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No. 326

BAHA’I YEAR 115

APRIL, 1958

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The Heart and Nerve Center of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh

A Message From the Hands of the Faith In the Holy Land to all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dearly beloved Friends and Co-workers:

This letter from the Custodians is long overdue; our thoughts have been with all the Assembly members constantly during this great period of trial and sorrow, and we have realized how heavy were your loads and how great the responsibility resting on you at this time. Our own problems, however, and the crushing sense of obligation to our beloved Guardian to carry on his work, have made it impossible to send a more detailed and intimate communication to you before this.

Three months have passed since our best beloved Guardian so suddenly left us — months of longing and heartbreak for all Bahá’ís! After the meeting of the Hands of the Faith in Bahjí, a period of suffering and heart-searching so intense that not one of them could ever endure to pass through it again, the work we had agreed to shoulder began. In our sorrow, our humility before the greatness of our task, we began to see the repeated evidences of the mercy of Bahá’u’lláh; in a truly miraculous way the endowments, properties, and funds registered in the name of our beloved Guardian have been protected and safely transferred to either the Custodians or other Bahá’í bodies.

Kampala Conference a Great Success

The first of the mighty Intercontinental Conferences, planned by the beloved Guardian himself, was held in Kampala with great success; over 900 believers were present, well over half being African Bahá’ís; the sum of a hundred thousand pounds was raised for the purpose specified by the Guardian himself, thus insuring a far swifter advance in the work throughout the African continent; a most wonderful spirit of determination, rededication, consecration, and zeal was generated and spread to all the friends ~ whether African, Asian, European, or American. We cannot but marvel at the forethought of the Guardian in calling for these five great Conferences to be held in the months after his passing. What a stimulation they will provide to the work and what consolidation and inspiration to the believers everywhere! The sense of nearness to him, to his wishes and his work was very strong at Kampala, and we feel sure will be as strong or even stronger at the other Conferences.

It is a great pity that the immense distances separating the Hands here at the World Center and the heavy expense of travel prevent us from meeting with the various national assemblies or members of them; the Hands of the Faith themselves, as you know, were only able to foresee, for the time being, an annual meeting of all of them. Of course should an emergency arise they would gather at once, but barring this they felt the teaching work and other aspects of the World Crusade should take precedence over everything else in order to carry out the expressed wishes of our beloved Guardian and hasten the day when the work all over the world will have been so firmly laid that the supreme administrative body, the infinite blessing of Bahá’u’lláh, the Supreme House of Justice, can be erected.

In view of this, we particularly wish to call to your attention certain things that are, we feel, of supreme importance; our beloved Guardian gave 36 years of his life to the work of erecting Bahá’u’lláh’s World Administrative Order; had he not felt such an urgency in carrying out this work he might be alive now; he alone saw the entire Plan, the world plan of the work as a mightly unit; how often he pointed out to us that the “heart” and “nerve center” of the Faith was Haifa; that Bahá’u’lláh Himself had made it clear that here in the Holy Land would forever be united the Spiritual and the Administrative World Center; he guarded this Center (as had ‘Abdu’l-Bahá before him) with the greatest care, well knowing that a blow to the heart is felt in the remotest part of the body and that good circulation from the heart will keep the smallest[Page 2] member of the body vital and in good health. We, daily occupied with the cares and worries of this World Center, are now greatly concerned lest any inadvertent act on our part or on the part of the present national and regional assemblies which form the bedrock of the future International House of Justice, should interrupt this smooth flow of spiritual circulation built up so wisely and painstakingly by our beloved Shoghi Effendi.

The Uncertainty of the Future

We do not know what the future holds in store; by this we mean that the world situation is so precarious that, as the Guardian so repeatedly pointed out, wars and disturbances of an unforeseen nature may break out and perhaps cut the World Center off from all or a part of the other Bahá’í Centers temporarily; meantime we have this mighty Flan, the last five years of it to vigorously prosecute; it can only be coordinated and directed from the World Center. To the degree to which we receive news and reports, minutes of your meetings, suggestions, etc., from all of you, as well as from other sources in the Bahá’í world, to just that same degree will we be able to protect and promote the work of the Plan and safeguard the World Center. The blood must go on pumping in and out of this heart of our Faith.

Responsibility to Hands of the Cause

Your responsibility is therefore very great at this time, not only towards the believers whom you represent, but towards us who are seeking to firmly grasp and protect the world affairs of the Faith which are one of the most unique creations of the Guardian. It was his hand at the helm that preserved uniformity in essentials whilst encouraging diversity in non-essentials. This is perhaps the greatest work that must now be carried on by us from this World Center. We cannot do it without your constant help! The recognition of the friends everywhere of the nature and function of the World Center and the support its institutions must receive will surely hasten the day when the Universal House of Justice can be formed and lighten its tasks.

We therefore appeal to you to continue in every way, uninterruptedly and as before the Beloved’s passing, your communications with your World Center. Send us your minutes, (from which the Guardian gleaned much of his statistical information), your reports and your questions, so that we can help preserve the uniform character of the Faith now established in over 250 territories. You and we must always bear in mind that what inspires and unites the World Bahá’í Community is the pulsating stream to and from one universal point. With the World Center also lies the obligation of keeping up the statistics of the Faith and the maps and charts so dear to our beloved Guardian’s heart, and which were always such a source of joy and inspiration to the believers everywhere. The Guardian himself spoke in his last message to all National Conventions of “the Holy Land – the Qiblih of a world community, the heart from which the energizing influences of a vivifying Faith continually stream, and the seat and center around which the diversified activities of a divinely appointed Administrative Order revolve.”

In closing we ask you, one and all, to remember the Custodians in your prayers and supplications that we may be given the strength and inspiration necessary to preserve the work for which our so dearly-loved Guardian sacrificed his entire life, and which, in the end, cost him his life.

We in tum will pray for you all in the holy Shrines here.

With warmest Bahá’í love,

(signed by)

Mason Remey

Ugo Giachery

Rúḥíyyih

Amelia Collins

Sh. ‘Ala‘i

Jalál Kházeh

Faizí

John Ferraby

A. Furutan

February 13, 1958

Commentary by U. S. National Spiritual Assembly

Beloved Friends:

The letter addressed to all national assemblies by the Bahá’í Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land renews our understanding of the vital importance of Haifa as the heart of the Bahá’í community — its spiritual and administrative world center.

“He (the Guardian) guarded the Center, (as had ‘Abdu’l-Bahá before him) with the greatest care, well knowing that a blow to the heart is felt in the remotest part of the body and that good circulation from the heart will keep the smallest member of the body vital and in good health.”

The nine Hands as Custodians likewise in this communication established their relationship more intimately and firmly with the various national bodies. “Your responsibility is therefore very great at this time not only toward the believers whom you represent, but toward us who are seeking to firmly grasp and protect the world affairs of the Faith which are one of the most unique creations of the Guardian. It was his hand at the helm that preserved uniformity in essentials whilst encouraging diversity in non-essentials. This is perhaps the greatest work that must now be carried on by us from the World Center.”

With strength and courage at our World Center, the local communities and individual believers may press forward now in Bahá’í service as they did while the Guardian held aloft the beacon light illuminating the Bahá’í world.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

2500 Baha’is Attend Conferences in 41 U. S. Cities in February

More than 2,500 believers attended the conferences called by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly in 41 centers throughout the United States during the period between February 15 and 23, and this in spite of the fact that unusually stormy winter weather prevailed in a number of places.

The primary purpose of these conferences, conducted by the Hands of the Cause, members of the Auxiliary Boards, and members of the National Spiritual Assembly, was to reinvigorate the American Bahá’í community as a whole and to produce maximum response to the Guardian’s appeal for pioneer settlement, the establishment of new centers and the multiplication of the number of Bahá’ís in the United States. In addition they aimed to strengthen the

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Begin Construction of Baha’i in Australia

Above is a view of the site of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár Sydney, Australia, before the clearing of the land.

To the right is shown the progress in the excavation for the foundation as it appeared on February 15, 1958.

spirit of assurance, confidence, unity, dedication, and understanding so necessary to orient ourselves to the new era in the Cause resulting from the sudden passing of the “Sign of God on earth.”

Not only the conference leaders, but a number of assemblies and individual Bahá’ís have expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with these meetings because of the clearer understanding acquired concerning the continuing guidance of the Faith, their greater awareness of the immediate needs of the World Crusade, and their resolve to meet them.

One believer stated that he could not recall any other occasion when the believers left a conference so spirited, completely assured, and confident that the challenges confronting the Bahá’ís will be met with success, which will aid in hastening the establishment of the Universal House of Justice.

The chief objective of the American Hands of the Cause and the National Spiritual Assembly in holding the total number of 70 conferences during the current Bahá’í year has been to rally all the friends to a true sense of dedication and determination to insure the resounding success of the tasks allocated by the beloved Guardian to the American believers in the World Crusade, at home and abroad. The number and magnitude of our achievements in the years immediately ahead will be the measure of our gratitude to Bahá’u’lláh for the unerring guidance of Shoghi Effendi, who sacrificed his all that we, the believers, might taste the spiritual victories of the Divine Plan.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

U. S. Convention, Conference Final Reminder

Bahá’ís who plan to attend the Fiftieth Annual Bahá’í Convention in Wilmette, Illinois, and the Intercontinental Bahá’í Conference in Chicago, are reminded once more to bring their current Bahá’í identification cards with them and to present them when registering.

Members of communities having spiritual assemblies should ask their secretaries for their cards, while members of Bahá’í groups and isolated believers should write to the National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters for their cards. No Bahá’í should invite any non-Bahá’í to either event. Both are for enrolled believers only.

The dates of the two events are:

The Convention — April 29, 30, and May 1

The Conference — May 2, 3, and 4

Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship will be open Monday evening, April 28, for registration and for meeting other friends.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Contributions to the Holy Land

The U. S. National Spiritual Assembly informs the friends that any believer who desires to contribute directly to Haifa for the international work of the Faith should make the check or postal order payable to “The Bahá’í Custodians’ Fund.” The address is P. O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel.

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Part 2

It is an education in divinity to read Bahá’u’lláh’s prayers. He maintains the unique nature of God, the utter impossibility of any creature approaching or comprehending Him, in a clear and graphic manner. The unseen God of Moses; the “Father” of Christ, Whom none cometh to but through the Son; the One of Whom Muhammad so beautifully said: “Eyes see Him not but He sees the eyes,” is exalted, one might say, to unimaginable heights by Him. “Thou art He Whom all things worship and Who worshipeth no one, Who is the Lord of all things and the vassal of none, Who knoweth all things and is known of none.” “From everlasting Thou hast existed alone with no one else beside Thee, and wilt, to everlasting, continue to remain the same, in the sublimity of Thine essence and the inaccessible heights of Thy glory,” He declares. In a short and wonderful prayer He solemnly sets forth the fundamental doctrine of the nature of God with a lucidity and power that would, in any past dispensation, have gained it first place in the dogmas of the church:

“God testifieth to the unity of His Godhood and to the singleness of His own Being. On the throne of eternity, from the inaccessible heights of His station, His tongue proclaimeth that there is none other God but Him. He Himself, independently of all else, hath ever been a witness unto His own oneness, the revealer of His own nature, the glorifier of His own essence. He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the Almighty, the Beauteous.

“He is supreme over His servants, and standeth over His creatures. In His hand is the source of authority and truth. He maketh men alive by His signs, and causeth them to die through His wrath. He shall not be asked of His doings and His might is equal unto all things. He is the Potent, the All-Subduing. He holdeth within His grasp the empire of all things, and on His right hand is fixed the Kingdom of His Revelation. His power, verily, embraceth the whole of creation. Victory and overlordship are His; all might and dominion are His; all glory and greatness are His. He, of a truth, is the A]l—Glorious, the Most Powerful, the Unconditioned.”

Attributes of Godhead

The “Unconditioned.” That one word provides ample food for thought. some of the adjectives Bahá’u’lláh uses for the Godhead are most striking and seem to plow up our minds and prepare them for an infinitely deeper and richer concept of the One on Whom we depend for everything we have, be it physical or spiritual. For instance: “O God Who art the Author of all Manifestations . . .the Fountain-Head of all Revelations, and the Well-Spring of all Lights.” As words are the tools of men’s thoughts, they are tremendously important. The “Well-Spring of all Lights,” though by another way of saying, that all the Prophets are generated by God, presents a tremendous mental picture to a man who has studied something of modern astronomy, of a universe which is light upon light, of matter which itself is the stuff of which light is made. Compare the mental picture this phrase conjures up with that of an anthropomorphic God, bearded, stern and much like a human grandfather, who created the world in six days and took a rest on the seventh! Though no doubt when that metaphor was propounded it opened up men’s minds to a new and wider concept of the Divinity. A being Who could do all that in six days was worthy of worship and to be strictly obeyed!

Bahá’u’lláh calls God “The Pitier of thralls,” “The Pitier of the downtrodden,” “the Help in peril,” “the Great Giver,” “The Restorer”—words which sink into our hearts these dark days with an added comfort as we see so many of our fellowmen downtrodden, in deadly danger, despoiled and broken. He tells us that this “King of Kings,” this “Quickener of every mouldering bone," this “Enlightener of all creation” Who is the “Lord of all mankind” and the “Lord of the Judgment Day” is the One “Whom nothing whatsoever can frustrate.” Such a God will right all wrongs and rule the world for the good of man! Grievous, on the other hand, as are our sins, as testified by these words: “Wert Thou to regard Thy servants according to their deserts . . . they would assuredly merit naught except Thy chastisement . . .” He yet assures us, in the words He addresses to God, that: “All the atoms of the earth testify that Thou art the Ever-Forgiving, the Benevolent, the Great Giver . . .” and that “the whole universe testifieth to Thy generosity.” Even though He he the Lord “Whose strength is immense, Whose decree[Page 5] is terrible,” yet we can confidently turn to Him, and, in Bahá’u’lláh’s words declare: “A drop out of the ocean of Thy mercy sufficeth to quench the flames of hell, and a spark of fire of Thy love is enough to set ablaze a whole world.”

Our world is steadily sinking into ruin. We have waxed proud and forgotten our God—as many a people has before us to its soul’s undoing—and turned away from Him, disbelieved in Him, followed proudly our own fancies and desires. No Being that was not such a Being as Bahá’u’lláh depicts would still hold open His door to us! And yet in how many passages such as these the way back, the way we once trod but have now, for the most part, forgotten, is pointed out to us and words placed in our mouths that are food for our sick hearts and souls: “Cleanse me with the waters of Thy Mercy, 0 my Lord, and make me wholly Thine . . .” “I am all wretchedness, O my Lord, and Thou art the Most Powerful, the Almighty!” “Thy Might, in truth, is equal to all things!” “Whosoever has recognized Thee will turn to none save Thee, and will seek for naught else except Thyself.” “Help me to guard the pearl of Thy love, which by Thy decree, Thou hast enshrined in my heart.” “Many a Chilled heart, O my God, hath been set ablaze with the fire of Thy Cause, and many a slumberer hath been awakened by the sweetness of Thy voice.”

Obligatory Prayers

Of such stuff as these is the treasury of prayers which Bahá’u’lláh has left us. They are suited to the child before he goes to sleep at night, to the mystic, to the busy man of practical outlook, to the devout. An instance of the comprehension and tolerance with which He viewed human nature is the fact that He revealed a choice of three daily, and obligatory, prayers. While imposing on men the obligation of turning to their Creator once, at least, during every day, He provided a means of doing so suited to widely different natures. One takes about thirty seconds to recite and is to be said at the hour of noon; one is longer and is to be used three times during the day; and the third is very long and profound, accompanied by many genuflexions, and may be used any time during the twenty-four hours of the day. The Divine Physician provided us with what we might call a spiritual polish with which to brighten our hearts. We need this renewal which comes through turning to the Sun of Eternal Truth—as every bird and beast, be it ever so humble, responds to the light of the physical sun at dawn—but he gave latitude to the individual state of development and temperament.

Some Westerners have found the long Daily Prayer very strange; no doubt this is because the present generation has ceased to feel intimate with its God. For a man to stand alone in his room and stretch his arms out to nothingness, or kneel down before a blank wall, in the midst of familiar objects, seems to him unnatural and even foolish. This is because he has lost the sense of the “living God”. God, far from being to him, as the Qur’án says, “nearer than his life’s vein”, has become more of an X in some vast equation. And yet men that we honor and men that we long to emulate have not felt shy before their God. Many a burly crusader knelt on the stones of Jerusalem where he felt His Lord’s feet might have trod, and the Pilgrim Fathers did not feel self-conscious on their knees when turning to the God who had led them to a new and freer homeland. The prayers of Bahá’u’lláh will help lead us back to that warm sense of the reality and nearness of God, through use. He makes no compulsion, He takes our hand and guides us into the safe road trodden by our forefathers.

The Extreme of Adversity

No survey, however cursory and inadequate, of His Prayers would be complete without quoting one of the most passionate and moving of them all, one associated with probably the saddest hours of His whole life. After His banishment from Persia to ‘Iráq the initial signs of envy and hatred began to be apparent from His younger brother, Mirzá Yaḥyá. In order to avoid open rupture and the consequent humiliation of the Faith in the eyes of the non-believers, Bahá’u’lláh retired for two years to the wilderness of Kurdistán and lived, unknown, as a dervish amongst its people. During His absence the situation, far from improving, now that the field was left open and uncontested to Mirzá Yaḥyá, steadily deteriorated. shameful acts took place and conditions became so a cute that the believers sent a messenger in search of Bahá’u’lláh to report to Him and beseech His return. Reluctantly He turned His face towards Baghdád. He was going back to mount the helm; storms lay ahead of Him of a severity and bitterness no other Prophet had ever known; behind Him, once and for all, He left a measure of peace and seclusion. For two years He had communed with His own soul. He had written wonderful poems and revealed beautiful prayers and treatises. Now He headed back into the inky blackness of an implacable hatred and jealousy, where attempts against His very life were to be plotted and even prove partially successful. As He tramped along through the wilderness, beautiful in its dress of spring, the messenger that had gone to fetch Him back testified that He chanted over and over again this prayer. It rolled forth like thunder from His agonized heart:-

‘‘O God, my God! Be Thou not far from me, for tribulation upon triulation hath gathered about me. O God, my God! Leave me not to myself, for the extreme of adversity hath come upon me. Out of the pure milk, drawn from the breasts of Thy loving-kindness, give me to drink, for my thirst hath utterly consumed me. Beneath the shadow of the wings of Thy mercy shelter me, for all mine adversaries with one consent have fallen upon me. Keep me near to the throne of Thy majesty, face to face with the revelations of the signs of Thy glory, for wretchedness hath grievously touched me. With the fruits of the tree of Thine Eternity nourish me, for utter-most weakness hath overtaken me. From the cups of joy, proffered by the hands of Thy tender mercies, feed me, for manifold sorrows have laid mighty hold upon me. With the broidered robe of Thine omnipotent sovereignty attire me, for poverty hath altogether despoiled me. Lulled by the cooing of the Dove of Thine Eternity, suffer me to sleep, for woes at their blackest have befallen me. Before the throne of Thy oneness, amid the blaze of the beauty of Thy countenence, cause me to abide, for fear and trembling have violently crushed me. Beneath the ocean of Thy forgiveness, faced with restlessness of the leviathan of glory, immerse me, for my sins have utterly doomed me.”

—Reprinted from WORLD ORDER MAGAZINE, November 1943

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U. S. National Assembly Survey Urges Increased Response to Guardian’s Last Appeal for Resurgence of Pioneer Spirit

“The spirit that sent forth, not so long ago . . . so many pioneers to such remote areas of the globe, must at all costs be recaptured, for the twofold purpose of swelling the number and of insuring the continual flow, of pioneers, so essential for the safeguarding of the prizes won in the course of the several campaigns o a world-girdling Crusade. . . . .” (Message from the Guardian to the American Bahá’ís, September 21, 1957.)

In the October issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States reported the number of American pioneers serving abroad as of September 1, 1957, — a total of 317 — representing an increase of 31 in the preceding four months. What has been the response to the beloved Guardian’s last appeal since that time?

Twenty—three pioneers joined the ranks between September 1 and January 1 1958, distributed as follows: Africa — 3; Asia — 2 and 1 youth; Europe — 7; Latin America — 10.

Subtracting those who have been obliged to leave their posts for various reasons, there were on January 1, 1958, a total of 314 United States pioneers abroad in the various World Crusade areas: Africa—68; Asia—49, including one youth; Europe—48; Latin America—149, including 4 youth. These figures have changed only slightly since January, hence “the continual flow” has not yet sufficiently increased. The need is urgent. Several virgin goals are now without American pioneers—a few without any pioneers or enrolled Bahá’ís—and these must be filled with maximum speed.

The various intercontinental teaching committees are waiting and eager to assist any who can free themselves to undertake the most meritorious of all services to the World Crusade.

Homefront Gains Disappointing

What about the homefront? There has been a great surge of movement by the believers within the United States, but what are the results in terms of new centers opened?

Between August 1 and January 31,

Bahá’ís moved into 176 new localities where there were no resident believers at the time, but during the same period 164 centers were lost by reason of the only resident Bahá’ís leaving, some after remaining only a few weeks, resulting in a net gain of only 12 new centers to January 31. In many cases the move was necessary for business or employment reasons, and in some cases the believers who moved from these isolated areas re-settled in localities where there were already very small groups or communities, thus adding strength to the established centers, but far too many simply moved to another isolated area without consideration of the homefront goals.

The National Spiritual Assembly again appeals to the believers who can disperse to consider first the small communities needing one or two settlers to enable them to hold, restore, or establish their assembly status. The Guide for Dispersal distributed with the October 1957 BAHÁ’Í NEWS lists most of the localities where help is needed, but there are others. Most of the area teaching committees have compiled valuable data about these communities, including employment possibilities, schools, climate, etc., and this is available to any prospective pioneer or settler.

The Bahá’í communities having 15 or more members are still the main reservoir for all Crusade objectives at home and abroad, particularly for pioneers, When will the veritable exodus called for by the beloved Guardian since 1954 truly begin?

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Announce Dates of Frankfurt Intercontinental Conference

The fourth Intercontinental Conference is scheduled to be held at Frankfurt/Main, Germany, at the Gesellschaftshaus am Zoo, from July 25 to July 29, 1958. It is with great and joyful anticipation that the National Assembly looks forward to meeting as many as possible of the friends from all over the world.

This will be the height of the tourist season in Europe, a season which will be doubly active because of the World Fair at Bruxelles, Belgium, and an Esperanto Congress in the Frankfurt area a few days after the close of our Conference.

There is no doubt that these events will offer unforeseen opportunities for proclaiming the Cause. At the same time, however, this activity calls for a greater measure of advance planning and scheduling if the

View southward from the Alaska Temple site, located on De Armoun Road, about eight miles south of Anchorage.

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Bahá’ís and friends at the first Bahá’í marriage in San Marino to be given legal recognition by the government.

Conference is to be held in that atmosphere of dignity, high resolve, and accomplishment so vital to the prestige and the fair name of our beloved Faith.

The National Assembly of Germany and Austria has asked each national assembly to extend assistance to the Frankfurt Conference Committee in estimating the number of friends who plan to attend.

Arrangements are being made by the Conference Committee with the Frankfurt tourist traffic authorities at Frankfurt/M. Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) for a central clearing and reception point, through which all incoming friends will be immediately assigned to their hotels and private rooms.

The various national assemblies will be informed regularly about the progress of Conference registrations, program points, and other organizational news which may be of value to friends who plan to participate.

All Bahá’ís coming to the Frankfurt Conference must carry proper national assembly credentials. These are an absolute prerequisite for Conference attendance.

Hands of Cause in Asia Appoint New Auxiliary Board Members

The Hands of the Cause of God in Asia have announced the appointment of two new members to their Auxiliary Board: Mrs. Marnie Seto of Hongkong, and William Maxwell of Korea.

San Marino Recognizes A Baha’i Marriage

Bahá’ís of San Marino have been successful in obtaining legal recognition of a Bahá’í marriage performed there on December 28, 1957, at the home of the resident pioneers, Mr. and Mrs. Shorab Payman.

Until two days before the ceremony the difficulties toward obtaining legal recognition seemed unsurmountable. Although the families of the bride and groom had arrived, it seemed inevitable that the marriage must be postponed. Then, after an evening of prayer by the assembled friends, the obstacles vanished and the necessary approval was given.

This does not mean that the Bahá’í Faith is recognized in San Marino, but the government has accepted the Italo-Swiss National spiritual Assembly as “competent authority,” and its Vice-Chairman, Fritz Semle of Wolfhalden, Switzerland, as having the faculty to perform the marriage, The Ufficiale dello Stato Civile (Civil Officer), one of the heads of the government, attended the wedding ceremony as representative of the government; also the Capo della Gendarmeria (Head of Police) was present.

San Marino, the oldest and one of the smallest republics, situated in the heart of Italy, is a World Crusade goal of the Italo-Swiss National Assembly. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Banání, for whom the marriage was performed, made the occasion of their wedding an opportunity to inform those in the Catholic Christian Democratic government of San Marino of the Bahá’í Faith. The non-Bahá’ís present at this occasion spoke of the beauty of the prayers, the evident spiritual atmosphere, and the warm, loving hospitality offered them.

Canada Secures Temple Site

The National Spiritual Assembly of Canada has announced the purchase of the ground on which will be erected the Mother Temple of Canada, a clear title having been obtained on January 16, 1958. The site comprises a parcel of four acres of land, ideally located at Bayview Avenue on Cummer Avenue. Bayview is a through-traffic artery, north of Toronto, and the Assembly feels sure that it complies with Shoghi Effendi’s directives and desire regarding this project.

The Assembly states: “It is our regret that so much time has gone by since our beloved Guardian gave us this objective and assignment. For so long, various adverse and uncontrollable circumstances developed to delay the conclusion of our negotiations.”

Central America Convention To Be Held in Guatemala

The Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Central America and Mexico will be held in the city of Guatemala, Guatemala, from April 24 to 27, 1958, thus allowing time to attend the U. 5. Convention and the Intercontinental Conference in Chicago.

The Central America Convention will stress the Indian work, so emphasized by the Guardian in the months before his passing. The usual public meeting will be dedicated to the Indians, and Indian leaders are being invited to take part in the program.

One evening will be set aside in memory of the beloved Guardian.

On the day following the Convention, all those who are able will go to Chichicasitenango to inaugurate the new Bahá’í Indian Institute there.

It is hoped that many visitors from other countries will attend this unique Convention held in the lovely and picturesque setting of Guatemala.

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Five More Countries Report Baha’i Schools Held in December-January Period

With the variations in seasons around the globe, Bahá’í Summer Schools are in session in some part of the world almost the year around. In the Northern Hemisphere Winter Schools are also frequently held for youth during their winter vacation period.

Several years ago the beloved Guardian commented on Bahá’í Schools in the May 1941 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS: “It is very interesting to follow up the development these institutions make from year to year and the way they attract attention more and more. Before long . . . they will become powerful and well-established organizations that will train innumerable young men and women to go out into the world and spread the message of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Today many pioneer teachers in the World Crusade are among the spiritual fruits of these schools. Since the opening of the Ten-Year Plan the number of Bahá’í Schools held has been considerably increased, foreshadowing a rich harvest of Bahá’í scholars and teachers for the future. In March, BAHÁ’Í NEWS reported Schools held during the December-January period in Vietnam, New Zealand, Honduras, Australia, and El Salvador. Since then many new reports have come to amplify the world-wide picture of these beginning Bahá’í educational institutions.

Students from the Greater and Lesser Antilles taking part in the first International Bahá’í School at Cuidad Trujillo on December 31.

Italo-Swiss School Attracts Youth From Six Countries

For the 35 students coming from six European countries to the Winter School in “Les Diablerets,” (Vaud), Switzerland, during the winter holidays of December 26 to January 5, it was a warmly inspiring ten days. Daytime sessions were based upon The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, with eager participation from everyone present through the guidance of the teacher, Mr. Joel Marangella, Auxiliary Board member for Europe. The evening sessions were largely devoted to the Guardian’s works, and to his last message, which was carefully reviewed.

Caterina Bosio, who sent the report, comments: “Attending this school was a joyful experience. The beautiful, sunny days spent skiing, skating, and in long walks will live brightly in memory; and the evenings passed in a wonderful atmosphere of togetherness that will long warm the hearts of those participating in this third Italo-Swiss Bahá’í Youth Winter School.”

Italo-Swiss Winter School, held at “Les Diablerets,” (Vaud), Switzerland, on December 26 to January 5.

Greater Antilles Holds First International Bahá’í School

The Bahá’í School of the Greater Antilles, held in the National Ḥaẓí[Page 9] ratu’l-Quds in Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic, at the end of December, chose the Covenant as a theme for their study. Students came from Jamaica, Haiti, Virgin Islands, along with the Dominican Republic and two visitors from Madrid, Spain, A second International Bahá’í School session is planned to follow the forthcoming National Convention in April. Students have been invited from the home island countries of Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and Dominican Republic, as well as from the virgin and consolidation island areas under the care of the Greater Antilles National Assembly: Martinique, Bermuda, Virgin Islands, Windward and Leeward Islands, Bahama Islands, and the Dutch East Indies. Four major languages and numerous local dialects are spoken in this territory.

Summer School at “Karbilá,” near Tegucigalpa, Honduras, December 26-29, 1957, which was reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for March, page 20.

German Winter School Held in Black Forest

The German Winter School for youth was held on beautiful, snowy Mount Schauinsland in the southern Black Forest from December 26, 1957, to January 4, 1958, with about 90 attendants, 30 of whom were non-Bahá’ís, representing Arabia, Persia, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, England, and Germany. The two teachers were Dr. Hermann Grossmann, Hand of the Cause, and Martin Aiff; the general theme was “Religion and Man in the Machine Age.”

Hand of Cause Presides Over South East Asia School

Dr. R. Muhijir, Hand of the Cause, presided over the first Summer School for South East Asia held in Malacca, Malaya, December 27 to 29. In addition to several pioneer teachers who were present, the Local Assemblies of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, and Malacca participated. The sessions were devoted especially to consulting on ways of achieving the various goals for this area, including the purchase of suitable pieces of land in Singapore, in Malacca, and also land for Bahá’í Burial Grounds; permission from Boards of Education for exemption of Bahá’í children on their Holy Days; opening of 12 new centers in Malaya, with special attention to native tribes of the Federation; and teaching programs for the educating of children, youth, and the deepening of all Bahá’ís toward their development as Bahá’í teachers.

Winter School of the German Bahá’í youth, held in the Black Forest from December 26 to January 4. In the center is Dr. Hermann Grossmann, Hand of the Cause.

[Page 10]

First Mexico Teaching Congress Pledges Obedience and Loyalty to Hands of Faith

The first Teaching Congress of the Bahá’ís of Mexico, scheduled for December 7 and 8, 1957, and dedicated to the goals of the Six-Year Plan given to Latin America by the Guardian, took place when the “supreme test” of the loss of our beloved Guardian was being most acutely felt.

The gathering of the friends from Puebla, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Culiacan, and the Federal District of Mexico in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Mexico City the first evening was, for many, the first opportunity to meet.

The National Teaching Committee of Mexico states: “In the short time which had elapsed since the passing of the Guardian, we had been shaken by inexpressible grief. Our coming together was our joy. It was felt that by complete unity and dedication we could not only go on, but surpass our previous efforts to labor for the fulfillment of the ‘goals so dear to his heart.’ ”

The early darkness of a December evening had fallen when the friends gathered in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. The Congress opened with 19 Bahá’í's present, a number which grew to 24.

Mrs. Olympia Murray, chairman of the National Teaching Committee, gave a heart-warming welcome to the assembled friends, followed by the reading of the opening prayer by Harold Murray, chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Mexico City.

Etsaban Canales, member of the Auxiliary Board of the Hands of the Cause and chairman of the conference, then read the Tablet of Carmel in honor of the beloved Guardian, saying that the Guardian had greatly desired that all should study continuously the significance of this sacred Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh.

New Believers Welcomed

Two new believers were then presented to the group and given a warm and loving welcome. Following this, the friends had a chance to chat during the supper prepared by the Mexican friends.

Mr. Canales opened the evening session by saying that before the presentation of the goals of the Six-Year Plan he wished to speak of the beloved Guardian, and of the arduous and ceaseless labor for the Faith for which he gave his life.

First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Honiara, Solomon Islands, formed on April 21, 1957. The original pioneers, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Blum, are in the center.

He spoke of the National Office in Panama, and of the long hours, many times until early morning, which had been spent in translating the messages of Shoghi Effendi so that all the Bahá’ís might read them in the Bahá’í News. He related that in his visits to different communities be at times found those same messages, which contained such wisdom and teaching, had not been read.

Mr. Canales appealed to the hearts of the friends to reflect on, and be conscious of, the importance of the mission which had been entrusted to them, recommending that they read many times the messages in which the Guardian outlined the path necessary to achieve the new order on earth, and a new civilization.

Six-Year Plan Goals

The goals of the Six-Year Plan were then presented by Mr. Canales. The Guardian, he said, in the formation of the Plans, gave especial attention to teaching, which is the basis of all the activity of the Faith, and the most urgent task before the Bahá’ís in this critical period.

Referring to the words of Shoghi Effendi regarding the importance of the individual arising to proclaim the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh as never before, Mr. Canales cited the Guardian’s instructions that the most effective way to teach the Cause was for the individual to make contacts and choose a few of these friends whom he believed could become Bahá’ís from among them, gain their confidence, and finally select those who have responded to the Teachings and teach them until they are well prepared to take their part in the Bahá’í community life and to be strong supporters of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and firm in the Covenant.

In reference to the goal to stimulate the increase in the number of colored and Indian Bahá’ís, it was emphasized that this delicate work must be done with the utmost tact, taking into account their psychology and offering them real love, and above all, courtesy.

Sunday morning was bright and crisp, crowned with a deep blue sky. The friends gathered, waiting for the first session, when the bell at the street gate of the patio was heard to ring. When the ivy-covered entrance gate was opened, a group of Indian contacts were found gathered outside. It was the first visit of these new friends to the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds,[Page 11] and the Bahá’ís gathered around them with such friendliness and cordiality that the invitation to return and join the gathering in the evening was accepted.

Everyone felt as if a wonderful event had taken place, and thoughts turned to Shoghi Effendi and how dear this goal was to him. Through friendship with these dear people perhaps an all-Indian assembly can, through the assistance of Bahá’u’lláh, be established in the pueblo where they were born.

Message From the Hands Read

After prayers, the morning session was opened by Mr. Canales reading the message from the Hands of the Cause regarding the succession of the Guardianship, The faith of all these new Bahá’ís was unwavering, and as he closed, Mr. Canales urged the friends to continue to be united in love and service that thus, as a fortress of the Spirit, every goal so dear to the heart of the beloved Guardian may be fulfilled.

A summary and discussion of the last, transcendental message of the Guardian followed, in which the purposes of the coming five Intercontinental Conferences were stressed.

In the afternoon Dr. Edris Rice Wray opened with a talk on “The Application of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the Personal and Communal Life.”

Afterward, the session was devoted to consultation on goals and plans. Many inspired suggestions were made for the attracting of people where fanaticism urges caution and wisdom. There followed suggestions regarding programs in the Bahá’í Centers on cultural subjects, such as are now being done in Mexico City, on the history of the Indian in Mexico. A request for a tri-monthly news bulletin especially for Mexico was made, and there was a discussion of the proposed plan to open up the border towns on the Mexican and American frontier.

Indian Goals Stressed

Discussion of the Indian goals brought out many interesting highlights. It was suggested that the manner in which the Indian visitors were received in the evening could lay the foundation for teaching them later. The great success of the work in Africa was referred to, as also the confirmation of the natives of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.

The Mexican Indian Committee announced that a pamphlet had been translated into the Nahuatl dialect. Miss Lecile Webster, chairman of this Committee, requested that each community appoint one of its members to maintain contact with the Indian Committee of Mexico, and to make reports of the progress of this goal in their area.

Cable to Holy Land

The following cable, in an effort to express the spirit of complete dedication that had pervaded the sessions, was sent by the Congress to Rúḥíyyih Khánum in Haifa; “Pledge unqualified obedience, loyalty blessed institution Hands. Bahá’í Teaching Congress, Mexico.”

—THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE OF MEXICO

World Religion Day in Vientiane, Laos. In the left-hand photograph, the Laos government Director of Religion (far right), and the Director of Foreign Affairs (seated, wearing bow tie), with the two Laoatian Bahá’ís to his left, are pictured. In the right-hand photograph, four Buddhist monks chant a prayer.

Three More Countries Report World Religion Day Meetings

The spread to other countries of public observances of World Religion Day, an annual event instituted by the U. S. National Spiritual Assembly in 1950 to proclaim the fundamental oneness of religion, was reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for March.

Since the publication of that issue, reports have been received from three additional countries where World Religion Day was publicly recognized: Laos, the British Isles, and Austria.

Four Faiths Join in Observance of World Religion Day in Laos

With the approval of the Minister of Religion for the country, the Bahá’ís of Vientiane, Laos, were able to join the rest of the Bahá’í world in the observance of World Religion Day this year. He also contributed greatly to the success of the program by sending the Director of Religion and four Buddhist monks to participate.

Miss Banu Hassan, American Bahá’í pioneer in Laos, reporting the meeting, wrote:

“The Director of Religion spoke in Laoatian about World Religion Day, and the monks chanted with such reverence that they brought tears to our eyes. A Sikh followed and translated his Hindu chant into English, also telling the gathering of the happiness he felt in being part of such a program.

[Page 12]

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

“Others who participated were a Protestant who read a prayer in English, a Muslim who chanted a Muslim prayer, and a Laoation school teacher who read the Bahá’í Prayer for all Mankind. Following a few closing remarks and the Bahá’í Prayer for Unity, all were invited to remain for tea.

“Our little Bahá’í Center was overflowing with people of all colors and religions. Many questions were asked. Our first Laoatian Bahá’í had prepared a beautifully lettered poster for the room with the quotation: ‘The world is but one country and mankind its citizens.’ The second Laoatian believer provided a huge cake for the occasion with the words ‘World Religion Day’ frosted across the top. It was a beautiful day!”

With the subsequent enrollment of a Buddhist monk as a believer, the achievement of assembly status in Vientiane is assured this year.

First World Religion Day Observed in British Isles at Many Centers

World Religion Day was observed in the British Isles for the first time this year, and meetings were held throughout the country.

In Reading 70 people attended, in Bournemouth 56, in Bristol 40, and in London the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds was filled to capacity.

The Manchester meeting was held in the Town Hall, with the Lord Mayor presiding. Here, and also in Eccles, Reading. Cardiff, and other centers, the platform was shared by leaders in many faiths.

Birmingham, Leicester, Northhampton, Oxford, and Edinburgh also reported meetings.

At the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in London a reception was held on the Wednesday previous to World Religion Day, to which many prominent people were invited.

World Religion Day Observance Marks Spiritual Rebirth of Vienna

After 20 years of suffering caused by the Anschluss and World War II, the flame of the Holy Spirit is burning stronger in Vienna, Austria, a city blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s footsteps in 1913.

To celebrate World Religion Day this year, the Local Spiritual Assembly of Vienna succeeded in renting one of the newest and most modern auditoriums, with a capacity of 500 persons.

Six hundred-forty posters were displayed in 22 districts, and 150 invitations were sent to the closer contacts. With Bahá’u’lláh’s confirmations and the sacred words of our well-beloved Guardian, who always encouraged the friends in Vienna to search for the ready souls, 250 persons participated.

Six religions were represented:

Jewish, Buddhist, Protestant (Lutheran), Liberal Catholic, Old Catholic, and Bahá’í. Dr. Walter Ott from Switzerland, who was the Bahá’í speaker, mentioned in his speech the tolerance of the Israeli government toward the Bahá’í Faith. Music of Bach completed the program.

Throughout the meeting one could feel, through the power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Word, the spirit of harmony and unity. People left the hall with uplifted hearts, great interest, and a new outlook on world unity and world peace

20 National Assemblies Needed in Latin America By 1963

The biggest task in the Western Hemisphere remaining in the five years before 1963 is the formation of 20 new national spiritual assemblies in Latin America— one for each republic. The number of enrolled believers, including the North American pioneers already at their posts in these countries, is not sufficient to accomplish this task, and there must be more pioneers in almost every country.

Nicaragua, Venezuela. Paraguay, and Uruguay each have but one local assembly. Many more will have to be established before a national spiritual assembly can be elected. other republics, having two or three assemblies, are equally in need of assistance in establishing additional assemblies.

Two Neediest Countries

Two of the neediest countries, in addition to those mentioned ahove, are El Salvador and Ecuador, The latter has only one pioneer for the whole country. Some assemblies need assistance in order to become responsible and self-reliant.

Please write to the Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee if you are considering pioneering, as we may be able to make specific suggestions based upon individual considerations and problems. The time is getting short, and there is nothing more important to any believer than fulfilling his part in helping to achieve the goals of the Ten-Year World Crusade.

—WESTERN HEMISPHERE TEACHING COMMITTEE

[Page 13]

Opening of Leicester Center Followed By Weekend School

Bahá’ís of Leicester, England, who formed their first assembly last Riḍván, opened their new Bahá’í Center on February 15. Hasan Balyuzi, Hand of the Cause, conducted the dedication. Sixty people attended the opening from all over the British Isles, and the Center was filled to capacity.

The opening of the Bahá’í Center was combined with a Weekend School, attended by over 40 persons.

The two local newspapers sent reporters to the opening, and these newspapers printed a photograph and an account of the occasion.

After the tea break following the official opening of the Center, Ian Sen-iple, a member of the Auxiliary Board, spoke on “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.” Later, Mrs. Dorothy Ferraby, also a member of the Auxiliary Board, reported on the Intercontinental Conference at Kampala, from which she had just returned.

The photograph above shows the first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Leicester, England, formed on April 21, 1957. To the left is a photograph of the dedication ceremonies at the opening of the Leicester, England, Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on February 15, 1958.

National Teaching Conference held at Leeds, England, in January 1958.

[Page 14]

New Local Spiritual Assembly Formed in S. King County, Wash.

An interesting account of the events leading up to the formation of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of South King County Commissioner’s District, Wash., on April 21, 1957, accompanied the photograph of this Assembly published in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.

The beginning was the formation of the first Bahá’í group of six believers on January 12, 1956, who immediately fixed their eyes on achieving assembly status by April of the next year. All Nineteen-Day Feasts were held regularly, an informal study class was conducted on alternate Sundays for the deepening of the members of the group, and firesides were conducted frequently, with the place and subject arranged to meet the individual needs.

The high point of the year was the Naw-Rúz Feast, which brought together the new contacts who were soon to become members of the group.

During the summer four of the members were obliged to move to another state, but another believer and her husband who was already an enthusiastic student of the Faith moved in. Then for a few months a Bahá’í from Alaska contributed greatly to the strength of the group and the believers. Nearby believers helped with firesides, and in February 1957 the first new Bahá’í was enrolled, followed by another within a month.

Then in quick succession two more Bahá’í couples established their homes in South King County, thus assuring the fomation of the first Local Spiritual Assembly in that particular area. Four more believers, two of them from Alaska, joined them, bringing the community membership to thirteen. A few days before Riḍván one other new believer was enrolled, and thus was able to take part in the election of this important institution of the Faith.

In writing of the experiences of this rapid succession of events the Local Spiritual Assembly says: “This short story cannot recount the joy, excitement, love, and fellowship found by the members in one year, and no words can express the wonderment felt in each heart by seeing, first hand, God’s Plan in action.”

First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South King County Commissioner’s District, Wash., formed on April 21, 1957.

Paul E. Haney to Serve in Haifa

The friends are informed that Paul E. Haney, Hand of the Cause and Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, has left the United States to assume his position as one of the nine Hands elected to serve in the Holy Land. He has won, by his years of admirable service as one of the American Hands and as Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, the high regard and grateful esteem of his fellow-Bahá’ís throughout the Western Hemisphere as well as in the United States.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Baha’is Play Active Role in Honolulu’s Brotherhood Week

In the brochure Success In Teaching, Rúḥíyyih Khánum discusses some of the reasons why Bahá’ís reach only a limited number of people in their communities. She suggests crossing over into other “pockets” of community activity—that is, mingling with various social groups and cooperating with organizations who have kindred interests and thus gradually reaching a majority of the receptive people in a locality.

The Bahá’ís of Honolulu demonstrated the results of such activity on their part during their city’s February observance of Brotherhood Week. The Hawaii Chapter of the World Brotherhood activities for Honolulu chose two Bahá’ís for their Planning Committee, Major Salvatore Pelle and Lee Chang, the former acting as committee chairman. Other Bahá’ís in the community came forward to help staff a “brotherhood booth” installed outside the Bank of Hawaii building, along with UNICEF and We The Women, and also assisted in the hospitality tour held at the consulates of the Philippines, Japan, Korea and China. Major Pelle acted as master of ceremonies for the annual banquet held at the Hawaiian Village Longhouse, with an attendance of 300.

During the week, on February 20, the Bahá’ís sponsored their own public meeting and were rewarded with an audience that filled the Honolulu center to capacity.

In Kailua, Lanakai, Hawaii, Mrs. Dorothy Beers, a Bahá’í, was in charge of Brotherhood Week activities.

For inspiration and ideas leading to such successes many Bahá’í communities would find that some group study and consultation on Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s excellent article mentioned above could pay rich dividends. It is an item frequently recommended for individual and community study by the National Spiritual Assembly.

[Page 15]

Australian Youth Prepare to Meet Critical Thought of Modern World

The Bahá’í Youth Letter, issued by the Australian Youth Committee, has opened a new department called “Thought and Thinkers.” It will present brief excerpts from the works of some of the world’s leaders, expressing the views of large sections of humanity. The article states: “Only by an understanding of the problems of man, of his ideas, beliefs, and c-reeds, can we adequately present our own view, our belief in God’s plan for the world‘ Read these extracts critically, find their weaknesses, if any, and give the Bahá’í answer to the writers’ problems.”

In this way the youth of Australia are preparing themselves to more adequately meet and cope with the intellectual and critical thought of our day, in the light of the Bahá’í teachings. They have emphasized an important aspect of Bahá’í living in today’s world—the need to know and to understand philosophic trends and beliefs—in order to make an increasingly intelligent application of the Teachings, and to illuminate the minds and hearts with God’s Revelation for this day.

Pamphlet holder for the distribution of Bahá’í literature used by the Bahá’í Group of Rogers, Ark. In this town of 5,500 people 175 pieces of free literature have been taken from the holder in five months.

Australian Newspaper Publishes “Christ and Bahá’u’lláh”

The Northern Argus, a South Australian newspaper, is publishing the whole of George Townshend’s book Christ and Bahá’u’lláh in weekly installments over a 16 week period.

Arrangements for this publication were made by Mrs‘ Rose Hawthorne, who estimates that the Northern Argus has about 12,000 readers.

Western Canada Summer Conference Planned At Banff in August

The annual Western Canada Bahá’í Summer Conference will again be held at the Banff School of Fine Arts, Banff, Alberta. The dates this year will be August 24-31, 1958.

Further information may be had by writing to Mrs. Edna J. Montfort, secretary; 3119 Barnard Ave.; Vernon, B. C.

BAHA’I IN THE NEWS

Wilmette Life, December 5, 1957, used in full the release prepared to announce the election by the Hands of the Cause of the nine members “to conduct and protect the affairs of the Faith from its world center.”

Congress Weekly, a review of Jewish interests, published on January 6 an article by Herbert Freeden of Jerusalem on “Israel’s Youngest Religion.” Following a reference to the recent death of Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, which the author states “has focused attention upon the Faith,” Mr. Freeden reports the information received from a believer at the Bahá’í Temple and proceeds to summarize very sympathetically the Bahá’í teachings and history.

Three pamphlets published for distribution to Israel Government tourist offices contain reference to the Faith: Israel: Treasury of Legend, a beautifully illustrated brochure, concludes its statement on “Legends of Safed and Carmel” with the statement: “But for legends of recent times, and especially of the future, one has only to stand on the hills summit at night and glance downwards. The golden dome of the Bahá’í shrine gleams in the moonlight . . .”

First Bahá’í group of Guadalajara, Mexico, with Alfonso Jiminez de Leon, the first Latin believer of that city (seated at right), when he was received into the Faith. A month later two more Mexican believers declared themselves.

A Tourist’sCompanion to Israel provides suggested itineraries, including one to Haifa—“Country’s main port on the slopes of Mt. Carmel; Carmelite Monastary and Bahá’í Shrine.” Visitor’s Guide to Israel, under “Haifa" lists the main points of interest, including “Bahá’í Temple and Gardens.”

“Roman City Found by Archeologists,” an article in New York Herald Tribune, Sunday, December 1, 1957, contains this passage: “A major tourist attraction in Haifa is the Bahá’í Temple, headquarters for a religion founded by a Persian that has three million adherents throughout the world . . . The Bahá’ís have an even more spectacular temple in Wilmette, Illinois.”

Nurses Alumni Bulletin, November, 1957, published by the University of Wisconsin, reprinted the addresses delivered at the 1957 Field Day. Our Bahá’í friend, Manucher J. Javid, M.D., spoke on “Nursing Prescription,” summarizing the history of the nursing profession and introducing the concept, “The Problems Confronting Humanity are due to Lack of Love for God.” On this basis, Dr. Javid cited passages from Bahá’í writings to point to the Source of love in our era.

Journal of Lifetime Living, December 1957, listed the free literature distributed by various religions including the Bahá’í Faith. Hundreds of requests have been received at[Page 16] the National Office for literature from all over the country as a reslt.

The jacket of the album “Hi-Fi for Children from Two to Ninty-two.” in its comments on the composer-arranger, Russell Garcia, mentions the Bahá’í Faith.

Fel-Program, an illustrated house organ sponsored by Felt Products Manufacturing Company, ran a fullpage illustration of the Temple with an explanation of its religious purpose under the title “Seeing Chicago First.” The issue is dated October 1957.

A full-page illustration of the Temple was published in Sparks, Nevada Tribune on November 11, 1957 with the caption: “The Bahá’ís of Sparks Commemorate the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh November 12, 1817-Bahá’u’lláh is the Promised One as recorded in the Holy Scriptures.” The nine texts carved above the Temple entrances followed this heading.

Reviewed in the Norfolk, Virginia The Virginian Pilot of November 24, 1957, Arnold Toynbee’s “Christianity Among Religions of the World” by James C. Brewer, pastor of the local Unitarian Church, the reference to Dr. Toynbee impelled a local believer to purchase the book, and he has quoted this passage from it: “In the light of history I should not expect to see mankind converted to a ‘syncretistic’ religion, constructed artificially out of elements taken from all existing religions . . . At the same time, when I find myself in Chicago and when, traveling northwards out of the city, I pass the Bahá’í Temple there, I feel that in some sense this beautiful building may be a portent of the future.”

“Temple Plans Home for Old in Wilmette” is the title of an article in Chicago Sunday Tribune for Novemher 3, 1957, reporting the court decision permitting the Temple Trustees to construct the Bahá’í Home. The article describes the architecture and facilities of the design prepared by William Campbell Wright, architect.

The exterior design of the Bahá’í Home illustrated an article in Wilmette Life for December 5, 1957 which described the building in detail.

The Michigan Alumnus, published by the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan, presented in its issue of November 16, 1957, a biographical sketch of Charles Wolcott, at that time Associate Musical Director of MGM. His career is depicted from his graduation from the University in 1927 to 1957, and three photographs of Mr. Wolcott illustrate the sketch. “Every member of the family is a devoted member of the Bahá’í Faith . . .”

A brief reference to the Bahá’í Temple appeared in the Socony Mobile Company, Inc., Wingspread, Vol. VIII, Nos. 7 and 8.

Published in Mexico City, the Mexican Review runs a “Man of the Month” column. In the May 1957 number this column features Harold B. Murray. “Aside from his manyfaceted business career, Harold Murray devotes a great deal of his time to civic affairs and is an active member of the Asociacion National de la Publicidad, the Sales Executive Club, The Cornell Club, The Lions Club, The Board of Managers of the American Chamber of Commerce, the Old Timers (of which he is president) and the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í World Faith, of which he is chairman.”

Haiti Recognizes Baha’i Marriages

Haiti has extended legal recognition to Bahá’í marriages, according to information just received. This was incorrectly reported by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Greater Antilles in the November issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, page 5, as Jamaica. This means that Haiti, not Jamaica, is actually the first country_under the jurisdiction of the Greater Antilles National Spiritual Assembly to receive this important recognition.

FEASTS

April 9-Jalál (Glory)

April 28—Jamál (Beauty)

HOLY DAYS

April 21-May 2—Feast of Riḍván (Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh)

April 21—First Day of Riḍván (About 3:00 p.m.)

April 29—Ninth Day of Riḍván

May 2—Twelfth Day of Riḍván

NATIONAL CONVENTION

April 29, 30, May 1 Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette

Riḍván Feast—April 25 at 8:00 p.m. Temple Auditorium

INTERCONTINENTAL CONFERENCE

May 2, 3, 4

Eighth Street Theater, Chicago

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

April 28

Baha’i House of Worship

Visiting Hours

Weekdays

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Auditorium only)

Sundays and Holiday:

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 new: organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í World Community.

Report, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested Iron: 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, 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.