-lined clippings have come in to date from 132 cities representing 39 states and we know there will be more with each mail for days to come. There is every evidence that our World Religion Day is becoming well established throughout the country.
The press representatives everywhere are doing an excellent job in public relations. So far, every state but one is represented by Jubilee events press clippings and the number of cities represented are approximately 250.
We note with admiration the unique methods employed by communities to tie the releases to local activities such as: an International party in one university town, in which Foreign Students were entertained by Bahá’ís at a Buffet Supper; musicals is another tie-up; state elections; listing of delegates and friends coming to the Centenary Celebrations; Africa bound Bahá’ís; regional
The Monrovia, Liberia Bahá’í Group, who will elect their first Spiritual Assembly in April. The two American pioneers are Miss Valerie Wilson and Mr. William Foster seated in the center row, second and third from the right.
[Page 12]
and local conferences held to discuss the ten-year crusade; letters to
editors and many others.
The committee is compiling a special, beautifully bound, gold lettered, book of outstanding clippings for our beloved Guardian and an additional one with all clippings for the National Archives. Dick Thomas who is doing a magnificent job in preparing the clippings said recently; “We have enough clippings to paper a large room.”
AUDIO-VISUAL COMMITTEE[edit]
The following audio-visual materials are ready for distribution:
1. An up-to-date set of Temple slides with script. |
|
40 35mm. color slides “An Armchair Tour of the Temple” | $15.00 |
3. Haifa. A Name you will remember. |
|
60 35mm. color from Hautz and Weedin sets with script | $18.00 |
5. Green Acre. The Green Pastures of modern times. |
|
50 35mm. color of the Bahá’í Summer School | $15.00 |
6. Human Destiny. |
|
120 35mm. color combining Progressive Revelation, Historic Geology and America’s Destiny with script for narration | $30.00 |
7. Tape recordings are available for slide sets No. 5, No. 6 each | $6.00 |
8. A large two-color 3 wing window display piece at the low cost of | $3.00 |
This piece is four feet long by 22 inches high with three 11x14 recent pictures of the Temple including first landscaping details. Orders now being taken for two or more because of their low cost and usefulness. |
9. A kit of 9 display photographs of the Temple 11x14 heavy mounts suitable for lectures at firesides, service clubs, schools and small intimate groups. Each photograph plus mailing | $1.75 |
10. Temple Display Enlargements 22x32 heavily mounted, suitable for window and exhibit displays. Each display plus mailing costs | $6.50 |
11. Individual red morroco plastic loose leaf albums with either 9 or 18 8x10" recent photos of Temple and Shrines. Each photograph as selected plus mailing costs | $ .50 |
Albums | $2.75 |
12. Nos. 3 and 1 available for three week rental. Each | $5.00 |
The Committee plans to purchase suitable projection equipment at substantial savings to the friends. Write for particulars on your needs.
Address all communications to the secretary:
- Mr. Archie G. Tichenor
- Audio-Visual Committee
- 72 Delaware Avenue
- Dumont, New Jersey
|
REMINDERS for those Attending Jubilee Celebrations
CREDENTIALS All believers expecting to attend one or more of the events of the Jubilee Celebrations must have Bahá’í credentials, or they run the risk of not being admitted. In the February BAHÁ’Í NEWS the National Spiritual Assembly requested each believer to obtain credentials. Bahá’ís of the United States obtain credentials from the local Assembly, or if living outside a community apply in advance to the National Spiritual Assembly. Bahá’ís of other lands obtain credentials from their National Spiritual Assemblies, or where there is no National Assembly from their local Assemblies. Be certain to have your card with you to show upon request. HOUSING
Bahá’ís coming to the Jubilee Celebrations are urged to make hotel reservations now, before arriving in Chicago. With the exception of Friday afternoon, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 all the Jubilee events are to be in Chicago at Medinah Temple, 600 North Wabash Avenue at Ohio Street. There are only a limited number of rooms available in private homes and these are in Wilmette, not in Chicago. In most cases these rooms do not have private baths, they are distances from transportation and restaurants, and the prices are the same as hotel accommodations. For all-around convenience, it is suggested that rooms be reserved in the Chicago hotel of your choice immediately. TEMPLE DEDICATION
Because of the sacred nature of the Dedication of the House of Worship, and the quiet reverential atmosphere that should characterize the event, only children nine years of age and above may attend the formal services. Since the services will be repeated during the afternoon, parents with children under the age limit can adjust their plans so that both may attend. —JUBILEE COMMITTEE
|
"BAHA'I WORLD" EDITORIAL COMMITTEE APPEALS TO ALL FRIENDS[edit]
The Editorial Committee for the XIIIth Volume of the Bahá’í World has recently been appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. The Bahá’í World, our only international publication, is produced under the direct supervision of the Guardian and is especially dear to him. As early as in 1928 the Guardian, referring to the Bahá’í World, stated: “This unique record of worldwide Bahá’í activity attempts to present to the general public, as well as to the student and scholar, those historical facts and fundamental principles that constitute the distinguishing features of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to this age.”
The period from April, 1952, to April, 1954, will be rich in events of historical significance for the Faith.
[Page 13]
The completion of the Shrine of the Báb; the dedication of the Temple in Wilmette; the international conferences in Africa, America, Europe, and Asia; the fulfillment of the various national teaching plans; the development of the International Bahá’í Council and of the institution of the Hands of the Cause; these and many other events will be recorded on the pages of the XIIIth volume of the Bahá’í World.
The Committee asks the friends, individuals as well as assemblies and committees, to contribute materials on the progress of the Faith in the United States and abroad. These materials will fall into the following categories:
- Accounts of special activities such as international conferences, celebration of World Religion Day, youth and teaching conferences, etc.
- Articles on subjects of general interest to Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í readers.
- References to the Faith in any books or magazines.
- Photographs of new assemblies, conferences, exhibits, summer schools, Bahá’í centers. (All photographs should be clear and glossy prints submitted in duplicate.)
All written material should be typed, double spaced, and in two copies—the original and the first carbon. Accounts of Bahá’í activities should be no longer than 3000 words. Articles of general interest should be no longer than 5000 words. All references to Bahá’í literature or quotations from Bahá’í writings should be footnoted, giving the title and the page of the book which is being quoted or referred to.
All materials should be addressed to the Secretary:
- Mrs. O. H. Blackwell,
- 256 Burns Street,
- Forest Hills 75, N.Y.
NAW-RUZ[edit]
This sacred day, when the sun illumines equally the whole earth, is called the equinox, and the equinox is the symbol of the Manifestation of God. The Sun of Truth rises on the horizon of Divine Mercy and sends forth its rays. This day is consecrated to commemorate it. From ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Star of the West, vol. V No. I.
Bahá’í exhibit at the Mississippi State Fair last fall. Hundreds of interviews were conducted and pieces of literature given out.
World Religion Day display by the Bahá’ís of Ada County and Boise, Idaho.
This Year of Jubilee[edit]
(Bahá’ís are celebrating this year as a great Jubilee, and Marzieh Gail’s vivid report of the events of one hundred years ago is published as a contribution to the observance of Jubilee. It will appear in two parts, of which this is Part I.)
It was the seventh day of the wedding and the puppeteers had put up a large tent in the courtyard. As the wedding guests crowded around to watch, doll-like forms came from the tent and acted out a familiar scene. It showed a day in the life of an Eastern king, one who could easily have been their own Sháh.
The first puppets announced that the king was coming. The next ones performed that most necessary of Persian chores: they swept the ground and sprinkled it to lay the dust. Then a herald appeared, telling everyone to get ready for the king. Then the ministers of court came on, in their tall black hats, sashes and cashmere robes, and the magistrates in barrel-shaped turbans, and the guards with their clubs, and the executioners with their instruments of torture. When the whole court was ready and lined up according to rank, there fell a hush. Then out of the tent, majestic and slow, walked the king in his crown. To the music of the national anthem, and a salvo of cannon which spread generous amounts of smoke at the right moment, he sat down on his throne.
Immediately, a thief was brought before him to be judged. At his royal nod, the executioner chopped off the criminal’s head, and everyone saw a red liquid spill out. As the king conferred with his ministers, a herald came in, announcing that rebellion had broken out. The king ordered his soldiers to put the rebellion down. Some moments passed, and from behind the tent, where the battle was joined, came the roar of guns. One by one, the events of the king’s day unfolded and then the curtain fell.
In a gallery above the courtyard, a young boy sat and watched. After the guests had scattered, He saw a man come out from behind the tent. The man was carrying a box. The boy called to him, “Where has the king gone, and all the men?” The man answered, “They are under my arm, in this box.”
Years afterward, when the boy had grown up to be the Founder of a world religion, He was taken prisoner by two kings, the Sháh of Persia and the Sulṭán of Turkey. At this time He wrote the Sulṭán, and described the puppet show He had seen at His brother’s wedding in Ṭihrán. From that day on, He wrote, the world and all it had to offer had seemed to Him like the puppet show, and He reminded the Sulṭán that before very long, all the pomp and the glory would be closed away in a boxlike tomb.
The Sulṭán has disappeared long since into the shadows, and today, as Bahá’ís of one hundred and twenty-four countries celebrate a Holy Year, the spotlight of world recognition is focused on the Prisoner. People all around the world are asking for the story of Bahá’u’lláh, the Persian nobleman of Núr. They are rallying to His Cause, believing with Him that the age of world unity has dawned, that the old fragmentary world of wide distances and scattered peoples, where the pattern of war and truce was perpetually broken and rearranged, where the strong battened on the weak, where the races were grouped according to color and the religions kept hostile and apart—is passing away forever.
This story began in Persia in 1844, when a young Man Who was called the Báb arose and foretold great changes in the world. A universal Prophet was about to come, and He would judge the nations and bring everlasting peace. The Báb called the Prophet “Him Whom God Shall Manifest.” “I am but as a ring on His finger,” the Báb said.1 Thousands of people deserted their mosques and went over to the Báb. Then the clergy aroused the government and the masses against Him, so that His followers were cut down. On July 9, 1850, the Báb Himself was suspended to a wall to be shot. As the whole city watched, a regiment of soldiers was drawn up in three files before Him. Seven hundred and fifty bullets were fired at Him, and not one touched Him. Later that same day, He was again suspended to the wall and fired on, and He died instantaneously, death coming as an answer to His prayer that He might give up His life for Him Whom God Would Manifest.
For eight years, Persia tried to strangle the new religion to which she had given birth. Everywhere, the followers of the Báb were rooted out, until at last there was only one of any prominence left. This was Bahá’u’lláh, which means the Glory of God. He was a young nobleman from the province of Núr. He had powerful friends at the Sháh’s court, and He lived an open and blameless life. His enemies plotted and waited, biding their time. At last their chance came.
There was a man who worked in a candy store in Ṭihrán. He had long been brooding over the Báb’s martyrdom and he was obsessed by all the innocent blood that had been spilled out. Now a plan took shape in his half-crazed mind. Clumsily, he loaded a pistol with shot. He would go out with a friend of his and station himself near the palace grounds and he would assassinate the Sháh.
Early in the morning, he waited for the Sháh to ride past. He saw the first of the royal suite come by. He saw the lance bearers, the grooms with their lead horses covered with embroidered trappings, a band of cavalry with swords at their saddles and rifles slung over their shoulders. He knew the Sháh would not pass till the dust from these had settled. Minutes went by. Suddenly the Sháh loomed over him. He was riding alone, his nobles well to the rear. And the man shouted and fired.
A general massacre was the result of this act. A day came in Ṭihrán which Renan, the French historian, has called one perhaps without parallel in the history of the world. On that day the Báb’s followers were given over to the high and the low of Ṭihrán. “Would to God that I had not lived to see it!” an Austrian eye-witness wrote. He saw streets lit with human torches, men in whose wounds lighted candles were flickering. He saw feet with horse-shoes nailed to them, lips that refused to open and cry out under whips and hammer blows. He saw scorched and bullet-drilled corpses swinging head downward from the trees, or thrown out beyond the moat to the jackals and wild dogs.2
The candy store man was killed on the spot as he rushed toward the
_________
1. E.S.W. 155.
2. D.B. 605n.
[Page 15]
Sháh. His body was chopped in two and the halves suspended at the city gates. The Sháh himself was only slightly hurt; he had only been sprayed in the arm and side.
The Muḥammadan clergy and the government officials believed that now at last they could tear out this new religion with their own hands. They had killed the Báb, but His spirit had apparently come back in Bahá’u’lláh, the young nobleman of Núr. Now this bungled attempt on the Sháh’s life would give them their chance. This last great follower of the Báb must be silenced forever. And so they accused Him of planning the attempted crime.
Bahá’u’lláh was passing the summer in one of the hill villages to the north of Ṭihrán. These villages are wooded clefts in the mountain wall. White streams slip through them, collecting here and there into black pools. Above them, bare as sword blades, rise the mountain peaks. The houses and their outer walls are of sun-baked brick. The main road, climbing vertically, is roofed at one point with branches and leaves, and along the tunnel so formed are the shopkeepers, sitting on the ground by their wares — a pile of pomegranates or some clay jars. Outside these villages, there is the glancing heat, striking and springing back from the barren slopes. But inside, the green darkness, and all day and all night long the cool thunder of the streams.
It was here that they brought the ugly news to Bahá’u’lláh. Dreading what must come, they begged Him to stay in concealment until the violence should die down. But He had not come into the world to hide. He mounted His horse and calmly rode out to the headquarters of the Sháh’s army. The Sháh was amazed at His courage. He arrested Him at once and sent Him down to Ṭihrán through miles of savage mobs who by this time had been whipped into an ultimate spasm of hate.
If the light waves from that time, 1853, could somehow be picked up, we would see it all again: the straight bare wall of mountains to the north of Ṭihrán, the long road down across the plains to the dusty green of the city shimmering in the August heat. We would see again the mob running the long miles down that road in the midsummer sun. We would hear, or imagine we heard, their howls of abuse and derision, the thud of their bare feet in the dust of the road. There, at the center of that pack, alone, in chains, pushed and hurried along, His head bare to the sun, His clothing torn, Bahá’u’lláh. We would see the air full of refuse and stones, the dancing, twisting bodies, the hands reaching out to claw, the threatening fists, the mocking fingers. As they drove Him down into the slums of Ṭihrán, a woman, quivering with age and hate, stood out of the mob. “Give me a chance,” she cried, “Give me a chance to fling my stone in His face!” And He said to the guards, “Deny her not what she regards as a meritorious act in the sight of God.”3
The Black Pit was down in the slums of Ṭihrán. It was once a reservoir for a public bath. It reached three flights under the earth, and had one opening, a pitch-black corridor sloping to the steps. Packed in total darkness between the sweating walls of the Pit were a hundred and fifty men—murderers, highwaymen and thieves. Most were naked, and the floor on which they sat in the icy dark swarmed with vermin and was caked with filth. In this Pit, for four months, the Persians chained the Glory of God.
He had lived in palaces all His life. His clothing had been the finest cashmere and brocade. His buttons were jewels. His hands were scented with rose water.
He had spent most of His wealth for His friends and the poor. He had harmed no man. He had passed His days in gardens or roaming the countryside, and He once said that the world is so beautiful “it is a pity for even dead bodies to be laid underground.”4
His feet were fastened into stocks, and the weight of His chains cut sores in His flesh. He was parched with fever, and such food as they brought Him He could not eat. Day and night, in the darkness, He thought about the remnants of the Báb’s followers, and about the condition into which they had sunk. Then He made an irrevocable resolve: if and when He was freed from the Pit, He would gather and regenerate them.
One night, in a moment of infrequent slumber, Bahá’u’lláh had a dream. All around Him in the Pit a voice rang out, and it said: “Verily, We shall render Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy Pen. Grieve Thou not for that which hath befallen Thee, neither be Thou afraid, for Thou art in safety. Erelong will God raise up the treasures of the earth—men who will aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy Name, wherewith God hath revived the hearts of such as have recognized Him”.5
After that there were other times when, sleeping, He felt as if a mountain torrent were flowing from the crown of His head down over His breast, and He would burn up as if He were on fire, and then His tongue would speak.
_________
3. D.B. 607-608.
4. Maḥmúd’s Diary — Persian Text, 147.
5. E.S.W. 21.
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
Heart of the Gospel by George Townshend. Cloth bound edition, shipment expected in March. Price $2.25
Do’a: The Call to Prayer by Ruth J. Moffett, is again available. Do’a includes a technique for prayer and meditation, words of the Prophets about prayer and a number of prayers used by the Prophets and various religious groups. $1.25
NEW PRICE. The price of Renewal of Civilization, paper has been reduced to ...... $ .60
Renewal of Civilization, cloth bound will be available shortly. $1.25
The Guardian has laid emphasis on the need of the believers knowing the early history of the Faith through the study of Dawnbreakers. This marvelous eye-witness account of the early days of the Faith, translated by Shoghi Effendi is now available. $7.50
To assist in the study of this invaluable book two aids are available.
Translation of the French Footnotes of the Dawnbreakers $ .75
A Study Guide to the Dawnbreakers $ .50
[Page 16]
World Religion Day was observed in Portland, Oregon with a public panel discussion by college students from different parts of the globe on the theme, “Is World Unity Possible?” Val Sage, the moderator, and Marjorie Stee of Canada, are the Bahá’ís.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
Holy Days:
- March 21, Naw-Rúz, beginning of Bahá’í Year 110
- April 21, First day of Riḍván
- April 29, Ninth day of Riḍván
Jubilee Celebrations:
- National Convention, April 29-May 1
- Temple Dedication, May 2
- All-America Intercontinental Conference, May 3-6
Period of the Fast:
- March 2-20
Feasts:
- March 21—Bahá, Splendor
- April 9—Jalál, Glory
- April 28—Jamál, Beauty
National Assembly Meetings:
- March 27, 28, and 29
- April 25, 26, 27, and 28
DIRECTORY ADDITIONS AND CHANGES[edit]
Local Spiritual Assemblies:
- WILMETTE, ILL.
- Mrs. Barbara Jackson, Sec’y.
- 933 Central Ave.
- GREAT FALLS, MONT.
- Mrs. Amelia Heaton, Sec’y.
- 1118 2nd Ave., South
- TACOMA, WASH.
- Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, Sec’y.
- 1920 South 17th St., Zone 3
- (add to list of Assemblies)
Regional Teaching Committees:
- RTC of Southern New York
- Mrs. Florence Steinhauer, Sec’y.
- 5 Ridgedell Ave.
- Hastings-on-Hudson, New York
- (correct name of city from Hastings to Hastings-on-Hudson)
BAHA'I NEWS MAILING[edit]
If there is more than one believer in your family and one copy of Bahá’í News is sufficient, please notify the National Bahá’í Office, listing the members of your family and indicating the one to whom it should be addressed. We prefer not to address it to “Mr. & Mrs.” as this upsets our filing system which is used for other purposes besides mailing Bahá’í News.
Forwarding[edit]
Bahá’í News is sent third class and cannot be forwarded. If you plan to be away for a time, request the one taking care of your mail to either hold it until you return or if forwarding it to be sure to re-address and re-stamp it.
MARRIAGES[edit]
Miami, Fla., Miss Dawn Dayton to Mr. R. L. Belcher, January 2, 1953
Cleveland, Ohio, Miss Faith Crane to Mr. Clement Perry, December 31, 1952
Battle Creek, Mich., Mrs. Cynthia Collins to Mr. Adam Shackelford, August 3, 1952
Roswell, New Mexico, Mrs. Elizabeth Arrants to Mr. Joseph F. Darreff (date not reported)
Wilmette, Ill., Mrs. Barbara Sims to Mr. Robert G. Jackson, December 20, 1952
Port Huron, Mich., Miss Maxine Ketels to Mr. Paul Conrad, January 3, 1953
New York, N. Y., Miss Kathryn Dunn to Mr. Gordon T. Burke, January 21, 1953
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. Blanche Kelly, New York, N. Y., December 31, 1952
- Mrs. Ruth C. Barnett, Dallas, Texas, December 30, 1952
- Mrs. Edith K. Handschin, Urbana, Ill., January 6, 1953
- Miss Johanna Schubarth, Oslo, Norway, December 1, 1952
- Mrs. Lorena Kern, Seattle, Washington, January 1, 1953
- Mrs. Marie Mahring, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, January 16, 1953
- Mr. Raymond F. Shryock, Los Angeles, Calif., January 20, 1953
- Mrs. Hazel C. Hooker, Phoenix, Arizona January 26, 1953
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. Material is due in Wilmette on the first day of the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.
BAHA’I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1952-1953: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Managing Editor; Mr. William C. Henning, Miss Farrukh Ioas, Mrs. Ruth Jones, Miss Joan Lozier, Mr. Robert Moul.
Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
Change of Address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
