THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Office of the Secretary
P. O. BOX 139, STATION D, NEW YORK CITYO people of Bahá! Be as the cloud that from you may be showered that which will refresh and animate the earth. . . .
Ponder God in your heart, reflect on His Manifestations, and be not of them that are devoid of understanding. . . .
I came not to proclaim that which ye already possess. Verily, verily, this day is a new day; He that hath come is the Wondrous, and His bidding the wonder of all that is in heaven and on earth.
THE ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]
Editorial
In the last NEWS LETTER the subject of Baha’i administration was presented as a subject for special study by all believers, and references to the Teachings were given to show the progressive source of authority in the Cause. As the call for the Twenty-second Annual Convention of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada is now being issued, it seems opportune to take the Convention as a special topic for study this month.
In the By-Laws adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly it is stated that “the annual meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly at which its members shall be elected shall be known as the National Convention of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada.” This statement reflects the fact that it is the National Spiritual Assembly and not the body of the believers which, according to Shoghi Effendi’s instructions, has been legally incorporated in the United States and Canada. It is thus the National Assembly, which now passes upon the credentials of the delegates and not a credentials committee appointed by the
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The following statement shows that the required sum of $400,000 can surely be anticipated in the next few days. Let us make supreme effort now, so that the construction orders can be given well before the Convention, and the delegates have the privilege of witnessing the activity with their own eyes. A special NEWS LETTER will be published immediately after the Temple Construction Fund is complete, in order to supply information about the building plans adopted by the Trustees serving under the Temple Indenture. Cash (in all funds) $388,606.79 Unpaid pledges .... 7,398.00 |
Convention itself, as was the case before the era emanating from the Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
If we can at this time clearly understand the possibilities and responsibilities inherent in the annual Convention, the believers collectively will be able to regenerate all the actions and relationships sustaining the progress of the Cause.
First consideration should be given to the fact that the 95 delegates constituting the Convention are not merely Bahá’is in the general sense of that term, but are believers who are known to be entirely loyal to the provisions of the Will and Testament. This condition is of crucial importance in that it implies an elective and consultative body imbued with one spirit and one animating purpose and not subject to doubt or confusion in matters of procedure. It also implies a Bahá’i body not subject to the conflicting trends of human personality, for the larger purposes of the Cause flow on from year to year through broad channels laid down in Teachings which are equally available to all believers.
To consider next the character and scope of the Convention in relation to that of other organic Baha’i bodies, such as the Local and National Assemblies: the Guardian’s letters endow the Convention with two specific functions —first, consultation on the affairs of the Cause, and, second, the election of the National Spiritual Assembly.
This definition which is accompanied by the statement that the actions of the Convention (except of course the election of the National Assembly) are subject to approval by the National Assembly, creates a status for the Convention much more definite than was our practice before the Ascension of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. For example, during that period the Convention made important decisions now vested in the National Assembly. The Convention also was called upon to approve important decisions already made by the Executive Board of Bahá’i Temple Unity. An examination of the minutes of previous Conventions also shows that the Convention was regarded in the light of a court of appeal and from time to time committees were appointed by the Convention which would now emanate from the National Assembly.
The cardinal point of distinction between Bahá’i administrative bodies and the administrative bodies of governments and also churches is that in the latter the various bodies are subject to
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of the Bahá’is of the United States and Canada
P.O. Box 139, Station D, New York City Address for telegrams Horace Holley, 129 East 10th Street New York City Office of the Treasurer 1821 Lincoln Street Evanston, Ill.
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checks and balances which tend to prevent unanimity of action and the full concentration of power, whereas in the Bahá’i Cause the purpose of all administration is to make possible complete responsiveness to the one Divine Will. There can thus be no question of conflicts of authority as between the Convention and the National Assembly or any other element of Baha’i administration.
The spiritual possibilities and responsibilities of the Convention can only be realized if we hold clearly in mind some of the things the Convention is no longer called upon to do. The Convention is no longer a court of appeal. The Convention does not appoint permanent committees. The Convention does not make independent final decisions. The functions assigned to the National Assembly continue throughout the year without interruption and are not affected by the fact of the delegates being in session.
The positive functions of the Convention are by no means made unimportant by these facts. It is at the Convention that the current activities and trends of the Cause are most fully unfolded and more carefully examined each year. The spiritual station to Which the delegates are called is that of true understanding, and understanding is a positive quality and power which has vital effect throughout the entire body of believers even though it is not directly expressed in terms of authority and decision. The election of the National Assembly, the body that later on will help elect the International House of Justice, is obviously a positive action calling for the highest order of capacity.
Since the relative functions of the Convention and of other administrative bodies have been defined for us by the Guardian and not arbitrarily imposed by any committee or body of the believers themselves, we can surely appreciate the fact that individual and collective Baha’i success depends upon full-hearted effort to function within the exact area described by Shoghi Effendi, and this result can only be limited by any effort to alter the character of the Convention to accord with preconceived human ideas.
The members of the National Assembly have recently re-examined all the Guardian’s instructions bearing upon the nature and purposes of the annual Convention, and have noted several details concerning which there has been some confusion in previous years. These notations, adopted primarily for the guidance of the National Assembly itself, have been brought to the Guardian’s attention and approved by him. It therefore seems advisable to summarize them for the benefit of the delegates this year and also of all believers who desire to be fully acquainted with the principles of Bahá’i administration.
The following quotations are taken from the minutes of the meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly held on November 16th and 17th, 1929.
“In the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities as members of the electoral body called upon to elect the National Spiritual Assembly, the delegates possess the full right, on motion and vote, to seek information from other believers, and, if necessary, from non-Bahá’is. On the other hand, non-delegates do not possess the right to bring matters directly to the Convention unless specifically requested to do so by the delegates, inasmuch as all believers have the inalienable right to bring any matter pertaining to the Cause to the attention of the local or national Assembly, and, if necessary, to the Guardian.”
“In sending out the Convention call, the National Assembly shall state a definite time when the agenda shall be adopted and distributed to the ninety-five delegates, and in the call shall request those elected as delegates to bring to the attention of the National Assembly any subjects they feel should be incorporated in the agenda.
“The National Assembly in dealing with its committees shall make it clear that annual reports are to be submitted to the National Assembly and not to the Convention.
“The time of the election of the members of the National Assembly shall be fixed in the agenda at such a point as to allow the outgoing Assembly full time to report to the delegates and to allow the incoming Assembly, in accordance with the Guardian’s instructions, to have a full consultation with the assembled delegates.
“The National Assembly recognizes that the status of a delegate is limited in point of time to the duration of the Convention sessions, except as called for in Article VIII, Section 13, of the By-Laws which reads as follows: ‘vacancies in the membership of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be filled by a plurality vote of the delegates composing the Convention, which elected the Assembly, the ballot to be taken by correspondence or in any other manner decided upon by the National Spiritual Assembly.’
“Since the greatest obligation of
both the outgoing and incoming National
Assemblies during the Convention
is to the body of the delegates,
the National Assembly will make it
[Page 3]
clear to all the American believers before
the 1930 Convention that it prefers
not to entertain appeals nor give
consultation to individuals or groups
during the Convention sessions on matters
which can be considered at any
regular meeting of the National
Assembly.”
The volume entitled Bahá’i Administration has an index which makes it possible to refer to all the statements of the Guardian on any given topic. The power of the Convention will be greatly increased if each delegate will study carefully the various references to the subject of the annual Convention in that book and also will bear in mind the different sections under Article VIII of the By-Laws which bear upon the same subject.
In Memoriam[edit]
The editor of the NEWS LETTER desires to record the passing of all American believers, but on account of lack of space, the National Assembly decided to refer all biographical notices to a Necrology, to be published every few years. By this means, the lives and accomplishments of believers will be preserved as a beautiful and distinctive attribute of the Bahá’i Cause.
- Mrs. Emma Hargis, Chicago.
- Mrs. Josie Townsend, Chicago.
- Miss Mary Jane Churchill, Santa
- Barbara, Calif.
- Mr. J. R. Hilts, Lansing, Mich.
- Mrs. N. Partlow, Lansing, Mich.
History of the Cause in Egypt[edit]
From Bulletin of the Egyptian National Spiritual Assembly
( Continued )
during the reign of Ismail Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt, and Mirza Heyder Ali was not released from his long exile until Ismail Pasha was dethroned.
A few years after that, Bahá’u’lláh sent a few of His followers who lived in the great prison city, Akka and these after settling in Egypt for some time formed with other Bahá’is a commercial enterprise in Cairo which flourished rapidly and later other affiliated branches were founded in Alexandria and Port Said.
Hag Hassan Khorassany who was an efficient member of that group was prominent in his activities for the Cause. His home in Cairo and Alexandria was opened to the friends to hold their weekly meetings. He was loved by all for his kindness and hospitality.
Accompanied by Hussein Effendi Rouhy he made a visit to Europe and to the United States of America where he spent some months in preaching the message.
Another prominent figure in the Cause in Egypt may be mentioned the famous erudite Mirza Abul Fadl, who was a great instrument in proclaiming the Cause in Egypt. His fluency in Arabic literature and his expert knowledge in philosophy, history and the allied sciences made him quite famous in the circles of the learned men of Cairo and his home was daily frequented by many admirers. Mirza Abdul Fadl spent the latter part of his life in teaching the Cause and in writing many valuable Bahá’i books and during his long sojourn many Egyptians accepted the new Faith. When the Master visited Egypt in the years preceding the great war the circle of Egyptian Bahá’is multiplied rapidly. During the war twice the Bahá’is of Port Said were pillaged and ill treated by the fanatic mobs who were aroused against them by a hostile Shiekh who was a bitter adversary to the Cause.
Another grave incident which somewhat affected the Cause was that which occurred about four years ago at KomEl-Sayeda in which a group of the resident Bahá’is of that village were attacked by the enraged mobs and who were later brought for cross-examination before the religious Tribunal and who, after long investigations by the court, were finally excommunicated from Islam, the judgment was based on the belief that the Bahá’i religion is a separate and independent religion from Islam.
At present the Bahá’is of Egypt are mostly natives. There is only a limited number of Persian believers whilst in the beginning when the Cause was first introduced the friends were totally Persians.
The affairs of the Cause are now organized by the N. S. A. A general census of the Bahá’is was made last month, after due registration of all adult believers.
It is hoped that with the cooperation of all the faithful, the Cause will hereafter take a new turn and more unified action will be accomplished, so that the new spirit of brotherhood may permeate throughout Egypt.
Bahá’i Summer School Geyserville, California[edit]
(Preliminary Announcement)
- 1. The fourth annual season of the
Bahá’i Summer School at Geyserville, California, will open this year on Sunday, July 13th, 1930, and continue for two weeks, i.e., to July 27th, inclusive. The friends are reminded to arrange their vacations, if possible, advantageously for these dates.
- 2. The consultation meeting held at
the close of the School last year, and other subsequent consultations, gave rise to new thoughts, ideals and impulses for further developing the School, assisted, as before, by the ardent activities and efforts of the pioneers who so voluntarily served to make a success of the first three years.
- 3. The lecture courses will be announced
later and programs issued in due time.
- 4. On Sunday, July 20th, an informal
teaching conference will be held, under the direction of the National Teaching Committee, giving an opportunity to review latest teaching activities and inter-assembly cooperation.
- 5. The daily program will be approximately
as follows:
- Forenoons: Devotional 9:00 to
9:15; Classes from 9:30 to noon;
- Afternoons : Discussions, specific
themes; Children’s class; Esperanto class;
- Evenings: Public meetings two times
per week.
- 6. Mrs. Agnes Wedde, of Palo
Alto, will be in complete charge of dining-room and kitchen at the cook-house. Service cafeteria style, but regular hours for meals. Supplementation: cold lunch-counter service after the evening session.
- 7. People intending to come to
Summer School will please address P. O. Box 101, Geyserville, California.
- 8. It is the aim of the committee to
make the vacation of the friends a time of physical recreation as well as of spiritual development.
- 9. Suggestions are welcomed by the
committee.
- John D. Bosch, Chairman,
- George O. Latimer,
- Leroy C. Ioas, Secretary.
Report of Progress From Urbana, Illinois[edit]
The Bahá’i Assembly of Urbana is
apparently functioning with harmony
and vigor, which is the desired state of
affairs as indicated by the Guardian,
Shoghi Effendi. During the past year
there have been many signs that the
believers are making progress in living
the life, spreading the teachings,
and making firm its foundations in the
hearts of the faithful. The cause of
Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá has become
more firmly established with the
[Page 4]
passing of the year, and it is yielding
richer spiritual rewards as the believers
become more thoroughly confirmed
in the service of the Cause.
The assembly had before it at the beginning of the year several major problems. The foremost was the fulfilling the conditions of the Plan of Unified Action. At the present time, the small group has almost met the financial obligation apportioned to the believers by the Plan. Such a task, by so small a group could only be accomplished by great sacrifice and much self abnegation.
As a result of the concentrated effort toward raising the Temple Fund the Assembly found that it was shut off automatically from outside speakers and teachers. This did not prove to be a serious handicap, because the absence of outside help stimulated local talent so that the work of teaching was by no means at a standstill.
The study classes held regular weekly meetings and much of the Bahá’i literature was covered in a systematic manner. These meetings were a source of much spiritual inspiration as well as being instructive to believers and those interested.
The Assembly decided to forward the Inter-Racial Amity work which was begun by former visits of Mr. Gregory. These efforts seemed to have confirmation of the Spirit as the results were very gratifying to the two races participating.
Several special meetings for prayer and meditation were held during the fast period; also there was a close observance of the Feasts and Anniversaries.
The many meetings entailed a great deal of painstaking effort on the part of the small group, but apparently confirmation was forthcoming as the meetings were held with the greatest harmony and enthusiasm.
The library received several books as well as many being taken by the believers, and the subscriptions to magazines kept up to standard.
There was the usual correspondence with other assemblies, individuals and the N. S. A.
During the past year the Assembly lost several of its most steadfast members which are deeply regretted; also the assembly gained some new believers for which all are thankful.
Taken as a whole the work of the Assembly during the past year indicates substantial progress in the cause of Bahá’u’lláh. There has developed in the Assembly a greater harmony with more firmness of purpose and a zeal that cannot be denied. The group has become more unified, and the affairs of the Cause are cared for in a most unselfish spirit. There is also a growing desire and a decided tendency to know and to obey the will of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. By means of prayer and meditation it is expected that the assembly will continue to progress until it finally functions perfectly as the institute for the establishment of His Kingdom on earth.
Spiritual Assembly of Urbana, Ill.,
- By: H. J. SNIDER, Chairman.
Announcement From Publishing Committee[edit]
Special Offers Available Until April 1, 1930
| 1925 | Regular | Special | |
| Hidden Words, paper | $0.20 | $0.10 | |
| Observations of a Baha’i Traveler | .50 | .25 | |
| Universal Religion | 1.00 | .75 | |
| Whence Comes the Light? | 1.00 | .50 | |
| Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, cloth | 1.00 | .75 | |
| Bahá’í Year Book, Vol. 1 | 1.00 | .50 | |
| Bahá’í World | 2.50 | 1.75 |
- Offer No. 1
| Regular | |||
| Bahá’i Movement, Vail | .03 | ||
| Benediction, per doz. | .20 | ||
| Dream of God | .05 | ||
| God and His Manifestations | .25 | ||
| In Gaililee | .20 | ||
| Spirit of World Unity | .10 | ||
| Star of the West, Peace Number | .05 | ||
| Perpetual Calendar | .05 |
- (Special—35 Cents)
- Offer No. 2
| Regular | |||
| Bahá’i Faith | .10 | ||
| Bahá’i Martyrdoms in Persia | .10 | ||
| Bahá’i Religion | .10 | ||
| The Brilliant Proof | .20 | ||
| Letters of Shoghi Effendi—Two | .20 | ||
| Copies | .40 | ||
| Bahá’i Feast Days, Calendar | .05 | ||
| Star of the West, Peace Number | .05 | ||
| Lectures of Fadil, Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5 | .20 | ||
| Lectures of Fadil, Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5 (No. 1 out of print) | .20 | ||
| Perpetual Calendar | .05 |
- (Special—50 cents)
- Offer No. 3
| Regular | |||
| What is the Bahá’i Movement, 10 Copies | .10 | ||
| What Went Ye Out For to See? 10 Copies | .20 | ||
| Tablet to the Hague | .05 | ||
| The Greatest Name—6 cards | .60 | ||
| Letters of Shoghi Effendi—12 Copies | 1.20 | ||
| Map Showing Travels of the Bab and ‘Bahá’u’lláh—6 maps | .60 | ||
| The Mashriqu’ul-Adhkar and the Bahá’i Movement, Masson—6 | .60 | ||
| Perpetual Calendar | .05 |
- (Special—$1.50)
- Offer No. 4
| Regular | |||
| Tablet to the Hague—6 Copies | .30 | ||
| Tablets to Japan—6 Copies | .60 | ||
| Bahá’u’lláh and His Message—12 Copies | .60 | ||
| Before Abraham Was I Am—12 Copies | .24 | ||
| Bird’s Eye View of the World in the Year 2000—12 Copies | .60 | ||
| Chapter on Strikes—12 Copies | .60 | ||
| Flowers from the Rose Garden of Akká—12 Copies | 1.20 | ||
| Oneness of Mankind | .25 | ||
| Memorial Services of ’Abdu’l-Bahá—12 Copies | 1.20 | ||
| Perpetual Calendar | .05 |
- (Special—$2.00)
| Star of the West, Peace Number—12 Copies, .60 Special | .25 |
Bahá’i Temple Postcards
1c each or 12 for 10c
This beautiful picture of the Temple should be purchased in large quantities by every believer, used whenever possible by sending written communications and in this way spreading the message of the Bahá’i Movement and the urgent need for the completion of our Universal House of Worship.
- Bahá’i Publishing Committee,
P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station,
- New York City.
Annual Report of the Activities of the Bahá’i Friends at Rangoon 1928-1929[edit]
Reprinted from Bahá’i News Letter of the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma
The general meetings of the friends
were held regularly, with utmost
Bahá’i love, harmony and unity on
every Wednesday and Sunday at the
residences of Mr. Syed Abdul Hussain
Shirazi and Mr. Seyd Janab Ali,
respectively, with the main object of
promoting esprit de corps in our Assembly
by making the friends thoroughly
realize the significance of the
teaching and mandates of the Blessed
Perfection and our dear Master
’Abdu’l-Bahá. The most inspiring and
highly instructive letters of the beloved
Guardian of the Cause which
were received from time to time
through the N. S. A., India and
Burma and the President of the Spiritual
Assembly of Rangoon were read
[Page 5]
out and carefully explained to all the
friends for their general information.
All the important Bahá’i feasts during
the year were successfully celebrated
in which all friends joined with greatest
joy and harmony. Prayers and
tablets suitable to each occasion were
chanted.
- 2. The members of the Spiritual
Assembly met together every Friday evening at the residence of Syed Abdul Hussain Shirazi to consider and discuss the various important proposals affecting the Cause and particularly the ways and means for the progress of the Cause of God in Burma.
- 3. This year we had the good fortune
of having amongst us our esteemed brother Jinabi Moulvi Syed Mahfoozul Haque Ilmi, the Editor of Kaukib-i Hind, who arrived in Rangoon on a teaching tour on the 11th September, 1928. During his sojourn in Rangoon, he was the honorable guest of Mr. Syed Janab Ali the President of our Assembly. He rendered excellent services to the Great Cause not only by visiting all the Bahá’i Centres in Burma, but by addressing meetings all over the country even in the remotest corners of the province at a great sacrifice and incalculable physical troubles and hardship, his constant companion being our dearly beloved brother Syed Mahmood Shirazi.
He has sown the seeds throughout the province with the greatest care and zeal and it is our earnest prayer that in the fullness of time they will grow into trees and bear sweetest fruits. We are confident his labors in Rangoon, Mandalay, Maymyo, Monywa and Taungyi will not go fruitless.
In this connection we feel more than ever the greatest need of the helpful prayers of our beloved Guardian Shoghi Effendi. One thing of which we are convinced is that the progress of the whole in Burma is not as satisfactory as it ought to have been. The field is vast, but the real workers are unfortunately very few. What is really wanted is a good number of sincere English knowing workers who can present the Cause to the people in English, which language is understood by practically all the enlightened men and women of Burma and India. The language difficulty is the great difficulty. In every province of India, including Burma a different language is spoken. The English language is the only language which is commonly understood. Hence all important All-India conferences, leagues, etc., have adopted this language as the medium for their discussions. Mr. Ilmi left Rangoon for Calcutta on the 6th of November, 1928, after successfully promulgating the teaching of Bahá’u’lláh in Burma for one month and 26 days. The detailed accounts of his activities together with the summaries of his wonderful speeches were published in the last September and October issues of the Dawn.
- 4. With the deepest regret and most
profound sorrow we record the ascension to the Abhá Kingdom of our dearly beloved brother Jinabi Khalifa Mohamed Younus Sahib, the most sincere and indefatigable servant of the Divine Threshold which melancholy event took place in Mandalay on 11th November, 1928. By the decision of the Spiritual Assembly a letter of condolence to the bereaved relatives of the deceased was sent through the Mandalay Assembly, the friends also held a memorial service for the benefit of his soul by fixing a special day for the purpose. A brief account of his life and activities in the teaching and propagation of the Cause has already appeared in the columns of our monthly magazine, the Dawn, and we refrain from recapitulating the same here. As he was the last editor of the Burmese Section of the Dawn (a Bahá’i monthly magazine printed and published under the auspices of the Bahá’i Spiritual Assembly of Rangoon for the last 6 years) the following alteration was made in the editorial staff, i. e. Mr. Mohamed Hasam-ud-din, son of Dr. Abdul Hakim and a member of our Assembly was unanimously elected as the Editor of the Burmese section in his place.
- 5. We are highly indebted to our
dearly beloved brother Mr. Seyd Abdul Hossain Shirazi a grandson of the late Haji Seyd Mehdi Shirazi for his generously helping Bahá’i Journal Dawn in three different languages, viz.: English, Persian and Burmese, which reflects the activities of the Rangoon friends. Hence, no circular letter is issued separately by this Assembly. We also offer our sincerest thanks to Miss Hla Hla for her regular contribution of very interesting and instructive articles to the Burmese section of the Dawn. Her Burmese translation from Dr. Esselmont’s famous book “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” immensely enhanced the value of the Dawn in the eyes of the Burmese public.
- 6. Another important event worth
noting was the invitation by the Brahmo Samaj of Rangoon to us to represent the Bahá’i religion at the celebration of their Centenary on the 22nd, January, 1929. In response to that invitation our President spoke at their Hall of the Bahá’i movement and its history and ideals. The speech was greatly appreciated by the audience.
- 7. The following friends were
elected by the majority of votes to form the Spiritual Assembly of Rangoon for the current year 1929-30:—
- 1. Mr. Seyd Janab Ali, B. A.,
Barrister-at-law, President. 2. Dr. Abdul Hakim Sahib, Vice-President. 3. Seyd Kholam Murtaza Ali, Secretary. 4. Mr. Mohamed Hasamuddin, Assistant Secretary and Accountant; 5. Mr. Seyd Abdul Hossain Shirazi, Librarian and Treasurer. 6. Dr. Seyd Mazhar Ali Shah. 7. Mr. Mohd Yasin Khan. 8. Mr. Zabihullah Zarghani; 9. Mr. Mohamed Abdul Shakoor.
- With best Bahá’i love and greetings,
- Yours sincerely in His service,
- S. G. MURTAZA ALI,
- Secretary to the Bahá’i Spiritual
Assembly, Rangoon.
Attention of Local Assembly and Group Secretaries[edit]
The new address of the Secretary of the San Francisco Assembly is: Miss Elizabeth L. Duffy, 831 Broderick Street, San Francisco.
Believers, especially interested in Esperanto may obtain copies of La Nova Tago, the Bahá’i-Esperanto organ published in Hamburg, Germany, by writing the Secretary of the American National Assembly.
It is the Guardian’s request that the American National Assembly sends him each year a complete list of believers in the United States and Canada, with names and addresses. Local Secretaries are requested to send the National Secretary the names and addresses of all believers to their lists, so that the complete Directory may be forwarded to Haifa. This Directory should contain only the names of those known to accept the Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
News of Miss Adelaide Sharp and Dr. Moody in Teheran[edit]
We are privileged to share this interesting news of the American believers in Teheran, received through the courtesy of Mrs. Clara H. Sharp of San Francisco.
“She writes that the film of ’Abdu’l-Bahá
was shown at a public meeting
at which were many Muhammadans.
This event, in the city whence He was
exiled and where so many believers
have been persecuted, is indeed a cause
for rejoicing. Five years ago, it would
have been impossible, at the time of
the Imbrie affair. . . . The Bahá’is in
Teheran do not seem to feel that the
Presbyterian School is very eager to
[Page 6]
give their Bahá’i boys a diploma when
they leave, and the School uses a questionnaire
asking each boy if he is a
Bahá’i or not. . . . I hope the time
will soon come when all the schools in
Teheran can work for the good of the
people, irrespective of creeds, and I
have every faith that this will be
brought about.
“Adelaide relates one interesting story of a case where a diploma was refused by the Presbyterian School to a Bahá’i boy, but he continued to attend until finally they gave him one to be rid of him. After receiving his diploma the boy went to a bank to secure a position. They asked him for recommendations and he said, ‘I am a Bahá’i’ and took from a pocket his Lawh-i-Akdas, saying ‘This is my recommendation.’ He secured the position and has held it ever since. The same young man heard that Shoghi Effendi wanted $900 to build an addition to the Shrines on Mount Carmel. He had saved $400 to build a home for himself, so he borrowed $500 from a friend and sent the $900 to Shoghi Effendi.
“The friends are doing all they are able to further the work of the Cause. A larger place was needed for their meetings, so they gave a play which netted them $1200, and a second performance is to be given. The Tarbiat School is growing constantly. The enrollment has almost doubled in the last few years.”
“The School has bought a moving picture machine for educational films, health films and any films that will give them an idea of life in other countries. If free educational films are available in this country, they would be greatly appreciated by the friends in Teheran. . . . Dr. Moody has been stronger this summer.”
Letter From Los Angeles Assembly[edit]
To our Bahá’i friends throughout the world:
Dear co–workers:
It is indeed a joy to be one of the great Circle of Bahá’i Assemblies and to join hands with all of you by means of correspondence. In these momentous early days of the Cause of God, we little realize our grave responsibilities, and the institution of the World Letters is a wise provision that brings us closer together and enables us to gain hope and courage from knowing something of the results of each other’s efforts.
In accordance with the instructions of the Guardian, we are holding our business meeting at the close of the spiritual Feast, then the material Feast follows. This makes the Nineteen Day Feast three-fold in Character. The program is centered round the Bahá’i Administration and other extracts from the Word. As we have a long list of believers, we have for some time followed the plan of mailing a notice to each member a few days before the Feast.
Recently a Teaching Conference was held under the auspices of the National Teaching Committee and several Assemblies near Los Angeles met in Glendale and exchanged ideas and suggestions. By this means we hope to work out a program of expansion, each Assembly endeavoring to bring together a new Assembly in some locality near them.
We have for some time been exchanging teachers with neighboring Assemblies, the plan being that the Assembly desiring a teacher communicate directly with the other Assembly, who sends them a speaker known to be competent to represent the Bahá’i Cause in public. Recently, we had the privilege of attending two of the members of the N. S. A. attend our Feast and give an address on the Temple Fund.
We have discontinued public meetings in order to increase our Temple Fund and find it much more satisfactory than renting a hall in hopes of increasing our membership.
Study classes are held in the afternoon and evenings to which the believers bring their friends. Also social meetings are held each month in which a special effort is made to interest the people of different races. The Esperanto class is many times a means of interesting the colored people, the Japanese, and many of the foreigners living here.
Many copies of the Bahá’i World and pictures of ’Abdu’l-Bahá and of the Temple have been placed in Libraries, offices of newspapers, etc. These pictures of ’Abdu’l-Bahá and of the Temple are accompanied by brief typewritten histories. In one locality, notices of the class meetings are put in a community newspaper and some of the people in that locality watch for the notices each week and seem very much interested though they are not always able to attend the Class.
In cooperation with the Teaching Committee, our Librarian has visited many of the classes, both in our own and some of our smaller and newer neighboring Assemblies, and carried with her a large traveling bag full of Bahá’i books. With this “Traveling Library,” she has kept the new believers constantly supplied with the latest books and study outlines. This plan has been very successful. Otherwise, many new and old believers who might not be able to attend the meetings often would know very little of the wide scope of our present day Bahá’i Library. We are also trying very hard to get a 100 percent subscription to the Star of the West. The Star is a wonderful means of interesting new people and is nice to give as a gift.
In the light of the following words, we will see how necessary it is to study deeply.
What It Means to Deepen in the Cause
“To deepen in the Cause means to read the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master so thoroughly as to be able to give it to others in its pure form.”
“There are many who have some superficial idea of what the Cause stands for. They, therefore, present it together with all sorts of ideas that are their own. As the Cause is still in its early days we must be most careful lest we fall under this error and injure the Movement we so much adore. There is no limit to the study of the Cause. The more we read the Writings the more Truths we can find in them and the more we will see that our previous notions were erroneous.”
Note: This was written by Ruhi Afnán at the request of Shoghi Effendi in answer to a question by a believer. A footnote was added by Shoghi Effendi.
The Shrine of the Báb and the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of America
The first convention of Bahá’i Temple Unity was held in Chicago on the very day that ’Abdu’l-Bahá placed the remains of the great Báb to rest on Mount Carmel in the marble casket sent by a believer from Rangoon, India.
Regarding the two events that happened simultaneously in the Bahá’i Cause, the one in the East and the other in the West on March 21, 1909, ’Abdu’l-Bahá wrote:
“Praise be to God that in the blessed
day of Narooz the sanctified remains
of his holiness the Báb—may my life
be a sacrifice to him—after sixty years
of wandering were carried to the most
beautiful spot of the Mountain of the
Lord, the Mount of Carmel; and one
of the divine miracles was this, that in
that very day the Convention of the
Bahá’i delegates was inaugurated in
Chicago, and unanimously and effectively
rules were adopted for the building
of the Temple. Consider thou
how heavenly Providence has effected
such confirmation that these two great
matters transpired in the same day.[Page 7]
This is an evidence of the greatest
assistance and help!”
When some of the American friends visited the holy shrine of the Báb and ’Abdu’l-Bahá shortly after the ascension of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, to our astonishment we found two large pictures of the American or “Mother Mashriqu’l-Adhkár” (as named by ’Abdu’l-Bahá) hanging on the walls of the two rooms used by the pilgrims who visit the shrine. These are the only pictures on these sacred walls and were placed by the Center of the Covenant himself (Star of the West, Vol. XIII, p. 120).
With Bahá’i love and greetings we are,
- In service to Shoghi Effendi,
The Los Angeles Spiritual Assembly,
- DORIS E. GOODRICK, Secretary.
for
INTER-RACIAL AMITY
Inter-Racial Amity Committee of the
Baha’is of Philadelphia, Pa.
Sunday, January 19, 1930
General Subject
PROGRAM
FIRST SESSION
Sunday at 11 A. M.
St. Simon the Cyrenian Church
Mr. Louis Gregory
“How to Improve Race Relations”
Mr. Albert R. Vail
“New Proofs of the Oneness of Mankind”
SECOND SESSION
3 P. M.
Unity Center of Truth
Mr. Albert R. Vail
“A Brotherhood Which Is Eternal”
THIRD SESSION
8 P. M.
Universalist of the Messiah
Mr. Albert R. Vail
“A New Universal Brotherhood”
Mr. Louis Gregory
“God’s Wonderful Plan for
Humanity”
BAHA’U’LLAH AND HIS TEACHINGS[edit]
Emperor Receives Gift of Volumes
Bahá’u’lláh and his teachings, which originated in Persia over a century ago, are now fast gaining a universal recognition all over the world. His Imperial Majesty the Emperor graciously accepted a gift of 7 volumes on the new religion presented by the Bahá’i Society, founded for the purpose of promoting the religion, through Dr. Rokuichiro Masujima, an eminent lawyer and member of the Middle Temple London. It may not be unappropriate to refer to the new religion in some details on this honored occasion.
The leading factor in human progress in the history of “ascent of man” is the advent, from time to time, of men who pass beyond the accepted ideas of their day and become discoverers and revealers of truths hitherto unknown among mankind. The inventor, the pioneer, the prophet—who– ever the case may be—these are the men on whom the transformation of the world primarily depends.
This unshakable truth is clearly demonstrated in every walk of life, but none so clearly as in religion. Alone against the world, without a single human being capable of understanding him or of sharing his great responsibility which he alone realizes, he arises, like a torch in the darkness, to proclaim his gospel of righteousness and truth.
HISTORY OF FOUNDER
There was born in Persia between dawn and sunrise on 12th of November, 1817, a son to Mirza’Abbas of Nur, a Minister of State. He was named Mirza Husayn’Ali who afterwards assumed the title of Bahá’u’lláh having realized his mission in life. Bahá’u’lláh declared that he was the long-expected educator and teacher of all peoples, the channel of a wondrous Grace that would transcend all previous outpourings, in which all previous forms of religion would become merged. He laid a foundation which affords a firm basis for Unity throughout the world and the inauguration of that glorious age of peace on earth, goodwill among men. Search after truth, the oneness of mankind, unity of religions, of races, of nations, of West and East, the reconciliation of religion and science, the eradication of prejudices and superstitions, the equality of men and women, the establishment of justice and righteousness, the setting up of a supreme international tribunal, the unification of languages, the compulsory diffusion of knowledge and many other teachings were revealed by the pen of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet. Much of his teaching was specially addressed to the Rulers and Kings of the world.
It is evident to all with enlightened minds that a new era is about to begin. The old principles of materialism and egoism, the old sectarian and patriotic prejudices and animosities are perishing amidst the, ruins they have wrought. Signs of a new spirit of faith, of brotherhood, of internationalism are evident everywhere. Revolutionary changes of unprecedented magnitude have been occurring in every department of human life. The old era is not quite dead yet. Evils there are in plenty but they are being fought with a spirit of love of righteousness. Clouds there are in plenty but the light is breaking through and is beginning to illuminate the path of progress and to reveal the pitfalls of the onward way. The onward way! Bahá’u’lláh believed himself the champion of the progress and “one shepherd for one fold.”
EDITORIAL NOTE—The foregoing article is an extract from a longer article published in “The Japan Times,” Tokyo, September 1, 1929. A statement about this presentation of Bahá’i literature to the Emperor of Japan was made in the “News Letter” last year.
Teaching Work of Mr. Gregory[edit]
MILWAUKEE
Following the annual convention Mr. Gregory, at the invitation of the assembly, went to Milwaukee, Wis. He addressed a well advertised public meeting held in the auditorium of one of the public schools and attended by representative citizens of both races. Assembly meetings for teaching, to which colored friends came for the first time, were held in the homes of Dr. and Mrs. Clark and Mr. and Mrs. Brown. The purpose of these meetings was to prepare the way for an amity conference to be held in the future. An interracial dinner was given in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Clark and a keen interest awakened among all present. These friend’s valued the work previously done by Mrs. Oglesby two years ago.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.
Mr. Gregory journeyed next to
Kansas City, Mo., to fulfill a promise
of long standing. In this great city
there is but a small circle of Bahá’is.
Mrs. Dr. T. C. Chapman has been for
many years a believer and devotes an
hour or two each day to reading and
studying the teachings. She is a very
competent teacher. This little circle
was joined daily by the travelling
teacher and explanations given. Mrs.
Chapman arranged for addresses at the
Unitarian church, whose pastor and
congregation had previously heard Mr.
Vail, and the church of Dr. Gomez,
a very successful young colored ministers
with a large congregation, who
opened his pulpit Sunday evening.[Page 8]
Dr. Chapman as his contribution to
the work, arranged a meeting with the
joint alumni of Fisk and Wilberforce
Universities and Meharry Medical
College. This was a fine gathering of
most progressive colored people and
the message and proofs interested all.
Other teaching meetings were held at
the home of Dr. and Mrs. Chapman
and a study class was organized to
meet fortnightly for the study of the
teachings. Twelve days spent in Kansas
City, through Divine assistance,
were productive of very pleasing results.
Mr. Pauli of New York is now
supplying the enlarged circle with copies
of the Bahá’i teachings and the
work has taken on renewed interest.
MEMPHIS, TENN.
About nine days in Memphis, Tenn., followed. This center was started about twelve years ago in the business college of Prof. George W. Henderson. It has not been visited by a teacher for four or five years. The believers were still there, but were inactive in holding meetings and spreading the message. The Greatest Name and the portrait of the Master still adorn the walls of the college. Prof. Henderson being out of the city temporarily gave opportunity to some of the others to prove their mettle. Dr. and Mrs. Thos. H. Watkins took up the work with enthusiasm and effectiveness. No city visited showed a greater capacity for the message. The people are extremely sociable and fond of organized activity. Openings came to speak to the City Club, the Young Mothers’ Club, the Health Club, the Felix Argo Club, the Beauty—parlor Club, and a social club, all organizations among the colored people of Memphis. To see the eagerness and receptivity of these friends in the far South makes one long for the day of more workers in the Cause. As in the cycle of Christ it is even so today: “The harvest truly is great but the laborers few.” Other addresses were delivered to the faculty and students of the LeMoyne Junior College, to the institute by public school teachers, to the faculty of Porter Public School and to the lower grades of the same. About this time Prof. Henderson, who was travelling in the interest of his school returned and delayed Mr. Gregory’s departure to arrange for other meetings. One of these was a talk to a Sunday School and to the congregation of the colored Methodist Church. Still another was with a fine group of his friends in a private home. He was all eagerness to have a meeting with the local interracial Committee, but this had to be deferred for lack of time. An address not mentioned above was at the commencement of a business school connected with the church of Rev. Dr. Sutton E. Griggs, who is also an author of note.
NASHVILLE, TENN.
Mr. Gregory reached Nashville, Tenn., during the commencement season of Fisk University, his alma mater. Although such a time is not the most favorable for teaching because of prearranged programs, he was permitted to address the student body about the Cause for a short time after luncheon, and because of the absence of one of the alumni speakers, was invited by the chairman, Mrs. Wright of Tuskegee, who is in full sympathy with the Cause, to fill in the vacancy, which was improved to present some of the principles of the Cause. The teacher had to hasten away in view of engagements ahead.
LOUISVILLE, KY.
During two days in Louisville, Ky., Mrs. Della Murphy, a Bahá’i of long standing and service, arranged a conference of the Bahá’i circle, consisting of believers of both races, and also a small group meeting for teaching. It was much regretted that this work could not be continued longer.
GREEN ACRE.
During the summer Mr. Gregory served on two committees, the Interracial Amity and the Green Acre and delivered a course of lectures on certain subjects pertaining to the Cause. He also found time occasionally to meet the friends in Portsmouth, N. H., where he and Mrs. Gregory are now making their home.
CHARLESTON, S. C.
About the middle of October Mr. Gregory was called to Charleston, S. C., to attend the funeral of his father, Mr. George Gregory, who was struck by an automobile, passed away at the age of 87. Although he was born before this new cycle began, he always took a deep interest in the Cause, distributed the literature and was quite active in arranging meetings even when he was feeble because of his advanced years. His funeral was attended by about a thousand people, seven clergymen taking part in the service at which Mr. Gregory read Bahá’i prayers. Tributes were paid him by people of both races in that Southern city where racial lines are so sharply drawn. He led a simple life, but one that was rich in service and it was clear from what was said of him that-more of the spirit and understanding had penetrated him than his son had dared to hope for in one so advanced in years. Mr. Gregory has asked the friends to pray for his loved one’s progress in the higher worlds and full understanding.
WORCESTER, MASS.
Mr. Gregory spent four days at Worcester in October, addressing the assembly meeting for teaching, a well advertised meeting on Thursday, meeting the friends at an afternoon tea on Saturday, smaller groups on two other evenings, speaking to the assembly on some of the deeper and more mystical phases of the teachings on Sunday afternoon. The station of the Guardian was entered into in connection with the new world order revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá. On the same evening a very enthusiastic meeting was held in a colored church the pastor of which, Rev. Mr. Gibson, had formerly heard the speaker when a student in the South.
PORTSMOUTH, N. H.
In Portsmouth, N. H., Mr. Gregory has addressed the assembly feasts and meeting for teaching on various occasions. He has spoken in the colored church and was recently asked by the pastor to fill in during his vacation, an invitation which had to be declined in view of other plans. On Wednesday evening, November 6, a very successful amity conference was held in the chapel of the Unitarian Church, Rev. William Safford Jones, the pastor, presiding. Music was furnished by singers of both races and addresses were delivered by the pastor, Mr. Gregory, the secretary of the Y. W. C. A., the Ensign of the Salvation Army, and Mr. Philip A. Marangella. Rev. Mr. Jones described the spirit of the gathering as “Pentacostal,” a description rare among Unitarians. On Sunday morning he preached a wonderful sermon from his pulpit, saying “that a new day had come and it is as if God had manifested Himself in this day.” He seems deeply attracted to the Cause and the local assembly can always count upon his help. Mr. Gregory has been invited later to address the Unitarian Club.
WEST ENGLEWOOD, N. J.
Following the N. S. A. meeting with September Mr. Gregory addressed a gathering of ninety at West Englewood, N. J., the home of Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, his subject being “Heaven.” He has a return engagement to speak there November 19.
(To be continued)
