| ←Previous | Bahá’í News Issue 317 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
| No. 317 | BAHA’I YEAR 114 | JULY, 1957 |
Epoch-Making Victory Won Over Covenant-Breakers[edit]
Message From the Guardian
With feelings (of) profound joy, exultation (and) thankfulness, announce (on) marrow (of) sixty-fifth Anniversary (of) Ascension (of) Bahá’u’lláh, signal, epoch-making victory won over (the) ignoble band (of) breakers (of) His Covenant which, (in the) course (of) over six decades, has entrenched itself (in the) precincts (of the) Most Holy Shrine (of the) Bahá’í world, provoking through acts of overt hostility (and) ingenious machinations, in alliance (with) external enemies under three successive regimes, (the) wrath (of the) Lord (of the) Covenant Himself, incurring (the) malediction (of the) Concourse on high, (and) filling (with) inexpressible anguish (the) heart (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
(The) expropriation order issued (by the) Israeli government, mentioned (in the) recent Convention Message, related (to the) entire property owned (by) Covenant-breakers within (the) Ḥaram-i-Aqdas, recently contested (by) these same enemies through appeal (to) Israel’s Supreme Court, now confirmed through adverse decision just announced (by) same Court, enabling (the) civil authorities (to) enforce (the) original decision (and) proceed (with the) eviction (of the) wretched remnants (of the) once redoubtable adversaries who, both within (the) Holy Land (and) beyond its confines, labored so long (and) so assiduously (to) disrupt (the) foundations (of the) Faith, sap (their) loyalty (and) cause (a) permanent cleavage (in the) ranks (of) its supporters.
This final, shattering (and) most humiliating blow may well be regarded (as the) culmination (in the) long series (of) reverses suffered (by) these same relentless foes, marked by (the) repudiation (of) their preposterous claims following (the) Passing of Bahá’u’lláh, by (the) overwhelming majority (of) His followers, east (and) west; by (the) abject failure (of) ‘Abdu’l-Ḥamíd, as well as (the) notorious Commission (of) Inquiry, (to) banish ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (to) Fezzan; by (the) ignominious defeat (of the) Turkish Commander-in-Chief, (the) cruel, boastful Jamál Páshá, following his threat (to) crucify (the) Center (of the) Covenant outside (the) main gate (of the) fortress City (of) ‘Akká; by acquisition (of the) site (for the) construction (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre; by (the) restitution (of the) keys (to the) Most Holy Tomb (and the) recognition (by the) British authorities (of the) right (of the) Bahá’í world community (to the) custodianship (of the) Bahá’í Shrines; by (the) establishment (of the) international Bahá’í endow ments (on) Mt. Carmel; by (the) formation (of the) Palestine branches (of the) Bahá’í National Assemblies; by exhumation (of the) Brother (and) Mother (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (and) reburial (in the) neighborhood (of the) Báb’s resting place; by (the) evacuation by (these) same adversaries (of the) Mansion (of) Bahjí, after forty years’ occupancy; by (the) demise, (in) distressing circumstances, (of the) archbreaker (of the) Covenant himself; by (the) ignominous flight (of) his henchmen (on the) eve (of the) disturbances which rocked (the) Holy Land (in) recent years; by (the) deaths with dramatic swiftness (of this) same lieutenant, his kindred (and) closest associates; by (the) intervention (of the) Israeli government (in) denying (the) competence (of the) civil courts (to) adjudicate (the) case brought (by the) remnant (of) these (same) Covenant-breakers (and the) subsequent authorization issued (by the) Prime minister (and) Minister (of) Foreign Affairs (to) demolish (the) ruined building close (to the) vicinity (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Tomb; finally, by (the) extinction (of the) life (of the) prime mover (in the) diabolical plans directed (during the) course (of) three decades against ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
(The) implementation (of) this
order will, (at) long last, cleanse
(the) Outer Sanctuary (of the) Qiblih
(of the) Bahá’í world (of the) pollution staining (the) fair name (of the)
Faith (and) pave (the) way (for the)
adoption (and) execution (of) preliminary measures designed (to)
herald (the) construction (in) future
decades (of the) stately, befitting[Page 2]
Mausoleum designed (to) enshrine
(the) holiest dust (the) earth ever
received (into) its bosom.
Share announcement Hands (of the) Cause (and) all National Assemblies.
—SHOGHI
Haifa, June 3, 1957
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The beloved Guardian’s message, addressed to all Hands of the Cause and all National Assemblies, reveals the mysterious power of the Manifestation, operating on its own time schedule, to protect the Faith of God. Terminated at last are those evil efforts to suppress the Divine Word which so long assailed Bahá’u’lláh, the revered Master, and later our Leader and Head, Shoghi Effendi.
Now at last the sacred area constituting the Shrines and the spiritual and administrative World Center in the Holy Land has been purged of the presence of the Covenant-breakers, Pure and stainless, it symbolizes for Bahá’ís the origin and the unfoldment of the World Faith destined to unify mankind in one religion and one order; and for non-Bahá’ís their supreme challenge and fateful test.
Likewise this victory calls to all believers to arise, in deeper understanding, firmer conviction, and willing sacrifice, and serve the World Crusade as never before.
Local incidents causing confusion among the friends, personal feelings which conceal the majesty of a God-given, world-embracing Faith, all these obstacles to service are swept away as chaff before a mighty gale.
Here we stand, the Bahá’ís of East and West, one small but united band of followers, and all about us stands the desperate, the stricken world. May each one of us play nobly his own part in the greatest drama ever enacted upon this earth. Whatever one believer may do, let it be in utter humility and gratitude for the gift of the new life, because that new life has come to us through the supreme sacrifice of the Herald, the Founder, the Center of the Covenant, the martyrs and the Guardian. Theirs is the Victory; ours the privilege of maintaining that Victory uncompromised, untarnished, throughout our span of existence!
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
The Guardian’s Call to Hands of Cause and National Assemblies[edit]
Message from Shoghi Effendi
Divinely appointed Institution (of the) Hands (of the) Cause, invested (by) virtue (of the) authority conferred (by the) Testament (of the) Center (of the) Covenant (with the) twin functions (of) protecting (and) propagating (the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh, now entering new phase (in the) process (of the) unfoldment (of) its sacred mission. To its newly assured responsibility (to) assist National Spiritual Assemblies (of the) Bahá’í world (in the) specific purpose (of) effectively prosecuting (the) World Spiritual Crusade, (the) primary obligation (to) watch over (and) insure protection (to the) Bahá’í world community, in close collaboration (with) these same National Assemblies, (is) now added.
Recent events, (the) triumphant consummation (of a) series (of) historic enterprises, such as (the) construction (of the) superstructure (of) the) Báb's Sepulchre, (the) dedication (of the) Mother Temple (of the) West, (the) world-wide celebrations (of the) Holy Year, (the) convocation (of) four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences launching (the) Ten Year Crusade, (the) unprecedented dispersal (of) its valiant prosecutors (over the) face (of the) globe, (the) extraordinary progress (of the) African (and) Pacific campaigns, (the) rise (of the) administrative order (in the) Arabian Peninsula (in the) heart (of the) Islámic world, (the) discomfiture (of the) powerful antagonists (in the) Cradle (of the) Faith, (the) erection (of the) International Archives, heralding (the) establishment (of the) seat (of the) World Administrative Order (in the) Holy Land, served (to) inflame (the) unquenchable animosity (of its) Muslim opponents (and) raised up (a) new set (of) adversaries (in the) Christian fold (and) roused internal enemies, old (and) new Covenant-breakers, (to) fresh attempts (to) arrest (the) march (of the) Cause of God, misrepresent its purpose, disrupt its administrative institutions, dampen (the) zeal (and) sap (the) loyalty (of) its supporters.
Evidences (of) increasing hostility without, persistent machinations within, foreshadowing dire contests destined (to) range (the) Army (of) Light (against the) forces (Of) darkness, both secular (and) religious, predicted (in) unequivocal language (by) ‘Amatu’l-Bahá, necessitate (in) this crucial hour closer association (of the) Hands (of the) five continents (and the) bodies (of the) elected representatives (of the) national Bahá’í communities (the) world over (for) joint investigation (of the) nefarious activities (of) internal enemies (and the) adoption (of) wise, effective measures (to) counteract their treacherous schemes, protect (the) mass (of the) believers, (and) arrest (the) spread (of their) evil influence.
Call upon Hands (and) National Assemblies, each continent separately, (to) establish henceforth direct contact (and) deliberate, whenever feasible, as frequently (as) possible, (to) exchange reports to be submitted by their respective Auxiliary Boards (and) national committees, (to) exercise unrelaxing vigilance (and) carry out unflinchingly (their) sacred, inescapable duties. (The) security (of our) precious Faith, (the) preservation (of the) spiritual health (of the) Bahá’í communities, (the) vitality (of the) faith (of) its individual members, (the) proper functioning (of) its laboriously erected institutions, (the) fruition (of) its worldwide enterprises, (the) fulfilment (of) its ultimate destiny, all (are) directly dependent (upon the) befitting discharge (of the) weighty responsibilities now resting (upon the) members (of) these two institutions, occupying, with (the) Universal House (of) Justice, next (to the) Institution (of the) Guardianship, foremost rank (in the) divinely ordained administrative heirarchy (of the) World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh,
—SHOGHI
Haifa, June 4, 1957
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The Victory announced by the beloved Guardian in his message of June 3 marks a turning-point in the evolution of the Bahá’í world community.
The present message, following so
closely, calls upon the two institutions of the Faith, the Hands of the
Cause and the National Assemblies,[Page 3]
to assume greater responsibilities
in prosecution of the Ten-Year Plan.
International Bahá’í Archives Building on Mt. Carmel, Haifa.
For each victory raises up new
enemies and by successive victories
the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh establishes
itself throughout the world. As every
religion born of God testified, the
quality of faith is inseparable from
struggle to save mankind from
superstition, dogma, materialism,
which are the dark shadows cast by
those who turn their backs to the
Sun.
The Institution of the Hands, Shoghi Effendi announces, is “now entering a new phase (in the) process (of the) unfoldment (of) its sacred mission.”
To its responsibility for assisting National Spiritual Assemblies in their prosecution of the World Crusade the Guardian now adds that of watching over and insuring the protection of the Bahá’í Community in collaboration with these same National Assemblies.
The great historic achievements of the Faith, the Guardian points out, have inflamed the “unquenchable animosity (of its) Muslim opponents.” “raised up (a) new set (of) adversaries” in Christendom, and “roused internal enemies, old (and) new Covenant-breakers (to) fresh attempts” to destroy the Cause of God.
The Guardian finds “evidences (of) increasing hostility without” and “persistent machinations within” which foreshadow “dire contests” destined to bring into complete opposition the Bahá’ís and the “forces (of) darkness, both secular (and) religious” which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá plainly foretold.
Such a formidable world-wide struggle, as the Guardian states, call for “closer association (of the) Hands (of the) five continents (and the) bodies (of the) elected representatives (of the) national Bahá’í communities (the) world over (for) joint investigation” and the “adoption (of) wise, effective measures (to) counteract their treacherous schemes, protect (the) mass (of the) believers and arrest (the) spread (oi their) evil influence.”
He further adds: “Security (of our) precious Faith, preservation (of the) spiritual health (of the) Bahá’í communities . . . fruition (of) its worldwide enterprises, fulfilment (of) its ultimate destiny” are directly dependent upon the discharge of their weighty responsibilities by the members oi these two institutions.
While this message is primarily
directed to the Hands of the Cause
and the National Assemblies, the individual Bahá’í is also wholly involved. For this climax of resistance
to the Promised One will, sooner or
later, present each Bahá’í with some
situation which will either demon[Page 4]
strate his utter sincerity or cause
him to deny the Faith he claims to
love and serve.
With this clear foreknowledge of events to come, it is for us as individual believers to sharpen the sword of truth and polish the shield of courage, that we may be prepared to stand steadfast in the army of the Lord of Hosts when the hour of test and sifting arrives. The spiritual struggle of the soul is won before the battle is engaged.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Guardian Announces Return of National Center in Tihran[edit]
In a cable received June 8, 1957, which directed our National Spiritual Assembly to cable the text to the other National Assemblies, the beloved Guardian stated: “Rejoice announce yet another victory won (in) cradle (of) Faith, swiftly following crushing defeat recently sustained (by) Covenant-breakers (in) Holy Land. National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds (in) Ṭihran (has been) returned, completing thereby (the) restitution (of) Bahá’í properties seized (at the) instigation (of) traditional enemies (in) Bahá’u’lláh’s native land.”
The same cable directed that the National Spiritual Assemblies, and the local Assemblies under their jurisdiction, cable the Sháh expressing their gratitude. All local Assemblies in the United States were immediately advised by letter.
The Guardian in a separate cable received at the same time directed that all National Assemblies are to avoid publicity concerning the restoration of this Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. The same directive naturally applies to all local Assemblies, Committees and individual believers.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Individual Firesides[edit]
The following excerpt is taken from a letter written on behalf of the Guardian by the Assistant Secretary dated March 6, 1957, to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bennett of Butte,
William J. Carr, shown in his room
at a U.S. Air Force Base somewhere
in Greenland. Mr. Carr is the believer living in the northernmost spot
in the Bahá’í world, 76 degrees north
latitude.
Mont. It is published as an incentive
to all American Bahá’ís.
“The friends must realize their individual responsibility. Each must hold a Fireside in his or her home, once in 19 days, where new people are invited, and where some phase of the Faith is mentioned and discussed. If this is done with the intent of showing Bahá’í hospitality and love, then there will be results. People will become interested in ‘what’ you are interested in, and then be interested in studying. Individual firesides will bring the knowledge of the Faith to more people, under favorable circumstances, and thus constantly enrich its circle of friends, and finally its members. There is no subsitute for the teaching work of the individual.”
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
“High-Minded Promoter of Faith”
The following cablegram was sent by the Guardian to Mrs. Mamie Seto after being informed of the passing of Anthony Y. Seto, pioneer settler in Hong Kong.
“Grieved sudden loss dear husband, valued, consecrated high-minded promoter (of) Faith. (The) record (of) his deeply appreciated services both (in) America (and) Asia (is) unforgettable. (His) reward (is) great (in) Abhá Kingdom. Assure loving, fervent prayers (for) progress (of) his soul.”
—SHOGHI
Cable received May 7, 1957
Our Inescapable Responsibility[edit]
In response to the recommendation of the delegates to the FortyNinth Annual Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly is calling to the attention of every Bahá’í the following closing paragraphs from the “Report of the Secretary” (of the National Spiritual Assembly) published on pages 8 and 9 of the Bahá’í Annual Reports, 1956-1957, a copy of which was sent to every American believer with the May issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, The friends are requested to read these paragraphs carefully, to discuss them at an early Nineteen Day Feast and to relate them to the Guardian’s cabled reply to the pledge contained in the message sent to him from the Convention. (See page 15, column 2, June BAHÁ’Í NEWS.)
Whatever tasks are allotted to the Bahá’ís of the United States during the next phase of the Ten Year Plan, the strengthening of the home front will be an essential requisite to our success as trustees of the Master’s Divine Plan.
At the root of this particular, longterm task lies the spiritualization of the individual Bahá’í.
In the Master’s era stalwart believers arose whose teaching classes and lectures established Bahá’í communities across the land. Upon their strong shoulders it seemed natural for the mass of believers to lay their personal and community responsibilities, These great teachers answered the questions, knew the Bahá’í literature, courageously and eloquently proclaimed the Message, made the decisions. Aside from the beloved Master (and He was cut off during the years of the First World War) the element of authority, as in all primitive societies, exisced by virtue of the influence emanating from the strong and active person.
Then followed the years when local
and national institutions had to be
established, replace with their actual
authority the assumed authority of
the teachers, and undergo a long
process of development in order to
acquire experience and capacity.
During that period there was repression of personal initiative because
personal initiative had never before
been called upon to recognize a[Page 5]
higher authority within the local and
national community, and the boundaries of effective Bahá’í activity had
not been defined. There was also repression of local Assembly initiative
whenever Assemblies exceeded their
powers or misdirected their efforts.
The call was raised for detailed and specific answers to all types of administrative situations. Believers wanted rule 1 for one problem and rule 7 for another, so that the mere application of a rule seemed all that was necessary.
At a certain point the Guardian interrupted this trend and pointed out that the institutions were not ends in themselves But instruments for the channeling of e spiritual forces of the Faith to the public. The Divine Plan was put into operation by the Guardian’s First Seven Year Plan, followed by the Second Seven Year Plan, and then the Ten Year Plan of the World Crusade, 1953-1963.
No believer can now fail to realize that faith is an evolving, dynamic reality demonstrated in action and not a passive belief or passive membership in a community of fellow believers who listen to a talk, read prayers, contribute some funds, and then go their separate ways. For the dire state of civilization coincides with the challenging plans of the Guardian. The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is the sole salvation of a stricken humanity;
All our talents, capacities, training and experience are needed today to help fulfil the divine Mission of the Faith. There are no repressions nor restrictions laid upon us when we walk the right path. Courage, initiative, intuition, emotion, knowledge, understanding—all we possess and are, in whatever measure, the Faith requires and Bahá’u’lláh expects.
Once knowing the few basic principles of administration, this knowledge becomes a habit we individual Bahá’ís can practice without conscious thought, and thus free ourselves of inhibition, fear, scorn and jealousy of other Bahá’ís, and throw ourselves whole-heartedly into service for the World Crusade. When every local Assembly harmoniously discharges its duties with devotion and justice; when every committee thinks only of its privilege of serving some particular aspect of community activity; when every individual Bahá’í realizes that he must unfold his God-given capacities and powers—then will our anxieties and burdens vanish and the world about us will be discerned as a starving orphan crying for food. Our contacts resist us because we resist the Spirit. Opportunities elude us because we have strayed from the path?
Now, as a new Bahá’í year opens may we not feel complete assurance that the Bahá’í community possesses every resource required for a far more energetic and determined teaching campaign than we have ever undertaken before. It has become the most elemental issue of all: our own relationship to the Manifestation of God.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY ACTS ON CONVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS[edit]
The recommendations adopted by the delegates to the Forty-Ninth Annual Bahá’í Convention and referred to the National Spiritual Assembly for action were given careful consideration at the first two meetings of this body. Following is a report of the decisions and actions taken by the Assembly:
1. That the article by Dr. Marcus Bach, “The Bahá’í Faith: A Second Loo ,” published in the April 10 issue of The Christian Century, be reprinted for wide distribution throughout the United States.
Action: This recommendation was acted on by the National Spiritual Assembly at its meeting following the Convention as reported in the June issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
2. That the National Spiritual Assembly print those excerpts from the Guardian’s messages which outline what the believers need to do
Correction in Calendar of Bahá’í Events[edit]
The friends are requested to note in the schedule of events published in the June issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS that the State Convention will take place on December 8 instead of December 1 as listed in the calendar.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
to increase their capacity to teach and to deepen themselves in the Faith.
Action: The intent of this recommendation is being carried out in the steps being taken by the National Spiritual Assembly this year to revitalize the entire Bahá’í Community.
Summary of Teaching Needs
3. That each Assembly, group, and isolated believer in an area be encouraged to send to the Area Teaching Committee at the beginning of the year, a summary of their teaching needs.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly feels that Assemblies, groups, and individuals should submit their requests for such help at any time in the year and as far in advance as possible so that the Area Teaching Committee may be able to incorporate such assistance in its plans for the area.
4. That the National Spiritual Assembly stimulate all local Spiritual Assemblies to carry on extension teaching activities in cooperation with the Area Teaching Committee concerned and that this activity be continued and not sporadic.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly has for many years encouraged this type of teaching service on the part of every local Assembly that feels able to undertake it.
5. That the Area Teaching Committees encourage special projects in states or smaller areas where Assemblies need assistance and isolated believers need fellowship and stimulation to teach.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly points out that this has always been a function of the Area Teaching Committee and approves encouraging groups and isolated believers to cooperate in organizing and carrying out teaching activities in their respective areas.
“Philosophy of Education”
6. That the statement by the National Bahá’í Child Education Committee on the “Philosophy of Education” be made available in printed form to the believers, either in Child’s Way or in some other medium that will give the widest possible circulation.
Action: The National Child Education Committee has been authorized
to prepare this material for circula[Page 6]
tion throughout the American Bahá’í
Community at an early date.
7. That the National Child Education Committee be requested to provide additional teaching material, such as stories from the Dawn-Breakers and material from The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, graded to various age levels so that the children do their own reading.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly calls attention to the fact that there already exists one book of stories from the Dawn-Breakers for children. However, this recommendation has been referred to the National Child Education Committee for study and recommendation to the National Assembly.
8. That stories which have been appearing in Child’s Way be compiled in some manner and made available to the believers as a collection.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the friends that the National Bahá’í Child Education Committee will welcome subscriptions for Child’s Way so that the friends themselves can compile their own files on this type of material.
9. That Child’s Way be sent directly to Bahá’í children without charge.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly feels that this recommendation is impracticable at this time.
Children’s Classes
10. That Bahá’í Communities be urged to sponsor Bahá’í children’s classes open to both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í children and that children in outlying areas where such classes are not available be invited to attend.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly encourages this type of activity wherever it is possible.
11. That the National Bahá’í Child Education Committee make a survey among youth between the ages of 15 and 21 as to the type of Bahá’í education they have received, and solicit their recommendations with a view to planning a course of study and preparation for declaration by Bahá’í youth.
Action: This recommendation is being referred by the National Spiritual Assembly to the Child Education Committee for study and recommendation.
12. That the agendas for the State Conventions and inter-community teaching conferences include events for children of the age group between 10 and 15 years.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly feels that this is a matter which can be arranged by the host city wherever such arrangements seem desirable.
13. That the Child Education Committee solicit songs and poems which will help in teaching history to children of the younger age levels.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly reminds the friends that the National Bahá’í Child Education Committee welcomes materials of this type.
Political Controversies
14. That the National Spiritual Assembly clarify for all the believers the reasons why Bahá’ís, either individually or as administrative bodies, do not take specific positions on pending legislation and current political controversies.
Action: The clarifying statement requested by this recommendation will be published in an early issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
15. That the National Spiritual Assembly again call the attention of the Bahá’ís to that portion of its annual report appearing on pages 8 and 9 of the Annual Reports, under the heading “Our Inescapable Responsibility,” and urge the believers to study and act upon it.
Action: The action on this recommendation appears on page 4 of this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
16. That the National Spiritual Assembly clarify the relationship between Local Spiritual Assemblies and Area Teaching Committees and make that clarification available to the believers.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly recommends that the believers refer to the statement of functions assigned to the Area Teaching Committees as published in the annual Bahá’í Directory. The aim of the Area Teaching Committee is to offer teaching service and the Local Spiritual Assemblies, particularly the smaller ones, should gratefully accept such service, while the larger Assemblies should participate actively in extension and circuit teaching work and Area conferences.
Convention Reports
17. That when delegates give their reports on the Convention they include the reading of the Guardian’s message and make every effort to share with the friends the spirit of the Convention; that in those states from which no delegates or visitors attended the Convention, a delegate or visitor from some other state be invited to give the report.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly records its hope that all of the believers who attended the Convention have shared with the friends in all localities the inspiration and consultation of the Convention and that they made a special effort to reach those states which were not represented by delegates or visitors.
18. That the National Spiritual Assembly gather together a group of experienced teachers and request them to consult on a coordinated plan of teaching for the American Bahá’ís; that the recommendations of this group be submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly for study and review, and that the portions of the program which may be approved by the National Spiritual Assembly be offered to the believers through the American National Teaching Committee.
Action: The National Spiritual Assembly recognizes the merit of this recommendation, but feels that the primary urgency at this time is reemphasis of the Guardian's repeated direct appeals to the individual believers and their response to his call for dispersal at home and abroad. However, the Assembly will consider this recommendation again at a later time.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Western Hemisphere
LETTERS RECOUNT INSPIRATION GIVEN BY CONVENTIONS[edit]
Letters coming from the pioneers since this spring’s Conventions reflect the impetus which these historic assemblies have lent to the march of the Crusade, as well as the inspiration received by those who attended. The Committee wishes to share some excerpts from a few of these letters.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Tucker, Cordoba, Argentina
“ . . . our historic Convention in
Buenos Aires was thrilling and inspiring. The Guardian’s representative, Hand of the Cause ‘Ali Muḥammad Varqá, was a beautiful example of devotion and humility and we were doubly blessed because the Convention was small and we were able to become well acquainted with him. We almost feel that Margery McCormick, representative of the National Assembly of the United States, was sent just for us; she did so much to uplift our spirits . . . we shall be forever grateful for her visit.”
Cora Oliver, Belize, British Honduras
“How good it was for us to have the visit of Mabel Sneider after the Convention in Panama — and tomorrow we are to have the bounty of receiving our beloved Guardian’s representative, Mr. Khádem. The friends here are anticipating his visit with considerable interest and understanding so we expect extremely happy days ahead. We do believe that they are aware that theirs is a special bounty which others in virgin areas are not enjoying. May we all arise with greater zeal and devotion as a result of this precious git.”
George Haley, San Pedro Sula, Honduras
“It seems impossible that over a month has elapsed since we were in Panama . . . Mr. Khádem visit was marvelous, and even though Honduras was in a state of war and we held our public meeting in a private home without any advertising, we had almost 30 in attendance. The tempo of activities has not decreased and we continue to be very happy with the possibilities. We have three classes each week for different stages of study, but most of our faithful Bahá’ís come to all of them, and, bless them, usually bring a contact to a deepening class and sometimes still bring them to strictly Bahá’í meetings.”
Three new pioneers, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Hoeppner and Mr. Joseph Colon, are now en route to their posts, and more offers are coming to the Committee. Anyone considering pioneering, or who can make a teaching trip in the Western Hemisphere is asked to write to Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, secretary, 73 College Road West, Princeton, New Jersey.
Members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá’ís of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela,
elected at the first National Convention held in Lima, Peru,
on April 22-24, 1957, with Horace Holley, Hand of the Cause,
present as the Guardian’s representative.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela
FORM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN LIMA[edit]
For most of the delegates and visiting Bahá’ís the Convention began Friday evening, April 19th, with the reception at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Lima where old friends met again and others met for the first time.
April 20th and 21st were set aside for pre-convention school, which consisted of four sessions each preceded by prayers and meditations in Spanish and English.
The first class encompassed a study of The Kitáb-i-Íqán. The following points were brought out in this course: The Kitáb-i-Íqán proves the Station of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh and discusses the purpose of the Prophets and Their teachings. The primary requisites for one who seeks the City of Certitude; the real and true guides to reach that City were discussed, and the sixteen points touched by The Kitáb-i-Íqán as written by the Guardian in God Passes By were briefly mentioned.
The important principles of Bahá’í Administration were stressed such as: attending meetings, revision of voting lists before elections, the work of the Regional Teaching Committees. The functions of the National Spiritual Assembly were studied Sunday morning. A discussion was held on the importance of harmony and unity, obedience to the Guardian’s suggestions; the Hands of the Cause; committees and their responsibilities, enrollment of new believers, voting rights.
On Sunday afternoon the two Persian delegates, Djalal Eghrari and Cyrus Monadjemi from Brazil told of the early history of the Faith in Persia and its significance. In the evening the Feast of Riḍván was celebrated. Mr. Horace Holley, Hand of the Cause, and the Guardian’s representative to this convention, told the story of the Announcement of Bahá’u’lláh as the Promised One in the Garden of Riḍván in Baghdad. Mr. Holley then annointed each of the friends with the Beloved Guardian‘s gift of Attar of Roses. The scent of roses permeated the room and an atmosphere of love and a great peace could be felt by all. After dinner on Sunday evening the English speaking Bahá’ís gathered for the reading of the Guardian’s message in English.
On Monday, April 22, the Convention was convened by Mr. Holley, who
told us how this year was designated
by the Guardian for the formation of
many regional National Spiritual Assemblies and the Guardian asked the
National Spiritual Assembly of the
United States to convene nine of the
conventions for the formation of[Page 8]
these Assemblies, Mr. Holley then
read the Guardian’s message to the
convention, which was received with
great love and appreciation
There were 26 delegates attending the Convention and approximately 35 visiting friends from the five countries. Margot Worley was elected chairman of the Convention and Dorothy Campbell, secretary. Fifty-eight letters of greeting from Bahá’í Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world were then read before the Convention and a committee was named to write up a message from the Convention to the Guardian.
Mr. Holley presented the Guardian’s beautiful gift albums for the newly-formed regional National Spiritual Assembly. These two albums were received with great interest and love. One contains photographs of all the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds purchased and the other pictures of the Sacred Shrines and Temples, some of which are to be constructed. These albums are made of beautiful hand-tooled Italian leather.
The National Spiritual Assembly reported that five new local Spiritual Assemblies had been formed in the past year, making a total of 18 local Spiritual Assemblies in the five countries of South America. The National Treasurer’s report was presented and the assembled delegates resolved to stress the need for contributing to the National Fund in their respective communities. The Guardian’s message was then read by the whole Convention with emphasis placed on the new goals.
The Convention was opened on the second day with a feeling of dedication and dignity and a resolve for action. Mr. Holley, Hand of the Cause, lent his assistance in answering several questions concerning administrative procedure. With prayerful meditation the members of the new National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela were then elected and later organized into their respective offices as follows: Margot Worley, chairman; Edmund Miessler, vice-chairman; Dorothy Campbell, corresponding secretary; Gayle Woolson, recording secretary; Jorge Béjar, treasurer; and Eve Nicklin, Mercedes Sanchez, Djalal Eghrari, and Cyrus Monadjemi.
At noon several delegates representing each of the five countries were interviewed and questioned about the Faith on a radio program in Lima. The interview consisted of direct, concise questions which were answered clearly, briefly and warmly.
The delegates from Brazil exuberantly requested the National Spiritual Assembly of the five countries to ask the Guardian if he would approve Brazil’s forming their own National Spiritual Assembly in 1958, as they felt they would be ready to accept this responsibility at that time. This created great joy in the Convention and admiration for the valor and accomplishment manifested by Brazil.
Detailed reports were presented by all national committees. In the evening an excellent talk, “The Unity of Mankind,” was given by Mr. Horace Holley, Hand of the Cause, in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. There was a good attendance and the talk stimulated questions and interest among non-Bahá’ís. It gave inspiration to all attending and insight to the friends of a way to present the Bahá’í message. The last day of the Convention was largely devoted to the presentation of recommendations of the delegates to the new regional National Assembly. A spirit of earnest striving filled the Convention and 76 recommendations were presented with much discussion and consultation.
Mr. Holley addressed the Convention at its close, saying that the delegates had performed a great service to the Cause of God by electing a new National Assembly to unify the friends and to stimulate them to perform the work which must be done in these five great countries under the guidance of the Guardian. He called on them for their continued devotion and their own obedience to their National Assembly. Mr. Holley’s departure was accompanied with joy and sorrow. His love, insight, humility and dignity were a living lesson for all assembled. The members of the new Regional National Spiritual Assembly, the Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike, escorted Mr. Holley to the airport to see him off.
All Bahá’ís attending the Convention extend their heart-felt thanks to the Guardian for sending Mr. Horace Holley as his representative to this Convention of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. His love and presence touched and opened every heart there.
—DOROTHY CAMPELL
Convention Reporter
Delegates to the first National Convention held in Lima, Peru.
Central America and Mexico
NEW ASSEMBLY FORMED IN PANAMA[edit]
The National Convention of Central America and Mexico was inaugurated under the inspired guidance of the distinguished representative of the beloved Guardian, Dhikru’lláh Khádem, Hand of the Cause; the representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, Robert McLaughlin; and the representative of the Hands of the Cause of America, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, member of the Auxiliary Board.
Twenty-seven delegates attended from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salva-
Dhikru’lláh Khádem, Hand of the Cause; Robert McLaughlin, representative of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly; Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, representative of the
Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause of America; and
the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly of Central
America and Mexico.
dor, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa
Rica, and Panama. In addition there
were many visitors from other countries.
The convention opened with a brilliant reception on April 21 in the beautiful salon of the Hotel International, the site of the convention.
Among those attending the opening was an official representative of the Panama government, Júvenal Castrellon Adames.
The business sessions of the convention opened on April 22, with Mr. McLaughlin presiding at the election of the convention officers. The delegates elected Artemus Lamb as chairman, and Esteban Canales as secretary.
Then the Guardian’s representative, Mr. Khádem, Hand of the Cause, presented the message from the Guardian to the Latin American conventions, which was immediately translated and read to the audience. The Guardian’s message to all the conventions was also translated and presented to the delegates for study and consultation.
The spirit of the delegates during their deliberations on the Guardian’s messages was beautiful. There was a great display of courage and strength as the delegates faced the challenge outlined in the new Six-Year Plan.
A new spirit of dedication was pledged in the following cable sent to our beloved Guardian: “Hearts overflowing deepest gratitude great bounties. Challenging and loving messages your representatives Dhikru’llah Khádem, volumes Bahá’í holy places and administrative buildings throughout world, attar of rose brought divine inspiration and power of Guardian felt by all, resulting in renewed dedication goals third phase World Crusade. Supplicating prayers.”
To this the Guardian replied:
“Deeply appreciate message, greatly welcome renewed dedication delegates. Fervently supplicating manifold blessings great victories. Deepest love.” SHOGHI
Many messages were received from other parts of the world, and there were gifts from our beloved Guardian, the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee, and the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of the United States.
The feast of Riḍván on the night of April 22 at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds was another glorious occasion, and was magnified by the exhibition of a lock of hair of our Best Beloved, Bahá’u’lláh, given to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America and Mexico. The climax of this spiritual feast was the annointing of all the friends with attar of rose by Mr. Khádem.
The primal objective of the convention, the election of the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America and Mexico, took place on April 23. The following members were elected: Artemus Lamb, chairman; Alfred Osborne, vice-chairman; Miss Amy McAllister, secretary; Esteban Canales, recording secretary; James Facey, treasurer; and Donald Ross Witzel, Mrs. Jennie Taylor, Mrs. Raquel de Constante, and Allah K. Kalantar.
The newly installed National Assembly had lengthy consultation with Mr. Khádem, Mr. McLaughlin, and Mrs. McLaughlin. The spirit of the consultations manifested a
Dhikru’llah Khádem, Hand of the Cause, with delegates attending the
National Convention of Central America and Mexico, held in Panama on
April 21-23, 1957.
healthy beginning of the activities of the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America and Mexico.
With this new spirit of dedication we begin a new phase of extensive work which will bring great victories for the Faith in the Central American territory.
International School
Following the National Convention of Central America and Mexico, an International Bahá’í School was held on April 25-26, on the theme “The Bahá’í Life.”
Central and East Africa
SECOND CONVENTION HELD IN KAMPALA[edit]
The spirit of convention here is very much the same as everywhere else, and there is the same wonderful, uplifting feeling that brings everyone joyously together.
All through our convention it is necessary to have three translators interpreting every word of the proceedings. The general feeling was different again from the convention of last year, which had been the very first in Central and East Africa. Then there had been the wonder and excitement of something quite new and the thrill of meeting overseas visitors. This time there were no such visitors and, although many of the same faces were to be seen, a much more businesslike atmosphere prevailed; these people were here with problems to voice and ideas to share.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central and
East Africa for 1957-1958.
The convention opened with prayers and readings which had been
chosen by the Kenya delegates, after
which the Chairman of the outgoing
National Spiritual Assembly addressed the gathering, welcoming
them to the convention.
The roll was called, and it was found that 42 out of the 76 delegates were present. Two others came later. Following this, the Chairman explained the procedure for electing convention officers, and voting commenced. The results were that Ali Nakhjavání, chairman of the outgoing National Assembly, would serve as chairman of the convention, and Hassan Sabri would be its secretary.
The Chairman then told the delegates of the wonderful Riḍván message from the Guardian, copies of it were given to the English-speaking delegates, and a summary in the vernacular languages was promised.
A special cable from the Guardian to the National Assembly was read, as follows:
“DELIGHTED URGE GREATER CONCENTRATION COURSE CURRENT YEAR MULTIPLICATION CENTRES INCREASE NUMBER BELIEVERS. FERVENTLY SUPFLICATING SIGNAL VICTORIES, SHRINES.” SHOGHI
Following this the revered Hand of the Cause, Musa Banání, spoke in Persian of his appreciation that so many delegates had come such long distances; he spoke of the Guardian’s message and his wish that all the delegates should read it, study it, and realize the great expectations which the Guardian has of us all; he stressed the importance of teaching so that the number of believers, tribes, centres, and Assemblies would increase, and added that he was hoping and praying that in their consultations the delegates would adopt useful decisions which would promote the teaching work; he urged the delegates. when they returned, to become promoters of the teaching work in their localities, and said that this was how all would attain the good pleasure of our well-loved Guardian. He finished by saying that the Guardian was very happy with Africa, and prayed that he might continue in his happiness in our work.
Delegates to the second National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Central and
East Africa at Kampala, Uganda, on April 27-30, 1957.
National Convention of Central and East Africa in session
at Kampala, Uganda.
National Assembly Report
The report of the National Spiritual Assembly followed, and contained the exciting news that 21 new Assemblies had been formed in the region, 9 in Kenya and 12 in Uganda, rasing the total number of Assemblies to 82.
Eighty-nine new centres had been opened to the Faith, raising the total number of places in the region where Bahá’ís are living to 341, while over 500 new believers raise the total in the territory to 1909
During the afternoon the cable to the Guardian was presented and approved as follows:
“44 DELEGATES 19 VISITORS ASSEMBLED KAMPALA BLESSED BY PRESENCE HAND CAUSE SEND LOVING GREETINGS HEARTFELT THANKS CONVENVENTION MESSAGE GRATITUDE YOUR BOUNTIFUL PRAYERS REJOICING SUCCESSES ACHIEVED CONSULTING BASIS YOUR BLESSED GUIDANCE.”
Next an analysis of the Guardian’s Riḍván message was read and translated. The delegates then consulted upon it, and in the ensuing discussions 21 out of the 29 resolutions passed were related to the teaching goals set by the beloved Guardian.
Monday, voting day, began with readings on elections and prayers for the guidance of the delegates, after which the names of the tellers were announced and instructions for voting given. Some delegates who had been unable to attend had sent their ballots by post and these, together with those placed in the box of this day, totalled 64.
At the beginning of the second session of the morning the delegates were delighted to find that a prisoner who had just been released from Kitalya Prison Farm had arrived, bringing with him a message of greeting from the 25 other Bahá’ís still detained, and a letter from the Bahá’í who had first spread the Faith in this prison.
The letter was read, and the released prisoner asked to speak. The hearts of all who were present were most touched by his words when he spoke of his surprise and perplexity at finding himself welcomed in such a gathering immediately after his release from prison.
He told the delegates how grateful he and his fellow-prisoners had been for the coming of the Light, and left everybody with the impression that great good was being done in this prison, where the authorities had already allowed the Bahá’ís to keep the Holy Days.
Shortly after this the Guardian’s reply to the convention was received as follows:
“DEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE URGE INTENSIFICATION TION SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENTS FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING RICHEST BLESSINGS MIGHTY VICTORIES, DEEPEST LOVE.”
—SHOGHI
Election Results
At the afternoon session the tellers arrived with their report, and announced the results of the election: Ali Nakhjavani, Philip Hainsworth, Oloro Epyeru, Hassan Sabri, Aziz Yazdi, Max Kanyerezi, Kolonario Oule, Irene Bennett, and Javan Gutosi. Of these, the last three are new members.
The announcement of the election results was followed by a display of the Temple designs, with a talk and questions on the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.
Photographs of the new National Spiritual Assembly were taken, and a second small committee was appointed for the drafting of a second cable to the Guardian. This cable was read, approved, and dispatched, and the convention was closed with a prayer.
The presence of all the members of the new National Spiritual Assembly at the convention enabled them to meet on two evenings during that time and elect their officers: Ali Nakhjavani, chairman; Philip Hainsworth, secretary; Aziz Yazdi, vicechairman; Hassan Sabri, treasurer. In addition, Irene Bennett was appointed recording secretary, and Hassan Sabri librarian.
The National Spiritual Assembly was also able to appoint the three main teaching committees, and the Bahá’í Temple and Literature Reviewing Committees, deal with all urgent matters, and approve the budget which had been recommended by the convention,
—LOIS HAINSWORTH
Convention Reporter
CONVENTION DELEGATES VISIT TEMPLE SITE[edit]
We were standing at the top of “our” hill, the hill on which the Mother Temple of Africa is to be built, feeling very small and awed and humble, watching a procession of little white-shirted figures picking its way up the steep winding path. We had passed them a few moments before, in a car that had bucked like a mad horse, the access road had been so muddy and full of deep holes, As the procession drew nearer the approach road to the land, we could hear that they were singing, and as they closed we heard that it was “Allah’u’Abhá, Allah’u‘Abhá . . . ” Quite spontaneously, as they had set foot on the
Bahá’í land, they had begun to chant this.
These were the delegates to the Central and East African second convention, paying their first visit to the Temple land, and when they arrived, the Unity Prayer was sung, a prayer was chanted in Persian, prayers read in English and Ateso, and once again the delegates sang “Alláh‘u’Abhá . . . ”
Then they began to look at the land. On a small rise there is an enormous mvuli tree, which is going to remain there, and which will be almost as high as the Temple itself. The Temple will be built so that the door facing Haifa will look over landscaped gardens and through a valley where no buildings are yet to be seen.
The other side of the Temple faces Kampala, so that, as one of the visitors said, you can turn your back on the world and look towards Haifa.
Looking across the city, on the different hills surrounding it, are the seat of learning for East Africa, Makerere College, the hospital, the Governor’s Lodge, the weather station, the Cathedral, all of which can be seen from “our” land, and from which the Temple, when built, will be visible.
The architect paid a special visit to the site at this time to explain something of the plans to the delegates, and to answer any questions.
This was very thrilling for everybody and we left the site feeling excited and uplifted, and hardly able to wait for the time when the Temple would rise into the blue African sky—a shining symbol that our beloved Faith is indeed established in the hearts of our African brothers.
—LOIS HAINSWORTH
SCHOOLS STIMULATE GROWTH OF FAITH[edit]
In a drive to implement the Guardian’s plea to increase the number of believers and centers, the Central and East African National Spiritual Assembly has encouraged the holding of schools which would be designed to deepen as well as to teach.
These schools were of two kinds: the first was of the weekend type initiated during the English Six-Year Plan, organized to commence late on Saturday afternoon with an opening devotional program and an initial class, followed by dinner and an evening of social activity to enable those attending to enjoy each other’s company.
Sunday morning and part of Sunday afternoon was devoted to more classes, panel discussions, demonstrations of the various procedures of Bahá’í administrative life, such as elections and consultations, and to question and answer sessions. They terminated with a devotional.
The second type was for more experienced Bahá’ís selected by the teaching committees as being suitable for training as teachers. Those chosen had to be willing and able to give up some of their time to travelling around their districts and passing on to other Bahá’ís and new believers what they had learned at the school.
Sessions were planned to include history, administration and law, and practical demonstrations of how Assembly meetings, Feasts, and elections were conducted. This particular type of school was intended to alleviate the severe manpower shortage by providing the region with a number of African Bahá’ís well-versed in their Faith.
Put into practice, both types of school proved to be most successful, there having been three week-long training schools and seventeen weekend schools.
At the end of each of the training schools, consultations were held between teachers and students to discover whether any improvement might be made and whether those attending felt that they had gained from the experience.
It was generally felt by all concerned that a great deal of good had been done and that every effort should be made in the coming year to increase both the number of schools and the number of students attending them.
Of the 17 weekend schools, 13 were held in Uganda, three in Kenya and one in Tanganyika. In many cases the organization of the physical arrangements was left to the local believers themselves, who were re-
Delegates to the National Convention of Central and East Africa visiting the Temple Site at Kampala, Uganda,
shown at the left. To the right is a general view of the Temple Site, which is located to the left of the tree in the center of the photograph.
Members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá’ís of the Greater Antilles, elected at the National
Convention at Kingston, Jamaica, on April 23, 1957.
sponsible for providing accommodation for those coming from long distances, and food for all attending.
The spiritual value of these schools can to some extent be assessed by the fact that 21 new Assemblies have been formed in the region this year, and numerous new centers have been opened. Indubitably this success is due in a large measure to the drive and initiative drawn from attendance at these schools, which are to be encouraged in the coming year for the incentive to teach which they give to all concerned.
Greater Antilles
NATIONAL CONVENTION HELD IN JAMAICA[edit]
Our first National Convention, establishing the National Spiritual Assembly of the Greater Antilles, was held in Kingston, Jamaica, on April 22-24, 1957. It was one of great inspiration and loving cooperation.
The Jamaican believers showered everyone with love and kindness, and were deeply grateful for the privilege of serving as hosts to the convention. Their gentle devotion and sacrifices were an inspiration to everyone present, and the spiritual power poured upon the meetings will never be forgotten.
All delegates from other countries had to surmount great difficulties to attend, This brought a strong spirit of sacrifice and dedication, which was deepened by the inspiring messages received from our beloved Guardian. All hearts were filled to overflowing with the joy of the privilege of participation in this glorious task.
The convention was opened by Dr. Katherine True, representing the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, who served as temporary chairman until convention officers could be elected. Dr. True’s first action was to introduce her mother, Mrs. Corinne True, Hand of the Cause, serving as the Guardian’s representative at the convention.
Mrs. True, after greeting the delegates and friends, asked that the Guardian’s message he read by her daughter, Mrs. Arna Perron.
Next Dr. True presented the gifts to the Bahá’ís of the Greater Antilles from the Guardian, exquisitely bound books containing photographs of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs.
Following the roll call of delegates, permanent convention officers were elected: W. A. W. Mitchell, chairman; and Mrs. Dee Worth, secretary,
A committee appointed to draft a
Mrs. Corinne True, Hand of the Cause, representing the Guardian, with
Bahá’ís attending the first National Convention of the Greater Antilles in
Kingston, Jamaica, on April 22-24, 1957.
message to the Guardian submitted the following text for a cablegram, which was approved and dispatched:
“Your divinely inspired message, heart-felt visit revered Hand Cause Corinne True, precious gifts all received with over-flowing hearts. United dedicated determination fulfill goals. Supplicating prayers, deepest love.” First Bahá’í Convention Greater Antilles.
On the second morning of the convention came the election of the first National Spiritual Assembly. Dr. True spoke on the importance of the election, pointing out that this was the primary purpose of the convention, and a most solemn occasion. After the reading of prayers, the ballots were cast.
During the counting of the ballots, Mrs. Corinne True, Hand of the Cause, annointed all present with attar of rose, sent by the Guardian, and then spoke of the miracle of the presence of the Bahá’ís there, under the shade of the Guardian’s name, and of the fulfillment of the Christian prophecies in the advent and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
Results of the election were later announced, with the following membership of the National Spiritual Assembly, listed with their officers: W. A. W. Mitchell, chairman; Elizabeth Cheney, vice-chairman; Mrs. Dee Worth, secretary; Sheila Rice Wray, treasurer; Randolph Fitz-Henley, recording secretary; and Eustace Bailey, Circee Brantome, Celestine Perez, and Juana Ortuno.
Many messages of acclamation from national and local Assemblies were read to the convention, and there was valuable consultation on the Guardian’s messages.
All of these activities, the beautiful words of our beloved Hand of the Cause, Mrs. Corinne True, the receiving of the gifts from the Guardian, the annointing with the attar of rose, and the letters of acclamation, brought deep inspiration and a stronger realization of our unity in the divine Administrative Order, as we strive here in the Antilles to establish another Pillar.
—DEE WORTH
Convention Reporter
North East Asia
TOKYO CONVENTION ELECTS FIRST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
Two stirring messages from the Guardian, the presence of two Hands of the Cause of God, and greetings
Delegates and visitors at the first National Convention held in Tokyo, Japan, Mr. Djalál Kházeh, Hand of the
Cause, in attendance as the Guardian’s representative, is in the front row holding the inscription of the Greatest Name; at his left, Agnes Alexander, recently appointed Hand of the Cause.
First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North
East Asia, elected at the first National Convention held in
Tokyo, Japan, on April 27-29, 1951.
from Bahá’í Assemblies, groups, and
individuals in many parts of the
world, brought to the Convention of
the Bahá’ís of North East Asia, meeting at the University Club in Tokyo
April 27, 28 and 29, 1951, a bounteous
joy from which overflowed a devotion and dedication apparent throughout the meeting.
The knowledge that in this Pacific area, as assured by the Guardian, “Bahá’í exploits hid fair to outshine the feats achieved in any other ocean, and indeed in every continent of the globe,” gave to this gathering also a sense of urgency, of that “The time is now” and “We must get going fast.”
Without doubt, the Guardian’s messages were the highlights of this historic convention. The teaching session Which preceded it; the prayers in four languages with which each session opened; the stimulation and inspiration which radiated from the Hands of the Cause, Djalál Kházeh and Miss Agnes Alexander; the anointment by the former of the 80 believers present with attar of rose sent from the Guardian; the roll call of the delegates; the formation of the new Assembly and the election of its officers; the splendid publicity in Japan’s leading newspapers; the thoughtful deliberations, and the presentation of gifts inaugurating the National Fund—all were significant phases of the convention, but it rose to its greatest heights when the two messages from Haifa were read and discussed. Their contents and portents lifted the hearts
of the delegates and others there assembled, and gave them a thrilling awareness, first, of goals accomplished, and second, responsibility in the tasks ahead.
The opening words of the Guardian’s message, “With feelings of exultation, joy and pride I hail the convocation of this history-making convention of the Bahá’ís of North East Asia, paving the way for the emergence of a Regional Spiritual Assembly with an area of jurisdiction embracing Japan, Korea, Formosa, Macao, Hong Kong, Hainan Island and Sakhalin island,” stirred the hearts of all present with the realization of the greatness of this moment and the purpose for which they had assembled.
Then came the beloved Guardian’s recognition of this event as the culmination of a process initiated half a century ago in the capital city of Japan, under the watchful care and direct inspiration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Such a consummation cannot fail to lend a tremendous impetus to its onward march in the entire Pacific Ocean. . . . ” Next the Guardian paid tribute to the members of the American Bahá’í community for their part in promoting the interests of the Faith in Japan and its neighboring islands.
Six-Year Plan
There then followed the Guardian’s appeal to signalize the birth of this new assembly through the initiation of a subsidiary Six-Year Plan. In his review of the 11 goals assigned by the Guardian the devoted Hand of the Cause, Mr. Kházeh, said: “One of the goals is to increase the centers. We should not be satisfied with the 21 or 22 groups we have, but we should increase very fast . . . and we should incorporate the different Assemblies as soon as possible . . . ; also we should get the certificate for the right. to perform marriages . . . Now that we have an Assembly in North East Asia, we should have a strong fund with support from all the Assemblies . . . also a summer school . . . also a plot of land for the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár , . . and we should give strong financial support to the Fund . . it is not for us to spend our money much for ourselves and a little for the Cause, but much for the Cause, and a little for ourselves, in the way the Guardian does. . . . ”
Upon the heights reached from the reading of the specific message to this convention on Saturday morning, came the reading in the afternoon of the Guardian’s other message sent to the 24 Bahá’í conventions being held simultaneously. This message, following so closely upon the one to their own area, left the listeners fairly breathless, astonished, and excited.
There was a special moment of reverence as the Hand of the Cause. Mr. Djalál Kházeh, touched each of those present with the attar of rose, saying as he did so that he was spreading the fragrance of love from the Guardian, and also the fragrance of the Cause all over the area.
Then he offered his sincere congratulations to “the daughter of the Kingdom,” Miss Agnes Alexander, upon her elevation to the rank of Hand of the Cause, and he repeated that part of a Tablet written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wherein He said of Miss Alexander: “If she had founded an empire, it would not be as great as this empire, for this is eternal glory.”
The convention on the second day was devoted to discussion of the goals in North East Asia, and the election of the new Assembly. In opening the discussion period, Miss Linfoot stated that the Guardian had emphasized the importance of the believers settling in the northern islands of Japan. “If we scatter, as the Guardian wishes us to do, and make more assemblies, then We will have a solid foundation for this Regional Spiritual Assembly.”
The magnitude of the teaching
tasks and the vast extent of the area under the jurisdiction of this new assembly called forth much serious consultation on how to proceed most effectively in the six short years left before 1963.
Accomplishments Reviewed
Preceding the Assembly election, the Hand of the Cause, Mr. Kházeh, addressed the delegates in the name of the Guardian whom he represented upon this occasion. He reviewed the accomplishments of the Faith in the last 35 years and spoke lovingly of the part played by the Knights and heroes of the Faith who came to Japan and the surrounding areas in fulfillment of the Ten Year Crusade.
Then followed the historic act of electing the nine members of this new pillar of the future Universal House of Justice. The spiritual atmosphere in which the delegates carried out this responsibility, created by the reading of prayers and appropriate selections from the Writings, was sustained during the writing of the ballots by the continuing silent prayers of the visitors.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Hiroshima,
Japan, formed an April 21, 1957.
National Assembly Elected
The members of the new Spiritual Assembly and the officers Whom they elected are: William Maxwell, chairman; Hiroyaso Takano, vicechairman; Yadullah Rafaat, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Barbara Sims, recording secretary; Noureddin Momtazi, treasurer; Miss Agnes Alexander, Philip Marangella, Ata’-ulláh Moghbel, and Michitoshi Zenimoto. The election officers elected at the opening session, were Philip Marangella, chairman and Barbara Sims, secretary.
Many greetings had come to the new Assembly. On behalf of the beloved Guardian, Mr. Kházeh presented two handsomely bound photograph albums, one consisting of pictures of the Bahá’í holy places, including the architects’ drawings of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár to be erected in Sydney, Kampala, Frankfurt, and on Mount Carmel.
The other album was of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds already acquired in the Ten-Year Plan. Letters of acclaim were read from the National Spiritual Assemblies round the world, all preserved for the national archives in a beautiful red leather book presented by the members of the Asia Teaching Committee of the United States.
There then followed a most moving demonstration of love and generosity; delegates and friends arose in quick succession, and presented their gifts.
This session of spontaneous giving epitomized the spirit of dedication which prevailed throughout the convention, and which was expressed in the message sent to the Guardian on the opening day, “Profoundest gratitude presence Hands and manifold bounties. Renewing dedication sacred tasks. Earnestly beseeching prayers. Deepest love.” In response the Guardian cabled, “Deeply appreciate message. Welcome dedication delegates, tasks ahead. Fervently supplicating richest blessings. Deepest love.”
—CYNTHIA OLSON
Convention Reporter
First Inter-Island Conference for the Canary and Madeira islands, held
at Las Palmas, Grand Canary Island, on September 29-30, 1956.
North East Africa
2ND ANNUAL CONVENTION MEETS IN CAIRO[edit]
On April 27, 1957, 30 delegates, representing nine nationalities, gathered
together at the National Headquarters
in Cairo to discuss ways and means
for the dissemination of the heavenly
Divine Principles in the nine localities under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Ba[Page 17]
há’ís of North East Africa, which extend from Tripoli at the extreme
north to Mogadiscio and Socatra at
the other extreme ends.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Port Sudan,
Sudan, formed on April 21, 1957.
The assembled delegates, humbly
kneeling, expressed to the beloved
Guardian, through ethereal waves,
their loyal devotion, seeking the
Guardian’s prayers at the Sacred
Shrines for abundant lasting confirmations to serve the Cause of God
under the Ten-Year holy Crusade.
This humble prayer was answered in the following inspiring words: “Deeply appreciate message, urge redouble efforts, attainment goals Plan. Fervently supplicating abundant blessings.” SHOGHI
Guardian’s Message Read
The convention, in session from April 28 to 30, 1957, was blessed with the Riḍván Message of our most beloved Guardian which, in most spiritually laden and emphatic words, pointed out to every individual the stupendous responsibility that is laid upon him in his or her capacity as an avowed follower of the great Bahá’í Principles, the sole panacea for a perturbed and ailing world.
It was a most inspiring scene to watch the exchange of greetings, in various forms, between the African, European, Asian, and American members of the convention—a real rose garden, each spiritual flower giving out its aromatic emanations and variegated colour.
The inspiration of the beloved Guardian from the Holy Land created an atmosphere of peace of heart and composure of mind enabling the sincere well-wishers of human society to deliberate, with greater depth, upon the methods of teaching and guidance of the many souls who are anxiously awaiting the establishment of the Kingdom of God upon earth.
It is interesting to note that the first National Spiritual Assembly for the Bahá’ís of Egypt was established in 1924 and was incorporated in 1936, a duration of 12 years. It took a period of another 12 years to amend the articles of association to include the Sudan.
But in view of the divinely ordained acceleration bestowed upon the holy Ten-Year Crusade, the amended incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North East Africa took only 12 months to be consummated. Measures for this incorporation were taken immediately the National Spiritual Assembly was constituted in May 1956 and was finally completed on April 10, 1957.
It was not easy to achieve this end; lack of sympathy, sectarian prejudices, fanaticism, and other forms of embarrassments were strongly leagued to check the realization of this goal, but the dynamic power of the Cause of God mustered invisible forces from the Abhá Kingdom to untie this Gordian knot.
New Name Acknowledged
The convention was doubly rejoiced to learn from the copy of a letter dated September 21, 1956, No. Pu. 160(1-1-29) from the United Nations, Section for Non-Governmental Organization Department of Public Information, acknowledging receipt of advice about the change of name of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Egypt and Sudan to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North East Africa.
Our heartfelt prayer is that each one of us may deeply appreciate the words of our most beloved Guardian incorporating same into our daily life. “I feel that the dominating purpose inspiring the assembled friends, delegates, and visitors alike, should be a two-fold one. The first is a challenge to the individual, the second a collective responsibility.”
—MIRZA BADI BUSHRUI
Convention Reporter
Naw-Rúz celebration for Bahá’ís and friends at Las Palmas, Canary Islands, on March 20, 1957.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Santiago,
Republica Dominicana, formed on April 21, 1957.
North West Africa
12 NEW ASSEMBLIES ESTABLISHED[edit]
The North West Africa News Bulletin, published by the National Spiritual Assembly there, joyfully announces that 12 new local Spiritual Assemblies were established on April 21, 1957.
There were seven established in the British Cameroons, and one each in Nigeria, Dahomey, Ghana, Cape Verde Islands, and Tunisia.
National Assembly Election
Also listed in the News Bulletin is the membership and officers of the new National Spiritual Assembly: Miss Elsie Austin, chairman; Mustapha Bouchoucha, vice—chairman; Rowshan Mustapha, secretary; S. Ghadimi, treasurer; and Abdullah Mesbah, William Foster, Enoch Olinga, Mohamed Mustapha, and Abdulhamid Khemiri.
Canada
ONTARIO SUMMER CONFERENCE DATES ANNOUNCED[edit]
The Ontario Summer Conference will be held on August 10-17 at Geneva Park, Lake Couchiching, Ontario.
Miss Jean Smith, 213 Geneva Street, St. Catherines, Ontario, will send further information upon request.
Germany, Austria
TEMPLE SITE NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE[edit]
Selection of a new location for the Temple site in Germany and negotiations for its purchase is reported in Bahá’í-Nachrichten, publication of the National Spiritual Assemby of Germany and Austria.
The property is located north of the town of Diedenbergen, on Diedenbergen-Langehain street, 230 meters above sea level. There is a view across the Main River valley to Frankfurt. It is easily accessible from the Rhein-Main airport, from Frankfurt, and from Weisbaden; it is beautifully located and meets all the requirements.
On March 1, 1957, the purchase contract for the property was agreed upon between the National Spiritual Assembly and the local government of Diedenbergen.
The contract was publicized by the radio and press of Hesse without Bahá’í action. Even before the conclusion of the contract the Evangelical Deanery of the area distributed leaflets aimed at arousing the public against the Temple project.
Meetings were held for the same purpose, but since the Bahá’ís were able to speak at these meetings, they ended favorably for the Bahá’í Cause.
On March 23, 1957, the People’s Court sanctioned the contract, although on March 20 the sub-prefect had refused to approve. This, too, has been reported by radio and press.
There are still many difficulties to overcome before building can begin. The struggle for the Temple has entered upon the most difficult phase as yet encountered. Our strongest weapon, Bahá’í-Nachrichten reports, is the purity of our efforts.
Bahá’ís and guests at the home of Margot Worley, member of the Auxiliary
Board of the Hands of the Cause, in Bahia, Brazil, on March 21, 1957.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
ASSEMBLY APPOINTS COLLEGE BUREAU[edit]
Recognizing the growing importance of presenting the Faith effectively to young people in school, the National Spiritual Assembly has appointed a Bahá’í College Bureau, with responsibility for coordinating and expediting all Bahá’í teaching work done in universities, colleges, junior colleges and trade schools.
Since this is a long-term project, the committee must first collect and organize the necessary background information before it can begin its broader program. To help it get started on this important work, the committee requests all Bahá’ís to send, at their earliest convenience, any information they may have concerning the following:
(1) Bahá’í teaching or contact work done in any school above the high school level, including information on the nature of the contact, the individuals involved, the results, and any special problems encountered; any information, in short, which would be of value to another
Members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of
Bermuda, elected on April 21, 1956.
Bahá’í doing teaching at the same
institution.
(2) Bahá’í books, or books concerning the Bahá’í Faith, now in college libraries.
(3) Bahá’í students new registered in colleges, or expecting to go there in the near future.
(4) Bahá’í communities adjacent to colleges, and their experiences and relationships with these institutions.
(5) Teachers in colleges who are Bahá’ís, or known to be friendly to the Faith.
The committee would appreciate all such information known to Bahá’ís, even though some of it may be duplicated from other sources. The committee will be able to analyze the material and make allowance for such duplication. It wants to get as complete a picture as possible of the college teaching scene at the present time, to help it determine how best it can further
Blue Ridge Conference held at the YMCA at Blue Ridge Assembly, North Carolina, August 25-28, 1956. This summer the Conference will be held at the same place, August 24-28, 1957. An excellent program has been prepared including an excursion to the nearby Cherokee Indian Reservation where Bahá’í pioneering efforts are being directed.
work in this field in the future. It would appreciate receiving much of this data by its August meeting, so that it can at least make a start in its analysis by the start of the fall school team.
Further information on the same subjects should be sent to the committee as it becomes available.
With two exceptions, the eleven members of this committee live in the vicinity of Stanford University, where an active Bahá’í Club is now functioning.
Communications should be addressed to: Bahá’í College Bureau, Miss Barbara Roberts, corresponding secretary, P. O. Box 956, Stanford, Calif.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ogden,
Utah, formed on April 21, 1957.
OGDEN ACHIEVES ASSEMBLY STATUS[edit]
Although various members of the Bahá’í Faith had passed through Ogden, Utah, from time to time over the last 30 years, leaving books in the library, not until the Ten-Year Crusade began did this city feel the impact of the teachings.
Mrs. Leroy K. Fouts, formerly of San Diego, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz., answered the Guardian’s call and pioneered this area in 1954. Unaided, she arranged public meetings when Mrs. Florence Mayberry, member of the Auxiliary Board, included Ogden in her teaching tours, and through contact with schools and colleges, the NAACP group, the beginning of the local United Nations group, radio, and newspapers, Mrs. Fouts soon became a well-loved and well-known local figure.
In 1955 other settlers began to arrive, and by Riḍván 1957 the membership had reached ten adults and four junior youth members.
The first week of every month a public meeting is held, with out-of-town speakers. Every Thursday night the Center, which is in the home of one of the Bahá’í families,
Friendship Dinner given by the Bahá’ís of Urbana and Champaign, Ill.,
March 23, 1957, at the University of Illinois YMCA. There were 216 guests
present, 175 of whom were non-Bahá’ís, including townspeople, university
people, and foreign students.
is open to a public fireside, with local members taking turns sewing as
host, chairman, and speaker.
Every Sunday four classes are maintained for adults, junior high school, elementary, and nursery levels, with local members teaching the classes and a non-Bahá’í playing music for the songs.
The junior youth members serve on committees and act as ushers at public meetings.
A mailing list of 200 names was used during the three-day seminar conducted by Mrs. Mayberry in January. All the special events have been commemorated with a large showing either at the Center or at a hotel. Many telephone inquirers have been received at the Center.
Study classes for preparation for membership have been conducted by various members. Never is the study confined to one member.
BRAILLE BOOK GIVEN TO MARYLAND SCHOOL[edit]
A specially bound Braille copy of The Story of Louis G. Gregory, by Elsie Austin, has been presented to Albert N. D. Brooks, secretary-treasurer of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, by the Bahá’í Service for the Blind, with the suggestion that Mr. Brooks present it to a school of his choice.
The Bahá’í Service for the Blind has been informed that the volume was presented to the Maryland
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Victor,
N.Y., formed on April 21, 1957.
School for the Blind at Overlea, Md.
This school was founded in 1853,
and no longer has separate departments for pupils of different races.
The presentation was made in the
name of the Bahá’í Service for the
Blind.
This Braille copy of The Story of Louis G. Gregory made an impressive book 9½ by 11 inches in size, and over one-half inch thick.
SWARTHMORE BAHÁ’ÍS DESCRIBE FIRESIDE TEACHING METHODS[edit]
The few Bahá’ís of Delaware county, Penn., are widely scattered and no two form a group. Yet there has been considerable activity. A report may help to encourage others who also are isolated.
Over the years firesides have been held at various intervals. These included experimentation with morning coffee hours and occasional luncheons. Several homes in Lima and Swarthmore, including that of a contact, are now open for meetings. For Naw-Rúz two Bahá’ís joined an isolated friend in an adjoining county.
Lending support to one another and meeting in loving fellowship breaks down the feeling of being alone. A monthly deepening class has been started with the realization that much is gained even if only one or two earnest contacts study and discuss together.
Negro History Week lent itself to getting publicity in the Media Weekly Visitor. The results of an invitation to attend a fireside and of a boxed Bahá’í quotation were gratifying.
Books on the Faith have been placed with the Swarthmore College Library, Swarthmore Public Library, Pendle Hill, and Media Fellowship House.
Over the years isolated Bahá’ís have found various opportunities to speak before non-Bahá’í audiences: to a group at the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia where there was a series on the “Living Religions of The World”; to the Trinity Club of the Church of the Holy Trinity (an indirect approach on “Is One World Possible—Socially, Politically, Economically, Religiously?”); to the Elam Methodist Church; to the Universalist Church of the Messiah on “Why I am a Bahá’í”; to the Unitarian Fellowship; and finally to the Media Providence Friends Meeting forum.
As a result of a Lincoln University philosophy teacher’s attendance at a fireside, Hormoz Sabet was the Bahá’í student speaker at a forum with representatives from different faiths at Lincoln University.
A Bahá’í Children’s and Youth Meeting is now moving along happily in its second year. For the first year meetings were held in Media Fellowship House, an interracial and inter-religious institution, which welcomed our activity and would welcome us back.
However, at present we meet in the West Chester Bahá’í Center, where Patricia Tomarelli of the West Goshen Township Group has joined us in teaching the children and youth. This activity serves a wide area extending as far away as Lancaster.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Flagstaff,
Ariz., formed an April 21, 1957.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Santa Clara, Calif., formed on April 21, 1957.
The intercalary party in Feb. was greatly enjoyed by all present. The gifts exchanged were small (as agreed upon beforehand), but the feeling of joy and happiness was very great indeed.
The Youth planned the Naw-Rúz celebration. These youth have gotten together at other times for further study and fellowship. Meeting recently at the time of an adult conference proved successful.
A youth was responsible for one of the finest openings we have had. For one of her classes, Carol Honnold wrote a theme on the Bahá’í Faith. Her teacher had previously had another theme on this subject and had come to feel that what she needed was world religion. It was at this time in her life that she came across Carol’s theme. As a result she is studying and attending firesides. When this same teacher was made responsible for a Senior High School Assembly meeting during Brotherhood Week, she went to a Bahá’í for help. As a result a program on “Getting Rid of our Prejudices” was worked up which included a film and short talks on the subject from three points of view: Jewish, Christian, and Bahá’í. Some 250 students in the Swarthmore Senior High School, located in a town of 6000 people, heard about the Faith. After the Bahá’í had spoken, she had requests for more information.
We have found that our contact with non-Bahá’ís in the interracial field is most productive in finding receptive souls. Indeed, we continue to be astonished at the number of doors that open as we try to mix with people with love and gladness in our hearts.
—JEAN MACKAY
ANNAMARIE HONNOLD
CHARLESTON TRIES NEW TYPE OF MEETING[edit]
Charleston, W. Va., Bahá’ís are finding that their new kind of Sunday meetings are very successful in attracting the believers themselves and uniting them in a stronger bond of spiritual unity; also that the contacts who come like the meetings very much.
There is one hour of worship together at 11:00 am., introduced by 15 minutes of recorded music, followed by a recording of “Words for the World.” Then there is a half-hour of meditation, with very short readings of a strictly inspirational nature, without any attempt to teach or preach, in which all are invited to participate. The hour is closed with more music.
The local Bahá’ís hope to advertise this meeting with church notices in the newspapers in the near future. The notices will stress the fact that the meetings are for all denominations, and are services without a sermon.
Display designed by the Butte, Mont., Bahá’í group, featuring American Indian language Bahá’í pamphlets published by the American and Canadian Indian Service Committees.
Pages in Blackfeet, Cherokee, and Navajo are shown
mounted on the large placard in the rear. A native Indian
scene is in the foreground.
NORTHERN PEOPLES TEACHING REPORTED[edit]
The Northern Peoples Teaching Committee, organized in Alaska under the supervision of the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee, has as its function “To reach and teach the Eskimos, Indians, and Aleuts.”
Their annual report of activities during the past year emphasizes the problems of translating the Bahá’í writings into the various native languages, revealed in the following excerpts:
“Translation of the Teachings into the various native dialects, which the Guardian has never ceased to stress, were given much consideration, and many attempts were made and leads followed to gain a foothold in this important phase of reaching and
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Dacca, East
Pákistán, for 1956-1957, incorporated on February 16, 1957.
teaching the native peoples of this
country.
“While this committee is not directly responsible for the translation, except through our prayers. we are pleased to report a translation into Aleut of Bahá’u’lláh’s prayer “Blessed is the spot . . . ,” which is now in the hands of the WHTC and the printers.
“Dr. Robert Marsh, teacher of languages at the University of Alaska, was contacted. He discussed at length the technical side of the translation problem with two members of the committee.
“It sums up to this: there are many different dialects among the natives, just about one for each tribe and each section of the Territory.
“The next point to consider is the absence of a written language. Dr. Marsh, who seemed more interested in Aleut, stated that most Aleut writing is done in Russian printing type. Other dialects may be written by using the English alphabet to form the various sounds. He made us more conscious of the largeness of the task. However, he was also extremely generous, and offered his assistance to any potential translators in getting the work onto paper.
“Using the natives themselves to do translating is hampered by the fact that they are slow to adopt new
A concepts; that is, they must be “sold on an idea.” They must be fully convinced of the sincerity of anyone approaching them for any reason. “When they have accepted a religion, which they have done numerous times in whole tribes, they will not jeopardize their standing in the church by doing something like translating the literature of another religion.
“As the Eskimos and Indians have little or no written languages, but do express their thoughts quite well in the form of dances and in drawings, the idea of getting some of the teachings in these graphic forms is being investigated.
“The Eskimos love parties, and invitations to them to attend the Naw-Rúz Feast are always stressed in the Fairbanks area. This year they were well represented.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Arequipa,
Peru, formed on April 21, 1957.
“The evening of April 12 a party
to which only Eskimo guests were invited, along with local Bahá’ís, was
sponsored by the NPTC. There was a
full evening of fun and games. Each
of the Eskimo guests was given a
copy of the Eskimo pamphlet translated by Mrs. Hadley Ferguson.
“During the last week of July 1956 an All—Alaska Teaching Conference was held in Fairbanks. This was reported in the September issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.”
—NORTHERN PEOPLES TEACHING COMMITTEE
LITERATURE DISTRIBUTION IN BUTTE BUS STATION TOTALLED[edit]
The Butte, Mont., community’s proclamation project of free literature distribution through a cabinet located in the Butte bus station, reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for April 1956, has been terminated for the present, due to a rearrangement of the station facilities.
From January 18, 1955, to March 4, 1957, a total of 6337 pieces of Bahá’í literature was taken by the public. Of the more than 14 titles placed in the cabinet, the most frequently taken pieces were Life After Death, Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith, and Communion With God.
NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS[edit]
Dhikru’lláh Khádem, Hand of the
Cause, was guest speaker at the Mi[Page 24]
ami, Fla., observance of the First
Day of Riḍván. In his talk he referred to the many cablegrams received in Ṭihrán by the Sháh from
Bahá’ís throughout the world at the
time of the oersecutions of Bahá’ís
in Írán.
Greensboro, N.C., observed the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb with a public meeting in a hotel. Attendance totalled 36, with 22 non-Bahá’ís. Interest shown by the guests was the most profound in Greensboro to date, and many said they wished to attend firesides and other future meetings.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, reports that Dr. Marcus Bach gave an excellent presentation of the Bahá’í Faith on the local television station. Also reported was a talk on the Faith at the Guild of the Congregational Church by a local Bahá’í.
The Birmingham, Ala., Local Spiritual Assembly has mailed 250 letters to churches and organizations offering speakers and any assistance they can give to programs for the betterment of mankind and the peace of the world.
Mr. and Mrs. Alan McCormick of Provo, Utah, spoke at several public meetings in Reno and Sparks, Nev., on the weekend of April 5. The story of the Bahá’í Faith, illustrated with slides, was given in Sparks at a Bahá’í home, and in Reno Mr. McCormick spoke at the Y.W.C.A. on “The Path to a Secure World.”
Miss Charlotte Linfoot, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, spoke at three meetings in San Francisco, Calif., one en route to attend the first national convention in Tokyo, Japan, and two on her Way back to Wilmette, and also at a public meeting in San Rafael. Two of these were addressed to the Bahá’ís, and two were public meetings.
A series of six public lectures on “The World’s Great Religions” was presented by the Bahá’ís of South Bend, Ind., during April and May,
WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET[edit]
Fifth Year — 1957 - 1958
Annual Budget . . . . . . . . . . .$425,000.00
Total Requirements: May 1 to May 31 . . . . . . .$ 35,417.00
Total Contributions: May 1 to May 31 . . . . . . . 23,000.00
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
using the Life magazine Film-Strip Lecture Series. Religions discussed included the Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Islámic, and Bahá’í. Discussion leaders were all non-Bahá’ís except for the Bahá’í Faith; total attendance included over 175 persons.
“GREATEST NAME” AVAILABLE IN GOLD ON BROWN CALF[edit]
“The Greatest Name” is now available in gold on brown calf at $4.00 each. It is also available in gold printing on heavy paper at 35 cents and in black printing at 25 cents each. Orders should be sent to the Bahá’í Sales Committee, Harry E. Walrath, 909 W. Foster Ave., Chicago 40, Ill.
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST[edit]
The Principles of Child Education in the Bahá’í Faith
A clarifying statement on the character and aim of Bahá’í education. This statement is not only of interest to Bahá’í teachers and parents, but to every individual in the Cause, both for his own enlightenment and so that he might make clear to others the true nature and purpose of education in the light of the Bahá’í teachings. It is also valuable for presentation to friends of the Cause and seekers interested in this aspect of the Teachings. Attractively printed on light blue quality paper, a Frenchfold, 3½ x 8½, to fit standard business envelope.
Single copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .10
15 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00
50 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
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 of the June issue of Bahá’í News, “A Teaching Campaign to Revitalize the Home Community.” Size 6 x 9, four pages.
25 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 1.00
100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
500 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.00
Fireside Teaching. BAHÁ’Í NEWS Insert. Additional copies of this statement on fireside teaching by the National Assembly are available.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .05
100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
FEASTS[edit]
July 13—Kalimát (Words)
August 1—Kamál (Perfection)
HOLY DAYS[edit]
July 9—Martyrdom of the Báb
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS[edit]
July 19-20-21.
Baha’i House of Worship[edit]
Visiting Hours
Weekdays and Saturdays
1:00 — 4:00 P.M.
(Auditorium open)
Sundays
10:30 A.M. — 5:00 P.M.
(Entire building open)
Snrvice of Worship
Sundays
3:30 P.M., lasting until 4:15
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 mm 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.
