Bahá’í News/Issue 319/Text

From Bahaiworks

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No. 319 BAHA’I YEAR 114 SEPTEMBER, 1957

“Yet Another Outstanding Objective (of) Crusade”[edit]

Cable From the Guardian

Inform Hands, National Assemblies, transfer (of) remains (of) Mírzá Buzurg attainment yet another outstanding objective (of) Crusade. Advise avoid publicity.

—SHOGHI

Cable received July 17, 1957

Beloved Friends:

The spiritual significance of this message from the beloved Guardian is revealed when we turn to page 94 of God Passes By: “He (Bahá’u’lláh) was moreover a descendant of Jesse, and belonged, through His father, Mirzá ‘Abbas’, better known as Mirzá Buzurg — a nobleman closely associated with the ministeral circles of the Court of Fatḥ-‘Alí Sháh — to one of the most ancient and renowned families of Mázindarán.”

In the Guardian’s Ten Year International Bahá’í Teaching and Consolidation Plan 1953-1963, No. 15 in the list of “Objectives of the Ten Year Plan to be Conducted by Twelve Bahá’í National Assemblies 1953-1963” (page 51) is: “Identification of the resting-place of the Father of Bahá’u’lláh and of the Mother and of the Cousin of the Báb, and their reburial in the Bahá’í cemetery in the vicinity of the Most Great House.”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Paramount Importance of Interracial Teaching[edit]

Beloved Friends:

A recent letter from Haifa calls upon the National Spiritual Assembly to concentrate upon teaching activities among the colored populalation of the Southern States, and the American National Teaching Committee, the Area Teaching Committees in the South, and the Interracial Teaching Committee have been requested to undertake this important mission.

Far more than a mere numerical addition to the Bahá’í community is involved. The relationship of the white and the Negro races in America is crucial in the national and indeed the international destiny. In His address at Howard University in 1912 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá described racial amity in America as the assurance of the world’s peace. Furthermore He stated to the believers that strife between these two races could afford the opportunity for America’s enemies to strike, with disastrous results to our Civilization. (BAHÁ’Í NEWS, June 1927, page 5.)

In the light of the current international situation, especially as depicted by the beloved Guardian in his 1954 message on America In Time of World Peril. the Master’s stern warning returns with redoubled force.

As long ago as April 12, 1927, the beloved Guardian wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly:—

“As this problem, in the inevitable course of events, grows in acuteness and complexity, and as the numbers of the faithful from both races multiplies, it will become increasingly evident that the future growth and prestige of the Cause are bound to be influenced to a very considerable degree by the manner in which the adherents of the Bahá’í Faith carry out, first among themselves, and in their relations with their fellow-men, those high standards of interracial amity so fearlessly exemplified to the American people by our Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

“I direct my appeal with all the earnestness and urgency that this pressing problem calls for to every conscientious upholder of the universal principles of Bahá’u’lláh to face this extremely delicate situation with the boldness, the decisiveness, and wisdom it demands. I cannot believe that those whose hearts have been touched by the regenerating influence of God’s creative Faith in this day will find it difficult to cleanse their souls from every lingering trace of racial animosity so subversive of the Faith they profess. . . .

“We can prove ourselves worthy of our Cause only if in our individual conduct and corporate life we sedulously imitate the example of our beloved Master, Whom the terrors of tyranny, the storms of incessant abuse, the oppressiveness of humiliation, never caused to deviate a hair’s breadth from the revealed law of Bahá’u’lláh.

“Such is the path of certitude, such is the way of holiness He chose to tread to the every end of His life. Nothing short of the strictest adherence to His glorious example can[Page 2] safely steer our course amid the pitfalls of this perilous age, and lead us on to fulfill our high destiny.”

Thirty years—thirty fateful years —have intervened since the Guardian pointed out the path of our Bahá’í destiny. Every failure to tread that path—individual or collective failure —has augmented the obstacles and heightened the perils of true obedience while illuminating an issue which few of us could understand so long ago.

Prayer, meditation, and consecrated action in this field of interracial teaching are indeed required!

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

The Mission of Baha’u’llah[edit]

Presentation Pamphlet for a Bahá’í Special Event

The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh was compiled and published in commemoration of the Centenary of the Bahá’í Revelation, 1853-1953. This pamphlet has such value as an exposition of the Teachings that the National Spiritual Assembly requests the friends to give it special consideration.

Request Material for Biography of May Maxwell[edit]

The following request has been received from Rúhíyyih Khánum

“I want to gather material for a biography of May Maxwell, my mother, and would deeply appreciate the cooperation of the friends; letters or copies of letters written by her (preferably the originals for accuracy’s sake) and any memories they may have of events connected with her, public talks given by her, etc., would be deeply appreciated. As time passes it becomes increasingly difficult to collect accurate data, and I feel it my duty and privilege to begin this undertaking even though I may not be the person who completes it.”

—RUHÍYYIH KHÁNUM RABBANI

P. O. Box 155

Haifa, Israel


Big window of the International Archives, now placed in position. The panels are of stained glass with a deep gold spot in the center, and red and blue panes.


In the first place, the Selections from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh were carefully chosen in order to present the basic Message of the New Era: The Purpose of Creation, The Prophets of God, Progressive Revelation, the Day of Fulfilment, The Soul of Man, The Duty of Man, World-wide Regeneration, The Way to Unity, The Eternal Faith of God. The Introduction provides a brief background for the Bahá’í concept of the Manifestation and the World Mission of the Founder of our Faith.

In the second place, the typography, paper, and colored cover on the deluxe edition were designed with such excellence that this pamphlet received an award from the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Two editions were published: the deluxe at 90c, and copies on less expensive paper at 20c each.

In order to make effective use of the supply of both editions still available, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust has been authorized to sell the deluxe edition at 75c per copy, and the other edition at 10c each. These lower prices make the pamphlet readily available to the individual believer, the fireside, or community study groups and for free distribution by Assemblies and groups for publicized Bahá’í public events such as Bahá’í Proclamation Day, the Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, and World Religion Day.

The pamphlet, finally, is ideal for deepening classes and supplies the material for a wide range of public talks.

For ordering copies, consult the announcement of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in this issue.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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Portfolio of Temple Pictures[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly calls attention to a very important contact and public relations instrument now ready for use by Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís.

This consists of a folder or portfolio containing ten different Temple views: exterior, interior and landscaped gardens. Measuring 81/2 by 11 inches, the portfolio is entitled “Picture Series, Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois.” The inside cover carries a brief statement explaining the architecture and purpose of our House of Worship, and reference to the guided tours.

The ten illustrations measure 8 by 10 inches, and are easily withdrawn from a protective inside flap. They are reproduced in black and White from photographs by a special printing process.

This portfolio can be put to excellent use by presenting copies to libraries, radio program directors, TV program directors, and photograph editors of the daily and weekly press. Either mounted separately or all together on a cardboard with appropriate lettering, these Temple pictures will create an excellent display.

Glossy prints can be ordered of any of the ten illustrations for use in magazines or the press.

The portfolios, including the special mailing envelope, are available at 50 cents each. On orders for 25 or more the price is 40 cents. The glossy prints are 50 cents each, or a set of thirteen at $4.50. Check or money order to cover must accompany the orders.

Both the portfolios and the glossy prints are to be ordered from the Bahá’í Sales Committee, Mr. Harry Walrath, chairman, 909 West Foster Street, Chicago 40, Ill.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

NSA CALLS 2nd SERIES OF REGIONAL CONFERENCES[edit]

In order to continue emphasis on the Guardian’s repeated appeals to the American Bahá’ís as summarized in the letter issued by the Hands of the Cause on June 20, the National Spiritual Assembly has called a second series of Conferences to be conducted in 15 different cities during September. The schedule includes:

Seattle, Wash.,

Sept. 21 — Charles Wolcott

Portland, Ore.,

sept. 22 — Charles Wolcott

San Francisco, Calif.,

Sept. l8 — Mrs. Jesma Herbert

Los Angeles, Calif.,

Sept 22 — Paul E. Haney

Houston, Texas,

Sept. l4 — Charles Wolcott

Albuquerque, N. M.,

Sept. l5 — Charles Wolcott

Wilmette, Ill.,

Sept. 14 — Dr. Katherine True and Miss Charlotte Linfoot

Boston, Mass.,

Sept. 15 — Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin

Cleveland, Ohio,

Sept. 14 — Miss Edna True

Detroit, Mich.,

Sept. 15 — Miss Edna True

Nashville, Tenn.,

Sept. l5 — Mrs. Margery McCormick

Minneapolis, Minn.,

Sept. 22 — Miss Charlotte Linfoot

West Englewood, N. J.,

Sept. 14 — H. Borrah Kavelin

Washington, D. C.,

Sept 15 — H. Borrah Kavelin

Kansas City, Mo.,

Sept. 2l — Dr. Katherine True

Notices of the hour and place will be issued by each Area Teaching Committee, and the friends are urgently invited to attend. Each conference will be conducted by a member or representative of the National Spiritual Assembly.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

INTERCONTINENTAL COMMITTEES[edit]

Africa

PIONEERS VISIT U.S., TELL TEACHING NEEDS[edit]

We’ve all had the bounty of receiving the challenging, soul-stirring letter from the American Hands of the Cause, and of meeting with them or their representatives to consider it carefully. The call for further consecration and deeper dedication has awakened in us a more determined effort to answer the plea of the beloved Guardian to each of us to arise and go. Immediate response is needed.

As the visiting pioneers from Africa have told us so eloquently, the work there is well begun, but it is only a beginning. Even by 1963 they consider the work will still be in its opening phase, so vast is the continent and so great the teaching opportunities it offers.

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It is a privilege to hear, in person, the thrilling stories and heart- warming experiences from these pioneers. We know that you will wish to meet these people, presently in the United States, whenever possible.

On the West Coast there are the Collisons and Valerie Wilson; in the Middle West Carol Hautz, the Jensens, and Vivian Wesson; and in the East there is the Hadden family and, soon, Elsie Austin, to name a few.

Africa is a land of opportunities, many and varied, both material and spiritual. Job opportunities for Americans have been limited, but new ones are opening, including some with our U.S. Government, which is now expanding its sphere of activities all over Africa.

May each one of us prayerfully consider the call of our beloved Guardian for more pioneers in Africa, so that his wish for “rapid multiplication of pioneers abroad” to reinforce the African campaign may be answered with a steady and ever-swelling flow of dedicated believers.

For information write to the U.S. Africa Teaching Committee, Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, secretary, 4700 47th St. N.W., Washington 16, D.C.

—AFRICA TEACHING COMMITTEE


Members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South East Asia, elected at the national convention in Djakarta, Indonesia, on May 1, 1957.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]

South East Asia

NEW NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTED AT DJAKARTA[edit]

The following report of the South East Asia Convention held in Diakarta, Indonesia, April 30, May 1 and 2, 1957, has been gleaned from the Convention Secretary’s minutes.

The Convention opened at 9:00 o’clock on the morning of April 30, with prayers in Persian, English, Malay, and the Mentawai languages, with 25 delegates present. Mr. A. A. Furútan, Hand of the Cause and representative of the Guardian, was present and anointed the delegates and friends with the attar of rose sent by the beloved Guardian for this occasion, and presented the gift of the Guardian to the new National Spiritual Assembly.

A committee appointed for the purpose drafted the following message, which was cabled to the

Guardian:

“Friends assembled express deep gratitude blessings bestowed upon them in witnessing this memorable occasion. Highly indebted your soulstirring message conveyed through Mr. Furútan. We supplicate enable us fulfill great tasks ahead.”

The 7 salient points of the message from the Guardian outlining the Six-Year Plan were discussed at length, the delegates expressing their views on how the Plan can best be implemented. Among the suggestions offered were: each believer bring in one new believer each year; the believers to disperse; translation of Bahá’í texts into native languages; (the Message of Bahá’u’lláh has already been translated into Vietnamese); holding of more public meetings; living the life.

Committees were appointed, one from each country to formulate recommendations to the Convention.

Delegates Report Progress

During the evening session of the first day the discussion on the Six-Year Plan continued and one delegate from each country presented the report from each delegation.

The delegate from Singapore and Malaya reported that all local Spiritual Assemblies in Malaya are incorporated; the government has promised an acre of land in Singapore for a Bahá’í burial ground; (this will probably mean that the other Bahá’í centers in Malaya will be given free land); it is assumed that it will not be difficult for the Bahá’í marriage to be recognized in Malaya.

Because point 7 of the Six-Year Plan — the site for the first Bahá’í Temple in the region — was not clearly understood, Mr. Furútan, the Hand of the Cause, explained that each country is to buy a plot of land. From these the Guardian will choose one location. The remaining plots of land can then be sold or converted into local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

Sixteen new declarations were reported by a delegate from Vietnam, 13 of which were from the village of Trung Giang, where a new local Spiritual Assembly was established Riḍván 1957, which has already applied for incorporation.

Many excellent recommendations were made by the delegates for contacting and winning followers for Bahá’u’lláh.


The delegate from Mentawai spoke about the tasks in Mentawai envisioned in the Six-Year Plan: ten new local Spiritual Assemblies will be established; three primary Bahá’í Schools now exist and two new ones are planned; one secondary school in Muarat Siberut, Mentawai; a summer school in December 1957; temple site being purchased in Muarat Siberut; Ḥaẓiratu’l-Quds under construction.


Miss Arden Thur, pioneer in Cambodia, reported four believers there, of whom three are pioneers, and[Page 5] urged the friends to visit Cambodia to stimulate the teaching work. Translation of a pamphlet into Cambodian is under way.

On May 1, 1957, the Hand of the Cause spoke to the friends about the nature of Bahá’í elections. He said there are three types of Assemblies: the local, which is chosen by direct election; the National, by a two-step election; and the International, by a three-step election. At present there is another type of Assembly, the Regional, which is temporary.

Mr. Furútan then pointed out that although the friends have known one another too short a time to b3 well acquainted, they will, if they turn their hearts to Bahá’u’lláh, be inspired to make the right choice in casting their ballots. The balloting then took place, and the later report of the tellers showed the following results: Mr. K. H. Payman, Mr. Jamshed Fozdar, Mr. A. Samimi, Mrs. Shirin Fozdar, Dr. E. Rasekh, Dr. K. M. Fozdar, Dr. R. Muhajer, Dr. F. Astani, and Mr. Kishin V, Khemani.

Further consultation on the points of the Six-Year Plan brought out that Bahá’í teaching in Malaya must be most circumspect because of the recent Independence movement which produced an upsurge of Muhammadan propaganda there.


Mr. ‘Ali-Akbar Furútun, Hand of the Cause, (right center, standing before the plaque of the Greatest Name), and Bahá’ís attending the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of South East Asia, held in Djakarta, Indonesia, April so, May 1-2, 1957.


The Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furútan, spoke of the importance of women in the Faith, since they are the mothers who must teach the children. He also urged that in view of the Guardian’s emphasis on the teaching work in Mentawai, more believers assist in that post.

It was estimated that a budget of Rp. 85.000 would be needed to finance the most necessary projects, which included three schools, three teachers, salaries and supplies, purchase of a temple site and burial grounds, and conducting the Summer School, which the Convention recommended be held in Mentawai.

Upon suggestion of the Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furútan, a Mantawai believer addressed the friends, stating that the Mentawai believers were illiterate; they know of Islám and Christianity, but have found their goal in the Bahá’í Faith.

Guardian’s Message Read

On May 2, 1957, after reading of prayers in Persian, English, and Malay, the Convention Chairman read the long message from the Guardian, which the Hand of the Cause likened to a syllabus for the coming year of education. He pointed out that the goals of the Ten-Year Plan, which at first seemed so difficult of achievement, have now in large measure already been attained. He advised that these achievements be recalled if at any time the task seems difficult. Our goal, the oneness of mankind—the greatest goal of all time—will be achieved under the guidance of the Guardian.

The evening session of May 2 was opened with prayers in Persian, French, Arabic, and Malay, followed by reading of Riḍván greetings from the Guardian.

The work done in Mentawai was praised by the Hand of the Cause, and the representative from Mentawai was given a flask of attar of rose with which to anoint the friends there.

Announcement was made of contributions of Rupiahs 5000 each from two of the friends, to the Temple Fund.

The names of the officers of the new National Spiritual Assembly were announced, as well as committees appointed and various actions taken by the Assembly.

The meeting adjourned following prayer offered by the Hand of the Cause.

After adjournment, slides of the Holy Places in Haifa and ‘Akká, and the Temple in Wilmette, brought by the Hand of the Cause, were shown.

—JAMSHED FOZDAR

Convention Secretary

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Central and East Africa

ACHIEVE TWO AFRICAN GOALS[edit]

Two more victories of the World Crusade have been announced by the National Spiritual Assembly of Central and East Africa, the incorporation of the National Assembly, and the incorporation of the first local Spiritual Assembly in that area.

On December 8, 1956, the National Spiritual Assembly applied to His Excellency, the Governor of the Uganda Protectorate, for a Certificate of Registration. The application was signed by the members of the National Assembly.

Exactly six months later, on June 3, 1957, the Honorable Charles Herbert Hartwell, K.C.M.G., Deputy Governor, signed Certificate of Registration No. 253, and the National Spiritual Assembly became a recognised corporate body with the title “The National Spiritual Assembly (Registered Trustees) of the Bahá’ís of Central and East Africa.”

Even before the National Assembly’s certificate was signed, the Local Spiritual Assembly of Dar-es-Salaam obtained their registration with a Certificate of Registration according to the Trustee’s Incorporation Ordinance of Tanganyika, signed by the Registrar-General on April 30, 1957.

Thus, the Assembly that was founded by the first pioneer to Central and East Africa, and which had the first African declaration, became the first local Spiritual Assembly to be incorporated in the region.


The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í’s of Central and East Africa for 1956-1957, which was incorporated on June 3, 1957.

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Dar-es-Salaam for 1956-1957, the first local Spiritual Assembly to be incorporated in Central and East Africa.


South and West Africa

FIRST BAHÁ’Í MEETING IN S. RHODESIA TOLD[edit]

An account by an African Bahá’í of the first Bahá’í meeting in South Rhodesia in August 1956 has been released by the National Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa.

“I have the pleasure to submit to you the account of the first meeting of the two Bahá’ís in this part of the world.

“Yesterday, Sunday, August 5, a cloudy and windy day, after having received a letter from Nora on Friday evening, found me walking to (the appointed meeting place). I could feel a wave of eagerness in my heart as I at certain minutes increased my speed by running.

“At 9:15 a.m. I was already a few yards from the place only to recognize Nora’s car speeding south. Standing under a muchakata tree I read the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh interrupted only by long looks along the road. A few minutes later I got sight of a car coming at my side. ‘Could it be?’ I asked myself as I looked more keenly at it.

“A lapse of a few seconds found us amidst great excitement. It was a long shaking of hands that broke into smiling, a really-felt union after such a long separation. Having nowhere convenient enough to park, we drove the same road south. There was a cloud of dust as the car tore along this dusty road. We swung into a valley, rounded a turn, and turned off the road along a lawn that landed us near an old, broken, and unroofed building hidden from the road by wattle trees.

“Here we opened our meeting with a prayer specially selected for guidance in our effort to introduce the Faith in this part of the world. After this inspiring prayer we touched a number of points, sharing our difficulties in the introduction of the Faith.

“After minutes which I may say were of quietness though we were talking, we decided to have prayers,

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Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Juneau, Alaska, formed on April 21, 1957.


specially selected for teaching guidance every day at 6:45 a.m. This we decided may do a sort of bringing us together spiritually though we may be miles apart.

“To this we also added a suggestion for special readings at any convenient time. As we are miles apart as to be unable to have our Nineteen Day Feasts together, we fixed nine o’clock p.m. as the hour the two of us should sit down, read a prayer, read some Writings, chew anything or drink some water, and then read closing prayer.

“However, for the next meeting we arranged to have it together, since Nora will be off duty. After these major topics, we touched a number of others, among which included the study of Bahá’í Administration, Outline History of the Faith, deepening ourselves, submission of anything worthy to the Assembly.

“After a pretty good one and one-half hours of lively sharing of suggestions, we closed by a prayer which I selected for the purpose of my being strengthened in these glorious tidings hidden but revealed to those who seek after glory and truth.”

—EDSON SITHOLE

Alaska

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SETS GOALS FOR YEAR[edit]

The newly formed National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, in its first meetings, concentrated upon the objectives of the Six Year Plan outlined in the Guardian’s message to the national convention, and stressed by the American Hands of the Cause.

Specific goals were set up for this year to increase the number of Bahá’ís, Assemblies, and groups, as follows:

(1) To increase by 50 per cent the number of local Spiritual Assemblies, one in each area to which an Area Teaching Committee has been assigned.

(2) To form three new groups, one in each area: Barrow, Cordova, and Petersburg.

(3) To open nine virgin areas to the Faith, three in each area: Ft. Yukon, Kotzebue, Nenana, Homer, Kenai, Valdez, Metlakatla, Wrangell, and Douglas.

In addition to these goals, the publication of the Alaska Bahá’í News was inaugurated, and an Editorial Committee was appointed. Action was taken to publish an appeal to all believers for support of the National Fund.

It was reported that plans to incorporate the National Assembly are moving forward.

Attempts are to be made through area conferences for the consolidation of existing Assemblies in order that incorporation proceedings may be inaugurated as soon as they are firmly grounded.

A three acre Temple site has been offered as a gift by two Alaskan Bahá’ís, and a description of the site is being prepared to submit to the Guardian for approval.

Plans were initiated for the holding of summer schools in October in each of the three areas where Teaching Committees have been appointed.

Finally, it was announced that steps are being taken to obtain fuller recognition throughout the Territory of the Bahá’í Holy Days, and to legalize the Bahá’í marriage certificate.

—EVELYN HUFFMAN


National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria for 1957-1958.


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Members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand, elected during Riḍván 1957.


Australia

BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ON HOUSE OF WORSHIP[edit]

The construction of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Sydney is scheduled to begin during the present season, the Australian Bahá’í Bulletin reports.

At the time of the national convention the site had been cleared and pegged, and initial excavation for the foundation was commenced.

The Temple, designed by Hand of the Cause Mason Remey, in conjunction with Sydney architect John Brogan, will be approximately 126 feet high and 100 feet in diameter at the base. It will be built of steel reinforced concrete.

The type of facing proposed, never before used extensively in Australia, will be a white quartz aggregate. This will give a rough finish to the large surfaces, and should confer distinctive beauty to a Temple already distinguished in design.

The base will rise to two sets of nine steps. The dome will be tiled, and the interior finish will be a sprayed colored cement.

The main hall and galleries will seat 500 persons.

A Temple of such dimensions, limited to a cost of £150,000, will demand great economy in construction. The essential element will be that once the work is started it must be continued and completed without interruption.

SOLOMON ISLANDS FORM FIRST ASSEMBLY[edit]

One of the highlights of the National Convention of Australia was the report of Alvin Blum, pioneer of Honiara in the Solomon Islands, where the first local Spiritual Assembly was formed on April 21, 1951.

Mr. Blum’s remarks on his experiences at Honiara over a three year period, leading up to the formation of the first local Assembly, were reported in the Australia Bahá’í Bulletin.

A native school teacher was the first believer in the Solomon Islands. There are about 100,000 natives in this island group, and 300 Europeans. Competition between the missions


Mrs. Clara Dunn, Hand of the Cause (front row center), and Bahá’ís attending the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand, held in Auckland on April 26-28, 1957, and reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for August.


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leaves the natives bewildered. It is often necessary to teach in Pidgin English, and fortunately the Solomon version is not unduly difficult.

Natives now come from distant islands asking for news of the Bahá’í Faith. The Bahá’ís of Honiara hold study classes every Sunday morning, and Wednesday night meetings are also held to study the Bahá’í Teachings. Mr. Blum found it necessary to purchase a bus to convey natives to these meetings.

The Honiara Bahá’ís have been able, despite great difficulties, to arrange for three Persian believers to enter the Solomon Islands.


Group of Bahá’ís attending the Teaching Congress for the Bahá’ís of the Republic of Panama and the Canal Zone, held in Panama City on July 20-21, 1957.


Central America and Mexico

TEACHING CONGRESS HELD IN PANAMA[edit]

The National Teaching Committee of the Republic of Panama held its first Teaching Congress for the Bahá’í year 114 in Panama City on July 20-21, 1957. This Teaching Congress was only one of the many conferences held simultaneously in every country of Central America from Mexico to Panama, in coordination with plans of the National Teaching Committee of Central America and Mexico.

The two day session opened with excellent reports on Bahá’í marriage and Bahá’í burial, by Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Keith Jr.; the importance of contributing to the Bahá’í Fund by Miss Mable Sneider; and the necessity of individual teaching of the Faith by Mr. Fred Berest.

Reports, compiled after much research, on the Indians of the Republic of Panama regarding their receptivity of outsiders into their settlements, their mode of living, and the opportunities of earning a living in these locations were fully resulting in stimulating


South India Teaching Conference held in Bangalore on Decernlrer 30-31, 1956, and January 1, 1957. Over 50 Bahá’ís attended from Mahe, Karikal, Pondicherry, Madras, Mysore, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Ernakulam, Ooty, Nasik, Poona, Panchgani, Bombay, and Bangalore.


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the pioneering spirit to answer our Beloved Guardian’s plea to carry Bahá’u’lláh’s Message to the Indians.

Most of the Indian settlements in Panama are located in very remote places and their living conditions are very primitive. Some are reported as being quite hostile toward an outsider invading their villages, making it necessary to send ahead for permission to enter. The only transportation into some of the settlements means traversing dangerously swift-flowing rivers with a competent guide and entering where malaria, typhoid, and yellow fever is prevalent. Nevertheless, inquiries and preparations are already being made by four of our selfless Bahá’ís for the purpose of making this sacrifice.

The Panama City community is conducting a home fireside on Saturday night, a fireside on Tuesday night and study class on Thursday at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds each week.

The Canal Zone community has a home fireside each Monday night, and Sunday School classes for both adults and children are held in the Community Building in the Zone. The number of enthusiastic inquirers attending these meetings, and the request for Bahá’í books is increasing tremendously, resulting in the declaration of many new believers who are overflowing with the fire of spiritual love for Bahá’u’lláh and surging with the desire to promote His Blessed Cause.

—MARY ANN HOWARD


Members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pákistán.


Italy, Switzerland

U. N. CONFERENCE HELD IN ROME[edit]

A United Nations Organizations

Non-Governmental Conference was held in Rome, Italy, on June 24-26, 1957.


Mr. Shu’á’u’lláh ‘Alá’í, Hand of the Cause (front row center, beneath plaque of the Greatest Name), and delegates to the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Pákistán, held in Karáchi, and reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for August.


The forenoon of June 24 was devoted to the registration of delegates and observers. Four hundred participants were present, representing 47 international and 106 national Non-Governmental Organizations; of the latter, 73 were Italian.

The official opening took place at 5:30 pm. on that day with a speech by the Italian Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs Folchi, followed by the Secretary General of the Foreign Affairs Office, and by the Under Secretary General of the United Nations, Prof. Bokhari.

After the opening and the election of the Conference officers, the Conference divided itself into three commissions: Teaching about the U.N., Information Activities of the U.N., and Economic and Social Activities of the U.N. I enrolled in the third, as one could only choose one commission.

On June 25 the work of the commissions got underway, and because of the limited facilities at the Foreign Affairs Office, all went very slowly. Addresses were made by representatives of the U.N.I.C.E.F. and of the Economic Commission for Europe. Many resolutions were adopted, mostly of the necessity of better and more often information about the D.P.I. to the N.G.O.’s.

On June 26 another plenary session, the final, took place, and all resolutions from the three commissions were adopted, totalling well over forty.

Nearly all resolutions dealt with the matter of exchange of informa-

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First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Iberian Peninsula, elected at Madrid, Spain, on April 22, 1957.


tion, with special emphasis to the observance of the Declaration of Human Rights, so often violated. The Bureau tried its best to avoid any reference to many of the most flagrant violations of recent times. It was reminded that those N.G.O.’s who have consultative status can approach this subject in the proper manner.

A warm invitation was made to all the N.G.O.’s to celebrate in an appropriate manner the Tenth Anniversary of the Declaration in December 1958.

My personal impression is that, although they tried their best, the Conference did not run too well. However, there was a spirit of elation on the part of many participants who were attending the Conference for the first time, mostly Italians.

There were no background papers available, nor agendas for the commissions, no releases or addresses, or of the final resolutions.

—UGO GIACHERY

Canada

FIRST NATIVE BAHÁ’Í ENROLLED IN ICELAND[edit]

The joyful news of the declaration of the first native believer in Iceland has been announced by the Canadian New Territories Committee.

A letter from Marguerite Allman, pioneer in Iceland, has been published in Canadian Bahá’í News, describing this event:

“We have good news for you. Our first Bahá’í of Iceland has brought us her letter with nine beautiful dark red roses, one being a small bud which she described as herself, a budding rose.

“We celebrated the occasion by reading prayers and talking of the Faith. We burned the Bahá’í candle given to Amy by our beloved Shoghi Effendi. We have given her the tangerine Bill Carr left here for the first Icelandic Bahá’í. He picked it from the Holy gardens.”

NATIONAL NEWS[edit]

VISITORS TO TEMPLE SET NEW RECORDS DURING SUMMER MONTHS[edit]

Although sight-seeing busses in Chicago are not making regular runs to Wilmette and the Bahá’í House of Worship this summer, the number of visitors to the Temple this season has been phenomenal.

During the period from July 1 to August 12, the average number of visitors on Sundays has been 1,258, with the largest number being on August 4 when 1,751 visitors were registered.

The daily average during the same period, exclusive of Sundays, has been 320, or a grand total of 20,350 visitors in 46 days.

A check of where the visitors have come from during this same period reveals that they registered from practically every state in the United


Delegates attending the first National Convention of the Bahá’ís of the Iberian Peninsula at Madrid, Spain, reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for June.


[Page 12]


Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Springfield, Mo., formed on April 21, 1957.

States and from 32 other countries. These countries were: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Burma, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, England, Formosa, France, Germany, Hawaii, India, Írán, ‘Iráq, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, The Philippines, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Sweden, and Thailand. Many had heard of the Temple or had seen pictures of it in their own countries before coming to the United States.

During the summer months the Temple is open to all individuals or groups who wish to visit it, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m, daily, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. continuously. The half hour program of public worship at 3:30 p.m. every Sunday in the year is also open to all.

The gardens with their nine fountains have been particularly beautiful this summer and have attracted thousands of camera hobbyists as well as professional photographers and artists anxious to catch the magnificent patterns and colors of the nine gardens, as well as the changing lights and shadows of the Temple itself.

NEW DIRECTORY REVEALS INCREASE IN ASSEMBLIES[edit]

The study of the new Bahá’í directory reveals that there are now 196 local Spiritual Assemblies in Continental United States. This represents a gain of sixteen over the previous year. Had it been possible to maintain the Assembly status of the sixteen communities which reverted to groups on April 21 this year, we would now have 212 local Assemblies. The re-establishment of these Assemblies is one of the major goals of the American Bahá’í community this Year.

Another interesting fact revealed by the directory is that of Assemblies formed on April 21. Nineteen are new and twelve were restored after having reverted to group status one or more years ago.

The National Spiritual Assembly has reported that because nine of the local Spiritual Assemblies did not return their annual report forms, it has been unable to compile complete statistics, but the following facts reflected in the reports that have been received indicate where emphasis must be laid in the home front teaching campaign:

Of the present 196 Bahá’í communities in the United States, 36 or nearly one-fifth have only nine members. With no “margin of safety” these Assemblies present potential danger of reverting to group status. Since “the spiritual prizes” must be held at all costs, these are among the goals which members of the larger communities should consider when making plans to disperse, and they should also receive assistance from the larger neighboring communities.

The National Spiritual Assembly further reports that there are approximately ninety Bahá’í groups having a membership of five or more. If these can be brought to Assembly status this year, together with the restoration of the disbanded Assemblies, the goal of 300 Assemblies in the United States will be easily achieved.


First Local Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís of Santa Ana, Calif., formed on April 21, 1957.


[Page 13]

The report of the National Spiritual Assembly indicates a considerable increase in the number of communities now holding regular firesides the number holding one or more institutes last year was twice the previous year, and 159 held regular study classes for inquirers, for beginning students, or for the deepening of the believers.

Finally, the report of the National Spiritual Assembly shows that there are 42 communities in the United States having a membership of more than twenty, and of these nine have a membership of more than fifty. These are the reservoirs for the “increased flow of pioneers” called for by the Guardian.

URGE FOLLOW-UP OF RACE AMITY DAY[edit]

Reports have been received by the Bahá’í Interracial Teaching Committee from twenty five localities that observed the first Race Amity Day. The reports indicate that the Faith was successfully carried to many minority groups, representative of both Asia and Europe.

The committee wishes to stress the importance of follow-up with these new contacts and the necessity of initiating plans now for wider observance of this event next year.

If any communities have not yet reported their Race Amity Day program to the committee, please do so promptly.

—BAHÁ’Í INTERRACIAL TEACHING COMMITTEE


Navajo Indians at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mel Orlick at Laramie, Wyo. The Navajo woman in the left foreground speaks very little English, and is learning of the Faith through an interpreter.


SOUTH CENTRAL STATES TEACHING WORKSHOP SETS INDIVIDUAL GOALS[edit]

An Area Teaching Conference for the South Central States held in St. Louis, Missouri, June 30, took the form of a four-part workshop devoted to consultation on four subjects: Personal Preparation and Deepening, How to Make Contacts, Fireside Teaching and The Study Class. Each subject was considered in the light of the Area’s goal “Each One Confirm One — in 1957.” The following brief excerpts have been gleaned from the synopsis of the consultation:


Bahá’í Youth and Children’s Classes of West Chester, Pa.


The general formula for individual regeneration is: prayer, study, and teaching, and teaching is the goal of all our prayers and our study. and the fulfillment of our purpose. “Of all the gifts of God the greatest is the gift of teaching. It draweth unto us the Grace of God, and is our first obligation.” (Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.)

The greatest asset in attracting and making contacts is “living the life“ of a happy, active Bahá’í. We reflect what we are, and what we believe. This is the true “audio-visual aid” in teaching the Faith. The radius of our contacts expands as we increase our interest and activity in business, social, recreational and educational fields.

Fireside teaching is intimate and personal. The purpose in fireside teaching is to prepare the seeker for the study class, and beyond that confirmation in the Faith. As fireside “teachers” we are primarily guides. We must pray that we will be good “guides.”

The goal for the study class is confirmation: preparing the seeker to become an active believer, actively engaged in continual personal deepening in the Cause, making contacts, holding regular firesides, and preparing students for confirmation and enrollment.

A follow-up conference is planned for September 22 in Kansas City, Missouri, when the effectiveness of the application of these teaching goals during the preceding three months will be evaluated.

[Page 14]

STUDY WORLD RELIGIONS AT CHARLOTTESVILLE[edit]

Over 40 non-Bahá’ís attended the first of a series of talks on the “Great Religions of the World” at Charlottesville, Va., last April. The meetings were conceived by Mr. and Mrs. Challoner Chute as a means or attracting people to the Bahá’í Faith.

The first program was opened with an account of Israel illustrated with colored slides of the Holy Land, shown by Miss Mary Emerson, Head Librarian of the Institute of Textile Technology. Some of the slides showed views of the Shrine of the Báb, with its golden dome towering against the landscape of Mt. Carmel.

This was followed by a talk by Mr. Israel Posner, a native Israeli, who gave a vivid account of the Holy Land today. A lively discussion followed, and a number of those present asked to know more about the Bahá’í Faith. The realization of the Bible prophecy of the returning of the Jews to their homeland was forcibly illustrated.

The second meeting of this series was held on May 25, with a study of the Hindu Faith. Prof. Sunderam. the Cultural Counsellor of the Indian Embassy, gave a fascinating account of Hindu philosophy to the group of 35 non-Bahá’ís who attended. Six Indian films on the Veh cultural heritage of India were shown as a part of the program.


First Bahá’í group of Molokai, Hawaii.


Further meetings in this series are planned for the Fall, with the Buddhist Faith scheduled as the next world religion to be studied.

The first two meetings attracted audiences that included natives of Norway, New Zealand, India, France, Germany, Írán, Tasmania, and England, as well as the United States.

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS[edit]

A Preliminary Program issued by the Society for the Study of Social Problems, meeting jointly with the American Sociological Society August 26-30, 1957, at Stoneham Hotel, Washington, D.C., is accompanied by a Report for Committee on War and Peace with a list of references


Bahá’ís of Richmond Highlands, Wash., observed the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb with a program by the Junior Youth and Children’s Classes, shown above.


“which will be utilized as soon as possible.”

Among the books or articles listed, we find A Pattern for Future Society, by Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Declaration of Human Right: and Obligations, and The Secret of Divine Civilization by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,

The May 1957 issued of The New Outlook for the Blind contains a book notice of Marcus Bach’s The Circle of Faith, reviewed by Dwight C. Smith, Ph.D. This review mentions the chapter devoted by Dr. Bach to Shoghi Effendi.

In Manhattan Beach, Calif., 11 business firms jointly paid for a series of large advertisements, each featuring “The Church of the Week.” The Bahá’í notice, Sunday May 19, 1957, presents a large illustration of the Temple, a brief statement about it, the main caption being “This Earth Is But One Country and Mankind Its Citizens,” below which is a list of “Truths For A New Day.” The local Assembly’s title and telephone number are given.

University College, The University of Chicago, has published a brochure of the summer courses illustrated with scenes of local interest. One of these is a View of Wilmette Harbor showing the boats, with the House of Worship in the background.

Wooster College Alumni Bulletin, March 1957, refers to a member of the class of 1939 as follows: “On February 10 William Alred and family saw the first public performance of a new song cycle “Nine Songs from Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh,” composed by Lee Tichenor and sung by his wife Elizabeth (Panetts, ’37), mezzo-soprano. It was at the Ethical Society in Philadelphia in a Bahá’í celebration of Negro History Week.”

A beautifully illustrated brochure has been published by the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry entitled Chicagoland. The Bahá’í House of Worship is shown on page 31, along with several churches and cathedrals.

The Festival of Faith, “An Adventure in Peace Making,” is the title of a pamphlet written for the San Francisco and Pomona Valley Festival of Faith Committee. The Bahá’í participation in both festivals is noted.

Human Relations Review for June 1957, issued by the Palo Alto Intergroup Council on Human Relations, includes the Bahá’í Spiritual Assem[Page 15] bly of Palo Alto among the current membership of the Council. Each issue contains an official sketch of the religious, civic and service groups of the PASC. The Bahá’í Faith is described in the June issue.

The Daily Oklahoman for May 10 announced a meeting sponsored by the Oklahoma City Bahá’í community, the speaker to be Mrs. Ludmila van Sombeek, “an international religious leader and social worker from Vienna, Austria.” The announcement was also carried by several other papers.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer has been publishing a series of articles under the general title “My Faith,” Doris Dahl contributed an article on the Bahá’í Faith in the issue of June 8, 1957.

From La Paz, Bolivia, has come a copy of the daily El Diario dated May 23, 1957, containing a three-column illustration of the House of Worship and a feature article entitled “The Bahá’ís Celebrate Today the Revelation of a New Faith.” It appeared during the UN Conference held in La Paz and led to a number of inquiries.

Yakima Herald, Sunday, June 23, 1957, published a feature story by Velma Baylor on the artistic career of Mrs. Victor de Araujo, with a photo of the artist seated at her easel. “Both Mr. and Mrs. de Araujo are active in the Bahá’í Faith and take part in study classes and firesides.”

“Elijah’s Mountain Today” is the title of an article on Mount Carmel by Paula Arnold published in The Evening Sun, Baltimore, Md., on May 30, 1957, “Easily the most spectacular building on Mount Carmel, however, is not any of the churches mentioned, but the Bahá’í Temple (i.e., Shrine of the Báb) with its golden cupola, standing halfway up the Mount, above landscaped gardens, visible from every point of the town.”

Mercer Crose, Minneapolis Tribune staff writer, devoted considerable space to an article on the Faith in the Morning Tribune of May 27, 1957, under the title “Bahá’ís Stress Unity.” “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” So reads the message over one of the entrances to the beautiful ornate temple of Wilmette, Illinois. “It is the basic message of the Bahá’í world faith, a little-understood re-

WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET[edit]

Fifth Year — 1957-1958

Annual Budget . . . . . . . . . . .$425,000.00

Total Requirerments: May 1 to July 31 . . . . . . 106,250.00

Total Contributions: May 1 to July 31 . . . . . . 80,000.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

ligion that believes in the eventual coming together of all races, nations, classes and creeds.”

Following this introduction the writer sympathetically presents the activities of the local Bahá’ís, outlines the history and teachings, and quotes the believer interviewed, Mrs. Leonora Klein.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS[edit]

An Iowa Teaching Institute was held at Pine Lake Park, Eldora, Iowa, on July 19-21, 1957, on the theme “Adjusting to Life in Two Worlds.” Attendance totalled over 90 persons.

The Los Angeles, Calif., Youth and Young Adult Committee sent travelling panels to speak in Fresno and Riverside, Calif., and Las Vegas, Nev., during June.

Esperantists of the United States held their annual Congress at the Bahá’í Center, New York City, on July 4-5, 1957. A public meeting was held on the second day of the Congress.

The Naw-Rúz Feast of the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City, Okla., Bahá’ís was televised over KQW-TV on March 20, 1957. About four minutes of filmed excerpts of the Feast were shown during the nightly news summary program. The announcer told of the founding of the Faith in Írán, its expansion to all parts of the world, and described the model of the Bahá’í Temple. The Oklahoma City Cornmunity was photographed in the living room of the Bahá’í home during the spiritual part of the Feast, and also during the material Feast held later.

Rex and Mary Collison were interviewed on television station KOVR, Stockton, Calif., on June 7, preceding their public meeting at the Clark Hotel. Questions asked during the interview concerned their visit to Africa, and the reasons for their trip, which provided the opportunity to speak of the principles and objectives of the Faith.

A talk on the Bahá’í Faith was presented to the Methodist and Federated Church Youth Group in Lafayette, Ind., by two local Bahá’ís.

Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, Mich., Bahá’ís have placed a copy of The Bahá’í World, Vol. XII, at the Ypsilanti State Teachers College, and six copies of Race and Man in various community libraries.

A Bahá’í college student attending school in Missoula, Mont., was invited to speak on the Faith before the local Baptist Youth Group. The group included the Baptist minister, who is President of the Missoula


Youth group of East Providence, R.I.


[Page 16]

Council of Churches.

A Bi-Area Teaching Conference held at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine. on July 27-28, featured talks by Paul E. Haney, Hand of the Cause, speaking on our responsibilities and tasks as Bahá’ís; Mary Magdalene Wilkin, recounting her pilgrimage to Haifa; and Winston Evans, who suggested a simple plan for every Bahá’í to contribute to the Home Front teaching effort.

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST[edit]

The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh. Pamphlet originally published for Jubilee. Read National Assembly announcement concerning this elsewhere in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

Deluxe edition

Per copy (reduced price) . . . . $ .75

General edition

Ten copies (reduced price) . . . $1.00

Proposals for Charter Revision. Submitted to the United Nations by the Bahá’í International Community, by 12 National Assemblies. Copies of this attractive brochure are still available for use in connection with United Nations Day activities. Size 8 x 11, brown ink on quality cream-colored stock.

Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $.35

Twelve copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.00

Bahá’í House of Worship[edit]

Weekdays 10:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

(Entire building)

7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

(Auditorium only)

Sundays and Holidays

10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

(Entire building)

5:00 P.M. to 9 P.M.

(Auditorium only)

Service of Worship

Sundays

3:30 P.M., lasting 4:15.

Out of Print[edit]

Do’a, The Call to Prayer. By Ruth Moffet. (Not to be reprinted).

Minimum Mail Order, $1.00

Available from

BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST

110 Linden Avenue

Wilmette, Illinois

CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]

FEASTS[edit]

September 8—‘Izzat (Might)

September 27—Mashiyyat (Will)

PROCLAMATION DAY[edit]

September 23—To proclaim America’s spiritual mission; to observe the anniversary of the Faith’s introduction to America.

BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY CHANGES[edit]

ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Northern California[edit]

Stockton: Mrs. Jeanne Gray, 1649 Julian St.

Southern California[edit]

Twentynine Palms J.D.: Mrs. Velce J. Macklin, 6857 Split Rock Ave.

West Hollywood: Miss Kay Motley, 1022 N. Sweetzer, z. 46

Northern Illinois[edit]

Evanston: Miss Sophie Loeding, Acting Secty., l4l4 Central St.

Texas[edit]

Houston: Mr. W. D. Powell Sr., 3616 Bastrop St.

ADDITIONS TO COMMITTEES

National Child Education[edit]

Mrs. Jean Rankin

Central States Area Touching Committee[edit]

Miss Barbara Nelson (omitted in error)

RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMITTEES

National Bahá’í Youth[edit]

Miss Alda Rendina

Miss Betty DeNoma

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Assembly Secretaries

Arizona[edit]

Phoenix Suburban Area North: Mrs. Rhoderoi R. Meyers, 6107 N. 32nd Ave.

Southern California[edit]

South Bay J. D.: Mrs. Lila Parker, 2240 S. 247th St., Lomita, Calif.

Louisiana[edit]

New Orleans: Mrs. Dorothy Logelin, 1535 Louisiana Ave.

New Jersey[edit]

Hackensack: Mrs. Louann Kelsey, 38 Ross Ave.

Western New York[edit]

Syracuse: Miss Audrey Hurst, 418 Fabius St., Apt. 705

Utah[edit]

Ogden: Mrs. Clair Schneider, l008 — 24th St.

Committees

National Bahá’í Youth Committee[edit]

Mr. Ronald Hauck, Chr., 5419 University Ave., Apt. 2B, Chicago 37. Ill.

Bahá’í Youth Bulletins[edit]

Mr. Ronald Hauck, Chr., 5419 University Ave., Apt. 2B, Chicago 37, Ill.


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

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

BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1957-58: Mrs. Eunice Braun, chairman; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, secetary; 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.