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| No. 278 | BAHA’I YEAR 111 | APRIL, 1954 |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
GUARDIAN APPOINTS HAND OF THE CAUSE[edit]
“Announce (to) all National Assemblies elevation (of) Paul Haney (to) rank (of) Hand of the Cause.”
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
In this message to the Bahá’í world the revered Guardian adds one more to the body of the Hands of the Cause, reinforcing their work in America, where during the past few months two Hands of the Cause, Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher and Mrs. Dorothy Beecher Baker, have ascended to the Kingdom.
The Bahá’í Community rejoices in this announcement from the World Center.
PIONEERS INSCRIBED ON ROLL OF HONOR—TWENTY-FIVE GOAL AREAS TO BE SETTLED[edit]
(On) occasion Naw-Rúz, marking opening (the) second decade (of the) second Bahá’í century, inform National Assemblies (of the) Bahá’í world (that the) following pioneers scattered (over) twenty-one virgin areas (have been) inscribed (on the) Roll (of) Honor since (the) fourth periodic announcement. Otillie Rhein, Mauritius; Olga Mills, Malta; Peter Lugayula, Ashanti (Protectorate); Virginia Breaks, Caroline (Islands); Dr. Fozdar, Andaman (Islands); Elly Becking, Dutch New Guinea; Andrew (and) Nina Matthisen, Bahamas; Carl (and) Loretta Scherer, Macao; Gulnar Aftabi, Bahiyyih Rowhani, Kaykhosrow Dahmobadi, Diu (Island); Jean (and) Tove Deleuran, Charles Ioas, Balearic (Islands); Adib Bagdadi, Hussayn Halabi, Hadhramaut; Kenneth (and) Roberta Christian, Eyneddin (and) Tahereh Alai, Joan Powis, Southern Rhodesia; Hormoz Zendeh, Morocco International Zone; Howard (and) Joanne Menking, Cape Verde Islands; Elizabeth Bevan, Rhodes; Matthew Bullock, Dutch West Indies; Lillian Wyss, Samoa; Dulcie Dive, Cook (Islands); Stanley Bolton, Jr., Tonga (Islands); Gretta Jankko, Marquesas (Islands); Jean Sevin, Tuamotu (Archipelago); Alvin (and) Gertrude Blum, Solomon (Islands); Bernard Guhrke, Kodiak (Island); John Leonard, Falkland (Islands); Munir Vakil, Kuria-Muria (Islands); John (and) Audrey Robarts, Bechuanaland; Charles Dayton and wife, David Schreiber, Leeward (Islands); Faiborz Roozebehyan, Gambia; Rahmat (and) Iran Muhajer, Mentawei (Islands); Gertrud Ankersmit, Frisian (Islands); Shamsi Navidi, Monaco; Roy (and) Elena Fernie, Gilbert (and) Ellice (Islands); Qudratullah Rowhani, Khodarahm Mojgani, Mahé.
Ninety-one virgin areas (have been) opened (to the) Faith since (the) launching (of the) Crusade. Total number (of) territories (within) its pale now raised (to) two hundred nineteen. Remaining unopened territories, excluding Soviet Republics (and) satellites, twenty-five.
Appeal (to) prospective pioneers whilst (the) opening year (of the) Ten Year Crusade (is) speeding (to) its close, (to) expedite entry (into) unopened areas contributing thereby (to the) enhancement (of the) celebrations (of the) coming Riḍván rendered memorable (by the) swift, magnificent victories achieved (in the) pioneering field, unsurpassed (in the) course (of the) eleven decades (of) Bahá’í history.
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
The Guardian’s cable was received on March 21—Naw-Rúz, the birth of spring. It is a proclamation of victory, inseparably united with an appeal for a supreme effort before Riḍván.
We read the names inscribed on the Roll of Honor, recognizing many of them as personal acquaintances and Bahá’í co-workers, but we know that through their response to the call of the World Crusade they have become historic personages. This is the valid title of nobility in the Bahá’í era: that one has arisen voluntarily to accept a mission requiring a great change of circumstance and condition.
Our prayers are raised that of the prospective pioneers, enough may secure their visas and permits to assure the settlement of the twenty-five remaining goals. It is not because pioneers are lacking but because certain areas are so hedged about with special barriers that settlement has so far been impossible in many cases.
IMMORTAL HEROINE[edit]
Mourn loss (of) immortal heroine, Marion Jack, greatly-loved and deeply-admired by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, (a) shining example (to) pioneers (of) present (and) future generations (of) East (and) West, surpassed (in) constancy, dedication, self-abnegation (and) fearlessness by none except (the) incomparable Martha Root. Her
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unremitting, highly-meritorious activities (in the) course (of) almost half
(a) century, both (in) North America
(and) Southeast Europe, attaining
(their) climax (in the) darkest, most
dangerous phase (of the) second
World War, shed imperishable lustre
(on) contemporary Bahá’í history.
(Her) triumphant soul (is) now gathered (with the) distinguished band (of) co-workers (in the) Abhá Kingdom; Martha Root, Lua Getsinger, May Maxwell, Hyde Dunn, Susan Moody, Keith Ransom-Kehler, Ella Bailey (and) Dorothy Baker, whose remains, lying (in) such widely scattered areas (of the) globe as Honolulu, Cairo, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Teheran, Isfahan, Tripoli (and the) depths (of the) Mediterranean (Sea) attest (to the) magnificence (of the) pioneer services rendered (by the) North American Bahá’í community (in the) Apostolic (and) Formative Ages (of the) Bahá’í Dispensation.
Advise arrange (in) association (with the) Canadian National Assembly (and the) European Teaching Committee (a) befitting memorial gathering (in the) Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. Moved (to) share with (the) United States (and) Canadian National Assemblies (the) expenses (of the) erection, (as) soon as circumstances permit, (of a) worthy monument (at) her grave, destined (to) confer eternal benediction (on a) country already honored (by) its close proximity (to the) sacred city associated (with the) proclamation (of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh.
Share message all National Assemblies.
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
The Guardian’s message concerning Marion Jack is a glorious tribute to a pioneer who settled in another land at an earlier stage of the unfoldment of the Master’s Divine Plan. Her radiant spirit is exalted to the Abha Kingdom, awaited by those blessed souls who, like her, yielded up their lives while teaching in the foreign field, and were interred far from home.
Our present pioneer projects, completing the establishment of the Faith in all parts of the world, while greater in scope and more crucial in relation to the conditions of society, call for the same intensity of devotion and self-sacrifice. Significant indeed that among those blessed souls in the Abhá Kingdom are two Bahá’ís associated with the Ten Year Plan. Thus is witnessed the continuance of spiritual heroism, from the Master’s time down to this very hour.
All Bahá’ís will hope that a suitable monument may be erected at her grave at no distant date.
Announcement of the Memorial Meeting in Temple Foundation Hall will be made when plans are formulated.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
WORLD CRUSADE[edit]
As we draw near to the end of the first year of the World Crusade, let us pause and reflect upon the tremendous achievements already made, and upon the greater tasks to be accomplished by 1963.
Pioneer settlements already carried out, and those assigned to pioneers en route or preparing to leave, well nigh complete the initial task represented by the virgin goals throughout the world. The final report cannot be made until after Riḍván, when no doubt the Guardian will announce the detailed result.
This effort has scattered devoted Bahá’ís to the ends of the earth. Each pioneer is experiencing a deeper and more potent connection with the Holy Spirit, and at the same time realizing his or her human responsibility as he or she faces a new environment, a new race, a new tongue, and separation from the Bahá’ís of his or her former community. That the Spirit sustains them, and makes possible accomplishments these believers had never undertaken before, is attested by letters written home by the pioneers.
They rely upon us as warriors in the forefront of battle rely upon the main body of troops. We are a vital part of their success, and we must increase the numbers of Bahá’ís at home in order to keep pace with developments in the new areas.
The Homefront Campaign, too, calls for close and continuous scrutiny, and for many new volunteers. The latest report from the American National Teaching Committee published elsewhere in this issue makes clear what has been done, what still remains undone.
The World Crusade tasks this year likewise include many translations of Bahá’í literature into new tongues and steps toward the purchase of Temple sites in many parts of the world.
The assurance of a new Order, emanating from the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, has been confirmed and strengthened as we behold the Crusade in actual operation. Our religion, as Bahá’ís, is transforming us as it transforms the conditions of the world. Our own understanding, our moral and cultural horizons, have become new.
All this mighty movement within the Bahá’í Community attests the power of the Guardianship to maintain a spiritual and administrative World Center — a new creation in the history of mankind. This process will augment swiftly as the Almighty Arm of Bahá’u’lláh moves humanity along its path of suffering, despair, regeneration and Universal Peace. Fortunate are we who behold the end of this valley from the beginning. Steeled to endure, raised above the realms of fear and calamity, we Bahá’ís have but to follow our peerless Leader, and the victory of man will be won by the victory of the Faith of God.
THE NATIONAL FUND—A BAHA'I INSTITUTION[edit]
As we approach the closing days of this historic first year of our glorious Crusade, it is fitting that we review our achievements on the various objectives to which we are all dedicated.
Are we all aware that our National Fund is a Bahá’í Institution, the character of which must be fully and properly understood if it is to perform the unique and vital function for which it has been established?
Are we all aware that no single objective, no teaching project, no aspect of the Ten Year Crusade can be successfully carried forward unless the Institution of the National Fund is adequately sustained by every devoted believer?
The American Bahá’í Community, which has received such high praise from our gracious and beloved Guardian for so many of its achievements,
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cannot properly lay claim to
a mature growth as a Community
until we have all become imbued
with the spirit that finds true joyousness in sacrifice, and heartily
welcomes every opportunity of service to this vital Institution that presents itself for our attention.
Current figures of receipts from contributions indicate that this year will end with one of the largest deficits in our history, probably exceeding the sum of $100,000. If we are to continue to perform a predominant role in the prosecution of the Crusade in the years that lie ahead, each of us will wish to give prayerful consideration to a better understanding of the Institution of the National Fund and the means whereby it can become deeply rooted in a solid financial foundation. Thereby, alone, will there flow from it the life-giving waters of financial sustenance for our heroic pioneers and for every other endeavor which it must sustain.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
BAHA'I LAW ON BURIAL[edit]
The Guardian has advised the National Assembly that a law of the Aqdas makes it obligatory for Bahá’ís to bury their dead within a certain distance from the place where death takes place. The body is not to be transported more than one hour’s journey. This is a law which becomes mandatory for Bahá’ís.
In view of the wide dispersal of pioneers throughout the world this law has great importance. The pioneer can provide written instructions which will be binding in event of his or her death, and this applies particularly where the pioneer’s nearest relations, or executors of his or her will, are not Bahá’ís.
The friends in general might well consider its application in their own case, and take whatever steps are necessary to see that the provision of the Aqdas will be carried out.
DEPRIVED OF MEMBERSHIP[edit]
The believers are informed that Mr. James Overbeck has been deprived of membership in the Bahá’í Community. His attendance at meetings not open to the public is therefore forbidden.
SUGGESTION TO LOCAL ASSEMBLIES[edit]
In the vicinity of many Assemblies there are groups and isolated Bahá’ís who wish to learn about messages from the Guardian and important Bahá’í developments before they are reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
Frequently the National Assembly is requested to send to all groups the same material which is issued to communities. Since facilities for such large mailings do not yet exist, the National Assembly would like to suggest that local Assemblies invite nearby groups and isolated friends to attend any particular Nineteen Day Feast where important communications are to be presented.
This courtesy will help bring the isolated friends into closer and more immediate contact with their Guardian and their administrative body.
The Garden of Riḍván, near Bahjí. The bench near the right is where Bahá’u’lláh used to sit. Water from the fountain in the distance still flows through the center channel and down the steps, as in former times.
WORLD CRUSADE[edit]
PIONEER LETTERS[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly, moved by the eloquence of achievement, wishes to share with all the believers the following excerpts, taken from letters written by pioneers to the National Assembly or to the Crusade Committees. The accounts of their deeds, told in their own words, underscore the joy of serving in the forefront of the World Crusade, whatever the difficulties to be surmounted.
From time to time, as communications from the pioneers are cleared for publication through the World Crusade Committees and the National Spiritual Assembly, BAHÁ’Í NEWS will print further excerpts which round out the picture of World Crusade developments in the pioneer areas of the globe.
Excerpts from Pioneer Letters to the Asia Teaching Committee[edit]
Aitutaki, October 20, 1953. “When I first came here I said nothing about the Faith. However, news travels like lightning here and the two wires I sent aroused a lot of curiosity, especially as there was some discussion about the one to Haifa, as they didn’t know how to send it or how much to charge. Several days went by and I still offered no explanations. Finally the time was ripe and someone asked me and I got to talk at
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length about the Faith. Yesterday
afternoon I was most pleased in having the chance to go into considerable
detail to Tui and Barry—the first
Maori I have had an opportunity to
mention the Faith to ... I just don’t
want to leave here yet — at all. I like
every place I go.
“The people are sweet and kind. One is being constantly delighted. The other day Tui and I were walking along the village road up town and caught up with four or five Maori women. They all began chatting away in Maori. Of course, I couldn’t understand a word, but I looked at them and smiled... Tui is the perfectly beautiful Maori wife of one of the men stationed here. She is the kind they use in their publicity photos. Whenever she comes out to board ‘mama’ (a two-seated station wagon made of spare parts left by the U.S. army, and wood and canvas) she has a flower behind each ear. The one on the left she takes out and gives me to wear.”
Rarotonga, November 21, 1953. “It is 9:30 p.m. and I have been standing out on the verandah watching one of those famous tropical rains. It is beating upon the corrugated tin roof and you have to talk loud indeed to make yourself heard. A couple of new arrivals were stalking something. I went to see what was up. They were trailing a big land crab. These crabs burrow into the lawns and beaches. With this sort of rain they hurry to a dry place which is generally in the room with you, where they back up against the wall and at your slightest move they wave their big pincers at you. But if you leave them alone they leave you alone. They only want to share a small corner of your roof for a brief time, then they go outside again. One was in my room earlier today.
“Work here, I realize, is progressing, though no big, exciting success can be reported ... The first point of wisdom in every one of these islands is the exact knowledge of what not to say and when not to say it. Never let one critical word be said about anything, always smile, regardless of your personal opinion, and watch what your face is saying.
“I have been meeting some of the local women. One here in the hotel has eagerly read every Bahá’í book I have with me at the moment and discusses it with me frequently ... Because of her interest I have had the opportunity of mentioning the Faith in front of quite a few of the people living at the hotel, and some knowledge is apparently traveling around the back roads in the village.
“I have been eating coconut and drinking coconut milk. Am lucky. Got six mangoes at the market this morning. Every Saturday morning at the crack of dawn the natives gather with their produce on the lawn strip between the roads and the beach in the center of things. The racket is something. It is a fun time for them—as what time isn’t!”
Rarotonga, November 27, 1953. “Niue, the Cook Island not under Cook administration, is over near Tonga. A separate visa is required to go there. It is sometimes called Savage Island, due to the truculent attitude toward explorers. The Bahá’í teachings are to be translated into the language of this island.”
Rarotonga, January 27, 1954. “It’s been wonderful to have a Bahá’í here as you can all guess. It has given me that ‘good’ feeling and a refreshed outlook. I again feel like I could go out and conquer a few little old worlds! It is an unnamable something ... the advantages of two Bahá’ís instead of one. I don’t know how to express it but it is very real ...”
Virginia Breaks, Caroline Islands
Truk, November 16, 1953. “Just a note to let you know that one more pioneer has reached her post. We arrived at Truk at 2:30 this afternoon. It is now 3:40 and I have written the N.S.A. and asked them to let the Guardian know.
“It took about five hours to get here from Guam. I felt we were on a magic carpet when the first coral atolls came into view. Have never seen anything to match the color—soft azure, turquoise, chalk white, purple, green—indescribable!”
Truk, November 20, 1953. “I suppose I should be content that there is at least one pioneer in the Carolines, but I’ll be a lot happier when I can see a little progress.
“I have a maid who works for me every day. She is also teaching me Trukese at noon. Today I showed her a picture of the Temple. I told her a little about it and that I saw it when I had my vacation. I just had to say something about the Faith!
“The people (Trukese) are very friendly and courteous. Every man you meet says ‘Hello, mam’ (if he speaks English). The women usually say ‘Hello’ or ‘Good Morning.’
“I’ve had no fresh fruit since I’ve been here ... when a ship comes in—which is about once every six weeks—we get fresh oranges and apples and cabbage, and perhaps other fresh vegetables. The island is green and beautiful.”
Truk, November 27, 1953. “The no-fresh-fruit story is now out of date. I have a hand of bananas ripening in my kitchen, some limes and a sour-sap and two cucumbers. This is the day when the Islanders come around with their produce in woven palm baskets.”
Truk, December 3, 1953. “I expect to leave here on the 11th for the Marshalls or Ponape, so won’t get back till about the first of the year. Then I’ll leave soon after that for Yap and Palau.
“Saturday night the native chiefs who are here for a conference are serving dinner to the base personnel at one of the houses here—Micronesian style. This will be fun, I expect. At least it will be something new.”
Ponape, December 15, 1953. “I realize that the way of teaching is bound to unfold. I believe that it will because the Cause is in my mind and heart all the time, and I pray constantly for guidance.”
Truk, December 29, 1953. “Maybe it would be a good thing if every one on the home front could be in a virgin area for a while — a virgin area where they couldn’t talk freely about the Faith. Maybe then they would begin to appreciate what it means being at home where you are so free.
“The islanders live in a series of small villages scattered along the coast ... They live in frame houses with tin roofs for the most part, though there are a few of the old thatched type. These are much pleasanter to look at than the sort of pseudo-civilized ones built more recently.
“The Micronesians are courteous, seem happy and spontaneous. They are very gregarious ... No adult Trukese is alone if he can help it—they go fishing in pairs (at least) and do all their work cooperatively.”
Truk, January 5, 1954. “On Saturday I had an interesting all day walk— about eight miles of it. It was something that gradually developed. I started out in the morning with a camera, met a boy— Nor— from the Intermediate School and
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we walked about a mile together to
Thunuk, where Nor was headed. I
started on, and he asked if he could
go with me and carry my bag. I
was glad to have him — he acted as
interpreter and told me a little about
local customs. He was interested in
my plans to get pictures of the people and their daily activities, and
homes, etc. He got practice talking
English, which made him happy,
and together we walked through several villages — Missou, Thunuk,
Penicilia, Pennia and Sabuk. We
were close to the ocean part of the
time — it was a cool day for Truk
and clear — the water was brilliant
in color and the views unbelievably
beautiful.
“We talked about religion a little, I along Bahá’í lines but without mentioning the word as this was the first time I had seen him.”
Truk, January 11, 1954. “I am almost ashamed to mention my first fireside to you, because it wasn’t with a Micronesian. It was with a young married woman from — Oakland, California! ... It happened Sunday morning when she came to return a flashlight and stayed over three hours to talk about the Faith. Neither of us had any idea of the lapse of time. I was amazed and shocked when I looked at the clock and saw it was after 2 p.m. I had only given her some coffee and candy, and realized after she had left that lunch time had come and gone! She asked lots of good questions and went home with Renewal of Civilization and Prescription for Living. When I saw her today she still looked happy and shining.”
Palau, January 23, 1954. “I feel spread too thin. How can I get acquainted well enough to talk about the Faith on these one-week hops! Certainly this is all challenging.”
Excerpts from Pioneer Letters to the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee[edit]
One of the most precious recompenses for the constant work of the Intercontinental Teaching Committees is the thrill of reading letters from the pioneers. Looking over the letters, we find it is difficult to give a clear picture of their wonderful spirit through excerpts, because it is from the total letters themselves, though they are practical reports on conditions and activities, that the breath of complete and sincere devotion emanates.
Elaine and Jenabe Caldwell, Aleutian Islands.
Unalaska, Alaska, August 21, 1953: “We chose Unalaska (population about 125) as it is the only incorporated city on the chain. There is absolutely no work in any field; the natives subsist by summer fishing and cannery work. However, with the help of God we plan on staying here.
“Everyone knows we are Bahá’ís. At the last 19 Day Feast we mapped out a course of action. For the present we felt it best to win their confidence through association, etc. Already people are wondering why we have not pressed them or tried to ‘save’ them, so are becoming more congenial ... some people are beginning to ask what a Bahá’í is.”
October 22, 1953; “... Am also going to learn the Aleut language for there are more than were first supposed who do not speak English. Aleut chanting is beautiful. Bahá’í prayers should be extraordinarily beautiful. Please advise requirements for translating. I have a book on the language. This is another good strong ground for contact.”
Miss Christine McKay, Puerto Rico.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, November 27, 1953: “Of one thing I am increasingly certain and that is that just a willingness to pick up and go elsewhere is not all that is to be exacted from us. Little by little, our all is going to go into the enterprise—and I’m afraid that I mean very literally our all as Bahá’u’lláh and the Guardian both say, over and over again.”
Mrs. Helen Robinson, Baranof Island
Sitka, Alaska, October 6, 1953: “... To explain about the spiritual beauty, the breathtaking loveliness of the islands is impossible. To see is to believe. It is heavenly. The people must be very fine living in such surroundings! Because of the many large institutions here for Indians—especially youth—it is a priceless opportunity ...
“... Sitka is an Indian Village and we are the outsiders. They are very friendly and a joy to work with. ... The native and Eskimo come here from 124 villages in Alaska. What a privilege. They come to you from all over the territory and will return remembering you were a Bahá’í if nothing more ...
“... It might be interesting at this point to tell you that my first ‘contact’ was a young man dying from leukemia ... at least that is what he was told and was given two years to live ... The friendship with this young man and the change of outlook and attitude affected many people. We talked about the ‘open door’ and he read many pamphlets and saw the slides of the Shrines and Gardens, etc. People of course saw this transformation and knew it was the Bahá’í Teachings ... God willing, he will live and be a flame in that village!”
“I learned so much on this trip all alone ... the greatest being that one never ‘walks alone’ when serving the Lord. I’ll never fear again. Doors opened for me all the way, all I had to do was walk through. Mrs. A. lost her son in Korea and was a very sad lady when we met. She said, ‘Why I never saw the great beauty of this lovely island until you came here and brought me these wonderful Teachings! I’m grateful.’
“Dear Friends when I started to write you I told myself it must be brief as you are all so busy. I am afraid I get carried away with joy, remembering the great beauty of these people and their country. It is a grand and glorious experience and I wish all the Friends would pioneer alone without fear.”
Bob and Elinor Wolff, Latin America
“We had our Feast on Thursday. It was wonderful to feel so in need of praying. There is a great power in feeling such a real dependence on God and His help. We thought of all the other pioneers ... and the Guardian receiving reports from the India Conference and the completion of the Shrine. What a wonderful time we live in!
“If it is important elsewhere to live the life, here it is doubly important. I am not boasting if I say that everybody knows us, or knows who we are, and everything we do is known immediately ... It is a constant challenge, but a pleasant one ... And to many people who have read about the United States the fact that Elinor is so completely without race prejudice is extremely intriguing ... Jan, of course, is a wonderful drawing card. He is such a happy baby, our little boy. He is very blonde and blue eyed, and when we take him for a walk he greets everybody on the street, regardless of color, size, shape, costume, etc.
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in a mixture of English, Dutch and
Ningre. Our pioneering is really a
family project, and such a blessing.
“We need your continued prayers ... We are truly pioneering, I in my job and Elinor in our home and social relations, as well as telling people about the Cause. How easy it is to teach the Bahá’í Faith in a country like America which is open to new ideas and where people are free and reasonably responsible for their own acts!”
“My journey went according to plans ... At the airport (en route) after taking one look at the waiting crowd of spectators, I noticed one couple with a child: Dr. R. J. and Mrs. Wolff (whom I had never met before). They had come to retrieve some luggage. To meet these lovely souls toward the end of a happy journey was a great spiritual bounty before my arrival... Although I had wired ahead for a room at the hotel, the only one in town, and that with 15 rooms— no room was available anywhere. After one hour of seeking, the driver arranged to have me and another one stay in the classroom of a local school that had been converted into temporary quarters to accommodate a dozen native football-players ...”
“It looks promising, but the arrival of the French New Eras will speed things along.
“Eight of the New Eras are in circulation. These people seem to be interested readers.”
Gerald and Gail Curwin, The Bahamas
These pioneers had most unusual experiences when they first arrived. Gerald, seeking information on how to get to Eleuthera, one of the islands, was introduced from one person to another until he met a newspaper man. “I received my surprise when he led me into an inner office to show me a Bahá’í library.”
Because of strange events, they wrote,
“We have searched ourselves for motives for pioneering and feel assured our only wish is to serve the Faith, and hope and pray always Bahá’u’lláh will guide us since we are not old in the Faith and perhaps at times become over-zealous ...”
Through a non-Bahá’í friend of a Bahá’í, word of their going had preceded
First Local Spiritual Assembly of Goteborg, Sweden
their arrival. “Nassau in many respects is like a small town — they have a regular grapevine by which information flows and everyone knows what is happening ... By now enough people knew about us that we were even getting phone calls from people who would say they had heard that we were Bahá’ís and that they had heard of the Faith at one time or another ...”
Andrew and Nina Matthisen, Nassau
“With the arrival of these pioneers, a group has been formed in Nassau, which is holding firesides. One was addressed by Mr. Matthisen ... he started by saying that we had a very precious gift for the people of Nassau and that they stood in the place of being the first to receive it. We all felt the wonderful power which permeated the room when he said this. There were five non-Bahá’ís present at this meeting and out of this group we hope to build the basic group amongst the Negro people.”
Earle Render, the Virgin Islands
“Be assured that there are many beautiful, graceful, and charming conditions here too ... A true Bahá’í spirit should and will prevail over any ephemeral conditions here, if promulgation of the Cause is the basic reason for coming here.
“There is much in the way of spiritual progress and growth, I must realize, and the discipline of self needed here in the course of expressing the Faith may well do the job. The Cause is Most Powerful!”
TRANSLATION AND PRINTING OF LITERATURE IN INDIA[edit]
A Bahá’í pamphlet in Manipuri has been printed, the first to be published of 40 languages assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pakistan and Burma.
Translations of pamphlets in Siamese, Javanese, Balochi and Pashto are complete.
Translators have been found and work is proceeding on literature in Nicobarese, Lepcha, Annamese, Panjabi, Tibetan, Pali and Thô.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
BRITISH ISLES[edit]
During the week-end of January 9-10, believers gathered from all over the British Isles in the City of Liverpool for a National Teaching Conference. Conference sessions were held in the same hotel where, forty-two years ago, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed. Consultation centered around teaching plans for the Ten Year Crusade, both for virgin areas and on the home front.
CANADA[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly Elections[edit]
Three members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada having retired to pioneer, election of replacements became necessary. The Canadian Bahá’í News has announced the names of the new members: Mrs. Peggy Ross,
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Mr. Angus Cowan and Mr. Alan
Raynor.
Canadian National Convention[edit]
The Canadian National Convention is to be held in Victoria Hall, Westmount, Ontario. The Feast of Riḍván, to be held in connection with the Convention, will be celebrated on April 30. On May 1 a Public Congress will be presented.
Bahá’í on the Air[edit]
In Canada, radio time has been obtained in London, Calgary, Oshawa, and Hamilton. Winnipeg tape-recorded Bahá’í talks for broadcast over the radio station in Churchill. To advertise public meetings, Oshawa presents fifteen-minute dramatized radio programs.
INDIA[edit]
In his cable of October 11, 1953, to the Fourth Intercontinental Conference in New Delhi, India, the Guardian recommended that the Hands of the Cause travel through designated lands “for the purpose of establishing close contact with the National Assemblies, advising and assisting Local Assemblies and individuals to attain the goals of the globe-girdling Plan.”
Bahá’í News Letter, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma, has announced the itineraries and some of the bounties from the trips taken by Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Mr. Charles Mason Remey and Mr. Horace Holley, Hands of the Cause, through those regions.
Mrs. Dorothy Baker[edit]
A partial itinerary of Mrs. Dorothy Baker’s trip includes: Delhi, Bombay, Poona, Miraj, Kolhapur, Belgaum, Nasik, Manmad, Jalna, Aurangabad, Deolali, Surat, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Jaipur, Agra, Firozabad, Gwalior, Aligarh, Bareilly, Lucknow, Cawnpore, Allahabad, Benares, Patna, Calcutta, Nagpur, Indore and Karachi.
At Belgaum, Mrs. Baker spoke on “World Peace Through World Religion” before a large audience at Lingaraj College. The Rajasahib of Swantwadi, chairman of the meeting, “was completely won over by Mrs. Baker’s lucid exposition of the aims and objects of the Bahá’í Faith.” The next day Mrs. Baker spoke at the Social Club on “Spiritual Solution of Economic Problems.”
At Deolali, Mrs. Baker spoke in Cantonment Board Hall on “A Divine Plan for Universal Peace.” She also visited Banas school and spoke there.
At Baroda, Bahá’í Hall was packed to hear Mrs. Baker speak on “Victorious Living.”
At Jaipur, four lectures were given, two at the Girl’s College.
At Ajmer, Mrs. Baker arrived at night and stayed in the station waiting room. Next day she spoke at Sophia Girl’s College and, in the afternoon, at Savitri College. The staff of the College gave a party in her honor. In the evening she spoke in the Government College. Autograph hunters surrounded her after the meeting.
At Surat a public lecture entitled “This Earth One Country” was given at Naginchand Hall. This led to a long conference with representatives of the local Press.
At Agra, extensive advance publicity brought a capacity audience to Agra College Hall to hear Mrs. Baker.
At Aligarh, the University Union arranged for Mrs. Baker’s reception. She arrived on Founder’s Day, an important occasion at the University, was invited to the meeting and met the University officials. That afternoon Mrs. Baker addressed the Bar Association. At a morning meeting, Mrs. Baker spoke before the Muslim University Students in Union Hall and, later, addressed the students at the Muslim Girl’s College.
Although only a few have been mentioned, in all of the centers Mrs. Baker’s visits resulted, not only in public declaration of the Faith and meetings with officials and dignitaries, but also in consultation with the Bahá’í communities. In these more intimate gatherings, through stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, by telling the believers of the significances of the World Center and speaking of the Guardian, Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause, knit the hearts of these friends on the Indian sub-continent more closely to the Center of the World Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and kindled anew their devotion to His Cause.
Mr. Charles Mason Remey[edit]
A partial itinerary of Mr. Charles Mason Remey’s trip includes: Delhi, Calcutta, Rangoon, Dacca, Chittagong, Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Madras, Colombo, Kandy, Trichinopoly, Madura, Bangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad, Ajanta, Ellora, Aurangabad, Manmad, Poona, Panchganu, Bombay and Karachi.
At Calcutta, besides meetings with believers during which he drew the world picture of the Divine Plan as unfolded during the four Intercontinental Conferences, Mr. Remey was invited to deliver a public lecture in Brahmo Samaj Temple. At a public reception arranged in his honor and attended by many distinguished guests, he presented the Bahá’í principles for the spiritual regeneration of mankind. This meeting was reported in the Statesman and the Hindustan Standard, leading English daily newspapers of Calcutta.
At Rangoon, Burma, Mr. Remey addressed many meetings. His talk given at the Theosophical Hall, “The Relation of Bahá’í Teachings to Other Religions,” was translated into Burmese. Through Mr. Remey, the believers of Rangoon sent a silver vase to the Guardian as a token of their love and devotion.
At Dacca, Pákistán, a meeting was held at the Green Hotel. At the radio station, Mr. Remey recorded a talk, “Religious Architecture of the World”, in which he described the architecture of places of worship of the world’s various faiths, closing with descriptions of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois and the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel, Israel. This recording was rebroadcast on the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh by the Pákistán Radio.
At Chittagong, Mr. Remey presented the history of the Bahá’í Faith to a group of the town’s leading citizens, gathered in the Chittagong Rest House.
Factual recital of meetings, the titles of talks or the names of eminent members of audiences cannot communicate the response throughout these three countries to the lucid explanations of the character and import of the Bahá’í Faith, given by Mr. Charles Mason Remey, Hand of the Cause.
Mr. Horace Holley[edit]
A partial itinerary of Mr. Horace Holley’s trip includes: Delhi, Bombay, Poona, Panchgani, Sholapur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mysore, Trivandrum, Madras, Colombo and Kalutara.
At Bombay, Mr. Holley, Dr. ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan and Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh spoke on “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh” before a public meeting at Cama Hall. A Press conference was held at Taj Mahal
[Page 8]
Hotel and reports appeared in Times of India, Free Press Journal, Indian Express and the Navbharat Times.
At Sholapur, a Press Conference was held with representatives of the Sholapur Samachar and the Sakal. At a public talk, Mr. Holley’s address was translated into Marathi by the Principal of the Government College of Commerce and Accountancy.
In Hyderabad, Mr. Holley talked with officials of the Salar Jung Museum and Osmania University. A Press conference resulted in the presentation of the Faith through the Deccan Chronicle, the Daily News, the Hyderabad Bulletin, the Hamara, The Ekdam, the Rahnumae Deccan, the Angara and the Paisa Akhbar.
These are but three of the localities visited by Mr. Horace Holley, Hand of the Cause. Other reports may appear later but, from these, the effect of Mr. Holley’s visits is apparent. In every case, a new interest in the Faith was awakened, questions elicited and brilliantly answered and, among the believers, a new sense of unity aroused.
SOUTH AMERICA[edit]
An article describing contemporary developments of the Bahá’í Faith has been published in O Globo, the most widely circulated newspaper in Rio de Janeiro. A previous article had referred only to the origins and early history of the Faith.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AMERICAN NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
Home Front Pioneering Goals Filled[edit]
The following virgin goal cities on the home front have been settled as of the middle of March by the pioneers here listed:
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Wiener
- 435 North 6th St.
- Bay City, Michigan
- Mr. and Mrs. Harry (Eve. F) Eriksen,
- 404 West Midland St.
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Miss Jean Silver
- Mrs. Christine Ivanoff
- Mrs. Caroline Stewart
- 1978 North Ave.
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert (Roystine) Hart
- 615 S. Boynton Terrace
Bahá’í Community of Singapore, Malay States
- Chester, Pennsylvania
- Mrs. Marybelle Hammond,
- 616 E. 14th Street
- Emporia, Kansas
- Mr. Don Newby, 1423 Merchants
- Globe, Arizona
- Mrs. Norma Lewis—Heron Apts 7
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Boutin, Jr.
- Wm. R. Lacey, Jr.
- 402 Walnut St.
- Dover, Delaware
- Mr. and Mrs. William (Dorothy) Frey
- 340 Kings Highway
- Elizabeth, New Jersey
- Miss Dorothy Champ,
- % Mrs. A. A. Wilson
- 1019 William Street
- Hayward, California
- Miss Winifred E. Bennell,
- 230 Prospect Terrace
- Mrs. Muriel Ferguson,
- 26913 Gading Road
- Ithaca, New York
- Miss Marjorie Stee,
- 408 N. Tioga St.
- Lewiston, Idaho
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Niss,
- Box 483
- Lynn, Massachusetts
- Mr. and Mrs. Chester (Helen Miller) Curtis,
- 112 Chatham St.
- Manchester, New Hampshire
- Mrs. Dorothy Morrell,
- 333 Kimball Street, Apt. 6,
- Rimmon Heights
- Medford, Oregon
- Mrs. Kathryn Frankland,
- Medford Hotel
- Michigan City, Indiana
- Mrs. Stella Menifee, 418 Spring St.
- Paterson, New Jersey
- Mr. and Mrs. Fred (Jeanne) Sudhop, 94 Chadwick St.
- Provo, Utah
- Miss Barbara Keast,
- Bldg. 14, Apt. 146
- Family Units
- Mrs. Margaret Mansfield, Apt. 3,
- 284 N. 5th St.
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Mrs. Frances Falvey, Box 5083
- (919 W. Johnson St.)
- Rapid City, South Dakota
- Mr. William Keith Denison,
- 623 St. Louis St.
- Redding, California
- Mrs. Alice B. Mays, 1237 Willis St.
- Savannah, Georgia
- Mrs. Ivalu Reagan, 405 W. 37th St.
- Stockton, California
- Mrs. Sadie Ellis
- Mr. Wm. Hathorn
- 2430 E. Market St.
- Warren, Ohio
- Mr. and Mrs. John (Madalyn) Byers
- 225 Tod Street, S.W.
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Mrs. Betty Koyl,
- 111 North Spruce St.
- Yuma, Arizona
- Mr. Robert Powers, Mrs. Mildred
- Powers, 118 Madison St.
Pioneer Letters from the Home Front[edit]
The American National Teaching Committee wishes to share with the believers everywhere the following excerpts taken from letters written by pioneers on the home front. The story they tell of devotion to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and of determined service in the Ten Year Crusade is but a reflection of that spirit which has prompted all of the pioneers to take their posts for the spiritual conquest of the planet.
Area desired—“anywhere you want to send me.” When can you leave?—“At once.” Any health problems?—“Doctors say a nervous heart, but I would say perfect health.” (And she adds, parenthetically, “Do have broken knee and hip and am on crutches”.)
From Mr. and Mrs. Robert Powers, Yuma, Arizona.
“To us the Dispersal-Crusade came to mean: since you are in a community of more than 15 Bahá’ís, it is the Guardian’s wish that you move out..... We spent much time in consultation, and decided on our goal, which was approved by the Teaching Committee. Obviously we hoped to settle ourselves comfortably, but since our decision was to go to Yuma and teach, whatever the condition, we found it unnecessary to make inquiries about the city. None of us had ever been in Yuma. Our attitude may be put in words, as follows:
- We function as if our project were to end tomorrow at noon.
- We shall continue to teach regardless of what happens.
- Teaching will come ahead of rest, food, or health.
“We have come to the conclusion that, for us, teaching is effective only when we put it foremost in our lives and permit nothing whatsoever to interfere with it....
“We feel that one who is teaching must immerse himself in America’s Spiritual Mission; that he must sleep with it by his bed-side, that he must underline passages, and in fact wear it out with reading.... We cannot feel any possible continuance in teaching which brings confirmations without many, many prayers each day. Certainly we put in a minimum of an hour a day at reading prayers. And we never meet with the newly declared Bahá’ís or with those we are teaching without reading many prayers. In fact, they demand it....”
From Mrs. Betty Koyl, Winston Salem, North Carolina.
“Arrived on Sept. 20, and with His Guidance, the glorious Message of Bahá’u’lláh will be accepted and proclaimed from this truly lovely city. A regular study class is now being held, and many are receiving literature....
“When we read our BAHÁ’Í NEWS and see the names of those who are now in lands and islands throughout the world, how very humble we feel—but oh, so proud to be living in this Wonderful Day! The Home Front pioneers will not be proclaimed, neither will our names be mentioned in history, except perhaps that we went forth and obeyed our beloved Guardian.”
From Mr. and Mrs. Robert Niss and Family, Lewiston, Idaho
“... although only the preliminaries have been done for our settlement, the Bahá’í work has started off at such a pace we feel we have been here a month already. We contacted the Boy Scout Executive, and, through him, attended a meeting of the scout leaders in town and are busy now in that field, meeting people, and getting to be known as Bahá’ís. Yesterday at noon, we met with the Rotary club, and again met many townsfolk. The newspaper is very friendly, and of all the amazing things, the reporter who interviewed us was a girl who was a Unitarian. With no church in town, she is interested in coming to our firesides.... And she wrote a fine article for the Faith.”
From a pioneer, new to “teaching on her own” who settled a virgin goal city, without assistance, starting Bahá’í work, and securing employment, simultaneously:
“I visited another class on Tuesday night, at Shaw University, and told another group about Bahá’í, along with the teacher, who knows something about the Faith and has seen the Temple, and the response was very warm. “My contacts are growing slowly in numbers, but I am surely enjoying them. One is a young minister who is culminating his seven years of training at Shaw ... he wants to read all the Bahá’í books he can. We are planning a public meeting in the University, at Chapel Hill, to which we will invite the educators, the students and anyone else whom we think might be interested from all the neighboring cities. Also, I am attending an Institute of World Affairs ... And I have my first study class starting next week! Isn’t it wonderful? I went last night to see my new-found friend, and she had three others there whom she had been telling about her new friend who was a Bahá’í and believed in the unity of the races; and we just talked and talked and talked. One woman in particular just couldn’t hear enough, and wanted some of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings to read; and now they all want to study, starting next week. I’m so grateful and happy.
“I went to a dinner given by YWCA World Fellowship, and during the question period (after the speaker had told of his experiences in and around the Holy Land) I asked if he had encountered the Bahá’í World Faith in his travels and then he gave a beautiful account of his visit to the Bahá’í Gardens, on Mt. Carmel.”
From John and Madalyne Byers, Warren, Ohio.
“As of January 22, 1954, we’ll be at the above address. We’re so happy! Bahá’u’lláh has been so Generous, so Merciful to us during these weeks of trying to find our right spot, and it is perfect, of course: excellent job for my husband—ideal apartment for the children as well as for us. Now, we’re going to strive daily to purify these channels of ours so that we may attract! attract! Only seven more Bahá’ís to be found and we’ll have a Community! There’s quite a trend here among the citizens to ask: ‘What church do you attend?’ Happy Day! ...”
BULLETINS FOR BAHA'I NEWS[edit]
All National and Area Committees are urged to send copies of any journals or bulletins they may publish to BAHÁ’Í NEWS, as well as other items or photographs of national or international interest which have not appeared in their publications.
Local communities are also invited to send their bulletins and news reports to BAHÁ’Í NEWS. Although it is not always possible to use every good item, due to space or other limitations, it frequently is possible to make an article of interest by showing how some anniversary, for example, was celebrated in different areas.
WESTERN HEMISPHERE TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
YOU AND THE WORLD CRUSADE[edit]
- The Crusade is everyone’s privilege and responsibility. The trumpet has been sounded. The call is made upon the humble as well as the great.
- The noble example can be set by each of us, whether on the home front or abroad.
- Our attitude is: “Bahá’u’lláh needs me for the establishment of His Kingdom.”
- Our Crusade is one of action. Each of us must resolve to do as well as to be — to become active agents of the Divine Will. We must come out of our closets of apathy into a world of action.
- Bahá’u’lláh needs us now. Our responsibility cannot be shirked nor shifted.
- Let us break from our imprisoned selves and go forth to build a finer civilization. The response to the challenge is the very core and mainspring to the success of this epoch-making Crusade.
As each meets the challenge, we
will all be travellers journeying on
the road to victory, a victory that
marks the conquest of social and
moral ills, war, poverty and ignorance. And throughout our journey
we will be guided and assisted by the
Hosts of the Supreme Concourse.
|
YOU NEED THE CRUSADE Q. What is new about the Crusade? A. The entire Bahá’í World Community is working together on a common Plan, under the leadership of the Guardian, for goals far greater than any ever before achieved. Q. How does this affect me? A. The Cause is moving swiftly forward. By joining the Crusade you move with it. This is the measure of your devotion, the method of your growth, the means of attracting divine confirmations. |
|
HOW TO PIONEER Q. How should I go about pioneering? A. 1. Write to the National Spiritual Assembly.
Q. Should I make my plans before volunteering? A. No. This is a costly duplication of effort.
Do not contact foreign consulates or authorities without consulting the Committees. |
AMERICAN INDIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE[edit]
Pioneer Letters[edit]
In order to present a picture of some aspects of the task of carrying Bahá’u’lláh’s Message to the American Indians, the American Indian Service Committee wishes to share the following excerpts from letters from pioneers in the various Indian territories.
From Kit Goldstein — at a Navajo reservation school — Tuba City, Arizona:
|
THE CRUSADE NEEDS YOU Q. Have I a part in the Crusade? A. The Guardian summoned the entire Bahá’í Community. This means you. Q. How can I take part? A. 1. Pioneer.
Q. Is there still a need for pioneers? A. Victories already won are but a prelude to still greater victories. The field is vast. Both at home and abroad there are many, many virgin cities. The need is pressing. |
“There is tremendous need and tremendous confusion in the Indian mind. In his own environment, he is a superb figure, morally, emotionally mature, but contact with our civilization does tragic things to him. To understand his needs and to try to help him in his sad confusion, I would say to the new pioneer, study, study, study! There is so much of his own culture that is fine and good, and that our culture will destroy if he isn’t given help. Understand his problems, and go to him with knowledge as well as sympathy. He is torn between real hate bred of centuries of mistreatment by the white people, and his great need for and eager response to real love and sympathy; but that sympathy must not be ignorant or sentimental. He is cynical of the good intentions of those who come to the reservation to help him, and this is a real hindrance to well-intentioned people. The government is establishing sweeping reforms in the Indian service, and on the whole these are good and intelligent ideas and practices. They are hampered by well-meaning and fanatical missionaries who have done real harm; so you may not find yourself too welcome if you speak of yourself as a missionary. There is real beauty and fine ethical teaching in much of the Indian religion, and respect towards it will go far toward making you acceptable to both Indians and government administrators. These are alert, tough, humorous, warm, sparkling people. Learn to enjoy them and be prepared in turn to be enjoyed by them. They will laugh at you, so you can laugh too, and enjoy life with them. Don’t be stuffy or sensitive. Answer their question, even the personal ones. If you are warm and friendly and show them genuine liking, you will get further than if you ‘talk a good feeling’ to them. They have to be shown. This you can be sure of, when they come to the Faith with the equipment they have, they’re going to make much better Bahá’ís than we are!”
[Page 11]
From Grace Dean, Bylas, Arizona (Apache Reservation), Day School:
“My idea is that a sewing club might have a strong drawing power among the Indian women. They would probably love to attend such a gathering. Quite contrary to popular opinion, I am finding the Indians are fun-loving and quick to return a smile. The two teachers and resident nurse assured me that the Apaches would absolutely not accept me for at least a year, but maybe my year’s probation can be cut down if I can make a good start.
“I love it here. Even on a hot day there is always a nice cool breeze sweeping the valley, and the nights are out of this world.
“My new Indian friend approached me today in regard to distributing clothing among the Indians. I explained frankly our position on it, and we got on the subject of self-sufficiency. I explained to her that we put more time in on helping others to help themselves so they would not need the help of others. It developed that the tribal store seldom bothers to handle local products, baskets and such. I suggested a roadside market catering to passersby, and displaying anything anybody could put out—water color paintings, baskets, quilts, etc., and make it a nice attractive place. It then developed that there is a vacant store building—a little way below the trading post. If I can work up enough interest among the women, and have the approval of the tribal council, we might start a project that will bring in some money and at the same time awaken their great inventive and artistic ability. I have offered to start their books and train someone into a book-keeping job and to help in any way possible in setting up the store ... it’s the first real opportunity that has presented itself since I came.... ...“In regard to seeking reservation employment, I still think it is sound to take a job for a while in order to get acquainted. I have a feeling it is the quickest way to establish at least a speaking acquaintance with the Indians. And then when the job has accomplished its purpose, let it go”.
From Mrs. Ethel Murray, Bryson City, North Carolina (near the Cherokee Indian reservation)
“In my study of the Indians I have found that in their own religion they teach morality, courage, patience, self-control, dignity, generosity, charity, reverence and worship of one God. They have stories of the creation of the first man and have had many prophets ...
“I think the best way to win them is to show them that we are not aiming to exploit them, but to be their true friends. I already have many plans but I know that only results will count.”
From Mr. and Mrs. Edvard Lindstrom, Yakima, Washington
“Of late we have been tempted toward impatience, as we are so anxious to get started on some Indian teaching, but we know that the slower way is the better way, and that the groundwork we are laying is all to the good. We watch the local paper for Indian news, and save all the clippings. This enables us to read any important decisions of the Indian Tribal Council and to become familiar with the names of the leading Council members. When we saw that they had decided to ban the sale of liquor on the Reservation we wrote a letter to the secretary of the Tribal Council, commending the decision, (identifying ourselves as Bahá’ís). Last evening we had the great bounty of attending an annual celebration at the Toppenish Longhouse, and although there was no opportunity to actually give the Message, the occasion gave us the chance to observe a large number of Yakima Indians, together with many Indian families from other reservations, and also to see and be able to identify the members of the Tribal Council as they stood and were introduced to the audience ... the celebration consisted largely of Indian dances on the dirt floor. The costumes showed great variety, each one different, and the elaborate beadwork, typical of the Yakimas, was beautiful. The men and boys wore bells around their ankles, many feathered “wheels”, and the girls wore fringed deerskin dresses, covered with beadwork, and moccasins like suede socks, completely covered with varied bead designs. While the dances were going on, twelve Indian men sat around a large drum, the size of a table, and beat the drums and sang. A few speeches were made by an Indian chief, in the native tongue, some being translated into English. We were greatly impressed with the dignity and sincerity of the elders, in fact, of all those taking part. We feel that the Indian will be reached through the heart, rather than through the intellect, and hope and pray constantly for guidance in bringing the message to him at the right time, and in the right way.”
From James Stone, Jr., Gallup, New Mexico (called the “Indian Capital of the world”)
“I think that we will like Gallup. The surrounding red sand stone buttes make it beautiful especially now since they are covered with a little white snow. The land is sandstone without much vegetation and reminds you of Mt. Carmel before the present time. In town the most outstanding thing is, of course, the people. It is very difficult to distinguish between Indian, Mexican and the few negroes here. Apparently there is total lack of prejudice. All work and eat together. Some of the older Indian men wear their hair long and in either braids or bun style. The Indian women, especially Navajo, hold a blanket around the shoulders and sometimes over their head. The Indians that I have met are very friendly ... the point is now to get acquainted and become known.... The Indians seem to be a happy lot, and are smiling a great deal more than people seen in the eastern states. This is to me very promising.
“Gallup is the base from which the new Indian tribal council operates ... I want to make friends with those who realize that what helps Gallup helps them and theirs, and I can truthfully say that I do not know of any place or person that has cooperated with the Faith even in the least bit that has not been helped materially thereby.”
Teaching Suggestions[edit]
A new brochure entitled Teaching Suggestions has been compiled by the Bahá’í American Indian Service Committee. It includes:
- Objectives and Goals for the Ten Year Crusade
- Indian Teaching Problems
- The Teacher
- What Has Been Done—Surveys and Individual Programs
- Youth Program — Colleges and Universities near Indian Centers
- Thumbnail Sketches of the Tribes
- Bibliography
A copy of a map of the Indian Reservations will be sent without charge
[Page 12]
with each order until the limited
supply is exhausted. Send orders, enclosing fifty cents for each copy, to:
- Mrs. Nancy Phillips, Secy.
- 736 Encanto Drive, S.E.
- Phoenix, Arizona
INTER-RACIAL TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
The Bahá’í Inter-Racial Teaching Committee would like to report progress on their assignment in the Ten Year Crusade.
All local Spiritual Assemblies were requested to appoint a local believer to select the negro leaders in their communities and furnish names and addresses for such leaders to our committee. To date 53 assemblies have responded, giving information on 1,264 such leaders in over 225 cities in 28 different states. During January and February a mailing was sent to each of these leaders including three pamphlets, A Pattern for Future Society, Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith, and Man One Family.
In one community, an official of the Urban League was designated to receive this mailing. Our latest information reveals that this person has since become a believer. While this program is intended for the most part as a means to “Foster wider understanding of the teachings on the principle of the oneness of mankind”, it is very heartening to have this further confirmation.
A second mailing will be sent to these same leaders by April 15. Pamphlets to be sent are Reality of Brotherhood, Loyalty to Government, and Bahá’í Declaration of Human Rights and Obligations. Both of these mailings include a letter from our National Committee which should add further prestige to the faith in the minds of those receiving this attention.
Obviously with only 53 local assemblies giving their cooperation, the success of this effort has been unduly limited. Therefore it is requested that each assembly reconsider this project. Please appoint a person to report the names and addresses of local leaders among the negro people. This work has just started and offers much hope for the New Year. Send data to:
- Miss Lydia J. Martin, Secretary,
- 11529 Kelton Ave.,
- Cleveland 6, Ohio.
In addition, the Inter-Racial Teaching Committee assisted on one occasion in securing a Bahá’í speaker to fill an engagement offered by the NAACP for a meeting held in Charleston, West Virginia. The meeting was well attended and copies were distributed of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talk to this same organization, made in 1912. Another meeting was arranged at Institute College, West Virginia. Both of these were practically ready-made opportunities just waiting for a Bahá’í speaker.
This committee will be glad to cooperate with any assembly or group having such opportunities to reach the colored population. Please let us know if, where and when such help is needed.
Above is a reproduction of a citation presented at a Brotherhood Week dinner in Evanston, Illinois. The North Shore Citizen’s Committee, honoring outstanding work in furthering good human relations, gave the award to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States for “unequivocal recognition of the equality of man under God.”
BAHA'I NEWS SERVICE[edit]
The Bahá’í News Service announces that two new pictures of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, are now available as one-column or two-column mats. These matrices are suitable for newspaper reproduction only. Order directly from Bahá’í News Service, Richard C. Thomas, 6543 N. Campbell Avenue, Chicago 45, Illinois, enclosing $.25 for each mat and indicating the column size desired.
NAW RUZ CELEBRATIONS[edit]
The Feast of Naw-Rúz, ushering in the Bahá’í year 111, was celebrated throughout the world. From communities across the United States, the following reports have been gathered:
At the request of the National Spiritual Assembly, a Naw-Rúz gathering at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette was arranged. The Evanston, Illinois, Bahá’í Community, assisted by the Chicago, Elmhurst, Maywood, Oak Park, Wilmette and Winnetka communities, arranged the complete program. Foundation Hall was filled with believers and their friends who heard readings on the reality of the spiritual springtime, taken from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and a short explanation of some of the significances of the Bahá’í New Year. After this introduction, the entire gathering, quietly and with deep reverence, went up to the auditorium for a service of worship.
The Anchorage Recording District and Anchorage Alaska, Bahá’í Communities joined in giving a dinner for Bahá’ís and guests, followed by a Naw-Rúz program.
Bahá’ís of Sparks, Fallon and Reno, Nevada, gave a New Year party for their Naw-Rúz guests.
The Los Angeles, California, Bahá’í Community held an all-day Naw-Rúz Open House Festival. Classes for seekers of all ages were held in the morning. At noon a buffet lunch was served. During the afternoon there were showings of color pictures of the Bahá’í Gardens on Mount Carmel in Haifa and of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. Various displays by Committees, designed to explain Bahá’í activities, made tours through the Los Angeles center interesting both for Bahá’ís and their guests. The center was bright with flowers, and during the afternoon the children sang songs. A throng of 500 people visited the center during the day, making it necessary to present the program three times.
Although reports are incomplete, it seems apparent that the celebration of Naw-Rúz is carrying the spirit of the Bahá’í Faith to larger numbers through public hospitality keyed to the inner meaning of the return of spring. In many communities, advertisements announced to the world at large the reasons why Bahá’í’s celebrate Naw-Rúz and invited investigation of the Bahá’í World Faith.
BAHA'I ON THE CAMPUS[edit]
In North Carolina, on two different university campuses, Bahá’í talks were presented to students and faculty members, recently.
A pioneer to the Home Front goal of Winston-Salem spoke to 25 students of the senior class of the North Carolina State Teachers College in that city. The evening of the same day, two Bahá’í speakers developed the theme “A New World Religion” before an audience of about 40 students assembled in Gerrard Hall at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. A single Bahá’í student had prepared the meeting, using posters throughout the campus, radio notices and newspaper stories.
The morning following the meeting, an article “A Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh” filled two columns on the front page of The Daily Tar Heel, the college paper.
The student planning this campaign worked in close cooperation with the Area Teaching Committee and, through careful attention to details, assured the success of the meeting and the publicity.
BAHA'I ON THE AIR[edit]
Buffalo, New York, reports a five-minute talk, given over station WGR and regular announcements of Bahá’í meetings and firesides over station WEBR.
Reno, Nevada, reports a 15-minute talk given over station KOLO.
In Miami, Florida, a radio interview on station WQAM and a 15-minute talk over station WKAT were given. Also, station WIOD presents a regular program called, “Let’s Look it Up”. A question, “What is the Bahá’í Faith”, sent to this program, was answered by the director of the Miami Public Library.
The Park Falls, Wisconsin, station, WPFP, has carried 18 Bahá’í broadcasts and an eight-month contract assures continuance of the programs.
The Milwaukee Bahá’í Community broadcast on the Inter-Faith radio program over station WTMJ.
THE SPELL OF THE TEMPLE[edit]
Widespread publicity for the Faith has resulted from a recent trip k through the South by Mr. Allen B. McDaniel, author of The Spell of the Temple. The High Point, North Carolina, Enterprise; Columbia, South Carolina, State; Augusta, Georgia, Herald, and Chronicle, Pine Castle News of Orlando, Florida, and other papers carried accounts of meetings and gave information about the significances of the Bahá’í House of Worship.
The book review section of Afro-American Newspapers in Baltimore, Maryland, said, in part, “The Spell of the Temple is a narrative, an absorbing story full of human interest infused with human faith.
“There is also something more—the inexplicable power which so-called spiritual truth and enlightenment offer the thoughts and actions of men.
“Until one reads The Spell of the Temple, the structure itself, with its nine gardens and nine pools, is just another tribute of man to God, but after one reads McDaniel’s book, the Temple becomes a symbol of Man’s aspiration towards God.”
NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS[edit]
Members of the Anchorage, Alaska, Bahá’í Community were the guests of the Anchorage Recording District Community at an Intercalary Days party.
The Ann Arbor, Michigan, Bahá’í Community were hosts at the Louhelen Bahá’í School for the fourth in a series of monthly meetings held in that area. Students from the University of Michigan conducted a symposium and the audience included many exchange students from other lands.
Arecibo, Puerto Rico, has its first settler, an instructor in the School of Nursing, who has her own home as a center for teaching activities.
Over two hundred guests witnessed the first Bahá’í wedding to be held in the Hamilton, Massachusetts, Bahá’í Center. The ceremony took place in the center gardens and was the occasion for front-page notices in the leading newspaper.
Peoria, Illinois, Bahá’ís have carried forward a three-fold public relations program throughout the past winter: accepted invitations to present the Bahá’í Faith before a class in Religion conducted at Bradley University, provided speakers for classes and a sorority group during the University Inter-Faith Commission’s Religious Emphasis Week, and arranged a very successful Brotherhood Week program and tea which was attended by people of many races. At Bradley University, one Bahá’í speaker was presented by the chairman, a college professor, as representing “a group in our city that not only talks about brotherhood, but practices it.”
Ponce, Puerto Rico, also has its first resident Bahá’í.
DEVOTIONAL PROGRAMS AT HOUSE OF WORSHIP[edit]
The Bahá’í House of Worship at Wilmette, Illinois is dedicated to the Unity of God, the Unity of His Prophets, the Unity of Mankind. In this spirit, public worship is conducted each Sunday at 3:30 P.M. in the auditorium. Readers at these devotional programs include Bahá’ís and guests. Choral selections are by the Bahá’í House of Worship A Cappella Choir.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS will publish regularly the weekly references of readings used. The programs for the month of March follow:
Order of Devotions—March 7, 1954
Man should know his own self, and know those things which lead to loftiness or to baseness, to shame or to honor, to affluence or to poverty.—Bahá’u’lláh.
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Almighty God of Our Fathers—Will James
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Bahá’í Prayers, p. 84
- Bahá’í World Faith, pp. 167-168
- Gleanings, pp. 65-66; p. 143
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Psalm 8
- NEW TESTAMENT
- Matthew 5:1-16
- QUR’AN
- Sura XXXV:16-19; II:286
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Now We Sing Thy Praise—Tschesnokoff
- BAHÁ’Í SACRED WRITINGS
- Gleanings, pp. 259-260; pp. 77-78
- Prayers and Meditations, CLXXIII, p. 264
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Lo, in the Time Appointed—Healey Willan
Order of Devotions—March 14, 1954
In all Dispensations the law of prayer hath constituted a fundamental element of the Revelation of all the Prophets of God.—Bahá’u’lláh
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Almighty God of Our Fathers—James
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Bahá’í Prayers, p. 48
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Job 33:26. Psalms 50:14-15; 34:1-8; 117; 100; 67
- NEW TESTAMENT
- Mark 11:22-26. Luke 11:5-13. Matthew 6:5-13
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Alleluia—Randall Thompson
- QUR’AN
- Sura II:147-148; Sura XI:116-117; Sura I
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (from the Arabic), No. 16, 43
- Kitáb-i-Iqan (The Book of Certitude), p. 39
- Gleanings, pp. 294, 265, 266, 243, 295
- Advent of Divine Justice, p. 70
- Bahá’í Prayers, p. 46
- CHORAL SELECTION
- From the Sweet-Scented Streams (Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh)—Charles Wolcott
[Page 14]
Order of Devotions—March 21, 1954
O men! This is a matchless Day. Matchless must, likewise, be the tongue that celebrateth the praise of the Desire of all nations, and matchless the deed that aspireth to be acceptable in His sight. The whole human race hath longed for this Day, that perchance it may fulfil that which well beseemeth its station, and is worthy of its destiny.—Bahá’u’lláh
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Give Ear Unto My Prayer—Arcadelt
- BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS
- Prayers and Meditations, LXXI, p. 117
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Psalms 24; Micah 4: 1-5
- NEW TESTAMENT
- Revelation 21:1-5
- QUR’AN
- Sura LXXV, 1-12
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Bless the Lord, O My Soul—Ippolitof-Ivanof
- BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS
- Gleanings, CVI, p. 213; XVI, p. 39; VII, p. 10; IV, p. 6; V, p. 7
- The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 106-107
- Prayers and Meditations, CLV, p. 248
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Cherubim Song—Bortniansky
Order of Devotions—March 28, 1954
O My servants! Deprive not yourselves of the unfading and resplendent Light that shineth within the Lamp of Divine glory. Let the flame of the love of God burn brightly within your radiant hearts.—Bahá’u’lláh
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Let all the Nations Praise the Lord—Volckmer Leisring
- BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS
- Bahá’í Prayers, p. 50
- OLD TESTAMENT
- Micah 4:1-7; Malachi 3:1-9,14-16
- QUR’AN
- Sura I; Sura XXIII; 44-54
- CHORAL SELECTION
- Hear My Cry, O God—Alexander Kopyloff
- NEW TESTAMENT
- Matthew 13:3-23
- BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS
- Gleanings, pp. 325-326
- Prayers and Meditations, LXXIV, pp. 121-122
- CHORAL SELECTION
- The Lord’s My Shepherd—arr. Gordon Jacob
The Touchstone of Triumph[edit]
“Not by the force of numbers, not by the mere exposition of a set of new and noble principles, not by an organized campaign of teaching—no matter how world-wide and elaborate in its character—not even by the staunchness of our faith or the exaltation of our enthusiasm, can we ultimately hope to vindicate in the eyes of a critical and sceptical age the supreme claim of the Abhá revelation. One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.”
Bahá’í Administration
page 66 (1945 ed.)
PUBLICATIONS[edit]
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
World Crusade Chart. Compiled by Beatrice Ashton from letters of the Guardian to the twelve National Spiritual Assemblies and their annual conventions of April and May, 1953, and from the Guardian’s Statistical Information and Supplement on the Ten Year Teaching Plan. The tasks and objectives are arranged by continents and related to each National Assembly. Column headings designating National Assemblies may be colored with crayon to match colors used in the Guardian’s map. This valuable aid in following the progress of the World Crusade includes a statistical summary of the goals. Excellent for use in local study classes, Area Conference discussions, and for summer schools. 22 x 34, folded to 8 x 11 for mailing.
Each | $ .20 |
Twelve for | $2.00 |
Color Magazine Reprint. Reprint of article on the Bahá’í Faith entitled “Bahá’í Faith Symbolizes Unity”, appearing in September, 1953 issue of Color Magazine. Contains eight photographs showing views of the Bahá’í House of Worship interior and exterior, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dedicating the Temple grounds, the National Assembly, and other Bahá’í groups.
Four pages, 8½2x11, black on white.
Five copies | $ .50 |
Fifty copies | $4.25 |
New Editions[edit]
Hidden Words, fabrikoid. A new edition in hard cover is now being printed and will be available approximately April 24. Meanwhile, we are recording all orders and will ship when available. This new fabrikoid edition will be in deep red binding with gold stamping and is designed to be a companion volume to the recent fabrikoid edition of The Seven Valleys.
Price will continue to be......$1.25
New Edition of Bahá’í Prayers to be Published[edit]
A revised and expanded edition of Bahá’í Prayers is in preparation. It will be pocket or purse size, with authentic translations of prayers not contained in previous editions.
The Bahá’í Community. A summary of its foundation and organization. A new edition with an attractively designed cover, red stamping on grey morocco cover paper, is in the process of being printed and will be available about May 1. This book is essential to every Bahá’í to orient him to administrative functioning in the Bahá’í Community.
Each | $ .50 |
Ten copies | $4.50 |
Special Quantify Prices[edit]
Communion With God. The small prayer book in tan, simulated leather cover is now offered at a special price to meet the growing demand of communities who wish to distribute these to contacts in large quantities.
100 copies | $13.75 |
Chicago Sunday Tribune Reprint. This reprint, containing colored illustrations of the Temple floodlighted during the 1944 Centenary, is now offered at a greatly reduced price. A special large lot price is also offered, valuable to committees planning for state and county fair booths later this year. Reduced price:
50 copies | $1.00 |
500 copies | $8.50 |
The Bahá’í House of Worship. (Yellow edition) This Temple pamphlet is now available in lots of 100 at five cents each. The price, two copies for fifteen cents, still prevails on smaller quantities. New price:
100 copies | $5.00 |
Destiny of the American Nation. Listed on page 15 of the current literature catalog, has been reduced in price.
Single copies | $ .05 |
100 copies | $4.50 |
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.
Out of Stock[edit]
Words for the World. The supply of these records is now exhausted and orders can no longer be filled. If more are to be manufactured, a notice will be printed in BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
Know Your Literature[edit]
The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh and other literary pieces. By George Townshend. (George Ronald, Publisher). This book has been among our publications for nearly a year, but many are not familiar with it. The title essay, the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh was once in pamphlet form, now out of print. Other subjects are: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a Study of a Christlike Character; Queen Marie of Rumania and the Bahá’í Faith; The Call to God, a Meditation; The Letters of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Another essay, The Wellspring of Happiness, rings with the gladness that is his who recognizes the Messenger of God, the “joy bringer and the herald of the kingdom of happiness,” and the victory for the one who rises to serve his Lord.
This book also contains some poems, including one dedicated to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and accepted by him in 1920.
Available in blue, hard cover binding.
DIRECTORY ADDITIONS AND CHANGES[edit]
Local Spiritual Assemblies[edit]
Arizona
- Tucson: Mrs. Isabelle S. Dodge, Secy, pro tem, 2833 East 2nd St.
California (North)
- Burlingame: Mrs. Eleanor C. Allen, 1109 Killarney Lane
- Millbrae: Mrs. Viviana Lisota, 81 Camino Alto
- Oakland: Mr. Paul S. Jones, 86 Glen Ave.
California (South)
- Beverly Hills: Mrs. Lili Olitzki-Herman, 426 A North Oakhurst
- Burbank: Mrs. Lou Vena Wells, 250 North Orchard St.
- Chula Vista: Mrs. Zelma J. Krug, 166 3rd St., Apt. 1
- Elmonte Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Henri N. Heller, 10037 East Olive St., Temple City
- Glendale Jud. Dist.: Mr. W. R. McIntyre, Chairman, 2414 East Moreno St., La Crescenta
- Long Beach: Mrs. Mattie Russell Allen, 2805 East 7th St.
- San Diego: Mr. John Stroessler, 4202 58th St.
- Santa Barbara: Mr. Edward P. C. Connaughton, 1636 Anacapa
- South Bay Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Ernest P. Haukedahl, Secy. pro tem, 4715 West 165th St., Lawndale
- West Hollywood: Mr. Robert H. King, 1282½ North Sweetzer Ave., Hollywood 46
Colorado
- Jefferson County: Mrs. Elizabeth Clark, Wah-Keeney Park, Route 1, Evergreen
District of Columbia
- Washington: Miss Bernice Bernardo, c/o Bahá’í Center, 1611 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Illinois (North)
- Batavia: Mrs. Charles Ella Stoakley, 449 Madison St.
- Elmhurst: Miss Phyllis M. Rachau, 458 Fairview Ave.
Indiana
- Indianapolis: Miss Leah A. Spence, 1215 Continental Hotel
Louisiana
- New Orleans: Mrs. Margaret O. Maurer, 1623 General Taylor
Maryland
- Prince George County: Mrs. A. Esther Sibole, 4903 Alton St., S.E., Boulevard Heights
Massachusetts
- Boston: Mrs. Marion Repper, 175 Dartmouth St.
- Cambridge: Mrs. Louise K. Sayward, 50 Follen St.
Michigan
- Ann Arbor: Mrs. Bernice D. Anderson, 718 North 4th Ave.
Missouri
- Independence: Mr. Claude K. Winans, 1015 West Maple
- Kansas City: Mrs. Emma Walkup, Secy, pro tem, 3509 East 25th St.
Nevada
- Reno: Mrs. Ethel McAllaster, 762 West 6th
New Hampshire
- Portsmouth: Mrs. Ruth Silva, Secy. pro tem, 24 Salter St.
New York (West)
- Geneva: Mrs. Adeline Kurzweg, Chairman, 444 Exchange St.
- Rochester: Miss Elizabeth Brooks, 158 Merriman St.
- Waterloo: Mr. John Flood, 3 Seneca St.
Ohio
- Cleveland: Mrs. Eleanor H. Reeves, 1539 East Boulevard, Apt. 7
Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City: Mrs. Alice C. Entzminger, 511½ North West 13th St.
Pennsylvania
- Westchester: Mrs. Jane Lear Talley, 205 West Market St.
Rhode Island
- Providence: Mrs. Edith Carpenter, 113 Congress Ave.
South Carolina
- North Augusta: Mr. Morgan Barton, Chairman, 428 Barton Ave.
South Dakota
- Sioux Falls: Mrs. Nellie Fenton, Room 208, Van Eps Building, 8th and Phillips Ave.
Tennessee
- Memphis: Miss Johanna Zimmerman, Box 5913
- Nashville: Miss Nellie J. Roche, 2325 Elliston Place
Vermont
- West Brattleboro: Mrs. Isabel Horton, 410 Western Ave.
Wisconsin
- Racine: Mrs. Anna L. Nelsen, 4607 Victory Ave.
- Brookfield Twp.: Mrs. Lillian Erby, Box 443, Rt. 4, Waukesha
Puerto Rico
- San Juan: Mrs. Maria T. Martin de Irizarry, P.O. Box 1869
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
- April 21—May 2, Feast of Riḍván
- (Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh)
- April 21, First day of Riḍván
- (about 3:00 P.M.)
- April 29, Ninth day of Riḍván
- May 2, Twelfth day of Riḍván
- May 23, Declaration of the Báb
- (May 22, about 2 hours after sunset)
- May 29, Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
- (3:00 A.M.)
- April 9—Jalál, Glory
- April 28—Jamál, Beauty
- May 17—‘Aẓamat, Grandeur
- April 29-May 2
- April 28
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NATIONAL TREASURER:
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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—Miss Truella Baker to Mr. Charles MacQuarrie, February 26, 1954.
Chicago, Illinois—Miss Carol Schulz to Mr. Lyman B. Bardin, December 30, 1953.
The Wellspring of Happiness[edit]
“Everyone can be happy and ought to be. God expects it and enjoins it. Every Revelation comes as Glad Tidings, bidding man be glad and giving him cause to be. Every Prophet has found men wandering in sadness and misery and has rebuked them for it. He has called them away from the things that produce unhappiness, from anxiety and worry and cupidity, from fear of the future, from anticipation of evil, from lack of hope and faith. He has opened to them a way of escape, promised them deliverance from evil, and the attainment, by God’s grace, of a happiness that will satisfy and endure. Now in our time the Prophet of the New Age into which we are entering, Bahá’u’lláh, gives once again the ancient glad tidings—tidings of a happiness poured forth from heaven on all men everywhere in even greater abundance, yes, in far, far greater abundance than ever in the history of the past—”
“The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh”
(and other literary pieces.)
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. Mary Druckmiller
- Springfield, Missouri
- December 31, 1953
- Mrs. Mary Druckmiller
- Mrs. Pauline Spietz
- Chicago, Illinois
- February 8, 1954
- Mrs. Pauline Spietz
- Mr. Reynold V. Krahl
- New Haven, Connecticut
- February 14, 1954
- Mr. Reynold V. Krahl
- Mr. Victor Fourcher
- Augusta, Georgia
- February 19, 1954
- Mr. Victor Fourcher
- Mrs. Betty G. Cole
- Randsburg, California
- February 20, 1954
- Mrs. Betty G. Cole
- Mr. George C. Finks
- Los Angeles, California
- February 20, 1954
- Mr. George C. Finks
- Mrs. Ellyn F. Logan
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- February 20, 1954
- Mrs. Ellyn F. Logan
- Mrs. Eleanor Tapert
- Chicago, Illinois
- March 4, 1954
- Mrs. Eleanor Tapert
- Mrs. Bernice B. Neal
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- March 5, 1954
- Mrs. Bernice B. Neal
- Mrs. Grace Decker
- Des Moines, Iowa
- March 6, 1954
- Mrs. Grace Decker
- Mrs. Villa Vaughn
- Eliot, Maine
- March 6, 1954
- Mrs. Villa Vaughn
- Mr. J. D. Marques
- Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii
- March 7, 1954
- Mr. J. D. Marques
- Mrs. Edith Bail
- Muskegon, Michigan
- March 12, 1954
- Mrs. Edith Bail
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.
