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No. 293

BAHA’I YEAR 112

JULY, 1955

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THE GUARDIAN

“PONDER ANEW FULL IMPLICATIONS AND ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR STEWARDSHIP OF THE CAUSE OF BAHA’U’LLAH”

Message from the Guardian

Impelled (at) this grave hour (in the) chequered history (of the) over century-old, world-encompassing, repeatedly-persecuted yet undefeatable Faith, (to) summon (the) entire body (of the) valorous upholders (of) its institutions who, severally (and) collectively, stand pledged (to the) prosecution (of the) mightiest crusade launched since its inception, whether residing (in) homelands (or) overseas, however repressive (the) regimes under which they labor, (to) ponder anew (the) full implications (and) essential requirements (of) their stewardship (of the) Cause (or) Bahá'u’lláh.

Entreat them (to) refuse (to) allow any vicissitudes, present (or) future, (to) dampen (their) ardor (and) enthusiasm, impair (their) solidarity, weaken (their) resolution, (or) deflect them (from their) high purpose. Unbowed (by) adversity, disdainful (of the) clamors, undeterred (by the) machinations (of the) inveterate, artful, traditional enemies (who are) alarmed (by their) own declining fortunes, contrasting (with the) evidence (of the) dynamic force, impelling power, rising prestige, indivisible unity, accumulating resources, multiplying institutions (and) inextinguishable spirit (of) God’s infant Faith, it behoveth them (to) bend (their) energies, rise (to) higher levels (of) consecration, vigilantly combat all forms (of) misrepresentations, eradicate suspicions, dispel misgivings, silence criticisms, through still more compelling demonstration (of) loyalty (to) their respective governments, win, maintain (and) strengthen (the) confidence (of the) civil authorities (in) their integrity (and) sincerity, reaffirm (the) universality (of the) aims (and) purposes (of the) Faith, proclaim (the) spiritual character (of) its fundamental principles, (and) assert the non-political character (of) its administrative institutions.

Appeal (to) members (of) communities untrammeled (by the) disabilities (and) shackles imposed (on their) less privileged brethren, particularly those established (in the) North American continent, recognized stronghold (of the) administrative order (of the) Faith, (and) those residing (in the) British Commonwealth (and) Empire, situated (in the) heart, (the) East (and) West (of the) African continent, scattered (throughout the) Antipodes (and) Pacific area, (to) arise promptly (and) accelerate (the) tempo (of their) activities, multiply exploits which will more than offset (the) transient setbacks which a steadily-advancing (and) as yet not fully-emancipated Faith may suffer. Theirs (is the) sublime opportunity so (to) act as (to) thoroughly dishearten (and) confound any schemes which envious, fanatical (and) embittered adversaries, tottering (to) their fall, may devise.

Share message (with) National Assemblies.

—SHOGHI

May 26, 1955

COMMENTARY NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Beloved Friends:

Our revered Guardian has summoned the Bahá’ís of East and West to arise in unity for action in the grave situation produced by the Iranian government in banning Bahá’í activities, seizing Bahá’í properties in that land, and declaring the Faith illegal.

His first message on that subject, dated May 16, has already been published. Shoghi Effendi directed us to make appeals to the authorities in Írán and to join him in special fervent prayers for divine protection.

His second message, May 23, contained instructions on how the National Spiritual Assemblies and the local communities and groups were to express their appeals. At this time of writing, 392 copies of appeals have been received by the National Assembly from localities in the United States, and 33 from areas under its supervision. The number increases daily.

The Guardian’s third message, May 25, outlined what to emphasize in a statement issued by the National Assembly to the press. Copies of this release were distributed by Bahá’í Press Service.

Now in the message cabled on May 26, published above, Shoghi Effendi summons all Bahá’ís to “pander anew the full implications and essential requirements of their stewardship of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Here, indeed, is the inspired utterance of the divinely appointed Head of the Faith who alone serves as the channel through which the Power of Bahá’u’lláh flows to the Bahá’í community and to mankind. It is for us, in humility and reverence, to search our souls and make supreme effort to meet the challenge of this fateful hour.

Let us read over and over again what the Guardian entreats us to do: refuse to allow vicissitudes to dampen our ardor; remain unbowed by adversity, be disdainful of treacherous plots to divide and weaken the believers; bend our energies, rise to higher levels of consecration; com-

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JULY, 1955

bat all misrepresentations and eradicate suspicions through compelling demonstrations of loyalty to our respective governments; reaffirm the universality of the teachings; assert the non-political character of our administrative institutions.

As for those Bahá’ís who live in countries which afford freedom of action and opinion, they are to accelerate the tempo of their activities, multiply exploits and thus more than offset the “transient setbacks” which the Faith may yet suffer. By their actions they can “dishearten and confound” any schemes devised by envious, fanatical enemies.

The Victory is in sight, but step by step we must carry the banner to the top of the last mountain!

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

MOST REDOUBTABLE ADVERSARY OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHA MISERABLY PERISHED

Cable from the Guardian

Announce (to) National Assemblies (that) Majdiddín, (the) most redoubtable adversary (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, denounced by Him (as the) incarnation (of) Satan (and who) played (a) predominant part (in) kindling (the) hostility (Of) ‘Abdu'l-Hamíd (and) Jamál Páshá, (and who was the) chief instigator (of Covenant-breaking) (and) archbreaker (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, (and) who above sixty years labored (with) fiendish ingenuity (and) guile (to) undermine its foundations, miserably perished struck (with) paralysis affecting (his) limbs (and) tongue. Dispensation (of) Providence prolonged (the) span (of his) infamous life (to a) hundred years, enabling him (to) witness (the) extinction (of his) cherished hopes (and the) disintegration (with) dramatic rapidity (of the) infernal crew he unceasingly incited (and) zealously directed, (and the) triumphant progress (and) glorious termination (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s thirty-year ministry as well as evidences (of the) rise (and) establishment (in all) continents (of the) globe (of the) administrative order, child (of the) divinely-appointed Covenant (and) harbinger (of the) world-encircling order.

—SHOGHI

June 3, 1955

COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Beloved Friends:

As we ponder with grief the persecutions inflicted upon the Bahá’í Community of Írán, evidence of the

THE GUARDIAN ON LETTERS TO GOVERNMENT HEADS

For the information of the friends, the National Spiritual Assembly publishes an excerpt from a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer a few months ago. This excerpt makes it clear that believers need approval by the Guardian of the text of any communication they may desire to send to an international personage:

“The Guardian also noted the open letter which you wrote to President Eisenhower, Marshall Bulganin and Prime Minister Winston Churchill with regard to the Bahá’í Peace Program.

“The Guardian feels that any communications addressed to international figures of this nature, particularly in connection with political proposals of any one group, should not be written unless approved by him. He feels matters of this type so important that he does not wish such communications sent without his prior consideration and approval. It may lead to quite difficult and embarrassing situations, especially when the letters are made public . . .”

Together with this very definite direction, the National Assembly understands that contact with national figures is to be conducted only through the National Assembly, and contact with local officials through the Local Assembly. The type of contact meant is that which is made in the name of the Faith or for a Bahá’i purpose.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Almighty Power which protects the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh comes to us in the foregoing Message from the Guardian. In mysterious but inescapable manner those who strike wanton, cruel blows at the blessed Tree of Paradise are overtaken by the judgment of God.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s “most redoubtable adversary” has “miserably perished,” after Providence allotted to him a life long enough to behold the ruin of his plots and the “triumphant progress” of the Faith and signs of the establishment of its administrative order around the world. This violator lived at Bahjí, in the section owned by the faithless member of the family of Bahá’u’lláh.

A dark cloud is borne away on the winds, and the light of the heavens shines with new glory upon the earth‘

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

===NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

BAHA’I INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SUBMITS PROPOSALS FOR REVISION OF UNITED NATIONS CHARTER

According to arrangements made when the United Nations Charter was adopted, revisions were to be considered in 1955, ten years after the establishment of United Nations.

Acting under the Guardian’s approval and direction, the twelve existing National Spiritual Assemblies, functioning in relation to United Nations as the Bahá’í International Community, have prepared a set of proposed revisions which have been submitted to the Secretary General of United Nations through the United Nations Committee.

The presentation consisted of a letter, with two annexes: Proposals for Charter Revision, and References to World Order in the Bahá’í Writings.

This international Bahá’í document has been printed as a pamphlet in two editions—a special edition for United Nations delegates, and a general edition will be offered for sale by the Publishing Trust.

The National Spiritual Assembly commends this document for use as teaching material by Assemblies, Committees and individual believers. It can be featured in connection with United Nations Day next October, or presented under suitable conditions to local organizations and key persons interested in world affairs. The intention of the revisions is to transform the existing status

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of United Nations into a world federation, a principle endorsed in the Bahá’í teachings.

The suggestions received from other National Spiritual Assemblies were studied, and the final text of the document prepared by the United States National Assembly, which represents all the National Spiritual Assemblies in relation to United Nations, and by the United Nations Committee.

Information about the cost will be announced by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

ATTENTION BAHA’I YOUTH

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to have a complete and up-to-date listing of all Bahá’í youth members resident in the United States and with the armed forces abroad. Will each Local Spiritual Assembly having youth members in its community send in the names, addresses, and birth dates of these members even though this information may have been reported at some previous time.

Bahá’í youth members who are not resident in a Bahá’í community should send this information themselves by postal card directly to the National Bahá’í Office, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

VOTING RIGHTS REMOVED

The National Spiritual Assembly has taken action to remove Mr. Charles William Smith and Mrs. Mina Belle Smith, from the Bahá’í membership list.

WORLD CRUSADE

MUSA BANANI’S NEWSLETTER

From the United States Africa Teaching Committee have come the following excerpts from Mr. Banáni’s Newsletter of May 25, which is sent to all pioneers throughout Africa.

“As the sun set on April 21, 1955, on Africa 75 groups burst into Assemblies throughout the length and breadth of this Continent and its neighboring islands. This historic

MONTHLY REPORT ON WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET

National Bahá’í Fund

Third Year

1955-l956

As of June 1, 1955

Where we are $38,000.00

Where we should be $69,000.00

Total Budget for Entire Year ............................ $550,000.00

[Average Monthly Requirements ...... $46,000.00)

Monthly receipts to date:

May 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $l5.500.00

May 15 to June 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22,500.00

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $38,000.00

Accumulated deficit as of June 15, 1955 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3l.000.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

feat was made possible through the selfless efforts of the dear friends and the blessings from on high focused upon them through the Center of God’s Covenant. . . .

“There is now a total of 124 Assemblies in Africa. Since the inception of the African campaign over four years ago, more than one hundred new Assemblies have been formed. . . . The 124 Assemblies are established in 37 territories out of the total of 58 territories of the African campaign. Of these 37, twenty were without a single Bahá’í on the day of the inauguration of the Ten-Year Crusade. The new Assemblies of Riḍván 1955 have been formed in 29 territories of the 37 which now have Assemblies.

“The remaining 21 territories of the African Crusade have either groups, isolated believers, or are lacking at this time any pioneer or believer, owing to forced returns or other difficulties. Eight territories have groups, eight have isolated believers, and five have no be lievers. . . .

“As to the victories won during the past year, I feel no pen could possibly recount adequately or exhaustively the innumerable sacrifices that the friends in all the 29 territories where Assemblies were formed had to endure, the spiritual battles those dear friends had to fight. the obstacles and problems they had to meet and overcome, and the thrill that was theirs as they saw the promised blessings and confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh surround them, guide them, strengthen them, lead them to victory, and crown their noble endeavors with success.”

“MESSAGE TO THE INDIANS”

A pamphlet is in the process of translation into the Iroquois and Blackfoot languages, under the auspices of the Canadian Indian Service Committee, It is entitled “A Message to the Indians.” The pamphlet will also be printed in English.

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JULY, 1955

The World Crusade Within the United States

In the June, 1955, issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS the National Spiritual Assembly has stated clearly the responsibility of the Bahá’ís of the United States for the achievement of their home front goal of 300 local Spiritual Assemblies by 1963. The Guardian has repeatedly pointed out that we must not delay, but must make a substantial gain in the number of new Assemblies each year, and he continues to appeal for the dispersion of the believers on an unprecedented scale.

Dear friends, in striving for this particular home front goal the acts of dispersion and consolidation become one action in our unified effort to establish approximately 125 new Assemblies in less than eight years. The American National Teaching Committee appeals to all believers who anticipate moving to another locality to communicate as soon as possible with its secretary: Mrs. Jesma Herbert, 725 South Alvarado Street, Los Angeles 57, California. The latest information will be made available for guidance as to the places of greatest need and opportunity for additional settlers. Through full consultation at every step, every effort can be made to count toward the achievement of our goals.

—AMERICAN NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE

Jesma Herbert, Secretary

GOAL CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES FOR THE WORLD CRUSADE AT HOME

As of June 15, 1955

Consolidation Goals

(Having resident Baháís)

NEW ENGLAND STATES

CONNECTICUT

Bridgeport

Hamdem

Maine

Bangor

MASSACHUSETTS

Brookline

Ipswich

Lynn

Malden

Newton

NEW HAMPSHPIRE

Concord

Keene

Manchester

RHODE ISLAND

East Providence

Pawtucket

VERMONT**

NORTH ATLANTIC STATES

NEW JERSEY

Atlantic City

Camden

Clifton

Elizabeth

Paterson

Trenton

NEW YORK

Albany

ELmira

Ithaca

Mamaroneck

New Rochelle

Niagara Falls

Poughkeepsie

Schenectady

Utica

Virgin Goals

(No resident Bahá’ís)

New Britain

Augusta

Lewiston

Brockton

Fall River

Holyoke

Lowell

New Bedford

Nashua

Cranston

Woonsocket

Burlington

Rutland

Bayonne

Troy

Consolidation Goals

(Having resident Bahá’ís)

PENNSYLVANIA

Altoona

Erie

CENTRAL ATLANTIC STATES

DELAWARE

NORTH CAROLINA

Charlotte

Durham

Raleigh

Winston-Salem

VIRGINIA

Huntington

SOUTH ATLANTIC STATES

FLORIDA

Jacksonville

• Miami Beach

St. Augustine

Tampa

GEORGIA

SOUTH CAROLINA**

Charleston

Columbia

North Augusta

TENNESSEE VALLEY STATES

ALABAMA

Mobile

Montgomery

KENTUCKY

Lexington

MISSISSIPI

Gulfport

Meridian

Virgin Goals

(No resident Bahá’ís)

Allentown

Chester

Harrisburg

Reading

Wilkes-Barre

York

Dover

None

Richmond

None

None

Savannah

None

None

Covington

None

Consolidation Goals

(Having resident Bahá’ís)

TENNESSEE

Chattanooga

GULF STATES

LOUISIANA

Baton Rougue

Shreveport

TEXAS

Austin

Galveston

• Fort Worth

EAST CENTRAL STATES

INDIANA

East Chichago

Evansville

Gary

Hammond

Michigan City

Terre Haute

MICHIGAN

Bay City

Jackson

• Kalamazoo

• Niles

Pontiac

Port Huron

Wyandotte

OHIO

Akron

Canton

Warren

Youngstown

CENTRAL STATES

ILLINOIS

Aurora

Berwyn

Cicero

Decatur

East St. Louis

Elgin

Glencoe

Joliet

Rockford

Virgin Goals

(No resident Bahá’ís)

None

None

None

None

None

Lorrain

None

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Consolidation Goals

(Having resident Bahá’ís)

IOWA

Council Bluffs

Davenport

• Des Moines

Dubuque

Sioux City

MINNESOTA

St. Cloud

WISCONSIN

Fron du Lac

La Crosse

Oshkosh

Sheboygan

NORTH CENTRAL STATES

NEBRASKA

Lincoln

NORTH DAKOTA**

Fargo

SOUTH DAKOTA

Rapid City

SOUTH CENTRAL STATES

ARKANSAS

Fort Smith

North Little Rock

KANSAS

Emporia

Kansas City

• Wichita

MISSOURI

St. Joseph

• Springfield

OKLAHOMA

Enid

Tulsa

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STATES

COLORADO

Greeley

Pueblo

NEW MEXICO

Roswell

Santa Fe

WYOMING

Casper

Cheyenne

Virgin Goals

(No resident Bahá’ís)

None

None

Superior

None

Grand Forks

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

Sheridan

Consolidation Goals

(Having resident Bahá’ís)

NORTH WESTERN STATES

IDAHO

Lewiston

Pocatello

MONTANA

Missoula

OREGON

Corvallis

Eugene

Medford

Pendleton

WASHINGTON

Bellingham

Everett

Olympia

Walla Walla

Yakima

SOUTH WESTERN STATES

ARIZONA

Flagstaff

Globe

Prescott

Yuma

CALIFORNIA

Bakershield

Eureka

Hayward

Hunting Park

Ontario

Pomona

Redding

Riverside

Santa Ana

Santa Cruz

San Jose

• Stockton

NEVADA

Las Vegas

Sparks

UTAH

Ogden

Provo

Virgin Goals

(No resident Bahá’ís)

None

Billings

Salem

None

None

None

None

None

====Assemblies To Be Restored:

ARIZONA

Yuma

CALIFORNIA

Burlingame

Sausalito Township

(Mill Valley)

South Bay Judicial District

South Gate

CONNECTICUT

Hartford

ILLINOIS

Danville

MASSACHUSSETTS

Worcester

MISSOURI

Kansas City

MONTANA

Butte

NEW JERSEY

Ridgewood

NORTH DAKOTA**

Fargo

OHIO

East Cleveland

SOUTH CAROLINA**

North Augusta

MARYLAND

Montogomery County

NEW YORK

Geneva

VERMONT**

Brattleboro

• These goals became Local Spiritual Assemblies on April 21, 1955.

• • No Assembly in state as of April 21, 1955.

First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Saigon, Vietnam, April 21, 1955.

Newly acquired Hazíratu’l-Quds of San Jose, Costa Rica, located in a nice residential district, which will become the National Hazíratu’l-Quds of Costa Rica.

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JULY, 1955

Bahá’í delegates and visitors at the Fifth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of South America, held in La Paz, Bolivia, April 27-May 2.

What About Me?

Talk given at Area Teaching Conference, Temple Foundation Hall, June 11, 1955

By Horace Holley

All human action and thought—all our feelings—spring from the mysterious depths of our being.

Most of us are unconscious of the nature and possibilities of this area of our self. We are conscious of what we say and do, and how we feel, but not why we act and talk and feel in particular ways.

But since we are Bahá’ís we know that the divine Wisdom penetrates us on all levels of being, and embraces not only what we know but also what we do not know about ourselves. That divine Wisdom is all powerful. Its purpose acts upon us and within us at all times. As blind men we grape our way through a world of mystery, knowing only what we can actually touch with outstretched hands. Having free will we seem able to deny, reject or alter any motivation arising from sources outside our knowledge and control.

In general, our attitude toward the unconscious realm of being is either active, passive, or negative. Whatever that attitude may be, it produces an eventual result in terms of the quality of our nature—a result which men call destiny—transcending the definite goals which we from time to time choose and strive to attain.

Somewhere in those mysterious depths of the unconscious lies our supreme endowment as human beings—capacity to know, to love and to obey God, which is also capacity to reject and deny God. Always and ever, whether we realize it or not, we draw nearer to the divine Wisdom or we are turning away. The world can give us no sure test to determine which direction we are taking. This the individual must learn for himself. If we draw nearer, we receive inner grace from divine Wisdom; if we remain remote, we incur penalty for rejecting the bounty offered by our Creator. As a principle this is known to all Bahá’ís, whether or not we possess the more intimate understanding derived from conscious experience.

When we contemplate the promises of God, perhaps we are unable to draw near to them with assurance because of our sense of personal limitation. But all human beings are equal in their dependence upon God. People differ because some stand imprisoned within this sense of limitation while others rely upon the divine assurance and forget themselves. Has God failed to fulfill His creative power in us? Do we excuse ourselves by attributing the limitation to God?

To our darkened realm of confusion and helplessness the Manifestation of God has brought the divine test, one which every man can apply to himself: the concentration of attention upon the Word of God. The Word of God is the expression of the divine Wisdom offered to every soul. The Word of God is the key which opens the door to the inner mysteries. In the Word lies the potency of the supreme Will sustaining the universe. Through the Word, if we love and meditate upon it, the unconscious self is transformed from a jungle where the instinctive forces of the animal world have control to an illumined garden, the Paradise which God has ordained to be the world of the faithful soul.

For all Bahá’ís who truly desire to serve the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, these considerations come first. We do not and cannot serve the Cause of God with the thoughts, feelings and actions of the natural man. The activities of the man of nature have corrupted and destroyed every revealed religion of the past. They made religion a mode of self-worship, an arena in which the physical, mental and psychic powers could be fulfilled. Capacity to serve God is from the Word, for the Word transforms man from detachment to the secret springs of instinct by connecting him with the life of the heavenly world.

What we call limitation is only evil when we voluntarily limit ourselves in rejection of the grace concealed within the creative Word. The sense of limitation disappears when we contemplate with ardent hearts the infinite bounties of the Kingdom. The endowment each of us has received from God is our perfection. It is from the Word, not from ourselves. The Word of God is an inexhaustible fountain of joyous activity. Hewing wood and drawing water for the sake of the Cause is an honor we could not exchange for the crowns of kings.

Sometimes believers say that they are thwarted in their desire or ability to draw near to the divine Wisdom because they are prevented or discouraged by other believers. Someone else, not ourself, deprives us of the spiritual bounties. Bahá’u’lláh has given us the divine assurance that no one stands between us and God. As long as we attribute blame to another we are employing a perverted self-esteem to deny that God has created us and surrounds us with His love. The first step on the path of attainment is to love the Word of God—the expression of His love for man. Firmness of faith must be attained, lest we allow ourselves to divert us from the path.

If the first step is devotion to the Word of God, each for himself, with no substitute for the Word in minis-

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ter, priest or Bahá’í teacher, the second step is the establishment of a true relationship with others. No man acquires true self-respect until he loves the Word of God; and no man can truly respect others until he has attained respect for the divine creation within himself. As the Teachings state, we do not know ourselves until we have knowledge of God.

Sometimes we hear of a Bahá’í community subjected to confusion, unhappiness, frustration. The members seem to act negatively one upon another. Be sure that the individuals so deprived of the glory of unified achievement and mutual participation in the Feast which the Revelation has offered are suffering from personal failure to become steadfast in the Word. The foundation of mutual respect has not been laid.

In these conditions, some thought might well be directed to a practice which contributes to the confusion and makes it more and more difficult for the sincere believer to realize the potency of the creative Word.

This practice consists of the habit of projecting disturbed feelings upon others instead of resolving them in meditation and prayer. The disturbed personality seeks release from the burden by throwing it upon others, but instead of getting rid of the burden this practice burdens others, until many are made despondent and confused. Suspicious, fears, angers, resentments, jealousies, contempt—all the forms of emotional disturbance—are multiplied as they are communicated back and forth within the group. Thus the Faith becomes obscured, the path to Paradise is darkened, and capacity for peace and cooperation is betrayed and turned into conflict and division.

Until spiritual self-respect is won, human beings cannot distinguish between benefiting others and exploiting them. In the jungle of nature all are either tyrants or slaves. None can possess radiance; none can achieve the purpose of his creation. Let us fear that jungle, for it is the place of punishment for those who fail in love for God.

To serve the World Crusade, consecrated individual Bahá’í's are needed. The challenge sounds from the ends of the earth that we leave our homes to plant the banner of Bahá’u’lláh upon some distant hill.

But this is not all. The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh also requires a unified world community composed of many unified national and local communities, all centered in harmony upon the redemption of mankind and the establishment of a new world order. The community of the Greatest Name can only unify believers—souls which, in their varying degrees, are become a mirror reflecting the light of the Word—and its pillars are consultation and kindness, those germinating powers which evoke new and nobler attributes within mankind‘

Therefore it can be said: First, continuous individual devotion to the creative Word; second, continuous regard for that unity which is God’s special and wondrous blessing for this age. Out of these two conditions will spring those particular services to the Cause which can fulfill the tasks of the Ten-Year Plan.

Bahá’í Summer School, Karachi, Pakistan, November, 1954

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JULY, 1955

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

CANADA

Convention and Election

The Eighth National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Canada was held in Toronto at the King Edward Hotel, April 28-May 1. All delegates were present.

The Riḍván Feast, held April 29, was attended by about 75 Bahá’ís and their friends.

At the public congress on April 30, attended by over 300 persons, 3 panel of four speakers dealt with the subject “The World Around Us.” Mr. Allan Raynor was chairman, and the panel members were Mrs. Audrey Westheuser, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly. Miss Elizabeth Manser, Mr. F. St. George Spendlove, and Mr. Rowland Estall. member of the auxiliary Board. They spoke from four points of view —that of housewife, student, historian and businessman. A lively question period followed the talks.

Election of members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada resulted as follows:

Rowland Estall

Peggy Ross

Audrey Westheuser

Angus Cowan

Lloyd Gardner

Winnifred Harvey

Albert Rakovsky

Allan Raynor

Don MacLaren

Canadian Bahá’í Schools

Summer sessions at the various Bahá’í Schools in Canada have been announced:

Maritime Provinces—July 24-31, at Pugwash. Teachers: Mrs. Ola Pawlowska (pioneer on St. Pierre) and Glen Eyeford.

Laurentian—July 1-10, August 7-14, at Beaulac, Teachers (July), Ross Woodman, (August) Mrs. Curtis Kelsey and Ron Nablo.

Ontario—July 30-August 6, at Geneva Park. Teachers: Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh and Ron Nablo.

Western:—August 21-27, Valley Center, Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, Alberta Teaching Committee in charge.

Rates for the national Bahá’í School at Beaulac were given in BAHÁ’Í NEWS (U.S.), May, 1955.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada, elected April, 1955.

GERMANY

New Assembly in Cologne

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria reports in its Bahá’í Nachrichten the establishment of a new Spiritual Assembly, in Cologne. This raises the number or local spiritual assemblies in Germany and Austria to twenty-two, an increase of four over the previous year, three former Assemblies having been re-established.

Bahá’í Schools

The dates announced for the Bahá’í Schools in Germany this summer are:

Esslingen, August 21-27

Frankfurt, September 11-17

Youth Week, August 6-13, at Annweiler in the Pfalz (Bavaria).

INDIA

Hand of Cause Visits lndia

The Bahá’í News Bulletin of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í's of India. Pákistán and Burma reports that Mr. Dhitulláh Khádem. Hand of the Cause, visited India in January at the request of the Guardian.

More Assemblies Incorporated

Incorporation of the following Local Spiritual Assemblies is reported by the same National Assembly: Kuching (Sarawak), Singapore (Malay), Jakarta (Indonesia),

ITALY - SWITZERLAND

Italo-Swiss Bahá’í School

The Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly announces that the second Italo—Swiss joint Bahá’í School will be held for the second consecutive summer at beautiful Bex-les-Bains, Switzerland, September 9-16.

SOUTH AMERICA

Bahá’í Convention Held in La Paz

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South America has sent a report of its Fifth Annual Bahá’í Convention, held in the heart of the Andes in the world’s highest capital city, La Paz, Bolivia, April 27-May 2:

Opening with a joyous Riḍván Feast, delegates from every South American country with visiting friends from such great distances as Punta Arenas, Chile; the Juan Fernandez Island pioneers: North American settlers; the representative for the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and its Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee, Nura Mobine, gathered together in an indescribable atmosphere of Bahá’í oneness.

All participated in a series of study classes preceding the Convention on “Advent of Divine Justice,” “The Promised Day Is Come;” “Indians of South America;” “Sacrifice,” preparing the hearts and minds for the impact of the Guardian’s stirring call to action in the Convention message and for active participation in the weighty deliberations of the Convention later.

Complete harmony prevailed “as one soul in many bodies” as definite recommendations were made and steps taken to further the goals of Indian teaching; to make a preliminary survey of costs and sites of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to be secured in capital cities this coming year; to consider the groups which may attain Local Spiritual Assembly status this coming year in order to participate in the historic Conventions to be held in Riḍván, 1957, forming two Regional National Spiritual Assemblies in South America.

“Dispersal, dispersal, dispersal” was this year’s Convention theme

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National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of south America, elected April, 1955

which fired volunteers to offer their services as pioneers among the Indians and in virgin cities, including a 17 year old youth for Indian teaching. This news was cabled to the beloved Guardian giving the roll of names.

Highlights of the Convention included the Guardian’s additional oral message to South America expressed to Nura Mobine during her pilgrimage in Haifa; the intrepid courageous pioneering story leading to the formation of the first island goal Local Spiritual Assembly this year in Juan Fernández (Robinson Crusoe) Island; a picnic lunch on the grounds of the house which might be the future Bolivian Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, with its flowering terraces under the shadow of the majestic Andes; the unanimous expression of gratitude to the United States for the flow of pioneers to South America and that further coworkers will be welcomed with open arms during the forthcoming year.

Above all, the desire to serve the Guardian and follow his directives was reflected in the flow of confirmations realized during the Convention period. Collectively, the South American friends pledged themselves in renewed dedication to redoubled teaching efforts and devotion to the full program of the Global Crusade.

In response to the cable sent by the Convention, the Guardian has sent the following reply:

“Deeply appreciate message. Delighted splendid initiative dedication valiant friends. Urge delegates rouse all communities exert utmost last year second phase plan for multiplication of centers and assemblies, consolidation allotted newly opened territories, translation Indian languages, establishment publishing.”

—ELLEN SIMS

NATIONAL NEWS

AMERICAN INDIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE

The second and concluding year of the Ten-Year Crusade’s important second phase must bring a more widespread, a more consecrated, a more sustained effort on the part of many more of the friends to reach the hearts of the American Indians with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. As we study the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá we become aware of the love that He had for the original Americans and the happier future promised them when they became illumined by the Faith of God for this day.

To believe—to love—to understand—to serve—to teach are the steps in accomplishing this sacred task, irrevocably ours. We need to make a beginning and there is no other time than now.

We urge you to write us of the start you have made, your accomplishments, your problems and your suggestions. Ask for such aids as the Supplement with its special message, and the introductory booklet A New Day Comes (a compilation from the Writings for use in teaching), both of which may be had from the American Indian Service Committee without cost, on request. Copies of the Teaching Brochure at 50 cents may still be obtained.

News of further contacts and confirmations are essential to mark the progress the Guardian awaits. This all begins with word from you.

American Indian Service Committee

Mrs. Nancy Phillips, Secy.

736 Encanto Drive, S.E.

Phoenix, Arizona

TEMERITY SUMMER SESSION

Temerity Bahá’í School summer classes will begin on July 9 and run through August 7. The following courses are planned (subject to change):

July 9-15

World Order Letters and Crusade

Compilation on the Báb’s Writings

The Bahá’í Life

July 16-22

World Order Letters and Crusade

Prayer in Action

Comparative Religion

July 23-29

World Order Letters and Crusade

Living in Two Worlds

The Epistle to the Son Of the Wolf

July 30- August 5

World Order Letters and Crusade

How to Teach the Bahá’í Faith

Survey of Gleanings

Two week-end classes are planned that will be of especial interest to Bahá’ís living in or near the Rocky Mountain area:

First week-end July 16-17

Second week-end, August 6-7

Classes in public speaking will also be held. Serving as program director will be Miss Cora Edge. For reservations, write to Mrs. Gladys Roberts, 915 North Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs, Colorado. Room and board is $35 per week.

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS

The press and such magazines as Time and Newsweek have broadcast the news of the tragic events transpiring in Írán. The press releases prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly on this subject will, it is hoped, with the assistance of local representatives, secure even greater recognition. It is not yet the time to present any detailed report on this publicity event.

On page 6 of the March, 1955, issue of Contacts, published by the Fraternal Society of the American Association of Passenger Traffic Officers, an article was published entitled In Holy Land which featured an illustration of the Shrine of the Báb and a photograph of Mr. Leroy Ioas, Hand of the Cause and Secretary General, Bahá’í International Council at Haifa.

A very interesting reference to the Faith is contained in The Religious of Mankind, by Edmund Davison Soper, published by Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 1938. Unfortunately, though the author finds something

[Page 10]10

JULY, 1955

to admire, he attributes political activity to the Báb and connects the Faith with Shiite Islám.

From believers in Japan we have a clipping of a long newspaper article which appeared in The Mainichi, May 13, 1955. Headed “Japan Suited for Spread of Bahá’í World Faith,” the staff writer uses the fireside meeting conducted by Dr. and Mrs. David Earl to present a very favorable account of the teachings and Bahá’í activities in Japan. The fireside group was photographed to accompany this article.

Revista Pan-America, published in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, devotes a page and a half in its March, 1955, issue to an article on the completion of the Shrine of the Báb and the visit paid to the Guardian by the President of Israel. The Shrine is illustrated.

Saturday Review, New York, has an occasional department on travel. In the May 14, 1955, issue, Horace Sutton describes a journey in Israel. “I saw the last of Israel from the deck of the sleek American liner Independence. In front of me all Haifa grew up the hillside. There was the Bahá’í Temple (i.e., Shrine of the Báb), the shiny dome built by the cult which accepts all prophets, teaches love, peace, and tolerance, and glories in the beauty of flowers . . . ”

Europa—The Encyclopedia of Europe, which has sections on International Organizations carries a section on the International Bahá’í Bureau, presented in detail, with a statement on the Faith.

The printed program presenting the Twenty-Sixth Annual Meeting of the National Council of State Garden Clubs, May 22-27, 1955. held in Chicago, included a visit to the Bahá’í Temple Gardens as one of its programmed events. The Gardens are described, and the Temple referred to as “breath-taking in its profoundly inspiring beauty.”

The Christian Century, June 8, deals editorially with the subject of the persecution in Írán. The editor faces the problem squarely. “This (Shiite Islám) is now giving a demonstration of the way an established religion always tends to behave, when it thinks it can safely do so, against nonconformity . . . Of course, persecution is no new expression for the Bahá’ísts; it seems to be, as the New Testament suggests, a touchstone of the vigor of any new religion. . . . Meanwhile, the expansion of Bahá’ísm will not suffer. Its message of a Imiversal brotherhood based on a continuing revelation and pointing toward a future universal government appeals to many contemporary minds . . . ”

Dr. Paul Hutchinson, Editor, was a guest speaker on our Jubilee program of public meetings.

CENTRAL STATES AREA TEACHING CONFERENCE

Attendance at the Central States Area Teaching Conference in Temple Foundation Hall on June 11 was small, but interest and discussion were excellent.

The review of the Guardian’s letter to the Annual Convention brought out the fact that in the Guardian’s reference to the perilous condition of this time, we were forewarned of the new persecutions unleashed against the believers of Persia a few weeks later. The world-wide publicity given to this attack by press and radio has brought the Faith to the attention of millions of people, thus providing us with a vast new field of teaching opportunities.

Among the points brought out during consultation on the responsibility of the individual in the home front teaching campaign were these: the need for re-orientation to the Cause through study of the Creative Word; the importance of eliminating all unnecessary activities in order to find time to teach; the necessity of working with new believers until they are well-grounded and prepared to make sacrifices for the Faith, and to aid them in gaining enthusiasm and experience by putting them to work on worth-while activities in the community; and above all, the necessity for each one to make himself a pure Channel for the promotion of the Faith.

Following a survey on the status of the teaching goals for the area, an appeal was made for settlers to strengthen a number of small communities, as well as to develop Local Spiritual Assemblies in the goal cities. It was pointed out that if one cannot go out to pioneer one can teach where he is and bring in new believers who may be able to do this service in our stead.

BAHA’I ON THE AIR

In Anchorage, Alaska, excellent publicity was given over the three radio stations KENI, KFQD and KBYR to the Bahá’í National Convention Press Service release. This was presented as news of local interest, tieing it in with mention of the two Alaska delegates who attended the Convention.

Station KGDM, Stockton, California, broadcast results of the election of the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Stockton, including also mention of the fact that one of their members was a delegate to the Bahá’í National Convention in Wilmette.

Free radio announcements were arranged by the Bahá’ís of Flint, Michigan, over seven stations, in connection with their commemoration of the Declaration of the Báb.

Bahá’ís of Butte, Montana, recently experienced an interesting example of what it means to “be unrestrained as the wind” while carrying the Message. A free half-hour TV interview broadcast resulted unexpectedly when a ten-minute interview had been planned. Mrs. Helen Wilks, secretary of the Northwestern States Area Teaching Committee, visiting in Butte, was to be interviewed by the woman’s TV program director on station KXLF-TV. However, shortly before the program was to begin, the Jewish consul general for eleven Western states, formerly an official of the Israeli government, and a rabbi of Butte arrived at the studio. Visiting in Butte also, with Mrs. Wilks, was Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, secretary of the Tacoma, Washington, Bahá’í Assembly, who had in 1954 made the pilgrimage to Haifa. In less time than it takes to tell, a joint interview was arranged with five participants—the program director, the two Jewish gentlemen and the two Bahá’ís. The interview developed with the greatest friendliness, the former Israeli official speaking with much appreciation of the beauty of the Shrine of the Báb and the Bahá’í gardens on Mt. Carmel, Mrs. Wilks telling of her professional work with delinquent children, the rabbi speaking of his Jewish relief work, and Mrs. Johnson concerning her visit to Israel and the Bahá’í World Center.

Two Bahá’í pioneers working in Warren, Ohio, a goal city, were interviewed on the radio as direct result of a local news broadcast con-

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cerning the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Persia. It happened because one of the Bahá’í pioneers telephoned the radio news editor, whom she had met, to tell him his accurate reporting of the affair was appreciated. This resulted in an invitation to be interviewed about the Faith on the radio station’s regular Friday evening interview program. The news editor mentioned that he felt the interview was one of his most interesting and he was saving the tape recording of it to use as an audition later.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS

The new Bahá’í goal community of Stockton, California, prepared itself for its first annual election on April 20 by preceding it with two classes in Bahá’í Administration, on April 1 and 15. At the first session the spiritual aspects of Bahá’í elections Were discussed. For the second session twenty True or False statements were prepared, based on Bahá’í Community. Each Bahá’í graded himself on his answers. The Stockton Bahá’í Bulletin reports a 100 per cent attendance, with lively discussion, at these meetings.

Waterloo, Iowa, reports unusual teaching opportunities have come in recent months. These included a request from the Wesley Foundation (Methodist) at Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, for a Bahá’í speaker at their regular Sunday evening meeting. A study of comparative religions had been in progress and they wished a presentation of the Bahá’í Faith. Some 70 to 80 students attended the meeting and great interest was shown. Several of the students also attended a Bahá’í public lecture in Waterloo two weeks later.

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Tenneck, New Jersey has adopted a simple form for each Bahá’í in the community to sign, informing survivors after his or her death that a Bahá’í funeral is requested.

One copy of the form will be kept on file by the local assembly and another is given to the individual. It is anticipated that this will assure the members of a proper Bahá’í funeral in such cases where the will is not opened in time or where non-Bahá’í relatives take charge and plan a funeral according to some faith other than the Bahá’í.

Alaska's two delegates to the National Bahá’í Convention reported on the Convention to Bahá’ís gathered in Spenard and in Anchorage Recording District.

A state conference was arranged by the Bahá’ís of Montana at Missoula, attended by Bahá’ís from Butte, Great Falls and Helena. Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson of Tacoma, Washington, and Mrs. Helen Wilks of Seattle, reported on the National Con vention. Plans were evolved for state-wide teaching activities in Montana.

The North Central States Area Teaching Committee arranged a conference at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on May 7-8, attended by believers from Nebraska and North and South Dakota, for the purpose of hearing National Convention reports. Consultation and open discussion was held after each paragraph of the Guardian’s Message, and after each one—day Convention report. The next area conference was arranged to be held in Rapid City, South Dakota, the week-end of July 4.

PUBLICATIONS

World Order Magazine Kits

World Order Magazine, published from April 1935 to March 1949 contains a rich source of material for giving Bahá’í talks, conducting firesides, and for personal inspiration and enlightenment. Many contain articles once available in pamphlet form, now out of print, but still in demand. Featured this month are two special “kits”, containing items of particular interest and value.

World Order Magazine Kit No. 1

(August, October, November, 1948; January, February, March, 1949). Five of the above issues contain the full compilation by Horace Holley entitled What Modern Man Must Know About Religion, formerly available in mimeograph form, concerned with the “spiritual reconstruction of the human personality” through true religious education. (Study Outline on What Modern Man Must Know About Religion is still available at $.10 each. See literature catalog.) Other issue contains article Proofs of the Manifestations of God by E. and P. Bartley, an answer to a question frequently asked of Bahá’ís.

World Order Magazine Kit No. 2

(April, 1936; April, July, November, 1937; January, March, 1940). In addition to many other splendid articles, these six issues contain the following: The Laboratory of Life by Louise Boyle, formerly sold in pamphlet form; The Reality of Christ by Maye Harvey Gift concerning the “Christ Whom the Bahá’ís revere”; Soul, Mind and Spirit by Elsa Blakeley dealing with the four-dimensional nature of man; The Manifestation by Albert Entzminger, once available as a pamphlet, explaining the nature of the Manifestation and His relation to God and man; Universal Love: Its Governing Principle by Mamie L. Seto and how to make it work in our lives and the lives of others; Spiritual Perspective: Psychology Applied to Religion: Teaching by Marie Kershaw, a valuable study on relating the Teachings to each individual’s needs and focal point of interest, and gradually building bridges of understanding until he has the capacity to encompass the full message of the Bahá’í Faith.

All issues of these magazines regularly sell at $.20 each, plus postage. These special kits of six issues each will be available for a limited time at $1.00 each postpaid.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow. By Stanwood Cobb. A special clothbound edition has been prepared to meet the many requests for an edition that can be placed in libraries. It is hoped that the response will be wide enough to warrant its production. Bound in grey buckram, stamped in red, this is an attractive volume for library presentation, for display purposes, or for a permanent edition in community and personal libraries. One of our best books for introducing the principles of the Faith from the viewpoint of a practical plan for world progress.

Per copy (clothbound) .........$2.00

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

CORRECTION

On page 3 of The Bahá’í Glossary there are two misplaced accent marks. Please delete accents on letter “i” and on letter “u“ on first line (use white ink) and add accent to letter “i” and letter “u” on second line. Copies currently going out (after June 20) will have this correction already made. Bahá’í’ librarians should make this correction in copies still in stock.

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JULY, 1955

DEVOTIONAL PROGRAMS AT HOUSE OF WORSHIP

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 Capella Choir.

The programs for the month of June follow:

Order of Devotions—June 5, 1955

All Praise, O my God, be to Thee Who art the Source of all glory and majesty and honor, of sovereignty and dominion, of loftiness and grace, of awe and power . . .Of all who are in heaven and on earth, non can withstand the operation of Thy sovereign Will. From all eternity Thou didst rule the entire creation, and Thou wilt continue for evenmore to exercise Thy dominion over all created things.

—Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Let All the Nations Praise the Lord—Volck- mar Leisring

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, LIX, p. 94

OLD TESTAMENT

Psalm 96

NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 4:10; John 4:23

QUR’AN

Sura XXIV, 36-38; 41-42 ; Sura I

CHORAL SELECTION

Praise Ye the Name of the Lord-Nikolai Tcherepnin

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, pp. 271-272 ; LXXV, p. 123; Gleanings, pp. 60-61

Prayers and Meditations, CLIII, p. 245

CHORAL SELECTION

Now We Sing Thy Praise-Tschesnokoff

Order of Devotions—June 12, 1955

The Word of God is like unto a tree; its planting ground must be the hearts of people.

—Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

O Light Divine!—Alexander Archangelsky

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, IV, p. 6

Gleanings, p. 97; CI, p. 206; XCIX, p. 200

OLD TESTAMENT

Psalm 19

NEW TESTAMENT

John 1:1-5 ; 14:1-17

CHORAL SELECTION

The Lord’s My Shepherd—arr. Gordon Jacob

QUR’AN

Sura III: 25-29

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Gleanings, p. 186. pp. 303-304, 294-295, 296-297

Prayers and Meditations, LII, p. 75

CHORAL SELECTION

In Solemn Silence-Ippolitof Ivanof

Order of Devotions—June 19, 1955

No man shall attain the shores of the ocean of true understanding except he be detached from all that is in heaven and on earth. Sanctify your souls, O ye peoples of the world, that hapl ye may attain that station which God hath destined for you.

—Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Hear My Cry, O God-Alexander Kopyloff

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Baha’i Prayers, p. 44

The Kitáb-i-Iqán (The Book of Certitude), p. 69, p. 70, pp 145-146

OLD TESTAMENT

Proverbs 3 :1-5, 13-15

NEW TESTAMENT

James 1:5-8; 1 Corinthians 2:9-15

CHORAL SELECTION

Grieve Not the Holy Spirit—John Stainer

QUR’AN

Sura XXVIII:73; 75-80

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Gleanings, pp. 259-260; The Kitáb-i-Iqán (The Book of Certitude), pp. 3-4

Prayers and Meditations LXXII, p. 118

CHORAL SELECTION

From the Sweet-Scented Streams (Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh)—Charles Wolcott

Order of devotions—June 26, 1955

The light of men is Justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men.

—Bahá’u’lláh

CHORAL SELECTION

Arise, O God, and Show Thy Might—Haydn M . Morgan

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

Prayers and Meditations, CLXIX, p. 261

HINDU SCRIPTURES

(The Ordinances of Manu)

OLD TESTAMENT

Isaiah 59:1, 2. 10, 11, 14-21

NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 7:7-12 ; Luke 16:10

QUR’AN

Sura XVI: 92, 93; Sura VI; 153, 154

CHORAL SELECTION

Judge Me, O God-Felix Mendelssohn Bar- tholdy

BAHA’I SACRED WRITINGS

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, From the Arabic, No. 2

The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 23

Gleanings, pp. 204-205

Gleanings, pp. 342-343; CXII, p. 218; XII, p. 17

Prayers and Meditations, CLXVI, p. 259

CHORAL SELECTION

O Thou, by Whose Name (Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh)—Charles Wolcott

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

HOLY DAYS

July 9—Martyrdom of the Báb

FEASTS

July 13—Kalimát, Words

August 1—Kamál, Perfection

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

July 15, 16, 17

September 2, 3, 4, 5

MARRIAGES

"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 . . .”

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Mrs. Marian Korber to Mr. Louis Gravet, May 14, 1955.

San Diego, California—Mrs. Vale R. Carl- son to Mr. Eldred M. Vaughn, April 30, 1955.

IN MEMORIAM

“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.”

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Mrs. Margaret Luberler

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

May 9, 1955

Mr. Ellwood B. Revell

Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania

May 12, 1955

Mrs. Xorol R. Oliver

Evanston, Illinois

May 21, 1955

Mr. Thomas Patrick

Washington, D.C.

(date not reported)

Mrs. Ruth Brown

Chicago, Illinois

March 23, 1955

Mrs. Marguerite Welti Martin

Ormond Beach, Florida

May 2, 1955

Mrs. Marie Kuhlman

Alhambra, California

May 2, 1955

Miss Julia Goldman

New York City, New York

June 1, 1955

Mr. Frank Schultz St. Louis, Missouri

May 22, 1955

Mr. Fred Armstrong Letchah

Minneapolis, Minnesota

(date not reported)

BAHÁ’I NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í World Cnmmunity.

Reports, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the Unitied States as well as from National Assemblies of other lands. Material is due in Willmette on the first day of the Month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.

BAHA’I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1955-56: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Mrs. Beatrice Ashton, Miss Charlotte Linfoot.

Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.

Change or address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.