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| BAHÁ’Í NEWS | |||
| PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES | |||
| NO. 266 | BAHA’I YEAR 110 | APRIL, 1953 | |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
NAW-RUZ MESSAGE[edit]
(On) occasion (of) Naw-Rúz (of) Holy Year convey twin joyful tidings (to) National Assemblies (of the) Bahá’í world. Building operations (of the) final unit (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre commenced. Recall (at) this hour successive landmarks, each coinciding (with a) Naw-Rúz Festival in (the) history (of the) sixty year old enterprise founded (by the) Author (of the) Bahá’í Revelation. First, Naw-Rúz, 1909, witnessed (the) entombment within (the) Holy (of) Holies (of the) Shrine constructed (by) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (of the) dust (of the) Martyr-Prophet (of the) Faith, Second, Naw-Rúz, 1949, coincided (with the) laying (of the) first threshold stones (of the) arcade. Third Naw-Rúz, 1951, synchronized (with the) termination (of the) excavation within (the) Shrine foundations (for the) eight piers designed (to) support (the) weight (of the) three story superstructure. Fourth, Naw-Rúz, 1952, (is) associated (with the) completion (of the) octagon setting second crown (of the) holy Edifice.
(The) celebrations (of) Naw-Rúz (in) this Holy Year (are) heightened (by the) placing (of the) first stones encircling (the) base (of the) dome. Anticipating, as (the) climax (of the) world-wide rejoicings (of the) Holy Year draw near, (the) placing (of the) gilded tiles, (the) fourth (and) last unit (of the) majestic Edifice. Fervently hoping (that the) greatest enterprise undertaken (at the) World Center (of the) Faith (will) be consummated ere (the)
Scene from the terrace immediately in front of the Shrine of the Báb, looking down the nine terraces and Carmel Avenue to the Bay of Haifa.
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conclusion (of the) festivities (of
the) Holy Year.
International endowments surrounding (the) tomb (of the) Prophet-Herald (of the) Faith (on the) bosom (of) God’s Holy Mountain (are) considerably extended through (the) acquisition, after thirty years’ effort, (of a) wooded area of over twenty-three thousand square meters, including (a) building overlooking (the) sacred spot, made possible through (the) estate bequeathed (to the) Faith by (the) herald (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, Roy Wilhelm, raising (the) total area within (the) precincts permanently dedicated (to the) Báb’s Sepulchre (to) almost (a) quarter million square meters.
Heart filled (with) humble gratitude (at the) double victory (of the) Faith, adding great joyousness (to the) Bahá’í New Year’s Day, presaging still greater triumphs as (the) Bahá’í World approaches (the) high water mark (of the) world-wide celebrations (of the) memorable year commemorating (the) hundredth anniversary (of the) birth (of the) Mission (of) Bahá’u’lláh.
March 21, 1953.
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Beloved Friends:
The Guardian’s Naw-Rúz Message, addressed to all the National Assemblies, brings to the worldwide Bahá’í community glad tidings of two important events: the beginning of building operations on the final unit of the Sepulchre of the Báb, and the purchase, from funds bequeathed to Shoghi Effendi in the will and testament of Roy C. Wilhelm, of an area of more than 23,000 square meters on Mt. Carmel.
In Shoghi Effendi’s reference to Roy Wilhelm as herald of the Covenant, we realize anew the great spiritual station Mr. Wilhelm attained.
The Holy Places of the Faith at the World Center become more impressive, more august, with each passing day. The power released by the appearance of the Two Manifestations of God discloses itself to the eyes of men. What else but a Divine Power, uncontrolled by men, has been able to make the desert blossom as the rose, fulfilling sacred prophecy as a testimony to mankind?
May our individual and collective efforts, now concentrating on the celebration of Holy Year and its inauguration of the World Crusade, exemplify a deeper spirit of gratitude and a fuller awareness of the sole means to salvation provided to humanity in its darkest hour!
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION BAHA'IS OF ITALY AND SWITZERLAND[edit]
In conformity with the Guardian’s directions, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States has issued the Call of the first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland.
Six local Communities, all developed since 1946, elect nineteen delegates on Naw-Rúz. The Convention is to be held at Florence, Italy, April 23-26, 1953.
At this date of writing, only an announcement of this important event can be given.
The participating local Communities are: Rome, five delegates; Naples, three delegates; Florence, two delegates; Geneva, four delegates; Bern, three delegates; Zurich, two delegates.
Two representatives of the American National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Paul E. Haney, chairman, and Miss Edna M. True, Recording Secretary, are to open the Convention, call the roll of delegates, preside until the Convention officers have been elected, and remain in consultation with the Convention and the members of the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly.
This Convention establishes the twelfth National Spiritual Assembly, the first fruits of the historic European Teaching project which has been one of the great objectives of the Second Seven Year Plan.
Reports of this auspicious event will be published in a later issue of Bahá’í News.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FOURTH INTERCONTINENTAL CONFERENCE IN INDIA[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma has issued an announcement of the Fourth Intercontinental Conference.
It will be held at New Delhi, India, for a period of nine days, from Wednesday, October 7 to Thursday, October 15, 1953.
All American Bahá’ís planning to attend the Conference are requested to notify their own National Assembly, because it is necessary to report the number coming from each country. This report also clears the applications for visa to be made by each individual American believer intending to go.
The Indian National Spiritual Assembly has appointed Thomas Cook & Sons as their representatives to handle the travel arrangements (airplane reservations, etc.) for their guests. It will facilitate matters to cooperate in this arrangement.
There are two arrangements for accommodations in New Delhi: The sponsoring National Assembly is working to obtain block accommodations in the Government Guest House in which the National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters are now located. In addition, the sponsoring National Assembly lists the following hotels: Hotel Cecil, Hotel Ambassador, Hotel Airlines, Hotel Imperial, Maiden’s Hotel, whose prices run from Rs 20 to Rs 35 for single rooms, and Rs 40 to Rs 75 for double rooms (inclusive rates).
The agenda will be announced at a later date.
To summarize: individual believers planning to go are requested to notify their own National Assembly, which in turn will report expected attendance to the National Assembly of India, Pákistán and Burma; individual believers make their own travel and hotel or guest house accommodations through Thomas Cook & Sons; and finally, individual believers obtain their own passport, visa, and medical certificate.
As further information is received, supplementary announcements will be published.
The New Delhi Conference has great importance, and a large attendance is most desirable.
DEDICATION OF THE BAHA'I HOUSE OF WORSHIP[edit]
The Bahá’í House of Worship will be dedicated on May 2, 1953.
The service begins at 2 p.m., and will be repeated at hourly intervals throughout the afternoon to provide seating for all who desire to attend.
In harmony with the purpose of the House of Worship, the program of dedication consists of readings selected from sacred Scriptures, with music by an a cappella choir. As conducted in the Bahá’í Temple, worship offers to the aspiring heart, without distinction of race or creed, the majesty and exaltation of the revealed Word of God.
The Bahá’í Temple stands identified with the principle of unity of faith, unity of conscience and unity of devotion to the organic interests of humankind. Brought to completion at a crucial stage in human history, duplicating the function of no church, synagogue or mosque, the Bahá’í House of Worship symbolizes the oneness of God and of His ancient and eternal revelation of love and truth to man.
Under its dome the sacred Scriptures of revealed Faiths are accepted as progressive chapters in the Holy Writ. “Every one (of the Prophets) is the Way of God that connecteth this world with the realms above.”
The House of Worship opens its doors in spiritual hospitality. Over them, and on its inner walls, are inscribed utterances of Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Faith, which exemplify the ideals to which this edifice is dedicated: “The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His glory”; “All the Prophets of God proclaim the same Faith”; “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”
Interior of the Bahá’í House of Worship. Here the Public Dedication will be held on May 2, 1953.
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TEMPLE DEDICATION
ORDER OF SERVICE CHORAL SELECTIONS Who can comprehend thee?—Peter C. Lutkin BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS Prayers and Meditations—94-95 OLD TESTAMENT Psalms—XIX, XXIV, CXXI NEW TESTAMENT Matthew—V, 3-17; VII CHORAL SELECTIONS Have ye not heard—Randall Thompson QUR’ÁN Sura II—81, 130, 284-286 (Rodwell) BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS Prayers and Meditations—49-51 CHORAL SELECTION From the Sweet-Scented Streams Choral selections performed by Northwestern University A Cappella Choir |
View of detail of the dome of the auditorium of the House of Worship, showing the Greatest Name at the apex of the dome.
View of one of the nine alcoves of the auditorium of the House of Worship. The quotations from Bahá’u’lláh selected by the Guardian are in gold letters on the valences in the alcoves.
... the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Wilmette, the most hallowed Temple ever to be erected by the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, and the crowning glory of the first Bahá’í century ... Neither the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the Bahá’í world, reared in the city of Ishqábád, nor any House of Worship to be raised in succeeding centuries, can claim to possess the vast, the immeasurable potentialities with which this Mother Temple of the West, established in the very heart of so enviable a continent, and whose foundation stone has been laid by the hand of the Center of the Covenant Himself, has been endowed ...
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THE NATIONAL BUDGET
Dearly beloved friends: The closing days of this historic Bahá’í year are almost upon us—a year which marked the end of the fruitful Second Seven-Year Plan; a year in which our beloved Guardian electrified the entire Bahá’í world with his inspiring and thrilling announcement of the Ten-Year Crusade that will plant the banner of our beloved Faith in virtually every far and remote corner of the globe. During this year, the National Fund was the beneficiary of many acts of devotion and self-sacrifice on the part of the American believers who were called upon to provide nearly a half-million dollars in support of the far-flung activities of our community at home and abroad. Although at the end of February, the Budget required the sum of $143,000 during March and April to mark a complete victory for this year, your National Assembly hopes that when the Treasurer presents his report to the National Convention on the last day of this Bahá’í fiscal year, Thursday, April 30, he will be able to announce joyously that we enter the Ten-Year Crusade with our banners flying high in Victory. Let these words represent a final appeal to every American believer to make yet another effort to contribute generously to the National Fund before April 30 in order that our Jubilee Celebrations may be marked by a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving for the many blessings we have enjoyed. Faithfully yours,
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY |
THE HEART OF THE BAHA'I COMMUNITY[edit]
Beloved friends:
The intention, and the ability, of the Bahá’ís today to develop a world community inspired with love for God, reverence for His law, and justice and consideration for all types of human beings, are not only the greatest matters being undertaken on earth today; they are the greatest undertaking humanity has ever assumed. Town by town, country by country, by tens and by scores and by hundreds, the believers who have responded to the Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh pursue this sacred mission.
Without changing their residence, they have changed their hearts; without abandoning their family or professional responsibilities, they work with a new mind. In a society stricken by fear they build a society of firmest conviction. Surrounded by conditions reflecting injustice, inequity, prejudice and lawlessness, the Bahá’ís are they who by unity know that evil will be barred out, and by activity for the sake of His Cause soul sickness and contagion are left behind.
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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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This is the most mysterious process of the ages. It is as though in an ancient rug, once beautiful, now rent, discolored and outworn, certain threads could be used again, and these threads are pulled from the old rug and rewoven in a new design.
The pulsating heart in this process of society-building is a social institution imbued with spiritual significance, the Nineteen Day Feast.
The Nineteen Day Feast is not one of many Bahá’í meetings. It is not an occasion or gathering which any Bahá’í can deem to be incidental to some other, more important duty. The Nineteen Day Feast is the shuttle which, in the hands of the Divine Artist, weaves into the new Pattern all those threads which are strong enough to serve His purpose.
Groups study, individuals pray, Assemblies deliberate, committees plan. All this is essential and necessary, but nothing on earth today has the specific and functional purpose of the Nineteen Day Feast — the builder of the world community which must demonstrate the Most Great Peace.
“The Nineteen Day Feast was inaugurated by the Báb and ratified by Bahá’u’lláh, in His Holy Book, the Aqdas, so that people may gather together and outwardly show fellowship and love, that the Divine mysteries may be disclosed.” “The Nineteen Day Feast has been described by the Guardian as the foundation of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh .... Bahá’ís should regard this Feast as the very heart of their spiritual activity, their participation in the mystery of the Holy Utterance, their steadfast unity one with another in a mystery raised high above the limitations of race, class, nationality, sect, and their privilege of contributing to the power of the Cause in the realm of collective action.”
1948, and is reprinted by request.
JUBILEE PAMPHLET EXHIBITED BY SOCIETY OF TYPOGRAPHIC ARTS[edit]
Mr. E. Willis Jones, expert designer, who created the style for The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh, reports that the pamphlet has been accepted for exhibit at the Twenty-Sixth Annual Exhibit of Design in Chicago Printing. It was selected among the one hundred items or so chosen from all those submitted, and will be on display in the Art Institute of Chicago for about two weeks beginning March 28.
The same exhibit of line printing then travels for a year on loan to some 20 organizations requesting it, such as college Schools of Art and Libraries. A certificate is awarded for each piece included in the Exhibit.
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The First Intercontinental Bahá’í Teaching Conference in Kampala, Uganda, Africa, February 12 through the 18th. Picture is taken in front of the Kampala Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
The Australian believers report that copies of the Bahá’í “Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights”, which was presented to the United Nations Human Rights Commission in February 1947, have been forwarded by the Public Relations Committee to all State Divisions of the Australian Association for United Nations. Each State Secretary was requested to make the copies available to the Standing Committees on Human Rights.
World Religion Day Reports[edit]
Glowing reports have been received concerning the success of World Religion Day celebrations. The yearly programs are attracting increasing numbers of interested people.
CANADA[edit]
World Religion Day Meetings[edit]
World Religion Day meetings were held in many cities across Canada. Reports from the various communities are enthusiastic; publicity was generally good and attendance ran high.
Bahá’í Parents[edit]
A statement from the Children’s Teaching Committee of Canada in the Canadian Bahá’í News includes the following significant paragraph:
“The responsibility of a Bahá’í parent is infinitely greater than that of non-Bahá’ís, because as Bahá’ís we are able to see the goals toward which we are heading, that of having one World and one Faith. We are responsible for the growth of future World Citizens.”
JAPAN[edit]
A recent report from Japan tells of a two-page article on the Faith with a full page picture of the Bahá’í House of Worship that appeared in the new year issue of View Magazine, the best English language magazine in Japan.
A splendid achievement has begun with the re-issuing of the “Star of the East”, a bulletin similar to Bahá’í News, and named by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá many years ago. Written in Japanese, it contains news items and excerpts from the Writings translated by the Japanese Translation Committee.
The Japanese Translation Committee is working diligently to finish a Glossary for Bahá’í use, and for “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era”. They are translating a number of pamphlets and have nearly completed “Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”.
Firesides are held regularly in Tokyo in both the English and Japanese languages.
Correction of Error[edit]
The report of the first Bahá’í wedding in Japan carried in the December issue of Bahá’í News was published erroneously.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF WORLD CENTER[edit]
February Bahá’í News listed eight sets of pictures taken at the World Center by Ted Cardell, and gave prices and the address from which to obtain these pictures.
Due to technical difficulties at the photographer’s studio, the number of pictures in four of the sets has been reduced by one per set, and the price has been adjusted accordingly.
| Price | No. in Set | |
| Shrine of the Báb | $1.10 | 13 pictures |
| Masraa House | .30 | 3 pictures |
| Relics | .80 | 10 pictures |
| Miscellaneous | .75 | 9 pictures |
The total price for all the pictures
in the eight sets is $5.70. All checks
and money orders should be made
payable to Mrs. Dorothy V. Petersen, 2557 North 69th Street, Wauwatosa 10, Wisconsin.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
FAITH IN ACTION[edit]
Book displays in the library of the School of Mines at Golden, Colorado and the windows of the Public Service Co. of Evergreen, Colo., plus numerous posters announcing the program enabled the Group of Jefferson County, Colorado, to have a successful public meeting on the Fourth Annual World Religion Day.
Palo Alto, California used local newspaper ads, posters distributed in buses covering neighboring towns, and programs posted on the bulletin boards of Stanford University as well as private mailings to stimulate interest.
Flint, Michigan, in addition to the above methods, was able to obtain free radio announcements over seven different stations. Other cities point up the effectiveness of personal contact and phone calls to interested people in order to attract them to the meetings.
In Miami, Florida area meetings were held with the Bahá’í groups during the week preceding World Religion Day, all leading up to that event. On January 16 a social evening titled “The Festival of the Nations” featured playlets by the children’s classes and a talk on Africa and a South American film. The World Religion Day program presented two Bahá’í speakers. These public events attracted good audiences.
The Woman’s Forum of Nassau County, Long Island, New York is currently carrying notices of public meetings in their monthly magazine bringing the Faith to the attention of their large membership.
In a new book entitled, “World Religions and the Hope for Peace” by David Rys Williams (Beacon Press, $2.75), there is a chapter called, “Bahá’u’lláh and World Federation.”
The youth group fireside in New York City has reached such proportions that it had to be broken up into two groups, meeting the same night, in the same building, but in different apartments. Also, a recently instituted fireside in Harlem is going well, and New York feels that its concentration on firesides this year is producing excellent results. On February 17th, there was a short broadcast on “Minority News Report” over station WEVD on the African Bahá’í Conference.
In early March at the Youth Temple in New York City a Bahá’í shared the platform with representatives of the Society for the Prevention of World War III and a World Federalist on the subject of Peace. The Youth Temple is an organization of some 500 men and women of Jewish background which presents weekly lectures. The Bahá’ís had a book display in the lobby and distributed literature to some 250 people.
GREENVILLE, S.C. GROUP WINS RIGHT TO HOLD NON-SEGREGATED MEETINGS[edit]
What a joy it is to report this headline from the Greenville News, Greenville, S.C. “No Effort Will Be Made to Stop Bahá’í Meetings”, “Inter-Racial Religious Sessions Not Contrary to City Law.”
Behind this headline is an appearance before the entire City governmental body by Dr. Roy Williams, chairman of the local Bahá’í Group. After presenting to the Mayor, City manager, City attorney, and the members of the City Council a pamphlet on the Faith, Dr. Williams answered questions.
The Greenville News article states, “He explained that the Bahá’í Faith movement is a religious organization that must have non-segregated meetings each 19 days. He said the group did not wish to violate any city or state laws relating to segregation and asked Council for a ruling.
“Several aldermen expressed the opinion that the group, as a religious organization, could not be interfered with in the process of its meetings and activities because of the guarantee of freedom of worship.”
Thus a goal towards which the local group had been working for ten years was achieved.
NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTS[edit]
The Message of the Bahá’í Faith will be going out to listeners abroad in a series of thirteen international broadcasts beginning shortly before our Jubilee Celebrations, and continuing weekly into July, through the facilities of Worldwide Broadcasting Company over station WRUL, out of Boston.
Beamed to Europe and the Near East on one wave length, and to Latin America on another, these broadcasts, some in dialogue and some in story form, deal with the Bahá’í Faith directly and carry the title “The Coming of World Religion”.
The Latin America series begins Sunday, April 19th, at 5:45 P.M. E.S.T., 15.31 megacycles, 19 meter band and 11.79 megacycles, 25 meter band. The alternate series which carries into India as well as Europe and the Near East, begins Monday, April 20th at 3:15 P.M. E.S.T., 15.31 megacycles, 19 meter band and 11.74 megacycles, 25 meter band. The scripts have been written by Bahá’í authors and have been narrated by Bahá’ís of professional experience.
The Worldwide Broadcasting Company (WRUL) has a high rating and an established audience of English-speaking people throughout the world.
We are rejoiced at this opportunity to start the Ten Year Crusade by sending the Message of Bahá’u’lláh out over the air waves in an international series.
GREEN ACRE SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
“World Teacher, World Citizen” Theme[edit]
This Jubilee year you will want to be at Green Acre; to live the Bahá’í life in an unprejudiced atmosphere, to study on a college level the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and to be happy sharing in the love and companionship of fellow believers.
Returning pilgrims from Haifa and visitors to the Intercontinental Conferences — Kampala and Stockholm
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— will share with you their
happy moments at these gatherings.
As a vital part of the ten year Crusade to promote international expansion of our goals and activities, the Green Acre program is based on the theme — “World Teacher, World Citizen”; this in an effort to further prepare individuals to take their place in this global undertaking. The full program will be available at a later date. The courses are grouped under six main headings:
- RESEARCH STUDY — Under competent leadership, geared to individual needs and directed towards personal development and goals.
- TEACHER TRAINING — Comprehension and application of giving the message to include the psychology of teaching. Courses on How to Read, Listen, Write, Speak, Understand Religious Backgrounds, and Teaching the Faith to Children.
- TRAINING IN WORLD CITIZENSHIP — From individual relations to group status into community problems and, finally, rounded out at an international level. Purposes and functions of the Bahá’í citizen in all aspects of Bahá’í living with accent upon preparation and inspiration to Pioneer.
- SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO RELIGION — Giving a firm scientific background toward intelligent discussion and explanation of the Faith in the event of natural inquiries.
- INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT — Basically, human relations from the Bahá’í point of view. What is each individual best suited to do, in order to more adequately serve Bahá’u’lláh?
- DEEPENING KNOWLEDGE OF OUR OWN TEACHINGS — Sources: Seven Valleys, The Kitáb-i-Íqán, Some Answered Questions, and Mysterious Forces of Civilization.
SPECIAL FEATURES — Daily
devotions, Movies linked to courses,
Planned recreation, Swimming (River and Ocean), Voluntary work for
those who wish to contribute services to beautify and develop Green
Acre.
Children’s School — mornings all summer.
Youth and Adult Work Camp — June 14th through July 5th, and September 8th through 20th — $15. per week.
Young Adults Weeks— August 10th through 23rd.
Youth program and activities in addition to regular courses — July 27th through August 9th, and August 24th through September 7th.
Bahá’í Pioneers to Africa taken at the African Intercontinental Conference.
GEYSERVILLE SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
“World Crusade” Theme[edit]
- SESSION I — June 28-July 5
- Prophecies of the New Day
- Group Dynamics
- Questions Asked by Non-Bahá’ís
- WEEK-END PROGRAM — July 5
- Unity Feast
- Temple Program
- SESSION II — July 5-12
- United Nations
- Preparation for Pioneering
- Building Administrative Centers
- Inquirer’s Class
- WEEKEND PROGRAM — July 12
- Guardian’s Messages
- Bahá’í Geography
- SESSION III — July 12-19
- Spiritual Psychology
- The Station of the Manifestation
- Teaching Workshop
- WEEKEND PROGRAM
- Islám
- SESSION IV —July 19-26
- Persian Pronounciation & History
- Comparative Religions
- Know Your Bahá’í Books
- WEEKEND PROGRAM — July 26
- Pioneering
- The Manifestation
- SESSION V — July 26-Aug. 2
- Writing Bahá’í Publicity
- Ten Year Crusade
- Administration
Classes for Children and Junior Youth
- To be given simultaneously with the adult classes. They will include studies from the Christian Bible, the lives of the Prophets: Jesus, Zoroaster, Buddha, Krishna Muḥammad, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. The “New Spiritual Teachings for Today” and “Learning to Live Together” will be the themes for some classes.
- Memory work, dramatics, arts and crafts, recreation and music will be included.
SCHEDULE OF RATES
| Room and Board — weekly rate: | |
Double Room in Collins Dormitory | $28.00 |
Women’s and Girls’ Dormitory | 22.00 |
Men and Boys’ Dormitory | 20.00 |
| Room Only — daily rate: | |
Double Room in Collins Dormitory | 3.00 |
All Dormitory space | 1.50 |
No charge will be made for children 6 and under. All children under 15 must be accompanied by parent unless special permission is obtained.
JUBILEE PAMPHLET IN BRAILLE[edit]
The Committee on Bahá’í Service for the Blind is happy to announce that barring unforeseen circumstances, the Jubilee Pamphlet, “The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh” will be available in Braille, Grade Two, by April 1. Inquiries should be directed to:
616 North Oxford Avenue
Los Angeles 4, California
This Year of Jubilee[edit]
(This is Part II, of Marzieh Gail’s article describing the events of a century ago. The first part appeared in the March Bahá’í News.)
For Bahá’ís the world around, this year of 1952 and 1953 is holy. It marks one hundred years since Bahá’u’lláh, the Glory of God, received in the darkness of the Black Pit the first intimations of his Prophethood, the first knowledge that He was He Whom God Shall Manifest, the Promised One of the Báb and of all the other Prophets gone before.
These words He now spoke and heard were not like human dreams. They were not the mutterings of the sick. They were the “onrushing force of the Divine Summons”6 calling Him to His Prophethood, and they are known from human words by their impact on the world. For every Prophet of God, like the sun in the sky, is His Own proof. And if you can believe that the Lord spoke through Moses or Buddha, through Zoroaster or Jesus or Muḥammad, then by the same token you can believe that He spoke through Bahá’u’lláh.
After four months had passed, it became clear that Bahá’u’lláh was innocent of any crime. A man who had planned the attack on the Sháh confessed and was beaten and stabbed to death. And the Glory of God, His health impaired, His treasures stolen, His palaces stripped and burned, was, in the dead of winter, banished out of Persia. He was condemned to a lifetime of exile and imprisonment. He never, in the forty remaining years of His life, was to see His country again. He never again was to be free. The two kings who were His jailers drove Him from place to place, until at last He came to the prison at ‘Akká on the Mediterranean Sea.
And that is how the Scripture was mysteriously fulfilled, that had promised long before: “out of prison He cometh to reign.” (Eccl. 4:14); had said that the Glory of God “came from the way of the East” (Ezek. 43:2); had prophesied of ‘Akká and Carmel and Sharon, and had written: “Say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!” (Isa.-40:9) Even the time when He was to come and be known had been set as this present time in which we live, for the Scripture says: “When the Lord shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory.” (Ps. 102:16)
No Prophet of God, up to our times, had fulfilled Isaiah’s promise of the Prince of Peace. Jesus said, “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division.” (Luke 12:51). “I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matt. 10:34). He foretold “wars and rumors of wars” and He said, contradicting a prophecy of Isaiah, “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (Luke 21:10). And the religion of Muḥammad, although essentially more humane and tolerant than any Faith before it, because of its great doctrine, “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (Qur’án 2:257) — Muḥammadanism as well does not preach a world at peace.
It is Bahá’u’lláh, the Manifestation of God for our times, Who is the first Prophet in history to assure us of peace. His Faith promises peace, not at some dimly future date, but before the close of this twentieth century. He has come to redeem Isaiah’s promise that “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isa. 2:4). And the promise of Christ about the Comforter and the Spirit of Truth; and St. John’s promise that “God shall wipe away all tears.” (Rev. 21:4).
It is a hundred years ago this year that Bahá’u’lláh was banished out of Persia. By then His enemies were sure that they had effaced the Báb and destroyed His one last champion, the nobleman of Núr. They did not dream that the blood of those thousands whom they killed, would speak. They did not dream that far away, in unfamiliar countries, a people not then living would be born, who would rise up and ask by what
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6. G. P. B. 101
[Page 11]
right they had tried to kill a Faith
that belonged to all mankind.
Because He has come not to one people but to the human race. He teaches that while religion is one, its Prophets, emerging down the years, are several. That religion, like science, like art, like every other endeavor of the spirit — is progressive. That it must change from age to age, because its truth is relative, not absolute. He teaches that a man-made world is not good enough — it must be woman-made as well. That war and poverty and hate are not good enough, and a religion-based world order must take their place. He promises the coming of a world commonwealth, in which science and religion shall play equal roles. He promises a world language, world education, world trade, a world police. He says that only the love of God can subdue the human heart, that only the inner disciplines of faith can control the individual and at the same time leave him free. He teaches that all races, not one race, are made in the image of God, and that all will be gathered at the end “beneath the one-colored covering of the dust”7, to be called to account, and to abide forever.
Today the writings of that Prisoner have been translated into ninety languages, including twelve African tongues. His followers, who come from every race, class and creed, are found in 124 countries of the world. In the United States alone, there are 1200 localities where Bahá’ís reside. There are Bahá’ís in Addis-Ababa and Anchorage, in Magellanes and Manila, in Iṣfáhán and London. The world center of the Faith is Haifa, Israel; the American National Center, Wilmette, Illinois; the Persian, Ṭihrán, Írán.
It had looked like the end, but it was really the beginning. At a time when His Cause was apparently lost, and He was shut away underground, in a hidden prison and a forgotten country—at such a time Bahá’u’lláh was given the divine assurance of victory. In the years that were ahead, He was to establish His Faith. He was to write a hundred books. He was to announce His worldwide mission to all nations, through “Tablets” or letters which He addressed to the representatives of all mankind: to kings, presidents, and ecclesiastics, to the Sháh, the Sulṭán, the Pope at Rome. He was to rekindle in the world something that had almost died out of it—the love of God. He was to say to the human race:
“The generations that have gone on before you—whither are they fled? And those round whom in life circled the fairest and the loveliest of the land, where now are they? Profit by their example, O people, and be not of them that are gone astray.
“Others ere long will lay hands on what ye possess, and enter into your habitations. Incline your ears to My words, and be not numbered among the foolish.
“For every one of you his paramount duty is to choose for himself that on which no other may infringe and none usurp from him. Such a thing—and to this the Almighty is My witness—is the love of God, could ye but perceive it.
“Build ye for yourselves such houses as the rain and floods can never destroy, which shall protect you from the changes and chances of this life. This is the instruction of Him Whom the world hath wronged and forsaken.”8
In the night of May 29, 1892, death came to Bahá’u’lláh. A telegram to the Sulṭán began: “The Sun of Bahá has set.”9 ...
“Jubilee” goes back to a Hebrew word that means trumpet blast. This first century of the Bahá’í world religion ends with a jubilee year. Around the world, this year, Bahá’ís will be publicly and continuously announcing the advent of Bahá’u’lláh, and asking all humanity to investigate His message.
For the long ordeal of man is not yet over, although the end and the bright future are in sight. And in this year of 1953, the Bahá’ís have made themselves a solemn pledge: they have vowed to accomplish more, during the next ten years, than has been done during all the hundred previous years of their world mission.
“I was a Hidden Treasure,” God says, in a Muḥammadan sacred tradition. “I was a Hidden Treasure, and I desired to be known; wherefore, I created the creation, that I might be known.”
But man forgets His God, and then he yields to a far sterner master, his own desires. And men who are their own slaves soon become the slaves of stronger men, and nothing in the world but truth, which is another name for the Word of God, can set them free.
Bahá’u’lláh is the Word of God for modern times. To save mankind from bondage, He remained a prisoner and an exile for forty years.
As we look back across this century, and think of Him chained underground in Ṭihrán, we wonder at the miracle that has carried His teachings around the world.
If we had seen Him then, when they brought Him out of the Pit; bent and wasted away, in prison clothes, His neck raw and swollen from the chains, we would have seen nothing ahead of Him but death. We would have found no hope for the Christ-promised Kingdom then, as we watched His fateful cavalcade, moving out of Persia over the gray snows, under the intermittent moonlight and the mottled sky.
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7. H.W. 48.
8. GI. 261.
9. G.P.B. 222.
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
- The Bahá’í Faith: Information Statistical and Comparative 1844-1952, with supplement, The Ten Year International Bahá’í Teaching and Consolidation Plan 1953-1963.
A new statistical pamphlet prepared by the Guardian, which surveys the spread and development of the Faith since its inception. The supplement presents the Ten Year Crusade in full detail. The many tasks outlined in the Guardian’s October 8th cable announcing the goals of the Ten Year Crusade are fully described. A map of the world prepared by the Guardian showing the many objectives to be attained, is included. This pamphlet will be available at the Jubilee Conference.
- The Spell of the Temple by Allen McDaniel.
A new book written by Mr. McDaniel, long associated with the construction of the building, and a former member of the National Assembly, describes the erection of the Bahá’í House of Worship with affection and interest. Illustrated. Available about May 1st.
- Daily News Reprint.
A reprint of the article on the
[Page 12]
Scene during one of the sessions of the Intercontinental Conference in Kampala, Africa. In the center are Miss Elsie Austin, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause.
Temple which appeared in the
Chicago Daily News in December,
1952, entitled “100 Year Old
Dream”. 5 pictures. Pr., 10 for $.75
- Divine Art of Living, will be available again in April. New light green cloth cover with deep green lettering. Price $1.50
- The Bahá’í World Map. The world map prepared for Vol. XI of Bahá’í World is available separately. This map shows the spread of the Bahá’í World Community to 1950, and can be used for displays. 30 x 18½". Price $ .50
- Renewal of Civilization, cloth bound, available about June 10th. $1.25
- Six Lessons On Islám by Marzieh Gail. New and excellent material for study of Muḥammad and the Qur’án, valuable for individual, group, and Summer School study. The National Spiritual Assembly highly recommends this course for supplying background knowledge for pioneers during the coming World Crusade. 40 pp., 8½ x 11, paper cover. Price $ .75
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
- Mr. Frank Zyken, St. Louis, Mo., February 16, 1953
- Mrs. Frieda Schneider, Milwaukee 6, Wis., February 17, 1953
MARRIAGES[edit]
Memphis, Tenn., Miss Wilma Crow to Mr. James U. Clark, November 4, 1952
Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Lois Hall to Mr. Maurice Willows, January 31, 1953
Palo Alto, Calif., Mrs. Jerrideen McLeod to Mr. Frank R. Raymond, (Date not reported)
Detroit, Michigan, Miss June M. Sims to Mr. R. Brandon Meese, February 14, 1953
Ventura, Calif., Mrs. Helen Craig to Mr. Theodore N. Nelson, February 4, 1953
San Francisco, Calif., Miss Beatrice Emma Groger to Mr. James Spencer Morgan, February 20, 1953
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
Holy Days:
- April 21-May 2, Period of Riḍván
- May 23, Declaration of the Báb
- May 29, Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
Jubilee Celebrations:
- National Convention, April 29-May 1
- Temple Dedication, May 2
- All-America Intercontinental Conference, May 3-6
Feasts:
- April 9 — Jalál, Glory
- April 28 — Jamál, Beauty
- May 17 — ‘Aẓamat, Grandeur
National Assembly Meeting:
- April 25, 26, 27, and 28
DIRECTORY ADDITIONS AND CHANGES[edit]
Local Spiritual Assemblies:
- GLENDALE, CALIF.
- Mrs. Helen S. Anderson, Sec’y.
- 111 N. Louise St., Apt. 107, Zone 6
- LONG BEACH, CALIF.
- Mrs. Frances James, Sec’y.
- 217 Grand Ave., Apt. 6
- MAUI, HAWAII
- Mrs. Lillian T. Chou, Sec’y.
- 380 Lanai St.
- Kahului, Maui, T. H.
- CHICAGO, ILL.
- Mrs. Myrtle Wendler, Sec’y.
- 4038 N. Ashland Ave., Zone 13
- MUSKEGON, MICH.
- Mrs. Emma M. Allen, Sec’y.
- 1596 8th Street, Apt. 2
- ALBUQUERQUE, N. M.
- Mrs. Mary L. Ewing, Sec’y.
- 1830 Arizona, N.E.
- NEW YORK, N.Y.
- Mrs. Della C. Quinlan, Sec’y.
- add to address:
- c/o Bahá’í Center, Room 615
- PROVIDENCE, R. I.
- Mrs. Ethel Murray, Sec’y.
- 209 Douglas Ave.
Regional Teaching Committees:
- RTC OF MICHIGAN
- Mrs. Marguerite True, Sec’y.
- Change zone number to 36
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.
