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| No. 276 | BAHA’I YEAR 110 | FEBRUARY, 1954 |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
"LAMENTABLE, UNTIMELY PASSING OF DOROTHY BAKER"[edit]
“Hearts grieved (at) lamentable, untimely passing (of) Dorothy Baker, distinguished Hand (of the) Cause, eloquent exponent its teachings, indefatigable supporter its institutions, valiant defender its precepts. (Her) long record (of) outstanding service (has) enriched (the) annals (of the) concluding years (of the) Heroic (and the) opening epoch (of the) Formative Age (of the) Bahá’í Dispensation. Fervently praying (for the) progress (of her) soul (in the) Abhá Kingdom.
“Assure relatives profound loving sympathy. (Her) noble spirit (is) reaping bountiful reward.
“Advise hold memorial gathering (in the) Temple befitting her rank (and) imperishable services...”
Haifa, Israel
January 13, 1954
- COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
By a mysterious action of Providence, one of our distinguished fellow-Bahá’ís has been exalted to the Kingdom. While returning by plane from India, Mrs. Dorothy Baker lost her life in the accident which on January 10 destroyed the plane and all its passengers and crew. The disaster occurred near the Island of Elba. The body of Dorothy Baker was not recovered.
The Guardian’s cablegram writes her noble epitaph in the hearts of the friends and on the eternal pages of Bahá’í history. A notable career, international in range and including both spiritual and administrative
A small house in the garden of Riḍván near Bahjí,
where Bahá’u’lláh sometimes sought repose.
After the period of Bahá’u’lláh’s strict incarceration was over,
it was here in the garden that some respite from the rigors
of imprisonment in ‘Akká was found.
[Page 2]
achievements, suddenly extinguished like a brilliant light before
our very eyes, Dorothy Baker will
now in spirit continue and augment
her devoted services to the Faith of
God.
The Guardian’s cablegram directs the National Spiritual Assembly to hold a memorial gathering in the Bahá’í Temple. This will be arranged for the evening of February 20.
Before going to New Delhi to attend the Fourth Intercontinental Teaching Conference, Dorothy Baker retired from her membership on the National Spiritual Assembly in order to serve, with Frank A. Baker, in the pioneer field. The Windward Islands were their goal.
Letters and cables arrive from all parts of the world testifying to the grief of the friends and their grateful appreciation of Dorothy Baker’s services.
VALIANT PIONEER, MRS. NELLIE FRENCH[edit]
“Deeply regret passing valiant pioneer. Long record (of her) services, highly meritorious. Praying (for) progress (of) soul (in) Kingdom.”
Haifa, Israel
January 4, 1954
"PASSING DEVOTED PIONEER"[edit]
“Grieve passing devoted pioneer Harry Ford, whose death will enrich spiritual development (of) foremost center (of) South Africa. Praying (for) progress (of) soul (in) Kingdom.”
Haifa, Israel
January 14, 1954
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
OUR WORLD CRUSADE[edit]
Beloved Friends:
By now, a large number of American Bahá’ís have gone forth to pioneer in distant goals. Many, many more would have set forth had they been able to do so. All of us have been witnesses to a noble, a significant drama of sacrifice for the triumph of a loved Faith. The world has lost its “foreignness” because now there are Bahá’í friends almost everywhere—on the continents, in nations, in territorial divisions, and on the islands of the sea.
But we are more than spectators gathered at a mighty stadium—we are participants, each one, wherever we live in the United States.
Because the World Crusade has a Home Front as well as distant pioneer goals. Upon the success of the Home Front Campaign actually depends in great measure the success of the Crusade itself.
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THE PLAN WHICH SPELLS VICTORY The American Bahá’ís are urged, as individuals and as communities, to pay special attention to the insert contained in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS. That insert carries the Treasurer’s message explaining how the annual Budget can be met before the end of the administrative year. To study and to act on this matter is our essential obligation as members of the Bahá’í world community, and our contribution to the achievement of the World Crusade in its initial year. —NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
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Why? The reason is clear. Only from a constantly augmented and reinvigorated American Bahá’í community can force be generated to sustain the increasing weight of the Ten Year Plan in its worldwide program. We must grow and increase as a community at a higher rate of acceleration than ever before. Upon us converge great and urgent needs—for workers, for funds, for skills and talents—to build this glorious House of Peace.
Turn back to your October, 1953, BAHÁ’Í NEWS. It carries the list of “Goal Cities in the United States for the World Crusade at Home.” Each of these cities is to be developed to Assembly status. This is one, but only one, way to measure the extent of our responsibilities at home.
How are we to accomplish this great migration and settlement?
By the dispersal of Bahá’ís from the larger communities! These larger communities are our only reservoir of workers. The Guardian has said that during the Ten Year Plan all, except a necessary minimum of twenty or so, should scatter and settle in goal cities in order to foster a new community which, in turn, will have power to help sustain the Crusade throughout the world. This scattering is necessary and imperative for the success of the Crusade at home.
But—the National Spiritual Assembly must point out the obligation of Bahá’ís in small and weak communities to remain where they are. The status of every existing Assembly must be maintained. We do not serve the Divine Plan by jeopardizing one Assembly in order to try and establish another one before 1963. Those who remain and serve are also workers in the World Crusade!
The American National Teaching Committee and its Area Teaching Committees are the strong arms of the NSA in conducting the Home Front Campaign.
“When can I leave? Where should I go? I hear the Call and respond with all my heart!” This, beloved friends, is the root of success and the mystery of attainment! Will individuals and the larger Assemblies ponder this?
MEMORIAL MEETING FOR DOROTHY BAKER[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly, acting upon the instruction of the Guardian, has arranged a memorial meeting in honor of Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause. This meeting will be held in Foundation Hall of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Wilmette on Saturday, February 20, at 8:00 P.M. The friends are invited to gather at that time to pay tribute to this beloved, devoted servant of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
MESSAGES FROM HAIFA[edit]
The cablegrams published in the November, 1953, issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS are to be corrected, in accordance with directives received from Haifa, as follows:
- September 20, 1953:
Paragraph two should read—“(The) four months (which have) elapsed since its glorious inauguration amidst (the) climax (of the)
[Page 3]
Centenary (of the) inception (of) His
Mission (have been) immortalized,”
etc.
Near end of paragraph six, should read—“comprised (within the) orbit (of) His,” etc.
- October, 1953:
- (Cable to New Delhi Conference):
Paragraph two should read—“(The) five-year-old, three-quarter million dollar enterprise, constituting (the) final stage (of the) initial epoch (in the) evolution (of the) process,” etc.
Paragraph two, last line, should read—“month (in the) annals (of the) Holy Faith.”
Paragraph four, in second sentence, should read—“same gathering (of the) unflagging,” etc.
Paragraph five, after “San Marino,” insert these words—“Una Townshend, Malta; Rolf Haug, Crete.”
Paragraph five, change “Faith (to one) hundred sixty-five” to “Faith (to one) hundred sixty-seven.”
Paragraph five, after “Holy Year” insert these words—“Total United States pioneer applications 249.”
Paragraph seven, “(the) cradle (of the) Revelation (to the) Author,” should read “(the) cradle (of the) Revelation (of the) Author,” etc.
- October, 1953:
- (Cable to Hands of Cause)
Paragraph two, “Intercontinental Conference (to) gird (your) loins,” should read “gird (their) loins,” etc.
WORLD CRUSADE[edit]
FOURTH PIONEER REPORT[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States is happy to announce the arrival of the following pioneers at their posts under the World Crusade.
ARRIVALS IN VIRGIN AREAS[edit]
Mr. and Mrs. Jean Deleuran with their daughter, Bente, arrived in Palma de Majorca, Balearic Islands, December 30, 1953.
Mr. and Mrs. W. Kenneth Christian with their son, Roger, arrived in Southern Rhodesia, Africa, January 1, 1954. (Persia)
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Menking arrived in the Cape Verde Islands January 4.
Mr. Charles Ioas arrived in the Balearic Islands January 7.
Miss Elizabeth Bevan arrived in Rhodes January 8. (Italo-Swiss)
ARRIVALS IN CONSOLIDATION AREAS[edit]
Mrs. Nellie Mereness arrived in Hilo, Territory of Hawaii, December 1.
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon A. Fraser arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, December 4. (South America)
Mrs. Lorol O. Jackson arrived in Hilo, Territory of Hawaii, December 11.
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Hope arrived in Luanda, Angola, December 11. (British Isles)
ALASKA ESTABLISHES FUND FOR HAZIRATU'L-QUDS[edit]
The Bahá’í Alaskan Convention, held December 6, 1953, initiated action unifying the believers of that area in terms of two of their specific World Crusade goals: the establishment of a National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska and the building of a national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Consultation led to the establishing of “The Alaska Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Fund,” to be kept in trust by the Incorporated Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage, Alaska.
AUSTRALIAN PIONEER AT POST[edit]
National News Items, published by The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand, gives the date of arrival for a pioneer cited in the Guardian’s cable of November 11.
Bertha Dobbins arrived in Porto Vila, New Hebrides, on October 17.
PIONEER ARRIVALS IN GERMAN GOALS[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria has announced the dates of arrival of the following pioneers at their posts.
Mr. Amín Banání arrived in Athens, Greece, August 6 and was joined by Mrs. Sheila Banání and their child September 25.
Rolf Haug arrived in Iraklion, Crete, October 6.
In the Frisian Islands, Miss Elsa Maria Grossmann arrived in Westerland on Sylt, September 24; Mrs. Ursula von Brunn arrived in Wyk on Föhr, October 6 and Miss Gertrud Ankersmit arrived in Texel October 21.
With these arrivals, the goals for Germany and Austria, excluding Republics and satellites of the Soviet Union, have been settled.
'IRAQI PIONEER AT POST[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq reports that a pioneer, cited in the Guardian’s cable of November 11, has arrived at his post.
Mr. ‘Abbás Kamil arrived in the Seychelles Islands November 8, 1953.
GOALS FOR ITALY AND SWITZERLAND SETTLED[edit]
A report from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland announces that the virgin goals assigned to Italy and Switzerland under the Ten Year Crusade have all been settled. In Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Sicily, Sardinia and Rhodes, pioneers have raised the Call of Bahá’u’lláh. The first step toward the building of Bahá’í communities in these areas has been taken.
In closing, the report says, “We are grateful to the American Bahá’í Community for their share of pioneers coming to our territory.”
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
Hand of the Cause Tours Australia and New Zealand[edit]
At the request of the Guardian, Mr. ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, Hand of the Cause, accompanied by Mr. A. Faizi from Bahrein Island, has visited the Bahá’í Communities throughout Australia and New Zealand. A letter from Mr. Furútan to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand says, in part:
“Almost two months ago, at the request of the beloved Guardian, I commenced a tour of your beautiful country. During this time I have been able to visit forty-two centers, and I am very happy to say that all are doing their utmost to carry out their spiritual responsibilities, especially
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in teaching the beloved Cause.
There is no doubt that at the present
time the Faith is in a stage of rapid
progress. In many places I found
new believers, and in one community in particular, there were seven
enrollments in one week. This shows
how the friends have arisen with
love and devotion, and have thus
drawn to themselves the confirmation, strength and assistance of the
Abhá Kingdom....
“I should like to express my great happiness in witnessing the valiant efforts of the believers in Australia and New Zealand to spread the Divine Teachings, and the success of their efforts. Whenever I write to the Holy Land I pass on this good news.
“In conclusion, I should like to express my sincere thanks to each and all of you for your kindness and hospitality. The most precious gift that I shall take back to Persia is the recollection of your enthusiasm in the service of our beloved Cause. The friends in ‘Irán will be very happy to hear of your devotion, zeal and service, which I shall personally relate to them—especially to the 30,000 Bahá’ís of Ṭihrán.”
During their trip, Mr. Furútan and Mr. Faizi took part in the Yerrinbool Bahá’í Summer School, held from December 31, 1953 to January 10, 1954.
National Assembly Members Pioneer[edit]
Six members of The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand have now volunteered for pioneering in the Pacific Islands.
A cable from the Guardian congratulating the National Assembly on this record-breaking achievement brought this comment, printed in National News Items:
“This cable gives a true indication of the paramount importance which the Guardian attaches to pioneering in virgin areas, and which he also stressed to all pilgrims visiting Haifa. If it is impossible for us to go ourselves, then perhaps we may be able to financially assist those who have volunteered.”
The National Fund[edit]
The Bahá’í Bulletin, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand, presents the question of contributions to the National Fund in this light:
“We are, during this Ten Year Crusade, being called upon to make sacrifices for our beloved Faith; but in reality are we making them for the Faith or for ourselves? It is for the well-being of humanity, ourselves, our children and grandchildren and generations yet unborn for which we are working ... Whatever we give to the Faith is but an investment for the world—for the future—for ourselves. In reality we are not making sacrifices. We are only giving to ourselves, to make life more secure for all.”
CANADA[edit]
On his way from Churchill, Manitoba, to his pioneer post at Baker Lake, Dick Stanton presented a copy of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era to the library of the Hudson Bay vessel which services that northern outpost.
In Kingston, Ontario, Jim Atack was asked to write an article about the Faith for the Queen’s University Journal, the official campus paper. The article, entitled “Bahá’í Reawakens World” appeared in a prominent position in the paper.
CAROLINE ISLANDS[edit]
Miss Virginia Breaks, pioneer in Truk, Eastern Caroline Islands, a United States Trust Territory, reports, in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, that while visiting at the home of the District Anthropologist in Yap, the anthropologist’s wife and Miss Breaks heard a Bahá’í broadcast. This was a radio interview with Mr. Faizi of Bahrein, broadcasting from Australia, some 2500 miles away.
SOUTH AMERICA[edit]
Publicity in Rio de Janeiro[edit]
The most widely circulated newspaper of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, O Globo, published an unsolicited article about the Bahá’í Faith in its December 30 edition. The early history of the Faith together with some of its principles were presented under the title “One Thousand and One Mysteries of the Orient.” The article was written in Portuguese.
In view of the fact that the author did not cover contemporary developments of the Faith, the Local Spiritual Assembly has taken steps to give the editors of O Globo accurate, up-to-date information.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AMERICAN NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
Pioneers Urgently Needed[edit]
The American National Teaching Committee wishes to address a vital appeal to the believers in the United States.
“We have been deeply conscious of the specific teaching goal set by our beloved Guardian in his Convention message: the establishment, during the Ten Year Crusade, of new Assemblies to raise the total number to 300 in the United States; the strengthening of sufficient existing assemblies to the point where a total of 100 will be incorporated.
“To accomplish this the National Spiritual Assembly and this Committee established sufficient additional goal cities with the appeal that at least one Bahá’í might move to those where no Bahá’í was resident before Riḍván, 1954.
“Of 73 such virgin goals, only fifteen are actually settled as of this moment, although pioneers are in process of settling others.
“The phase, however, which gives us greatest concern is that in the fervor aroused in the hearts of the believers for the settlement of the foreign goals, pioneers have arisen from assemblies with membership of nine only, and from groups which have reached nine in hope of assembly status. Our beloved Guardian has in all his messages stressed “consolidation” side by side with expansion.
“Three hundred assemblies in the United States must be developed and established simultaneously with the settling of the virgin goals afield.
“Our beloved Guardian sets us goals for the expansion and consolidation of the Institutions of the Faith, so that they may channel its healing message to the peoples of the world. If we achieve any of our objectives merely at the cost of others, we cannot retain the spiritual primacy the Guardian so greatly desires us to cherish.
“Where are the dedicated believers who can settle virgin Home Front goals, bring groups to assembly status, and preserve existing assemblies?
“Where can you go? When? How can we help? A goal is waiting for you!”
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In the gardens of Bahá’í Hall, the Karáchí, Pákistán, Local Assembly entertains distinguished guests at a party held to honor Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause.
In the picture at the left, the High Priest of the Zoroastrian Community of Pákistán, is shown paying tribute to Mrs. Baker’s achievements. At the right, Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause, is shown addressing the gathering at the garden party, delivering the message of Bahá’u’lláh. This was her last public appearance.
Write or wire immediately to:
- Bahá’í American National
- Teaching Committee
- Jesma Herbert, Secretary
- 725 South Alvaredo Street
- Los Angeles 57, California
Home Front Crusade Progress[edit]
Summarized from American National Teaching Committee Reports through January 2, 1954.
Recently, a believer making plans to pioneer received a letter from the Guardian, through Leroy Ioas. The American National Teaching Committee wishes to share a part of that letter with the friends in the United States:
“The Guardian is now deeply concerned with the development of the Faith in the homelands. If the Faith is not developed and spread in the homelands, it will ultimately affect the success of the work in foreign lands. The Guardian therefore hopes that the believers who have not been able to go to foreign areas will, in accordance with the Master’s instructions, scatter to the goal cities of the homelands, and thus aid in the establishment of spiritual assemblies.”
According to reports from the American National Teaching Committee through January 2, pioneers have settled in goal cities as listed below. This list may be checked against the complete table of goal cities on pages 6 and 7 of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, October, 1953.
VIRGIN GOAL CITIES SETTLED[edit]
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Miss Jean Silver
- Mrs. Christine Ivanoff
- Mrs. Caroline Stewart
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hart
- Chester, Pennsylvania
- Mrs. Marybelle Hammond
- Globe, Arizona
- (pioneer’s name not reported)
- Hayward, California
- Miss Winifred E. Bennell
- Mrs. Muriel Ferguson
- Lynn, Massachusetts
- Mr. and Mrs. Chester Curtis
- Manchester, New Hampshire
- Mrs. Dorothy Morell
- Medford, Oregon
- (pioneer’s name not reported)
- Paterson, New Jersey
- Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sudhop
- Provo, Utah
- Miss Barbara Keast
- Rapid City, South Dakota
- Mr. William Keith Denison
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Mrs. Frances Falvey
- Riverside, California
- Mrs. Edith Moore
- Winston Salem, North Carolina
- Mrs. Betty Koyl
- Woonsocket, Rhode Island
- Mr. John Childs
- Yuma, Arizona
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powers
- Stephen Powers (Youth)
CONSOLIDATION GOAL CITIES SETTLED[edit]
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Mr. and Mrs. Irving Hansen
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Boutin, Jr.
- Mr. William Lacey, Jr.
- Ithaca, New York
- Miss Marjorie Stee
- National City, California
- Mrs. Gladys Loudon
- Santa Cruz, California
- Mr. Martin Kob
- Yakima, Washington
- Mr. and Mrs. Edvard Lindstrom
In closing its report, the American National Teaching Committee stated:
“Our beloved Guardian has never called for a task we could not perform. We have been given a goal, and we know that, together with the believers, we can accomplish it. It will not be done by Committees, actually, not by individuals, not Assemblies, but by all together, serving as channels through which Bahá’u’lláh can establish His Faith, as promised.”
EUROPEAN TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
Since the opening of the World Crusade, the European Teaching Committee has worked toward the fulfillment of its assigned goals.
With the exception of the Ukraine, which is not yet open for settlement, and Spitzbergen, sealed in Arctic isolation until spring, all of the virgin goals have been settled. Devoted believers are preparing themselves for settlement in the two remaining virgin territories as soon as these open.
Translation of literature into Flemish, Maltese and Piedmontese is complete. Translators are completing the final revision of Basque and competent linguists are being sought to translate literature into the remaining languages.
A systematic search for a suitable location for the House of Worship to be built in Stockholm has been undertaken by a special committee, appointed for this purpose.
In collaboration with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland, the European Teaching Committee has helped pioneers to settle in Monaco, Rhodes, Sardinia and Sicily.
Reports from the consolidation areas of Western Europe indicate a rapidly developing maturity within the communities, with a resultant growth toward the establishment of the institutions of the Faith.
In Holland, the first legally recognized Bahá’í body has been established, the Bahá’í Literature Foundation. The official notarial act was drawn in December. In time, it is hoped the other Book Sales Committees may become legally recognized institutions such as Holland has pioneered.
Regular meetings of the Benelux, Iberian and Scandinavian Regional committees are developing these bodies, through consultation on problems of the Faith which transcend strictly national boundaries, toward the caliber of functioning required for National Spiritual Assemblies.
From the report of the latest meeting of the Benelux Regional Committee it is evident that their work, undertaken with prayer and oriented to the achievement of the objectives fixed by the Guardian, expresses complete dedication. Their affairs are solvent, Committees report regularly and in detail, a Benelux Bulletin is regularly published in spite of technical and language difficulties so that the entire Benelux Community may be informed of developments, systematic extension teaching is sustained, publicity and display materials are shared, Bahá’í speakers are exchanged.
Perhaps nowhere is the administrative capacity of these comparatively new believers so evident as in the plans made for the Benelux Bahá’í Teaching Conference to be held next June in Holland, followed by a Summer School session. The program, covering consolidation, extension teaching and the assuming of “responsibilities in the framework of the Ten Year Plan,” will be presented by Bahá’ís from other countries as well as the Benelux nations. In all endeavors, pioneers and native believers work together in the spirit of Bahá’í service, each taking the task for which his capacities fit him or rising to new levels of achievement for the sake of the Faith.
In Scandinavia and the Iberian Peninsula, parallel growth is evident. Although unique conditions and problems may bring forth different solutions, the spirit is the same.
AMERICAN INDIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE[edit]
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The first of the goals chosen for attainment this year by the American Indian Service Committee was reached when Mr. James Stone, formerly of Martinsburg, West Virginia, arrived in Gallup, New Mexico, on December 24.
Also entering the Indian teaching field as pioneers are: Mrs. Ethel Murray, formerly of Providence, Rhode Island, who arrived in Asheville, North Carolina, on November 12; and Mr. and Mrs. Edvard Lindstrom of Brattleboro, Vermont, who arrived in Yakima, Washington, on November 28.
The American Indian Service Committee is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Wallace Heath of Tucson to serve with this Committee. Mr. Heath will act as liaison with Bahá’í youth in the assistance they are giving to this part of our Home Front Crusade.
The assistance of devoted Bahá’ís is needed to initiate teaching among the Indians in two other areas of concentrated Indian populations:
- Pierre, the capital and center of South Dakota and
- Miami, in the northeast corner of Oklahoma.
Prospective pioneers are asked to communicate with the American Indian Service Committee for further information.
GREEN ACRE BAHA'I SCHOOL[edit]
The Green Acre Bahá’í Summer School will run a six-week session this year. Classes will start on Monday, July 19th and finish Friday, August 27th. There will be no Youth Camp but two weeks of this session will be devoted to teen-age youth; dates to be given in a later announcement.
Courses have been arranged so that each student will have the opportunity to share in a deepening course, one on techniques and skills and one informative, such as the “Bahá’í Faith Views World History.” Such a plan will contribute to a well-balanced day for each individual and aid in developing the well-rounded personality which we should all strive to become for the sake of our beloved Faith.
All of the Crusade Committees are being given the full responsibility for planning four evening sessions and one Saturday and Sunday morning session in behalf of their goal countries and cities. These are to be highly informative, bringing out the cultural backgrounds, economics, climate, educational opportunities, job possibilities and practical considerations, such as visa requirements. Every one planning to participate in the Ten Year Crusade should seize this opportunity to become better acquainted with the goals they are considering or just to get practical guidance.
Reservations should be sent to Mrs. Irene Minutti, Eliot, Maine, the new manager of the Green Acre School. Watch BAHÁ’Í NEWS for further announcements as to rates and specific courses and teachers.
BAHA'I YOUTH COMMITTEE[edit]
The Bahá’í Youth Conference, to be held in each teaching Area on February 14, will be keyed to the theme “Bahá’í Youth and a New World Standard.”
The purpose of this conference is two-fold:
- To review the spiritual importance of our actions as Bahá’ís.
- To share with non-Bahá’í youth a Bahá’í National Youth Conference.
WORLD YOUTH DAY[edit]
Throughout the world Bahá’í youth are making plans for the celebration of World Youth Day. This commemoration, which will take place on March 28, will present the theme: “Bahá’ís: Pioneering A World Faith”
A NEW EDITION OF "SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS"[edit]
A beautiful new edition of Some Answered Questions, highly treasured Bahá’í book, is coming off the press. These were notes from “table talks” which Laura Clifford Barney of Paris took down on her visits to ‘Akká previous to 1908 and published with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s permission.
Those who have had acquaintance with this book through its many years of availability will welcome this new edition with its index, new introduction by Anna Marie Honnold, and its attractive book jacket giving a brief résumé of the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. For others whose contact with Bahá’í literature is of more recent date, the following summary of its contents is given:
Part I, Influence of the Prophets in the evolution of humanity; Part II, Some Christian subjects; Part III, Powers and conditions of the Manifestations of God; Part IV, Origin, powers and conditions of man; Part V, Miscellaneous subjects.
This book deepens the individual’s understanding of the Teachings and prepares him for the questions every Bahá’í is asked by the people of today, the questions that trouble most sincere seekers: What of miracles, baptism, the Trinity, predestination, immortality, free will, reincarnation, healing? Here, too, are commentaries on Biblical passages suited to our age of increasing maturity. See Publications section for details and price.
BAHA'I ON THE AIR[edit]
Station WFAS, White Plains, New York, presents a Bahá’í program on the second Wednesday of every month from 9:15 to 9:30 A.M. EST.
Station KEPO, El Paso, Texas, 690 kilocycles, presents a regular Bahá’í broadcast every Sunday at 9:45 P.M. MST. The series is to continue through March 28.
The Roswell, New Mexico, station broadcasted a series of 13 Bahá’í programs, ending December 27, 1953.
Station KOAT, Albuquerque, New Mexico, gave the last of a series of 14 Sunday morning Bahá’í broadcasts on January 3.
Through the Area Teaching Committee, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is conducting a mailing-radio campaign, using Bahá’í News Service tapes. (See BAHÁ’Í NEWS, July, 1953, p. 11.)
Butte, Montana, in connection with World Religion Day, gave a radio program and two 10-minute spot presentations of principles of the Bahá’í Faith which concluded with playing the “Words for the World” records.
Station WMAQ, Chicago, Illinois, in the program Nancy Terry Presents, on January 9 broadcasted an interview with Mr. Horace Holley, Hand of the Cause and Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. The interview included a report of the four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences and their significance, commentary on Mr. Holley’s recent teaching tour through India and Ceylon and his pilgrimage to the World Center, and a broad presentation of the principles of the Bahá’í Faith.
NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS[edit]
In accordance with the new Land Registration Act of the Territory of Alaska, the Anchorage, Alaska, assembly has registered 20 acres with the U.S. Commissioner’s Office and with the Territorial Land Commissioner.
The Baltimore, Maryland, Bahá’í community is planning a new Youth Center, to be created at the Bahá’í property on Gwynn Oak Avenue. Construction begins in February.
For the eighth annual Community Folk Festival in Binghamton, New York, local Bahá’ís planned an exhibit. In the printed program, the Bahá’í Faith headed the list of exhibits.
Butte, Montana, believers organized a symposium on the subject “Youth and Peace,” asking three Butte School of Mines foreign students to participate, with a Bahá’í speaker. A Negro from Nigeria, A Chinese from Viet Nam and a Jewish boy from Israel gave their views in a stimulating, successful meeting.
The Los Angeles, California, assembly has established a Research Committee which stands ready to check on the sources of quotations or the accuracy of statements and find material pertaining to a given subject for individuals or committees of the community.
Niagara Falls attracts over three million visitors annually. The Niagara Falls, New York, Bahá’í group has arranged for a permanent book exhibit and information center at the Henry Hubbs Hotel in the heart of
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town. Three Bahá’ís have rearranged their daily routine so that the
booth will be attended daily except
Sunday.
Redwood City, California, reports that the Redwood City Tribune printed pictures of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, together with an article presenting the unique features of its architecture, a brief history of the Faith and its principles as one of a regular series featuring unique religious edifices in the United States.
Springfield, New Jersey, and Los Angeles, California, have established regular children’s classes on Sunday mornings. Adult courses are provided for the parents while the children are in class.
Correction: Braille Publication[edit]
On page 9, column 3 of the January, 1954, BAHÁ’Í NEWS, the price for Communion with God was misquoted. The text should read: Communion with God, published in Braille Grade 2, is available at $.75 a copy.
PUBLICATIONS[edit]
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
Prayers and Meditations. Bahá’u’lláh. New edition available February 15, in deep blue-green fabrikoid binding. Price.....$3.00
Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys. Bahá’u’lláh. The new cloth binding, available February 15. Green fabrikoid binding in size 6x4, a companion size to last edition of Hidden Words. Price.....$1.25
Some Answered Questions. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Notes from “table talks” by Laura Clifford Barney. Bound in rust colored linen with black and gold stamping with attractive book jacket. Price.....$3.00
Temporarily out of Stock[edit]
Bahá’í Prayers. The Publishing Committee is awaiting material for a new edition of the prayer book. This will contain many prayers not in the present edition. Please watch for announcement in this section of BAHÁ’Í NEWS and order then. Price not yet available.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
- HOLY DAYS
- March 21, Feast of Naw-Rúz
- PERIOD OF THE FAST
- March 2-20
- FEASTS
- February 7—Mulk, Dominion
- March 2—’Alá’, Loftiness
- March 21—Bahá, Splendor
- INTERCALARY DAYS
- February 26 to March 1, Ayyám-i-Há
- NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
- February 19, 20, 21, 22
- March 26, 27, 28
MARRIAGES[edit]
“Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Verily, this Thy servant and this Thy maid-servant have gathered under the shadow of Thy mercy and they are united through Thy favor and generosity. O Lord! Assist them in this Thy world and Thy Kingdom and destine for them every good through Thy bounty and grace ...”
Los Angeles, California—Dr. Vera H. Graham to Dr. Clyde S. Longyear, January 10, 1954.
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. Emma E. Heivly
- Los Angeles, California
- November 3, 1953
- Mr. William James Williams
- Santa Cruz, California
- December 5, 1953
- Mr. James C. Houck
- Lima, Ohio
- December 11, 1953
- Mr. Ray Wardall
- Seattle, Washington
- December 14, 1953
- Miss Frances Marian Lanterman
- Urbana, Illinois
- December 18, 1953
- Mrs. Stuart W. French
- Monaco (pioneer post)
- January 3, 1954
- Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause
- Lima, Ohio
- January 10, 1954
- Mr. Edgar H. Bielfelt
- Peoria, Illinois
- January 11, 1954
- Mr. Harry Ford (at pioneer post)
- Johannesburg, Union of South Africa
- January 11, 1954
- Mr. William E. Preston
- Epping, New Hampshire
- January 11, 1954
- Mrs. Ilah Whitmarsh
- Springfield, Illinois
- January 18, 1954
- Mrs. Anne Fourcher
- Augusta, Georgia
- no date given
- Ada M. Young
- Xenia, Ohio
- no date given
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 tenth 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 1953-1954: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Managing Editor; Mr. David Ned Blackmer, Assistant Editor; Mrs. Beatrice Ashton, Miss Edna True.
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.
