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| No. 316 | BAHA’I YEAR 114 | JUNE, 1957 |
Baha’i World Center Beautifies Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land[edit]
International Archives Building, nearing completion, with Shrine of the Báb in the distance.
“Dual Inescapable, Paramount Responsibilities”[edit]
Message From the Guardian
Assembly’s dual inescapable, paramount responsibilities (for) current year (are to) ensure expansion (and) consolidation (of the) homefront (and the) rapid multiplication (of) pioneers abroad (to) reinforce Latin American, African, European (and) Pacific campaigns (of) World Crusade. Fervently supplicating signal success (in) fulfillment dearest hopes.
—SHOGHI
Cable received May 7, 1957
Beloved Friends:
In this post-Convention message addresed to the National Spiritual Assembly the beloved Guardian concentrates upon two “inescapable, paramount responsibilities” of the majestic import of his Convention Message. Let us ponder that message in the light of this later cable.
The various tasks listed in Shoghi Effendi’s Convention Message are discussed elsewhere in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
The whole impact of our collective undertakings this year is tremendous, and their importance must be taken to heart and fulfilled in heroic sacrifice and action.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Balustrade for balconies of International Archives Building.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
A Thrice Blessed World Crusade 1957-1958[edit]
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The National Convention held this year assembled 967 Bahá’ís, and concentrated their serious and reverent attention on the beloved Guardian’s Convention Message, a copy of which went to every believer with the May issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS. The unity of spirit, the maturity of understanding, and the stirring response evidenced to Shoghi Effendi’s appeal made this Convention a potent instrument for arousing the entire American Bahá’í Community to achieve its historic mission during the current year.
What is this historic mission? The Guardian’s Message challenges us to carry out the following tasks:
1. The rededication of the individual believers.
2. Proclamation of the Faith to the multitudes.
3. Resettlement of any virgin teritories which pioneers have been obliged to abandon.
4. Opening up the three remaining islands assigned to the United States —Spitzbergen, Hainan, and Sakhalin.
5. Settlement of one Bahá’í in each Soviet Republic on the European continent: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, White Russia, Moldavia and Ukraine. (Some of these areas have been assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of Persia, some to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria, and some to the National Spiritual Assembly of Scandanavia and Finland. However, American Bahá’ís are called upon to assist in this project as a task of utmost importance.)
8. Settlement of the Soviet satellites: Mongolia, Albania, Roumania.
7. Settlement of the two islands in the Soviet orbit assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States: Sakhalin and Hainan.
8. The broadening and consolidating of the foundations of the newly-emerged National and regional National Spiritual Assemblies.
9. Safeguarding the status of all
established local Spiritual Assem[Page 3]
blies and increasing the number of
Assemblies.
10. Multiplication of the number of local groups and isolated centers.
11. Acquisition of the two remaining Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds: Lisbon and Caracas.
12. Acquisition of the two remaining endowments: Peru and Portugal.
13. Acquisition of the remaining Temple site: Stockholm.
14. Translation and publication of the remaining languages listed in the Ten Year Plan: some Latin American Indian languages, and Lapp in Europe.
15. Making an immediate beginning on the construction of the Home for the Aged.
16. Expediting the incorporation of local and newly formed National Spiritual Assemblies.
17. Assisting in the establishment of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
18. Obtaining the right to conduct legal Bahá’í marriages by an increasing number of local Assemblies.
19. Increasing the number of public schools recognizing Bahá’í Holy Days.
20. Contributing to the cost of constructing the Bahá’í Temples in Sydney, Australia; Frankfurt, Germany; and Kampala, Uganda.
21. Deepening the Bahá’ís on the home front, expanding the number of individual believers, and consolidating the local institutions in order to provide a larger reservoir for the World Crusade.
Beloved Friends! To appreciate the vital urgency of achieving these tasks we must, as individuals, as local groups and communities, and as committees, study and meditate on the Guardian’s Convention Message as a whole, recalling that this same Message was sent to all national conventions throughout the world. The above list of tasks represents those particularly related to the United States. This Message, incidentally, presents a most significant summary of the decline of the old order amidst afflictive disturbances and the rise of the Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
Our tasks for 1957-1958 fall into several classifications: individual regeneration, which each Bahá’í must undertake with God’s help for himself by prayer, meditation, and whole-hearted service to the Faith; proclamation of the Faith to the multitudes, a collective task with which the National Spiritual Assembly and many of its national committees are deeply concerned; pioneer settlements and consolidation of the foundation: of the nine new National Spiritual Assemblies, a task primarily resting upon the Intercontinental Teaching Committees functioning in the Western Hemisphere, in Western Europe, in Africa and in Asia; settlement of Soviet Republics and satellites, a project involving special conditions and one which the National Spiritual Assembly will directly supervise; tasks related to the home front, the special responsibility of the National and Area Teaching Committees, the American Indian Service Committee and the Bahá’í Interracial Committee, with the assistance of the National Spiritual Assembly in devising special homefront campaigns and materials; contributing to the cost of three Temples, a task which can only be performed as American Bahá’í: support the National Fund. Indeed, as the Guardian pointed out years ago, the National Fund is the “lite blood” of all our national institutions and enterprises, and the means by which the individual Bahá’í can measure his own devotion to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
The National Spiritual Assembly asks for intensive study of the two homefront campaigns presented elsewhere in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
Why has the Guardian termed this a “thrice blessed Crusade?” The National Spiritual Assembly under
New door for the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh in Bahjí. Beyond this
door, beneath the floor, the Roll of Honor of the Knights of
Bahá’u’lláh will be placed.
stands this term to refer to the blessing conferred by the Master in revealing the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and to the blessings received by association with the Jubilee of the Birth of the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh in 1953 and with the Great Jubilee to be celebrated in 1963 when the Crusade attains its consummation in Baghdád.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
The Conference of Badasht[edit]
In accordance with a Convention recommendation, the National Spiritual Assembly makes the following brief reference to the Conference of Badasht in order to explain the Guardian’s allusion to the Conference in his Convention Message:
“I appeal . . . for the purification, the unification, and the spiritualization of a morally and spiritually bankrupt society, now hovering on the brink of self-destruction, for a renewed dedication . . . on the part of the entire company of my spiritual brethren . . . a dedication reminiscent of the pledges which the Dawn-breakers of an earlier Apostolic Age, assembled in conference at Badasht . . . willingly and solemnly made for the prosecution of the collective task with which they were confronted.”
The Guardian’s description of the Conference will be found on pages 31-34 of God Passes By.
Badasht was located on the border of Mázindarán. The Conference was held during the early days of the incarceration of the Báb in the fortress of Chihríq. “The primary purpose of that gathering was to implement the revelation of the Bayán by a sudden, a complete and dramatic break with the past—with its order, its ecclesiasticism, its traditions, and ceremonials.” In the hamlet of Badasht Bahá’u’lláh rented three gardens, one assigned to Quddús, another to Ṭáhirih, the third reserved for Himself. Eighty-one disciples of the Báb assembled as the guests of Bahá’u’lláh. The climax of the conference was the action of Ṭáhirih in divesting herself of the traditional veil worn by the women of Islam and proclaiming the inauguration of a new Dispensation. ‘(The call she sounded was the death-knell of the twelve hundred year old law of Islam.”
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
First Bahá’í group of St. Georges, Grenada, Windward Islands.
A Teaching Campaign to Revitalize the Home Community[edit]
The First Step
Beloved Friends:
American Bahá’ís will be startled to learn that Marcus Bach, author of The Circle of Faith and several other studies in current religions, has written an article entitled “Bahá’í: A Second Look,” which appeared in the Christian Century magazine of April 10, 1957. The National Spiritual Assembly is reliably informed that this article is the most effective publicity about the Faith yet seen, by an outstanding university educator in touch with developments in the religious field.
Appreciating the possibilities of wide use of the Bach article, and realizing the need of a strong teaching impetus throughout the home front, the National Assembly has authorized the Bahá’í Publishing Trust to order a large quantity of reprints. A reprint is enclosed with this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS sent to every American believer, with a large supply on reserve for purchase by individual friends and local communities to hand or mail to their Christian friends and contracts.
What the National Spiritual Assembly proposes is nation-wide participation in a simple yet effective teaching plan as the first step in a determined effort to revitalize the home community. Therefore the friends are urged to send the Publishing Trust immediate orders for good quantities of the Christian Century reprint in order that tens of thousands of Christians may receive this challenging statement by the eminent Marcus Bach. The Christian Century itself is regarded as the expression of liberal Christianity and is read by leaders in all sects.
It should be noted that all copies of the reprint distributed, whether by individual believers or by local Assemblies, should carry the identification of the donor in order to assure that interested inquires can be duly handled.
The cost of the reprint is exceedingly low. The Publishing Trust supplies it in quantities of 25 at $1.00, and in quantities of 100 at $3.00, 500 for $12.00.
The most convenient and helpful Bahá’í reply to the vital question raised by Marcus Bach in his article is the use of the Bahá’í pamphlet The Lord of the New Age. This offers the friends an ideal follow-up to the reprint, and in ordering the reprints the individual believer and the local Assembly should also order a good supply of The Lord of the New Age. This item is supplied by the Publishing Trust at the very moderate cost of 20 copies for $1.00, or 100 copies for $4.50.
Group attending a public meeting at the San Salvador, El Salvador, Bahá’í center during a two-day teaching conference held on January 12-13, 1957.
As this teaching campaign develops there will be other featured Bahá’í material for effective contact
and fireside use. The new pamphlet
Bahá’í Answers has an unlimited
field of service, and soon we will
have a portfolio of Temple photographs, which makes an impressive
gift to an editor, a radio or TV program director, or to a library.
The hour is urgent. The Bach article is a providential contact with Christians. United action assures the revitalization of the Bahá’í community. The National Spiritual Assembly presents this matter with a prayerful appeal that it will galvanize even the most timid or inexperienced believer to action, and that we will find cause for national rejoicing in the results.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
National Teaching Campaign on Promotion of Townshend Book “Christ and Bahá’u’lláh”[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has been directed by the beloved Guardian to make Christ and Bahá’u’lláh by George Townshend the “basis of a very active teaching campaign.” From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian by the Assistant Secretary dated April 19, 1957, the following excerpts are quoted:
“The beloved Guardian has been very impressed with the latest book written by our dear departed coworker, George Townshend, Christ and Bahá’u’lláh.
“This book outlines clearly the relationship of Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, and presents the manner in which the Bahá’ís are setting up the Kingdom of God for which the Christians are praying.
“It is challenging, and surely will affect many religious leaders.
“The Guardian feels your Assembly should make this book the basis of a very active teaching campaign.”
After consultation on this important directive, the National Spiritual Assembly has adopted plans involving: distribution of copies directly by the National Assembly to a large number of representative Christian clergy of various denominations; efforts to obtain publicity and book reviews; advertising the book in a leading Christian weekly magazine.
Believers are requested to send to our National Headquarters the names and addresses of church leaders who they feel should be included in the National Spiritual Assembly distribution.
Other assistance needed in this campaign is the placing of a copy in the local library by individual believers, groups or committees, and the widespread use of Christ and Bahá’u’lláh in Bahá’í study classes and as material for public teaching.
The vital importance of Mr. Townshend’s book is as an exposition of the Faith which answers the questions raised by the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments.
The distribution of the book to clergy at this time is undertaken solely by the National Spiritual Assembly
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Contacts with Visitors from Other Countries[edit]
In the November 1956 BAHÁ’Í NEWS (page 2) the National Spiritual Assembly published certain paragraphs of a letter written on behalf of the Guardian by his Secretary on July 19, 1956, calling upon the American Bahá’í to give more attention to the matter of making contacts with minorities in the United States.
In light of the Guardian’s Convention Message, which emphasizes the all-important task of broadening and consolidating the foundations of the newly-emerged national and regional assemblies as well as for “acceleration in the process of individual conversion,” the instructions of the Guardian in the letter referred to above take on even greater significance.
“A great impetus could be lent to the work in the European countries, in certain far-eastern areas, and in Latin America,” he says, “if the Bahá’ís residing in the big cities and university towns would make a determined and sufficient effort to extend friendship and hospitality to students and nationals from countries where the Bahá’ís are struggling so hard to establish the Faith. They would not only have the possibility of making more local believers, but they would also increase the membership of communities abroad, by sending back Bahá’ís from the United States. . . .”
In accordance with the Guardian’s instructions contained in the same letter, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed a special committee to survey the possibilities and to make recommendations as to how the American Bahá’í community can apply this directive. The report of the committee has been studied and the National Spiritual Assembly now takes this means of conveying its suggestions to the believers.
These suggestions are by no means the only ways in which this important work may be carried forward, but they provide a starting point and the National Spiritual Assembly hopes that as the communities develop local plans and gain experience in this type of teaching they will send their reports to be shared with all the Bahá’ís through BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
From the survey of the special committee we quote the following comments and recommendations:
“The number of foreign students in this country runs into the tens of thousands. Many of them are be-friended by Bahá’ís. At most of our larger universities the Bahá’ís make every effort to work with these minorities, but there must be thousands more who could be reached if we make the effort.
“How does one get to know foreign students? Sometimes a university will have a dean, or a counselor, of foreign students who is usually only too happy to have others help him with this concern for the visitors. Or there may be a local organization, such as the YWCA or the YMCA, a service group, or perhaps one sponsored by one or more churches, in charge of placing foreign students in American homes. If there are these opportunities, the Bahá’ís should let it be known that they are eager to cooperate. It is important to make it clear that our interest is genuine and personal, and not primarily to proselytize.
Bahá’í meeting at Macau, China, on March 31, 1951, at the home of Carl Scherer, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause.
“If there is no person or organization to help foreign students at a
university, or at a nearby Army or
Air Force base, here is a wonderful
opportunity for the Bahá’ís to organize a service committee.
“What can you do with foreign students? Above all, give them or show them family life. You can, and you should be, their family away from home. Invite them to informal meals (include the children) and visit them afterwards. Show them places of local or historical interest; take them to visit a farm or a school. These things are far more interesting than a conducted tour.
“Always be guided by their reactions and by what they say as to how you can show your friendship or what to do with them. Simple things like finding a doctor or a dentist, getting proper clothing for winter, finding the foods they are used to, or finding a tutor for English—all offer opportunities to show real interest and concern.
“And finally, ask them to speak at a fireside or other Bahá’í gathering about their country, their faith. It will be interesting to the friends and gratifying to them to be asked. Do not exert pressure toward getting them to attend study classes unless they express interest.”
The National Spiritual Assembly strongly recommends that youth members of the community, or even youth contacts, make friends with these visitors; also that every effort be made to keep in touch with them as they move about within the country by putting them in touch with other believers who might follow up the interest that has been created. Make real friends of them, and encourage them to include a fellow student or national in whatever plans are made for them from time to time.
Another suggestion for commumities in cities where there are foreign consulates is to offer the assistance of the Bahá’ís to entertain for a few hours individual members of groups of visitors who come to this country from time to time for study purposes. Experience has shown that this is a service that is greatly welcomed both by those’ responsible for planning the programs for these people (particularly over weekends), and by the visitors themselves, who may have few opportunities in their crowded schedules to observe American family life.
Dear friends: These are but a few first suggestions as to how we can not only befriend and serve these Visitors who, as our Guardian says, “ . . . are invariably lonely, and often respond to kindness much more quickly than the well-established majority of the population,” but through whom we may be of inestimable assistance to the pioneers.
In the words of the survey committee: “Think what it must mean to a pioneer to find a friend among the native population, someone who has been with the Bahá’ís in this country while he was a student at one of our universities, or a visitor on some special study. It would be wonderful, of course, if the visitor could go home a Bahá’í, but there may be very good reasons why he does not, or cannot, declare himself here. But even as ‘a friend of the Cause’ he will be able to open doors for the pioneer that otherwise might remain shut.”
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Removed from Membership[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has found it necessary to remove Mr. Calvin C. Steinmetz from membership in the Bahá’í community. This action deprives him of his voting rights, participation in Nineteen Day Feasts, and other activities reserved for Bahá’ís.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska, formed
during Ridván 1957.
INTERCONTINENTAL COMMITTEES[edit]
Europe
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR FRANCE ACQUIRED[edit]
Exciting news for all Bahá’ís is the accomplishment of one of the French goals of the Ten-Year Crusade. On March 2, 1957, a beautiful tract of wooded land was purchased to serve as the Bahá’í National Endowmentfor France.
The French Endowment is located in Normandy, in the Department of Orne, about six kilometers from the town of Le Theil sur Huisne.
An irregular rectangle of land, the property is situated in a lovely green and rolling countryside of farms and forests. Lying atop a small plateau, it overlooks a shallow valley.
The achievement of this goal was made possible through the generous contributions of Mrs. Amelia Collins, Hand of the Cause, and a Persian Bahá’í pioneer to France.
After signing of the contract, the special committee of the Paris Assembly charged with the execution of the purchase of the Endowment visited the property. In a small clearing of a grove of trees, the group sat on the trunk of a felled pine tree for a brieF service of dedication.
Three prayers of praise were read, followed by the reading of “From the sweet-scented streams . . . ,”
“Blessed is the spot . . . ," and the prayer from the “Tablets of the Divine Plan,” “O Thou incomparable God!” It was a deeply moving experience, and each one fervently hoped that this beautiful spot would, in the years to come, be a rallying point for a strong French Bahá’í Community.
—EUROPEAN TEACHING COMMITTEE
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
Alaska
ALASKAN BAHÁ’ÍS FORM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
“The historic moment has arrived!” With these words, and the reading of the Tablets of Visitation revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paul E. Haney, Hand of the Cause of God, opened the first Alaskan Convention in Anchorage on April 22, 1957.
With 100% representation of delegates, the Convention got under way with the election of permanent convention officers. Mr. Robert E. Moul was elected chairman and Mrs. Rose Perkal Yarno, secretary.
The first thing on the agenda was the reading of the Convention Message from the beloved Guardian to the Alaskan Bahá’ís, by Mr. Haney. Discussion of this letter was taken up throughout the three-day Convention. The long Convention Letter was also read.
There were many greetings received and read. A cablegrarn from Honor Kempton, first Bahá’í to settle in Alaska, was received from Switzerland. A letter from the Auxiliary Board member, Florence Mayberry, was read and tears of joy shown in the eyes of all present when she wrote: “The prayers that I shall be saying will have a special potency, not due to the one who will
Two views of the National Endowment of France, purchased on March 2, 1957, a
beautiful tract of wooded land in Normandy about 170 kilometers from Paris.
be saying them, but the Holy grounds on which they will be uttered, as I shall arrive in the Holy Land on April 22, 1957.” This was the very day that our Convention opened and throughout the three days there prevailed a great spiritual force that Was felt by all. She referred to the Alaskan Bahá’ís as “the Northern Lights of Bahá’u’lláh.”
As the time drew near for the election of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, Mr. Haney said “The mysterious process of Bahá’í elections constitute worship in the real sense of the word.” He also said, “An event is about to take place in this room, the significance of which no one of us can fully understand . . . only the Guardian can grasp its full significance!”
After reading words from the beloved Guardian, Mr. Haney called for absolute silence. Upon completion of the reading of two prayers, the roll call of delegates took place.
The newly elected National Spiritual Assembly and its officers are as follows: Robert E. Moul, chairman; Howard J . Brown, vice-chairman; Evelyn Huffman, secretary; Kathy Rodgers, recording secretary; and Lois K. Lee, treasurer. Other members are: Warren H. Rodgers, Janet Stout, Verne Stout, and Rose Perkal Yarno.
Regarding the teaching problems of the Native Peoples, the following are quotations from the various pioneers and the first Indians to embrace the Faith:
Frances Wells, pioneer at Barrow: “According to an Alaskan Native School teacher, the Barrow people have come up from the Stone Age to the Jet Age within 50 years.”
Bernard Blumenstein, pioneer at Nome: “What we need is more pioneers to go out into the field and ‘live the life.’ ”
Elaine Caldwell, pioneer at Unalaska: “When teaching by word of mouth we don’t get very far; living the life is the best teacher.”
Joyce Combs, first Indian believer in the Territory: “This Faith is for our people—we have been looking for it and need it!”
Mrs. Joyce Baldwin, Tsinshian Tribe: “Our people are united in race, disunited in feelings—wheri you teach, teach from your heart; our people Know when you are sincere.”
Bernard Guhrke, pioneer at Kodiak: “I’m sure that Kodiak has a great future, but we must proceed with caution.”
Maude Hartline, pioneer at Juneau: “The only way you can contact people is to work with them—meet them as friends first.”
Highlight of the Convention was when Paul Haney, acting as the Guardian’s personal representative, anuointed all present with attar of roses. The children were annointed during the nooritime recess and the adults in the evening after the election of the National Spiritual Assembly. At that time many wonderful gifts were presented to the National Spiritual Assembly, including two beautifully bound volumes of pictures from the Guardian.
There were two public meetings held during Convention: one, the Bahá’í Congress, held Sunday night preceding the opening, drew a crowd of 87 people. Mr. Verne Stout was chairman, with Mr. Paul Haney as speakers The second public meeting was the Feast of Riḍván. Mrs. Evelyn Huffman and Mrs. Lea Brown were on the program with Mr. Haney. Refreshments were served by the women of the Anchorage area.
Average attendance throughout the Convention was 66.
Referring to the Six-Year Plan that lies ahead for the newly formed National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Haney said: “What has been done in the past four years is just plain impossible, but it has been done because of the Guardian. The same will be true with the next six years —what the beloved Guardian has set for our goal will be accomplished!
It was apparent that those assembled left the first National Convention of Alaska with renewed spirit and energy, and that everyone returned to their respective homes with one objective foremost in their minds, to rededicate their lives to the teaching of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
—KATHY RODGERS
Convention Reporter
Bahá’í attending the First National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Alaska, held April 22-24 at Anchorage.
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay ,Uruguay
FORM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN BUENOS AIRES[edit]
The first historic Convention of the five countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay was held April 22, 23, 24 in the beautiful Alvear Palace Hotel, having a panoramic view of Buenos Aires.
Two days of Pre-Convention School (April 20, 21) preceded the Convention with the study of the Iqán, Bahá’í Administration with emphasis on the internal functioning of a National Spiritual Assembly, as well as inspiring talks by the distinguished representative of the Guardian and Hand of the Cause, Dr. ‘Ali Muhammad Varqá and by Mrs. Margery McCormick, representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. On the evening of April 19, all delegates and visitors were guests at a tea reception held in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
Since space would not permit a detailed report of this historic Convention, a resume of the distinctive events follows.
Bahá’í history will record the first pilgrimage of the believers of the five countries accompanying the Hand of the Cause, Dr. Varqá, to the Tomb of May Maxwell “living in solitary glory in the southern outpost of the Western Hemisphere,” whose Tomb, as promised by Shoghi Effendi “will become the historic center of pioneer Bahá’í activity.” The event took place on the first day of Riḍván April 21, as the friends gathered in the tranquil cemetery outside the village of Quilmés to pay homage to the radiant martyr who fills a special niche in the hearts of all South American believers.
The “Tablet of Visitation” was chanted in Persian by the Hand of the Cause, followed by its recitation for the first time in the Spanish language at this sacred spot.
Mrs. Margery McCormick placed rose petals from the Threshold of the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh in front of the winged Monument.
A bouquet of the most fragrant flowers obtainable (carnations) was placed in the name of May Maxwell’s beloved daughter, Rúḥíyyih Khánum. The fragrance and beauty of banked flowers lovingly arranged by the
Alaskan youth present at the First National Convention of the Bahá’ísof Alaska,
wit Paul E. Haney, Hand of the Cause.
friends, birds singing their praises,
a vibrating atmosphere of intense
peace, the abiding sense of the presence of May Maxwell and her cohorts in the Supreme Concourse combined to make this an unforgettable
shared experience. Without doubt,
the high inspiration and success of
the Convention can be greatly attributed to this united pilgrimage.
Unforgettable, too, will be the joyous Riḍván Festival, held on the evening of April 21, as Dr. Varqzi gave a new awareness of the meaning of this sacred festival, recalling the first Riḍván when the great Declaration was made, and the annual celebration of this event as the only holy period in which Bahá’í forces are united in formulating plans for action in the year ahead.
The recorded divine voice of the “star servant,” Martha Root, recited in clear ringing tones the “Tablet of Ahmad,” spoke of the Riḍván, gave a farewell exhortation to teach the Cause unceasingly, closed with the Greatest Name with such poignancy and power that all felt this ever-living heroine and “Pride of Bahá’í Teachers” in our midst.
To each of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds, the Paraguayan friends presented a_ Riḍván gift of framed delicate native nanduti lace with an inscription of love “that our hearts are woven together as in a delicate filigree of exquisite lace."
The Convention was officially opened April 22 by Mrs. Margery
McCormick in her capacity as representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. She focussed attention on the institutions of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
“The Crusades of the Middle Ages had as their goal the conquering of cities of brick, stone and mortar; our purpose in the Global Crusade is to conquer the cities of men's hearts. What is the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh? The Guardian has defined it as the sum total of all the institutions revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, through which the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh works and flows forth regenerating all mankind, bringing not only individual salvation but social salvation to all the human race.”
Then the Hand of the Cause, Dr. Varqá, lighted a candle from the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh, symbolically shedding illumination on the assemblage during the election of the Convention officers.
This was followed by the anointing of the friends by Dr. Varqá, using four flasks of attar of roses sent by the beloved Guardian for this purpose. Dr. Varqá then read the Guardian’s Convention Message to the four Latin-American Conventions.
The friends listened joyously to the congratulatory messages received from the American Hands of the Cause, the 15 National Spiritual Assemblies, the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee, the Local Spiritual Assemblies of Paris, France; Anchorage, Alaska; Bahia, Brazil; from the pioneer in the island of
Chiloe, and others.
Precious gifts for the new Archives included the two albums prepared by the Guardian with drawings of the Temples to be constructed and photos of all the Hazíratu’l-Quds; an exquisitely mosaic-framed picture of the Master, presented by Dr. Varqa in the name of the Bahá’ís of Ṭihran; a gold-lettered Greatest Name presented by Mrs. McCormick to all the local assemblies in the five countries.
The outstanding triumph announced this year was the formation of the first all-Indian assembly of South America in Bolivia. The Convention had the honor of receiving as a visitor Andres Jachacollo, first Bolivian Indian believer, who had undertaken the difficult train trip after taking the responsibility of participating in the election of this first assembly. Never will the voice of this mountain Indian believer be forgotten in his humble supplication and communion with his newly-found Lord, Bahá’u’lláh, as he offered up his first prayer in the Convention.
In solemn prayerful silence the delegates cast their votes electing as their trustees for the coming year the first Regional National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay: Jose Mielnik, chairman; Roque Centurion, vice-chairman; Roberto Cazcarra, secretary: Athos Costas, recording secretary; Fabienne Guillon, treasurer; and Alejandro Reid, Salvador Tormo, Ellen Sims, and Else Cazcarra.
The following Convention message was sent to the Beloved Guardian: “Believers, delegates deeply grateful presence Varqá, McCormick, express undeviating loyalty and devotion, beseech prayers Guardian merit trust, bring victorious conclusion tasks assigned Six-Year Plan, loving Riḍván greetings.”
—ELLEN SIMS
Convention Reporter
Iberian Peninsula
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FORMED IN MADRID[edit]
Under extraordinary divine protection, and with joyous thanksgiving and eager expectations, the first Iberian Convention was held in Madrid, on April 22-24, 1957, for the
Hong Kong Bahá’í community una their gueuts at the celebration oi Naw-Ruz on
March 21, 1957. The group includes an officer of the United Nations Association who
recently became Bahá’í and an American author and his wife who had visited
the House of Worship in Wilmette.
purpose of electing the first National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of
the Iberian Peninsula. The scene of
this “epochal event, fraught with
such far-reaching consequences, and
designed to confer manifold and enduring benefits on the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh,” (to use the Guardian’s
own words)—was the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, which had been officially
dedicated, on the evening of April
21st, by the Hand of the (house, Dr.
Ugo Giachery.
Charles Wolcott, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, sent especially to represent that body, convoked the Iberian Convention in its name, and presided until the election of its permanent chairman, Miss Virgnia Orbison, and secretary, Mr. Manuel Garcia Vasquez, after which he acted as counsellor on matters pertaining to administration and procedure.
Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the Cause, acting as the Guardian’s personal representative, brought two transcendental messages, one to the Conventions in general, duly translated into Spanish and read to the assembled delegates, and the special message addressed to the “simultaneously convoked Conventions,” read in its translation by Dr. Giachery, who also presented two unique and prized gifts, these being two beautifully leather-bound albums, one containing photographs of the existing Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, among them that of Madrid, and the other containing pictures of the Holy Places of the Bahá’í World; all this arranged and written in by the beloved Guardian’s own hand.
Dr. Giachery himself brought, to borrow his own words, “a small useful memento, a bell for the future chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly. It is an exact replica of the ship-bell of the Nina, Christopher Columbus’ little flag-ship,” symbol of “the debt of gratitude owed by America to Europe,” and in this later day, “a reminder of the debt of gratitude owed by Europe to the Americans for having brought the Bahá’í world civilization to its shores.”
Mr. Wolcott presented, in the name of the European Teaching Committee, a beautiful looseleaf book with plastic envelope leaves containing letters of acclamation from various national assemblies, among these being one from the United States and one from Persia. A wonderful letter from the beloved European Teaching Committee, who so tenderly and generously has directed faltering steps and encouraged efforts during the ten years of painful gestation, was read, and also deep gratitude was felt at being assured that a continued relationship would be maintained.
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States sent a copy of the new translation of the Master’s book, Secret of Divine Civilization, a wonderful addition to the Bahá’í library.
Mr. Charles Ioas, Mr. Angelo Carneiro, and Mr. Lopez Monge were
asked to draft a cable to the Guardian in which the Convention expressed its profound gratitude for the stimulating messages and for the unique gins, pledging united, dedicated, and active love. The cable was worded to comply with the restrictions to which the Bahá’ís are subject in Spain and Portugal.
On the afternoon or April 22nd, after special and fervent prayers said in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian, the 19 delegates (two by absentee ballots) from nine local Spiritual Assemblies, seven of Spain and two of Portugal, addressed themselves to the sacred task of electing the nine members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Iberian Peninsula. The three tellers, Mr. Luis Ortuno, Mr. Isidro Torrella and Mr. Pablo Fuentes, announced the following names as having received the highest number of votes: Charles Monroe Ioas, Ramon Escartin Alamanac, Manuel Garcia Vasquez, Virginia Orbison, Angelo da Silva Carneiro, Sara Tiffon Ramonet, Isidro Torrella Arnau, Luis Ortuno Puche, and Francisco Salas Heras.
This historic moment is one which can never be forgotten by those privileged to be present, and the embrace given each elected member of the new Spiritual Assembly by the revered Hand of the Cause, were accompanied by tears and exclamations of profound emotion and gratitude for having witnessed the seemingly impossible become a living and potent reality! Surely each heart made its own pledge to increase its devotion and service to the creative Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
Mr. Charles Monroe Ioas convoked the newly elected members in order to choose by secret majority vote the officers of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Iberian Peninsula, who were duly presented to the Convention during the Feast of Riḍván celebrated that same evening. They were: Charles Monroe Ioas, chairman; Ramon Escartin, vice-chairman; Manuel Garcia, secretary; Luis Ortuno, treasurer; Angelo Carneiro, asst. treasurer for Portugal; and Sara Tiffon, recording secretary.
Each of those present then had the honor of receiving from the Hand of the Cause the fragrance of attar of roses sent by the Guardian, thus feeling anew the blessing of a gift from the Sign of God on earth.
On the morning of the second day, April 23, the Guardian’s message to the Iberian Convention was again read, this time by the Secretary of the Convention. Mr. García, after which the delegates made an official recommendation to the new National Assembly to the effect that the subsidiary Six-Year Plan, contained in the message, be officially inaugurated.
During the ensuing sessions, attention and effort were concentrated on the goals outlined in the new Plan, which briefly, are: increase numbers of believers; multiply isolated centers, groups, and local assemblies; incorporate local assemblies when possible: inaugurate Regional Funds; stimulate translating, printing and disseminating of literature; obtain recognition by authorities of Bahá’í marriage certificates and Holy Days; extend the scope, and increase the number of summer schools; attraction, and conversion of Gypsies and Basques; and purchase plot for Temple on outskirts of Madrid.
Two of these goals were given a beginning by the opening of the Regional Fund with contributions from the various communities and individuals. A Temple Fund was also begun.
The beloved Guardian, in his message, again called upon the American Bahá’í Community to continue its “material and moral support” in this effort, for which indeed the Bahá’ís of the Peninsula felt most profound gratitude.
On the last day of the Convention, April 24, a cable was received from the beloved Guardian through the Hand of the Cause, in answer to the convention message sent to him. The text of the Guardian’s cable was:
“Assure friends supplicating fervently abundant blessings meritorious activities. Urge redouble efforts. Deepest Love.”
—SHOGHI
The Convention was officially closed after a brief summing up by the Secretary, short comments by Mr. Wolcott, Mrs. Tove Deleuran, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands, and by Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the Cause of God, who assured the assembled friends that he saw the light of Bahá’u’lláh in their eyes, brightly shining. All present were again annointed with the attar of roses from the Guardian, and the flask containing it presented to the Iberian Community.
Due to the fact that the Spanish and Portuguese authorities have so far refused to recognize the Faith, the rule that more than twenty persons cannot meet together without permission was observed. Therefore, as only the delegates and several official visitors were allowed to attend the sessions, a tape recording was made of the highlights, during the proceedings, to be played back to the Iberian communities in separate gatherings, so that they might also enjoy, even in such a restricted manner, the thrilling and historic happenings, which, through the power and unfailing protection of Bahá’u’lláh were celebrated by hearts overflowing with gratitude and a new spirit of complete dedication.
—VIRGINIA ORBISON
Convention Reporter
Benelux Coutries
BRUSSELS CONVENTION FORMS BENELUX NSA[edit]
At this unique occasion, the gathering of the delegates for the first National Convention of the Benelux countries in Brussels, Belgium, our thoughts went back over the past years.
It was a little over ten years ago that our beloved Guardian entrusted the American believers with the tremendous task to spread the Faith in the European countries, and that pioneers settle in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
A few years later, in 1949, the Benelux Regional Committee was appointed, with the purpose to sow the seed of cooperation in these three little countries.
With the never-failing help and assistance of our American friends, in the course of the following years the seed grew up, till a little but strong young tree was rooted in the soil of three neighboring countries.
An overwhelming feeling of joy and gratitude came over us all when we learned that our beloved Guardian found the young Benelux tree strong enough to range as a new pillar for the future International House of Justice in the row of National Spiritual Assemblies.
Almost 60 Benelux Bahá’ís came on April 20-22 to Brussels, to be presented at this historic event.
Our ranks were reinforced by our reliable friend, Dr. Herman Grossmann, Hand of the Cause of God, whose presence on various occasions in the past had become so very dear to us, and who came with a special message of our Guardian; and by two members of the Auxiliary Board, Louis Henuzet and Joel Marangella, who with their clear explanations contributed a better insight into our tasks for the remaining six years of the World Crusade.
At this historic moment a very special place in our midst was taken by H. Borrah Kavelin, treasurer and representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.
He fulfilled his tasks, to direct the Convention and later to assist the members of the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly, so inspiringly and charmingly that we could not help but see him as the personification of the cordial love that we experienced all the years before from the American National Assembly.
The Guardian’s message to the Convention and his special letter, presented to us by Dr. Grossmann, containing the specific tasks and goals for the Benelux countries, formed the main subject of the consultation.
We learned that from now on we have to share our own National Spiritual Assembly in the many-fold tasks, as: increasing to an unprecedented degree the number of the believers, multiplying the local Spiritual Assemblies and groups, inaugurating a Regional Fund, incorporating the Spiritual Assemblies, selecting and purchasing ground for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, and many others.
We realized very well that all of these tasks are heavy for us, very heavy; but in full trust in the Guardian’s guidance, his powerful prayers, and our own combined forces, we promised ourselves to go to work immediately, to show that we will be equal to the tasks that are entrusted to us, and that we have really understood God’s Plan for us and for the world we live in.
The election of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Benelux countries, so eagerly awaited, gave the following results: Louis Henuzet, Roger Swinnen, Mrs. Lea Nys, Miss Else de Koninck, Bob van Lith, Claude Levy, Jean Nys, Jan van Sy sling, and Fernand Nadar.
With that lovely aroma of the attar of roses around us, specially sent by the Guardian to Dr. Grossmann to anoint the friends, and loaded with a dynamic desire to proceed to action, we all went back to our own places enriched again by that very strange power that we drew from our first Convention.
—MR. AND MRS. B. VAN LITH
Convention Reporters
Scandinavia, Finland
STOCKHOLM HOLDS FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION[edit]
Like birds coming from all directions delegates, visitors, and messages converged on Stockholm, Sweden, April 22 for the first Convention to elect a National Spiritual Assembly for Scandinavia and Finland, representing Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, to be held through April 24, 1957.
Edna True, National Spiritual Assembly representative for the United States, came from Wilmette; Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel, Hand of the Cause of God, from Stuttgart; Honor Kempton, E.T.C. representative, from Geneva; Dorothy Ferraby, Auxiliary Board member, from London; Loyce Lawrence, Mildred Clark, Amelia Bowman, Josephine Kruka, and Greta Jankko, American pioneers, from Norway and Finland.
On arrival we were given the added joy of being present for the dedication of the newly acquired Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. The Stockholm Bahá’ís had worked day and night to have the house in readiness for the occasion, and now all was in order with beautiful flower arrangements adding perfume and beauty to the warmth and coziness of the house. As Dr. Mühlschlegel pointed out in his dedication address, we felt at home in this house, which “is like a flower to gladden seeking souls.” A warm welcome was extended by Hans Odemyr, chairman of the Stockholm Local Spiritual Assembly, to the delegates and visitors, and the hearts joined in loving reunion with the reading of the prayers by Edna True, Dorothy Ferraby and Martha Colliander.
The Convention was opened by Edna True, official representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, who evaluated the significance of the occasion for Scandinavia and Finland, and for the world, as beyond our comprehension, that we were witnessing “a momentous stage in the establishment of a New World Order, which we know is the Ark of Salvation to all mankind.” She also called attention to what was happening in the world this Riḍván with more than 42 territories participating in the election of 13 national Spiritual Assemblies on four continents of the globe!
Dr. Mühlschlegel in his remarks alluded to the American Bahá’í community, who through the pioneers had brought the seed to these countries that “had grown and flourished, and is now gathered by the Will of God and His Covenant to achieve a oneness and unity in variety through the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly.”
Sixteen of the nineteen delegates assigned by the Guardian,—and who had been elected by the Bahá’í communities of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo and Bergen,—answered the roll call. The Convention then proceeded to elect the Convention chairman, Hans Odemyr of Stockholm; and secretary, Gerd Strand of Oslo.
Our beloved Guardian’s message was then read by Dr. Mühlschlegel, and brought forth the first recommendation to the forthcoming National Spiritual Assembly that copies be made available to the believers in all four countries. Messages were also read from the European Teaching Committee, Assemblies, groups, and friends over the world, and all too quickly the first session was over.
At the Riḍván Feast held that evening, the fervor of the prayers and supplications read, created a heavenly atmosphere in which one felt God very near! A gift from the Guardian,—attar of roses,—was given by Dr. Mühlschlegel, who pointed out that when we use attar of roses, it is no rite or cult, “simply a token of the Guardian’s feelings for you all! The rose, the king of the flowers, gives its essence to the Guardian, the noblest of men, who gives it to you with the king of feelings, love, and with this I annoint you.” As we listened to the recording of the Message of the beloved Guardian, read by his representative, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, on the occasion of the dedica-
tion of the Temple in Wilmette, the fragrance of our Guardian’s love pervaded the atmosphere.
The program included a presentation of the goals of the World Crusade, with special reference to Scandinavia and Finland, by Lotus Nielsen of Stockholm; and “The Spiritual Significance of the National Spiritual Assembly.” by Gudrun Ofstegaard of Bergen. At the public meeting Gerd Strand of Oslo spoke of “Faith, Hope and Conviction,” and Hans Odemyr of Stockholm on “The Significance of the Bahá’í Teachings for the Individual and the Community.” Colored pictures of Bahá’í edifices at the World Center, and of the Temple in Wilmette added also to this lovely evening.
Each session began with a devotional period that was indeed the source of a great spiritual outpouring that prevailed during the entire Convention, and which reached the apex during the election of the National Spiritual Assembly. Edna True, before the prayers were read, called on the delegates to forget national boundaries and to be entirely impersonal in the performance of this greatest of all responsibilities which they were called upon to assume.
“Surely the eyes of Bahá’u’lláh are upon us,” she said. “Now let us strive to give Him those whom He wishes to serve Him in this area,” lifting the consciousness of all to that “rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and detachment . . .” so necessary in our Bahá’í elections.
Surely not one of us present will ever forget the spiritual atmosphere of that moment, nor the thrill that came with the announcement that the National Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia and Finland had been elected with the following members, listed with their appointed officers: Hans Odemyr, chairman; John Nielsen, vice-chairman; Gerd Strand, secretary; Lotus Nielsen, recording secretary; Gudrun Ofstegaard, treasurer: and Lisbeth Andersen, Palle Bischoff, Josephine Kruka, and Modesta Hvide.
The next morning we shared together the great bounty of hearing the voice of the Master chanting “Glad Tidings,” and the hearts were filled with such love, we became indeed as one family! Gifts from the Guardian were presented by Dr. Mühlschlegel,—two beautifully tooled leather albums, — one containing
Local Spiritual Assembly or the Bahá’ís of Brisbane, Australia, inccorporated on January l0, 1957.
colored pictures of Bahá’í edifices
and the designs of future Temples to
be erected, and the other contained
pictures of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds over
the world. Edna True presented a
red leather folder, a gift from the
E.T.C., containing the acclamations
from the established National Spiritual Assemblies, which she read, and
messages from loving friends conveying greetings and congratulations
followed.
Then the melody from the hearts of these birds “in the rose garden of His grace” rose in a great anthem of thanksgiving for the great love of the Guardian and his precious gifts; to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, whose pioneers had brought the seed of truth to them; to Jenny Anderson, the first pioneer to Sweden under the Plan; to the European Teaching Committee, who had followed their progress from the first uncertain steps to this moment of consummation; to Julia Shows (“J.S.”) whose initials had appeared on all European Teaching Committee correspondence during these years of service.
The Convention then settled down to a consideration of the goals set forth in the Guardian’s Convention Message. These goals, constituting a subsidiary Six-Year Plan, were: the multiplication of Assemblies, groups and believers; the incorporation of the local Assemblies; the inauguration of a National Fund; the translating, printing and dissemination of Bahá’í literature; the increase in the number of summer schools; the introduction of the Faith into the three Baltic States: the recognition of the Bahá’í marriage and Holy Days; the attraction and conversion or racial minorities, particularly the Finns and Lapps; and the purchase of a Temple site in Stockholm. To accomplish these momentous achievements, each believer resolved to consider himself a pioneer on the home front.
As we returned to our homes we carried with us a lovely gold-lettered souvenir program of this first Convention in these Northern countries, containing a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Author of the Divine Plan, Who had given the original impulse to the teaching effort which was now consummated with the election of the Divine Institution of the National Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia and Finland.
—AMELIA BOWMAN
Convention Reporter
Central and East Africa
HAZÍRATU’L-QUDS ACQUIRED IN VICTORIA
From a circular letter addressed by Musa Banání, Hand of the Cause for Africa, dated March 28, 1957, these facts have been gleaned:
In a cablegram sent by the beloved Guardian to Mr. Banání, Shoghi Effendi acclaims the services rendered by Enoch Olinga, pioneer to the British Cameroons, and declares that as the result of the status of the Faith produced there by Mr. Olinga, a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds is to be established in Victoria.
Mr. Banání has recently been informed that this Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds has already been acquired.
Forty-Ninth Annual Convention, Stirred by Guardian’s Appeal,[edit]
To take stock of its present position in the spiritual Army of Bahá’u’lláh and to begin plans for the immediate year ahead through election and consultation, were the tasks that faced the Forty-Ninth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States as it convened in Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship on Sunday morning, April 28, 1957. The theme of the convention was: “The American Bahá’í Community in the World Crusade.”
Most of the 133 delegates present on that first morning already knew that the fourth year of the Ten-Year Crusade was coming to a close with triumphant victory on the world front. For here had been the establishment during the Riḍván period of thirteen new National Spiritual Assemblies, bringing the total number of existing “Pillars” of the rising world order of Bahá’u’lláh to twentysix. Of these, nine were nurtured into being by the American Bahá’ís.
Had the American Bahá’í community achieved like victory on its own hornefront? Had it strengthened itself within? What increasing material and spiritual resources was it gaining with which to play its “lion’s share“ in sewing a rapidly developing Faith?
These were questions in the minds of every delegate and visitor as the work of the four-day convention began. Reports from the outgoing National Spiritual Assembly and its committees would be revealing. Already the formal Annual Reports, edition for 1956-57, was in their hands with the lesser victories and some failures apparent.
The spiritual tone of the convention this year was actually established on the preceding night with the Feast of Riḍván, when devotions concentrated around the words of Bahá’u’lláh, “Arise, and proclaim unto the entire creation the tidings that He Who is the All-Merciful hath directed His steps towards the Riḍván and entered it.” With the beautiful singing of the children’s Temple choir flooding our hearts and the words of Bahá’u’lláh. “O Son of Being! Walk in my statutes for love of Me!” lingering with us, Bahá’ís gathered for the social period in Foundation Hall, renewing friendships while at the same time preparing for the convention.
Devotions each morning at 9 o’clock, the regular Sunday afternoon devotions for the public, all in the auditorium, and the opening prayers for the consultation sessions, brought to every heart the creative words of our Founders. This inspiration and renewal was essential to the action required of the convention.
Fulfillment of Promise
On behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, Paul E, Haney, its chairman, welcomed the delegates and visitors and then called attention to the significance of the establishment of the thirteen new “pillars” of the Cause. “These wonderful events mark the ninety-fourth anniversary of the greatest event in the history of the world, the Declaration of Bahá’ulláh,” he said, “These events are a reflection of the fulfillment of the promise made to Bahá’u’lláh in the Síyáh-Chál:: ‘Grieve Thou not for that which hath befallen Thee, neither be Thou afraid, for Thou art in safety. Erelong will God raise up the treasures of the earth—men who will aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy Name, wherewith God hath revived the hearts of such as have recognized Him’.”
Mr. Haney made the first reference to the Convention Message received from Shoghi Effendi with the words “one of the most wonderful documents he has ever sent to us.”
After the convention had organized itself with Mr. Haney as chairman and Horace Holley as secretary, had adopted the agenda with the qualification that it could be changed at any time by vote of the delegates, and heard the first of the greetings that were to come in from other Bahá’í communities and individuals, the “Table of Visitation” revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was read to precede the reading of the Guardian’s Message.
Message of the Guardian
At the direction of the Guardian the chairman read the Message which he had sent them, for sharing with them and with twenty-three other Bahá’í Conventions simultaneously during Riḍván, the joyful word of victories won, directives for the forwarding of the Crusade and inspiration for meeting the challenging issues that history has given to this age.
Against the background of the world’s turmoil Shoghi Effendi calls the Bahá’ís to ponder the “portentous prophecies” of Bahá’u’lláh and the “dire predictions” of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “all foreshadowing a universal commotion, of a scope and intensity unparalled in the annals of mankind.” And then he renews our vision which is the purpose of our lives and the overall purpose of all convention consultation:
“—a calamity which must purge the human race of the dross of its age-long corruptions, and weld its component parts into a world-embracing Fellowship—a Fellowship destined, in the fullness of time, to be incorporated in the framework, and to be galvanized by the spiritualizing influences, of a mysteriously expanding, divinely appointed Order, and to flower, in the course of future Dispensations. into a Civilization, the like of which mankind has, at no stage in its evolution, witnessed.”
Parallel with the process of progressive deterioration in human affairs has been the process of “integration,” the Message continues, “as demonstrated by the increasing cohesion, the multiplication, and the reinforcement of the foundations, of the institutions of the embryonic Bahá’í World Order.” This is a process that is contributing “to the building up, slowly but irresistibly, of the Ark of human salvation,” ordained as the ultimate haven for human society.
After enumerating the outstanding achievements of the World Crusade in detail to show the gains made in the reinotest area or on the smallest scale as well as the triumphant es-
Stimulates Renewed Dedication to Tasks and Ideals of Faith[edit]
tablishment of the thirteen new National Assemblies and the lifting of the grave persecution in Írán, the Guardian turns our attention to the tasks ahead. Most brilliant of the accomplishments just ahead must be the erection of three Temples, Mother-Temples of the European, the Australian and the African continents. The designs are ready; the construction must begin.
In the current year no gain must be allowed to be lost, the Guardian emphasizes, and a “determined effort must be made to insure, as speedily as possible, the resettlement of the territories which Bahá’í pioneers have been forced to abandon, and the opening of the three virgin islands situated in the North Sea and in the Indian Ocean, as well as the six Republics of the Soviet Union and the five territories included within the Soviet Orbit.”
The safeguarding of all existing institutions and the broadening of their foundations must be accompanied with a rapid increase in the number of believers in every continent in order to insure the completion of all future tasks and the spread of the healing light of the Bahá’í Faith.
Renewal on Homefronts
“Great are the strides that have already been made, and phenomenal the success achieved . . . The tasks that still remain to be accomplished, however, are truly formidable. Above all, the homefront, that must serve as a reservoir for the supply of a steady flow of pioneers and resources for the multiple organized operations of a continually expanding Crusade, and which, alas, in several countries . . . has been progressively declining, must, at whatever cost, and within as short a time as possible, he revitalized, extended, and consolidated.”
The Guardian closed his “review of the superb feats already accomplished,” with an appeal for a “renewed dedication” on the part of every Bahá’í throughout the World—his “spiritual brethren”,—a dedication that is a pledge “willingly and solemnly made for the prosecution of the collective task” which they are confronted.
The Guardian’s deep hope is that the Crusade, speeding on to its midway point, may reap such a harvest “as will amaze its prosecutors, astonish the world at large, and draw forth from the Source on high a measure of celestial strength adequate to insure its triumphant consummation.”
Arising to the Challenge
The convention appointed a committee to draft a reply to the Guardian, which was sent by cable within a few hours. It was a pledge, sincerely made, as follows:
“With joyous hearts, gratitude, thanksgiving thrilling achievements anounced stirring message, assembled delegates solemnly pledge whole-hearted effort inspire renewal of dedication entire American community to fulfill remaining goals World Crusade at home, abroad. Deeply grateful beloved Guardian’s continuing prayers for our strength, steadfastness, victory. Send devoted love, Riḍván Greetings.”
—49th ANNUAL CONVENTION
On April 29 the Guardian replied to our message with the following message carrying a plea for “unprecedented” effort on the American homefront:
“Welcome pledge (by) delegates. Fervently supplicating Bahá’u’lláh’s sustaining grace; urge intensification efforts rededication achievement goals (of) plan, discharge befittingly sacred, manifold, inescapable, urgent responsibilities confronting entire American Bahá’í community. Appeal unprecedented increase pioneers homefront all continents (of) globe on which prosperity, security (and) destiny (of) American believers must ultimately rest.”
—SHOGHI
Deeply stirred by the victories already won and our Guardian’s appeal to move forward together for the redemption for mankind, the convention took up its work with a solemnity and dedication that increased as the hours passed. If we felt that we must “dig in,” as it were, for a rugged pull, it was because there was much to be done and little time at convention sessions to speak of all that was in our hearts and minds. Yet, looking back on those four days we find. from notes taken at the time. that the sessions were marked with an efficiency, a speed, a realistic approach and a mutual courtesy unequalled at previous American Bahá’í conventions, Consultation is becoming a wonderful instrument in the light of the new Day of God.
To the call of the Guardian was to be added, during convention reports, the specific challenges of the growing recognition of the Faith by racial minorities in America, of notice taken of it by religious commentators and of the increasing space given to its announcements in the press. The publication of Dr. George Townshend’s last book, Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, was hailed as an unusual opportunity for proclaiming clearly to the Christians of the West the Second Coming of Christ.
And so the tone and temper of the convention rose as the hours passed, the delegates striving to attain the station of love and ardor which would produce good recommendations to the incoming National Assembly and go forth with them for revitalization of the friends back home . . . the ninety percent that could not be present among the 967 Bahá’ís who “feasted” at the convention table of bounty.
Greetings of the Hand:
The American Hands of the Cause
greeted the convention on the first
afternoon in a message shared with
seven national conventions of the
western hemisphere. “Let us pause
and give thought to the mighty upsurge that we are witnessing in the
Cause,” this message said. A review
of the establishment of the thirteen
new “pilars” gives a threefold sign:
The Guardian is provided with more
powerful institutions for the fulfillment of the Will and Testament pro[Page 16]
visions; new agencies have been created for spreading and consolidating
the Faith; and we have a stronger
administration which reinforces our
contacts with the United Nations and
its member states.
“These victories, marking the year 1956 to 1957, are a means to an end. The Ten-Year Plan presents new goals to be reached; the race is still to be won. The Bahá’í world is in motion and its consecrated energies will not be relaxed until all people are gathered into one fold and under one Shepherd. . . . Would the Bahá’ís themselves have conceived of this vast World Crusade? The Guardian alone knows the swift movement of destiny.”
High tribute was paid by the Hands, Mrs. Corinne True, Mr. Horace Holley and Mr. Paul Haney to the members of the Auxiliary Board for the western hemisphere: Margery McCormick, Florence Mayberry, William deForge, Katherine McLaughlin. Gayle Woolson, Rowland Estall, Margot Worley, Esteban Canales and Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira.
Services of the Hands and of the Board members were offered to the Bahá’ís of the western hemisphere, who have a particular mission as we know when We ponder the words of the Tablet which Bahá’u’lláh revealed to the Americas: “Assist with the hands of justice the brokenhearted, and crush the great oppressors with the scourge of the Commands of your Lord, the Powerful, the Wise.”
We Look at Our Objectives
The convention began its detailed appraisal of the American community’s position in relation to its Crusade objectives through the supplementary report given by the secretary of the National Assembly, Mr. Holley. (Annual Reports gives all but the recent facts.)
1. A cable from the Guardian dated March 27, 1957, informed the Hands and the NSA’s of the passing into the Abhá Kingdom of Hand of the Cause, George Townshend, speaking of this beloved servant of the Faith as “indefatigable“ . . . “highly talented“ . . . “fearless defender” of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
In the same cable the Guardian announced the apoointment of Miss Agnes Alexander, pioneer to the Japanese, to the station of Hand of the Cause, thus retaining the number of 19 at the present time for service to this divine institution.
2. In a letter from Shoghi Effendi’s secretary reference was made to Dr. Townshend’s book, Christ and Bahá’u’lláh, with the comment that the Guardian is very impressed with it. The National Assembly will work out details for carrying out Shoghi Effendi’s directives concerning our use of the book in giving the Message to Christian people, obtaining press publicity and presenting copies to ecclesiastics. The Guardian asked that a copy be sent to Marcus Bach.
3. Each of the nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States assisted at the organization of nine of the thirteen new National Assemblies organized at conventions meetings during the Riḍván period. For five or six days all members were outside of this country. In discharging this mission for the American Bahá’ís in their sponsorship of the new Assemblies, the places of mission and the members were as follows:
(1) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North East Asia; Tokyo, Japan; Charlotte Linfoot.
(2) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska; Anchorage, Alaska; Paul E. Haney.
(3) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central America and Mexico; Panama City, Panama; Robert W. McLaughlin.
(4) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Greater Antilles; Kingston, Jamaica; Dr. Katherine True.
(5) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í of Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Ecuador and Venezuela; Lima, Peru; Horace Holley.
(6) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Margery McCormick.
(7) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Scandinavia and Finland: Stockholm, Sweden: Edna True.
(8) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Benelux Countries; Brussels, Belgiu.m; H. Borrah Kavelin.
(9) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Iberian Peninsula; Madrid, Spain; Charles Wolcott.
(Note: The other four National Assemblies to be established were: the Bahá’ís of Pakistan; of South East Asia; of New Zealand, and of the Arabian Peninsula . . . under other sponsorship.)
4. Yuma, Arizona, has secured recognition of Bahá’í Holy Days, (making six places added since April 21, 1956).
5. A letter from Haifa made reference to Dr. Bach’s article in a recent Christian Century called “Bahá’í: A Second Look.” This article by a member of the Department of Religion at the University of Iowa and writer on religion, is very excellent publicity, Mr. Holley remarked. (Dr. Bach was a guest of Shoghi Effendi three years ago.)
6. The National Assembly held meetings during the year with 33 days of work, and recorded 1,255 actions taken. Absences were brief and rare.
7. A new translation of Mysterious Force of Civilization, authored by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is now of the Bahá’í press. It is entitled The Secret of Divine Civilization and was translated by Marzieh Gail. With many quotations from the Qur’án, Mr. Holley remarked that it is particularly good for the West, and it proves that Islam was the basis of modern civilization.
8. A most recent report on the situation in Írán made by Habib Sabet shows that the government is regretful of what it did, but not yet willing to give full liberty to the Bahá’ís.
9. The institution of Race Amity Day (for the second Sunday in June) the Guardian hopes will become very important and ultimately listed with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as is World Religion Day.
10. The Home for the Aged (left for special report).
11. Enrollments, May 1, 1956, to April 15, 1957:
Adults by Local Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . .244
Adults by Area Teaching Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
Youth by Local Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Youth by Area Teaching Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Alaska, Hawaii . . . . . . . . . .17
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504
Lost from membership: 130 by
withdrawal and 94 by death (224); Net increase, 280. Five or six states made no enrollments; 95 of 188 LSA’s enrolled one or more; and 93 of 188 LSA’s enrolled none.
Last year up to convention time the enrollment figures were: 233 by Local Assemblies; 211 by Area Teaching Committees; total 434, with 69 being youth. Withdrawals were 355; deaths, 199; lost, 474. This meant a net loss of 40 members in 1955-56.
12. Other goals: in addition to the objectives reviewed in Annual Reports eleven goals have been opened in Africa and a Local Spiritual Assembly has been established in the Balearic Islands.
On the Homefront
The objective of the national teaching this year, reported by the National Teaching Committee on the first afternoon of convention, was to establish 30 new Local Spiritual Assemblies with a minimum of one in each state. This seemed necessary if we are to meet the objective of 300 strong local Assemblies by 1963. As a result of a message from the Guardian urging that teachers with knowledge of the Covenant travel in circuits, the new committee, delayed somewhat by change in personnel this year, instituted two circuit plans that by now are running smoothly in many sections of the country. Results as far as figures go: new Local Assemblies, 23; restored, 5; lost, 10; net gain, 18. Four states were without a local Assembly; now we have one in Greensville, S. Car., and Minot, S. Dak., leaving just Rhode Island and Vermont without Assemblies. Sixteen states have only one Assembly. We must move from the cities, the Committee advised, to obey the Guardian, even if it is just to the suburbs.
On Tuesday when more reports had come in from the April 21 elections the National Teaching Committee reported: “It now seems that we have 209 Assemblies. Twenty-two are new and seven are restored. Many are still in danger because weak.”
“We must double our efforts to deepen and attract,” the committee stated; then, quoting the Guardian: “It is primarily a task that concerns the individual believer, wherever he may be, and whatever his calling, his resources, his race, or his age.” (From “Inestimahle Prizes. . . .”)
The National Teaching Committee report was a springboard for vigorous consultation that began with the rousing statement: “This next year can be the most interesting and exciting on the homefront if we arise and seize the God-given opportunities before us. It seems time to take the Message to the Christians.”
There followed in rapid succession many suggestions, recommendations and experience stories of helpful nature, beginning with a formal recommendation to the National Spiritual Assembly to consider securing reprints of the Christian Century article by Dr. Marcus Bach and distributing it widely throughout America, making an introduction to Dr. Townshend’s latest book also in this connection.
The consultation, which continued through the afternoon on Sunday and was allotted time on other days, ran a long gamut of ideas including the presentation of other committees, all of which were bent on assisting and serving the World Crusade in their respective spheres.
“The homefront, that must serve as a base, and act as a reservoir for the supply of a steady flow of pioneers and resources for the multiple organized operations of a continually expanding Crusade . . . has been progressively declining,” were the words of the Guardian that spurred on the discussion and made the American believers come to grips with their situation once again this year and face themselves wth truthfulness.
We have a clear-cut direction to initiate a deeper and wider program for fulling our obligations under the Covenant; “each one teach one,” is what the Master said; when lighted we do spontaneous teaching; get the “unknown quantity,” the inactive believers to work through stimulation from Local Assemblies or area teaching committees; assist the isolated believers more than is being done now through state conferences and comer-state gatherings: “We have the problem of combining the administrative order with the flame of the spin —keeping everyone busy is contagious.” “We must believe that the Power will be released to help us,” pray more, learn to attract, study diligently and act continuously: set local goals that will lead us to the goals of the Crusade: such as so many firesides, card campaigns, etc.: “We have need of revitalization. Let us do our utmost to achieve it . . . The Administrative Order and the homefront plans are carried out by administrative bodies, of which the Guardian says we have enough. Let us give all the emphasis to personal regeneration. If we are active we don’t need elaborate plans. People come into our lives.”
Continuing the consultation—encourage the setting up of more extension committees by local Assemblies; use tact and courtesy between an extension committee and groups it endeavors to serve: call groups and isolated believers in to an Assembly for consultation; ask isolated believers to help in the work of a locality or an area; extension work goes on easily if properly planned, using the administrative bodies that we do have and developing special projects which the Area Teaching Committees can set up in an area; isolated believers can work together to study, learn and increase their numbers.
Out of this consultation came the recommendation: that the area committees encourage special projects in a state or smaller area where Assemblies need assistance and isolated believers need fellowship and stimulation to teach.
Speaking to the subject of spiritual revitalization, which grew more and more to be the basic theme of the convention, the delegates were deeply moved to offer remarks that were inspiring to all present and helped to make the convention, in the opinion of many, one of the best in many a year.
Recommendation: that the NSA consider asking the National Teaching Committee to look into opportunities for co-operating in an international teaching plan with the communities near the border states.
Recommendation: that the Convention record a solemn appeal to individual Bahá’ís throughout the United States to respond wholeheartedly in acceptance of the Guardian’s appeal for renewed consecration in the teaching work; and that the Convention refer this message to the National Spiritual Assembly with the request that it devise such measures as will fulfill the collective desire of the American Bahá’ís; and, that the Bahá’í community of the United States accept whatever plans are announced, and then give its whole-
hearted effort and devotion.
“Let the Breeze of God awaken you. Verily, it hath wafted over the world. Well is with him that hath discovered the fragrance thereof and been accounted among the well-assured.”
Evidence of Resistless March
The program Sunday evening was a moving experience, giving to the assembled Bahá’ís a two-fold picture of historic happenings in the Faith in lands far-flung from their own but closely allied in heart through the love of Bahá’u’lláh. First came the presentation, one by one, by members of the National Spiritual Assembly, of word pictures of the nine conventions which convened for the first time to elect National Spiritual Assemblies under the sponsorship of the American Bahá’í community; and second, came a graphic recital by Habib Sabet of the special mission which he served for the Guardian in the land that is the Cradle of the Faith.
To be privileged to hear these firsthand stories by eyewitnesses and participants in these historic events was a rare blessing for Bahá’ís in convention. And yet how small may be our comprehension of the great significance of these most recent steps which have been taken in the building and protection of the Cause!
Varied in their ethnic and religious background are the peoples now drawn within Bahá’í National Assembly jurisdiction by the new institutions; different in their cultural and economic way of living; in temperament contrasted in many ways to our own; but alike in their love of Bahá’u’lláh, our National Assembly members reported. To each convention the Guardian sent gifts: attar of roses for anointment of the believers; albums with pictures of the Temples and the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds; loving messages; a six-year plan for their participation in the Ten-Year Crusade. These plans are patterned much the same with the assignment of ten or eleven tasks for the expansion and consolidation of the Faith. the building of a National Fund and the acquisition of Temple sites. While in Alaska this means one Temple site, in the areas where their are several states now under a regional NSA jurisdiction, such as that of the Greater Antilles or of the two divisions of South America, it calls for a Temple site to be purchased in each state division.
A Hand of the Cause representing the Guardian presented the gifts and addressed the assembled delegates at each convention: Paul Haney at the Alaskan convention; Horace Holley at the one in Peru; Dhikrulláh Khádem, at Panama City; Mrs. Corinne True, who at 95 years of age went to Kingston, accompanied by her daughter who represented the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States: Ugo Giachery, at Madrid; Dr. Hermann Grossmann, at Brussels; Adelbert Mühlschlegel, Stockholm: Dr. ‘Ali Muhammad Varqá, Buenos Aires, and Djalál Kházeh, Tokyo.
Attendance at the conventions ranged from 17 at Madrid to 55 at Anchorage. An objective of the years ahead for the United States National Assembly will be the strengthening of these new bodies within the Bahá’í Administrative Order that they may become firm pillars. This will undoubtedly mean financial aid as well as guidance and love.
Memorable was the experience to these intrepid workers of the Faith and memorable the stories that they related of seeming miracles wrought to bring these countries and regions to Assembly status.
Defender of the Faith
In introducing Habib Sabet, who gave a revealing account of his mission in Írán the past two years, Mildred Mottahedeh explained how after he had finished his work in respect to the persecution of the Bahá’ís there, the Guardian said to him: “You are the standard bearer of the innocents. You are the Defender of the Faith.” And he called him Násiri’d-Dín, which means “defender of the faith.” (This was the name of the Shah who persecuted the Bábís: there seems a significance, that Mr. Sabet has made the name “clean.”)
Immediately after May 15, 1955, when the Bahá’í community of Írán fell under what the Guardian has termed “barbarous” persecution, Mr Sabet was called by the Guardian to proceed to Ṭihrán, where he began special negotiations with the officials. Many were the delicate tasks he had to perform until at last His Majesty’s government was convinced through these efforts and those of the Bahá’ís throughout the world, that it should bring the persecution to an end. Ba ha’i property has been returned, though the central Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds has not been completely vacated. There is still such restriction on assemblage that the national convention could not meet this Riḍván. Election for the National Assembly was deferred.
Verily, the Bedrock
To support the World Crusade undertakings of the American Bahá’í community, at home and abroad, stands the National Fund. Consideration of the achievements, the responsibilities, the objectives and the problems associated with this fund was given by the delegates in consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly on Monday morning.
“What we can be aware of (since the Guardian’s Message) is that the great institution of the National Fund in the United States is more and more demonstrating that it is the bedrock upon which other institutions must rest; and as it grows in scope so likewise will other Pillars of the Cause increase in numbers and grow in strength,” said Borrah Kavelin. national treasurer, as he introduced the presentation.
“As tensions mount, as signs of unrest multiply, and as people everywhere seem to have lost their grip on the hand of God, a world within a world is being fashionedl A little circle of light is expanding, pushing outward, drawing larger areas within itself, sustaining with hope and faith more and more of the world’s peoples.”
Mr. Kavelin continued: “We are all soldiers of this Army of Light, marshalling our forces together, symbolizing the advent of a new Faith. We bear the seeds of human transformation and the seeds of the Most Great Peace. We in America have been placed in the vanguard of this Army of Light, as a bounty from our beloved Guardian. Our duties are consummated in carrying out this responsibility placed upon us. Then, how have we fared?”
After describing what objectives
we have achieved that called upon
the National Fund, the nature of
which are described at other places
in this story, Mr. Kavelin presented
the budget of National Assembly suggested for the new year and made
the report on expenditures and receipts for 1956-57. The convention
adopted the budget as it has been[Page 19]
outlined, with a total of $425,000 as
the goal, a reduction of $75,000 compared to last year. With receipts
only $327,000 from contributions last
year and $348,600 the amount
collected, even including estate funds
available, it seems realistic to reduce the budget for 1957-58. There
were attempts on the part of the
delegation to raise this total by recommendation of a $40,000 to $60,000
increase; there were many questions
of why national committees had not
spent all the sum allocated to them
in several instances; and there was
careful scrutiny of the trusteeships,
particularly the Summer Schools.
The treasurer explained that the income from the Mathews property in Colorado when the government expropriated it for an Air Force Academy has been allocated for the much needed deferred repairs at Green Acre, Davison and Geyserville.
“It is fitting”, the treasurer explained, “that the monthly report in BAHÁ’Í NEWS which the NSA makes be dignified and simple so each of you can respond as you feel impelled to do. I hope that this standard of advising the friends on the Fund will be maintained.”
An item in the budget that is new is the token gifts for the two new Temples, Germany and Australia—$2,500:—one thousand a year for two years and then five hundred dollars. (The Kampala Temple contribution has already been budgeted.) And the budget is set up for the new fledging Assemblies, to each of which Amelia Collins, Hand of the Cause in Haifa has already given $1,000 each.
So strong was the feeling about the inadvisability of the National Teaching Committee continuing to spend less than allowed that a recommendation passed which in its final form included all the committees and suggested to the National Assembly the propriety of making a realistic analysis of expenses involved for the purpose or meeting needs of the teaching campaign, in the United States particularly.
Our Home for the Aged
Presentations made by all other committees, teaching, proclamation and service,—were excellent, helpful for the delegates and stimulating splendid consultation, with requests for information and final recommendations to the National Assembly. Some were exceptionally thrilling because of achievements; others notable because of unique plans for the future; and all correlated with the needs of the World Crusade on some one of its many fronts.
Because of the principle of the oneness of mankind to which the Bahá’ís must adhere, the First Dependency, or Home for the Aged, to be erected on property that we own in Wilmette, has been delayed. “We must await the judgment of the court on May 13 to know our next move.” Plans for the building to house 20 guests are now complete and were explained by the committee, with prints also for the delegates to see. Allocations made for the Home in the budget have not been spent. It will be a home for elderly people, not a hospital, and a large proportion may be paying guests, though it will have its humanitarian aspects.
Teaching Abroad
The vivid pictures drawn by the Intercontinental Teaching committees were fascinating disclosures of the heroic endeavors of pioneers. In Asia all virgin goals are now fined except those behind the Iron Curtain. More pioneers are needed to strengthen the base for the new regional National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia, the third Pillar in the Pacific area.
In Europe three new National Assemblies will need assistance and a new one is to be established in France, 1958. We are not yet reaching the French natives and need pioneers to teach the French. There are still virgin goals, including Spitzbergen to the far north where an air line has recently established a base. A devoted committee searches weekends for appropriate property for a Temple site in Stockholm.
In Northwest Africa where a National Spiritual Assembly was established in 1956 there is need of pioneers; and the Guardian has called my purchase of an Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in each opened territory. Nigeria needs pioneers and Ghana is now open to Bahá’ís. South and West Africa is having phenomenal success in spite of difficulties, though “without love we could not have won.” Because of restrictions on assemblage the National Assembly was elected this Riḍván by mail.
In the Western Hemisphere we have six years to evolve the four new regional National Assemblies and one new National Assembly into 20 National Spiritual Assemblies! There are many waiting to be led.
American Indian Service Committee and Interracial Teaching Committee displays in Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette Ill., representative of the many displays at the 1957 National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States.
Many new Local Assemblies must be formed to form the base for the future. The Guardian determines when the base is strong enough. The one remaining Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, in Caracas, remains to be secured.
Our Younger Bahá’ís
One of the most outstanding presentations of the Convention was that of the Child Education Committee, now working on a philosophy of education, which when completed from a study of Bahá’í writings, will influence Child’s Way and all other material produced by the committee and which the committee believes will be an approach to what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá often stated would revolutionize the teaching methods in current use. The first statement on this philosophy was made available to the delegates in printed form and will be studied, with the consent of the National Assembly, in Summer Schools. It is a philosophy, not a technique, but from it techniques may be evolved. Its basic viewpoint is the “independent investigation of truth,” a privilege that the committee has come to believe must be encouraged for the child as well as the adult. Only then can the child really learn; then will he become a Bahá’í so firm that he will not waver from the Faith. The convention expressed a need for more children’s literature.
The Youth Committee in a careful presentation and during a long consultation made it clear that the youth need the adults, want to cooperate with them on committees and in conferences, wish to make use of the Persian Bahá’í students in this country, suggest the scattering of Bahá’í youth in many colleges, advise the formation of youth committees even in communities where there are no youth, and encourage the sharing of the Youth Bulletin with all the community.
Reaching the Minorities
The Interracial Teaching Committee reached the highlight of its presentation with details of observance of Negro History Week, a thrilling story of the greatest response from the Negro population in this country that there has yet been. Out of this came the idea for a Bahá’í Race Amity Day, which the National Assembly and the Guardian have approved, and on which we may concentrate on the Bahá’í principle of the oneness of mankind.
One of the goals of the Divine Plan and an objective of the Crusade is to introduce the Teachings to the American Indian. The Indian Service Committee reported that its work in two fields, translation and conversion of tribes, has had small successes this year. with translation proving an open door to the Indians. “A new day is coming” if and when we can have more Bahá’í pioneers on the reservations; but Indian contacts can be found in the big cities also.
Amoz Gibson, a delegate, and pioneer on the great Navajo reservation; Ethel Murray, the beloved pioneer on the Cherokee reservation; and Dr. F. Melany, who for a year held the Indian Service medical post on the Crow Agency, Montana, told wonderful stories of the Indians and how they receive the message of Bahá’u’lláh.
Other Pioneers
In addition to these three special speakers, there were other pioneers at convention: Miss Valerie Wilson, member of the Auxiliary Board for Africa, who was one of the first pioneers to that continent and who spoke of the needs there now; Mrs. Robert Miller, of South Africa, who brought greetings from the friends there; Mrs. Carole Hautz, pioneer to South Africa; Dr. Leland and Opal Jensen, Mauritius; Mrs. Charlotte Pinto, Mozambique, and Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Hadden of Rhodesia. Miss Lecile Webster, who has been pioneering in the Far East, spoke stirringly of Korea and neighboring lands.
Mr. Bert Rakovsky was accorded the platform to bring greetings from our sister community of Canada.
Arms of the NSA
There is only space here to point out important features of the fine presentations of all other committees of the National Assembly and urge that the believers read not only their Annual Reports but also the NSA report in BAHÁ’Í NEWS on its action on all convention recommendations.
The Summer School program committees called attention to the Guardian’s oft repeated plea that the believers go to the schools, Green Acre, Davison and Geyserville, reviewed the curriculum tor this year and distributed attractive program folders.
The fourth Blue Ridge Conference was announced for August by the three area committees sponsoring it, and plans for the first Southern Region Summer School in the summer of 1958 were discussed. It was pointed out that it is not necessary to purchase property to set up the activities of a summer school. The question of location is not determined yet, nor whether there will be only one such school.
Mildred Mottahedeh, representative of the Bahá’í International Community, revealed that the Guardian has warned that we will again have persecution in Írán and so the UN contacts committee will be needed. Choosing one of the exciting conferences of the United Nations which she has attended, she described the interest shown by contacts at the Ceylon meeting.
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust, which came into existence as an objective of the World Crusade, the first and only institution that exists in the Faith that is self-sustaining, conducts its business on the basis of teaching the Faith through literature and of building something toward a reserve fund for expansion in the future. Mrs. Eunice Braun, Managing Director, laid special emphasis on setting up of more efficient distribution mediums, such as local Assembly committees and area conference displays.
The United Nations Committee urged celebration of UN Day and likewise of Human Rights Day next fall. The Radio Reviewing Committee reported it will be glad to receive new scripts, and it urged the convention to prepare a catalogue of existing scripts and tapes. The Press Service Committee reported a gratifying increase in circulaton and column inches for Bahá’í releases and advertising, and reviewed by the use of cards the Schedule of Special Events for the current year, with Race Amity Day as the most important addition, in this systematic campaign.
The Audio-Visual Committee can supply a great variety of tapes, records and slides suitable for Bahá’í and for public use. Convention showed enthusiasm over several proposed projects. Service for the Blind receives appealing letters for more Bahá’í literature in Braille than we have produced.
Election of the NSA
About midway of the Convention,
so that consultation could be possible with both the outgoing National Assembly and the incoming one, the national election was held, with delegates misting their ballots in the dedicated and prayerful atmosphere of a quiet Foundation Hall. Total number of delegates entitled to vote was 171; voting in person, 131 and by mail 38; total votes cast 1,521. The Bahá’ís named to serve on the national body for this year with the office that subsequent organization of the Assembly gave them, are as follows: Paul E. Haney, Chairman; Charles Wolcott, Vice-Chairman; Horace Holley, Secretary; Edna True, Recording Secretary; Borrah Kavelin, treasurer; Charlotte Linfoot, Assistant Secretary; and Margery McCormick, Dr. Katherine True and Robert McLaughlin.
Convention registration figures on the last day were: number of delegates 136; Bahá’í visitors, 809; Bahá’ís from abroad, 20; total attendance 967, a new high for years other than Jubilee.
The three American Hands of the Cause, Mrs. Corinne True, Mr. Holley and Mr. Haney, closed the convention Wednesday afternoon with their presence and words of wisdom. Mr. Holley said:
“The divine institutions imply a divine community raised to a certain level of insight and co-operation. We can be carried along by the rest of the group just as a child is by its parents and we as Bahá’ís often are, and not from the light in our own hearts. Each individual has a responsibility between himself and God, He must take the step from the unconscious, the hereditary and the instinctual to the realm of the spirit. When we as a community have each taken that step the institutions will operate as well-oiled machinery. This is the mystery of the unfoldment of the light of God in our hearts.
“So my appeal to you is that we realize that as individuals we must take that most decisive step. We must be on the level of carrying ourselves, not of being carried along.”
Mr. Haney reminded us that in this Faith blessings bring responsibilities and quoted: “His grace shall assist thee at all times, ere long it shall be manifest.”
—ALICE SIMMONS COX
Convention Reporter
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR PROCLAIMING BAHÁ’Í FAITH TO THE PUBLIC[edit]
1957-1958
Race Amity Day June 9, 1957
Martydrom of the Báb July 9, 1957
Bahá’í Proclamation Day September 23, 1957
United Nations Day October 24, 1957
Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh November 12, 1957
Bahá’í State Conventions December 1, 1557
Human Rights Day December 10, 1957
World Religion Day January 19, 1958
Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year) March 21, 1953
World Youth Day March 25, 1958
Bahá’í National Convention April 24-27, 1958
Declaration of the Báb May 23, 1958
To proclaim the oneness of humanity.
To publicize developments at the Bahá’í World Center and the significance of the martyrdom of the Báb and His Shrine.
To proclaim America’s spiritual mission; to observe the anniversary of the Faith’s introduction to America.
To proclaim the spiritual basis on which the nations can unite for lasting peace.
To proclaim the appearance of the Promised One of all religions as the Lord of the New Age.
To publicize attendance and progress of the Ten-Year Spiritual Crusade.
To proclaim the Bahá’í principles of justice for all mankind.
To proclaim the fundamental oneness of religion.
To proclaim the renewal of religion and a new spiritual springtime.
To arouse the interest of all youth in the Bahá’í prescription for a united world.
To publicize the delegate attendance and progress of the Ten-Year Spiritual Crusade.
To proclaim the birth of a new Universal Cycle and the fulfillment of prophecy.
BAHA’I IN THE NEWS[edit]
The Bridgeport Sunday Post (Conn.,) of March 17, 1957, published a feature story on Israel as a home not only for Jews but for Christians, Arabs, and others. “The different non-Jewish communities within the state of Israel are assisted by the Ministry for Religious Affairs. Special departments serve the Moslem, Christian, Druze and Bahá’í communities.” “The Bahá’ís have an enormously impressive temple (i.e.. Shrine of the Báb) in Haifa, bringing disciples from everywhere to their world center.”
The Jerusalem Post, March 21, 1957, noted the Bahá’í New Year’s Day with a feature article with illustration of the International Archives Building showing the dome of the Shrine of the Báb in right background. Written by Ya’acov Ardon, this article presents the history and teachings of the Faith with accuracy and sympathetic understanding.
“The religious principles of the Bahá’í faith as expounded by the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh are similar to those of older monotheistic faiths and express restatement of ‘the eternal verities of underlying all the religions of the past.’ There is, however, an essential point of difference with a distinctly modern flavor: re[Page 22]
ligious truth, according to Bahá’í conception, is not absolute but relative and divine revelation (is) continuous and progressive.”
Boys’ Life, January 1957, the magazine of the Boy Scouts, reproduces prize winning photographs submitted by boys. A picture of the House of Worship taken by Wayne Newell of Princeton, N.J., won a second prize.
A special article on Dr. Marcus Bach by Dan L. Thropp, religious editor, published in Los Angeles Times, March 30, 1957, includes the Bahá’í faith among the religions Dr. Each has studied. “With the collapse of schemes for improving the world through political devices,” he said, “we are turning to an honest investigation of the eternal values and our relationship with them.”
The Finnish—American Blue-White Book for 1957, a yearbook published in the Finnish language by Finnish Newspaper Co., Brooklyn, publishes a detailed article about the Faith based upon an approved Bahá’í text. Two Finnish-American Bahá’ís Ida Hiltunen, Chicago, and Josephine Kruka, are mentioned at the end of the article.
A pamphlet entitled Some Current Religious Teachings on Biological Matters in the United States, by Phyllis C. Martin, Chatham College, Pittsburgh, reprinted from Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science, Vol. XXX, 1956, lists Some Answered Questions as one of the references used. The author has sought to find religious teachings dealing with the origin of life, the origin of species, the place of man among the species, diet, surgery, marriage, etc.
The Vista, Central State College newspaper, Edmond, Okla., on March 14 ran a brief sketch of an Íránian Bahá’í student, Mohabat Sobhani, with a photograph of him showing the reporter some Bahá’í illustrations.
La Table Ronde, September 1956, a monthly review published in Paris, presents an article by Robert Amadan which devotes a paragraph to summarizing the Bahá’í Faith.
Prairie Club Bulletin, March 1957, which supplies information about weekend walking tours for members, for April 7, 1957, listed the Bahá’í Temple, the Sunday afternoon worship service, and a guided tour.
The Wilmette Park District has circulated an illustrated brochure on local parks and playgrounds. A photograph of Wilmette Harbor shows the Temple in the background.
Children’s Hour of the Hartford, Conn., Bahá’í group, which meets every Sunday morning.
A newspaper in Stavanger, Norway, has published an article devoted to the Bahá’í Faith under the title “Eastern Unity Religion That Is Spreading Over the World.” Based on an interview with Mrs. Amelia Bowman, American Bahá’í pioneer, the article answers the questions: What Is Bahá’í? What Are the Bahá’í Ideas, and furnishes its readers with a very interesting summary of the present worldwide status of the Faith.
Alfred B. Reed is listed (with portrait) as President of World Affairs Council in Rochester, N.Y., in Rochester Commerce, Vol. 44, No. 2, published for the Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
The Delta Trading Co., Ltd., of Tel Aviv, Israel, publishes a daily calendar for 1957 with full page illustration of the Shrine of the Báb. The calendar dates are given in English, French, and Spanish.
Bryce News, mimeographed house organ published by the patients of Bryce Hospital, Tuscaloosa, Ala., on March 23, 1957, devoted an article entitled “Bahá’í Dies” to the passing of George Stephens Frain in Northport on March 16. His wife, Dr. Marie Frain, is a psychiatrist and physician on the hospital staff.
The Ledger-Star, of Inkster, Mich., on February 28, 1957, announced a Bahá’í talk by Mrs. Lois Nochman, with photo. Mrs. Nochman was referred to as author of The Curtel Sonnets of Gerard Manley Hopkins, and was an instructor of English at Highland Park Junior College.
Heritage of the Desert, by Harry B. Ellis, published by Ronald Press, New York, 1956, contains a brief passing reference to the Faith on page 193.
Radio Replies, Vol. III, a Catholic work published in St. Paul, Minn., refers to the Faith, concluding with this statement: “This strange religious aberration is winning many credulous souls who have lost their grip on such religion as they previously possessed, and are in search of a new one.”
Ledger-Dispatch and Star, March 30, 1957, published in Norfolk-Portsmouth. Va., ran an extensive interview with Mrs. Behjat Arnold with a three-column photo of Mrs. Arnold seated in her home with a picture of the Master and a framed Greatest Name in the background. This interview was arranged after Mrs. Arnold had spoken to the Chesapeake Women’s Club and its members had brought her talk to the attention of the editor. The reporter emphasized Mrs. Arnold’s Persian background but made it possible for her to introduce the subject of the Faith. “When Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned in the Great Prison of Acca, Palestine . . . the prophet sent for Mrs. Arnold’s great grandparents. Though they were allowed to live in homes, they were still considered prisoners. Thus it was that Mrs. Arnold was
born in Palestine.”
The 6th edition of the Yearbook of International Organizations 1956-1957, published in the French language by the Union of International Associations, Brussells, contains a page-long reference to the Bahá’í International Community (page 287). This volume deals with United Nations, UNESCO and non-governmental organizations listed at United Nations.
A novel entitled The Valleys of the Assassins, by Freya Stark, a Penguin book, has a brief but favorable reference to the Faith on page 162.
The New York Times Book Review section, Sunday, March 10, 1957, carried a large advertisement of Marcus Bach’s The Circle of Faith which includes the name of Shoghi Effendi as one of the “great figures of our time” interviewed by the author.
The Illinois Times, Negro paper published in Champaign, Ill., on March 26 announced the Bahá’í Friendship dinner given on March 23 at the University YMCA at which Prof. F. G. Banta of the University of Illinois, and George R. Brawley, Bahá’í, were the speakers.
The April 21 issue of the Sunday Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., announced on its religion page the beginning of Riḍván with a brief reference to the three Central Figures of the Faith.
WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET[edit]
Fifth Year: 1957-1958
Annual Budget . . . . . . . .$425,000.00
Total Requirements: May 1 to May 15 . . . . .$ 17,708.00
Total Contributions: May 1 to May 15 . . . . . 10,500.00
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
The New York Sunday Mirror, March 31, 1957, published a photograph of Actress Lisa Monteel over the caption “Actress to Be a Bahá’í Bride.”
The photograph of the International Archives Building has now appeared in the Seattle Times of March 3.
The Pampa, Texas, Daily News, reporting on February 22 on State Legislature events, mentioned that a bill had been introduced to allow Bahá’í officers to perform marriage ceremonies and had been passed by the House.
Bahá’í Sunday School held weekly at the Bahá’í Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
AREA NEWS BULLETINS[edit]
The Area Teaching Conference held in Austin, Texas, on February 24 attracted over 20 Bahá’ís from Texas and Louisiana. The Charter of a Divine Civilization and a paper titled “Action for the Individual” were studied. A summary of the plans of the four Texas communities for extension teaching was presented, and consultation followed on the agenda theme “What You Want to Do to Further the Ten-Year Crusade.”
A series of public meetings on “A Common Faith: Basis of World Peace” has been conducted by the Galveston, Texas, group. Guest speakers gave talks on some of the world religions, and Bahá’í speakers presented the principles of the Muslim and Bahá’í Faiths. This series was preceded by a television interview with two Bahá’ís and one guest.
“Bahá’ís in Their Community,” “Bahá’ís in Their Non-Bahá’í Community of Everyday Life,” and “Our Attitude and What It Means” were the subjects for consultation at a New England Area Teaching Conference held at Worcester, Mass., on February 17.
An inspiring all-state dual adult and youth conference was held at Lakewood, Colo., on February 17. Mrs. Ruth Moffett conducted the morning session consultation on “Revitalization of the Home Front.” At the afternoon session local activity reports from seven communities were given, while the youth consulted on questions submitted by the National Youth Committee.
Six New Mexico communities were represented at a state conference held at Albuquerque on March 3.
Laramie, Wyo., Bahá’ís held 15 firesides during January, at two of which there were Indian guests, and 24 meetings of various types during February, including small but effective open meetings. One fireside was attended by 12 Navajos, including six children.
The regular Sunday Study Class held by the North Little Rock and Little Rock, Ark., Bahá’ís has outgrown the homes formerly used for the meetings, and is now given in the Y.W.C.A.
Rogers, Ark., Bahá’ís have arranged to have Bahá’í literature placed in the bus depot, housed in a newly constructed bank building.
The literature container was designed in the shape of the Bahá’í House of Worship, and was painted gold, with a glass front added to hold the pamphlets.
Regular weekly firesides at Greeley, Colo., brought ten new contacts in one month. Additional firesides have been held in non-Bahá’í homes at the specific request of several new contacts, “as yet too shy to attend the regular gatherings.”
SALES COMMITTEE OFFERS PLAQUE OF “GREATEST NAME”[edit]
The Bahá’í Sales Committee can fill orders for “The Greatest Name” printed on heavy white stock in gold for 35 cents a copy, and in black for 25 cents a copy. Orders should be sent to: Mr. Harry E. Walrath, 909 West Foster St., Chicago 40, Ill.
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST[edit]
Bahá’í: A Second Look. Reprint from Christian Century Magazine of April 10, 1957. For information on this item and how it is to be used see article on page 4, “A Teaching Campaign to Revitalize the Home Community” by the National Spiritual Assembly. Size 6 x 9, four pages.
25 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 1.00
100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.00
500copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .l2.00
Christ and Bahá’u’lláh. By George Townshend. (Published by George Ronald). For information on this item read the article concerning it on page 5 by the National Spiritual Assembly.
Per copy (Bound in cloth) . . . . .$2.00
(Presently out of stock in England, available about July 10.)
Per copy (Bound in paper) . . 1.00
(Available about June 15.)
The Secret of Divine Civilization. By ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Introduction by Horace Holley. This work, written in 1875, first published in English in London, 1910, and in Chicago in 1918 under the title Mysterious Forces of Civilization, is more accurately rendered in this new translation.
The book, handsomely printed and bound, is set in Fairfield type with Civilité initial letters, and has a twopiece binding of natural linen and deep red, with gold stamping. The cloth is pyroxylin treated to resist moisture and soil.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . $2.50
Bahá’í Answers. This pamphlet answers many of the questions most frequently asked about the Bahá’í Faith,
There are nineteen questions in all, briefly but clearly answered, and prepared in convenient packet size for easy carrying or mailing, with an attractive cover design showing a portion of the Bahá’í Temple designed by Wm. Musler. It should prove to be an excellent teaching and Contact pamphlet for all Bahá’ís.
Ten copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .75
100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.00
Foreign Language Literature[edit]
The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh (Spanish). Bound in paper.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .60
Out of Print[edit]
What Modern Man Must Know About Religion. Study Outline.
Bahá’í House of Worship[edit]
Visiting Hours
Weekdays and Saturdays
1100 — 4:00 P.M.
(Auditorium open) Sundays
10:30 A.M. -— 5:00 P.M.
(Entire building open)
Service of Worship
Sundays
3:30 P.M., lasting until 4:15
CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR DAVISON SCHOOL REGISTRAR[edit]
The Davison Bahá’í School, Davison, Mich., announces a new address for the Registrar, to whom reservations should be sent:
Mr. Rason Dobbs, Registrar
3208 S. State Road
Davison, Mich.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
FEASTS[edit]
June 5 — Núr (Light)
June 24 — Raḥmat (Mercy)
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETING[edit]
June 21, 22, 23
MARRIAGES[edit]
Ketchikan, Alaska: Mrs. Gail F. Avery to Mr. Albert S. Davis on March 20, 1957.
Los Angeles, California: Miss Irene Montwill to Mr. Azemat Janti on March 31, 1957.
Teaneck, New Jersey: Mrs. Audrey Jane Henderson to Dr. Leslie Marcus on April 13, 1957.
Los Angeles, California: Miss Jane Cartwright to Mr. Andrew N. Montwill on April 19, 1957.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Mrs. Jewel Dunham
Phoenix, Arizona
March 22, 1957
Mrs. Paul White
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
April 2, 1957
Mr. Lewis S. Fair
Fresno, California
April 9, 1957
Mrs. Olive Gardner
Chicago, Illinois
April 11, 1957
Anthony Y. Seto
Tokyo, Japan
May 6, 1957
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the 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 1957-58: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Mr. Richard C. 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.
