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| No. 355 | BAHA’I YEAR 117 | OCTOBER, 1960 |
Believers to Join Hands of Faith in Prayer
Message from the Holy Land
Beloved Friends:
“They that have forsaken their country for the purpose of teaching Our Cause these shall the Faithful Spirit strengthen through its power. . . . Such a service, is indeed, the prince of all goodly deeds, and the ornament of every goodly act.”
“Should anyone arise for the triumph of Our Cause him will God render victorious though tens of thousands of enemies be leagued against him.” (Bahá’u’lláh)
In the past months, since the annual conventions were held many events have taken place which have caused the friends to rejoice anew over the truly unassailable foundation upon which our glorious Faith has been laid. The individual believers in every part of the world have arisen with renewed consecration and redoubled zeal to devote themselves to winning the goals of our beloved Guardian’s holy Crusade.
The news of the progress being made in winning these goals has been truly inspiring; a steady flow of pioneers from North America and Persia is going out to support the work in those crucial places where new national assemblies must be formed either next April or in Riḍván 1962. In addition to this, local pioneers in Latin America and Europe are reinforcing the work, and through their familiarity with the languages and customs of the people are proving of invaluable assistance in building up new assemblies and strengthening existing ones.
We clearly see that the words of our beloved Guardian resound with thrilling fulfillment around the Bahá’í World: “From the record of its tumultuous history, almost every page of which portrays a fresh crisis . . . recounts the tale of a base betrayal . . . there emerges, clear and incontrovertible, the supreme truth that with every fresh outbreak of hostility to the Faith, whether from within or from without, a corresponding measure of outpouring grace, sustaining its defenders and confounding its adversaries, has been providentially released, communicating a fresh impulse to the onward march of the Faith . . . ”
What bounties we share, what privileges we have been given, what blessings have been showered upon us! Is it any wonder that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked us over and over, “Do you know what day it is in which you are living?”
Where such manifold blessings are given, an equally deep responsibility and challenge confronts us. This is the hour for every single believer to arise as never before and rededicate himself to the unfinished tasks of the beloved Guardian’s Ten-Year Plan, so that the rising tide of victories which made the past year unprecedented in the Faith, may sweep us on to greater triumphs and even more brilliant accomplishments on every front.
The eyes of the Bahá’í world are particularly directed to the goal cities of Europe where we still have twenty-seven local spiritual assemblies to establish in nine countries. The most urgent need is for heroic pioneers to arise, determined to overcome every obstacle that stands in their path and volunteer their services through their own national spiritual assembly. At the start of this great Global Crusade, the beloved Guardian said that pioneering was the single most important service in the Bahá’í world in that hour. That service remains unique and priceless.
Time is getting terrifyingly short; we must all hasten on our individual and collective paths of service in order to win all the goals of our beloved Guardian. We ask each one of you to reconsider how you may be of greater help, as a pioneer, as a teacher, through greater support of the Fund, in any and every way possible, so that these coming months may see a great upsurge of activity and the kindling of a mighty name of devotion which will sweep like wildfire throughout the Bahá’í world and carry us all to victory
At the annual meeting of the Hands of the cause,
starting on October 18, momentous decisions will have
to be made, and exhaustive plans formulated. We ask
the believers everywhere in the world to join us on
the evening of October 19 in saying the Tablet of[Page 2]
Aḥmad or another prayer, supplicating that all difficulties may be removed, all obstacles overcome, in the
vital months that lie ahead — months which must witness the election of twenty-one new national assemblies
in the Latin American area and the creation of twenty-seven new local assemblies in the goal countries of
Europe, assemblies which are to be the foundation
of the new European national assemblies to be elected
in Riḍván, 1962. We felt that this day, October 19,
would carry a special blessing, as it is the anniversary,
according to the solar calendar, of the birthday of the
precious Báb. The Hands will, after sunset on that day,
be praying at Bahjí in the holy Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.
Please join us then in thought, spirit and prayer.
Confident of final victory, and resolved to show forth, in the Words of the beloved Guardian, “A dazzling display of the qualities which must distinguish a worthy stewardship of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh,” let the friends everywhere arise with one accord, and conclude triumphantly those tasks which the Will of the Most High has ordained it should be their privilege to perform.
In the service of the beloved Guardian,
—HANDS OF THE CAUSE IN THE HOLY LAND
Haifa, Israel
September 7, 1960
CORRECTION[edit]
The communities of Fairbanks and Tanana Valley should be included among those listed in August BAHÁ’Í NEWS, page 5, as being represented at the Alaska National Convention.
Delegates and visitors to the tenth Annual Convention of Central America, Mexico and Panama taken with
Hand of the Cause William Sears and Mrs. Sears, April, 1960.
Baton Rouge Parish, La. Recognizes Bahá’í Marriages[edit]
Under the existing Parish and State laws of Louisiana the Chairman of a local spiritual assembly may register in the Office of the Clerk of the Parish Court as the individual authorized to perform the rites of Bahá’í marriage. Mr. George B. Galinkin, Chairman of the Baton Rouge Assembly, was so registered in August and is therefore authorized to perform Bahá’í marriages. This means that another State of the United States recognizes the legality of Bahá’í marriages within the limits of the Parish in which the Assembly is located. Unfortunately, however, the form of Registration designates the individual as the “pastor” of the “church.”
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
NSA of France Elected[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of France is comprised of the following members elected on May 29 due to the dissolution of the Assembly elected during the convention:
Mile. Lucienne Migette, chairman; Dr. Barafroukhteh, vice-chairman; A. Tammene, secretary; Mme. H. Samimy, recording secretary; Lucien McComb, treasurer; Mrs. A. H. Naimi, Y. Yasdanian, F. Petit, and Mrs. Sara Kenny.
Dedication Program for Mother Temple of Africa Kampala, Uganda[edit]
Unity Feast: Friday, January 13, 1961, evening
Dedication: Saturday, January 14, 1961, morning
Conference: Saturday, January 14, 1961, afternoon and evening
Sunday, January 15, 1961, morning
Public Inauguration: Sunday, January 15, 1961, afternoon
Reception for Bahá’ís: Sunday, January 15, 1961, evening
Third annual Southwestern Bahá’í Summer School held at the Soroptomist Crippled Children’s Camp, Lewisville (Dallas), Texas.
International News Briefs[edit]
The Bahá’í Society of Sydney University held a public meeting on June 27 that attracted thirty-six non-Bahá’ís to hear Mrs. Jeanne Frankel. Publicity for this meeting included newspaper advertising, posters and sending 1,000 invitations.
The Anthropology Department also invited David Podger to give a lecture to its members and senior students on “Bahá’í Administration” on June 16. It was followed by lengthy, enthusiastic discussion. On August 2, Dr. Peter Khan spoke on “Islam and Progressive Revelation” under sponsorship of the university Comparative Religion Society.
The South Seas Island News reports that the Fiji Broadcasting Commission has allocated three “Early Morning Devotions” broadcasts to the Spiritual Assembly of Suva during the year. The Island Teaching committee of Fiji has issued its first “Newsletter” for Groups and isolated believers.
At the fourth Teaching Conference of the Tongan Islands there were twenty believers present. It was held on July 2, 1960 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Blakely.
A selection of Bahá’í prayers has been translated into the Ellice language, which completes a further goal of the friends in these islands.
The established Bahá’í school in Tuarabu, Abaiang, with two qualified teachers has been registered with the government.
Auxiliary Board member Amoz E. Gibson arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Sunday, July 17, 1960 and was greeted at the airport by many of the friends. During his five-day visit in Haiti he met with Bahá’ís every evening at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and was able to visit the homes of many. He met with the Bahá’ís of St. Marc and spoke to a public audience of forty, mostly young people. Mr. Gibson also met with the Bahá’ís in Liancourt, and then gave a public talk there. He was interviewed by a local newspaper (Nuveau Monde) and an excellent article appeared in the paper. The enthusiasm resulting from Mr. Gibson’s Visit has been extremely helpful in galvanizing the believers into even greater action.
Darwin, Australia, Group had a Bahá’í display at the Darwin Show, held for three days during July and attended by 14,000 people. The focal point of the display was the Australian Temple model upon which was focused a blue spotlight. A fifteen-foot banner headed the display, with twelve-inch letters quoting Bahá’u’lláh’s words, “The earth is one country and mankind its citizens.“ Other materials were displayed such as photographs of Bahá’í communities around the world, other Bahá’í Temples, New Delhi Intercontinental Conference, as well as posters, charts, and Bahá’í books.
The small community of Pendleton, Ore., used effectively the services of a circuit teacher who had slides of the Holy Land, Haifa, and the Temple. A friend of the Bahá’ís invited them to present the slides to her guests in her garden patio, and thirty-eight members of her church circle, garden club, relatives and personal friends, as well as seventeen Bahá’ís, were entertained and favorably impressed. The guests included a retired Christian minister who had formerly spoken unfavorably about the Faith, a local travel bureau agent, and a relative of the Mayor of the city who had visited the Shrines and had been deeply touched by the beauty and spirit felt there.
The Bahá’ís of Hamburg Township, N.Y., were hosts at a truly international informal supper at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Pringle in observance of Race Amity Day. Five journalists and two interpreters sent by the International Cooperation Administration of South America, touring the United States under the guidance of a representative of the United States Department of Labor, formed the nucleus of the party. Also included were family groups of five each from India and Liberia, a couple from Rumania, a Bahá’í formerly from China and Formosa, and an educator from Buffalo who was leaving soon for West Africa to study the educational systems and methods in use there. The entire group was taken that same evening to the American Indian adoption ceremony on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. Being adopted were eleven persons, including Miss Bonnie Pringle, all of whom had performed some outstanding service to mankind.
Left: Hand of the Cause Dr. Hermann Grossmann (hobding Greatest Name) with believers in Asuncion, Paraguay,
July 3, 1960. Right: Paraguayan Indian couple (Mecca tribe) who visit every week with believers in Asuncion.
Southeastern States Summer School held at Frogmore, S.C. was attended by approximately 100 people who heard
the inspiring classes on “Consecration of the Individual,” “The World Order,” and “Increasing Your Teaching
Potential.”
[edit]
Nelson Greene, a Bahá’í of twenty-two and member of the Makah tribe of northwestern Washington, journeyed by bus to Arizona and New Mexico in July to meet and talk with believers and Indians on the Hopi and Navajo reservations. In the company of various pioneers on the Navajo reservation, Nelson travelled five hundred miles visiting the Indian villages of Lukachukai, Chinle, Pinon, Oraibi, Hotevilla, Bacabi, Tuba City, Window Rock in Arizona, Zuni in New Mexico, as well as the cities of Gallup and Flagstaff. In planned meetings Nelson spoke with Indians and non-Indians on the oneness of mankind and the laws of God. In informal social gatherings he talked of Indian tribal customs and the sea-faring Ways of his own people. He brought with him examples of the arts and crafts of the Makahs, including a small totem pole of his own making, after the way of his people, explaining how it told the story of man and his purpose on earth. In all types of gatherings, in meeting Navajo tribal council members and Hopi traditional leaders, Nelson met with warm response.
On this shared experience, one of the pioneers comments: “Nelson has grasped the administrative role of the Faith in a very real and Indian way, while still retaining a sensitivity to his people’s needs and traditions. We learned much from Nelson in his honoring of these customs and in his reverence for tribal traditions. We on the reservation must become more Indian-like in our deference to things Indian. Recognition of their way will permit their sharing the many problems they have and thus permit our sharing the instrument that will solve their needs, namely the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh.”
Choose Themes to Attract Youth[edit]
The South Central States Area bulletin contains the following excellent suggestion for coordinating youth and adult activities: “Where there are Bahá’í youth or teen-agers in the family it is not difficult for them to invite one or more of their friends to an evening's or Sunday afternoon’s discussion on a subject that is of special interest to youth such as: 1. What is unique about man? (The source of material is in Bahá’í World Faith under the Kingdoms and the station of the Manifestation.) 2. Has man pulled himself up by his own boot straps? (The source of material is in Bahá’í World Faith and New Era under the progress of civilization and the purpose of the Manifestation.) 3. What can a person use as a standard of truth to believe? (Source of material is in Foundations of World Unity, p. 45.)
“Either the youth or adults can act as moderator for a pooling of ideas and introduction of Bahá’í teachings.
“Where there are no Bahá’í youth in the family, these discussion meetings may be jointly planned and carried out by the youth and adults in the community.”
Central Figures of Faith Heroic Examples to Youth[edit]
Suggestion is made to the youth in the Southwestern States Area Bulletin that they study or review the selfless dedication, the humility and consecration which guided every action of the youth who responded to the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, who were themselves youthful in years when the Báb revealed His Mission to Mullá Ḥusayn in Shiráz in 1844. Consider the love and example of service expressed in action by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as a youth. Surely these youth have left a heritage to the youth of all ages who will arise and follow the true path of happiness and fulfillment.
Cup Haitien, Haiti, public meeting held August 8, ending National Teaching Conference at which Auxiliary
Board member from the U.S. Amoz E. Gibson was
present (back row).
BAHA’I IN THE NEWS[edit]
Chicago Sun-Times, August 24, published a photograph of three officials of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago standing in front of the new electrically-operated sluice gates at the mouth of the North Share Channel in Wilmette. As prominently pictured as the sluice gates was the Bahá’í House of Worship in the background.
In her sixteen-page booklet, From the Dusty Haunts of Man, Gerda Christofferson oi the Christofferson Erlterprises, Inc., Santa Fe, N.M., refers in Chapter VH. on “religion” to Bahá’u’lláh as one of the great Prophets, to His teachings regarding progressive revelation and the principles which will unite the world in this day. Mrs. Christofferson is noted for her paintings of the Indians of America, one of which has been reproduced as the cover for her booklet.
The Sunday Messenger, Athens, ohio, on August 21 carried. a report of the commencement exercises at Ohio University. Under the heading “First Ph.D in Speech Awarded“ the article mentions Allan L. Ward as having been the first to receive a doctoral degree in speech at this university and the second to receive any doctorate from this institution. After referring to Dr. Ward as having majored in public address and having accepted a full professorship at Lane College in Jackson, Tenn., the article mentions his services as a traveling lecturer for the National Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.
The Sarasota, Florida Herald-Tribune, April 24, 1960 published a feature story and photograph by Ethel Calhoun of Mrs. Loulie Albee Mathews “upon whose shoulders the burden of 90 years rides light as a feather” and who had just completed writing her third book, City Ways, which gives Mrs. Mathews’ reactions to New York high society in the early 1900’s. The writer speaks of Mrs. Mathews’ interest in the Bahá’í Faith and of her extensive travels to teach “the elements of the Bahá’í philosophy.”
Another story about Mrs. Mathews was published in the feature section of the Venice Gondolier, Venice, Fla., on June 2. This reporter tells about the weekly dancing classes for Negro children conducted by Mrs. Mathews at the Venice Negro Library Center. One of the two photographs which accompanied the article showed Mrs. Mathews leading one of the dancing songs with the children. This article also speaks about Mrs. Mathews’ Bahá’í travels and her three books.
The February 1960 issue of Marylander carries a story of the expansion of the Seoul, Korea, overseas program of the University of Maryland, listing among the four key people at this center William H. Maxwell, Jr. The paragraph devoted to Mr. Maxwell’s educational background states: “He is also a teacher of the Bahá’í Faith.” The accompanying photograph of these leaders identifies Mr. Maxwell as “Education Adviser of Eighth U.S. Army.” The Marylander is a publication of the University of Maryland and its distribution includes approximately 25,000 students, about eighty per cent military, in twenty-five countries.
The July 1960 Saturday Review, fine arts section, reports an interview with Mark Tobey by the magazine's art critic, Katharine Kuh. It Carries the tit : “The Painter Meets the Critic.” In answer to Miss Kuh’s question as to how religion has influenced his work, Mr. Tobey states his belief in the basic Bahá’í principle of the oneness and progression of religion, and refers to science and religion as the two great powers that must be balanced if man is to become mature.
The Lowell, Mass., Sunday Sun of July 17, 1960 carries a feature article by Frank Makarewicz about the Greater Lowell Mental Health Center and refers to the retiring director, Dr. Sam G. McClellan, who is leaving his post to continue his work and study at Harvard‘s school of public health. The article states that Dr. McClellan is “a member of the all-encompassing Bahá’í Faith” which “has helped him to understand better his own field of endeavor.”
Hedda Hopper’s column in Motion Picture magazine, August 1960, refers to Vic Damone and Janet Lake and states: “Both are studying Bahá’í, a type of spiritual religion.”
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Bekume, British Cameroons, established in Riḍván, 1960.
LOCAL ASSEMBLIES FORMED RIḌVÁN 1960
Eight members of me first Local spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá’ís of Medina, New Ireland, Territory of
Papua, New Guinea.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Rochester, Minnesota, formed on April 21, 1960. From
Tom: D7. Darius Shahrokh, Mrs. Evelyn Duncan, Mrs.
Anita Tuttle, Dr. Rodney Belcher. Back row: Mrs.
Lorraine Wright, Lerton Duncan, Mrs. Jean Herring,
Verne Tuttle, Mrs. Dawn Belcher.
First Local Spiritual Assembly, Otavalo, Ecuador,
formed April 21, 1960
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ipswich, Massachusetts, formed April 21, 1960. Front
row: Mrs. Jean Janus, Mr. Nicholas Janus, Mrs. Leonora Norman, Mrs. Caroline Cruikshank. Back row: Mr. Donald H. Cruikshank, Mr. T. C. Lucas, Mrs. Joan
E. Appleton, Mr. Bradford Lucas, Mrs. Joye Lucas.
Local Spiritual Assembly of Jackson, Mississippi, incorporated on May 26, 1960. This brings the total number of incorporated assemblies in the continental United States to ninety-three.
Class for children and youth held every Sunday morning in Campinas, Brazil. Only six are children of
Bahá’ís.
Calendar of Events[edit]
FEASTS[edit]
October l6 — ‘Ilm (Knowledge)
November 4 — Qudrat (Power)
HOLY DAY[edit]
October 20 — Birth of the Báb
PROCLAMATION EVENT[edit]
October 24 — United Nations Day
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS[edit]
October 14-16
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.
Baha’i Publishing Trust[edit]
Spiritual and Social Teachings for a New Age. Introduction to the Bahá’í Teachings, Ten-Lesson Study Course, by Mamie Seto.
This is a new printing of an old. favorite study outline that uses Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, and The Selected Writings (of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi) as references.
The material can be used either for personal use or for a study class and the questions provide subjects for discussion, It can be used either as a review course for Bahá’í or to prepare inquirers for enrollment.
The title above is new. It was previously known only as Introduction to the Bahá’í Teachings. 8½ x ll, 16 pages.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .20
10 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.50
Prescription for Living (Talisman paperback edition). This book by Rúḥíyyih Khánum which has been so useful since it was first published some years ago is now available in a very inexpensive paperback edition, enabling Bahá’ís to use it more freely in teaching. There will be other titles available shortly in these less expensive Talisman editions from the George Ronald list which the Bahá’í Publishing Trust distributes.
Per copy (paper) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50
Prescription for Living (new clothbound edition). This has now been reset in larger type, easier to read, to make a more attractive book; also more appropriate for libraries.
Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00
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:[edit]
Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Subscription and change at address: 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í World Community.
Reports, plans, news items, and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from national assemblies of other lands. Material is due in Wilmette on the first day of the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee, The Committee for 1960-1961: Richard C. Thomas, Managing Editor; Mrs. Eunice Braun, International News Editor; Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot, National News Editor, Miss D. Thelma Jackson and Mrs. Harriett Wolcott, Assistant Editors.
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.
