Bahá’í News/Issue 302/Text
| ←Previous | Bahá’í News Issue 302 |
Next→ |
| No. 302 | BAHA’I YEAR 113 | APRIL, 1956 |
"Much Loved, Greatly Admired"[edit]
Deeply grieved passing much loved greatly admired staunch ardent promoter Faith, Albert Windust, Herald (of) Covenant, whose notable services (in) heroic (and) formative ages (of) Faith (are) unforgettable. Assure friends relatives fervently supplicating progress (his) soul (in) Kingdom.
March 11, 1956 --SHOGHI
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
The beloved Guardian's eulogy of Albert Windust casts a brilliant light on the services rendered by one of the earliest American Bahá’ís. Mr. Windust was a member of the first elected Bahá’í body in America—the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago which received a Tablet from the Master addressed to the House of Justice.
-NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
"Faithful, Steadfast Servant (of) Faith"[edit]
In response to a cablegram from the National Assembly advising Shoghi Effendi of the passing of Miss Bertha Herklotz, one of the believers who saw the Master in 1912, the Guardian cabled on February 16:
"Grieve passing faithful, steadfast servant (of) Faith. Praying (for) progress (of her) soul (in) Kingdom."
-SHOGHI
3 REGIONAL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES TO BE FORMED IN AFRICA THIS MONTH[edit]
Beloved Friends:
APRIL, 1956
During the present month a most important event will take place the formation of three new Regional National Spiritual Assemblies in the ancient continent of Africa. What has long been termed the Dark Continent becomes a Continent of Light.
Under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of Egypt and Sudan the first Annual Convention will assemble delegates and visitors of the Bahá’ís of North West Africa; the British National Assembly convenes the Convention of the Bahá’ís of Central and East Africa; the National Assembly of the United States convenes the Convention of the Bahá’ís of South and West Africa. Mr. Paul E. Haney, Chairman, represents the United States National Assembly in opening this Convention.
Here we behold a rich harvest of the World Crusade — impressive evidence of what has been accomplished by the throng of pioneers and settlers who have gone forth under the beloved Guardian's summons from many lands. How few the years required for the formation of enough local Assemblies in these three territories to elect delegates making these Conventions possible! Courage, zeal, devotion alone on the part of these true servants of the Faith could bring to fulfilment the goal set by the Guardian for the end of the third year of the Ten Year Plan. All of us owe them a deep and lasting gratitude; and we owe gratitude also to the administrative bodies and Africa Teaching Committees which directed and inspired the workers in the field.
What a diversity of races, nations and conditions will be represented in these three Regional National Spiritual Assemblies! How formidable the task of consolidating these three communities, which face difficulties unknown to Bahá’ís of Europe and America!
Of extreme helpfulness during recent years and in the future, we must acclaim the indefatigable efforts of the Hand of the Cause for Africa, Mr. Musa Banání, as well as Mr. Ali Nakhjavani, who serves in Mr. Banání's temporary absence in Europe.
These new pillars of the future House of Justice are being raised. Thus this event is not only a spiritual blessing for Africa but for the entire Bahá’í world.
This achievement should galvanize us all to greater activity for the fulfilment of tasks of the World Crusade for which we collectively carry full responsibility.
— NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
[Page 2]
ACTION IN CAMPAIGN ON PERSECUTIONS[edit]
This report summarizes activities in January and part of February, 1956. It is divided into two parts; one concerning action taken on behalf of the Persian Bahá’ís, and one about action to promote the Faith in the United States.
Persecutions[edit]
1. Mr. Roger Baldwin, Chairman, International League for the Rights of Man, has addressed letters to the Permanent Delegation of Írán, to the United Nations, and to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. He expressed hope that the Permanent Delegation had transmitted to the Iranian government the communication sent by the International League to United Nations. To the Foreign Affairs Committee he made reference to a Resolution passed by the House asserting the principle of religious freedom.
2. Effort was made to arrange for the Secretary General of United Nations to receive a Bahá’í delegation on his visit to Tihrán, but the visit was too brief to make it possible.
3. A copy of Bahá’í Appeal for Religious Freedom In irán was sent with a covering letter to a list of United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations selected by the public relations counsel for their interest in Mr. Roger Baldwin's presentation of our case to a Sub-Commission of United Nations.
4. Among the materials prepared and distributed by the public relations counsel during this period were: a News Feature Mat containing a release about Roger Baldwin's action in presenting the case to United Nations; a story about this was also carried by Religious News Service of January 9.
5. The British National Assembly has issued a press release on the Roger Baldwin story and finds some papers very much interested in the subject of the persecutions.
6. A press clipping in Arabic about the Roger Baldwin project has been received from Cairo.
7. The National Assembly of Canada has written to their Department of Exterior Affairs and has received a reply indicating interest.
8. The National Assembly of India, Pakistan & Burma makes extensive distribution of all releases supplied them.
9. Bahá’í Publishing Trust is printing a new edition of 2000 copies of Bahá’í Appeal so that copies can be ordered. This text should be known by the friends.
10. Plans are under way for interesting persons of political prominence to send protests to the Iranian Embassy in Washington.
11. A Reuters dispatch about the persecutions was recently published in Athens.
12. Clippings are frequently received showing publication by small town papers of the illustrated release, "World Shocked by Religious Persecution."
Promotion[edit]
13. For direct promotion of the Faith, our public relations counsel issued an editorial release on World Religion Day and through Religious News Service of January 11 distributed a story on "Bahá’ís Ask for Wider Concept of Religious Freedom," related to World Religion Day. A release on World Religion Day was also sent to many United States newspapers.
Bahá’í Press Service reported separately on the local World Religion Day events held this year.
As time goes on there will be many rumors about this or that government action in frán, favorable or unfavorable to the Faith. The National Assembly will investigate every public rumor and take any necessary and appropriate action to inform the friends and the public.
-NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Voting Rights Restored[edit]
The voting rights of Alvero L. Jensen have been restored by the National Assembly.
-NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY WELCOMES VOLUNTEERS FOR SERVICE[edit]
A number of believers have inquired whether it is permissible for an individual Bahá’í to volunteer for a particular type of service, or whether an individual or a local Spiritual Assembly may suggest to the National Spiritual Assembly the names of Bahá’ís who are qualified to serve on national committees, as teachers at summer schools, and in similar capacities.
The National Assembly will welcome such recommendations. As much information as possible should accompany the recommendation, including the individual's educational background, professional and business experience, his Bahá’í experience, and the possible amount o time he may be able to devote to th work.
It should be understood that making committee appointmen the National Assembly must c sider many practical matters, su as the necessity of centralizing cc mittees in a given area for part lar reasons, the ability of the dividual to travel without invol the expense of long distances travel to and from meetings, as as the nature of the work to done.
No Bahá’í talent or capacity s remain dormant. There are e needs and opportunities for s by every believer, whether isolated, a member of a comn or on a national committee. It be remembered that the chie tion of a committee is to plan vise, and report; therefore, b who prefer activity to det paper work will not likely fi mittee work nearly as sti and rewarding as teaching, independently or under the supervision of a committer
-NATIONAL SPIRITUAL
[Page 3]
Archives Building Rises to Adorn Historic Mt. Carmel[edit]
In January, 1956, the Bahá’í Archives Building was growing ever larger on the slopes of Mt. Carmel, "the Hill of God." Pictured above is the interior of the north wall, showing the shuttering for the balcony. To the right is a view of the "arc," or path, in front of the Archives Building and the Shrine of the Báb.
From the steps rise t slender columns behi the scaffolding, wh seaward, beyond the ci is the magnificent swe of Haifa Bay and Plain of ‘Akká. This st enhanced with gardens exquisite beauty, Qiblih of the Ba world, has been design by Bahá’u’lláh as "seat of God's thro
[Page 4]
Hazíratu’l-Quds of Vienna, Austria, dedicated on the Day of the Covenant, November 26, 1955.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
Central America[edit]
ASSEMBLY LAUNCHES TEACHING CAMPAIGN[edit]
A thrilling impetus has been generated throughout Central America with the gift of $3000 for teaching purposes, made by the Guardian in December, 1955.
Most gratifying of all is that the native believers are arising to do their part in a teaching campaign inaugurated by the National Spiritual Assembly and carried out through the National Teaching Committee.
It has as minimum goals the establishment by April 21, 1956, of at least 12 new local assemblies and 7 new groups.
Goal Cities[edit]
The following goal cities have been selected:
For Assemblies: David, Canal Zone: Puntarenas and Alajuela, Costa Rica; La Lima, Honduras; Santa Ana, El Salvador; El Quiche and Retaluhue, Guatemala; Monterrey, Mexico; Marianao, Cuba; St. Marc, Haiti and Santiago, Dominican Republic.
For Groups: La Chorrera, Panama; One to be selected in Nicaragua Siguatepeque, Honduras; Barbarena, Guatemala; Santa Clara, Cuba; Cap Haitian, Haiti; and La Vega or Moca, Dominican Republic.
This teaching campaign in no wise eliminates the urgent need for more pioneers, but rather augments it. The new assemblies and groups, rapidly formed, often with temporary pioneers from other cities or countries, will require many years of strengthening and deepening.
At least as many more new assemblies and groups will be necessary before the ten National Assemblies called for by the World Crusade goals can be established. These latter will need the help of experienced Bahá’ís.
Pioneering Opportunities[edit]
Here is a fascinating and challenging field of service to Bahá’u’lláh in an interesting and fast-progressing part of the world. Jobs are available, especially for kindergarten and primary grade teachers, secretaries, and persons with special training. People with small incomes can live in many countries without work, or can supplement their income giving English lessons. Business opportunities are open.
All those with the urge to look for new fields are asked to communicate with the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee, or with the National Teaching Committee of Central America, Artemus Lamb, Secretary, Apartado 3751, San Jose, Costa Rica.
Members of the Regional Teaching and Assembly Development Committee for South East Asia, meeting in Singapore on February 11-12, 1955.
Cyprus[edit]
PIONEER REPORTS FROM FAMAGUSTA[edit]
The Bahá’í pioneer in Famagusta Cyprus, Frances B. Jones, has reported on her first year there. The following excerpts have been taken from her letter:
"We arrived here on the brink of local political crisis. . . . Our first realization was that we were westerners from the most envied nation in the world, and we were entering a section (Middle East) of which we had but a slight, if any, concept. We had much to learn of the way these people live, their sense of values, types of character, religious background, and an endless number of things one never even thinks about.
"As this is a city of no woman's organizations, no cultural groups, no charity centers (except those within the church circle), no Red Cross, in short nothing you can join to meet people one wonders where to begin, but the doors do open here and there. A nice contact with the local school, and the new Municipal Library in which we placed the first Bahá’í book in Famagusta, the New Era, in English.
The librarian showed a marked interest, and several of the Bahá’i books were loaned him.
[Page 5]
"On the last day of Ridván the Bahá’ís of Cyprus came to Famagusta for a gathering. It was a grand occasion.
"For the event of the Birth of the Báb this year, we (one seeker and myself) did celebrate in this city. We talked of the Báb, and discussed the various aspects of the Teachings. This seeker has shown a marked interest in the Faith, and has done a great deal of reading in the one and only Greek New Era on the Island. On the eve of the Báb's Birthday he brought this volume to show that he had had it rebound in a heavy dark green binding as a surprise. (It was beginning to fall apart).
Bahá’ís of St. Pierre, Reunion Island, January, 1956
"At the present time there are three Greek Cypriotes, one Armenian, and one Russian, reading the New Era. The Russian is reading it in English, the others in their own language.
"There are many others who have, for the first time, heard the word Bahá’í, and most have asked questions. Much literature (English pamphlets as well as the Greek pamphlet) has been distributed.
"There is a great need for literature, Greek, Armenian, and Turkish. Let us hope that we may soon have an adequate and diversified amount of well-translated material for these people to read."
INCORPORATION OF NEW ASSEMBLY REPORTED[edit]
Bahá’í NEWS previously reported the registration of the Italo-Swiss National Assembly which took place in May, 1955, and of the local assembly of Zürich, Switzerland, on August 10, 1955. Now comes news of the registration (incorporation) of the local assembly of Basel, Switzerland. (No date is given). Basel is a comparatively new assembly, having been formed a year ago. Bern and Geneva, Switzerland, are now working to complete their registrations with the Handelsregister. All registrations are announced to the public through the Schweizerische Handelsblatt.
WORLD RELIGION DAY OBSERVED IN BERN[edit]
World Religion Day was celebrated on January 15 in Bern during the weekend of the National Assembly meeting. Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the Cause, acted as chairman, giving his introductory words in French and Miss Elsa Steinmetz gave a talk in German. The lecture was also given two weeks later in Zürich.
Site of the future Mashriqa’l Adbkár of Rome, Italy, purchased on January 9, 1956. The land is 5890 square meters (about and one half acres) in area, and is situated about 24 kilometers from the heart of Rome towards the sea, and near the city and port of Ostia. The locality is called "Isola Sacra," or the Sacred Island.
[Page 6]
REPORT ACHIEVEMENT OF MANY GOALS[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan, and Burma has reported the following progress in winning World Crusade goals:
The reconstruction of the Haziratu’l-Quds at Rangoon has been completed during the last quarter of 1955. This, with the Haziratu’l-Quds of Djakarta and Columbo, fulfills the goals for this part of the Crusade.
The Publishing Trust has been established in New Delhi, and is now in operation.
Nineteen local centers have been settled: Ernakulam, Cochin, Coimbatore, Jabalpore, Dehra Dun, Akkalkot, Mustang, Nawabshah, Montgomery, Mirpurkhas, Gujranwala, Chak No. 119, Khanewal, Shillong, and Satara, in India, and four in Burma. It is expected to bring the total to 30 in the near future.
The Bahá’í Community of Macao, with Dhikru’lláh Khádem, Hand of the Cause, on November 17, 1955.
The registration of three assemblies in India have been completed: Gwalior, Lucknow, and Nasik. Papers have been filed for the registration of Aligarh, Kanpur, and Rampur. Preliminary steps have been taken to register Allahabad, Ichalkaranji, Kamarhatti, Madras, Nagpur, and Srinagar.
In Pakistan, it is hoped to complete the registration of Sialkot, Chittagong, Peshawar and Rawalpindi early this year.
The Daidanaw Assembly in Burma has been registered, and papers have been filed for the registration of Thamaing and Twante.
Bahá’í literature has been translated into three new language: Georgian, Perm, and Vietnamese (i place of Tho). Negotiations have bee started for translations into Kaili ar Ossete. Most of the remaining trar lation goals belong to countries l hind the Iron Curtain, and inquir have been started on these.
Five groups in India, four in Pal tan, and four in Burma contain r than half the number required form assemblies. It is hoped achieve the formation of these 1' semblies by Riḍván. and per even double this number.
Efforts are being made in all countries to complete the purch Bahá’í Endowments by Riḍván
Youth Conference held in Chateauroux, France, on February 11-12, 1956, at the home of the Bagley family, formerly of Flint, Michigan. Nine years ago that same week end the first Michigan Youth Conference was held in their home in Flint.
SEVEN CITIES OBSERVE WORLD RELIGION DAY[edit]
Bahá’í Nachrichten, publi the National Spiritual Asse Germany and Austria, rep World Religion Day was with well-attended meeting seldorf, Bonn, Frankfurt, H Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, and The theme chosen by the stressed the importance o of religions.
[Page 7]
Portuguese Autumn Conference, held in Porto, Portugal, on October 29-30, 1955.
South America[edit]
ENROLLMENTS ENLARGE 17 COMMUNITIES[edit]
The New Territories Committee of South America reports that pioneering efforts being made in their goal areas have resulted in the enrollment of several new believers, thus forming a nucleus for new Bahá’í Communities in the following places: Chiloé Island; Juan Fernandez Island, Chile; Galapagos Islands; Cook Islands; Dutch Guiana; British Guiana (two cities); Leeward Islands; and Windward Islands.
Consolidation work has advanced through the declaration of new believers in Asuncion, Paraguay; Arequipa, Lima, and Huancayo, Peru; Montevideo, Uruguay: Guayaquil, Ecuador; Osorno, Chile; and Sao Paul, Brazil, according to Noticias Bahá’í Sud Americanas.
LONCOCHE REPORTS SUMMER SESSIONS[edit]
The 1956 sessions of the International Bahá’í Summer School were held at Loncoche, Chile, from January 9 to 18. Attendance was divided almost equally between Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.
Two new Bahá’ís from Valdivia, Chile, were accepted into the Faith by the Regional Teaching Committee during the school, making a new group in Chile.
Classes were held for two hours each morning and afternoon, with time for recreation in between. Subjects included the Covenant, The Dawnbreakers, The Renewal of Civilization, Teaching Problems, and the Guardian's Messages.
All those attending felt it was the most successful session ever held in Loncoche, a beautiful location that will be the future site of the first South American House of Worship.
ANNOUNCE NEW TRANSLATIONS OF BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE[edit]
A new translation of the pamphlet used in Africa by the British National Assembly has been made into Quechua by Mario Léon Paitán of Huancayo, Peru, which will shortly go to press. The pamphlet The Coming of the Messengers of God has been translated into Aymara, and will be published shortly in Bolivia.
MONTEVIDEO OBSERVES WORLD RELIGION DAY[edit]
The Local Spiritual Assembly of Montevideo, Uraguay, has reported that their community observed World Religion Day with a program featuring representatives of the Jewish, Christian, Muḥammadan, and Bahá’í Faiths. The meeting drew 54 non-Bahá’ís, the largest attendance at a Bahá’í meeting in this city.
Bahá’í Youth attending the Italo-Swiss Bahá’í Winter Youth Camp at La Punt-Chames, Switzerland, December 24 through January 2, 1956. The mornings were given to skiing and skating, as the sun set early in the afternoon. A two-hour period after dinner was devoted to study. Nine countries were represented by the Youth attending, who made many contacts in the valley surrounding the camp site.
[Page 8]
AMERICAN INDIANS[edit]
"You must give great importance to teaching the Indians, that is, the aborigines of America. For these souls are like the inhabitants of Peninsular Arabia, who previous to the Manifestation of His Holiness Muhammad were treated as savages. But when the Muhammadic light shone forth in their midst, they became so illuminated that they brightened the world. Likewise, should these Indians and aborigines be educated and obtain guidance, there is no doubt that through the divine teachings, they will become so enlightened as in turn to shed light to all regions." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America's Spiritual Mission, Page 10
Cherokee Reservation, North Carolina[edit]
Here I am, with two years behind me, in this beautiful countryside of western North Carolina. When I came, the beauty of the autumn foliage and the grandeur of the mountains filled me with awe, as did the deep valleys dropping suddenly from the main highway. Every curve in the road presented a picture.
When I finally located a place to live on the Reservation, there was probably not another place to be had by a white person, not employed by the government. It was only two rooms in a crude cabin which had been built by the C.C.C. But it had a sink and running water and I was happy in making it livable, for Bahá’u’lláh meant it for me. He has been with me every step of the way, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi have been my inspiration and example.
Everywhere I went these kindly people, the first Americans, spoke and smiled at me. The Reservation is a group of small communities several miles apart. To reach some of them often is difficult on account of the lack of transportation. The Indians have great living problems and need both material and spiritual help.
There are many churches, mostly Baptist, which most of them attend. Several of the pastors preach in the Cherokee language, which makes it easier for them to understand. They do not grasp the meaning of much of our teachings for the words are unfamiliar to them. So I try to use very simple words as much as possible.
A newspaper was started a few weeks ago and I have some of the Bahá’í teachings printed about every two weeks, hoping to reach some of the people that way. I found that they have a deep reverence for God and religion, but I hope to bring new life and hope and the means of salvation and peace to these Indian brothers and sisters. They must be brought into the Faith for this is their only hope.
My efforts here have resulted in one person accepting Bahá’u’lláh and it has made her happy, but it is not enough. I hope and pray that someone who wishes to please our Guardian very much will come and join me, a young person of 72, in this beautiful mountain country and together we can do many things which seem impossible to me alone. God will bless that one as He has blessed me.
-ETHEL MURRAY
I am happy since I became a Bahá’í. I feel everything has changed for me, and I feel happy everywhere I go . . . I'll try to do what I can to tell others about the Bahá’í Faith. . .
-MINNIE FEATHER
Gallup, New Mexico[edit]
To understand the problems which have to be met here, one must first get a glimpse of Gallup itself. It is a town of ten or twelve thousand people, situated on the edge of the vast Navajo reservation, about thirty miles north of the Zuni reservation. A hundred and fifty miles to the northwest are the Hopis; to the East and Northeast are the Acomas, the Lagunas, the Mescallera and Chiricahua Apaches. In the town itself Navajos, Zunis, Apaches, Lagunas, Zias, and other Indians mingle with the Slavs, Mexicans, Italians, English, Negro and Japanese. This is Gallup, slowly awakening to the fact that it has been upholding for too long the evils of a primitive western frontier town awakening to the fact that its Indian citizens, from which it gains most of its sustenance, need to be protected and enlightened instead of being robbed and shoved back on the Reservation - awakening to the fact that the Indians themselves are constantly becoming more and more conscious of their innate abilities and worth, of their desperate needs and of the power which an organized people has to gain its own ends.
The first Bahá’í pioneer in this vicinity was James Stone, Jr., who with his wife moved out here from
Mrs. Minnie Feather, first to accept the Falth on the Cherokee Reservation, North Carolina, with the youngest of her eight children.
[Page 9]
Some of the friends at the first American Indian Teaching Conference at the Gimlin Ranch, Camp Verde, Arizona, November 13, 1955.
Martinsburg, West Virginia, in December, 1953. When I arrived the following September to teach in a Gallup elementary school, I found that Jim had been hard at work for many months to help solve some of the many community and Indian problems in this area.
Some time early last year the Gallup Indian Community Center began giving lessons in speaking Navajo. We talked it over, and decided to take a course. We did not learn much Navajo, it being a difficult language to learn, but we did gain the friendship of our Navajo instructor, William Morgan, the official government translator at Window Rock, Arizona. He agreed to translate a Bahá’í pamphlet into Navajo for us. This has now been done.
But there were still no actual Bahá’í contacts among the Indians. On Saturdays the Navajos swarm into Gallup. But after they have bought their few groceries, most of them stand on the street corners, or spend their few dollars for liquor. By Sunday many of them are in jail or have had wrecks on the highway, with bad injuries and fatalities. By Monday the rest are on their way back to the Reservation to their widely scattered hogans.
It is evident that we need someone who can visit them in their homes as friends. But Jim and I both work and the distances are so great. Besides, before personal work can be done with the Indians, friendships must be established.
It has become increasingly apparent that a Center, large enough to accommodate a number of people, would be of more use than a private home. So we rented a vacant store building. By pooling our resources we bought material to fix up the building. While Jim Stone wielded the hammer and saw, I learned to swing a mean paint brush. I have now given up my apartment and moved into the back of the Center, thus being able to put my rent money in on the rental of the Center itself.
Some time in November the James Ginnetts came out from Washington, D. C. They are now established with the government offices at Window Rock, Arizona, about thirty miles from Gallup. With their help we have set up a series of weekly meetings, currently on World Religions. On February 11 we will begin enrolling pupils for our adult English classes. The Navajos are just awakening to the fact that they need an education. Those to whom we have talked have shown interest in English, bookkeeping, typing and shorthand. Since Mr. and Mrs. Ginnett are both well versed in all types of office work, we may donate another night to these subjects if our English classes work out well. The Indian needs to gain confidence in his ability to do things as well as other people, and part of our job here is to help him gain that self-confidence.
I regret to say that we have as yet no Indian Bahá’ís in Gallup, although last Friday we had three Indians (one Navajo and two Cherokee) at our meeting. But last May, with the help of God, a teacher on the Reservation, Hayward Camper, embraced the Faith, and the following Thanksgiving his wife, Isabelle, made her declaration. Thus two bright Bahá’í lights were placed right in the heart of the Reservation. These two, with the Amoz Gibsons, also formerly of Washington, D.C., who came out here to help us in Gallup but are now settled in a reservation school in Pinon, Arizona, make a group of four Bahá’ís in Navajo County, most of which is Indian reservation!
-GRACE DEAN
"Ya'at'eeh!" from Window Rock, Arizona[edit]
We had intended to settle in Gallup, but this Faith has a way of putting you where It wants you! Jimmy first went to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and found no openings. He took work with another concern but that job folded. He went back to the Bureau and they not only had a good opening, but it was here at Window Rock, capital of the Navajo reservation! We didn't waste any time in moving to our new place. We even have a wonderful house furnished for us here on the Reservation. It seems that the least difficulty we encounter is followed by many blessings.
There are so many interesting things about the Navajo Indian, we hardly know where to begin. We are completely fascinated with this whole experience. We are learning a little of the language. We are planning to start a Sunday school here, with the help of our little daughter and her new Navajo friends.
All the Indians we have met are very friendly. As you probably know, most of the Navajos who are raised on the Reservation have had little schooling, but they are eager for learning. A boy who works with Jimmy has been a great help in making us understand a few of their problems, and Jimmy in turn is helping him with his English. The other day he asked Jimmy about the words on the side of the truck he drives. These words were, "Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Interior". He could read them, but had no idea what they meant. He has absolutely no idea how people live in cities.
[Page 10]
The Tribal Council, their Congress, is in session now. Jimmy peeked in the other day. We hope to attend a full session some time. Of course we have only been here a few weeks, but that is long enough to see the problem to be faced and to understand the Guardian's emphasis on teaching the American Indian. Almost anyone who can type can go to work on the reservation. There are almost always openings right here in Window Rock. We are so happy to be out here and do hope and pray that we may help to further the Cause among these wonderful people.
-JEAN AND JIM GINNETT
Pinon, Arizona
Pioneering must be experienced; it cannot be adequately described, but must be lived. The uncertainties, the trials and tests, yes, even the failures, and of course the triumphs, give a new feeling of the presence of Bahá’u’lláh’s ever-flowing Bounty. The manifold joys and blessings that the pioneer receives still await many hundreds of His followers. For has not Shoghi Effendi, our beloved Guardian, said, "A veritable exodus from the large cities must signalize the inauguration of this most intensive and challenging phase of the Crusade on the home front." Among the goal cities one will find every type of climate, opportunity for work, and association with people of varied backgrounds.
Mrs. Mary Gibson with her three children, Grace Dean, Mrs. Stone, and James Stone, outside the store building being converted by the Gallup, New Mex., Bahá’ís as a Bahá’í Indian Service Center.
Newly incorporated Local Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, August 10, 1955.
Here on the Navajo reservation we have met some new and different experiences. But we are more strongly impressed by the similarities which we believe are common to all mankind; a sense of pride in one's cultural heritage, a love for children, an eagerness for education, and a deep spiritual belief in a power far greater than man himself.
Our only regret is that we hesitated so long, considering family, home, jobs, health. Now we know that these matters are relatively unimportant. Bahá’u’lláh takes care of such things. But to us He leaves the choice to pioneer or not. This decision He will not make for us. And it is this choice that can bring such rich rewards. -AMOZ AND MARY GIBSON
From the forests and hills of eastern reservations to the desert and mountain reaches of the west, God-given opportunities and responsibilities await the coming of more pioneers. From the land of the Sioux in the north to the Seminole in the south; from the home of the Cherokee in the east to the Apache in the west, there beckon unclaimed opportunities to live among a people deeply loved by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to serve and to teach them. The American Indian Service Committee will receive with grateful hearts offers of pioneering from those of the friends who arise to fulfil the destiny of the Indian people, and their own...
Canada[edit]
THREE ASSEMBLIES INCORPORATED[edit]
APRIL, 1956
Canadian Bahá’í News, published by the National Bahá’í Assembly of Canada, has reported that the assemblies of Hamilton, Ottawa, and Winnipeg have been incorporated so far this year.
In other news items, Bahá’í News reports that the Eastern Ontario Teaching Committee sponsored a conference at Belleville on November 27. At an evening public meeting, the theme, "A Design for Living," emphasized the positive effect the Bahá’í teachings can have on our daily lives.
A two-day teaching conference was held at Ottawa on the week end of December 3-4. The discussion program brought out the responsibility of the individual to the Guardian, the Administrative Order, the Ten-Year Crusade, and to the building of the edifice of God on earth.
Laurentian Summer School[edit]
The Laurentian Bahá’í Summer School has announced its dates for the coming season, July 21 to August 5, 1956. Theme of the classes will be "The Development of the Individual."
[Page 11]
Local Spiritual Assembly of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, incorporated June 7, 1955.
IONAL NEWS[edit]
ARE YOU COMING TO THE CONVENTION?[edit]
Bahá’í delegates and visitors planning to attend the Convention should make their reservations at once. Hotel reservations should be made direct and a deposit must accompany the letter. One hotel requests the full amount because in the past it has had last minute cancellations. Hotels in Evanston where all Bahá’ís are welcome are:
The Evanshire Hotel, 860 Hinman Avenue Single $6.50, Double, $7.50, Twin beds, $9.50
The Evanston Hotel 840 Forest Avenue Single (private bath) $5, Single (connecting bath) $4, Double (private bath) $6.50, Twin beds (private bath) $7.50 (Remit full amount when making reservation)
The North Shore Hotel 1611 Chicago Avenue Single $6 and $7, Double $8.50 and $9.50 (T.V.) Twin beds $9 and $10
Delegates and visitors wishing accommodations in private homes should send their request for reservations to: Mrs. Priscilla Hassan 1244 Maple Avenue Wilmette, Illinois or to Mrs. Edna Coleman 1227 Leon Place Evanston, Illinois
Delegates and visitors are asked to bring current identification cards with them and to present them on registration.
For the Bahá’ís arriving early, there will be an informal reception in Foundation Hall, Wednesday evening, April 25, at 8:00 p.m.
Non-Bahá’ís should not be invited to attend the Convention. It is for believers only. However, the Feast of Ridván, Saturday evening, April 28, at 9:30 p.m., and the Bahá’í Public Congress, Sunday evening, April 29, are open to the public.
Bahá’ís planning to arrive a few days early, or to leave a few days after the Convention, and who are willing to help with various details, are requested to notify the Convention Arrangements Committee as soon as possible by writing: Mrs. Dorothy Redson, 681 Garland Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois.
INDIAN COMMITTEE PLANS LIBRARY[edit]
The American Indian Service Committee is assembling and building a reference library of authenticated and recent books on major tribes of American Indians.
The committee will be glad to receive books or authoritative literature which would be of help to prospective pioneers in this field.
Those teaching, or preparing to teach, in this pioneer field should address requests for loans of these books or literature to the librarian, Mrs. Janet N. Ward, 14 Palmcroft Drive, Tempe, Ariz.
Local Spiritual Assembly of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Incorporated August 26, 1955.
[Page 12]
The first Local Spiritual Assembly of Wichita, Kansas, elected
April 21, 1955.
OPPORTUNITIES WAITING IN SERVICE TO BLIND[edit]
The Committee on Bahá’í Service to the Blind reports that total sales of their literature have decreased, despite the added impetus of the Ten- Year World Crusade and increased teaching activity throughout the Bahá’í world.
They believe that, if the Bahá’ís were better informed of the services of this special agency for teaching the blind, more souls could be at- tracted to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. The importance of the services of this committee is emphasized in the following facts:
1. The Bahá’í Service for the Blind is a National Committee appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly for the purpose of preparing and dis- tributing Bahá’í literature for the blind.
2. Bahá’í literature for the blind is published according to the high standards set by the Library of Con- gress. The transcribing, therefore, must also conform to prescribed standards.
3. The blind ones can see the truth in the Bahá’í Teachings, provided you or I point the way.
4. Higher institutions of learning receive with each successive year more blind students. How can their hunger for truth be satisfied, unless they know where to find it?
5. Librarians report an increasing demand from their blind patrons for religious reading matter.
6. Offered are introductory pam- phlets, attractively prepared, at rea- sonable cost:
Bahá’ Teachings for a World Faith .$1.25 Prophecy Fulfilled 1.25 World Order Through World Faith .1.25 The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh 1.80 Communion with God .75 (Complete list upon request)
In order to acquaint and encourage you to think of your blind friends, or venture to find some, this Committee offers a package of the above list (purchased singly amounting to $6.30) for $5.00, plus postage.
It is suggested that local Spiritual Assemblies might include in their announcements at Feasts, public meetings, and firesides, the fact that Bahá’í reading materials for the blind are available and always ready to be put into service.
Address orders and inquiries to: Bahá’í Service for the Blind 842 N. Hayworth Avenue Los Angeles 46, Calif..
SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED AT MACY RESERVATION[edit]
The American Indian Service Com- mittee reports that there are vacan- cies in the grade schools in Thurston County, Nebraska, the location of the Macy Indian Reservation.
This is an opportunity for teachers to pioneer in the most important In- dian Service area in the country.
"BE A HERALD OF GOD"[edit]
It is my desire that His Holiness Bahá’ulláh shall be pleased with you; that you may follow His pre- cepts and become worthy of His con- firmations. The requirements are that your minds must be illumined, your souls must be rejoiced with the glad tidings of God, you must be- come imbued with spiritual morali- ties, your daily life must evidence faith and assurance, your hearts must be sanctified and pure, reflect- ing a high degree of love and attrac- tion toward the kingdom of El Abhá.
You must become the lamps of Bahá’ulláh so that you may shine with eternal light and be the proofs and evidences of His truth. Then will such signs of purity and chastity be witnessed in your deeds and actions. that men will behold the heavenly radiance of your lives and say "Ver- ily ye are the proofs of Bahá’u’lláh. Verily Bahá’u’lláh is the true one for He has trained such souls as these each one of whom is a proof in him- self." They will say to others "Come and witness the conduct of these souls; come and listen to their words, behold the illumination of their hearts, see the evidences of the love of God in them, consider their praiseworthy morals and discover the foundations of the oneness of humanity firmly implanted within them. What greater proof can there be than these people that the mes- sage of Bahá’u’lláh is Truth and Reality?"
It is my hope that each one of you shall be a herald of God, proclaim- ing the evidences of His appearance in words, deeds and thoughts. Let your actions and utterances be a wit- ness that you are of the Kingdom of Bahá’u’lláh. These are the duties en- joined upon you by Bahá’u’lláh.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá from Promulgation of
Universal Peace.
[Page 13]
YOUTH COLLEGE BUREAU POLLS STUDENTS[edit]
The College Bureau, recently organized by the National Bahá’í Youth Committee, is distributing a "College Questionnaire" to all Bahá’í Youth attending colleges.
When the listing of all colleges attended by Bahá’ís is completed, it will be published to assist others in the selection of a school where they can be of assistance to the Faith.
Youth who have not received a copy of this Questionnaire should write to Ken Kalantar, 3 Seminary Place, New Brunswick, N.J.
COLLEGE ACTIVITIES[edit]
Bahá’í Youth are now recognized members of the Religious Council at Arizona State College at Flagstaff, Arizona. The Youth are now preparing material for use in the Inter-Faith activities on the campus. This Bahá’í Youth group represents the only other religion besides Christianity at the college.
During Brotherhood Week, a group of Ashland College students and adults met at the home of Mrs. Bertha Harman, Ashland, Ohio. There was also an Intercalary Days party at Fred Morey's home in Mansfield, Ohio.
At the annual three-day religious forum at Smith College, Northhampton, Mass., many houses held discussions on the theme "Religion and the Modern Mind." Iradj Sabet, of Harvard, led the discussion at Northrop House, giving the Bahá’í viewpoint.
"The Bahá’í Faith and Religious Liberty" was the subject of the World Religion Day observance at the College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio.
Excellent preparation was made by Tim Rost for bringing the Bahá’í Faith to the campus of the University of Arkansas during the Religious Emphasis Week. As a result Dr. David Ruhe of Kansas City addressed eight class and seminar sessions, gave a radio talk and attended several informal sessions. Following this Dr. Ruhe appeared on a panel at Park College and attended other campus meetings during Religious Emphasis Week due to groundwork laid by Connie Uebner.
LITERATURE DISTRIBUTED IN BUTTE BUS STATION[edit]
The Bahá’í Group of Butte, Montana has completed a report on its first year's experience with a literature cabinet placed in the local bus station.
About 75 pamphlets and leaflets are stocked in the cabinet, and a daily check is made to keep the display tidy, and to replenish the supply of literature. In the first year of operation, 3113 pieces were taken. Over a dozen titles were stocked during the year; the most popular proved to be Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith.
The project had the prior approval of the National Spiritual Assembly. In the words of the Butte Group, the cabinet "is a silent teacher on duty 24 hours of each day, every day of the year."
NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS[edit]
"Journey to the Temple," a sound film in color made by Edmund Dover of Maui, Hawaii, during his visit to Wilmette in 1954, has been shown to the friends of Maui and Honolulu.
Maui also reports a monthly 15 minute radio broadcast over station KMVI, and a weekly newspaper column on the Faith in the Maui News.
An average of 70 pieces of literature have been distributed each week to public display boxes in the railroad station, bus depots, and hotels by the Anchorage, Alaska, community.
The Memphis, Tenn., community, which opened a Bahá’í Center last October, reports the joy of having a home of their own has stimulated attendance at meetings, and has brought the community closer together. They now hold regular open meetings that include a Sunday Devotional Hour, a study class, and a Children's Hour, beside the usual Bahá’í meetings.
Albuquerque, N. Mex., Bahá’í Children's Class teacher, Mrs. Vada Allen, has been chosen "Teacher of the Year" in the New Mexico public school system.
A Braille edition of The Hidden Words, offered to the library of the San Francisco Blind Center, has been gratefully accepted. This book was donated by the San Francisco community.
Anchorage, Alaska, sponsored a party for a group of Eskimo dancers from Nome, King Island, and Little Diomede Island, who presented their native dances at the annual Anchorage Fur Rendezvous. The party included an informal lunch and group games, which the Eskimos thoroughly enjoyed. This is the second year that such a party was given for these Eskimo visitors.
The Anchorage Recording District was host to the Anchorage community and their contacts on February 25, with an Intercalary Party.
DO YOU HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS OR NEWS[edit]
. . of the achievement of a World Crusade goal, the formation of a new assembly or its incorporation, an Area Conference, a Summer School session, teaching activity among the Indians and Eskimos, magazine, newspaper and radio publicity, or work with other organizations that brings recognition to the Faith?
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is anxious to print those pictures or stories, and share them with all the friends. Don't delay! Timeliness is important. Our deadline is the first of the month preceding the month of issue.
Photographs we receive cannot be returned; they are sent to The Bahá’í World Editorial Committee, so you have two opportunities for publication.
We need your help to make BAHÁ’Í NEWS the outstanding magazine desired by the Guardian and our National Assembly. Our address is:
BAHÁ’Í NEWs Editorial Committee
110 Linden Avenue
Wilmette, Illinois
[Page 14]
MONTHLY REPORT ON WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET[edit]
Third Year Where we should be: $483,000 Where we are: $328,000
National Bahá’í Fund As of March 15, 1956
Total Budget for Entire Year: $550,000.00 (Average Monthly Requirements: $46,000.00)
Monthly receipts to date: May 1-15: $15,500.00 May 15-June 15: $22,500.00 June 15-July 15: $23,500.00 July 15-Aug. 15: $19,500.00 Aug. 15-Sept. 15: $37,000.00 Sept. 15-Oct. 15: $40,000.00 Oct. 15-Nov. 15: $27,000.00 Nov. 15-Dec. 15: $28,000.00 Dec. 15-Jan. 15: $39,500.00 Jan. 15-Feb. 15: $40,500.00 Feb. 15-Mar. 15: $35,000.00
Total: $328,000.00 Accumulated deficit as of March 15, 1956: $155,000.00
AREA NEWS BULLETINS[edit]
The Bahá’í United Nations Committee sponsored a meeting at Greenwich, Conn., on February 5, with Norman Cousins speaking on the importance of unity in the world, it has been reported in the Area Bulletin for the New England States. Also reported was an Area Conference held at the Boston, Mass., Center on February 19. The theme of the meeting was "A Blessing in Disguise." Iradj Sabet told of his recent visit to frán. during the persecutions of the Bahá’ís there.
The South Atlantic States Area Bulletin gives details of a group meeting at the State College (A & M) at Orangeburg, S.C., arranged by a Bahá’í who is a history teacher there. A second meeting was held at the Baptist Church there, with the cooperation of the pastor, who has visited the House of Worship in Wilmette. This Area Bulletin also states that Greenville, S.C., "joyfully reports a new believer," and that the Orlando, Fla., Bahá’ís met with members of the local Theosophical Society, with great interest shown in the Bahá’í literature presented. A "very successful" World Religion Day meeting is reported for Tampa, Fla. with 42 people attending, one-third of them non-Bahá’ís.
Bahá’ís of Mississippi attended a meeting at Jackson, Miss., on February 26, on the subject of the Covenant and Administration. The Bulletin for the Tennessee Valley States also reports that the Public Library in Nashville, Tenn., had a book display of the books of various religions. The exhibit was suggested by the Bahá’ís, and their list of books was used for the display, as well as the large poster, "Some Living Religions."
The Area Bulletin for the Northwestern States lists cities in their area that held public meetings for World Religion Day: Corvallis, Eugene, Salem, Olympia, Tacoma, Kirkland, Everett, Bellingham, Yakima, Lewiston, and Grangeville.
A Teaching Conference for the South Central States was held at Springfield, Mo., on February 25-26, it is announced by their Area Bulletin. "World Brotherhood Through World Faith" was the theme of the conference. The Bulletin also reports that Kansas Bahá’í Youth are holding monthly meetings in Emporia.
Silver Spring, Md., used Valentine Day as an opportunity to proclaim the Faith to neighborhood children, according to the Area Bulletin for the Central Atlantic States. Valentine cards not only told the story of St. Valentine, but used quotations from the Bible, and from The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh.
Pueblo, Colo., (goal city) now lists eight Bahá’í’s in the community, and hopes for the enrollment of several others to attain Assembly status by April, it is reported in the Rocky Mountain States Bulletin. Pueblo has a contact who is part Cherokee. They conduct weekly classes on the Faith, and have given a talk to a local youth organization.
The Southwestern States Area Teaching Committee has issued an eight-page special edition of their Bulletin titled "Suggestions on Teaching." It is compiled from reports of the conferences held in that area in October, 1955, and is excellently prepared.
The North Central States Area Bulletin lists the goal cities for their area: Grand Forks, Bismark, and Minot, N. Dak., Rapid City, S. Dak. and Lincoln, Neb.
-NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
[Page 15]
Group attending a Youth Conference at the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, on January 7-8, 1956, representing the Central and East Central States.
BAHA’Í WORLD VOLUME XII[edit]
The Bahá’í World, Volume XII, is now in production and the present schedule calls for completion in June, 1956. Based on estimates of the final cost, the price of this historic volume will be $15.00 per copy.
This volume will contain many items which the believers will greatly treasure. The Guardian has personally prepared certain maps, and there are also photographs of the Hands of the Cause, the Intercontinental Conferences, and other valuable materials of all of the historic events of the period 1950-1954, including the various Centenary observances and the launching of the World Crusade.
The National Assembly is greatly pleased with the number of advance orders for this volume already received by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. The accompanying $5.00 deposits have been helpful in meeting the initial expenses of production. Since this will be a limited edition, the National Assembly hopes that the friends who wish to be assured of receiving their copies will continue to send in their orders and deposits and thus be guaranteed delivery as soon as the book is off the press.
SETS OF BAHA’Í WORLD NOW COMPRISE SEVEN VOLUMES[edit]
Volumes II and III of The Bahá’í World are no longer available. This means that a "set" of Bahá’í World volumes now is comprised of seven volumes only—IV, V, VI, VIII, IX, X, and XI. All seven volumes can be purchased, postpaid, for the price of $40.00. (If shipped outside the U.S. and its possessions, the price is $43.50, postpaid). This "set" may also be purchased on an installment plan, (within the U.S. only) details of which are available from the Publishing Trust. Individual prices on the volumes remain the same as listed in the 1955-56 Literature Catalog.
"STORY SUPPLEMENT" VALUABLE CHILD TEACHING MATERIAL[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly recommends the Story Supplement for God Passes By as a source of good teaching and story material for children and junior youth.
It includes intimate stories from the lives of the Founders of the Faith, and a map of their journeys. This compilation is drawn from many sources, including the Diary of Mahmud. The price is $1.00 per copy, available from Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Heart of the Gospel. George Townshend. The paperbound edition of this title, out of print for over a year, is now available at the former price of $1.25. The clothbound edition is temporarily out of print in England but will be available shortly. Orders are being recorded for future delivery.
OUT OF STOCK ITEMS To Be Reprinted[edit]
The Books of God Are Open. By E. S. Campbell. This title will be temporarily out of stock, pending decision of the National Assembly concerning revisions and expansion of this work.
The Chosen Highway. By Lady Blomfield. A new printing of this book of spoken chronicles of Bahíyyih Khánum and other members of the Holy Family, stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London and in Paris, and letters and documents of early believers, will be made.
Note: Orders will be recorded on above titles and later announcements made in this department.
OUT OF PRINT Discontinued Titles[edit]
My Religious Faith. By Bernard Leach. The limited supply of this pamphlet received by the Publishing Trust for distribution has now been used, and a new supply is not anticipated.
Two Roads We Face. By Wm. Kenneth Christian.
Children's Literature[edit]
A number of children's titles that have been carried for several years are either out of stock or very low in supply. At present the Child Education Committee is reviewing the items in order to make suggestions regarding the future needs of these materials or changes that may be made. Pending these suggestions, and the final decisions of the National Assembly, the following items will not be available: Bahá’í Principles For Children, Comprehensive Study Outline for Children, A Junior's Book of Religion, Children's Study Course for Bahá’u’lláh and The New Era.
[Page 16]
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
FEASTS April 9 Jalál (Glory). April 28—Jamál (Beauty)
HOLY DAYS[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
BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CONVENTION[edit]
April 26-29
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING[edit]
April 25
HAVE YOU MOVED RECENTLY?[edit]
DID YOU MISS ONE OR TWO ISSUES OF BAHÁ’Í NEWS?
Perhaps these two facts go hand-in-hand. If you are a member of a community and contemplating a change of address—be sure to notify your Local Assembly secretary immediately.
If you are isolated, send this information directly to the National Bahá’í Office 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Your prompt cooperation is necessary to keep the address files of the National Bahá’í Office up to date and accurate.
BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP[edit]
Visiting hours Weekdays and Saturdays: 1:00-4:00 P.M. (the Auditorium will be open) Sundays: 10:30 A.M.-5:00 P.M. (the entire building will be open) Service of Worship: Sunday at 3:30 P.M., lasting until 4:15.
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." —BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
Tucson, Arizona: Mrs. Dorothy K. Emick to Mr. Graham Stewart on January 22, 1956.
Chicago, Illinois: Miss Eleanor Kelsey to Mr. Robert Metz on February 9, 1956.
Westchester, Pennsylvania: Mrs. Jane Lear Talley to Mr. Russel Emet Bashore on February 25, 1956.
BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES[edit]
AREA TEACHING COMMITTEE ATC For Central Atlantic States Miss Louise Jackson, Secretary, 1402 L Street, N.W., Apt. 4, Washington, D. C.
ATC For Tennessee Valley States Mrs. Louise B. Matthias, Secretary, 636 South 39th St., Birmingham, Alabama.
Colorado Denver: Miss Gwili Posey, 2290 So. Pine, Apt. 730, zone 10 Jefferson County: Mrs. Doris Kirkham, Secy. pro tem, 1355 Brentwood St., Lakewood
Illinois Springfield: Mrs. Anna K. Jurgens, 322½ N. 13th Street
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." —BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
Mr. Tim Reeves Chicago, Illinois November, 1955
Mrs. Lucretia J. Flett Port Chester, New York December 7, 1955
Mrs. Thyra Simonsen San Bernardino, California December 13, 1955
Mrs. Zorayeh Hutchinson Los Angeles, California February 4, 1956
Mr. Carl C. King Washington, D.C. February 9, 1956
Miss Bertha L. Herklotz North Quincy, Massachusetts February 12, 1956
Mrs. Margie Peliske Grand Rapids, Michigan February 13, 1956
Mrs. Shawkat ‘Ali Faraju’llah Tripoli February 15, 1956
Mrs. Deborah Gibson Washington, D.C. February 16, 1956
Mrs. Marian Snyder West Chester, Pennsylvania February 20, 1956
Mrs. Helen M. Bellows Ray Brattleboro, Vermont February 27, 1956
Mr. Albert Windust Chicago, Illinois March 9, 1956
ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES[edit]
California Beverly Hills: Miss Mary Ellen Reese, 439 N. Bedford Dr., Apt. 14.
New Hampshire Portsmouth: Mrs. Carroll S. Gobbi, Secy. pro tem, 30 Parker St.
BAHÁ’Í 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 Community.
Reports, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from National Assemblies of other lands. Material is due in Wilmette on the first day of the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1955-56: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Richard Thomas.
Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue. Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
Change of address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette. Illinois, U.S.A.
