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ANNUAL CONVENTION NUMBER
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 CITYParticipating Bahá’i Communities[edit]
Twenty-Second Annual Convention
| City | Number of | ||
| Delegates | |||
| Berkeley, Calif. | 1 | ||
| Burlinghame, Calif. | 1 | ||
| Geyserville, Calif. | 1 | ||
| Glendale, Calif. | 2 | ||
| Long Beach, Calif. | 2 | ||
| Los Angeles, Calif. | 3 | ||
| Oakland, Calif. | 2 | ||
| Pasadena, Calif. | 2 | ||
| San Francisco, Calif. | 4 | ||
| Santa Barbara, Calif. | 1 | ||
| South Gate, Calif. | 1 | ||
| Montreal, Canada | 3 | ||
| Vancouver, Canada | 1 | ||
| Washington, D. C. | 5 | ||
| St. Augustine, Fla. | 2 | ||
| Honolulu, Hawaii | 1 | ||
| Chicago, Ill. | 8 | ||
| Peoria, Ill. | 2 | ||
| Urbana, Ill. | 2 | ||
| Wilmette, Ill. | 1 | ||
| Eliot, Maine | 1 | ||
| Baltimore, Md. | 1 | ||
| Boston, Mass. | 2 | ||
| Worcester, Mass. | 2 | ||
| Detroit, Mich. | 2 | ||
| *Fruitport, Mich. | 1 | ||
| Lansing, Mich. | 1 | ||
| Muskegon, Mich. | 2 | ||
| Minneapolis, Minn. | 2 | ||
| Portsmouth, N. H. | 1 | ||
| Montclair, N. J. | 1 | ||
| Newark, N. J. | 2 | ||
| West Englewood, N. J. | 1 | ||
| Buffalo, N. Y. | 1 | ||
| Geneva, N. Y. | 1 | ||
| New York, N. Y. | 10 | ||
| Yonkers, N. Y. | 1 | ||
| Akron, Ohio | 2 | ||
| Cleveland, Ohio | 3 | ||
| Portland, Ore. | 3 | ||
| Philadelphia, Pa. | 2 | ||
| Seattle, Wash. | 3 |
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This NEWS LETTER contains the Annual Reports previously presented orally during the Convention sessions. Delegates are requested to study the reports this year in printed form, before the Convention opens, in order that the sessions may be more fully devoted to that consultation and discussion desired by the Guardian. The Convention Agenda will be distributed at the opening session. |
| Kenosha, Wisc. | 2 | ||
| Milwaukee, Wisc. | 2 | ||
| Racine, Wisc. | 1 | ||
| Total | 95 |
- Disqualified by lack of the required
number of believers.
Convention Call[edit]
To the Bahá’i Communities of the United States and Canada.
Dear Co-workers of Shoghi Effendi:
The Twenty-Second Annual Convention of the Bahá’is of the United States and Canada will be held in the Foundation Hall of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Wilmette, Illinois, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 25, 26 and 27, 1930. This notice is sent to all participating Bahá’i Communities in accordance with Article VIII of the By-Laws.
Will each local Spiritual Assembly proceed as soon as possible to call a special meeting of the Bahá’i Community for the election of its delegate (or delegates).
Please bring to the attention of that meeting the information contained in the enclosed papers.
An immediate election of delegates is desirable, for the reason that the National Assembly wishes each delegate to propose subjects considered suitable for the Convention Agenda. All suggestions received from delegates will be carefully studied, and the Agenda will reflect the combined views of the delegates as far as possible. The final date for suggestions is April 15.
Last year fifty-six out of the total of ninety-five delegates were present, and it is hoped that even more will be present at the Twenty-Second Annual Convention. The Guardian has also expressed the wish that the believers generally shall realize the importance of attending the Convention sessions.
Some weeks before the Convention, a letters will be issued giving all necessary information about hotel and other living accommodations in Wilmette and vicinity.
- Yours sincerely, in service to
- Shoghi Effendi,
The National Spiritual Assembly,
- HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary.
Enclosures:—List of Participating Communities; Registration of Delegates; Ballot for Absent Delegates; stamped, addressed Reply Envelope for Absent Delegates. This reply envelope should be used only for ballot of absent delegate—not for returning the registration of delegates.
Announcement by Convention Committee[edit]
The coming convention, marking as it does the consummation of the devoted efforts of the believers, is felt by the Convention Committee to be a season
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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. “The NEWS LETTER which you have lately initiated fulfills a very vital function and has been started admirably well. I would urge you to enlarge its scope, as much as your resources permit, that in time it may devote a special section to every phase of your activities, administrative, devotional, humanitarian, financial, educational and otherwise. That it may attain its object, it must combine the essential qualities of accuracy, reliability, thoroughness, dignity and wisdom. It should become a great factor in promoting understanding, providing information on Bahá’i activity, both local and foreign, in stimulating interest, in combating and safeguarding the institutions of the Cause. It should be made as representative as possible, should be replete with news, up-to-date in its information, and should arouse the keenest interest among believers and admirers alike in every corner of the globe. I cherish great hopes for its immediate future, and I trust you will devote your special attention to its development, and by devising well–conceived and world-wide measures transform this NEWS LETTER into what I hope will become the foremost Bahá’i Journal of the world.”—— SHOGHI EFFENDI |
of unique significance. Of even greater importance than those many matters for practical consideration which must of necessity be brought before the friends at this time, is the cementing of new bonds of unity which have made possible this outstanding moment of achievement, which was foretold by ’Abdu’l-Bahá in the following words: “Know ye that when this Temple of God shall be built in Chicago it will be to the spiritual body of the world what the inrush of the spirit is to the physical body of man, quickening it to its utmost part and infusing a new light and power.”
This is the time of joyous acceptance of new responsibilities and the awakening to unprecedented opportunities that lie before us, to the end that we may feel the greater stirring of the new life that all concede is already animating the body of our Cause in America.
Having attained to a measure of material sacrifice which has rewarded us with the certainty of the resumption of the building of the Temple, is not this transitional moment between the waiting hours of the past and the opening doors of the future, that of coming together to rededicate the temple of the heart, of which the outer expression, as glorious as it will be, is but a symbol? It is hoped that the liberation of the divine Bestowal at this longed-for occasion may express itself in an overwhelming love, uncolored by differences and opinions, in which, as willing and indispensable units of the great body of the Cause, each of us may obtain a new comprehension of the unity of the whole. We have given of our means, now let us sacrifice our desires, that we may reach that solution to all our teaching and administrative problems—the ultimate unity within the Cause of God for which the Master yearned: “O ye friends of God! strive to attain to this high and sublime station and show forth such a brightness in these days that its radiance may appear from the eternal horizons. This is the real foundation of the Cause of God; this is the essence of the divine doctrine; this is the cause of the revelation of the heavenly Scriptures; this is the means of the appearance of the Sun of the divine world; this is the way of the establishment of God upon the bodily throne.”
May this hour, which has gladdened the heart of our beloved Guardian, while bringing refreshment to the Greatest Holy Leaf, lengthen to a time when construction shall never cease within the Divine Edifice.
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“Nothing will be more conducive to my refreshment and strength than the news of the resumption of the construction of our sorely-neglected Temple. This is the reason why I feel that everything else, however urgent and weighty, should be subordinated to the Temple activity, which must for the present and for some time to come be regarded as the paramount and vital issue facing the American believers.” —SHOGHI EFFENDI.
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The Convention Headquarters will be at the Foundation Hall beginning Thursday afternoon, April 24th. The Hospitality Committee will be there to greet any in-coming friends.
The Convention sessions will begin promptly at 10 o’clock, Chicago time, adjourning at 1 o’clock for lunch, and resuming again at 2:30 o’clock.
The Assemblies of Chicago, Wilmette and Kenosha are uniting in preparing the Feast of Ridván, which will be held Saturday at 6 o’clock at Convention Hall. All the other evenings are left free, and if the delegates so desire, may be used for Convention work. In the event that this is not found necessary, the Committee suggests that the believers meet on Friday evening for an hour, with perhaps one or two brief talks, some music and opportunity for pleasant social intercourse.
The headquarters of the National Spiritual Assembly will be at the Evanston Hotel, Evanston, corner of Main Street and Forest Avenue.
Bahá’i literature may be purchased at the Foundation Hall from Mrs. Ruth Cornell.
- ALFRED LUNT,
- CARL SCHEFFLER,
- AMELIA E. COLLINS,
- Convention Committee.
Announcement by Hospitality Committee[edit]
In reporting for the Hospitality
Committee, which is anxious to assist
the visiting friends at the coming
Convention, we find that the Evanston Hotel,
which is on the Southwest corner
of Forest and Main St. in Evanston,
will be glad to take care of us at the
same rates that they have offered for
the last two years. Single person,[Page 3]
$2.50 and up. Two persons in one
room or three or four persons in a two
room suite, $2 a person. The management
will be glad to take care of special
conditions at regular prices. The
rooms that were used last year to receive
the incoming delegates, can be
had at $4 as before.
We have quite a list of rooms in private homes which can be obtained by writing to Mrs. Edward Struven, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette. Rooms for a single person are difficult to obtain, but Mrs. Struven has a few which can be had for $2 a day. And rooms for 2 or more persons can be had for $1 a day a person for $2 each.
Mrs. Struven will be glad to hear from the friends as early as possible in order to facilitate the matter of getting folks placed.
- HARRIET M. HILPERT,
Annual Report of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of the United States and Canada 1929-1930[edit]
To the delegates to the 22nd Annual Convention.
Dear Bahá’í friends:
The current Bahá’í year opened with the Guardian’s inspiring message cabled to the 1929 Convention: “Overjoyed remarkable evidences vitality of Faith. Glorious self-sacrifice American believers. Soon shipping silken carpet from Bahá’u’lláh’s shrine as crowning gift on altar of Bahá’í sacrifice. Boundless gratitude. Truest, deepest love.”
The year closes with the glorious achievement indicated by the completion of the Temple Fund, a result attained without depleting the resources of the believers in other lands. While, therefore, the edifice soon to be constructed represents the world-wide unity and devotion of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, it stands predominantly as an American contribution to the Cause, and this fact will undoubtedly disclose deep significance in the future.
In the spirit of joyous gratitude shared by all believers in the face of this great victory, we are conscious of the fact that the construction of the Temple terminates an era of the Cause in America and initiates the new and greater era to come. We can, therefore, well afford to pause a moment and express heartfelt appreciation for all the years of Bahá’í service which has made possible the triumphant culmination of the Temple plan. A few believers still live whose memory and personal experiences go back to the very dawn of the Bahá’í Movement in America. These precious lives, become so fruitful in the Day of God, bear witness to the power of the Holy Spirit through which the Center of the Covenant himself journeyed to this continent and raised the banner of universal peace. That presence, after eighteen years, is to be expressed in the beauty of the Temple.
As we contemplate such facts, we can appreciate to a certain degree the fundamental character of the era now ended and perhaps also discern the essential outlines of the next Bahá’í period. For nearly thirty-seven years the American believers have been functioning as loyal individuals within the comparatively small Bahá’í group. Our contacts and spiritual relations during that time have been far more with each other as believers than with the general public. The effect of Bahá’í Faith has been to transform the hearts and minds of the individual believers and, more especially since the ascension of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, to create for the group a form of organic unity reflecting the social teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Such problems as arise from the adjustments of human personality have therefore loomed far larger in our Bahá’i experience than will be the case when the American Bahá’í group is compelled to direct its attention outward toward the public. As a matter of fact, the time will undoubtedly soon come when we will regard the internal problems and difficulties experienced in the past as trivial and unimportant in comparison with the far more fundamental problem of meeting the attacks of enemies and satisfying the spiritual demands of the hearts of people prepared to accept the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.
In other words, we may already discern as the fundamental character of the Cause, in the new era now opened, the organic unity of a group having active contacts and relations outside its own membership. This condition will relieve the stress caused by personal contacts and produce that deeper and more vital faith which is inspired when believers are fulfilling the law of selfless service. Under those conditions, the relations of the believers themselves will be one of mutual aid and inspiration and a group so functioning can exert a spiritual influence immeasurably greater than it has exercised up to the present time.
Let us now consider carefully the significance of the communications received from the Guardian since the last Convention.
The attention of all the believers is called to the other cablegram received while the 1929 Convention was still in session. In this message Shoghi Effendi laid down the principle that no believer should refuse the results of any Bahá’í election or committee appointment. While this principle lays upon every believer the obligation of full loyalty to his fellow believers, it also obliges every Bahá’í elective body not to place upon any individual believer burdens which conditions in his or her personal life would make unendurable.
On October 25, 1929, the Guardian wrote the body of American believers a letter dealing with the spiritual significance of the Temple. This communication made it clear that the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is not to attempt to unite the people of different religions by setting up altars to various religions and permitting diverse methods of worship, but is to establish unity on the sole basis of acceptance of the station of Bahá’u’lláh. In this letter Shoghi Effendi also reminded us of the need of precaution in the acceptance of financial contributions from non-believers or from those who may regard themselves as Bahá’ís but do not accept the Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Such contributions, he pointed out, are only to be accepted with the understanding that they will be devoted to the purposes of general charity and not incorporated in the upbuilding of distinctly Bahá’í institutions, thus preventing any non-believer from acquiring influence in the direction of Bahá’í affairs.
The matter of contact with Orientals was clarified by the Guardian in a letter written through his secretary to the National Assembly. These instructions, already brought to the attention of believers through the NEWS LETTER, make a distinction between admitting Orientals to exclusively Bahá’í meetings or electing them to membership in Bahá’í Assemblies, and meeting them under such general relations as believers are called upon to make with any non-believer. We are to require proper credentials before regarding any Oriental as a believer, but, on the other hand, we are to show full courtesy to Orientals whether they have credentials or not.
Another instruction from the Guardian
this year has emphasized the need
of due review and approval of all literature
published under Bahá’í sanction
and auspices. This matter is presented
more in detail in the report of
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the Publishing Committee appended to
the report of the National Spiritual
Assembly.
Concerning the problem raised by the action of Mrs. Ruth White in publishing a book reproducing both the Persian and English text of the Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá in its entirety, advancing the assertion that the Will is a forgery and even attacking the Guardian’s personal integrity, Shoghi Effendi has written that no action should be taken by the Assembly without further word from him. In this connection, it will be remembered that the same author issued a pamphlet attacking the Cause last year and when this was brought to the Guardian’s attention he cabled the National Assembly that this attack would soon subside and leave no traces behind.
The NEWS LETTER for July, 1929, published a letter from the Guardian addressed to Mrs. True as a member of the Temple Program Committee laying down a general principle for the guidance of that committee in planning meetings in the Foundation Hall. The same principle seems to apply in the holding of all public meetings under Bahá’í auspices and the friends are, therefore, reminded of that important communication.
The Guardian has also sent to this country several communications with reference to the New History Society. On the one hand, he has made it clear that every individual endeavoring to teach the principles of the Cause should adhere to the form and spirit of Bahá’í administration as the sole basis for the unity of the Cause. On the other hand, he has pointed out the need of loving wisdom in dealing with individuals who are sincere in their efforts to render service even though mistaken and misguided in some of their views and methods. Frequent consultation between the members of the National Spiritual Assembly and the members of the New York Spiritual Assembly have during the year sought to fulfill both of these requirements. The result of this date has been to bring about a spirit of understanding and cooperation between the New History Society and the Bahá’í community of New York. The local Spiritual Assembly in fact has recently given the use of its headquarters for a series of public meetings held by representatives of the New History Society, and a group of people attracted to the Cause by the Society has been taught the principles of Bahá’í administration by Mrs. Beulah Lewis of Los Angeles, Mrs. May Maxwell, secretary of the Teaching Committee, and by Mr. Mountfort Mills. The National Assembly fully appreciates the fact that this situation has not been confined to one city but has raised important problems of Bahá’í loyalty in many parts of the country. The friends are urged to hold an attitude of good-will and serene patience pending the complete solution of the problem. The National Assembly is in close touch with the matter.
The Guardian’s cablegrams to the National Assembly on the subject of Temple construction will be presented in that part of our report dealing with the work of the Temple trustees.
For purposes of record it should also be stated here that Shoghi Effendi has pointed out a serious error of translation in the volume entitled “Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh.” This error appears on page 53, in the paragraph defining the legislative duties of the universal House of Justice. The friends who possess copies of this book are urged to make the following correction on the margin of that page: “It is incumbent upon the Trustees of the House of Justice to take counsel together regarding such laws as have not been expressly revealed in the Book. (Of these) whatever they deem advisable and proper that must they enforce.”
The National Assembly has for the most part confined its communications to the monthly NEWS LETTER during the past year. This policy has of course reflected the need for rigid economy in order to promote the Temple Fund and also the fact that the completion of that fund has been so thoroughly recognized as the end and aim of all current Bahá’i activities in the U. S. and Canada. The Assembly has neither undertaken, nor endorsed any activity which might tend in any way to confuse or retard the effort to fulfil that fund before the present Convention. The annual budget adopted at the beginning of the year, as is brought out in the treasurer’s report, has been observed. Each committee has been compelled to exercise the most rigid economy, but the appended reports reveal the great accomplishments in many fields of Bahá’i service.
One result of the concentration on the Temple Fund since the adoption of the Plan of Unified Action four years ago, has been to stimulate the initiative and deepen the responsibility of local Spiritual Assemblies. We should bear in mind the profound statement written by the Guardian in one of his earliest communication in which he indicated that while authority was vested in the National Assembly, power resides in the local Assemblies. The advance of the local Spiritual Assemblies in the direction of ever increasing power, implying responsibility on the one hand and extension of Bahá’i service on the other, seems to be one of the most gratifying conditions evidenced by the Cause in America at this time.
At the request of one local Spiritual Assembly, the National Assembly has carefully considered the possibility of devoting part of the National Fund to the relief of individual cases of suffering or indigence among the friends. While the instinctive desire would be to make such relief an important part of the national Bahá’i policy, the Assembly, nevertheless, came to the conclusion that this important matter must still be dealt with by the local Assemblies concerned. Future developments may bring about a change in this attitude, but the National Assembly this year has felt compelled to subordinate every other consideration to the needs of the Temple Fund. Moreover, the institution of the local Spiritual Assembly cannot attain its full maturity until this element of humanitarian relief and true spiritual justice has been developed.
The various incidents and events which constitute the history of the Cause in America since the 1929 Convention are very clearly indicated in the reports of committees appointed by the National Assembly. These reports are in fact presented as an integral part of the report prepared by the National Assembly. Regret is expressed that not all committees have been able to submit their reports in time for publication in the April NEWS LETTER prepared especially for the information of the delegates. The adoption of this new system however is a step forward from the point of view of Bahá’i efficiency and unquestionably each committee in the future can plan its work so as to submit an annual report on or before the suggested date. In the present committee reports, references to unfinished business yet to be passed upon by the Guardian or the National Assembly have been omitted.
At the time of this writing the special committee appointed to undertake the sale of the silk rug from the shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, donated by Shoghi Effendi, has been unable to arrange a definite sale. The ideal, of course, is to have the rug retained as a possession of the American believers and preserved as the chief ornament of the Temple interior.
The entire Bahá’i world felt deep
concern for the welfare of the
Guardian and the Holy Family during
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the period of brief but bitter interracial
conflict which broke out in Palestine
last fall. The disturbances were
brought to an end without harm to the
persons or interests of the Cause but
the event itself came as a vivid reminder
of the many social changes which
must take place before the world can
be prepared to receive the blessings
of the new Manifestation. The Guardian’s
health, however, has been impaired
during a large part of the year
and this fact lays upon every believer
a special responsibility in making
unnecessary claims upon Shoghi Effendi’s
time and strength.
We have been informed that Shoghi Effendi feels that two important international problems must be solved before steps can be taken to call for an election of an international Spiritual Assembly in accordance with the Master’s Will and Testament. One of these problems is the election of a National Spiritual Assembly in Persia by delegates representing both men and women believers, a result made difficult by traditional views and customs in that land. Persia, however, is undergoing such rapid improvements that we understand it will be possible this year or a little later to elect a National Spiritual Assembly under the same principles of general suffrage enjoyed in this country. The other problem is the construction of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár at Wilmette. The solution of these two problems will undoubtedly bring about a situation in the Bahá’i world making possible the election of an international Assembly or House of Justice. With such a center established the executive power and universal influence of the Cause will be vastly reinforced.
Although, as the Guardian informed us last year, the Mandates Commission of the League of Nations approved and accepted the appeal drawn up in behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of Baghdad, who petitioned for the restoration of the houses of Bahá’u’lláh unjustly seized by the leaders of Shiah branch of Mohammadanism, the actual transfer of that sacred property to the Cause has not yet been effected. The American believers, however, have not been requested to take any further action in the matter. Another international matter still pending involves the relations of the Egyptian believers to the Government. As in all Moslem countries, Egypt has no civil status of marriage and other relationships, but these are determined by Mohammedan religious law. This condition has brought about many difficulties for the Egyptian believers and the Guardian has sought the aid of the American National Spiritual Assembly in making clear to the Egyptian Government that the Bahá’i Movement is an independent religion and the believers consequently should not be controlled by Moslem courts. Until the National Assembly of Egypt has given us the information requested some months ago, no action can be taken in the name of the American believers.
The work of the Trustees appointed under the Temple Indenture and also of the Trustees under the Green Acre Indenture is made part of this report, since the two bodies of Trustees function under their respective indentures for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of the United States and Canada.
The Temple Trustees have been controlled by the Guardian’s instruction that no expense should be incurred until the full sum of four hundred thousand dollars had been raised. This instructor made it impossible until the last week in March, 1930, to undertake the preliminary work which must be done before contracts for the actual construction can be placed.
The emergency caused by the rising waters of Lake Michigan, which began to encroach seriously upon the shore line of the Temple land, made it necessary to construct a bulkhead at a cost of approximately seven thousand dollars. The Guardian approved this emergency measure.
The necessary preliminary work leading up to the placing of the building contracts is as follows: first, preparation of structural engineering plans and specifications; second, completion of architectural plans and specifications; third, preparation of utility plans and specifications (light, heat, ventilation); fourth, plans for substructure and grounds.
The agreement entered into with The Research Service, Inc., on March 22, 1930, has enabled the Trustees to carry out their responsibility with the assistance of engineering experts who will complete the unfinished plans and specifications and supervise the construction. The Trustees have every reason to believe that the cost of this expert service will be saved through increased economy in the purchase of materials and the placing of building contracts. After a preliminary analysis of the construction problem, The Research Service, Inc., reported to the Trustees that an immediate decision must be made whether the construction fund is to be spent for building the first story of the Temple, with the decorative treatment of the external surface, called for by Mr. Bourgeois’ design, or whether, with the same amount of money, the Trustees should build the entire structure of the Temple and have the external decoration added later on when a new building fund has been established. The latter alternative was recommended as more efficient and economical from the engineering point of view, and this recommendation was endorsed by no less an architectural authority than Mr. McGonigle. These facts were cabled to Shoghi Effendi and the Guardian instructed the Trustees to build the entire outer structure of the Temple at this time, making it clear, however, that the final result must be a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár with the beautiful external decorations as approved by ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
We are convinced that after considering both possibilities, the believers will appreciate the wisdom of this decision. Perhaps none of us had previously realized that with the building fund of four hundred thousand dollars the entire structure of the Temple, including the glass dome, could be obtained. We are informed that this work can be completed in approximately eighteen months.
The Trustees serving under the Green Acre Indenture have been even more limited than the Temple Trustees. Green Acre, together with all other Bahá’i activities, has been confined to a rigidly economical budget during the past two years. As reported by the Legal Committee, however, a complete and accurate survey has been made of the various parcels of land at Green Acre for the first time. With the exception of certain portions of Green Acre Inn the physical property is in excellent condition.
At the date of this writing, the Green Acre Trustees are awaiting the final report of a research committee appointed in the fall of 1929 to study the equipment and possibilities of Green Acre as a Bahá’i teaching center.
The activities at Green Acre during the season of 1929 are described in the report of the Green Acre Committee published with the other reports of national committees.
Fundamentally, Green Acre stands
today as an unfulfilled opportunity and
challenge to the teaching capacity of
the believers in the U. S. and Canada.
The problem in its essence is spiritual
and not material. When we have succeeded
in combining a sympathetic and
intellectually stimulating presentation
[Page 6]
of the teachings together with a unified
and harmonious community life, Green
Acre will begin to come into its own
and fulfil the prophetic statements
made by the Master during his visit
in 1912.
Among the delegates participating in the twenty-second annual Convention are representatives from four newly established local communities—South Gate, Long Beach, Santa Barbara and Burlingame, California. The community established at Phoenix, Arizona, as the result of the teaching efforts of Mrs. Edwinna Powell, Mrs. Greenleaf and others following the preliminary meetings held by Miss Orcella Rexford, will, in all probability, elect its Spiritual Assembly this year. In the East, a Spiritual Assembly will likewise be for the first time elected by the believers of Binghamton, New York, where the Cause was established by the devoted efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ives and the invaluable assistance of the Geneva believers. Pittsburgh, Pa., for many years represented at the National Convention, will re-elect a Spiritual Assembly this year, the local community have been increased in number and stimulated in spirit by the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Ober and Mr. and Mrs. Bishop Brown. Springfield, Mass., New Haven, Conn., Visalia, California and Fruitport, Michigan, are unrepresented by delegates at this Convention.
Consideration of the conditions prevailing in a number of centers containing true and steadfast believers insufficient in number as yet to elect a Spiritual Assembly, indicates that as soon as the teaching branch of Bahá’i activity can be brought to a degree comparable with the Temple activity, the number of established Bahá’i centers in the U. S. and Canada can be greatly increased. In most cases all that is needed is the presence of a well-qualified teacher for a continuous period of several months. More frequent personal contact on the part of traveling teachers, and a development of written communication on the part of the National Assembly through its teaching and other committees, will serve to bring the vital life-blood of the Cause to many communities whose loyalty and devotion are unquestionable but are at the present time deprived of the necessary reinforcement of the larger body of the believers.
In conclusion, let us re-examine briefly some of the more important consequences we may confidently expect to follow the construction of the Temple. First, every Bahá’i community, committee, and, in fact, individual believer must assume a higher degree of responsibility as representatives of the Cause in the eyes of the general public.
Second, a thoroughly conceived and effective policy of public relations, involving a systematic teaching program and established publicity resources, will undoubtedly be called for as the result of intensified general interest in the Bahá’i Movement. It must be pointed out that concentration on the Temple construction fund at the expense of the teaching work has produced a condition requiring extremely careful analysis. Although the believers have served with such heartfelt loyalty and sacrifice, and the construction of the Temple represents a public expression of the Cause capable of revealing to the most skeptical the existence of a new religious order, nevertheless we have been unable to spread the teachings with sufficient force to keep pace with the ever-quickening spiritual hunger of the people. We must consequently either enlarge the scope of our teaching plans or contemplate the possibility that the Bahá’i principles will be spread by individuals and organizations imbued with the spirit of the age but not connected with the Divine Source. The episode of the New History Society is a clear indication of what the American friends must anticipate if our teaching program is not reinforced with increased funds. Miracles have been accomplished by our Bahá’i teachers who work under straightened circumstances which compel them to limit seriously the range of their public influence and appeal. The Bahá’i teachings on all current social problems are so illuminating and inspiring that we must redouble our efforts to bring them to the attention of responsible leaders and progressive groups, both orally and in printed form as was done in the case of the newly published pamphlet entitled “The Bahá’i Peace Program.”
A truly providential influence can be observed in the fact that the Bahá’i Cause was first publicly mentioned in America in connection with the Parliament of Religions held at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893, and the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will be constructed before the date of the second great World Fair at Chicago in 1933. The American people are thus themselves producing a mighty sounding-board capable of reverberating the Message to all parts of the country and in fact to many centers in other lands. It behooves us to appreciate this providential condition and with renewed determination and joy prepare to meet our opportunity to promote the message of the oneness of mankind.
- Yours faithfully,
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
of the Bahá’ís of the U. S. and Canada,
- By HORACE HOLLEY,
Bahá’i Magazine-Editorial Department[edit]
The work of The Bahá’i Magazine differs from other work in the Cause in that our Annual Report is written chapter by chapter as the magazine is issued monthly. Therefore, we feel that to make an adequate report the twelve issues of the Star should be attached to and made a part hereof. We feel, on the other hand, that it is only necessary to make mention of them in this way since the members of the National Spiritual Assembly are fully informed on the character of the work as thus set forth from month to month.
One of the first items to stress, we feel, is this: it should be known that no effort was made in the way of a definite campaign for new subscribers. On account of the tremendous needs of the Temple, which were the first consideration in the minds and hearts of every devoted believer, it was not in line with our duty this year to state the need of the Star, only in so far as we had correspondence with the appointed representatives of the Star, and even they, in some instances, said that they would take up the matter of the Star and secure new subscribers after the four hundred thousand dollars for the Temple needs were in hand. However, even without any effort, we have been greatly encouraged to see the advance in new subscriptions and renewals over the year before.
Perhaps the thing which has brought us the greatest joy in our work during the entire year has been the greatly increased interest taken from the magazine by those outside of the Cause. Our Guardian has definitely instructed us to keep the magazine “distinctly Bahá’i as the official organ of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh,” but that we should edit it in such a way as to interest outsiders as well as Bahá’is. This we have tried to do by introducing material each month, which would have a broad universal appeal.
Letters and orders from Bahá’ís indicate
that they are using their own and
buying additional copies to give to
strangers. Extra copies of every issue
[Page 7]
of the Star are sold each month. Libraries
seem to want it. As an example,
just today we have received word
from a library out in Arizona. The
librarian writes: “The first number of
The Bahá’i Magazine has been placed
in our reading room. We appreciate
very much indeed being introduced to
this valuable reading matter which I
feel assured will be widely read by the
thoughtful among our people.”
We have many other similar expressions on file, and only record them here, be assured, so that you, under whose supervision it is being published, may be in touch with conditions and know how the Star is being regarded by those inside and outside of the Cause. It is, generally speaking, considered a valuable aid in teaching. A minister in the middle west who wished to renew his subscription stated that while he was not quite ready to declare himself a Bahá’i, the Star had served to practically convince him of the truth of the Teachings, and that he was at the point of accepting, and that now he would hardly know how to get along without the magazine.
We have felt somewhat restricted of course in the matter of illustrations, but we know that this part of the work and improving some other physical features of the magazine—making it look more professional and attractive —will come in due time when the most important need in the Cause is fulfilled, and when those in charge of the publication feel that the time has come for such improvements.
The great forward step of the year we feel is the decision to attach to the staff of the Star Corresponding Editors chosen from the different Bahá’i countries of the world. In answer to a letter from us, our Guardian said he cordially and heartily sanctioned this move, and we have since received the authority of the National Spiritual Assembly to act on this plan. We have initiated proceedings looking toward the accomplishment of this valuable service, and in due time, therefore, we will have a Corresponding Editor in such important countries as Persia, India, Egypt, Palestine, etc., and we have asked that any appointment be given the consideration and sanction of the National Assembly or Local Assembly of the respective countries. Thus we will be assured of further good material from these countries, and we feel certain that this will add greatly to the universal aspects of the magazine, and undoubtedly increase the subscription list to a certain extent.
Altogether the outlook for receiving the kind of material which our Guardian would like to see in the Star is more promising than ever. We have never lost the vision of what the Star might one day achieve in the way of advances greatly the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh on the firm basis of the Revealed Word.
We feel any progress whatsoever is attained because of our Guardian’s prayers for the Star, and our absolute dependence upon the Divinely Appointed Center.
Bahá’i Magazine-Business Department[edit]
The condition of the finances for The Star are a little better this year than last. A real effort has been made to get new subscriptions and to prevent old subscribers from stopping the magazine. A few new subscribers have come through having seen The Star in libraries or reading rooms, showing the advisability of sending the magazine to such places.
The inclosed statements will show the status of the office.
The March subscriptions (payable in March) and not yet paid come to $674.75, and other subscriptions are due to the amount of $549.50. Most of these will be paid before long.
We are not going to get the printing done for the same price the coming year. It will be perhaps $20 a month more—and we would like a little extra for pictures which add so much to the paper.
We do not see how we can ask for more from the N. S. A. than the $300 per month we have had.
A list of the property will be sent under separate cover.
- MARGARET B. McDANIEL,
Indexing and Editing Unpublished Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá.[edit]
The indexing and compiling of typewritten copies of the Tablets in the National Archives is the only portion of the great task assigned by you that we have been enabled to do any work upon. We plead for your tolerance because of the limited work accomplished since last June.
A very primitive filing system has been adopted, but for the present stage of the work is adequate. The order of procedure is as follows:
Mr. Windust puts into Mrs. True’s hands packages and letters that have been duly marked as to the dates of their receipts and contents as indicated by letters from the senders. A card index has been adopted giving name of owner, date and translator of each Tablet, and a statement, whether the original has been signed by ’Abdu’l-Bahá or not. Three typed copies of each translation is made and placed in letter files, alphabetically, for future work. The contents of each package is refiled in large envelopes, with an index of contents on the face of the envelope; the originals unfolded so that the creases will not cause them to split, and the correct translation accompanies each original. In matching up these originals and their translations the assistance of a Persian or Arabic scholar has been imperative. Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi lives within walking distance of my home and has been most gracious and generous of his time in rendering me this most valuable assistance, otherwise I could not have accomplished this delicate task.
Mrs. Gertrude Struven volunteered to undertake the prodigious task of making the typed copies, double spacing them for future work. This is one of the most valuable services, as by this work a complete file of the contents of these precious documents is being brought to life from chaos. Mrs. Stuart French came to my assistance by offering to make a digest of the contents of each Tablet. One typed copy of each Tablet made by Mrs. Struven is mailed to Mrs. French who returns these copies accompanied by three typed copies of her digest. This we feel is an invaluable aid to the work; for we not only have drawn out of the mass contents of the Archives, copies of the Tablets but have been prepared for future reference a digest of them as a most valuable assistance later to the work of compiling for publication. An immense amount of time and patience has been required to initiate even these crude steps in systemization of the contents of the Archives. It is far from being completed.
A word further as to the close detail that has been required. In many cases the originals have been sent in unaccompanied by their English translations and vice versa. In every case endeavors have been made to supply as many translations as possible from believers who have compilations. Mrs. Fannie Lesch and Mrs. Rachel North have rendered valuable assistance to me, in this field.
The above report concerns the material phase of the work, but the spiritual compensation to each and every one who has volunteered in this glorious work is beyond the power of pen to relate.
Dr. Bagdadi, after spending hours of close examination of the originals in order to match up the right translations with them has remarked when leaving that we had been in a divine Rose Garden, inhaling the exquisite fragrances from these documents containing the impress of the divine seal and signature of the Beloved.
Temple Program Committee[edit]
In compliance with the request of the N. S. A., we desire to submit our second report of the activities carried on in the Foundation Hall.
Chief of these functions is the Sunday afternoon services designed to attract the Public. Owing to the kindly consideration of the National Board and, perhaps, to some extent, to the lack of funds to expend in more extended teaching fields, we were able to depend upon Mr. Vail for the major part of this work. His carefully planned series of lectures was well adapted to attract and interest those who came as seekers of Truth. Even an indifferent public could not fail to feel the charm and power of this illumined teacher.
- Average attendance 61
- Average new faces 21
- Largest attendance 105
The high standard of excellence set by Mr. Vail in his long term of teaching was maintained by other speakers who shared in the Sunday speaking; thus lending variety and universality to the programs. The helpers in this line were Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, Mr. Carl Scheffler, Mrs. Sarah S. Walrath, Mr. Albert R. Windust, Mrs. Marge Ioas Ullrich, Miss Pearl Easterbrook, Peoria, Ill., Mrs. Paine, Urbana, Ill., Mrs. Corinne True, Mrs. R. E. Moffett, Mrs. Gertrude Struven, Mr. S. Schopflocher and Dr. Bagdadi.
Additional meetings have been three Reconciliation meetings, at two of which Mr. Bourgeois used slides, and two group meetings for young women from Y. W. C. A. settlements.
Undoubtedly, the most heavenly meetings of all those held in the Foundation Hall have been the major Feasts and Commemorative services.
Following the policy of last year, which was in conformity with instructions received from Shoghi Effendi, letters of invitation to attend were sent to neighboring Assemblies: Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Wilmette as well as Chicago. Wilmette and Chicago Assemblies have shared or alternated in the preparation of the feasts. These occasions have been times of material and spiritual refreshment. Real spiritual joy has been the result of these meetings.
Another type of meeting quite recently has been inaugurated in the Foundation Hall. Desiring to get better acquainted with each other and to discuss in an informal way topics of common interest, the neighboring Assemblies decided to come together once a month after the regular Sunday service, serve refreshments and enjoy a social hour. To facilitate this end and to accommodate the out-of-town friends the time of meeting was changed from 4 to 3:30 P. M. So far the plan has worked well. Mr. Scheffler has been present to answer questions about the Building Fund and related matters. These meetings give promise of cementing the friends in closer bonds of understanding and brotherhood.
Another innovation that we are finding practical and helpful is the addition of a registrar. Mrs. Nina Matthisen fills this office. At her table by the entrance door all interested strangers may register for notices, information and follow-up work of various kinds.
Dr. Slater and Mr. Hilpert as ushers have taken faithful care of all who attend the services. Mr. Struven has cooperated with all arrangements made by us and Mrs. Struven continues to exercise taste and economy in the arrangement and purchase of flowers.
Special mention should be made of Wilmette Life, a newspaper that has been generous in giving us free space for announcements.
Grateful acknowledgment should be made for the financial support given by the Chicago Assembly for programs, flowers and advertisements in two Chicago newspapers, leaving our committee financially responsible for only two notices carried in Evanston papers.
WILLIS S. WILPERT, Chairman,
SARAH WALRATH, Treasurer,
WILLIAM F. SLATER,
GERTRUDE STRUVEN,
SHELLEY PARKER, Secretary.
Legal Committee[edit]
The work of your Legal Committee during the past year has been largely a continuance of the organization work which had been so well begun two years ago, with the adoption of the Declaration of Trust. This basic administrative document and accompanying By-Laws are contained in pages 141 to 153 inclusive of “Bahá’i Administration,” and should be fully understood by every believer in America.
Soon after the last Annual Convention, we secured from the United States Treasury Department certified copies of the Declaration of Trust. These were further certified to by the United States State Department and by the British Consul in Washington. One copy was forwarded to Shoghi Effendi for deposit and record of the government authorities of Palestine.
The Guardian has referred our Declaration of Trust to the Persian and Egyptian National Assemblies, with the request that the provisions of their constitutions should, as far as practicable, conform to this instrument.
At the Annual Meeting of the Green Acre Fellowship on August 12, 1929, the meeting voted unanimously to authorize the Green Acre Trustees to execute the Indenture of Trust for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly. Following this meeting, the Green Acre Trustees duly executed this Indenture of Trust. On September 14, 1929, this instrument was signed by the nine trustees and placed on record.
During the last two weeks of August, 1929, your chairman with the services of the Mr. Albert Lord, a surveyor of South Berwick, Maine, made a field survey of the various parcels of property which are included in the Green Acre Indenture of Trust. Preliminary plats have been made on these properties and final drawings will be made later and placed on record with the County Recorder, Alfred, Maine. This survey has made possible, for the first time, the securing of an accurate record of these Green Acre properties, and will correct two errors in the records made by the court action of about two and one-half years ago.
Upon the request of friends, your committee has made an investigation relative to the National Assembly serving as the administrator of an estate, and involving the guardianship of children. In view of the financial and human relations involved, it seems best that all such cases should be handled locally, with any bank or trust company in charge of the administration of the estate and some friend serving as guardian for the children.
During the past two years, several
parcels of property have been given
or offered to the National Spiritual
Assembly. Where such property is
encumbered with mortgages, unpaid
taxes, special assessments, etc., its
handling and disposition is a difficult
matter for the National Assembly,
which maintains no real estate department
or financial service. It is suggested
[Page 9]
for the information of the
friends that in the future, such gifts
of real property should be free from
all encumbrances, and if possible sold
and the proceeds given to the National
Fund.
Steps have been taken in consultation with our Guardian to effect a settlement of the estate of the late Maria P. Wilson of Malden, Mass. This case has brought up the need of developing a legal method for the holding of small properties by the National Spiritual Assembly as a Voluntary Association or Trust.
The early resumption of the construction of the Mashriq-ul’ Adhkár in Wilmette, Illinois, will bring up many interesting legal problems in the making of contracts, and the protection of the rights and interests of our beloved Cause.
By: ALLEN B. McDANIEL, Chairman,
- CARL SCHEFFLER,
- LOUIS GREGORY,
- HORACE HOLLEY,
- SIEGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER.
Publishing Committee[edit]
The Publishing Committee desire to submit the following report, outlining as fully as possible the work done during the past year, and also to submit suggestions for the future extension of the work:
- 1. In May, 1929, the Publishing
Committee was requested by the N. S. A. to notify the Teaching Committee and all Committees called upon to give out free literature, that these Committees must assume the cost of literature from their own budget, as the Publishing Committee is a manufacturing and selling department and should be looked upon by all branches of the Cause as functioning in this capacity and thereby fulfilling its duty in working out the plan for unified action, so earnestly desired by the Guardian in all departments of the activities of the Cause.
- 2. In May, 1929, our treasurer,
Mrs. Moore, was requested to render a monthly report of books sold. This is being done for inventory purposes, but cash received for sales cannot tally as single entry bookkeeping does not permit of this.
- 3. In June, 1929, resolutions in regard
to Year Book and Reviewing Committee received from the N. S. A. were adopted as follows:
“The Year Book Committee will henceforth be regarded as an editorial committee and instructed to place the final manuscript in the hands of the Publishing Committee to secure bids and to publish the book in the same way as all other Bahá’i literature is published”. . .
“The National Assembly voted that the Publishing Committee before printing any book or pamphlet, or reprinting any existing book or pamphlet shall obtain from this body a specific and final resolution authorizing its publication, which resolution shall include the record of its adequate and proper review by the Reviewing Committee of this body, and after such authorization has been obtained, no changes nor modifications shall be made in the text or general make-up of any book or pamphlet.”
“It will therefore be desirable and necessary for the Publishing Committee to carry out this intention in its own relations with all other Committees and individuals who may wish to donate private books or pamphlets to the Publishing Committee. The Publishing Committee should not accept any title for sale as Bahá’i literature until the work in question and all the conditions surrounding it have been approved by the National Assembly.”
- 4. In June, 1929, this Committee
voted that only the address of the Publishing Committee be printed on Bahá’i literature. In some early publication addresses of the Bahá’i centers in different countries were printed, but as these centers were not permanently located and often changed, the purpose of the addresses given was lost. Therefore, the Publishing Committee has considered it best for the present to eliminate all addresses except the P. O. Box Number. However, it is hoped that in the very near future we will have a complete International directory giving the permanent address of the National Spiritual Assembly of each country, and in this way makes it possible for traveling believers to get in touch with Bahá’i activities in the different countries.
- 5. In September, 1929, it was
adopted that in all reprints when old plates are used, new transliteration should be on jackets, covers, stamping and running heads and that a notation to this effect should be made on reverse of title page. It was also adopted that names of authors, compilers or translators should be printed in small type on the title page.
- 6. In June, 1929, the Committee
reported that they had begun the assembling of a complete file of Bahá’i literature and it is hoped in time that we will have a copy of every book or pamphlet which has been printed.
- 7. In June, 1929, the Committee
voted to keep 15% of net receipts for any book where capital is donated outright, this amount to cover handling and overhead, also must keep a record of all such donations.
- 8. On March 6, 1930, the following
resolution was adopted: It is desirable to point out to the believers the difficulties raised by the action of individual believers who print books and pamphlets without consultation with the Publishing Committee and then find it necessary to hand over the edition to the Committee to sell for them, and the Publishing Committee feels that in future it cannot be obligated to accept such donations without question.
Special Information
Abdul-Bahá in Egypt by Ahmad Sohrab. Although this book was not published by this Committee and for this reason was omitted from the list of books included in the catalog, it bears the approval of the Publishing Committee and will in future be listed in the catalog.
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, translated and financed by Mrs. Julie Chanler. The plates of this book are the property of Mrs. Chanler and the Publishing Committee is acting only as a distributing agent. Mrs. Chanler agreed that the customary trade discount of 65% for handling would be satisfactory.
Letter from Shoghi Effendi received in June, 1929, asks us to discourage the publishing of literature in cheap editions.
Mrs. Loulie Matthews submitted a list of Bahá’í books in the British Museum and said that the Curator would like to know more about these works. It was voted to send this list to Shoghi Effendi.
The Publishing Committee has been given a column in the NEWS LETTER which may be used to advertise special offers of books or call attention to new books or reprints.
Tablets of Abdul-Bahá, Vols. I and III. The plates have been checked up preparatory to re-printing these valuable books and it is hoped that within a few months we will fulfill the promises of the last few years.
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh. We have planned to reprint this, but must wait for a ruling from the Guardian in regard to parts which are incorrectly translated.
Life and Teachings of Abbas Effendi.
Regarding the printing of a
new edition of this Book—Certain
passages had been questioned as to
their authenticity, therefore a copy of
this book was sent to Haifa. We
asked Shoghi Effendi to verify this
[Page 10]
matter and give us a definite statement.
The reply from the Guardian
states that he would not advise reprinting
this work as it contains many
historical inaccuracies. Therefore the
plates for this book were ordered
destroyed.
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, Danish translation. Mrs. Johanne Sorensen has arranged for this translation, but cannot finance it. Shoghi Effendi has contributed twenty pounds towards the publishing and has requested the Publishing Committee to undertake the additional financing of this book. We are in correspondence with Mrs. Sorensen regarding further particulars.
Reprints of Bahá’i Literature During Year
Bahá’í Proofs: June, 1929, printed 1000 copies of this title from plates on hand. Selling price, $2.00 per copy.
Book of Assurance: September, 1929, printed 1000 copies of this book from plates on hand. Selling price, $2.00 per copy.
Hidden Words: September, 1929. From large stock on hand of paper bound books took 500 copies and bound in blue cloth to sell for .50c per copy.
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era: Ordered 2000 copies reprinted and bound in blue paper covers. Selling price, .50c per copy.
The wisdom of ’Abdu’l-Bahá: September, 1929, 500 copies bound from sewed books on hand. Selling price, .50c per copy.
New Publications
Whence Comes the Light: This book referred to in report of 1929, was brought out in June, 1929, and was financed by Mrs. Loulie Mathews.
Bahá’í Census: 3000 copies purchased. Selling price, .05c per copy.
Bahá’í Catalog: Was issued in two parts, one for bound and higher priced books and one for pamphlets, etc. 10,000 of each edition were ready in November, 1929.
Races of Men, Many or One? by Louis Gregory. Reprint of articles in Star of the West and afterwards passed by the Reviewing Committee. Selling price, .10c each. In lieu of royalty which Mr. Gregory did not wish to accept, we sent him 100 copies of our edition.
Prayer Book: It is gratifying to know that this prayer book (the manufacturing of which was financed by Mrs. Mathews) referred to in the 1929 report of which the first 2500 was to be known as the Temple edition, has sold very well and $450 has been sent to the Temple Fund to date. The question of a new edition is now imminent and has been referred to the National Assembly.
Voice Record of ’Abdu’l-Bahá: Mr. Fleming has donated to the Publishing Committee the words to go with this record.
Divine Art of Living: The original edition compiled by Mrs. Rabb and published by Brentano’s, is exhausted. Before reprinting, the question of the authenticity of the quotations used was brought to our attention by Shoghi Effendi and the ruling in effect that “no book must contain direct quotations of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, attributed to him in the accounts of individual believers.” In a letter dated June 19, 1929, from the N. S. A. to Mrs. Rabb she was asked to go over the book and mark the sources of these quotations in a copy of the book. After the N. S. A. and the Publishing Committee went over the revised copy and found that so many of the quotations were from individuals and not direct words of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, the Publishing Committee wrote to Mrs. Rabb asking her to re-write the book giving only direct quotations and endeavor to make a book approximately the same size. The Publishing Committee is very grateful for the splendid spirit of cooperation shown by Mrs. Rabb and appreciate the difficult task which she is doing for the Cause.
Feast Day Calendar: 1000 cards printed giving the 19 Day Feasts, also the special Bahá’í anniversaries.
Bahá’í Peace Program: Horace Holley was authorized by the N. S. A. to compile this book. The Publishing Committee offered to finance an edition of 5000 copies, 2000 a deluxe edition bound in fabrikoid and 3000 bound in paper. The N. S. A. has purchased from the Publishing Committee 500 copies to be mailed to a special list of names. Selling prices: Fabrikoid, $1.50; paper, .50c.
Le Vrai Bahá’í, referred to in 1929 reportedly as “Ce Que Veux Dire Etre UN Bahá’í” was published in December, 1929, translated and financed by Mr. Mathews. In the Spring of 1929, Mr. Mathews obtained permission from the English Publishing Committee to make this translation and also remunerated the widow of Dr. Esslemont with a sum in excess of the usual royalties which was very much appreciated. This book sells for 25c.
A Traveller’s Narrative: 1000 unbound copies of this book were ordered and received from the Cambridge University Press, England, in October, 1929. The binding of this book has been held up awaiting a decision from the Guardian. The report and recommendations sent in by the Reviewing Committee regarding the “notes” were forwarded by the N. S. A. to Shoghi Effendi. The Publishing Committee regrets exceedingly the unavoidable delay in not having this book (already listed in the catalog) ready for sale.
Treasurer’s Report: This report will be completed for the year ending March 31, 1930 and will be given as a separate report.
Inventory: The inventory of Bahá’í bound books, pamphlets, photographs, etc., shows a gross selling value of $23,867.94 and a net value of $10,585.87, which represents cost, less 10% for depreciation and which may be considered a tangible asset.
We have also catalogs on hand with a cost value of $544.50 which may be considered an asset.
Re-iterating our statement in the report of 1929, we hope to eventually centralize the work of the Publishing Committee in order that its activities may be based upon efficient business methods. It is most essential that we have a method of bookkeeping which will enable us to give clear statements at any time, showing sales, cost of books, overhead, etc., and a central office for manufacturing detail, distributing the stock and keeping the books and records.
By: MARION M. LITTLE, Secretary
- LOULIE A. MATHEWS, Chairman
- ROY C. WILHELM
- BERTHA HERKLOTZ
- HORACE HOLLEY
- MARIE Moons
Interracial Amity Committee
“The convention of the colored and white was in reality a great work, because if the question of the colored and white should not be solved, it will be productive of great dangers in future for America. Therefore the Confirmations of the Kingdom of Abhá shall continually reach any person who strives after the conciliation of the colored and the white.”—Words in a Tablet of ’Abdu’l-Bahá, commenting upon the first Amity Convention held in Washington, D. C., in 1921.
The National Committee on Interracial
Amity submits that within this
committee itself and among its workers
the spirit of the accord has been most
impressive and beautiful with full
cooperation on the part of each and all.
As the members are scattered among
various cities nearly all consultations
must be by correspondence. No committee
action has been taken upon matters
referred to this committee by its
[Page 11]
chairman that has not had unanimous
approval.
The first important work of the year was at Milwaukee, where the assembly invited a teacher for the special purpose of making contacts among the intelligentsia of the colored race in that city, this as a foundation for a future amity conference. This was kept in view during various meetings held during several days. A fine group was attracted by the loving fellowship extended them and showed keen interest in the teachings and the spirit of the Cause.
During the summer, amity conferences were held at Green Acre, the third of an annual series. It was one of the outstanding events of the season, a detailed report of which appeared in the Bahá’i Magazine.
Portsmouth, N. H., was the next center to respond. This conference sprang up like magic under the dynamic direction of Mrs. Henry L. Green, assisted by the assembly. It required but a day or two of preparation. The publicity was excellent, the Portsmouth Herald, the progressive journal of an enlightened community giving a very graphic account. Rev. William Safford Jones of the Unitarian Church presided. Mr. Gregory gave the Bahá’i teachings on race relations. Other speakers were Miss Eleanor Sawtelle of the Y. W. C. A., Ensign Fox of the Salvation Army and Mr. Philip Marangella, a Bahá’i teacher.
Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi of the Wilmette Assembly writes as follows:
“It is a great joy to communicate with you again and it is still greater joy for us to hear of your activities in this important field of Bahá’i service. When the annual convention came to an end, the interracial amity work was resumed in these regions. Mrs. Leila Payne of Pittsburgh, Pa., who attended the convention remained here until the 14th of this month, spreading the fragrance of the Divine teachings and planting the seeds of pure love and amity in the hearts of many of the people of Chicago, Wilmette, Evanston and other towns. While in Chicago Mrs. Payne addressed the Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, the Unity Center, the Phyliss Wheatly Club, the Fraternal Spiritualist Church and a group of Christian Scientists. She spent one week with us at Wilmette and a good reception was held in her honor at the studio of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Bourgeois. In Evanston, she attracted a number of noble colored people and now Wilmette is trying to water the seed she planted with the hope that a new assembly may soon be planted in that city.
“Mrs. Shelley Parker of Chicago gave Mrs. Payne an auto trip to Muskegon, Mich., where both addressed a meeting that was arranged by the Bahá’ís of that city and to which white and colored people were invited.
“In short, the work in such a glorious field is indeed a magnet which attracts heavenly confirmations and blessings, an evident fulfillment of the wishes of Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá and a real joy to the heart of our beloved Guardian.”
“The efforts of the Wilmette friends have been enthusiastic and continuous.”
The next amity conferences were arranged by the Spiritual Assembly of Philadelphia. Three sessions were held, the first being at the Chapel of St. Simon the Cyrenium, Rev. John R. Logan, Vicar. Following the morning prayers the vicar introduced Miss Jessie E. Revell to his large congregation. She responded in a brief address which set forth most beautifully the Bahá’í spirit and outlook. She was followed in turn by Mr. Gregory and Mr. Vail. The vicar voiced again, his cordial welcome and the congregation, which was mixed with various racial elements, showed signs of great happiness.
The second session was held in the afternoon at the Unity Center of Truth, at which Mr. Gregory presided. A representative of the Center gave welcome in a brief but feeling address. Mr. Vail then delivered a comprehensive and eloquent address on the unity of the world’s religions with its relation to interracial harmony. His subject was “A Brotherhood which is Eternal.”
The third session was held in the main auditorium of the Universalist Church of the Messiah, the one that has in past years accommodated many Bahá’i meetings. The pastor, Dr. Herbert E. Felton, who presided, takes a very deep interest in all that pertains to real brotherhood. Mr. Vail spoke on “A New Universal Brotherhood,” and Mr. Gregory, under the subject, “God’s Wonderful Plan for Humanity,” gave the Bahá’i Message.
The Spiritual Assembly of Boston, Mass., has held two public meetings for amity during this season. At the first Mrs. S. E. J. Oglesby was the speaker and at the second Mrs. Walter Coristine, both of whom were heard to good advantage and have both shown a deep and sustained loyalty to the ideals of Shoghi Effendi in race relations.
Like a refreshing breeze from the Ridván of Abhá is the news, which reaches us from California about interracial work. Here is indicated a close study of conditions which have hitherto caused lack of confidence and failure. Now is indicated the wise approach which comes from knowledge of conditions, the attraction through sincere proffers of brotherhood, the organization of permanent committees from leaders among the two races and reports of special activities in the four assemblies of Portland, Oakland, Los Angeles and San Francisco, with signs of success in the deepening of the bond of amity based upon the Word of God and the gradual unfoldment of the Great Message.
One of the most inspiring reports comes from a small group in Springfield, Ill., which ostensibly is able to tell nothing of tangible results, but only of an unconquerable spirit. The amity effort was started there years ago, but suppressed by outside opposition, yet leaving those interested determined to go forward at the earliest opportunity. Now such an opportunity has come with the formation on the part of liberals of that city of an interracial committee, which may serve as a point of contact for the Bahá’ís.
In Cleveland, Ohio, a special meeting in behalf of amity was arranged at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander H. Martin on the evening of February 9th. A large group representative of the two races and various social groups were addressed by Mr. Gregory on “Better Race Relations.” This meeting demonstrated to some Bolshevists who attended the reasonableness of a belief in God as well as the striking appeal of the new social program of Bahá’u’lláh.
The Akron, Ohio, friends led by Mr. and Mrs. Russell L. Brooker, who founded that center, where the means of two very successful amity meetings. Dr. and Mrs. Johnson, prominent among the colored people, gave an interracial luncheon to hear about the Bahá’í Movement and to prepare the way for a greater effort. This came a week later, when a gathering of colored people met the Bahá’ís and others at the Brooker home, about fifty–five attending. This meeting covered three periods, beginning near eight and lasting until near midnight.
The youth of the large Bahá’í community
of New York have kept aloft
the banner of amity during the past
year. They have improved the opportunity
afforded by the great metropolis
to make solid contacts with various
[Page 12]
races and nationalities. Their weekly
meetings held in the Bahá’i center and
conducted in the form of a forum, are
both picturesque and to the inquirer
informing. One of the most notable
gatherings was held at the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Philips in Harlem.
They are both accomplished musicians
and were able to assemble an
unusually fine group of artists and an
extensive program marked by variety,
range and exquisite charm. Chinese,
Spanish, Russian, Negro and
classic music, dramatic reading, original
verse in which voice, piano and
violin took part contributed to an evening
of rare charm and beauty. The
opportunity to explain the Bahá’í
Cause to those who attended was by
no means lost. On March 8, the youth
gave an interracial concert at the
Bahá’i center in which a number of
the same artists appeared.
In the early part of March the Spiritual Assembly of Montreal arranged an interracial series of meetings having in mind the particular needs of the city they would serve, the problem there—as reported by the secretary— being more inter-religious than interracial. The plan was to make these conferences inclusive of the various religious organizations in that great city. The speakers selected were Mr. Alfred W. Martin, leader of the New York Society for Ethical Culture, Archbishop Reginald Grant Barrow, of the African Orthodox Church, and Mr. Albert R. Vail, the Bahá’í teacher. We regret that the completed program and report of this historic effort have not reached us at the time of this report and hope that they may appear later.
Activities in Chicago, Washington, D. C., and other centers, which are continually in motion, have not reached us. In the nature of things this report can be but a glimpse of a service that is divinely created and directed and which gathers in volume, effectiveness and power with the passing years. It is our fervent hope that all will see the value of this service and experience the joy that it brings.
At the time of this report preparation are under way in Pittsburgh, Columbus and other centers in the Middle West. Accounts of these activities will be later added.
By instructions from the National Spiritual Assembly, this committee prepared the draft of a letter to Mrs. Herbert Hoover, felicitating her upon her entertainment in the White House of the wife and daughter of Congressman Oscar DePriest, the colored Congressman and the only representative of the colored race in that great body, along with the families of other Congressmen, for which she received censure in some quarters. This letter, which explained the Bahá’í teachings on race relations, was adopted by the N. S. A. and by its secretary sent to Mrs. Hoover along with a copy of the Bahá’í World. This letter commended Mrs. Hoover and her distinguished husband on their stand for peace and humanitarian service. It was pointed out that interracial amity is the basis of universal peace.
Under the instructions of the National Spiritual Assembly this committee wrote a reply to a letter written by the secretary of the Kenosha Assembly and raising certain questions about the origin of the different races. The letter of this committee advanced some scientific and spiritual proofs of the unity of the human family.
BY: LOUIS G. GREGORY, Chairman,
- SHELLEY N. PARKER, Secretary,
- AGNES PARSONS,
- MARIAM HANEY,
- LOUISE D. BOYLE,
- ZIA M. BAGDADI,
- ALAIN LOCKE,
- ALICE HIGGENBOTHAM,
- LOULIE A. MATTHEWS.
Teaching Committee[edit]
“In these days the most important of all things is the guidance of the nations and the peoples of the world. Teaching the Cause is of utmost importance, for it is the head cornerstone of the foundation itself. This servant has spent his days and nights in promoting the Cause, and urging the peoples to service. He rested not a moment, till the fame of the Cause was noised abroad in the world, and the celestial Strains from the Abhá Kingdom roused the East and the West. The beloved of God must also follow the same example. This is the secret of faithfulness, this is the requirement of servitude, to the Threshold of Bahá.”
—From the Will and Testament of ’Abdu’l-Bahá.
The work of the National Teaching Committee during the past year has been based on the following plan drawn up by the Committee in a general meeting in July, 1929.
- 1. The development among the
friends of a national rather than a local consciousness, a vital interest in the growth and spread of the Cause throughout the country and the world.
- 2. The development of the technique
of approach, a new technique, based on a deeper knowledge of science and religion.
- 3. Educating the friends in the
knowledge of the teachings in their manifold aspects, and their vital relation to the needs of the age.
- 4. The development of circuits in
cooperation with our National teachers and Local Assemblies, to reach as many centers and groups as possible.
- 5. The creation of a Bureau of Information
to widen the sphere of the Cause by obtaining information on and establishing vital contacts with groups and societies such as peace leagues, interracial groups, progressive educational reform movements, social service workers, etc.
A review of the year’s activities shows that the circuits of travelling teachers have covered a wider area than heretofore. Through the devoted efforts of the Outline Bureau Committee, groups and classes have been established in an ever-increasing number of centers throughout the country; the Bahá’í Correspondence Course developed and ably reviewed by Mr. Reginald Collison, has filled a longfelt need and met with wide response; the creation of a Bureau of Information on the Pacific Coast which will develop into a national clearing house for wider Bahá’í activities and universal contacts; the circulation of Bahá’í literature among students and groups, all would indicate in the general field of teaching a deeper and wider usefulness to mankind.
The Teaching Committee has felt it of great importance to stress, especially the following points in general teaching; a direct and vital, as well as wise, presentation of the Teachings, so that at this imminent phase of the Cause there will be no doubt as to its essentials, its origin and Source; continued efforts to attract and develop the youth and prepare them for their great responsibilities in the near future; cooperation of all active teachers in educating the Bahá’ís everywhere in a deeper realization of the significance of the Administration, and in the urgency of the Temple.
In November, Mrs. Ransom-Kehler visited the following cities: St. Paul, Peoria, Wilmette, Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis, Duluth, Omaha, Keokuk, Springfield (Ill.) Chicago, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Racine, Kenosha, Fruitport, Grand Rapids, Rockford, Freeport and St. Joseph.
She was met everywhere with the
enthusiastic cooperation of the friends
and the Teaching Committee received
urgent requests for her return to all
cities visited. The Secretary of the
Minneapolis Assembly writes that
[Page 13]
Mrs. Ransom-Kehler’s teaching was
marked by a delightful positiveness
and adds, “What a flood of inspiration
pours from her dynamic yet
sweet personality, her intellectual, yet
sympathetic nature.”
There were still some seventeen cities on Mrs. Ransom-Kehler’s circuit which she was unable to visit as the New York Local Assembly requested that she come and teach the class of Miss Orcella Rexford which had been prepared and was waiting for a Bahá’í teacher. Other teachers will be sent to as many of these centers as possible before the Convention.
In December, Mr. and Mrs. Willard McKay spoke in the following cities: Binghamton, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Boston, Portsmouth, Montreal, and Buffalo. Their united presentation of the Cause, their method of weaving together science and religion, appealing both to the heart and mind, proved a magnet of attraction to all, especially the eager, truth-seeking youth of this generation.
In January, Mr. Albert Vail, in response to the desire of the Bahá’ís to have this great teacher come before their public groups and reinspire themselves, left his classes in the Foundation Hall of the Temple and lectured in the following cities: Detroit, Toledo, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, State College, Pa., and Pittsburgh. The influence of his intense spiritual life and dedication is the force that underlies his utterance, changing the very atmosphere of the cities he enters. Mr. Vail also, at different times, visited a number of cities in the middle west.
In November, also, Mr. Phillip Marengella, on a trip to Montreal, Boston, New York, Newark and other places, gave the friends fresh impetus by his enthusiasm and directness in teaching. Also, Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher, on a business trip Westward, collaborated with the Teaching Committee in meeting the friends and speaking in the following cities: Chicago, Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Havana; Mr. Curtis Kelsey also visited on a business trip: Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and Spokane, showing his beautiful pictures of the Holy Land.
It is this traveling from place to place, this mutuality and interchange, which vivifies the Cause, unifies the friends and widens the horizons.
Although the National Teaching Committee has not been required to collaborate in the traveling circuit of Mr. Louis Gregory, yet his activities are of such signal importance, covering such a wide field of service, that we count it a privilege to give this brief resume of his work: This indefatigable teacher has visited some twenty cities, all the way from Kansas City to New York, from Cleveland and Akron, North, to Memphis and Nashville, South. His work includes all classes and conditions of men, all races and nations of people and religionists of every faith in this great country.
It is inspiring to realize that our Bahá’í Teachers today, wherever they travel, find the doors of every humanitarian and progressive institution open to them, and that the spirit of search and receptivity in all classes of people is rapidly unfolding with the growth of the future Temple.
For the Pacific Coast branch of the Teaching Committee, the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Leroy Ioas reports as follows:
“On the Coast here the teaching work has been carried on somewhat actively; but the overshadowing interest in the Temple work seems to prevent wholehearted response on the part of the individuals. Inter-Assembly Teaching Meetings were held; one in Seattle between the Assemblies of Vancouver, Portland and Seattle; one in Glendale, between the Assemblies of Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena and Long Beach, and a third in San Francisco, between the Assemblies of San Francisco, Oakland, Berkley, Burlingame and Geyserville. In fact, in this region, i.e.: the Bay region, we have organized an Inter-Assembly Teaching Committee, which has held numerous meetings to endeavor to build up the Teaching Work.” Later he writes:
“The work is now opening up everywhere and I rather feel that surging forward in teaching work will be far more important next year than at any time in our history. In other words, the Temple will start to be erected, which will be a source of great enthusiasm to the friends and then the psychology will be such that interest will be displayed on the part of those not yet acquainted with the divine teachings.”
Mr. Leroy Ioas adds to this report the following practical suggestions: Individual intensive teaching work; two types of teachers—one for forceful public speaking community and group work, another for deeper spiritual teaching, until a particular group becomes formed; the formation of local interracial amity and teaching committees in every center; constructive indirect teaching work; association and collaboration with social service groups whose efforts are akin to the broader universal Bahá’í principles.
A Teaching Conference was held in Seattle, Washington. Delegates from Vancouver were Mrs. Moorwood Clark, Mrs. Molineaux and Mrs. Monroe. From Portland: Mr. George O. Latimer and Mrs. Helen Bishop. Seattle was represented by Mr. W. B. Magee, Mrs. Laura Luther and Mrs. Ida A. Finch. Mr. George Latimer in chair, and Mrs. Ida A. Finch, Secretary.
Mrs. Shanaz Waite has carried on active teaching with groups and classes in various Western cities, and helped to establish the Long Beach Assembly. She also developed twelve lessons in the advanced teachings of the Bahá’í Revelation for her class which we hope soon will be available to all.
The Outline Bureau
Early in the present Bahá’í year, three hundred copies each of the outline on “Material and Divine Science” and “New Light on the Scriptures” were printed in order to fill the continuing demand. About one hundred and fifty each of the three outlines on hand, including “The Bahá’í Teachings Concerning Christ” have been sold this year, bringing the total distribution of outlines to a number approximating fifteen hundred in the two years since the Bureau began its work.
We are happy to announce that the new outline on “Material and Divine Civilization” will undoubtedly be available by Convention time, and that orders may be taken now for this outline for which so many of the “friends have been inquiring. This outline is of special interest to those who are engaged in relating the Bahá’í Teachings to the much discussed problems of the present day as it contains the Bahá’í statements in regard to the Racial Problem, Peace, Economics, Education, International and Social Relations, etc., with a suggested bibliography of related modern books which we can recommend. The price of this outline, covering postage, will be fifteen cents.
Those who are interested in the
work of children’s groups in the Cause
will be glad to know that an interesting
outline of their instruction is in
preparation now by Mrs. Gift. Members
of the group in Peoria, Mrs.
Flora Clark in California and others
are doing valuable work in this connection
[Page 14]
It is hoped that early in the
year this material may be ready for
publication.
The Outline Bureau acknowledges with thanks the contributions of references and suggestions which have come from the friends during the past year, especially Mrs. R. C. Collison, Mr. Willard McKay, Miss Marguerite McKay and Miss Lorna Tasker.
Correspondence Course
In November, 1929, the National Teaching Committee announced a correspondence course of twenty weekly lessons on the fundamental teachings of the Bahá’í Cause. Each lesson consists of required and supplementary readings carefully selected on which are asked a number of leading questions. Answers to certain of these questions are written out by the student and sent in for correction and comment.
Up to the present date, March, 1930, about one hundred and thirty have registered for the course, a considerable proportion of which number is sending in written reports. Those registered are widely distributed, about one half being from the Pacific Coast, where the keenest interest in the course is shown.
Many very appreciative and indeed enthusiastic letters have been received which indicate that the lessons are filling a real need. Many isolated believers see in the course a splendid means of increasing their own knowledge and of stimulating renewed efforts in attracting other people. Some Assemblies are using the lessons as a basis for general meetings, while others have organized weekly study groups.
It is hoped and expected that many others will register for this course as the lessons may be begun by new students at any time. The cost of the course is one dollar, which has been sufficient to make the enterprise entirely self-supporting. Forty-two books have been sold to registrants on time, and a few books have been loaned.
The course is being handled by R. C. Collison of Geneva, New York, who is a member of the Outline Bureau of the Teaching Committee.
A sub-committee of the National Teaching Committee to study a Bahá’í platform on which fundamentalists and modernists may find a common agreement, made a comprehensive and practical report which will be of value in the larger work of the immediate future.
Referring to direct and indirect teaching, we read in Bahá’í Administration from the pen of the Guardian as follows: “The one method would assume an open, decisive and challenging tone. The other, without implying in any manner the slightest departure from strict loyalty to the Cause of God, would be progressive and cautious.” On page 116 we read: . . .
“It would even appear at times to be advisable and helpful as a supplement to their work for the Bahá’ís to initiate any undertaking, not specifically designated as Bahá’í, provided they have ascertained that such an undertaking would constitute the best way of approach to those whose minds and hearts are as yet unprepared for a full acceptance of the claim of Bahá’u’lláh. These twofold obligations devolving upon organized Bahá’í communities, far from neutralizing the effects of one another or of appearing antagonistic in their aims, should be regarded as complementary and fulfilling, each in its way, a vital and necessary function.”
Careful study of these statements shows clearly the reason why certain teaching activities this year have proved extremely fruitful, demanding open-minded investigation.
Miss Orcella Rexford has been doing a hitherto unique form of teaching; professionally, she is a teacher of psychology and healing, giving paid lectures to groups of eight hundred or a thousand people who, typical of the Western mind, are greatly attracted ‘by her subject. At the end of her course she tells her class that she has something she wishes to impart which is far greater than anything she has taught. She then gives them the Message and says that if they are interested and attracted by this wonderful Cause, a series of free lectures will be given them by a Bahá’í Teacher. This has been done in every case; in Long Beach Miss Beulah Lewis, a very gifted young teacher took her class, also Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf and Mrs. Shanaz Waite assisted in this work, and at Phoenix, Arizona, Mrs. Edwina Powell, one of our well known teachers, did similarly followed by our very dear Mrs. Greenleaf whose great capacity and wisdom has ripened this group into an Assembly. Also, twice in New York. Mrs. Ransom-Kehler has taught Miss Rexford’s group, and is now in Miami teaching her latest class. It is however of great importance that the indirect work of whatever nature, may in no way conflict with the fundamental purpose and spirit of the Bahá’í Cause.
Another interesting approach in Montreal was undertaken in March when the Montreal Assembly, in collaboration with the National Teaching Committee, held a series of public meetings and conferences followed by a Round-Table dinner discussion. Mr. Albert Vail, Archbishop Reginald Barrow and Mr. Alfred Martin as well as some prominent rabbis and ministers spoke. The Cause was presented directly to the public, the meetings received excellent daily publicity in all leading newspapers, and a permanent follow-up committee, composed of Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís was created for the purpose of studying and developing interracial and interreligious relations in Montreal. It was evident that true Bahá’í publicity is the natural and inevitable outcome of major Bahá’í activities because this constitutes “news.”
If we study closely the above words of the Guardian in connection with these activities, we shall see an inevitable and a fruitful trend in the Cause.
The Guardian has given us a universal approach to the introduction of the Administration in his statement on page 93 of Bahá’í Administration, under “Purposes of Bahá’í Administration.”
Having thus been introduced to its true purpose, it becomes easy and natural to tell them of the great clauses in the Will and Testament, where through the bounty and protection of God, a Guardian has been appointed to safeguard the sanctity of the Cause where his spiritual authority becomes focalized and manifest through the elected bodies of consultation, local, national and international.
The National Teaching Committee suggests the advisability of a certain harmony and homogenity in the weekly public meetings of the Bahá’ís in every center.
Undoubtedly the beauty and perfection of such meetings should be in the hands of the Local Assemblies. The National Teaching Committee, having studied the situation in many centers merely offers the following suggestions: That’s a statement of Bahá’í purposes and the underlying Bahá’í platform should be made by the Chairman at every meeting; that someone with a clear, agreeable voice should read at not too great length some extract of the Creative Word bearing directly on the subject of the speaker; and that the meeting should be closed with a prayer.
’Abdu’l-Bahá told us to follow His
example in America; He always first
made a warm and human contact, unfolded
His theme, with consummate
[Page 15]
wisdom, and when He had finished
His glorious discourse His audience
was left in no doubt as to the Bahá’í
Teachings, their purpose, their source.
This past year there has been the more definite realization and active participation among Bahá’í youth. Many of them have had stirring and encouraging communications from the Guardian, most of them are studying the Teachings and in Montreal three young people under twenty-three, have been members of the Local Assembly and have conducted public activities with brilliant results. In Washington, the youth group have held public meetings, encouraged by their Local Assembly and in New York, Boston and many other centers they are rendering active and united service to the Cause.
Also, a method which has been tried out very successfully in Persia, of which Ruhi Effendi wrote the Teaching Committee, is the association of an older and more mature Bahá’í with a younger member, in class or group teaching. This method is gradually being tried in certain centers in America, and tends to bring a fuller and deeper understanding and growth to the students, and is a means of developing younger Bahá’ís into teachers.
The Pacific Coast Branch of the National Teaching Committee also established this year a Bureau of Information which as it develops will be another link forged in the active association of Bahá’ís everywhere with progressive institutions. On page 116 of the Administration, we read: “They should endeavor to participate within recognized limits in the work of institutions, which, though unaware of the claim of the Bahá’í Cause are prompted by a sincere desire to promote the spirit that animates the Faith” . . . “their purpose should be to imbue with the spirit of power and strength such movements as in their restricted scope are endeavoring to achieve what is near and dear to the heart of every true Bahá’í.”
The purpose of the Bureau would be to keep records and information relative to prominent individuals, valuable contacts of every kind, conferences and activities, of groups, societies and centers of learning, with whom Bahá’ís throughout the country have ever been or may be affiliated in cooperative work.
This would greatly facilitate and widen the field of contacts for our Bahá’í Teachers everywhere and gradually develop vital bonds and relationships, tending to enhance the spiritual power and the prestige of the Cause.
Also, by request of the National Spiritual Assembly, every member of the National Teaching Committee cooperated in forming a list of four hundred men and women associated with progressive work, educators, publicists, workers for world peace, to whom the National Assembly has sent a deluxe copy of The Bahá’í Peace Program containing ’Abdu’l Bahá’s Message to The Hague and His Tablet to Dr. Forel.
All our intensive technical work of the past few years has tended to develop intellectual and practical efficiency. We must, however never lose sight of the fact that that which distinguishes the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh from all else on earth is the power of the Holy Spirit, the power to spiritually regenerate mankind. Therefore, in our Bahá’í centers everywhere, in our groups and study classes, our education and cooperation with the youth and with the children—every phase of Bahá’í life and activity should be so permeated with the profound and sacred atmosphere of the Spirit that the Cause will appear as a Sun amid the darkness of the surrounding world.
Despite the unceasing teaching activity throughout the country, everyone feels that the supreme ascendency of the Cause and its universal appeal has been held in abeyance until the focal center around which revolves the diffusion of the Word of God, The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár shall arise. Then will the mighty pent up forces of the Cause be released and the friends far and wide who have faithfully served and sacrificed will reap the fruits of their labors, the seed sown on this continent by the Beloved will germinate and “many great and wonderful harvests shall be reaped.”
By: MAY MAXWELL,
- Secretary, Teaching Committee.
- DORIS McKAY,
- Secretary, Outline Bureau.
- R. C. COLLISON,
- Secretary, Corres. Course.
- C. MASON REMEY,
- HARLAN OBER,
- MARION LITTLE,
- LEROY IOAS,
- HELEN BISHOP,
- STANLEY KEMP,
- GEORGE LATIMER,
- SHAHNAZ WAITE.
Reviewing Committee[edit]
The members of the Bahá’í Reviewing Committee retiring at the time of the twenty-second annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, have had the honor of serving the Cause of God in some very crucial ways during the past two years. We are deeply grateful for this high privilege and for the continued confidence that has been shown in our devotion to this sacred trust.
We wish that, in some way, we could bring to all Bahá’ís a keen realization of the profundity of the responsibilities which we have humbly and painstakingly endeavored to carry during the time that we have been serving the Cause in this capacity, in order that those who may be chosen from year to year for carrying on this work may always have and feel the spiritual support and sympathy of the friends of God.
There exist indications that the functions of a reviewing committee are not even yet understood by the friends; therefore a statement along this line is quoted from our last year’s annual report:—“This Committee is intended by the National Spiritual Assembly as a court of reference for manuscripts and other matters of doubtful authenticity or correctness. All matters on which review is desired should come to this body only through the National Assembly, and should be reported back through the same channel. Special importance should be given to the functions of this Committee whenever some new publication or some republication is contemplated.” Confirming this statement, Shoghi Effendi, several months ago, cabled the National Spiritual Assembly to the effect that, in future, all literature should be reviewed before publication.
Early in June, a believer who happened to reside in a neighboring city wrote personally to two members of this Committee asking permission to visit them for the purpose of discussing the first two in a series of lessons on the Bahá’í Revelation preparatory to issuing several copies of the set. Our reply advised the completion of the entire set and submission to the National Spiritual Assembly for them to forward to us if they should see fit to do so.
Some believer having expressed apprehension
concerning the correctness
of some of Mrs. Ford’s statements in
the booklet “The World of ’Abdu’l-Bahá”
which we reviewed last year,
a request was made for a second review.
This was done more carefully;[Page 16]
but the result bore out the approval
for its publication given last year.
After a special conference which its author attended by our invitation, the revised manuscript for the booklet entitled “Religion; Past, Present and Future” was heartily approved. The original text had been approved by a previous Reviewing Committee. With the consent of the author, we made a few changes and prepared a Foreword, which seems worth quoting here in explanation of the purpose of the text and the unusual circumstances attending its authorship:—“In approving for publication the manuscript that bears the title ‘Religion: Past, Present and Future,’ the Reviewing Committee for the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada wishes to add a note of explanation concerning so unusual a production. That a man now past eighty-seven years of age, who, during nearly half a century, was active as a Methodist Episcopalian, should be able to produce an exposition of Bahá’í Truth from a standpoint so eminently universal and at the same time so appropriate to the mental processes of thoughtful Christians generally, constitutes another among the countless proofs of the intellectual and emotional virility which God’s Spirit enkindle in the hearts of those who sincerely accept and follow His Revelators as they have successively appeared from age to age and in various lands. Not at all through apprehension, but in order that his work might stand upon whatever it may possess of intrinsic merit and acceptability, the author has thought it fitting to remain anonymous as a Methodist layman.”
Our next review approved for publication a manuscript prepared by the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly at its request, entitled “The Bahá’í Peace Program.” The opportuneness of such a publication at this time in world affairs should be sufficiently obvious to all.
Next came from the National Assembly a compilation by Mr. Holley entitled “The Reality of Man” and from Mr. Gregory his pamphlet “The Races of Man; Many or One;” the latter with a view to republication. Both were returned to the National Assembly with our hearty approval.
In nearly every case where matter for review has been sent directly to this Committee, an effort has been made to impress in a kindly way the fact that it should have gone first to the National Assembly.
At the time of completion of this report, the last work submitted by the National Assembly for review by this Committee was to have been a compilation of Utterances by ’Abdu’l-Bahá concerning “Gardens,” compiled by Mrs. Estey of Buffalo. But this manuscript has not yet been received.
This completes the summary of our reviewing activities during the year. We will add a few criticisms and some tentative suggestions of ways and means that might promote a greater sense of unity among the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada.
Probably the most difficult problems that have confronted us in our work during these two years have been those lugged in by avowed Bahá’ís who, instead of resorting to consultation as commanded by Bahá’u’lláh, ’Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi, have blundered ahead upon their own individual initiative.
The conference preparatory to this annual report disclosed a practically unanimous sentiment in favor of publication in the pluralized form exclusively, of all Prayers except those few that are personal to the Revelators or to ’Abdu’l-Bahá; such, for example, as are found in the Will and Testament, in the Epistle to the Shah of Persia, and on page 75 of the small Prayer Book bound in black paper.
Advance notices of National Assembly meeting dates, sent to all the National Committees, would promote seasonableness in the preparation and mailing of reports to the central administrative body. Thus, too, the National Assembly could receive the benefits to be derived from united prayers for Divine Guidance of its deliberations.
- Respectfully submitted,
- MRS. ROSA V. WINTERBURN,
- MR. & MRS. DEXTER W. LAMB,
- MR. & MRS. FRANK D. CLARK,
- FRANK D. CLARK, Chairman.
Finance Committee[edit]
Although it has not been possible for all three of the members of this committee to meet in consultation, various meetings have been held, where two have been present, and an effort has been made to share all correspondence, while consultation has been carried on by mail.
That we have progressed somewhat beyond the yesterdays in the Cause is clear. A perusal of last year’s financial report, copies of which were distributed to all delegates at the Convention of 1929, prepares the mind for the first steps which were taken at the beginning of the current year when the Budget requirements of each committee were carefully scrutinized and the figures, wherever possible, reduced to the basis of the strictest economy, which would still enable them to continue to operate efficiently within the Guardian’s prescribed limits of activities. A complete statement of the terms of the Budget allocations was published in the NEWS LETTER of July, 1929.
Certain economies were effected in several branches of the work, and in still others it was found necessary to render financial assistance where none had been requested before. The Geyserville Summer School, for example, is a specific case of this kind. The success of the school for the first two years had been so gratifying that it was found necessary to expand beyond the ability of a few of the friends to finance individually, and the sum of $250 was granted upon their request.
As a measure of preparedness $1500 was set aside out of this year’s total to cover half of the expense of printing the next Year Book. This procedure will provide for a smaller number of the Year Books than were printed two years ago and will divide the expense over the period of the two years covered by the forthcoming issue.
Two members of this committee were appointed to meet with the treasurer on the land now occupied by Mr. Bourgois’s house to consider the advisability of constructing the bulkhead for the protection of the shore property. The opinion reached at that time was that the menace of the lake waters did not seem severe enough to warrant the expenditure; later, however, the committee, on being convinced of the serious emergency, acquiesced, and the contract was made for the installation of the shore protection.
Many suggestions for raising funds have been received by this committee during the year, some of which could not be entertained because of certain restrictions, and some of which were interesting in the extreme and may prove of immense value in the future when the affairs of the Cause have progressed to a point where circumstances permit. The International Trading Company suggested by Mrs. Bedikian might sometime prove to be a very valuable enterprise if undertaken in the Bahá’í spirit.
No articles of jewelry nor personal
effects have been donated since the
convention and those which remain in
the hands of the finance chairman after
the last convention were either sold or
returned to the donors, who in every
case expressed deep appreciation for
[Page 17]
the assistance which enabled them to
contribute to the National Fund for
the Temple.
Because of the eager desire of this committee to work out some simple yet complete system of accounting which would be applicable to all Communities alike, whether in handling their local Budgets, or in the transaction of the affairs of national committees receiving support from the national treasury, our most efficient and helpful member, Mr. A. F. Matthisen, spent much time in the preparation of a special report in which he explained in detail how the accounts might be kept. Although this system may seem to be somewhat too elaborate for present needs in many instances, yet your committee respectfully requests that it be presented to the convention with a view to installing it in the larger Communities whose affairs are of growing importance. This system is already in use in Chicago and is found to be most successful.
Your committee would welcome a more exact system of accounting in the publishing work. No satisfactory basis can ever be reached until there is a final disposition made of our early Publications and a clean page established upon which it would be possible to determine whether the Publishing Committee is actually operating at a profit or a loss.
Your committee further recommends for serious consideration the matter of a complete audit of the affairs of the National Treasury from the time that the last audit was made, so that the business of the Cause may be brought up to date before affairs become so extensive that the difficulties and expense attendant upon such a proceeding would make it a great burden. We believe that it should be done at any cost, and as accurate a valuation placed on the holdings of the Cause as it is possible to give.
In January a letter was sent out from this committee to all national officers and committees operating under the Budget asking for an expression of their views as to whether the sum of their Budgets had proven sufficient for the carrying on of their activities and what suggestions they might have for the coming year. The object also was to enable the incoming National Assembly to proceed at once to the apportionment of the funds in order that the work might continue uninterruptedly and a perfect understanding be reached from the beginning as to the amount available for the various ramifications of the Cause.
Your committee feels that there is still another item which should receive immediate consideration and which should now become a regular obligation when preparing the Budget. This item is the International Bahá’í Bureau at Geneva, organized in 1928 at the express desire of the Guardian who is, himself, contributing to its support. A recent letter from the secretary of the Bureau, Mrs. Emogene Hoagg, mentions the contributions received from other National Assemblies and from individuals, all of whom have arisen in response to the definite statement of the Guardian that this Bureau must be supported by contributions from the various countries. Your committee regrets exceedingly the failure to answer his appeal before, and earnestly requests that a moderate sum to be determined by the National Spiritual Assembly be included in the Budget plans for the coming year, to continue as long as the Bureau is desired by the Guardian, and to begin immediately upon the encumbrance of the newly elected National Assembly.
In the opinion of your committee advantage should be taken of the presence in the union of the delegates at the Convention to discuss in detail and instruct all in the efficient administration of the affairs of the Cause. Prompt service and scrupulous accuracy in methods of accounting, in correspondence, and in the observance of the Bahá’í laws for feasts. It is scarcely the province of the finance committee to urge such matters, but it all hinges on the same point, and delay in rendering accounts suggests the need for greater care and instruction along these lines. Let us indeed make our morrows better than our yesterdays.
A recent letter from Haifa to the finance chairman bearing a postscript in the Guardian’s hand contains the following statement:—“The financial questions that confront the Cause are all very pressing and important. They need a judicious administration and a wise policy. We should study the needs of the Cause, find the fields which will give the greatest yield and then appropriate the necessary funds. And such a task is surely most difficult and responsible.”
He says further:—“Please convey to the members of the National Spiritual Assembly Shoghi Effendi’s loving greetings. He is fully conscious of the burdens they have to bear, but he is confident that through their sincerity and wisdom they will guide the Cause through even the greatest storms. . . .”
By: NELLIE S. FRENCH, Chairman,
- A. J. MATTHIESEN,
- SIEGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER.
Announcement from the Publishing Committee[edit]
A new compilation entitled “The Bahá’í Peace Program” has just been published and comes at a time when all the world is concentrating on the question of a permanent peace. This book includes letters from ’Abdu’l-Bahá pertaining to a solution in working out this plan of peace.
The letter to Dr. Forel entitled “God and His Universe” is a scientific statement of the laws governing the world and showing the necessity of absolute harmony in the relations of all mankind united under one spiritual law.
| Price | |||
| Bound in blue leather with gold stamping | $1.50 | ||
| Bound in green paper with dark green stamping | 0.50 |
The Publishing Committee also announces a new edition of “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era,” by Dr. J. E. Esslemont. Bound in dark blue paper, now ready. Price .50c.
- Bahá’í Publishing Committee,
P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station,
- New York City.
Committee to Compile Letters and Writings of Thornton Chase[edit]
There are 25 original Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá to Thornton Chase.
- 1. Hair of Bahá’u’lláh and sample
His Writing. Hair of ’Abdu’l-Bahá and whole Tablets in His Writing. Agate seal hearing device on Ring Stone. Unique Chart, form of astrological chart, bearing Persian Bahá’í devices, etc.—carried by Mr. Chase on his person.
1st petition of Mr. Chase to Holy Land—all the data, of great value, as in Helen Bishop report.
Here busily goes through that at this time—
Names of 72 who were given the greatest name in ’95 and ’97—
Then in Los Angeles a 2 page typed
story of how the Bahá’í Cause came
to America by Mr. Chase. The statement
that 5 people became Bahá’ís
in 1894—none became Bahá’ís as the
result of the short statement made
at the Fair in 1893. Mr. Chase is certified
to by ’Abdu’l-Bahá as the first
Bahá’í in America and he told W. P.
H. that he first received the word of
the Cause June 5, 1894, becoming
gradually more and more informed but
never wavered through the ups and
[Page 18]
downs of the Cause.
How the Cause grew and declined and then grew again:
19 original Chase letters to friends.
37 page story of Cause training its roots in the Bible and in Muhammadanism to the era of the Center of the Covenant.
Words of ’Abdu’l-Bahá to Mrs. Chase, Hotel Lankershire, Oct. 19, 1912.
Words of ’Abdu’l-Bahá spoken regarding Thornton Chase to the friends of Los Angeles at Groose Bldg., Oct. 19, 1912.
Words of ’Abdu’l-Bahá to the friends in S. F., Oct. 4th, 1912, regarding Thornton Chase. This servant heard Him state there the words “There are some souls like Mary Magdalen and Mr. Chase was one of those.”
Words of ’Abdu’l-Bahá and prayer with Him at the grave of Thornton Chase at Inglewood, Oct. 19, 1912.
A little later after consultation with Mr. Bosch hope to make the same suggestions regarding this material. There is also a pencil sketch of Mr. Chase, a striking likeness, artist unknown.
Archives Committee[edit]
A letter from Albert R. Windust, the Custodian of the National Bahá’í Archives, reads as follows:
“I have conferred with Miss Buikema, Secretary, and we report that the flow of the Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá for preservation in the Archives has been revived and stimulated by the appeal broadcast in the NEWS LETTER to send in Originals as well as Translations. These are being turned over to Mrs. True and Mrs. French in their work of collating and cataloging them preparatory to the publishing of Volume IV of “The Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá.” As they complete the work on a number of Tablets, the originals, translation and other data are placed in the locked case in the time-locked vault of the Archives—a well-known and completely equipped up-to-date safety deposit vault. This service is most important and the effects will be far-reaching.
“Other documents have also been sent in during the year and placed in the Archives.
“You have received and filed various pieces of printed matter in packages for preservation as heretofore.”
To the above, the Chairman of the Archives Committee adds that during the past year the friends in many places have sent in to the Archives through him much valuable printed matter relative to the Cause and its growth, as for example announcements of meetings, general circular letters from the assemblies, various manifold documents, and principal of all have been the NEWS LETTERS and other circular letters issued by the National Spiritual Assembly. These printed documents have all been carefully filed away in the Bahá’í records for future generations.
- GERTRUDE BUIKEMA, Secretary,
- ALBERT R. WINDUST, Custodian,
- CHAS. MASON REMEY, Chairman.
Library Committee[edit]
During the past year on account of economizing as much as possible the only work done by the Library Committee has been that of responding to the requests for Bahá’í books that come in from time to time from various public libraries throughout this country in response to the circular letters sent out by this Committee in years past.
While it is advisable that the work of the Library Committee be carried on as systematically each year as possible, that is through sending books to public libraries where Bahá’í books are desired, we of the Committee feel that the work does not suffer greatly when there may come a year or two of rigid economy during which we are not able to keep in touch with these libraries. When a Bahá’í book is shelved and catalogued in a public library it is there for a long time we trust, and so far as the work of getting that book into that Library is concerned the work of the Committee is finished. Then the problem naturally arises, how to place other books in that same Library or in other libraries.
Circularization and the purchase of books and sending them to libraries is a service that entails considerable expense. The Committee hopes and trusts that in the not distant future they will have ample funds for the carrying on of a much larger and broader work than we have been able to do up to the present time.
- ELIZABETH G. HOOPER, Secretary,
- CHAS. MASON REMEY, Chairman,
- AMELIA E. COLLINS.
Green Acre Committee[edit]
Your committee reports that seeking divine illumination and guidance, its effort was to serve Green Acre in accordance with the instructions issued it by the National Spiritual Assembly in its letters of 17 January and 8 May, 1929.
A general teaching program of the Bahá’í Revelation, the most comprehensive attempt in this center in many years, was carried out with an appreciative response on the part of friends and inquirers that made the workers quite happy. The printed program is appended herewith and should be regarded as a part of this report.* The workers named therein, Messrs. Vail, Gregory, Marangella, Shook and Cobb did the work assigned them. Mr. Lunt and Mrs. Kehler were unavoidably absent. Mr. Allen McDaniel aided with the program, making an address at the Sunday morning devotional meeting, another at the Amity Conference and two others on the subject of Bahá’í administration to the classes. Other teachers were Miss Pearle Easterbrook, Mr. S. Schopflocher and Mr. F. St. George Spendlove, all of whose services were timely and much appreciated.
The teaching classes for children were among the brightest features. Mrs. Eva Mae S. Smith and Miss June Miller were helpers in this work. The children were between the ages of six and twelve and were invited to come five days weekly. Such was their enjoyment of the work that of their own motion they came six days. They were taken through the lives of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ’Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi and given many stories illustrating the teachings. The lessons of one day were generally reviewed the next with good results. They were drilled in a playlet by Miss Louise Thompson, who thus illustrated the teachings and the value of Esperanto.
The Bahá’í youth held a meeting of their own weekly, inviting, but one older person, a teacher, to be present. Their meeting was conducted as a forum, with a summary by the teacher at the end. Such subjects as Immortality, Character, Interracial Amity and Universal Peace were discussed. The Bahá’í youth attracted a number of young people from the outside which more than doubled their own number. The discussion was free for all, the value of the Bahá’í training being easily apparent. The free mention of the principal characters in the revelation at such meetings aroused no opposition.
The Green Acre Committee held four meetings of general consultation with the Bahá’í community, their object being cooperation, understanding and mutual support of the program for ______
- The program referred to here was published in
the News Letter during the summer of 1929
the season. These meetings were well attended and their object realized in a very satisfactory manner.
The annual meeting held 12 August was a model of efficiency and harmony. Trustees to the number of nine were elected and in accordance with notices previously given in writing, resolutions were adopted confirming the unanimous votes of two previous annual meetings and enabling the trustees of the Green Acre Fellowship to take final steps transferring the Green Acre properties to the Trustees for the National Spiritual Assembly, the administrative body of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada. The trustees so empowered to take the necessary steps by meeting, organizing, reading the instruments of conveyance and making the transfers, thus completing the title in the Trustees for the National Spiritual Assembly with the acceptance of the latter body. The report of the treasurer is hereto annexed.
Through the personal influence of Mr. Vail, whose teaching work is so highly valued, about fourteen friends came a long distance to be at Green Acre this season, Urbana, Peoria, Ill.; and Madison, Wis., were among the places represented.
We were most fortunate in having the services of the Mrs. Eva Mae Swingle—Smith as hostess at Fellowship House. Highly educated, much travelled and well informed in the teachings, she was ideally fitted for her exacting duties which she filled at much personal sacrifice.
The memorial meeting for the late William H. Randall brought his family and many friends. Mr. Vail presided and read from the diary of our departed brother on the occasion of his pilgrimage to Haifa following the world war. Eulogies on this great life and character were delivered by the chairman and Messrs. Schopflocher, Gregory, Shook and Mrs. May Maxwell. Mr. Bishop Brown read the closing prayer. On another occasion in fulfillment of a resolution passed at the annual meeting, the friends gathered and planted a tree in his honor.
The work of Mrs. Ella N. Guthrie, assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Philip Marangella, in charge of the Tea House, merits high praise. No appropriation was given, no losses expected. Meals both sanitary and toothsome were served the guests at a very moderate cost and yet leaving no financial deficit for this committee to meet. The intelligent, laborious and devoted services of these friends have met with general approval.
The Gift Shop, as conducted by Mr. F. St. George Spendlove, although at a decided disadvantage this season in view of the closing of the Inn, is yet turning over to the National Treasurer about $285 over and above all its expenses. Mr. Spendlove believes and reports that he can better serve by opening a gift shop of his own in close proximity to the Tea House next season. His varied accomplishments in service merit high commendation.
The Amity Conferences, the third of their kind held here and arranged by the National Interracial Amity Committee brought two nationally known welfare workers and many Bahá’í teachers to these scenes. Scientific knowledge, spiritual attraction, artistic skill and a picturesque grouping of the friends were the characteristics of this effort, the details of which may appear elsewhere later.
The Garden Committee consisting of Mr. C. D. Pike, chairman; Mrs. Edith W. Pike, secretary; Miss Elinore Spinney, Mrs. Helen Green and Col. H. S. Culver, started the season minus the usual appropriation of $50 of past years. They have raised such funds as were needed and their complete report is hereto annexed. Their beautiful garden of perennial plants has added much to the beauty and charm of Green Acre and your committee makes grateful acknowledgments for the services they have so joyously rendered.
The community entertainments at Fellowship House on Sunday evenings have attracted fine audiences and some noted artists have come to us nearly all donating their services. Worthy of special mention is the Whitman Orchestra in Portsmouth and the Lunt-Czeponeski Trio of Beverly. Mr. Whitman was impressed with the Bahá’í message while serving the Amity Conferences at Portsmouth last spring. He made a special request that the universal principles be read on the occasion at Green Acre when his orchestra gave a concert and gave assurance that the cause was gaining ground in Portsmouth.
The report of the Arts and Crafts Committee is hereto annexed.
Green Acre has called into action this summer an unusual number of voluntary workers. Forestry, housekeeping, transportation, music, art, literature and various forms of entertainment and hospitality have enriched our community life. The teaching of the Holy Cause of the Beauty of Abhá has been kept to the fore and has received many fine illustrations in the services rendered. Green Acre, like all centers of Truth, is a place of severe trials and tests, yet it is also a place of victory, of discovering reality, of feeling the divine nearness, of perceiving the heavenly bounty for the sincerity of heart.
The financial report is hereto annexed.
In the stand of the friends for universal amity and the abandonment of all prejudices, the deepening of the spiritual consciousness and the understanding of the creative Word, the rally for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the meeting arranged by Dr. W. B. Guy, in the practice of consultation, in the glory of service to the exalted Cause and the practice of the simple life, we believe that Green Acre has made this season notable advancement toward those ideals set forth for it in the luminous Tablets of the Master and the epistles of our Guardian.
By: LOUIS G. GREGORY, Chairman,
- ALBERT VAIL,
- HELEN GREEN,
- GRACE OBER,
- MARGARET McDANIEL,
- GLENN A. SHOOK,
- PHILIP A. MARANGELLA, Sec’y.
The Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly Mandalay (Burma)[edit]
Annual Report 1928-29
- (1) We held two general meetings
weekly, on Thursday and Sunday evenings respectively, at the Assembly Hall, No. 9 34th Street, Mandalay. At these meetings, our brother Mr. S. M. Roumie gave instructive talks on the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá and chanted suitable prayers.
- (2) When letters from friends in
different parts of the world came and letters from the Holy Land were received through the N. S. A. they were translated into Burmese either orally or sometimes read out from the written translations as the majority of the friends here do not understand any other tongue than their own.
- (3) A special meeting in the day
was held on every Bahá’i feast day. Then the friends went to the Assembly Hall and remained there the whole day, some chanting prayers and some reading tablets and after suitable prayers had been chanted had dinner together and thus ended the celebration.
- (4) Also on the 1st of the Burmese
month and on the full moon day, the
members of the Spiritual Assembly
met in the Assembly Hall. The main
topic at such a meeting had been how
to extend the religious campaign in
[Page 20]
other parts of Burma, and to water
the seeds already sown at Kyigone village.
The death of our dear brother
Khalifa Mohamed Younus was a great
loss to our Assembly. He was ever
ready to serve the Cause in this respect.
He had never been very well
within the last few months before his
death, yet even during those months in
spite of his poor health he went over
to a town called Pyawbwe to preach
at the invitation of some non-Bahá’i
friends there. He did not limit his
campaign to that place, but to a few
of the Mohamedan villages he went
also. We all hope that he had sown
some seeds, though we should not expect
the harvest in a very short time.
- 5. We were very fortunate to have
our brother Moulvi Mahfoozul Haque Ilmi of Delhi with us, though only for a few days. He arrived at Mandalay, accompanied by Mr. Seyd Mahmod Shirazi and Mr. Hashmat Ali of Rangoon, on the 28th of September, 1928, and left for Maymyo the following day. They came back on the 6th of October and remained here up to the 12th when they went up to Monywa at the invitation of Dr. Abdul Latif. During those 6 days at Mandalay the Bahá’i Spiritual Assembly arranged a public meeting at the Theosophical Society. Bills were distributed, inviting all to come to the lecture to be given by Mr. Ilmi. The lecture was in Urdu and it was a very successful and impressive one. On the 18th of the same month, Mr. Ilmi spoke again at the Theosophical Hall and the meeting was opened with a short talk in English on the “History of the Bahá’i Movement” by the Secretary of the Bahá’i Assembly. Mr. Ilmi was so eloquent and his explanation so very lucid that the whole audience appreciated the lecture immensely. We are looking forward to having with us such eloquent and energetic workers in the path of the Cause every now and then this year and during the years to come.
- (6) Again, when the same Theosophical
Society arranged a series of lectures, nine in number, at each meeting, the representative of a religious community was to speak on “How to attain Salvation” the Bahá’i community was represented by the Secretary. At the close of the talk, a few questions were asked by the audience and they were quite satisfactorily answered. We pray and hope that, in future we shall have many a chance of speaking about the Cause before such an audience, which consisted of people of many different races and religions and thus enhance the spread of the Cause.
With loving Bahá’i greetings and best wishes from the Bahá’i friends here in Mandalay.
- Your Bahá’i Sister,
