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| No. 423 | BAHA’I YEAR 123 | JUNE, 1966 |
Gifts at the Altar of Baha’u’llah[edit]
OF THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE
To The Bahá’í Conventions of Alaska, Canada and the
United States
Beloved Friends:
In the Garden of Riḍván one hundred and three years ago, Bahá’u’lláh breathed upon the world a new spirit of life. Now the festival of Riḍván, “the King of Festivals” is wafting again its fragrance upon the whole creation, and the “People of Bahá” are called to “rejoice with exceeding gladness” for the continued and ever-increasing glories and victories bestowed upon them by their Abhá Beloved.
This year the Bahá’ís all over the world eagerly await the fast approaching centenary of the proclamation from Adrianople of Bahá’u’lláh, “the Lord of the Kingdom”, to the world and its rulers. Their hearts aglow with love and devotion, they are preparing their humble gifts to place at the altar of Bahá’u’lláh on the occasion of that glorious celebration. Yá-Bahá’u’l-Abhá! What a bounty!
What kind of gifts could these be other than teaching the Cause of God and universal participation in so great a service, as has been called for by the supreme and infallible Body of the Faith, the Universal House of Justice?
In his stirring references to the vital importance of teaching the Faith, the beloved of all hearts, Shoghi Effendi, the Sign of God on earth, frequently explained that it was the obligation of the kings and rulers of the world to proclaim the Cause, that the Exalted Báb Himself in His “first, greatest and mightiest” book, the Qayyúmu’l-Asmá, had called upon these leaders to “lay aside, one and all, their dominion”, and deliver His Message to “lands in both the East and the West”. The rulers failed to respond, and dedicated believers were chosen to arise in their place. Therefore, may the greatest dignity and glory rest upon the believers, who have been blessed with such a privilege.
Beloved Friends, teaching the Cause of God is our sacred obligation. The beloved Guardian reminds us how the Master Himself, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “crying out from the depths of His soul, gives utterance to His longing in a memorable passage in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, addressed to the North American believers, ‘O, that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to those regions, and raising the call of ‘Yá-Bahá’u’l-Abhá’ in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the divine Teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it.’ ”
The Hands of the Cause of God in the Western Hemisphere, charged with the twin functions of protection and propagation of the Faith, burning with eagerness to support the moving appeal of the Universal House of Justice, “the source of all good and freed from all error”, wish to offer through your glorious Convention their services and those of their Auxiliary Board members to you, the dearly loved delegates, to the National Spiritual Assemblies, and to all the beloved friends. Their time, their energies, their resources, and their very lives are yours.
In order to make this service most effective, the Hands of the Cause in the Western Hemisphere have postponed their international conference with their Auxiliary Board members to a time following the Convention, May 20-22, when the stirring message of the Universal House of Justice will be shared again, their inspiring directives consulted upon, and the precious contributions of the delegates to the National Convention will be known.
Just fifty years ago, our beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, revealed the first of His historic Tablets of the Divine Plan, the charter of the world-redemptive teaching mission of the Bahá’ís of North America. We stand today in the shadow of that golden anniversary. Now all of our deliberations reflect the greatness and the majesty of the hour in which we are living.
May the blessings and rich bounties of Bahá’u’lláh reach and surround each one of us on this joyous occasion.
With deeply loving greetings,
beloved Guardian,
For—Hands of the Cause of God
in the Western Hemisphere
| William Sears | |
| April, 1966 | Zikru’lláh Khádem |
CABLEGRAMS FROM THE FIFTY-SEVENTH U.S. NATIONAL CONVENTION[edit]
April 29, 1966
Friends gathered National Convention Bahá’í House Worship hearts filled praise Bahá’u’lláh thankful love and services Beloved Hands standard bearers nine year plan. Grateful strenuously laboring Universal House Justice for challenging message providing divine guidance specific tasks ahead and increasing our awareness spiritual responsibilities as bearers name of God this day. Stirred by knowledge we face era longed for expansion hope seize great new opportunities carry God’s healing afflicted mankind. Pledge utmost efforts intensify and expand teaching activities greatly increase flow of funds sustain forward moving army of divine Commander deepen strengthen community life and more and more attain that distinction in individual lives exemplified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. We pray for entire human family. Fervently we supplicate Bahá’u’lláh’s assistance oppressed Bahá’í sister communities and His strengthening grace enable us to match words and promises deeds.
April 30, 1966
Our astonishment increases continuously, sacrifice, inspiration, devotion, loving kindness example, patience Beloved Hands standard bearers of Nine Year Plan, as we arm ourselves win universal participation and all goals of American Bahá’í community. We pray and supplicate prayers, our combined efforts may command joy of wonderment.
received April 30, 1966
Delighted greatly impressed heartened spirit determination friends win greater victories follow own lives example master pledged your convention message praying shrines glorious victories year ahead.
Hands Announce New Board Members[edit]
On March 23, 1966 the Hands of the Cause of the Western Hemisphere announced the appointment of Mrs. Edith McLaren to the Auxiliary Board for the Propagation of the Faith in Central America and the Antilles. Mrs. McLaren replaces Mr. Manuel Garcia Vasquez, formerly of Santo Domingo, who has returned to his native country in Europe. Mrs. McLaren resides in Guatemala.
On April 15 was announced the appointment of Mr. Anthony Worley as the twelfth member of the Auxiliary Board for Propagation in South America. Mr. Worley recently left his country, Brazil, for pioneering in Surinam, Dutch Guiana. His area of jurisdiction is to be the three Guianas, Trinidad and Tobago which is very important in view of the Nine Year Plan goal of forming two new National Assemblies in this area, one for the three Guianas and one for Trinidad and Tobago.
Twelve is the number of Auxiliary Board members for Propagation allotted to South America.
Convention Elects U.S. National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States for 1966-1967 elected at the National Convention is as follows: Dr. Daniel Jordan, Chairman; Robert Quigley, Vice Chairman; Dr. David Ruhe, Secretary; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Assistant Secretary; Miss Edna True, Recording Secretary; Arthur Dahl, Treasurer; Dr. Dwight Allen; Dr. Sarah Pereira; Paul R. Pettit.
Bahá’í Cemetery in Haifa Beautified[edit]
NOT FAR from the sea and just below the cave of Elijah at the foot of Mt. Carmel, there is a quiet resting place. It is the Bahá’í cemetery. Many believers since the early days of the Faith in the Holy Land have been laid to rest there. Recently the municipality of Haifa, with the cooperation of the Universal House of Justice, has built a stone wall along the street, with new steps leading off Allenby Road to a new entrance.
Among some of the early believers buried there is the Great Afnán, Hájí Mírzá Vakulu’l-Dawlih, cousin of the Báb and chief builder of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of ‘Ishqábád. It is in this same vicinity that Dr. J. E. Esslemont, author of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, is buried, of whom Shoghi Effendi wrote at the time of his passing: “Pilgrims visiting his grave from far and near will, with pride and gratitude, do honor to a name that adorned the annals of an immortal Cause.”
Three American Hands of the Cause, all of whom served together at one time on the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S., and again together in the Holy Land, have their final resting place close to Dr. Esslemont — Horace Holley in July, 1960; Amelia Collins in January, 1962, and Leroy Ioas in July of 1965.
Many Bahá’ís who are on pilgrimage wish to go to this quiet place near the edge of the city to pay their respects to these beloved servants of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh who have been honored to lay down their lives in the land of the Prophets.
New stone wall along Allenby Road
beside the Bahá’í Cemetery in Haifa
and the steps that lead to the new
entrance.
At left above are shown the stones marking the resting places of Amelia Collins, Dr. J. E. Esslemont and Horace Holley. Leroy Ioas is also buried near by. View at right is looking back toward the new entrance.
Universal House of Justice Tells of Passing of Jessie Revell at World Center[edit]
With profound grief announce passing Jessie Revell. Her tireless steadfast devotion Faith since before Master’s visit American continent love trust admiration Shoghi Effendi crowned by appointment International Bahá’í Council distinguished by service Treasurer both appointed elected Council. Urge National Assemblies hold memorial gathering tribute unforgettable exemplary service Faith.
COMMENTARY: The foregoing announcement of the
passing of Miss Jessie Revell at the Bahá’í World
Center on April 14 will bring sadness to the hearts of the
hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world who have
visited the Holy Land and experienced her loving
concern for their comfort and happiness. There is
nothing further to add to the beautiful tribute paid to
Miss Revell in the foregoing message, except to say
that she and her sister Ethel served the beloved Guardian in innumerable ways at the World Center from
January 1951 until his death in 1957, thereafter making
themselves available to the Hands of the Cause and
then to the Universal House of Justice after its election.
All Bahá’í communities wherein one or more members have known Miss Revell and her sister Ethel will wish to join in the national memorial gathering by having local gatherings for the purpose. The national memorial service will be held in the Bahá’í House of Worship June 15 at eight o’clock in the evening.
Death of ‘Alí Kuli Khán, Early Translator of Bahá’í Texts, Announced[edit]
Grieved learn passing ‘Alí Kuli Khán. His long life distinguished services through his translation work worthy participation administrative teaching field extending over both Heroic Formative ages unforgettable. Please convey loving sympathy family and assure prayers progress his soul.
The following brief sketch of the life of Dr. Khan was written
by his daughter, Mrs. Marzieh Gail of Keene, New Hampshire.
She is the author of The Sheltering Branch, numerous articles
in Bahá’í World and World Order magazine, and translated The Secret of Divine Civilization, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Dr. ‘Ali Kuli Khán, whose title given him by the Sháh
of Persia was Nabili’d-Dawlih, died suddenly at his
Washington, D.C. home on the afternoon of April 7.
Conducted by the Washington Spiritual Assembly under
the chairmanship of Mr. Glenford Mitchell, his memorial and interment in Rock Creek Cemetery took place
on April 12. Mr. Albert James represented the Hands of
the Faith and Mr. Stanwood Cobb was one of the
readers.
Leaving his native Írán and serving as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s amanuensis about 1899, Dr. Khán was sent by the Master to the United States in 1901, as interpreter to the Bahá’í philosopher Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl. A noted speaker, who more than sixty years ago spoke on the Bahá’í Faith at Harvard University at the invitation of William James, Dr. Khán also made many early translations of Bahá’í Texts and Tablets and confirmed uncounted souls throughout his life. His administrative service included chairmanship of the New York and Los Angeles Assemblies and he was the last living member of America’s first National Spiritual Assembly to adopt its Declaration of Trust—a document called by the Guardian “a pattern to every National Bahá’í Assembly, be it in the East or in the West ...”
Dr. Khán married Florence Breed of Lynn and Boston and the couple had a son and two daughters. As Írán’s chief diplomatic representative to the United States Dr. Khán served successively as Consul and Chargé d’Affaires, pioneered United States-Persian relations and arranged the first American Financial Mission to Persia. President Woodrow Wilson sent Dr. Khán, his family and suite to the Versailles Conference on a military transport as guests of the United States Government, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá highly praised, in a Tablet, Dr. Khán’s services as a Persian delegate at Versailles.
While heading the Persian Embassy at Constantinople as Minister Plenipotentiary, Dr. Khán was named Head of the Imperial Court by Írán’s then Crown Prince Regent and later served as Írán’s Minister to the Five Republics of the Caucasus. His Government decorations include the Gold Decoration of Learning and Írán’s highest order, the “Timthál.”
Retiring to private life in the United States he never ceased to serve the Faith for which he had asked to be martyred, and received from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá the answer: “Living martyrdom.”
[Page 5]
The new Bahá’í community in Akure, Western Nigeria, with friends and visiting Bahá’ís.
Local Spiritual Assembly of Ekpene Tete, Eastern Nigeria.
Nigeria Has Year of Steady Progress[edit]
The past year, since Riḍván 1965, has seen remarkable expansion in the Faith in many places in southern Nigeria, helped, not only by the very energetic efforts of the Bahá’ís, but also by such wonderful pieces of publicity as the article in the Ebony magazine.
Two regional teaching committees, for Eastern Nigeria and Western Nigeria, concentrated their efforts in deepening and consolidation of the areas where the Faith has already taken firm root. In addition, three district teaching committees in Eastern Nigeria contributed to the concentration of effort in the extreme southeastern corner of Nigeria, with a result that not only will several new local spiritual assemblies be established this Riḍván, but a number of new groups and isolated centers have also been established. A very successful teaching conference held in Akpabuyo, near Calabar, during the weekend of December 24-26 gave impetus to the teaching work and resulted in several declarations.
Akpabuyo has been chosen for the site of a Teaching Institute, one of the goals of the Nine Year Plan. Land has been acquired and cleared by the believers in the area and plans are progressing for the early functioning of the Institute.
Teaching visits by the more mature Bahá’ís have been a great source of inspiration. One community alone initiated a band of “local pioneers” who have spent their spare time teaching in nearby villages. Each “pioneer” chose a village and through regular visits and inviting contacts to teaching meetings in their home village, succeeded in opening several new places to the Faith.
Two important towns in Nigeria were also opened to the Faith. The first was Akure, opened by a young English Bahá’í stationed in Akure on a two year teaching contract. She was soon joined by a young Nigerian woman, and together they were able to introduce the faith to a number of people. Akure will have its first local spiritual assembly at Riḍván 1966. Benin City, site of a well-established Nigerian culture long before European influence entered the country, has caught the fire of the faith from Akure.
Literature Helps Teaching Work[edit]
Among the many inquiries which resulted from the article in Ebony magazine, two people in Port Harcourt made further investigations, were encouraged by a visit from an RTC member, and enrolled. Active teaching work began immediately and Port Harcourt also will form its first local spiritual assembly at Riḍván 1966.
A free gift of literature from a believer in the United States which was distributed by a nearby community resulted in a declaration in Etinan, in Eastern Nigeria in February 1965. Very soon there was a strong and active Group in Etinan, and the Faith was accepted by leaders of an African Church. Several members of the congregation also became Bahá’ís and the teaching expanded quickly to neighboring villages. By the beginning of August, Etinan community had succeeded in establishing the Faith in Afahah Offiong and the first Nineteen Day Feast was held with an attendance of fifty new Bahá’ís.
In Western Nigeria the Faith progresses more slowly, the heart of teaching and activity being in Lagos and Ibadan. The predominately Moslem Northern region has scarcely been opened to the Faith, but even so Maiduguri in the northeast has an active believer, and the seeds have been sown in such important towns as Kano, Kaduna and Zaria.
St. Lawrence Island, the last of the five Alaskan virgin goals of the Nine Year Plan, has now been opened by the arrival of pioneer Napoleon Bergamaschi and his three children on March 22. Mr. Bergamaschi, who is part Eskimo, was inspired to arise and fill this goal during the Winter Conference held in Petersburg, Alaska in January.
The Bahá’í Community[edit]
by
William Kenneth Christian
ONLY within about a century have men had sufficient
facts about human history to enable them to form
an accurate picture of the scope of social evolution. And
the result of this accumulation of knowledge has been
tremendous. We can now understand quite clearly that
human history has been subject to certain rhythms or
periodic cycles of change. Great periods of civilization
have decayed into eras of chaos and confusion, marked
by warfare, tyrannical government, immorality, materialism, and intensive group competition. No proof is
needed to show that our time is such an age of decay
and chaos.
The religious aspects of a dying age are to be found in the emphasis upon sectarianism in organization and belief. This is always evident in an age that has lost its sense of unity and direction. But co-existent with the strongly entrenched sectarianism is the spiritual seed of the new age. This new spirit planted by the Manifestation of God finds its first expression socially in the hearts and actions of individuals and small groups of people.
At that transitional time between great periods of civilization as the inner decay increases to a consuming chaos, the groups of people who are struggling to respond to the principles of the new age find themselves accused of the same sectarianism which marks the old order.
The charges brought against the groups of Christians during the weakening and collapse of the Roman order were simply reflections of the evils in Roman civilization itself. The early Christians were charged with immorality, with plotting against social order and treason to the Emperor, with irreligion, and with shameful secret rites. All these charges we can now understand were marks of Roman life itself and unfounded in the Christian life of the time. And we can see, too, that this was merely a psychological projection of guilt on the part of those entrenched in the old order.
Frequently have Bahá’ís heard the charge that they were merely forming a new church. Although we can understand that these charges are an unconscious projection of guilt in a world devitalized by sectarian organization, we must be prepared to show clearly the differences between a church of the older faiths and the Bahá’í communities of the world.
Our first great difference is at point of origin. There is no definite trace of a plan for religious organization in the teachings of Jesus. Consequently, it is possible for each of the sectarian branches of Christianity to claim, directly or indirectly a greater degree of rightness than the others. But Bahá’u’lláh, Whose world-purpose was to create justice in a planet brought into unity, Himself outlined a form of community life for which there is no clear-cut historical parallel. Commanding the establishment of Houses of Justice and outlining their powers and duties, Bahá’u’lláh also gave us the new pattern of community center in the House of Worship and its associated institutions of social welfare and education.
Bahá’u’lláh had so deep an understanding of human character that He not only uttered the command to unity, but provided the form, or means, by which this divine command might be attained. The outline of what we call Bahá’í Administration originated in the Books and Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, was given deep explanation in the Talks and Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and definite form in His Will and Testament, and found its genius-builder in the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. “For Bahá’u’lláh, we should readily recognize, has not only imbued mankind with a new and regenerating Spirit. He has not merely enunciated certain universal principles, or propounded a particular philosophy, however potent, sound, and universal these may be. In addition to these He, as well as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of the past, clearly and specifically laid down a set of laws, established definite institutions, and provided for the essentials of a Divine Economy.”1
But Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá also settled the problem of the interpretation of Their teachings, for they “in unequivocal and emphatic language, appointed those twin institutions of the House of Justice and of the Guardianship as their chosen Successors, destined to apply the principles, promulgate the laws, protect the institutions, adapt loyally and intelligently the Faith to the requirements of progressive society, and consummate the incorruptible inheritance which the Founders of the Faith have bequeathed to the world.”2 Thus we find, originating with the teachings themselves, those institutions for the religious life of the believers and the authority for the interpretation of the teachings.
And “the apostles of Bahá’u’lláh in every land, wherever they labor and toil, have before them in clear, in unequivocal and emphatic language, all the laws, the regulations, the principles, the guidance, they require for the prosecution and consummation of their task.”3
Proceeding then from the origin of the Bahá’í institutions, the establishment of the Guardianship as Interpreter and the Universal House of Justice as an institution for the progressive unfoldment of the Faith, and the great clarity of the teachings themselves, we find yet another difference between this Faith and sectarrian churches. “Those unwarranted practices, in connection with the sacrament of baptism, of communion, of confession of sins, of asceticism, of priestly domination, of elaborate ceremonials, of holy war and of polygamy, have one and all been rigidly suppressed by the Pen of Bahá’u’lláh; whilst the rigidity and rigor of certain observances, such as fasting, which are necessary to the devotional life of the individual, have been considerably abated.”4
[Page 7]
Still another great difference is the attitude of the
Bahá’í community toward unity. The word “church”
for all practical purposes means division. But the
Bahá’í community embraces elements of human life
which the older faiths segregate. A cross-section of
humanity is to be found in the Bahá’í communities of
the world—rich and poor, learned and uneducated, all
races and religious backgrounds. And the Bahá’í considers this the normal condition! For the Bahá’í has
responded to the command of God for unity. The basis
and reason for unity in the Bahá’í community is the
divine principle of the oneness of mankind.
And there is the element of obedience in the Bahá’í Faith which is the denial of sectarian choice. In the world of the older faiths, religion is generally inherited according to one’s position in life. If there were dissatisfaction with a certain sectarian church, the individual merely moved across the street and joined another branch. But Bahá’u’lláh’s command to unity precludes that in the Bahá’í world. It is a part of the spiritual growth of the Bahá’í that he mingle and work with all manner of people in the community.
“None of the historic causes of association served to create this world-wide spiritual community. Neither a common language, a common blood, a common civil government, a common tradition, nor a mutual grievance acted upon Bahá’ís to supply a fixed center of interest or a goal of material advantage. On the contrary, membership in the Bahá’í community in the land of its birth even to this day has been a severe disability, and outside of Írán the motive animating believers has been in direct opposition to the most inveterate prejudices of their environment. The Cause of Bahá’u’lláh has moved forward without the reinforcement of wealth, social prestige or other means of public influence.”5
The final difference which we might set forth is that of the purpose of the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’u’lláh has set it forth repeatedly—“O ye children of men, the fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race.” “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.” “This goal excelleth every other goal, and this aspiration is the monarch of all aspirations.”6 Further study of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings reveals that this unity is not a loose and jovial fellowship but the unity of one common faith, the spirit of dedication to the Manifestation of God finding a dynamic and creative outlet through the institutions which He has created.
_____
1 The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 19; 2Ibid., p. 20; 3Ibid.,
p. 21; 4Ibid., p. 22; 5The Bahá’í World, vol. VIII, p. 1; 6The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 202-3.
December, 1942
Group photo taken after a tree-planting ceremony in Eccles, Manchester, England where the local Bahá’í community gave nine trees to the local council for a newly opened rest gardens. Mrs. Betty Reed, national secretary of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles, appears third from left in front row, next to mayoress of the village. Second from left is Mrs. Gitta Chaplin, secretary of the Eccles assembly.
New York Conference Commemorates[edit]
The weekend of April 2 and 3 found over 300 Bahá’ís from New York and fourteen other Eastern states converged at the Henry Hudson Hotel in New York City to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the sending of the first of the series of messages from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the believers in the United States and Canada known as the Tablets of The Divine Plan.
Those were the dark days of the first World War and the believers in the Western Hemisphere were not numerous, mostly they were in a few of the larger cities of the United States. But these Tablets invested these few devoted believers with a mission which future generations will recognize as of supreme importance—that of carrying the healing and life giving Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the peoples of the entire world.
In the fifty years since that day in 1916 the importance of these Tablets has become increasingly obvious to the believers, for, propelled by the impetus of the divine power inherent in these Tablets and under the guidance of the Beloved Guardian and of the Universal House of Justice, seeds of this Faith have been sown in every corner of the globe and are even now bearing fruit.
The two day program of the Conference consisted of meetings at the New York Center in the Henry Hudson Hotel, a banquet, and a tour of some of the most important places in New York where the beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was present when He visited the United States in 1912, spending seventy-nine days in New York City and environs.
Participating in the program were: Hand of the Cause Mr. Zik’ru’lláh Khádem; Auxiliary Board members: Mrs. Javidukht Khádem; Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin; Mr. Curtis Kelsey; Mr. Albert James; National Teaching Committee representatives Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh and Mr. Glenford Mitchell. Music was furnished by Mrs. Carol Rutstein and the New York Choral Group.
Talks covered the subjects of: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His life and Teachings; The Divine Plan; Universal Participation in the Nine Year Plan. The presence of those who had met the Master as well as the playing of the record of His Voice and showing of the film in which He appears brought His Presence to all in a particularly intimate and warm manner. Those present who had met Him included: Curtis Kelsey, Donald Kinney, Paul Ioas, Joseph Ioas, William Dodge, Mrs. Rouhieh McComb, Mrs. Catherine Healy, Mrs. Rene Welsh, Mrs. Emma Jardine, Mrs. Laura Curth, Mrs. Russell Anderson, Miss Ella Quant, Mrs. Daisy Burll and Mr. George Roth.
The tour on the afternoon of April 3 took over a hundred of the friends to six of the most important places where the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke when He was in New York, named by Him the City of the Covenant, in 1912. At each of these places the group heard brief talks descriptive of the occasion when He addressed His listeners, pouring out on all who heard Him the love and life giving message of hope and healing.
Thus were the blessed days of the Master in America recalled once more and the believers who gathered tasted of the spirit of love and unity which He exemplified. It is hoped that the occasion will inspire them to perpetuate this joy by getting together as often as possible to share their knowledge, efforts and plans for this wonderful Faith.
Panel of speakers who addressed the Conference in New
York. Hand of the Cause, Zikru’lláh Khádem, second
from right with Auxiliary Board members, left to right,
Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Mrs. Javidukht Khádem,
Curtis Kelsey, Albert James.
New York Sites Visited by ‘Abdu’l-Baha[edit]
*Bowery Mission, 227 Bowery April 19, 1912—Talk on “Blessed are the poor,” emphasizing that Christ never said “Blessed are the rich,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stood at the entrance of the Mission shaking hands with over 400 men and placing within each palm a piece of silver. What is particularly significant is that He always refused to accept any contributions toward His own travelling expenses, but gave many contributions to all people everywhere.
*Home of Juliet Thompson, 48 W. 10th St. November 15, 1912—while painting His portrait one day Miss Thompson heard Him tell Lua Getsinger, who had travelled with His entourage from Haifa, to “go downstairs and proclaim to the people of New York that I am the Covenant and that this is the City of the Covenant ...” His talk on November 15 was about “the abandonment of all forms of prejudice among mankind,” and that “until existing prejudices are entirely removed the world of humanity will not and cannot attain peace, prosperity and composure. This principle cannot be found in any other sacred volume than the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh....”
*Church of the Ascension, 5th Ave. and 19th St. April 14 and June 2, 1912. He spoke first on the needs of the world to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and later
Fiftieth Anniversary of Divine Plan[edit]
Above, left: The tour begins at Henry Hudson Hotel as
believers walk to the busses. Right: Hand of the Cause
Mr. Khádem with Board member Curtis Kelsey at
Church of the Divine Paternity. Below: Mr. Khádem
addresses the group in front of the Church of the
Ascension.
about the way in which the world can be united
through God’s principles.
*Hotel Ansonia, Broadway and 73rd St. April 16 and 17, 1912. He emphasized the world’s sickness and Divine Healing, and the beliefs of the materialistic philosophers and scientists as contrasted to those of the Bahá’í Faith.
*Church of the Divine Paternity, Central Park, West and 76th St. May 19, 1912. He spoke on the fact that religions are many but the reality of religion is one.
*Great Northern Hotel, 118 West 57th St. November 23, 1912. He attended a Bahá’í Unity Feast. The silver loving cup given Him then is now in the Archives Building of the International Bahá’í Headquarters in Haifa. He said that the gathering was a universal one, heavenly and divine in purpose, because it was intended for the promotion of Universal Peace.
All Souls Unitarian Church, 4th Ave. and 20th Street, July 14, 1912. He spoke at length on the Oneness of Humanity and of how Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings can bring this to pass.
Home of Mr. and Mrs. Alex. Morten, 141 East 21st Street, April 13, 1912. He gave a talk about the spiritual world.
Hotel Astor, 44th Street and Broadway, May 13, 1912. He spoke before the New York Peace Society on “The Most Great Peace”.
Carnegie Lyceum, now Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and 7th Ave., April 14, 1912. He spoke on the efforts of the Divine Manifestations to bring love and unity to mankind.
Miss Phillips’ Studio, 39 West 67th Street, April 12, 1912. He gave a talk on this world and the world of God.
Genealogical Hall, 252 West 58th Street, November 17, 1912. He spoke about the periods or stages through which both mankind and the world of humanity go during this existence.
The Kinney home, 780 West End Ave. Here He gave many talks.
Home of Montfort Mills, 327 West End Ave., April 15, 1912. He spoke on the phenomenal world being entirely subject to the rule and control of natural law.
Theosophical Lodge, Broadway and 79th Street, May 30, 1912. He spoke on how the world needs a great power by which these glorious principles and purposes may be executed.
_____
*Those visited on Commemorative Tour April, 1966.
Leroy C. Ioas Memorial Teaching Institute[edit]
Four inspired teachers quickened the spirits of the participants at the Leroy C. Ioas Memorial Teaching Institute sponsored by the Fort Worth, Texas Spiritual Assembly on April 8, 9, 10, 1966.
Auxiliary Board Member, Jack McCants inspired and motivated the gathering during the three days with his talks, “To Teach the Faith is to Live the Life”, “Gaining Knowledge of the Faith”, and “Reflecting the Spirit of the Faith”. Pioneer on her way to Belize, British Honduras, Miss Ruhi Yeganeh, and Mrs. Virginia Johnson of Jackson, Mississippi related beautiful and stirring accounts of the great and heroic Bahá’í teachers both in the present and of the past. Pioneer to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mrs. Eileen Norman gave a challenging talk co-mingled with lively discussion on “Yardstick for Personal Growth”. Together these talks kept the Institute at a high level of participation.
Classes for youth and adults, as well as those for the younger children, taught by believers from Dallas, were spaced during the day so that there was time for visiting, relaxing, and study.
Since this was a memorial to Hand of the Cause of God Leroy C. Ioas, much emphasis was placed on teaching, pioneering and the example set by many of America’s great teachers.
The facilities at the YMCA Camp where the Institute was held lent themselves to the gathering of so many eager and spiritually hungry souls. Added to this was that unique influence of the foreign visitors, Miss Yeganeh and Henry Luke Ouma of Nairobi, Kenya, now attending Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Mississippi.
Early morning devotions were held around the parabolic-shaped lake, amidst the chirping of native birds. The friends were reminded of the passage in God Passes By, “So loud was the singing of the nightingales on every side that only those who were near Him could hear distinctly His voice.” (p. 153).
By Sunday afternoon 104 persons had registered. Bahá’ís from throughout Texas, as well as Louisiana and Mississippi, some coming from as far away as 400 miles, made the gathering an outstanding success.
At the invitation of the Fort Worth Assembly the editor of a local Negro newspaper came to gather materials for a story and to take pictures. Noticing the literature display he became quite interested in the books and pamphlets, asked to have, and was given a copy of Christ and Bahá’u’lláh as well as several pamphlets. Before leaving he commented that he planned to do an editorial on the material presented to him as well as on his visit with the Bahá’ís at the Institute.
The believers gathered for this event, the first of its kind held in Fort Worth, requested to return later in the year, perhaps for a winter institute. Enthusiasm ran high, not only for the camp facilities, but in appreciation of the tremendous effort and devotion shown by the teachers who gave so much during the three days.
At the end of the sessions one person arose to pioneer and several sought information about homefront goals, where they could serve.
Last but by no means least should be mentioned the wonderful youth panel presented Sunday morning. Sue Johnson, Douglas Hubbart, Ivan Pruitt, Arthur Washington and Norman Towels set the example for both adults and youth with Mike Reimer serving as a very enthusiastic moderator.
Some of those who attended the Leroy C. Ioas Memorial Teaching Institute held at Fort Worth, Texas on the weekend of April 9, 1966.
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Bahá’ís and their friends celebrate Naw-Rúz at the Niagara Public Library. The occasion included dinner and a meeting the high point being the enrollment of three new members in the Bahá’í Faith. This picture and an article appeared in the local newspaper, The Buffalo Challenger for March 31.
Naw-Ruz — 123[edit]
March 21, 1966 the joyous occasion of the Bahá’í New Year is observed by the believers everywhere. Being a joyous holiday, one on which people like to share food and fellowship the pattern of celebrations tends to be similar in the various localities. We share briefly a few of the reports received. In Madison, Wisconsin sixty believers and friends gathered for a pot-luck supper at which foods from many countries were served. The program that followed was put on in large part by the children who told stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, gave talks on the meaning of Naw-Rúz and read compilations which they had prepared on aspects of the Faith. Poems, music and a skit added variety to the evening. Some of the talented believers who helped make the evening such a success were: Miss Roxanne Javid, who read two of her poems; Ruth, Judy and Carl Engler who with Mrs. Diane Scheffer gave a violin concerto; and Mrs. Hifumi Yamamoto who wrote the skit entitled “Everland” (a takeoff on Peter Pan). In Florida over fifty believers from Sarasota as well as Manatee and Sarasota Counties joined in a banquet at a nearby Holiday Inn. Piano solos by Mrs. Harriet Kelsey, singing by the children, and a talk by Mrs. Caroline Dary brought the joyful Naw-Rúz spirit to the occasion. Also in Florida the Broward County community marked the
Naw-Rúz gathering in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
At Lakewood, California Naw-Rúz celebration: Mrs. Bea
Williams, center, Bahá’í for forty years,
who moved to Lakewood in 1965 to help
form first local assembly, with Miss
Ginger Caldwell and
Robert Anderson,
newest believers in
Lakewood.
day with a banquet at a fine hotel in Ft. Lauderdale
where all were welcome. Until three years ago such
integrated gatherings were not possible in public places
in this Southern County. Well over one hundred Bahá’ís
and friends gathered to feast and hear Dan Jordan
share his musical talent at the piano. There was also an
afternoon conference on the subject “Live the Bahá’í
Life and Teach” attended by over sixty persons. A
Sunday morning “brunch” for inquirers and a feast
that evening attended by Bahá’ís from the surrounding
communities rounded off the celebrations leaving the
friends feeling that the “cup was running over” with
joy as this, the most joyous Naw-Rúz ever held in this
part of the South came to an end.
The home of Drs. Bijan and Giti Etamad in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was the scene on March 20 of an observance of Naw-Rúz and the Feast of Bahá. The material feast included succulent and bountiful Persian dishes, while the inspirational part was highlighted by a talk by Dr. Jalal Ahdieh explaining the significance of the Feast of Bahá as a special occasion for honoring the Manifestation Himself and of Naw-Rúz as a time to initiate new teaching plans for the year ahead. One new member, a youth, was enrolled on this happy occasion.
In California the Sacramento Court District Community was happy to welcome four new enrollees into the Faith at Naw-Rúz and in Lakewood the Naw-Rúz festivities being generally social were made happy because of the presence of several newly enrolled members.
Wichita Youth Hold Third Annual Conference[edit]
Fifty-three participants, including thirty-eight youth from six states attended the Third Annual Wichita Bahá’í Youth conference on the weekend of April 8, 9, and 10 held at a camp site twenty miles west of Wichita, Kansas. The unheated dormitories and cottages, where the temperature dropped below freezing at night proved to be a challenge as well as stimulus to the general spirit of enthusiasm which prevailed. All agreed that they were “soft” and “attached” to modern comforts the result being a prevailing spirit of pioneering and good fellowship.
The keynote speaker was National Spiritual Assembly member Paul Pettit who spoke on “What is a Bahá’í Youth” and “Bahá’í Conduct.” Gordon Laite of Gallup, New Mexico spoke on “Youth Teachers” and “Remaining a Bahá’í During Difficulties,” while Sam Jackson used “Distinction for the Bahá’í Youth” and “Deepening” for the subjects of his talks. These presentations and the following discussions moved all to a deeper devotion to and understanding of the Teachings. Don Newby showed slides and told of his pioneering experiences in Central America, and Genay Newby gave a stimulating talk on “Goals, Responsibilities and Challenges of Bahá’í Youth.”
The classes began with a twenty minute talk to the whole group followed by conferring in smaller groups, giving all a chance to take part in the discussions. At the end of each session the entire group heard reports of the discussions.
Before the close of the conference one youth made his declaration and was lovingly welcomed into the Faith. Other results of the conference include the very favorable impression made by the Bahá’ís on the non-Bahá’í personnel who directed the camp and who have been
Some of those who attended the Wichita Youth Conference in April, 1966.
happy to offer the facilities to the Bahá’ís for a similar
session next year. This site had never been used for a
Bahá’í conference before and it was gratifying to have
the camp personnel state that they had never seen a
“happier bunch of people” nor “a more appreciative
group.”
Oklahoma City Bahá’í Center Dedicated[edit]
The first Bahá’í Center to be acquired in Oklahoma is in Oklahoma City and was dedicated by the believers of that city on March 20, 1966. A special message was sent from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States for the occasion and Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Velma Sherrill as well as National Assembly member Paul Pettit were present to give loving and inspirational messages.
At a public meeting on Sunday afternoon, March 20 held in a nearby hotel Mrs. Sherrill addressed a record audience on “The New Age” and this was followed by the dedication, open house and a dinner at the new Center, or Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. The occasion being also Naw-Rúz was doubly festive, and friends from nearby areas, as well as children came to join in the joyous event.
The Center, a gift from a devoted believer, Dr. Virginia P. Harden, now living in another state, whose home it was for 32 years, serves to create a fuller life for the Bahá’í community of Oklahoma City and nearby groups. Serving as a place for State Conventions, teaching and social events as well as weddings it is sure to add to the unity and the activity of believers in the area.
The friends note with interest that Oklahoma City was the site of the first local Spiritual Assembly to be formed in the State during the first Seven Year Plan (1937-1944).
A visit by Don Larson from the United States, was the
occasion for holding several firesides and public meetings in St. George, Somerset and Hamilton, Bermuda.
The above photo was taken at the Bahá’í Center in
Hamilton. Mr. Larson’s visit also resulted in radio and
television interviews.
[Page 13]
Institute on the Covenant held in Greensboro, North Carolina March 12-13, was led by Auxiliary Board members Dr. William Tucker and Jack McCants who, with Mrs. Jane McCants covered the topics of: the Covenant, Administration and Teaching. Emphasis was laid on how to implement the Covenant in our lives and in the Institutions of the Faith as well as how best to carry on the all important task of teaching.
Victory Campaign Concluded in Albuquerque[edit]
The Albuquerque, New Mexico Bahá’í community brought its victory campaign to a successful conclusion with a public meeting on April 2, 1966 at the Holiday Inn in Albuquerque on famous Highway 66 where an audience of seventy heard Mr. Winston Evans give an inspiring and thought-provoking public lecture. As a direct result of this meeting a local television station presented a round table interview with representatives of Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Hindu and Bahá’í Faith participating. The program was later carried on radio. The sign at the Holiday Inn here shown undoubtedly was seen by thousands of intercontinental travellers who use the highway.
Holy Days Recognized in Duluth Schools[edit]
Effective as of March 16, 1966 the Superintendent of the Duluth, Minnesota Public Schools has granted Bahá’í teachers permission to suspend work on Bahá’í Holy Days without loss of pay. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that a School district has granted permission to Bahá’ís to observe Holy Days without pay penalty or demand for compensatory time.
Baroness Maria Von Trapp, whose life story inspired the
film, “The Sound of Music,” visited the House of Worship in Wilmette in April and was greeted by Dr. David
S. Ruhe, Secretary of the National Assembly (left) and
Salvatore A. Pelle, Director of Public Information for
the Bahá’ís of the United States.
BAHA'I IN THE NEWS[edit]
A highly-favorable, three and one-half page article on the Bahá’í Faith has appeared in Iceland’s biggest-circulation weekly magazine, “VIKAN.” Under the heading: “THE BIRD OF PARADISE IS CALLING, WILL YOU NOT ANSWER HIM?”, the article covers the central figures of the Faith, its growth and teachings. It also features pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Frankfurt House of Worship and the Shrine of the Báb, and two large pictures from the London Congress. Response to the article has been very favorable. The magazine has a Life-style format and is mailed by the government of Iceland to all the farm homes in the interior of the country.
[Page 14]
Regional Teaching Conference recently held in Galle, Ceylon.
The May 2, 1966 issue of The National Observer, the
national weekly published by the Wall Street Journal
publishers and having a circulation of ½ million, carried a feature story on the Bahá’í Faith titled: “Why
the Bustling Bahá’ís Feel Their Religion’s Day Has
Come.” The story states that the Bahá’í Faith “in terms
of percentage increase in members, is one of the fastest
growing faiths in the world.” The author, Patrick
Young, points out that the number of Bahá’í assemblies
in the U.S. “has nearly doubled since 1956.” In speaking
of the Bahá’í teachings the author states, “Each Manifestation of God, they say ... has taught the same
eternal spiritual truths, provided new teachings to meet
the problems of the age, and released a spiritual force
to propel millions to the new faith.” Of the Bahá’í divine
plan he writes, “Bahá’u’lláh outlined the structure and
institutions of the faith in his writings. ‘He did not
leave people to work out their own order as Christ did
with the disciples,’ says one Bahá’í. Indeed, the Bahá’ís
say their administrative order, in which they practice
as completely as possible the prophet’s teachings, is
actually an early model of the future world order.”
Subscriptions Pour in for World Order Magazine[edit]
From all over America, Alaska, Australia, Canada, East Africa, Saipan, India and a host of other exotic areas of the world comes a heart-warming flood of subscriptions for World Order Magazine. And included with the orders have been a multitude of excited, constructive and loving comments, in anticipation of the re-appearance of this uniquely powerful teaching aid. Some of these letters may be published on the “Comments from Readers” page, a planned regular feature that is expected to be a lively source of interest.
Tentative publication time for Volume 1, Number 1, has been set for October. Subscriptions may be entered at $3.50 each per year. Please send orders with checks payable to World Order Magazine, c/o Mrs. Muriel Michels, 1-Cove Ridge Lane, Old Greenwich, Conn. 06870.
Display at 1966 Monroe County, Florida, Fair, arranged by the Bahá’ís of Key West and shown March 25-April 2. This exhibit surpassed those of previous years in terms of location, number of inquirers attracted and amount of literature distributed. Cooperation of nearby communities of Hillsborough and Lee Counties and of Miami Beach helped to make this a success.
News Briefs[edit]
The annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand reports the establishment of two groups in Niue Island and a pioneer settled in Tokelau Islands, both goals of the Nine Year Plan. Some progress has also been made in teaching the Maoris. In this connection, a visit was made to Roma Marae at Ahipara on the occasion of an open, non-denominational religious meeting. Ephraim Te Paa, a Bahá’í, was chairman of the meeting and a specially prepared Maori-English booklet was accepted by some of the Maori people present. Bahá’í advertisements are being placed in Te Ao Hou, the official Maori magazine.
The Bahá’ís of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico held their first public meeting March 13 at which the talk, in Spanish, by José Monge was taped and played later that same day on the local radio station. The meeting was announced in a prominent place in the local newspaper. This is thought to be the first time a public talk on the Faith has been given on radio.
Believers in Appleton, Wisconsin rejoice over the excellent publicity received in the local paper during the last week in March. The Post-Crescent on March 23 published a 9 inch announcement of local Naw-Rúz observances including information about the Bahá’í calendar and Naw-Rúz. The celebration was reported in the same paper a week later, with three pictures of the guests. On Sunday, March 27 this newspaper devoted a full page to an article about the House of Worship in Wilmette (entitled “America’s ‘Taj Mahal’ ”) including three large excellent photographs of the Temple.
Inspired by the Victory Briefing in the Fall of 1965, the Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Bahá’í community held two very successful proclamation meetings on April 16 and 17 and plan another one for late in May. The speaker, Mr. Jack McCants whose topic was “The Bahá’í World Faith: Why I should be interested and How it will help me” attracted a good audience who received his message with enthusiasm. The planning which helped assure the success of this project began in the Fall of 1965 and included: bi-weekly advertisements in local papers which gave quotations from the Writings and a telephone number; printed invitations; announcements of the meetings on local radio stations and in newspapers as well as a display in the local library.
Nineteen Guaymis of Chiriqui Province, Panama, made declarations and eight new Bahá’í centers were opened on these wooded slopes. In February, Auxiliary Board member Ruth Pringle and pioneers Kenneth Francisco and Arthur Krummell made two teaching trips. The spirit of the Guaymi believers is proof beyond doubt of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá promise that the light of the Indians of the Americas will one day illumine the earth.
The Bulletin Bahá’í Suisse reports a series of lectures given by Miss Annelise Bopp, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany, in Switzerland during the month of March. These lectures were given in the cities of Basel, Biel, Thun and Bern. The article also recalled to mind the excellent talks given by Miss Bopp at the International Congress in London in 1963 and also at the dedication of the Frankfort Temple, and expressed much gratitude to her for the teaching effort in Switzerland.
The National Assembly of Vietnam continues to send copies of the excellent newspaper publicity which is obtained on all of their events as well as a report on their consistent high rate of growth. During the months of January, February and March approximately 1,300 new Bahá’ís were enrolled. The formation of 100 new local assemblies is anticipated this Riḍván.
Bahá’í News of South Central Africa mentions a second teaching conference held in February at the Salisbury Rural Community Center. The communities of Bangira, Greendale, Highfields, Matemera, Mbyira, Mondoro, Salisbury Municipality, Salisbury Rural and Waterfalls were represented. The Area Teaching Committee of Mashonaland, pioneers and board members conducted the classes on Bahá’í administration and various other aspects of the teachings. Slides of the Holy Land were shown by Mr. and Mrs. Glauder.
Baha’i Publishing Trust[edit]
Quest for Eden. By Elena Marsella. A comprehensive work that traces and relates the religious history of the human race—its beliefs, practices, scripture and symbols—from earliest known times to the present. The final chapters present the story of the coming of the Bahá’í Revelation. The essence of the book is best stated in the author’s own epilogue: “From Genesis to Revelation, from early Sumerian theology to modern Persian Scripture, there unfolds a wondrous theme ... the tale of earth’s most fabulous creature ... he alone of all God’s handiwork ponders the secret of his own nature and seeks answers to those eternally absorbing questions: from whence are we come and where are we going?
“Little by little and age after age, the answers are given, and Word follows Word from heaven.... Progress is slow and erratic, for every greedy Cain must eventually learn that he cannot advance over the slain body of an Abel. The road is dangerous, yet beautiful ... the Scriptures reveal not only the tale of a single man, but that of a race of men; not only that of a race of men since Adam, but that of races before him; not only that of sentient beings on this earth, but of rational creatures on extra-terrestrial globes; not only of race-culture on planets already in existence, but of civilizations on worlds as yet uncreated.... a tale of cycle after cycle, of small cycles within large cycles, and of a universe forever in motion.”
Published with Philosophical Library imprint but partially sponsored by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, this
[Page 16]
work will be interesting to Bahá’ís and a way of
presenting the Faith for the first time to others.
Cloth | $5.00 |
Paper | $2.00 |
New Light on the Spirit Path, The. Prepared on
behalf of the American Indian Service Committee,
written and illustrated by Ted Claus. In the words of
the Indian Service Committee, the book is “primarily
intended for an Indian audience and also to deepen
Indian pioneers or teachers. It is to be used in a
manner similar to the New Era for the average, educated person ... to explain the administrative as well
as spiritual aspects of the Faith to the prospective or
newly declared Indian believer ... to relate to the
Indian where he is. The book is artistically constructed
and will have greater appeal to the Indian through the
emotions than through the intellect....”
Among twenty-nine chapters or sections of the sixty-four page book are the following: “The New Teachings for this Day”; “The True Meaning of the Word ‘God’ ”; “Arts, Crafts and Sciences”; “New Laws for All People”; “Prayers”; “How Man Became Man”; and “Service.”
It is hoped that every community will find a way to utilize these booklets and give support to this project. If they are not engaged directly with reservation teaching, they can make contact through Indian centers in the cities, or assist those Bahá’ís who are actively engaged in this work. Also, each believer will wish to have at least one copy for his own information and enjoyment. Size 4½ x 7½, paperbound, pictorial cover illustrated.
Per copy | $.75 |
Loyalty to Government—New Format[edit]
Loyalty to Government, the Bahá’í Viewpoint, a statement by the National Spiritual Assembly, has been reprinted in an attractive new format that gives this publication the prestige it should have. It has been printed in two colors (black with orange-red decoration) on ivory laid text paper. It is hoped that there may be additional such statements produced in the same format for use with prestige mailing lists and other presentations both local and national.
Several communities have recently published this statement (or excerpts from it) as ads in local newspapers, offering a free copy of the full statement to inquirers. This statement becomes increasingly timely in today’s society. Among other quotations from Bahá’u’lláh is the following: “In every country or government where any of this community reside, they must behave toward that government with faithfulness, trustfulness and truthfulness.” (No standing orders)
20 copies | $1.00 |
100 copies | $4.00 |
Baha’i Distribution and Service Department[edit]
The Advisory Committee on Education has just completed its first manual for teachers of children’s classes. The National Spiritual Assembly has approved the current production of children’s materials and it is expected that the program will encompass material for eleven grade levels and that it will be designed to stimulate the children’s interest.
The series is being prepared in a soft cover with a different colored cover for each grade level, 8½" x 11" with holes punched for use in a three ring binder. Each book will contain several lesson plans for the teacher’s use in guidance of procedure, materials to use, lesson plan for the day, timing and other helpful suggestions.
The first book, entitled “Bahá’ís Around the World,” Grade K (kindergarten), covers Social Teachings, and it contains 6 lesson plans. It is available for 75c from Bahá’í Distribution and Service, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
Baha’i House of Worship[edit]
- Daily
- 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Sundays
- 3:30 to 4:00 p.m.
- Sundays
- 4:15 p.m.
Calendar of Events[edit]
- FEASTS
- June 5 — Nur (Light)
- June 24 — Rahmat (Mercy)
- PROCLAMATION EVENT
- June 12 — Race Unity Day
- U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
- May 20 and 22; July 1 through 4
- August 12 through 15
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published for circulation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, as a news organ reporting current activities of the Bahá’í world community.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee: Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, Managing Editor; Mrs. Eunice Braun, International Editor; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, National Spiritual Assembly Representative.
Material must be received by the twentieth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. 60091.
Change of address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. 60091
