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| No. 322 | BAHA’I YEAR 114 | DECEMBER, 1957 |
“Shoghi Effendi, Beloved of all Hearts, Sacred Trust Given Believers By Master, Passed Away (From) Sudden Heart Attack In Sleep.”[edit]
—Ruhiyyih Khanum
Beloved Friends:
With noble utterance Rúḥíyyih Khánum conveyed to the Bahá’í world the tragic, unexpected and afflictive news of the cnarrlians passing. His physical departure irem this world marks the ending of an era in the history of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
“SHOGHI EFFENDI BELOVED ALL HEARTS SACRED TRUST GIVEN BELIEVERS BY MASTER PASSED AWAY SUDDENLY HEART ATTACK IN SLEEP FOLLOWING ASIATIC FLU. URGE BELIEYERS REMAIN STEADFAST, CLING INSTITUTION HANDS LOVINGLY REARED, RECENTLY REINFORCED. EMPHASIZED BY BELOVED GUARDIAN ONLY ONENESS OF HEART ONENESS OF PURPOSE CAN BEFITTINGLY TESTIFY LOYALTY ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES AND BELIEVERS TO DE.PARTED GUARDIAN WHO SACRIFICED SELF UTTERLY FOR SERVICE FAITH.”
—Rúḥíyyih
In a second message cabled the same day (November 5, 1957) Rúḥíyyih Khánun added: “Appeal (to) Hands, National Assemblies (and) Auxiliary Boards to shelter (the) believers (and) assist them (to) meet (this) heart-rending. supreme test. Funeral (of) our beloved (will be held) Saturday (November) Ninth (in) London. Hands, Assembly (and) Board members invited attend . . . Urge hold memorial meetings Saturday.”
An appropriate press announcement, prepared under Rúhiíyyih Khánum’s direction, was released to Reuters in London and to the wire services in Chicago. A copy of this same release was sent to all local Bahá’í press representatives by the National Bahá’í Press Service. The National Assembly, as directed, dispatched two telegrams to all local Assemblies; one requesting the friends to pray for the protection of the Faith because it had been learned that the beloved Guardian was desperately ill; the second reported his passing and requested that local meetings be held on Saturday, November 9.
On sunday, November 10, the National and Regional Spiritual Assemblies received this message from Rúḥíyyih Khánum written after the funeral had been held in London:
“BELOVED GUARDIAN LAID (TO) REST (IN) LONDON ACCORDING (TO) LAWS (OF) AQDAS (IN) BEAUTIFUL BEFITFING SPOT AFTER IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY HELD (IN) PRESENCE (OF) MULTITUDE (OF) BELIEVERS REPRESENTING OVER TWENTY COUNTRIES (OF) EAST (AND) WEST STOP DOCTORS ASSURE SUDDEN PASSING INVOLVED NO SUFFERING. (HIS) BLESSED COUNTENANCE BORE EXPRESSION (OF) INFINITE BEAUTY, PEACE (AND) MAJESTY STOP EIGHTEEN HANDS ASSEMBLED (FOR THE) FUNERAL URGE NATIONAL BODIES REQUIET ALL BELIEVERS HOLD MEMORIAL MEETINGS EIGHTEENTH NOVEMBER COMMEMORATING DAYSPRING (OF) DIVINE GUIDANCE WHO HAS LEFT US AFTER THIRTY-SIX YEARS ( OF) UTTER SELF-SACRIFICE. CEASELESS LABORS (AND) CONSTANT VIGIIANCE.”
This message was sent to all Assemblies and Area Teaching Committees in the United States on Monday, November 11, with a covering letter.
On the following day, November 12, this further cablegram was received from Rúḥíyyih Khánum:
“ASSURE FRIENDS BELOVED, SACRED GUARDIAN BEFITTINGLY LAID (TO) RFST SURROUNDED BY LARGE, REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING (OF) BELIEVERS (FROM) EAST (AND) WEST. (THE) LIGHT (OF) OUR LIVES DEPARTED, WE MUST NOW STAND FIRM, REMEMBERING (THE) PEERLESS EXAMPLE (OF) HIS DEDICATION (TO THE) WORK (OF THE) BLESSED PERFECTION, (THE) GLORIOUS VICTORIEE HE WON, (AND THE) PLANS HE LONGED (TO) SEE COMPLETED. ONLY REDEDICATION, GREATER UNITY, STEADFAST SERVICE CAN BEFYITINGLY SHOW OUR GRIEF (AND) MAKE US ACCEPTABLE (AT THE) HOLY THRESHOLD.”
—Rúḥíyyih
These are the successive stages through which the heart-rending announcement of the Guardian’s passing have been reported to the date of this writing.
What can we say about the Guardian’s consummation of his unique mission?
Turning again to Rúḥíyyih Khánum we quote these passages from her great tribute to the Guardian as written in Twenty-Five Years of the Guardianship dated November 1946.
“Twenty-five years ago the Bahá’í world was shaken by a great earthquake. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Center of the Covenant, had suddenly passed away, with no premonitory illness to prepare His friends and followers for this tragic shock. Stunned, the Bahá’ís of East and West tried to rally their faculties. We knew great tasks lay ahead of us; we believed in this new Faith and in its Manifestation and in the World Order that He had come to establish, but we felt terribly alone and the responsibility for the future lay heavily upon our already grief-filled hearts. Where was the shepherd? The familiar voice, that had spoken with an authority vested in it by the Prophet of God Himself, was stilled. We had the teachings; like a wonderful laboratory, equipped for every purpose, they were there — our priceless treasure. But where was the alchemist who transmuted base metals into gold? Where was the listener who answered our questions and guided us in the use of all that great laboratory possessed?
“Then came the reading of the Master’s Will, and with an infinite sense of relief we realized that, though the seas of tribulation and separation had risen about us, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had not left us alone. He had given us the mighty Ark of His own Covenant which we could enter into in peace secure. With what grateful hearts we turned to the youthful figure that had suddenly been revealed to us in that Will as our priceless legacy, described by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ as the fruit of the Twin Lote Trees, the pearl of the Twin Surging Seas, this new creation, vested with a unique function, the hereditary office of Interpreter and Protector of the Faith and lifehead of the International House of Justice.
First Guardian of the Cause of God
“Let us go back for a moment and recall what we were and what Shoghi Effendi was when he first assumed his function as Guardian. Those who remember the assing of the Master and the terrible blow it was to them, the intense unbearable grief it caused them, can best grasp what his feelings were. At that time he was twenty-four years of age, studying at Oxford University in England in order to better prepare himself to serve ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as an interpreter, and to translate some of the Bahá’í literature into English, when news of the ascension reached him. Broken-hearted, so weak from suffering he had to be practically lifted from the train, he returned to Haifa. Then the second blow, as unexpected and in many ways more cruel than the first, fell upon him. The Will and Testament of his Grandfather was read to him and for the first time in his life he became apprized of the Master’s great and well-guarded secret: that he, Shoghi Effendi, the beloved, eldest grandson, was His successor and First Guardian of the Cause of God. Saddled with this great weight, crushed by this great blow, he turned his eyes to the Bahá’í world. He beheld a widely diversified, loosely organized community, scattered in various parts of the globe, and with members in about twenty countries. These people, loyal, devoted and sincere though they were, were still, to a great extent, living in their parent religion’s house, so to speak; there were Christian Bahá’ís, Jewish Bahá’ís, Muḥammadan Bahá’ís and so on. They believed in the Bahá’í Faith but were intimately connected with their former churches. Like fruit on a tree, they were a new crop but still stuck to the old branch. This was true East and West alike. That was the point to which the Faith had evolved at the time of the Master’s ascension.
“We, on our part, beheld a young man of only twentyfour standing at the helm of the Cause and some of the friends felt impelled to advise him about what it would be wise for him to do next . . . We quickly came to realize that he was not only divinely guided but had been endowed by God with just those characteristics needed to build up the Administrative Order, unite the believers in common endeavor, and coordinate their world-wide activities . , . The wheels of the Cause which had momentarily stood still at the Master’s passing, began to revolve again and at a higher tempo than ever before. Our Father, so patient. so constantly forgiving, whom we had tired and perhaps worried far more than we dreamed of, was gone, and in His stead stood our “true brother,” young, determined to see we at last got down to accomplishing the tasks set us by Bahá’u’lláh and the Master, and not willing to lose any time at all.
“With the reading of the Will and the establishment of the Guardianship, came quite naturally and organically a new phase in the development of the Faith . . . ”
A Great Joint Effort
“For sixteen years Shoghi Effendi never ceased to broaden our horizon and train us in Bahá’í Administration, whether local or National. After that, he suddenly opened a new door. He told us, so to speak, that we were now trained enough to use our laboriously erected Administrative System for a great joint effort, an effort to carry into effect the first stages of the Divine Plan. . . .
“No appraisal of the wonderful work achieved by the Bahá’ís the world over during this period would be complete without mention of what the Guardian himself, singlehanded, has done at the world center of the Faith in Palestine (now Israel). Aside from his constant and very heavy correspondence, with not only national and local Assemblies but with groups and individuals as well, aside from his cables and directives addressed to the Bahá’ís in different parts of the world, aside from the books he writes and the Bahá’í literature he translates so painstakingly and beautifully, he has aided the believers financially in all of their major undertakings, in the East or the West . . . In Haifa and ‘Akká, he has not only succeeded in having all the Bahá’í Shrines, Pilgrim Houses and lands pertaining to them exempted from both
government and municipal taxes, but has also vastly increased the area of these endowments . . . The purchase of Bahá’u’lláh’s mansion at Bahjí, the defeat of the constant machinations of the Covenant-breakers. . . . are but the highlights of his accomplishments at this world center of our Faith, to which How the pilgrims and guests from every land.”
“As we look back over the twenty-five years, it is with feelings of profound contentment. We Bahá’ís have matured greatly . . . We have stood close to that tree which overshadowed all mankind, and come to realize how live and great it is, how dense its foliage, how heavy its yield of fruits — the tree of our first Guardian, our Shoghi Effendi . . . whose sure and patient hand is guiding it on to the great victories promised hy Bahá’u’lláh for His Faith in this Century.”
“In gratitude for both this mighty institution or Guardianship in which mankind has found a sure refuge in this new age, and in gratitude for this particular first Guardian, this Shoghi Effendi, let us resolve to rise to a truly higher plane of endeavor, and above a higher plane of spiritual awareness, during these coming years. We must always remember that the only real limitations we suffer are those within ourselves. Rallied closely about the center of the cause, loving him and, in him, each other, we can, during the next quarter of a century, double our record of achievement.”
Shoghi Effendi’s Titanic Achievements
Looking back from the present hour we can perhaps summarize our awareness of Shoghi Effendi’s titanic achievements in these terms:
1. His resistance to and victory over the cruel onslaughts of Covenant-breakers both within and outside the Holy Family itself.
2. Construction of the Shrine of the Báb, the International Archives Building, and of the gardens surrounding the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh and adjacent to the Shrine of the Báb.
3. Training and developing the local and national Assemblies, the number of the latter having increased from two to twenty-six.
4. Defining the world-wide Ten Year Plan including the assignment of responsibility for achievement of its several tasks.
5. Appointment of members to the International Bahá’í Council.
6. Successive appointment of twenty-seven Hands of the Cause.
7. Incomparable translation of Tablets and Prayers and Meditations of Bahá’u’lláh; the writing of successive letters and works illumining the meaning and scope of the Faith and its history from 1844 to 1944.
Now let us turn to those earliest, precious letters through which the beloved Guardian gave advice, encouragement and direction to the Bahá’ís of North America.
“At this early hour when the morning light is just breaking upon the Holy Land, whilst the gloom oi the dear Master’s bereavement is still hanging thick upon the hearts, I feel as if my soul turns in yearning love and full of hope to that great company of His loved ones across the seas, who now share with us all the agonies of His separation. . . .
“True, the shock has been too terrible and sudden for us all to recover from in so short a time, but whenever we recall His Sayings and read His Writings, hope springs in our hearts and gives us the peace that no other material comfort can give.
“How well I remember when, more than two years ago, the Beloved Master, turning to a distinguished visitor of His, who was seated by Him in His garden, suddenly broke the silence and said: ‘My work is now done upon this plane; it is time for me to pass on to the other world.’ Did He not on more than one occasion state clearly and emphatically: ‘Were ye to know what will come to pass after Me, surely would ye pray that my end he hastened?’ In a Tablet sent to Persia when the storm raised years ago by that committee of Investigation was fiercely raging around Him, when the days of His incarceration were at their blackest, He revealed the following: ‘Now the foundation of this all-highest Bounty and this wondrous Gift. Gradually whatsoever is latent in the innermost of this Holy Cycle shall appear and be manifest, for now is but the beginning of its growth and the dayspring of the revelation of its Signs. Ere the close of this century and of this Age. it shall be made clear and manifest how wondrous was that Springtide and how heavenly was that Gift!’
“With such assuring Utterances and the unmistakable evidences oi His sure and clear knowledge that His end was nigh, is there any reason why the followers of His Faith, the world over, should be perturbed? Are not the prayers He revealed for us sufficient source of inspiration to every worker in His Cause? Have not His instructions paved before us the broad and straight Path of Teaching? Will not His new doubly effective power of Grace sustain us, strengthen us and confirm us in our work for Him? Ours is the duty to strive by day and night to fulfil our own obligation and then trust in His Guidance and never failing Grace. Unity amongst the friends, selflessness in our labors in His Path, detachment from all wordly things, the greatest prudence and caution in every step we take, earnest endeavor to carry out only what is His Holy Will and Pleasure, the constant awareness of His Presence and of the example of His Life, the absolute shunning of whatsoever we feel to be an enemy of the Cause . . . these, and foremost among them is the need for unity, appear to me as our vital service. Should we in this spirit arise to serve Him, what surer and greater promise have we than the one His Glorious Father, Bahá’u’lláh, gives us in His Most Holy Book: ‘Verily, we behold you from Our realm of effulgent Glory, and shall graciously aid whosoever ariseth for the triumph of Our Cause with the hosts of the Celestial Concourse and a company of Our chosen angels.’ ” (January 21, 1922).
Beloved friends! Such was the clarion call sounded by the beloved Guardian to comfort and reassure the hearts griefstricken by the loss of the Master thirty-six years ago.
That consolation and inspiration has eternal validity, and moreover to it is added the example of Shoghi Effendi’s own sacrifice and unique achievement. Honorable is the sorrow caused by the passing of a loved one, when that sorrow purifies the heart and confirms within it the supreme love — the love of God, and the resolute will to serve Him.
In our meetings with another, let us be tender and considerate; in our contacts with non-believers let us he steadfast as the rock in conviction of the victory of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh! For that Sun has arisen which shall never be followed by night.
Concerning the future guidance of our world community, information will come to us through the proper channels in due time.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
November 12, 1957
Western Hemisphere Intercontinental Conference[edit]
First Announcement
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Since receiving the beloved Guardian’s announcement of the series of five intercontinental conferences to be held during 1958, the National Assembly has been given Shoghi Effendi’s approval of dates and general arrangements.
The Chicago Conference will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 2, 3, and 4, immediately following a three-day National Convention to be held April 29, 30, and May 1.
These dates make it possible for American delegates and believers to attend both events.
The Guardian has also approved the holding of a devotional gathering in the auditorium of the House of Worship, where the precious photographs of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb can most fittingly be exhibited by the Guardian’s representative, Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery.
The final arrangement approved by Shoghi Effendi is the holding of a public congress which undoubtedly will be scheduled for Sunday evening, May 4, as the final session of the Intercontinental Conference.
The beloved Guardian’s own words impress us with the importance of this historic occasion, convened for the “five-fold purpose of offering humble thanksgiving to the Divine Author of our Faith . . . of reviewing and celebrating the series of signal
National Endowment of Colombia, located near Buca'rumnnga, acquired on October 5, 1957‘ It consists of 500 square
meters of land.
victories . . . of deliberating on ways
and means that will insure its triumphant consummation; and of lending simultaneously a powerful impetus . . . to the vital process of individual conversion . . . and to the
construction and completion of these
Mother Temples to be built in the
European, the African, and Australian continents.”
The Conference, while convened and held by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, will receive the Guardian’s message to the Western Hemisphere as delivered by Dr. Giachery, and will provide reports by, and consultation among, the National and Regional National Spiritual Assemblies of that same area.
Give Address Change to NSA Promptly to Receive Bahá’í Mail!
The volume of work at the National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters now makes it impossible for the administrative staff to assume the responsibility of following up any returned issues of BAHÁ’Í NEWS in an effort to ascertain the new address of any believer who has moved and left no forwarding address, or who has made no arrangements for having his News held or forwarded during a temporary absence.
Hereafter, when a BAHÁ’Í NEWS is returned, the address will be withdrawn from the mailing list until such time as the believer himself furnishes the new address and ten cents to cover the cost of re-mailing each issue that was returned.
In other words, we must now depend upon the believers themselves to assume responsibility for keeping the National Spiritual Assembly informed of all permanent or temporary changes of address that may affect the receipt of their Bahá’í mail and their proper listing on the State Convention voting lists.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
The purpose of this first announcement is to make it possible for all Bahá’ís to make arrangements to attend. Travel and hotel or other arrangements are to be made by the individual believer for himself. Guests of the National Assembly will be provided with hotel accommodations on arrival.
Those who attended the historic Jubilee Celebrations in 1953 will recall not merely the vivid episodes of the extensive program, including dedication of the House of Worship on behalf of the Guardian by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, but above all the power of the spirit engendered which enabled us to transcend local and national Bahá’í areas of interest and activity, and attain a realization of the universal, the global significance of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
“The holding of this second series of Intercontinental Conferences . . . signalizes the opening of the fourth phase of the Ten-Year Plan.” What higher privilege is offered a human being today?
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
TEXAS PAROCHIAL SCHOOL RECOGNIZES BAHÁ’Í HOLY DAYS
The All Saints Teller School, All Saints Episcopal Church, Fort Worth, Texas, has given permission to Bahá’í children to be absent on Bahá’í Holy Days.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Prepare Land at Kampala for Construction of Mother Temple of Africa[edit]
Two members of the Temple Committee, with the architect and the levelling contractor, standing in the position of the center of the Temple and facing the Qiblih.
Men and machinery prepare the access road to the Temple site.
Musa Banání, Hand of the Cause,
and All Nakhjavani, Auxiliary Board
member and Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Central
and East Africa, standing on the site
of the Temple.
The Temple site levelled in preparation for the commencement of the
foundations contract.
INTERCONTINENTAL COMMITTEES[edit]
Europe
SUMMER SCHOOL PREPARES FRANCE FOR FORMATION OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
Sanary-Sur-Mer, a picturesque port nestled along the curving shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea, was the scene of the historic gathering of France’s third Bahá’í Summer School, held from September 1 to 6, 1957.
Sunny skies and tropical surroundings added their charm to this region, one of the most beautiful in southern France.
The friends were housed in the Hotel du Faro, where all sessions of the conference and school also met.
The first two days of the school were devoted to a teaching conference on the theme, “France and the World Crusade.” At the opening session we listened to Dr. Hermann Grossmann, Hand of the Cause, read a prayer. The bounty of his presence gave this conference special significance and an atmosphere of rare spirituality.
Joel Marangella, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the
Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Luxembourg, located at 8 rue de Marshall Foch, Luxembourg-Ville, dedicated on November 1, 1957. The Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds proper is located on the second, or middle, floor. The ground floor and the top floor are owned by Bahá’ís.
Cause, acting as Chairman, then greeted the assembled believers on
National Endowment of New Zealand, located near New Plymouth in the Taranaki District.
behalf of the Summer School Committee, and asked for a roll call. This roll call revealed that there were 39 adults, 2 youth, and 3 children present, representing the cities of Lyon, Chateauroux, Chatellerault, Orleans, Paris, Strasbourg, Nice, and Marseilles in France; and believers from Germany, Belgium, Austria, Holland, the United States, Kenya, Belgian Congo, and Madagascar.
Much love was evident in the hearts and on the faces of those from each center as they arose to give their names. A further blessing was the fact that among them there were many new French believers who were attending their first summer school.
Dr. Grossmann, speaking in English, gave some inspirational opening words. He remarked on the great change which had taken place in France since his visit of two years ago. He compared the cold winter of that time to the growth of the teaching work, and pointed out how it had developed into the warm springtime of spiritual blossoming
and development. He hoped that this great surge of spiritual enthusiasm would soon bring forth the summer with all its fruits.
He pointed out that France would have a special opportunity with the new National Spiritual Assembly which is to be formed during Riḍván 1958, and that this achievement would require much effort, as only a few months remain.
in closing, Dr. Grossman said he hoped that this conference would strengthen us for the time ahead, and help us to enter next year with strong communities, as well as a strong National Assembly.
Reports on Goals
Later in the conference reports were called for from representatives of Assemblies and groups on “The Goals in France and the Actual Progress.”
“The Goals in France"” provided a theme for much consideration. Mr. Marangella reminded us that our beloved Guardian had announced at the Stockholm conference the goals for Europe. We were told at that time that our assemblies must be quadrupled during the Crusade, meaning that eight would be needed by 1963. Also, that our other goals were the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly, the acquisition of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and the National Endowment, and the achievement of National Incorporation.
In conclusion Mr. Marangella pointed out that we have already achieved two of these goals, namely the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Paris which will become national when the National Assembly is formed, and the National Endowment.
Shoghi Effendi has specified that France will form its National Spiritual Assembly during the mid-point of the Crusade, and has designated certain cities in France as goal cities. These are Orleans, Marseilles, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Metz, Dijon, Nancy, Poitiers, and Lille, With the recent settlement of Miss Honor Kempton in Nancy, Mrs. Amelia Bowman in Strasbourg, and Mr. Charles Somers in Metz, all goals have been opened except Dijon.
At the Sunday evening session on September 1, Dr. Grossmann was most informative in discussing questions put to us during our teaching efforts. He answered such questions as: What is the difference between good and evil? Does God answer every prayer? What is soul and spirit? Why should we pray? What is obedience?
He pointed out that when a soul becomes a Bahá’í it is changed, and it will attract everything in a different way.
The Monday morning session was given over to Louis Henuzet, member of the Auxiliary Board, who gave an illuminating and comprehensive presentation on the Administrative Order.
That afternoon 35 of us travelled by chartered bus to the nearby city of Marseilles for a public meeting at the Foyer-Theatre Massalia. Mr. Henuzet gave a brilliant talk on “Which to Choose: Science or Religion?” Seventy-two persons attended this meeting.
In recalling the spirit of the entire week, these words came to mind: “Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God’s holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of spiritual outpourings. Love is heaven’s kindly light, the Holy Spirit’s eternal breath that vivifies the human soul.” (The Dtvine Art of Living, page 103.)
We had, one and all, been refreshed at the fountain of that love, and our souls were truly vivified and illumined. As we journeyed homeward, we were resolved that we would accomplish more than ever this year.
—AYNED MCCOMB
Correction
The United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations Conference in Rome, Italy, reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for September on page 10, was held at the Food and Agriculture Administration headquarters instead of Foreign Affairs Office. The error was due to a misinterpretation of abbreviations used by Dr. Ugo Giachery in his report.
Second European Conference called by the Hands of the Cause in Europe at the Hôtel des Salinas, Bex les Bains, Switzerland, on September 22-25, 1957.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
Írán
HAIL NEWSLETTERS FROM LAND OF FAITH’S BIRTH[edit]
Plans for a regular newsletter from Írán have been received with joy and thanksgiving by National Assemblies in many lands, and many of their national news publications have been reprinting information from the first two issues of this newsletter received to date.
Written over the signature of A. Furútan, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Írán, the newsletter conveys heartwarming assurances of the steady spread of the Faith in the land of its birth despite the recent persecutions by the Iranian government.
Following are excerpts from these first two issues of the Íránian Bahá’í News:
Bahá’ís are at present serving the Cause of God in more than 1000 centers throughout Írán. In 1955, when the persecutions began, there were 100 centers throughout Írán. Considering the difficult circumstances under which the friends were working, this is a tremendous achievement, even to a degree that the beloved Guardian has congratulated them.
The restrictions and persecutions of the friends that started in Írán in 1955 are gradually subsiding. The government agreed to return all the Bahá’í Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, even the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Ṭihrán, but no meetings are yet held in these buildings.
The news of the activities and victorious accomplishments of the friends in other parts of the world are regularly translated and sent out to all the Bahá’í communities in Írán, so that they may rejoice in the success of their spiritual brethren.
In Touch With World Center
One fortunate circumstance that compensates for all the persecutions of the friends in Írán is the constant communication with the World Center of the Cause of God and the beloved Guardian.
Cables from the Guardian, messages from the revered Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land,
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Galle, Ceylon, formed on April 21, 1957.
communications of the International Bahá’í Council, and letters of the Eastern Secretary of that Council, conveying the instructions of the Guardian, have been regularly received.
Each year a great number of the friends from Írán, and particularly from Ṭihrán, go on holy pilgrimage, and on their return bring messages, instructions, and glad-tidings from the beloved Guardian. Since the friends in Iran very eagerly meet with these pilgrims, the glad-tidings from the Holy Land are conveyed to a great number of friends.
During the past year 64 persons from Írán have gone on holy pilgrimage and returned to gladden the hearts of the friends with their messages and news from the Holy Land.
In the same period 32 pilgrims from Íráq made the pilgrimage under a schedule of the Iranian National Spiritual Assembly, which is responsible for the administration of the Faith in ‘Íráq.
Letters From Pioneers
Many letters from Persian pioneers throughout the world have been received by the National Assembly. Here is a sample of such letters. Dr. Rahmat Mahájír is one of the Bahá’í pioneers who is also the spiritual conqueror of Mentawai Islands. The names of this beloved friend and his dear wife are registered on the Roll of Honor.
He writes: “In Sipapajet, one of the Mentawai villages, a Bahá’í School has been established and named ‘Tarbíyyat’ after the Bahá’í School of Ṭihrán which was closed by the Government in 1933. Mr. Samsury, one of the native Bahá’ís who is a very learned person, has resigned his position as a teacher in the government schools, and is teaching the native Bahá’ís in the Bahá’í School.
“The children and the villagers are all very happy. So is he of this achievement of his. Bahá’ís of other villages complain that Mr. Samsury has not been given to them. These same natives, who value education so much, compete in persuading a teacher to go to their village, whereas before embracing the Faith did not want schools and said, ‘God has given us copra and chickens, what do we want with education? Our children eat these and grow up.’ Now these same people build a house for the teacher.
“We are trying to establish Bahá’í schools in every village, even though they may only have one or two grades.
“Mr. Jamshíd Ma‘’aní, one of the Persian pioneers in Indonesia, has volunteered, with the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly of South East Asia, to come to Mentawai and spend two years in these islands serving the Cause and educating Bahá’í children. He is very successful in the service of God, and will soon bear the responsibility for one of the Bahá’í villages all by himself.
“Mr. Rustam Payman is another Persian pioneer who is serving these islands with utmost sincerity, and the natives almost worship him. One of the villages has been named ‘Rustamabad’ after him. He is going to assume total responsibility for one of the villages.
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sao Caetano, Brazil, formed on April 21, 1957.
“I am writing this letter from the Sipora Island, one of the Mentawai Islands. The people of this island are, for the most part, Christian, but there are also a few Muslim villages. I believe it will be very easy to teach the Faith in this island, and in the future these people will embrace the Faith in groups, because they are ready for the message of God.
“The site of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Mentawai has also been purchased. Mrs. Mahájir was instrumental in accomplishing this goal.”
Iberian Peninsula
HAZIRATU’L-QUDS DEDICATED AT LISBON ON BÁB’S BIRTHDAY[edit]
The day of the dedication of the Ḥaẓiratu’l-Quds, October 20, the Anniversary of the birth of the glorious Báb, was a splendidly brilliant one in Lisbon. Since June 21, 1957, date of the acquisition, things had been stirring this new Bahá’í Center in the Garden Quarter, District of Lumiar (light). Richard Nolen had come from his pioneer post in the Azores Islands to help with moving. and Carlos Salomāo of Portugal had put the place in bright condition for its new function.
The beloved Guardian had written to the Iberian friends on October 21, 1956, saying that “to establish these essential institutions of the Faith at this time is of great importance, and the believers will find, when they have their own center, how it will become a focal point for their activities and how it will attract to the Faith souls with capacity, who, when they understand the Teachings, will be eager to join the ranks of the Bahá’ís and reinforce their efforts.”
Believers and their friends came from Oporto, Lisbon, and Portimāo making about 23 in all. On Sunday morning they gathered in the large, light, upstairs room with its large porch overlooking the campus of the University of Lisbon, now under construction but still mostly farmland. Mr. José Serra, chairman of the Lisbon Spiritual Assembly, welcomed the guests and presented Mr. Angelo Carneiro, member of the Iberian Regional National Spiritual Assembly, who presided thereafter. Since Dr. Ugo Giachery, Hand of the Cause, was not able to attend, Mr. Joel Marangella of Orleans, France, an Auxilliary Board member, came in his stead.
After music and prayers Mr. Marangella gave a short discourse, mentioning the pioneers who had worked to build the Bahá’í community of Portugal. He then explained the importance of the institution of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, as well as the urgency of teaching and spreading the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, In the name or the Guardian, the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Lisbon was declared officially dedicated to the service of the Faith.
Mr. Ventura Rodriquez then read the following tenderly stirring message of the Guardian, written to the Iberian believers in his own hand, on July 2, 1957, but indeed a galvanizing stimulus to all who labor for the Faith wherever they might be:
“The recent achievements of my dearly loved friends, labouring so devotedly in the Iberian Penninsula, has filled my heart with feelings of joyous admiration and profound thankfulness. I cannot but marvel at their consecration, their fidelity, their perseverance and untiring endeavours for the furtherance of so glorious a Cause.
“The Plan, with which their spiritual destiny is so closely bound up, must be prosecuted with inflexible resolve and utter dedication to its aims and purposes. They must not rest for a second, and, with hearts afire with the love of God and fixed on the ideals of his infinitely precious Faith, must labour systematically and unitedly until all the objectives of the Plan they now prosecute with such noble determination are achieved.
“Upon the discharge of their present responsibilities must depend to a large extent the enlargement of the scope of their glorious mission, and the initiation of a still more momentous stage in the evolution of their institutions within the orbit of our glorious Faith.
“Theirs is a mighty and sacred responsibility which they must not, under any circumstance, abandon or neglect. Theirs is a priceless opportunity which they must sieze with promptitude and eagerness, and utilize to the utmost until that responsibility is fully and befittingly discharged.
“The Concourse on High watches over them, ready to vouchsafe its aid and confer its blessing on their valiant and concerted endeavours. The Author of the Divine Plan will, as promised by Him in His epoch-making Tablets, assist them to surmount whatever obstacles they may encounter in their path, and crown their historic enterprise with a resounding victory. The Founder of the Faith, Himself, will not fail to reward them, in His Own Kingdom, and in accordance with His wisdom and bounty, for their share in the furtherance of the interests of His world encompassing Order, and to exalt them amidst the company of
His immortal saints and heroes dwelling in the Abhá Kingdom.
“That they may prove themselves worthy of their high calling, that they may excite, by the quality and range of their achievements. the admiration of their brothers in all the continents of the globe, that they may hasten, by the very nature of their exertions, the advent of the day when they will have entered upon a still more exalted stage in their collective advancement on the high road of their destiny-—is a prayer that I will continue to offer with all the fervour of my soul, at the Threshold of His Most Holy Shrine.” Si-loom.
A signed message from the Hands of the Cause in America, Mrs. Corinne True, Mr. Horace Holley, and Mr. Paul Haney, was read, followed by messages from the National Spiritual Assemblies of the U.S., and Iberia, as well as the various local spiritual assemblies. Loving gifts were acknowledged, among these being a large framed portrait of the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from the Azores Group; two hand-wrought iron wall lamps made by two of the Lisbon friends; a beautiful photograph album with historic pictures from the Oporto friends; a precious framed Greatest Name given by an Oporto friend; a beautiful leatherworked Greatest Name brought by Joel Marangella.
Carlos Saloméo, vice chairman of the Lisbon Spiritual Assembly, raised a prayer that the Faith in Portugal would grow fast and strong, and as straight as the Little green cypress about to be planted in the nine-sided pool. With the triumphant “Ode to Joy" from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, the friends filed outside to the garden to plant the tree, to take photographs, and then to partake of material food to balance the abundant spiritual feast.
The first part of the afternoon was devoted to the celebration of the Anniversary of the birth of the Báb, with prayers and a short talk by Jose Serra. At four o'clock on this joyous day a first Summer School session under National auspices was held as a result of the Guardian's recent instructions to hold more such reunions even though very small. Virginia Orbison, member of the National Teaching Committee, presided, and short but instructive discourses were given by Angelo Carneiro, who gave a masterly introduction to the Faith with logical and persuasive argument; Joaquim Cunha, who read a paper on the 12 principles; Joel Marangella, who spoke on the importance of the Summer Schools and teaching; and Carlos Saloméo, who spoke movingly on the spiritual aspects of the Bahá’í Faith.
Public Meeting at the National School of Drama, Asuncion, Paraguay, on October 14, 1957, with over 50 persons attending. Roque Centurio (left) is introducing Roberto Cazcarra of Montevideo, Uruguay. Both are members of the National Spiritual Assembly oi Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This was one of four public meetings held in conjunction with the second Regional Bahá’í Congress on October 13.
After tea and a social time, the
friends took leave of each other with
glowing faces reflecting new and
promise-laden resolves for the fulfilling of all of the goals of the Ten-Year
Plan and the triumph of Bahá’u’lláh’s
Faith in Portugal. A cable was sent
to the beloved Guardian assuring
him of the love of the friends and of
their renewed impulse to go forward
on this day of the Dedication of the
Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Lisbon, the Anniversary of the Báb, October 20,
1957-144.
—VIRGINIA ORBISON
Germany, Austria
DIFFICULTIES CONTINUE ON TEMPLE SITE[edit]
The negotiations for the Temple site at Diedenbergen/Taunus have been continued with the Government of Hesse, the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria reports.
Unfortunately another difficulty has arisen which seems insurmountable. The projected building would be standing too close to a beacon, which will be enlarged, for directing the airplanes so that the authorities of the airport had to refuse their approval, for strictly technical reasons.
A definite answer, however, has not yet been received as it is channeled through the Government. In all probability the fact must be faced that another location has to be found.
The Temple design was further developed in order to meet with the requests of the Guardian and reconcile the desired building with the restrictions put up by the authorities. The present plans seem to meet with these two requirements.
North East Asia
FIRST SUMMER SCHOOL HELD IN KOREA[edit]
Anticipated by three preceding winter and summer conferences in that same city, the first Bahá’í Summer School of Korea took place in Kwangju, Korea, September 28, 29, and 30, having been called into being by the beloved Guardian in his message to the first Bahá’í Convention of North East Asia as one of the goals of the Six-Year Plan for that area.
Exceeding both in the depth of the teaching offered and in the maturity of the believers attending any previous gathering of Bahá’ís in Korea. the session began on a serious note when early the first day Hand of the Cause of God Agnes Alexander slipped and fell on the stone steps of the meeting place, spraining her ankle. But the prayers of the following morning brought unity as well as healing, and the school continued with an ever-deepening tone.
The talk by William Maxwell on the successive purifications of the Water of Life; the reading and explanation of the “Tablet of Carmel” by Noureddin Momtazi and his recounting of his experiences in meeting both ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian in different times, places, and conditions; the reading and elucidation of portions of the “Will and Testament” of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the explanation of the Guardianship by Hand of the Cause Miss Alexander, as well as her very presence itself — a blessing to this opening school unequalled in the history of any of the previous conferences — these stand out as the most memorable aspects of an entirely successful and unforgettable “summer” school, And the following cablegram from the beloved Guardian revealed the reason for its success: “Delighted. Assure attendants fervent prayers extension activities consolidation newly born institution. Deepest love.”
—WILLIAM H. MAXWELL
Central and East Africa
SIGN CONTRACT FOR FOUNDATION OF AFRICA TEMPLE[edit]
On October 22, 1957, the contract for the building of the foundations of the Mother Temple of Africa was signed. This initial contract will cover the building of the Temple to the floor level, including the exterior steps.
There have been a number of unfortunate delays which now seem to be behind us, and the building will go ahead with all speed.
During the three months estimated for this preliminary foundations work, all drawings for the main contract will have been completed and submitted to those Government authorities directly concerned with such work, and whose approval must be granted; bills of quantity will have been finalized; the main contractor chosen, and contracts signed.
On the site of the Temple there is no water, so after considering all aspects, it was decided to make arrangements for the sinking of a borehole. Drilling for this has already commenced, and when water is struck a considerable saving in the cost of the Temple is envisaged.
Kampala is greatly honored, for before the foundations work is completed. during the African Intercontinental Conference in January 1958, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum will place in the foundations a portion of the precious earth from the inmost Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. Also in the foundations will be placed, by the revered Hand of the Cause Musa Banání, a casket containing a small quanity of the plaster from the ceiling of the room in the fortress of Méh-Kli. where the Báb was imprisoned.
Shortly after this great occasion, work on the main building is scheduled to commence, and it is hoped that the Temple will he completed by March 1959.
—PHILIP HAINSWORTH
South East Asia
PUBLICATIONS IN FIVE LANGUAGES COMPLETED[edit]
Five languages are represented in new publications announced by the National Spiritual Assembly of South East Asia. They include:
Message of Bahá’u’lláh or Adajaran Bahá’u’lláh published in the Indonesian language; Bahá’í Faith—A Faith for Unity in the Toaradja language; Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith published in the Batak and Javi languages: and Buddha and Amitabha in Chinese.
In addition, the work of reviewing of the translation of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era into the Indonesian language is nearing completion, and it is hoped that the printing will be completed in the near future.
Italo-Swiss Summer School held at Hotel des Salinas, Bex les Bains, Switzerland, on September
13-20, 1957.
Australia
ENDOWMENT ESTABLISHED TO CONSTRUCT SCHOOL[edit]
The pioneer in New Hebrides, Mrs. Bertha Dobbins, has conducted a school in her home at Port Vila which has been recognized by the Guardian as one of three Bahá’í schools in the Pacific area. She recently has received notice to vacate her residence there.
To insure the continuance of this school, the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia has established a “New Hebrides Endowment.” At least £2500 is required in order to purchase land and construct a building suitable for use as a residence and school for Mrs. Dobbins for the preservation of this historic enterprise.
North East Africa
TRANSLATE “25 YEARS OF GUARDIANSHIP” INTO ARABIC[edit]
The National Translation and Reviewing Committee of the North East Africa National Spiritual Assembly has published the translation of “Twenty-Five Years of the Guardianship” by Rúḥíyyih Khánum into the Arabic language.
Wide distribution has been undertaken, the National Assembly reports, to enable the friends to understand more fully the institution of the Guardianship, leading to a better understanding of the Faith and grater loyalty to the Sign of God on Earth.
EGYPT, SUDAN BAHÁ’ÍS INSPIRED BY VISIT OF HAND OF CAUSE[edit]
During the month of October the friends of Egypt and of the sudan had the privilege of a visit from the Hand of the Cause in Africa, Mr. Musa Banání, Mrs. Banání, and Auxiliary Board Member Aziz Yazdi. On the instructions of the beloved Guardian, Mr. Banání cheered the friends with the glad tidings of the progress of the Cause in the African Continent as well as in the Pacific Ocean areas.
The news of the initiative steps to construct the Bahá’í Temple in Kampala, heart of the African Continent, was a source of greater momentum to the desire of the friends to keep apace with the march of the World Crusade, filling them with renewed energy to serve faithfully toward the great Jubilee of 1963.
Mr. Banání met with the National Spiritual Assembly as well as the Local Spiritual Assemblies of Cairo, Port-Said, and Alexandria. As a result of these meetings many of the friends took immediate steps to pioneer.
—BADI BUSHRUI
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Burnside, South
Australia, formed on April 21, 1957.
Northwest Africa
CONTACT KABYL BERBERS, MUSLIMS OF M’ZAB[edit]
Northwest Africa Bahá’í News has published an account of the visit of Mr. Attar, the Regional Teaching Committee secretary, of Algiers, to Bone, where during four days he contacted some Kabyl Berbers, who showed interest in the Faith.
The highlight of this teaching trip by Mr. Attar was his visit to M’zab, 600 kilometers south of Algiers, where no previous Bahá’í had set foot. Some of the Algiers contacts were in M’zab. Mr. Attar taught the Faith to many people, among whom was the chief religious man, who is the head of the progressive Muslims of M’zab. Two hours were spent in talking with him, and Mr. Attar left copies of the Kitáb-i-Íqán and A Traveler’s Narrative.
Mr. Attar wrote: “And in this way I taught the Faith discreetly or plainly, and gave proofs or the authenticity of the Blessed Perfection in their meetings or Feasts either individually or collectively. In all, the Faith was taught to more than 200 persons, but the number with whom I had direct contact and to whom I had spoken a few times is 27.”
One contact embraced the Faith and said he would come to declare in Algiers, while six others are very near declaration.
Alaska
FIVE NSA MEMBERS TO PIONEER[edit]
Five members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, newly formed last April, have made decisions to pioneer.
Robert Moul and his family will move to a goal in southeastern Alaska; Warren and Kathy Rodgers will move to Nome; and Verne and Janet Stout will move to the goal area of Matanuska Valley, 50 miles northwest of Anchorage.
Nome is a goal for the formation of a local assembly by next April, and at present has only one pioneer; the goals to be filled by these friends are virgin areas.
National Assembly Incorporated
A further goal of the World Crusade was attained on September 25, 1957, with the signing of the legal papers for the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly by the office of the Attorney General in Juneau.
Temple Site Land Approved
The National Assembly also reports that the Guardian has approved the three-acre gift tract of land for a Temple site, reported in Bahá’í News for September.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
INTERRACIAL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES PROGRAM[edit]
With the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Bahá’í Interracial Teaching Committee has adopted a three-part program for the current year. Part I is directed toward teaching the Negro people in the south — our greatest national challenge; Part II offers suggestions for the local observance of Negro History Week February 9-15, 1958, and Part III outlines Bahá’í activities for Race Amity Day, June 10, 1958.
Bulletin Available
The committee’s bulletin, being mailed to local spiritual assemblies and available to isolated believers on request, describes the Bahá’í role in each of these three endeavors, with major emphasis on Part I — the year-round, continuing, two-fold responsibility of the American Bahá’í community, namely to attract and win more Negroes in the south as recruits for Bahá’u’lláh and to fearlessly demonstrate everywhere, including the south, the oneness of mankind. Teaching aids and other suggestions are offered, including ways and means of checking the reasons why the Negro contact or seeker does not go all the way and become a Bahá’í.
“Not By The Force of Numbers. . . ”[edit]
Not by the force of numbers, not by the mere exposition of a set of new and noble principles, not by an organized campaign of teaching — no matter how worldwide and elaborate in its character — not even by the staunchness of our faith or the excitation of our enthusiasm, can we ultimately hope to vindicate in the eyes of a critical and sceptical age the supreme claim of the Abhá Revelation. One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life and private character mirror forth in their manifold aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.
—SHOGHI EFFENDI, Bahá’í Administration, p. 66
This is the story of Jay, through whose example and devotion a capable, dedicated soul has been won for service to Bahá’u’lláh and His Cause in another land.
Jay is almost 80 years of age. For many months he was in the county hospital recovering from broken bones and severe bruises after having been struck by a motorist. He lives alone, in one small room, and he does his own shopping.
One day a passerby, a business visitor from 3 South American country, saw Jay struggling un his way home with a bag of groceries, with a cane to help support his still-weak leg. He assisted Jay to his room, and after they had visited a few minutes Jay asked his visitor “the question.” The stranger was at once so interested that he stayed for almost an hour asking questions, and departed with a few Bahá’í pamphlets.
A few days later the young man returned, asked more questions, and again left with literature. The next week Jay invited him to go to the fireside of another believer, and here his eager interest became an inspiration to the group of Bahá’í's and non-Bahá’ís studying the teachings together. Within a few Weeks he was completely convinced of the validity, the aims, and the purposes of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and applied to the local spiritual assembly for enrollment, that he might return to his home fully prepared to play his part in the consolidation of this new Faith in his own city and country.
A war refugee from Central Europe to South America, and sent to the United States by his business firm for specialized training, this young man found through this “chance” acquaintance the real purpose of life shining through the broken pattern of his past, and it is Jay, whom he loves as a father, who gave him the key.
This is a glowing example of the truth that everywhere there are ready souls waiting to receive the Message and that no Bahá’í is ever too old, too feeble, too poor, to attract and win for Bahá’u’lláh new “recruits” with the fire and capacity to spread the light of His Cause in places and lands far beyond the reach of him who mentions the blessed Name of his Lord.
Negro History Week
While the assemblies and Bahá’í groups are not expected to sponsor Negro History Week this year to the extent this was done last year, the excellent ground work that was laid and the fine relationships and contacts established with Negro leaders and local organizations interested in interracial work must not be allowed to wither.
Active participation in local Negro History Week observances should be offered, and this as soon as possible so as to be in on the planning stage. Again, the Interracial Teaching Committee’s bulletin suggests how this might be done.
Race Amity Day
In line with the Guardian’s hope that the Bahá’í-sponsored Race Amity Day may achieve the same national recognition that is accorded World Religion Day, all Bahá’í communities and groups are urged to cooperate in making the observance of this event a full-scale undertaking this year. The Committee outlines how this can be done and suggests a wide variety of local programs that can be undertaken “to celebrate the Bahá’í teaching of the Oneness of Mankind, the distinguishing feature of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.”
In planning and carrying out any and all of these three aspects of interracial teaching work, the interest, talents, and vitality of Bahá’í youth should not be overlooked. Youth members might well be added to the planning and contact committees, and the panel of speakers or for group discussion should, if at all possible, include a Bahá’í youth.
The Committee welcomes requests for suggestions and help in making interracial teaching an outstanding and significant aspect of local teaching effort this year.
—BAHÁ’Í INTERRACIAL TEACHING COMMITTEE
TWO EDITIONS OF CATALOG AVAILABLE FROM BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST[edit]
The new general catalog is now available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, and is being sent to all local librarians, national committees, and isolated Bahá’ís who have accounts with the Publishing Trust. Extra copies will be included in next shipments of book orders for local librarians to furnish to their local committees. This general edition of the catalog includes everything available at time of its publication, It is not intended for distribution to contacts, bookstores, or anyone except Bahá’ís who order literature, as it contains many Teaching and Administrative aids of no interest to non-Bahá’ís.
All new publishing items, or items going out of print, as well as any price changes, are listed regularly in BAHÁ’Í NEWS and catalogs should be kept current from this source of information which is readily accessible to everyone.
Compton Judicial District, Calif., Bahá’í Children’s Class.
Special Edition Prepared for
Bookstores and Contacts
A special, briefer edition of the Bahá’í Literature Catalog has now been made available for furnishing to the book trade (bookstores, dealers, etc.), and also for giving to contacts who are seriously interested in ordering Bahá’í books.
The Publishing Trust receives many requests from communities and individuals concerning information on handling of Bahá’í books by a local bookstore. There is no reason why a local assembly should not encourage the handling of Bahá’í books by a local bookstore, or suggest titles most likely to be in demand from the public. From this point on, however, the bookstore should deal directly with the Publishing Trust. The local assembly should in no way act as a supplier or dealer, since it is a non-profit organization stocking literature solely for its own religious purposes. Either the book dealer can write direct to the Publishing Trust in Wilmette for information, or the local assembly can furnish the Trust with the name and address of the book dealer. In either case the necessary information, together with the special catalog, will be sent to the book dealer direct.
Most bookstores are aware of the source for ordering Bahá’í books through ads and listings of titles in The Trade List Annual, Books In Print, The Publisher’s Weekly, and other trade reference sources.
Bahá’ís desiring copies of this special edition of the catalog for interested contacts may order them through their local librarians at cost price of $.10 per copy. (See Publishing Trust section).
LIST COLLEGES NEEDING STUDENT PIONEERS[edit]
The College Bureau now has a list of colleges where Bahá’í students are needed, It would be appreciated if all students interested in going to college next fall or transferring at the end of the semester would contact the College Bureau, P. O. Box 956, Stanford, Calif. This is a chance for students who want to pioneer at home while still in school.
This Committee Still has not heard from all students enrolled in universities and colleges. It would be appreciated ii every student would write immediately.
SUNDAY MORNING LSA MEETINGS SUGGESTED[edit]
An unusual solution to the problem of finding enough time for local spiritual assembly and committee meetings without detracting from teaching activities has been suggested by the Birmingham, Ala., Local Spiritual Assembly.
“In our efforts to give adequate time to local spiritual assembly meetings and other planning work, and still not detract from the time and effort we wish to give to actual teaching, we feel that we have struck on an excellent compromise.
“We hold one major assembly meeting at 9:30 a.m. the first Sunday of every month. We feel that in this we come to our consultation fresh and unhurried. In addition to this, the assembly members meet for a brief (one-half hour) meeting preceeding each Nineteen Day Feast.
“In this way we can keep our work up-to-date, take care of any urgent things that may come up, and still not take away an evening or other time which could otherwise be given to other activities.”
BAHA’I IN THE NEWS[edit]
Yakima Herald, Sunday, June 23, 1957, published a feature story by Velma Baylor on the artistic career
WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET
Fifth Year: 1957-1958
Annual Budget . . . . . . . . . .$425,000.00
Total Requirements: May 1 to October 31 . . . 212,500.00
Total Contributions:
May 1 to October 31 . . . 154,000.00
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
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 religion that believes in the eventual coming together of all races, nations, classes and creeds.”
Bahá’í Children’s Classes at Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, N.J., held
each Sunday morning under the sponsorship of the Area Teaching Committee for the North Atlantic States.
Under the caption “World Melting
Pot of Faiths” the Chicago American
on October 24, 1957, published an article from Jerusalem which stated
that “Haifa is world headquarters
for the Bahá’í Faith, whose American Temple is located in Wilmette.”
The Delta Trading Co,, Inc, of TelAviv, Israel, has produced a beautifully illustrated Jewish calendar with an illustration facing each month. For December 1957 the illustration is a large photograph of the Bahá’í International Archives building overlooking the Bay of Haifa.
The Publishers’ Auxiliary for October 19, 1957, lists the special events for 1958, January through June, taken from the list compiled by the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. World Religion Day appears as of January 19.
The Negro History Bulletin, a monthly published by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Inc., Washington, D.C. featured in its October 1957 number a detailed article, “Bahá’ís Report Successful Nationwide Negro History Week Observance.” with photographs of meetings held in Yakima, Wash.; Wilmington, Del.; Monrovia, Calif.; and Philadelphia, Pa.
On October 12, 1957, the Bahá’ís of Little Rock, Ark., published the statement on “The Oneness of Mankind” as a paid advertisement. This message appeared in the very center of the agitation against race integration. Already requests for literature have been received in Wilmette from seekers in Arkansas.
Los Gatos Times—Saratoga Observer, August 23, 1957, announced that Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Lissner, recently returned from Nigeria, would present a program at the home of Mrs. Hansen, Kings Acres. The Lissners were described as members of the Bahá’í World Faith.
Paris (France) Presse’l’intrunsigeant, March 21, 1957, reproduced from the Frankfurter Rundschau an article reporting that the German Bahá’ís, after purchasing a Temple site near Frankfurt, would be obliged to await a permit by decision of the regional court.
On November 3, 1957, the Chicago Sunday Tribune published an article reporting the decision of the court approving the construction of the Bahá’í Home in Wilmette and announcing plans for an early beginning of construction. The Cook County Circuit Court upheld the permit given to the Bahá’í Temple Trustees by the Village Board after approving a variation in the zoning.
What We Believe
If we are not sure what we believe, then the fault is our own. The responsibility rests with each one of us to acquire a sound basic knowledge of Bahá’í teachings and Bahá’í history so that we may have in our minds the complete picture ready for presentation to anyone who is interested. It must be an accurate picture and it can be an accurate picture if we are willing to make the effort.
—AUSTRALIAN Bahá’í Bulletin
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST[edit]
1958 Bahá’í Calendar. Our 1958 calendar carries the four-color reproduction of the Shrine of the Báb which was originally selected as the frontispiece in Bahá’í World Vol. XII by the beloved Guardian.
Due to increase in production costs on this limited item we are forced to raise the price slightly above that appearing in our current catalog.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .30 Net
Teri copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.50 Net
(Please note the net price, which means no discount)
Sample Pamphlet Kit. Here is a kit made up of one copy each of our most useful teaching pamphlets, This will enable every Bahá’í who is ready and willing to teach the Cause, to be completely aware of and acquainted with the many splendid pamphlets and brochures with their variety of approaches to the Teachings, suitable for every contact, fireside, or public meeting. (This kit supersedes the smaller sized kit of recent years made up of only 10 titles).
30 individual titles . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.50
Bahá’í Literature Catalog. Special Edition. A briefer edition of the Bahá’í Literature Catalog, omitting many items of interest only to Bahá’ís, has been prepared. This may he ordered for giving to Bahá’í contacts who are seriously interested in purchasing Bahá’í books. It is available at cost. Please read article on page 14 tor further details.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .10
Reduced Price
Bahá’í Answers. Due to the excellent response to this most useful item and a cost reduction on a large lot printing just made, a new lower price is offered. The larger lot prices listed on this and other pamphlets should also be available to individuals in the local community through their local book distribution service. The small unit price on ten copies remains the same.
10 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .75
100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 5.00
500 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22.50
Going out of Print
The following titles are low in stock and do not appear in new catalog. It copies are desired they should be ordered quickly.
The Lesser and the Most Great Peace. By George Latimer. The evolution of world peace as outlined in the Bahá’í teachings.
8 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .25 100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.00
Teaching Handbook. Prepared as the Two-Year Program of Preparation some years ago, this looseleaf book with sections on public meetings, publicity, firesides, etc., contains practical suggestions useful in all phases of local teaching work.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .75
Minimum Mail Order, $1.00
Available from
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST
110 Linden Avenue
Wilmette, Illinois
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
FEASTS[edit]
December l2—Masá‘il (Questions)
December 31—Sharaf (Honor)
STATE CONVENTIONS[edit]
December 8
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY[edit]
December 10—To proclaim the Bahá’í principles of justice for all mankind.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
January 3, 4, 5
Bahá’í House of Worship
Visiting Hours
Weekdays
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(Auditorium only)
Sundays and Holidays
10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Entire building)
Service of Worship
Sundays
3:30 p.m., lasting until 4:15,
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 committee: 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: Mm. Eunice Braun, chairman; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, secretary; 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.
