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| No. 344 | BAHA’I YEAR 116 | OCTOBER, 1959 |
Birth of the Bab, October 20,1819
THE BÁB, whose name was Siyyid ‘Alí-Muḥammad, was born in the city of Shíráz, on the first day of Muharram, in the year 1235 A, H. (October 20, 1819). He belonged to a house which was renowned for its nobility and which traced its origin to Muhammed Himself. The date of His birth confirmed the truth of the prophecy traditionally attributed to the Imam ‘Alí: “I am two years younger than my Lord.” Twenty-five years. four months, and four days had elapsed since the day of His birth, when He declared His mission. In His early childhood He lost His father, Siyyid Muḥammad-Ridá, a man who was Known throughout the province of Fars for his piety and virtue, and was held in high esteem and honor. Both His father and His mother were descendants of the Prophet, both were loved and respected by the people. He was reared by His maternal uncle, Haji Mirza Siyyid ‘Alí, a martyr to the Faith, who placed Him, while still a child, under the care of a tutor named Shaykh ‘Ábid. The Báb, though not inclined to study, submitted to His uncle’s will and directions.
Shaykh ‘Abid, known by his pupils as Shaykhuná, was a man of piety and learning. He had been a disciple of both Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Káẓim. “One day,” he related, “I asked the Báb to recite the opening words of the Qur’án ‘Bismi’lláhi’r-Raḥmáni’r Raḥim.’ He hesitated, pleading that unless He were told what these words signified. He would in no wise attempt to pronounce them. I pretended not ,to know their meaning. ‘I know what these words signify.’ observed my pupil; ‘by your leave, I will explain them.’ He spoke with such knowledge and fluency that I was struck with amazement. He expounded the meaning of ‘Alláh,’ of ‘Raḥmán,’ and ‘Raḥím,’ in terms such as I had neither read nor heard. The sweetness of His utterance still lingers in my memory. I felt impelled to take Him back to His uncle and to deliver into his hands the Trust he had committed to my care. I determined to tell him how unworthy I felt to teach so remarkable a child. I found His uncle alone in his office. ‘I have brought Him back to you,’ I said, ‘and commit Him to your vigilant protection. He is not to be treated as a mere child, for in Him I can already discern evidence of that mysterious power which the Revelation of the Ṣáḥibu’z-Zamán alone can reveal. It is incumbent upon you to surround Him with your most loving care. Keep Him in your house, for He, verily, stands in no need of teachers such as I.’ Hájí Mírzá Siyyid ‘Alí sternly rebuked the Báb, ‘Have you forgotten my instructions?‘ he said. ‘Have I not already admonished You to follow the example of Your fellow-pupils, to observe silence, and to listen attentively to every word spoken by Your teacher?’ Having obtained His promise to abide faithfully by his instructions, he bade the Báb return to His school. The soul of that child could not, however, be restrained by the stern admonitions of His uncle. No discipline could repress the flow of His intuitive knowledge. Day after day He continued to manifest such remarkable evidences of superhuman wisdom as I am powerless to recount.” At last His uncle was induced to take Him away from the school of Shaykh Ábid, and to associate Him with himself in his own profession. There, too, He revealed signs of a power and greatness that few could approach and none could rival.
The days which the Báb devoted to commercial pursuits were mostly spent in Búshihr. The oppressive heat of the summer did not deter Him from devoting, each Friday, several hours to continuous worship upon the roof of His house. Though exposed to the fierce rays of the noontide sun, He, turning His heart to His Beloved, continued to commune with Him, unmindful of the intensity of the heat and oblivious of the world around Him. From early dawn till sunrise, and from midday till late in the afternoon, He dedicated His time to meditation and pious worship. Turning His gaze towards the north, in the direction of Ṭihrán, He, at every break of day, greeted with a heart overflowing with love and joy, the rising sun, which to Him was a sign and symbol of that Day-Star of Truth that was soon to dawn upon the world. As a lover who beholds the face of his beloved, He gazed upon the rising orb with steadfastness and longing. He seemed to be addressing, in mystic language, that shining luminary, and to be entrusting it with His message of yearning and love to His concealed Beloved. With such transports of delight He greeted its beaming rays, that the heedless and ignorant around Him thought Him to be enamoured with the sun itself.
—The Dawn-Breakers, page 72-76, 77-79
Construction Progresses on Australian House of Worship
The Australian Bahá’í
House of Worship near
Sydney as it looked on
July 18, 1959.
Construction of farm work for walls from the gallery roof to the level of the base of the dome.
Opposite: The gallery roof, showing one of the nonagonal-shaped bases for small domes above niches between doorways, and showing reinforced iron for position of cornice. Right: details of cornice and aggregate.
Opposite: Entrances to the Temple, showing newly-placed cornice at the top of the wall, and some of the farm work for the wall from the gallery roof to the dome.
German Bahá’ís Meet Ruhíyyih Khánum On Her Visit to Frankfurt, Stuttgart[edit]
In June the National Secretary in Frankfurt received the information that ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum would visit Germany in July. Details of the visit were discussed with Rúḥíyyih Khánum by the German representatives during the conference of the European Hands in Copenhagen, and her arrival in Germany was set for July 11. In addition to the consulation with the National Spiritual Assembly, she wished to visit the Frankfurt and Stuttgart communities. Meanwhile the news of the visit of Rúḥíyyih Khánum spread like wildfire and many friends expressed the wish to see her. After the two Local Spiritual Assemblies of Frankfurt and Stuttgart had discussed the program for the visit, a notice was sent to every believer in the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly, as well as to the secretaries of the European sister assemblies. At noon on July 10 a group of the friends gathered at the Frankfurt-Rhein/Main airport to greet Rúḥíyyih Khánum.
Saturday morning, July 11, Rúḥíyyih Khánum came to the meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to discuss tasks of the Ten-Year Plan. The consultation lasted until late afternoon.
It had been arranged that Rúḥíyyih Khánum was to be the first to enter the large hall in the Zoo building in which the evening meeting was to be held, because she wished to greet all the friends who had come from near and far. She stood at the entrance of the hall and exchanged greetings, sometimes in German with her old German friends of former visits, or new German friends, or in Persian or in English. At long, decorated tables the friends took their places for the dinner. After a brief but warm greeting on behalf of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Frankfurt, Rúḥíyyih Khánum arose to address all the friends. She spoke in English, which was translated into German and then into Persian.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum began to speak of the Covenant, the great Covenant which God made with His people through His Prophets and of the lesser Covenant which Bahá’u’lláh made with His followers which is destined to usher in the time when “the earth will be the footstool of God” and for which our present service and our Ten-Year Plan are paving the way. She recalled the terrible blow which the Bahá’í world received through the unexpected passing of our beloved Guardian, truly the worst blow that could have been struck. which, as she said, many would probably never recover from. And yet, she continued, we have many reasons to be thankful because the unity of the Bahá’í world remains secure. S0 firmly did our Guardian lay the foundation of this world community, because he, in truth, after the passing of the Master, was the master builder. The Ten-Year Plan, she said with great warmth, is the heritage left to us by the beloved Guardian, and to serve this plan means to grasp the unrecurring last opportunity to fulfill a task which he laid upon all of us, which was so dear to his heart and whose realization through the friends constituted the joy of the last years of his life. This Plan is the responsibility of every single Bahá’í whose faith, whose willingness to sacrifice and whose deeds will bring about its realization which the institutions of the Faith can only guide, further, and regulate.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum speaking to Miss Edith Horn, “the
mother of Frankfurt,” at Frankfurt/Main on July 11,
1959.
On Sunday Rúḥíyyih Khánum came for an hour to
Stuttgart where about 250 of the south-German friends
were gathered and were celebrating the Nineteen-Day
Feast. The visit to the Temple site, a conference on
the next steps to be taken, as well as the drive
from Frankfurt to Stuttgart on this hot day, were a
considerable strain on her. Without taking time for
rest or recuperation, Rúḥíyyih Khánum hurried to the
waiting friends. As in Frankfurt. her address dealt
with the unfolding and fulfillment of the Ten-Year
Plan.
The most important task of the German community, the building of the Mother Temple of Europe, it was hoped, could soon begin and be prosecuted with all speed. For this the financial support of the friends was needed. The second great goal, the establishment of twelve local spiritual assemblies could be accomplished with the aid of forty-four settlers, truly a small number for such a large and strong national community. She also mentioned the different categories of friends for whom it would be especially easy to become settlers: Persian families, Persian students, young German believers, and the older ones, those having independent incomes. Naturally, the middle-aged should also make efforts to settle; where the sacrifice is greater, the reward will be richer. However grateful the German friends may and should be to their Persian brothers and sisters for the help they have given in the teaching work, and would give in the future, never would the German friends permit that tasks specially given them by the Master and by the Guardian would be carried out by other friends, but they would remember the great expectations entertained for them and attack the task energetically and promptly.
Her appeal to the German friends to arise in the[Page 5]
Ten-Year Plan rang out with the cry with which the
champions of the Faith in Shaykh-Ṭabarsí girded
themselves for the last sacrifice: “Mount your steeds,
O Heroes of God!”
In Stuttgart it would not have been possible to greet all the friends in the beginning because it was expected it: be necessary to clear the hall at 22 o’clock, but later it was found possible to extend the time to 23 o’clock, and a recreation period was arranged during which Rúḥíyyih Khánum insisted upon greeting the friends. The meeting closed with thanks and prayers.
—BAHÁ’Í-NACHRICHTEN
Ruhíyyih Khánum Attends June Conference in Copenhagen Sponsored by Hands of Cause[edit]
The European Hands of the Cause invited the national assemblies of Europe and the Auxiliary Boards to a work-conference in Copenhagen. It was a great and happy surprise for all participants to have Rúḥíyyih Khánum take part. Five Hands of the Cause and about twenty-eight friends met for the work-conference. The hours of consultation, interrupted only by the meals which the friends took together, and the travel to and from the meeting place, were hardly sufficient for the exchange of experiences, consultation and recommendations. It was again made evident how very much Europe has grown into a unit. The opportunity, through Rúḥíyyih Khánum, to get into close touch with the thoughts of the Hands in Haifa, was particularly valuable and the real purpose of Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s participation in the conference.
On Sunday evening many of the Danish friends came to the center. since they had there the pleasure and privilege to be with Rúḥíyyih Khánum and to meet the other Hands of the Cause and the friends who had come from Belgium, Germany, Finland, Holland, Italy, Norway, Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and Spitzbergen. Rúḥíyyih Khánum told stories from the life of the Guardian. of his sacrifice, the tasks undertaken by him and the unremitting and untiring activity with which he followed these things to their realization and completion, and she told how happy he was at the achievement of every goal of the Ten-Year Plan and with how much sadness he struck from his list goals that were relinquished.
—BAHÁ’Í-NACHRICHTEN
El Salvador Gov’t. Assures Bahá’ís of Freedom to Teach in Redifying Expulsion of Pioneer[edit]
The Bahá’í Faith has been officially presented to the President of the Republic of El Salvador by the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America, Mexico, and Panama. This unusual event in Latin America was made possible through the efforts to resolve a very difficult matter in which a devoted Bahá’í pioneer was deprived of his permission to remain in that country due to false reports and accusations reported to its government by enemies of the Faith.
Last April Artemus Lamb, pioneer and member of the National Assembly of this territory was forced to leave his post in El Salvador on order of the Salvadorian Government. No reason was given at that time for the attitude of the authorities, but after much investigation and legal activities it became evident that this pioneer was made the target of several serious accusations devised by certain vested groups. Partly due to legal procedures and partly to the prayers and efforts of the believers themselves, an investigation was eventually made by the Salvadorian Government which completely exonerated Mi: Lamb and the Bahá’í community from any doubt as to their conduct, honor, and principles. It was then made possible for the National Spiritual Assembly of the territory, represented by its chairman, Esteban Canales, to effect an official visit to the executive offices of the Salvadorian Government with some very positive results.
The president of El Salvador, Colonel José Maria Lemus, having reviewed this case, authorized the Secretary-General, Major Rubio Melado, to discuss it thoroughly with the representative of this National Assembly and to say in the name of the President and the Government of El Salvador that not only has the name of Mr. Lamb and the Bahá’í community been completely cleared from any doubt as to the accusations, but also that the Bahá’ís of El Salvador can be assured of complete security and freedom to realize their activities as the government and the constitution uphold liberty of creed and worship.
The long interview with the Secretary-General was sustained in an atmosphere of great cordiality, and Sr. Canales took the opportunity to present a portfolio containing a beautifully embossed printing of Bahá’u’lláh’s Message to the Presidents of the American Republics, together with some well-selected literature on the Faith. This was duly presented to the President and was received with much respect and gratitude. A gift in return was presented to Sr. Canales.
Several other high officials of the Government showed their sympathy to the case and to the Bahá’ís, who were alert to see the significance of some related events of the same day, July 13: At the very hour that the Secretary-General was discussing the matter with our representative, the President was receiving the official visit of Mrs. Golda Meir, Foreign Minister of the State of Israel. Also, a devoted Salvadorian believer, Srta. Amanda Mena, who had asked for an audience a month earlier, received her appointment for the very afternoon. In her interview the President reiterated that which the Secretary-General had told Sr. Canales, and added that he had the highest personal regard for Mr. Lamb and for the Bahá’ís, and that the Bahá’í Teachings are indeed very attractive to him.
Although there are still matters pending due to the vigilant jealousy of certain enemies of the Faith, who have unwittingly made possible this unexpected victory. the evidence is clear that Bahá’u’lláh works His blessings and victories so often in the mysterious ways of difficulties and obstacles.
Correction[edit]
IN BAHÁ’Í NEWS for July, page 2; third paragraph, first line should read “The Guardian’s successive letters from January 1922.”
North American Esperanto League Congress Gives Friendly Recognition to Faith[edit]
Miss Roan U. Orloff, who attended the Seventh Congress of the Esperanto League for North America as the official representative of the Bahá’ís of the United States in St. Louis, Mo., July 9-12, 1959, reports that she and the three other Bahá’ís who were present were received in a spirit of real friendliness and appreciation by the delegates, This congress was also the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Zamenhof, founder of the Esperanto language.
Evidence of the growing interest in Esperanto as a possible universal language was manifested by the impressive posters which were officially issued by UNESCO. and which provided a colorful background for the Esperanto literature on display. A section on religion included Bahá’í literature, and the Faith was mentioned in a very kindly manner by the guest speaker at the public meeting, Dr. Faruk S. Abuzzahab.
The Bahá’í delegates were particularly pleased to meet a representative from Washington, D.C., who told them of his meeting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when He visited that city in 1912. All of the Bahá’ís in attendance took advantage of every opportunity to give the Message of Bahá’u’lláh and to answer questions about the Faith.
Bahá’ís of Three Countries Attend First Addis Ababa Summer School[edit]
The first Bahá’í summer school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was held on May 2 to 8, 1959. On the opening day a cable was sent to Hand of the Cause Musa Banani announcing this happy event, and asking prayers for its success.
Three days later a cabled reply was received and read to the audience; it filled the hearts of all present with great joy and happiness:
“Congratulations memorable achievement school. News conveyed Holy Land, following response just received, quote convey loving greets attendants historic
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia
for 1959-1960. Front Row: P. Bird, J. Heggie, and W. J.
Rodwell. Back Row: P. J. Khan, N. Bluett, Miss T.
Perks, E. S. G. Bowes, N. P. L. Walker, and H. C.
Featherstone.
opening school, assure prayers shrines success vital
teaching work. Handsfaith, unquote. Love, Banání.”
Six days were devoted to study classes, lectures, and film shows in morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. One day was allotted to a picnic outside the city, arranged by the Bahá’í Youth Committee. On the afternoon of May 2, coinciding with the Twelfth of Riḍván, a Feast was arranged.
The average attendance during the school sessions was twenty-five, and included many Bahá’ís of Addis Ababa and their non-Bahá’í friends and Bahá’í youth from the neighboring towns of Nazareth and Jimma.
Friends and pioneers from other centers who responded to the invitations, and by their presence and material and spiritual contributions helped make a success of this first Bahá’í summer school, included Dr. Mesbah, Dr. Farhoumand, Dr. and Mrs. Niederriter from Asmara, and Dr. M. Samandari from Mogadiscio.
The first Bahá’í summer school held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 2 to 8, 1959. The photograph at the right shows friends and attendants at a picnic held outside the city.
Rama Cay Indians of Nicaragua Warm|y Receive Baha’i Message[edit]
ON THE tropical eastern coast of Nicaragua, situated at the southern end of a long lagoon, lies the refreshing and remote island home of the Rama Cay Indians. Nestled amid a myriad of tropical flowers and fruit-bearing trees, these people carry on a quiet and humble existence in groupings of stick and palm frond shelters. The only imposing edifice is the frame church house of a centuries-old Protestant group that constitutes the sole center of their religious life.
Much to the advantage of an on-marching world religion, these clean souls, through contact with missionaries, speak a simplified English, and are acquainted with the basic teachings of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Of further aid, the Protestants have always retained a clear distinction between civilized people and “whatever Indians are.”
In pursuance of a call on the part of the beloved Guardian, “to stimulate the process of the conversion of both the Negroes and the American Indians,” incorporated in the subsidiary Six-Year Plans given to the four Latin American interim regional spiritual assemblies in 1957, the Nicaraguan National Teaching Committee has sponsored a plan during recent months to open the Faith to Rama Cay in a series of weekend trips by the resident pioneer in Bluefields, Hooper Dunbar.
After spending the first weekends making friends, taking pictures of the many families who had never been photographed before, and being a guest in their homes and at their tables (the typical food served was smoked raw fish, boiled green bananas, rice, and fruits), an opportunity came through friendly contact with the lay pastor of the church to address the Indian congregation at their Sunday service.
The theme decided upon was “Spiritual Rebirth and the Oneness of Religion.” Emphasis was also given to the fact that this day holds a great blessing for the original inhabitants of the Americas, based upon the statements of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
At the close of the meeting, all present arose and shook hands with their new “brother,” in the words of the pastor. From this precious event, the doors of close association have been opened between the Bahá’í pioneer and the Rama Cay people.
What a joy it is to report that some of these stick walls are now adorned with pictures of the Bahá’í House of Worship, that several of these hearts are now reciting the prayer-verses of Bahá’u’lláh, and that the Message of God is reaching more of those who, through the Divine Teachings, to quote the Master, “will become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.”
—HOOPER DUNBAR
Rama Cay, Nicaragua, Indians visited by Hooper Dunbar on his teaching trip.
Five New Groups, Founded Among Bolivian[edit]
THIRTY-ONE new Indian believers declared them selves in the Potosi region of Bolivia during the month of June, the National Spiritual Assembly of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay has announced.
Five new groups have been established: in Challuiri, Totorani, Janko Jaque, Pichata, and Jaka Chullpa; isolated centers have been founded in Kea Kea, Incuhuyo, and Jakahuma.
These developments are a further confirmation of the comments of Athos Costas, secretary of this National Assembly, following his visit to Bolivia in April (BAHÁ’Í NEWS, August):
“Those Indians are highly humble, affectionate, and spiritual . . . detached pioneers are needed, bestowing all their love and faith, their Bahá’í knowledge, their human understanding, and their loving consideration.”
Estanislau Alvarez, chairman of the National Indian Teaching Committee, made the teaching trip in April with Mr. Costas, and has returned to Department!) Potosi for a five-month period. He, with Andrés Jachakollo, the native Indian pioneer, is responsible for confirming these new believers.
A vivid picture of the hardships experienced by Mr. Alvarez in his trips through the Bolivian Andes is recorded in his report to the National Assembly:
“We had to climb the loftiest Andes, which touched the sky, by narrow, perilous paths . . . there were moments when my feet could not take a single step forward, with the lack of water and a blazing winter sun which burned the skin, but gave no warmth.
“Only God could give me the physical resistance which is a privilege of the Indian. I had read a novel calling these Bolivian Indians the “race of bronze,” but their strength is as a race of steel.
“We had to walk for hours, wading in icy winter water to the knees, in serpentine mountain streams. That was the only way to reach one place Jaka Chullpa, where no missionary has ever gone.
The Jaka Chullpa Bahá’í group.
The new Bahá’í Indian group of Pichata, Bustillos Province, Potosi, Bolivia.
Four new Indian groups together: Challuiri, Totorani, Janko Jaque, and Kea Kea, Bolivia.
Three Isolated Centers Indians Since Last April[edit]
“The tall new believer in Incuhuyo was 3 Christian evangelist for twelve years, and a teacher in the Indian villages, a Bahá’í of promise.”
On July 9 the newly-formed all-Indian community of Jankohuyo had an impressive all-day memorial for the Báb. Although it was their busy harvest period, work was suspended for the clay.
The entire morning was devoted to re-telling the story of the Báb’s life, and of His martyrdom. Then the women of the community prepared food for all the Bahá’ís, including guests from other Bahá’í groups nearby.
In the early evening, overcome with emotion over the loss Of the Báb, the Indians interpreted their own lamentations for Him on their plaintivesounding Wind instruments, the “Jula Jula,” kneeling in reverence as they played for their Lord, the Báb.
Can there be any greater illustration of the spiritual readiness and understanding of our Bolivian Indian brothers than this? “Detached pioneers are needed.”
Estanislau, Alvarez, member of the National Indian
Committee for Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and
Uruguay, crossing a. mountain stream on his teaching
trip through Potosi Province in Bolivia.
The isolated believers of Inchuhuyo and Jayuhuma,
Bolivia.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Jankohuyo, the second all-Indian assembly in Bolivia,
formed an April 21, 1959.
Bahá’ís of Jankohuyo in a dance of lamentation, playing the plaintive-sounding instrument “Julu Jula”
in remembrance of the Martyrdom of the Báb on July 9, 1959.
Inspiring Talks, Review of Crusade Goals Featured at Third Annual Nicaragua Congress[edit]
On August 1, 1959, believers from all of Nicaragua attended the third annual Teaching Congress at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Managua. The purpose and theme of this congress was to further deepen the friends in the “Spiritual Verities of the Bahá’í Faith,” to better fulfill the aspirations and goals of our beloved Guardian as manifested in the World Crusade.
After a few opening words by chairman Pable Pérez, representing the Nicaraguan Teaching Committee, Hooper Dunbar gave an inspiring address on “The Ocean of Revelation,” outlining the major works of Bahá’u’lláh and their contents.
This was followed by interesting presentations by two new Bahá’í’s, who are members of the National Teaching Committee. Orlando Ponce spoke on “Spiritual Tests” and Charles Miranda gave an uplifting address on “The Spiritual Springtime.”
In the evening Donald Ross Witzel spoke on the spiritual station of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause, illustrating his talk with a resume of the lives and experiences of Louis Gregory, the first Negro Hand of the Cause, and Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí of Burma.
On Sunday morning a series of interesting classes held the attention of the friends. Julio Cesar Hemandez spoke on “The Reality of Man,” depicting the real spiritual value and purpose of humanity as a creation of God; Humberto Guevarra spoke dynamically on “The Presence of God,” in which he clearly cited Bahá’u’lláh and non-Bahá’í authors in their similar explanations on how to reach and practice this spiritual goal; and Miss Creadell Haley presented “The Bahá’í Attitude on Politics and Military Service,” a theme so necessary in Latin America today
Armando Fonseca closed the congress after reviewing the uncompleted goals of the Ten-Year Plan. Afterward, the committee sponsored a banquet that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Bahá’ís and friends of Montevideo, Uruguay, at at fire
side held dining the teaching trip of Senorita Yolanda
Pizarro, a Chilean Bahá’í in July 1959 (holding the
Greatest Name). William Sears, Jr., and Fred Schechter are newly-arrived pioneers from Africa.
Anytown, Arizona, An Annual Youth Workshop, Includes Study of Bahá’í Teachings[edit]
Anytown, Arizona is a human relations workshop for high school youth of diverse religious, social, racial, national, and economic backgrounds, held annually in the pine woods of northern Arizona. Anytown, Arizona has been in existence for three years; during the last two, several Bahá’ís, by invitation of the Advisory Board, have taken an active part.
This year Alton Thomas, director of the Phoenix Urban League, and Mrs. Nancy Phillips of Phoenix were two of the twelve advisors at camp, and Bob Phillips was one of the counsellors, who are chosen from the graduating classes of Arizona high schools.
Bahá’í public meeting held at Ibung Town, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippine Islands, on June 20, 1959.
National Teaching Congress held in Mexico City on
August 1 and 2, 1959, with Bahá’ís from Puebla, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City attending.
More than ever before, the Bahá’í Faith was made an integral part of the program, through the listing of a representative in the Anytown brochure, by active participation in an afternoon question and answer period purely on religious subjects, and by a Bahá’í worship service in the outdoor chapel. This was patterned after those held in the Bahá’í House of Worship, and was accompanied by an explanation of the Bahá’í teachings on worship.
On these occasions, and throughout each day and evening, questions on the Faith came eagerly and spantaneously from the Anytowners. One hundred of the 140 present asked for literature, and subsequently twenty of the Phoenix group have attended a youth fireside in the Phillips home.
The Anytown program has become tremendously popular with Arizona youth. To the Bahá’í’ participants it seems to offer an ideal environment in which to demonstrate and speak of the Faith to receptive young people and adults.
Radio Broadcasts, Newspaper Publicity Promulgate Faith on Kauai Island[edit]
The recent visit of Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh to the Hawaiian islands opened the way for a further ptoclamation oi the Faith on the outer islands. The forty-five hours she was on the island of Kauai enabled the Bahá’ís to schedule a public meeting and a fire side.
Invitations to 255 people representing a wide variety of businesses, professions, and cultural interests were
Bahá’ís and friends attending a picnic at Auke Bay, near Juneau, Alaska, during the second Alaska Bahá’í summer school on July 4 to 10, 1959. The sessios were reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for September.
sent out, a reasonable number in View of the population of less than 28,000. The Honolulu newspapers and the Kauai weekly paper gave excellent publicity, both before and after Mrs. Mottahedehs visit to Kauai.
Although attendance at the public meeting on Saturday evening, July 18, in one of the public schools was disappointing, the resulting publicity was of inestimable value. The manager of the local radio station was present, and recorded Mrs. Mottahedeh’s lecture, “Building a World Commonwealth.”
The following morning a digest of the talk was given on the All-Island newscast, and later in the morning the talk was broadcast in its entirety. The manager received so many favorable calls that he decided to rebroadcast the recording at a later and better time, which he did the following Thursday evening.
The Sunday evening fireside was better attended. and was followed by a lively and penetrating discussion of the Bahá’í Faith.
[edit]
The weekend of May 29th to 31st was considered by the Bahá’ís on the Navajo reservation in Arizona to have been blessed by two events: the first was the wedding of Miss Sadye Joe and Vincent Vincente at the Gallup Bahá’í Indian Center on May 29. A member of the Navajo Reservation Bahá’í Group at Pinon, Ariz., the bride is the first member of this tribe to be enrolled in the Faith.
Later the same weekend, Bahá’ís and friends gathered at Dodson Reservoir, near Tuba City on the reservation, for two days of fellowship, prayer, and consultation. Attending were Bahá’ís from Pinon, Window Rock, Tuba City, Flagstaff, and a number of Navajo friends, not Bahá’ís. The correspondent of the Tuba City Bahá’í Group wrote, “As the sun rose Sunday morning so did our prayers and the chant of the Greatest Name.”
Reading to Seminole Indian children is newly-declared
believer Mrs. Ann H. Osceola, who has a working
knowledge of their language. All live in a village
several miles west of Miami, Fla. Mrs. Osceola’s husband, a prominent Indian, serves on the Tribal Council.
Eight members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahá’ís of Victoria, Seychelles Island, for 1958-1959,
incorporated in February 1959. Front Row: Mrs. B.
Wakil, Carl Emilien, and Miss Munawwar Wakil. Back
Row: M. Mamni, More King, Munir Wakil, Marshall
Delay, and A. Rahman.
Monthly meeting for the reservation Bahá’ís and
friends for June took place on the 20th and 21st at
Window Rock, with good attendance, fellowship, and
consultation. The July gathering was held near Flagstaff on the weekend of July 4 and 5, during the time
of the All-Indian Pow Wow, which attracts Indian
families from many southwestern tribes. This Bahá’í
camping social attracted 65 Bahá’ís and friends from
all over Arizona, and some from New Mexico and
California.
National Youth Committee Conducts Workshops for Junior Youth at Davison Bahá’í School[edit]
Four workshop classes for junior youth were sponsored by the National Bahá’í Youth Committee on July 25-26 at Davison Bahá’í School, Davison, Mich., as a part of the Junior Youth Sessions from July 20 to 31.
Two class periods on “God, His Divine Messengers, and Man” were conducted by Miss Joanna Thomas of Wilmette, Ill. Dan Jordan of Chicago, Ill., presented a class on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Both speakers jointly conducted the final class period on “Bahá’í Administration” and “The Functions of the National Bahá’í Youth Committee.”
Organized games and community singing provided activity for the twenty-five junior youth that attended the workshop classes.
Alexandria Host to Second Summer School[edit]
The second Bahá’í summer school sponsored by the National Assembly of Northeast Africa was held in
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Penang, Malaya, fanned on April 21, 1958. Front Row: Mrs. Keong Hean Kok, Miss Lily Janz, Mrs. Shantha
Sundram, and Mrs. Myra Ong Hak Lim. Back Row:
Ong Kim Seng, Chew Swee Seng, Dr. C. J. Sundram,
N. Jagatheesan, and Dr. P. K. Rao.
August at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Alexandria, Egypt.
The class sessions concentrated on a study of Bahá’í laws and ordinances; The Kitáb-i-Íqán; Bahá’í Administration; and courses on teaching the Faith. Special talks were scheduled for evenings, with Monday night open for guests and a question period. A special day was assigned ta the children who included a short play on the unity of races in their program.
Know Your Baha’i Literature[edit]
“Great Themes of Life”
This small volume can be read quickly, but nevertheless gives a clear, well-rounded view of the relationship of the Bahá’í Revelation to many of the most familiar passages from the Old Testament, and particularly the New Testament. Each chapter is based upon a familiar quotation from the Bible, beginning with a portion of Biblical scripture that sets the theme for the dissertation that follows.
The first chapter tells the story of the coming of the Messenger of God for this day as the fulfillment of the words of Jesus, “when He, the Spirit of truth, is come . . .” The next takes up Old Testament prophecies of the coming of the Lord of Hosts, of the time when God will “turn to the people a pure language. that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent.” It speaks of the Everlasting Covenant of God and of the renewal of that Covenant.
A chapter on The Oneness of Mankind brings the
Over ninety Bahá’ís attended the fourth annual Iowa Bahá’í Institute on June 27-28, 1959, at Wesley Woods, a
Methodist camp near Indianola.
teachings of Jesus on man’s relationship to man into its fulfillment in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, with a challenge for personal decision and action. The World is Our Country discusses the problems of church unity among various Christian sects, as well as among the religions of the world, broadening the reader’s viewpoint on the subject of religious unity. The final chapter presents the challenge that Jesus brought in His day as being repeated today in the coming of Bahá’u’lláh.
Each chapter was originally a lecture given in a Congregational church in Australia by Eric Bowes, an Auxiliary Board teacher, who was invited to give these talks by the minister during five Sundays in his absence. They are simply presented, in such a clear and direct manner that the Message of Bahá’u’lláh cannot fail to penetrate the understanding of the average Christian layman. Bahá’ís have long asked for a book of this type, and Great Themes of Life answers that need. The introduction by Horace Holley, and two photographs of the Shrine of the Báb and of the Temple in Wilmette further enhance the book. Bahá’ís who themselves do not have sufficient knowledge of the relationship of Biblical teachings and the Bahá’í Faith can also take a step forward in their understanding by reading this book. It is clothbound and jacketed. (Available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, at $1.50.)
BAHA’I IN THE NEWS[edit]
“The Faiths That Compete for My Loyalty,” by Dwight E. Stevenson, is a pamphlet issued by the Board of Education and Publication of the American Baptist Convention, Revised Edition, 1958 Under the title “American Manifestations of Islam” the author gives a very accurate summary of the Bahá’í teachings except that Bahá’u’lláh is described as brother to the Báb. and the fanatical uprisings instigated by Moslem leaders against the Bábís are attributed to the fanaticism aroused by the Báb and His followers.
In the question box conducted by Wiliam N. Enoch in the Lutheran Standard dated April 11, 1959, there is a statement prepared under the heading “What is the Bahá’í Religion?” After stating a few historic
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pomona, Calif., formed on April 21, 1959.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Rembang, Central Java, Indonesia, formed on April 21, 1959.
facts about the Báb, the author says: “But the all important truths concerning man’s origin and destiny
have been revealed to us by our Maker in His holy
word. There and there alone (i.e. in the Christian
Gospel) we find the fundamental truths concerning
man himself.”
A reprint of the Hon. Lester Holtzman’s remarks in the House of Representatives Monday, March 2, 1959, includes extracts from We Believe in Prayer by Lawrence M. Brings. A prayer revealed by Abdu’l-Bahá is cited in full.
Lutheran Youth for August 16, 1959, carries on its front cover an illustration of the Bahá’í House of Worship, and inside a photograph oi a group attending Blue Ridge Conference. The Bahá’í religion is
Bahá’í book exhibit by the Kirkland, Wash., Bahá’ís on
display for three weeks in May as part of widespread
publicity for three public meetings to attract new
seekers. Large posters placed in three leading food
stores and 100 mailing pieces of literature were also
part of the campaign. The books in the exhibit were
changed each week.
[Page 15]
lANA'l NEWS
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Smith Bend,
Ind., for 1959-1950, incorporated on May 26, 1959.
presented as “The World’s Largest Merger,” and
the Bahá’í teachings are described as an intellectual
creed. “It is not Christian, and never will be, for
it denies the very essence of the Christian Faiththat a merciful God sent His Son, who purchased
and redeemed us from sin with His holy and precious
blood.”
Beacon Rocket, employee bulletin of Hercules Powder Company, in its July 10, 1959, issue published a picture of Dr. John Taylor, described, among other connections. as a member of the Bahá’í World Faith.
The Curtis Courier, a commercial bulletin, in August 1959 devoted its inside front cover to a photograph of the Bahá’í Temple, described as “An outstanding subject for tourists snapshots.”
Chicago Daily News, Thursday, August 6, 1959, illustrated the Temple gardens: “Gardens surrounding the Bahá’í House of Worship . . . Wilmette, are now at the height of their annual bloom.”
The Fargo Forum and Moorehead Press, July 4,
UN Human Rights Day[edit]
December 10, 1959[edit]
A Special Event for Proclaiming the Bahá’í Faith to the Public[edit]
Sponsored by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly
Theme:
Human Rights—Justice For All
Suggested Publicity Material:
Press Release from Bahá i Press Service Faith for Freedom from Bahá’í Publishing Trust
Reports:
Newspaper clippings from U.S. communities are to be sent immediately to Bahá’í Press Service.
Written reports and photographs for publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS are to be sent as soon as possible to the Bahá’í News Editorial Committee.
1959. printed the “Prayer for America” in connection with the weekly notice of the Bahá’í public meeting.
A column in Bergen Evening Record of Hackensack. N.J., entitled “It was Today,” on July 9, 1959, included a reference to the martyrdom of the Báb on July 9, 1850.
The Gold Coast World, Gulfport, Miss., June 12. 1959. published on page 2 under the heading “Spiritual Guidance” an article on the Supreme Manifestation by Robert M. Stoakley.
The Hamburg Sun and Erie County Independent, Thursday, June 25, 1959, reported that on account of her many services to the former Thomas Indian school and to brotherhood in general, Mrs. Harry E. Pringle was adopted by the Fox Den of the Sak and Fox tribe in ceremonies on the Cattaraugus Reservation on June 20.
Peter Khan, a student in Sydney University, contributed an article on the Bahá’í Faith under the heading “Other Religious Groups,” in a small magazine entitled Witness published under date of March 1959 in Sydney, N. S. W. This article is a brief but very attractive and accurate summary of the Bahá’í history and teachings.
The Buenos Aires Clarion, a leading Argentina newspaper, published in the March 29, 1959, Sunday supplement an excellent three-quarter page article on the Bahá’í Faith, illustrated with a picture of the Master, the Frankfurt Conference, and drawings of the African and Frankfurt Temples.
The Shreveport Sun, Sunday, July 4, 1959, published an article on the series of lectures delivered by E. Musette Christian on a lecture tour through several southern states. The article presents many interesting details of her life, including classes conducted at the Davison Bahá’í School since she became a believer in 1958.
An illustrated report of the marriage of Sue Williston and Khalil Akhtar-Khavari conducted in the Foundation Hall oi the Bahá’í Temple appeared in the M11waukee Journal of June 9, 1959. One illustration showed the bride and groom standing before the two Bahá’í witnesses, one of them in the garden outside the Temple, and the third was a view of the Temple auditorium with the bride and groom and Bahá’í guests in
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alor
Gajah, Malaya, formed on April 21, 1959.
meditation and prayer after the marriage. The article also outlined the teachings of the Cause.
Ari Israeli booklet entitled Vacation at Israel contains an aerial view of Mount Carmel and the Bay of Haifa, with the Shrine of the Báb prominently shown in the foreground.
A publication of the Lumberman’s and Manufacturer’s Mutual of Wisconsin is illustrated with views of unusual chapels and churches found throughout the United States. The series includes the Bahá’í Temple.
Baha’i Publishing Trust[edit]
30 Teaching Pamphlets in Handsome Portfolio[edit]
A handsomely-designed portfolio has been prepared to contain one copy each of thirty individual pamphlets. Here is an opportunity not only to get acquainted with the variety of inexpensive teaching materials available for use at firesides and in personal teaching, but also to display them in an attractive manner.
They can be set up “tent-fashion” in a community center or at a fireside, are easy to carry when traveling, and something in which to proudly present literature to others. Some of the pamphlets are old favorites, others are new, all are currently in use. New pamphlets will be added from time to time. The portfolio can be replenished later with any items of individual choosing.
The portfolio has an eye-catching but dignified global design, with large letters stating: “Bahá’í World Faith —Literature Portfolio” on the front. Bahá’í principles and a quotation in large print are visible when the portfolio is opened, or set up tent-fashion. The back has spaces for filling in names if presenting it as a
National Bahá’í Addresses[edit]
Please Address Mail Correctly!
National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters:[edit]
536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill.
National Treasurer:[edit]
112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Make Checks Payable to: National Bahá’í Fund[edit]
Bahá’í Publishing Trust:[edit]
110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Make Checks Payable to: Bahá’í Publishing Trust[edit]
Bahá’í News:
Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Subscription and Change of address: 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
gift, and carries the quotation “The gift of God to this enlightened age, etc. . .” Closed size is 9 x 12, printed in two colors on colored heavy cover stock. All sample pamphlet kits (previously sent out without any special container) are now enclosed in these new portfolios, with the price remaining the same.
Sample Pamphlet Kit
(30 titles in new portfolio) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.50
Portfolios Available Without Pamphlets[edit]
The literature portfolio described above can be purchased separately without any pamphlets contained in it. These are excellent for prestige presentation of literature. You can choose the pamphlets and brochures most suitable to the presentation, fill in the “Presented to” and “From” spaces on back, and mail it in a brown manila envelope, 10 x 13, (When ordering without any pamphlets enclosed be certain to order only as Literature Portfolio.)
5 Literature Portfolios (minimum order) . . . . . .$1.50
25 Literature Portfolios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.50
Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill.
Calendar of Events[edit]
FEASTS[edit]
October l6—‘Ilm (Knowledge)
November 4—Qudrat (Power)
HOLY DAY[edit]
October 20—Birth of the Báb
UNITED NATIONS DAY[edit]
October 24—Proclamation Event: United Nations for a United World
U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS[edit]
October 9, 10, 11
Baha’i House of Worship[edit]
Visiting Hours[edit]
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[edit]
Sundays
3:30 to 4:10 p.m.
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 or general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from national assemblies of other lands. Material is due in Wilmette on the first day of the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1959-60: International News Editor, Mrs. Eunice Braun; National News Editor, Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot; Managing Editor, 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.
