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| No. 429 | BAHA’I YEAR 123 | DECEMBER, 1966 |
thousands of other Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs will be born”
Passing of Loulie Mathews Announced[edit]
Grieved news passing devoted maidservant Loulie Mathews. Convey family assurance her contribution Faith international services both as teacher and donor Temerity School long remembered. Praying Shrines progress her soul Abhá Kingdom.
The foregoing cable was received from the Universal House of Justice in response to the notification of the passing of Mrs. Loulie Mathews on October 27, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She will be long remembered for her many and unique services to the Faith during the early days as well as in more recent years. She travelled frequently to many parts of the world, including Africa, Latin America and the Pacific. Accounts of these trips are given in several Volumes of the Bahá’í World as well as in the very interesting reminiscences in her book, Not Every Sea Hath Pearls. The school which she donated, called Temerity School, and located at Pine Valley in Colorado Springs was dedicated to the training of Bahá’í teachers wishing to serve in other lands, especially Latin America.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of North East Africa with Auxiliary Board member, Riḍván, 1966. Left to right: Gamal Rushdy (secretary); Hushang Ahdieh, Asfaw Tessema (assistant secretary); Assefaw Habtemicael, Leo Niederreiter, Board member Aziz Yazdi, Ursula Samandari, Gila Bahta (chairman); Heshmat Farhumand (treasurer) and Rabbi Teclemariam.
The eleventh summer school was held at Mogadiscio,
Somalia, North East Africa. August 25 to September 2
with excellent talks given by a record number of
Bahá’ís.
Youth Conference held at Kivukoni College, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, August 29, 1966. Many
subjects were covered by the following teachers: F. Yazdani, Miss Shapar Farhoumand,
Miss Hoda Nakhjavani, Miss M. Farhoumand, Master Y. Yazdani and Miss Mona Nakhjavani.
Hassan Sabri, treasurer of the National Assembly of East and Central Africa, Kampala,
Uganda, also was present and addressed the conference.
World Peace Day in Seychelles[edit]
For the first time World Peace Day was observed in the Seychelle Islands September 18, 1966. It aroused tremendous interest among the people and resulted in unprecedented publicity for the Faith throughout the Seychelles Archipelago. The event was observed by a public symposium on Sunday afternoon in a centrally located public hall. Edward Sanchez, from the Philippines, and A. Rahman, secretary of the Local Assembly of Victoria, spoke on the theme: “World Peace — an Imperative Challenge.” Guest speakers were Archdeacon Winterburn and Guy Lionnet, director of agriculture for the government. Eric Stiven, a judge of the Seychelles, presided. Over one hundred people attended.
On Saturday, preceding the meeting, Mr. Rahman was interviewed for 24 minutes by the director of broadcasting. In addition to an announcement on the Peace Day program, the interviewer asked a number of significant questions which gave Mr. Rahman an opportunity to thoroughly explain the Faith.
Edward Sanchez, former member of the National Assembly of the Philippines, spent about a month in the islands, inspiring the friends to greater efforts in the teaching field. Two local assemblies now exist and it is anticipated fully that two more will come into being next Riḍván. The Nine Year Plan calls for five assemblies. Mr. Sanchez expressed the belief that the people of the islands were ready to come into the Faith in large numbers.
Speakers at unprecedented World Peace Day celebration in the Seychelles shown above (left to right): Edward Sanchez, Guy Lionnet (director of agriculture),
Eric Stiven (Judge), Archdeacon Winterburn, and A.
Rahman of the Seychelles Bahá’í Assembly. Below are
some of the Bahá’ís of Grand Anse Mahe Island in
the Seychelles, a village near the capital city of Victoria, with Bahá’í visitor from the Philippines.
Europe[edit]
● Gateway to Universal Participation ●
Chateau De’Oteppe in Belgium
★ Sites of European Summer Schools held from July 1 to mid-October, 1966
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“Through the intensive study of Bahá’í scriptures and of the early history of the Faith, through the organization of courses on the teachings and history of Islám, through conferences for the promotion of inter-racial amity; through laboratory courses designed to familiarize the participants with the process of the Bahá’í Administrative Order, through special sessions devoted to youth and child training, through classes in public speaking; through lectures on comparative religion; through group discussion on the manifold aspects of the Faith ... these schools, open to Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike, bid fair to evolve into the Bahá’í universities of the future.” (Shoghi Effendi) |
From Finland to Spain, from Harlech in Wales to the
Adriatic Sea and the Danube River, Bahá’ís and
their friends gathered in the summer of 1966 in harmony of spirit and with serious intent to pursue a
deeper understanding of the new life that is “in this
age, stirring within all the peoples of the earth.” People
from five continents, from as many as nineteen countries, overcame the barrier of language to experience
and demonstrate the oneness of the Bahá’í world.
These first fruits of a new civilization are from those seeds planted just twenty years ago when the “spiritual conquest of the old world” began. It was June 10, 1946, early in the second Seven Year Plan, when Shoghi Effendi cabled the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States to make plans for the opening phase of this historic work by dispatching nine competent pioneers. At that time only Germany had a National Assembly, or even a local assembly in continental western Europe. The National Assemblies of both Germany and the British Isles were painfully regrouping their forces after the difficult period of the war. On September 3 of that same year, the first pioneer departed for Norway. By another year, twenty-five pioneers were in active service in the ten goal countries. The first European Teaching Conference was held in Geneva in 1948, an important landmark along the way, with a second occurring in Brussels in 1949. More conferences were held, summer schools were gradually developed, until today regular school sessions are planned and held each summer, following the calendar from July 1 to mid-October.
Hands of Cause Set High Standards[edit]
Outstanding features of the 1966 schools were: a study of the message to youth from the Universal House of Justice; the presence of the Hands of the Cause to set a high standard of devotion and scholarship; the dynamism of youth who took active part in all phases of activity; the attendance of Bahá’ís and their interested friends from many countries and several continents; and the serious sense of responsibility in respect to universal participation in the Nine Year Plan.
Luchon in the Pyrenees, site of French school.
Ireland Opens the Season[edit]
Smiling Irish (and other) faces in County South.
SIXTY-THREE BAHÁ’ÍS and guests gathered at Drogheda, County South, Ireland, July 1-4, to take part in courses led by Marion Hofman, Adib Taherzadeh, Charles MacDonald, Dick Backwell and George Bowers. Lady Hornell shared pioneering experiences in Sardinia, where the first native believer was recently enrolled. The education of children was expertly handled by John Morley, and even Pakistan was represented with an evening talk by Mr. Jamshidi. The memory of the late, revered Hand of the Cause, George Townshend, was vividly and lovingly called to mind by a cable from the Universal House of Justice.
England and Wales Hold Schools[edit]
“Coleg Harlech welcomes the Bahá’í Assembly,” was the greeting extended by the Coleg when 160 people assembled August 20-31, for the eighth time in Harlech, Wales. Hands of the Cause John Ferraby and Dr. Mühlschlegel were present at Harlech and also at the school in Dalston Hall, England, assisted by Auxiliary Board members Dorothy Ferraby and Ernest and Joan Gregory. John Long gave a moving description of the life of Shoghi Effendi with its unending work and sacrifice. This created a desire to serve the beloved Guardian today through service to the Universal House of Justice. A visitor from Vietnam, National Assembly chairman Jamshed Fozdar, spoke of the tremendous growth of the Faith in that beleaguered land. A public meeting in Harlech drew 120 people to hear a talk in the Welsh language, followed by Richard St. Barbe Baker speaking on “The Tree of Life.” John and Valerie Morley utilized many nationalities present to present a pageant on the theme “The Unity of Mankind.” The youth of the Dalston Hall school also sponsored two well-attended meetings in Carlisle.
In 122 A.D., the Roman wall in the north of England was completed on the order of Emperor Hadrian, as a barrier to marauding tribes of Picts and Scots. The fourth annual summer school held in that Cumberland region August 20-September 3, at Dalston Hall found no barriers — only unity in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.
English School Held at Dalston Hall
“Let us learn so that we can teach”[edit]
NINE DAYS OF LONG, northern daylight and warm sun along with the theme: “Let us learn so that we can teach,” expressed by Auxiliary Board member Osmo Päivenen, set the mood for the sixty-one attendants from six countries and three continents gathered at Tampere, Finland, July 23-31. Class participation was at a record, animated high. The public meeting featured John Long of England. Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh of the United States provided insights into Bahá’í history. Harriet Terry shared her African slides on the education of children there. Youth made a strong contribution toward the international spirit that was so evident and showed deep interest in the winning of the goals of the Plan. Gregory and Roger Dahl of the United States and Leonid Vojnow of Sweden brought exhilaration through their singing in both English and Russian languages.
All ages shared the joys of the Finnish Summer School
at Tampere. The contribution of youth was much appreciated, including the travel-teaching efforts of Roger
and Gregory Dahl (lower photo, left). Below are seen
some attentive faces at history class taught by Dr.
Firuz Kazemzadeh.
[Page 8]
Infants to octogenarians, and many nationalities, gather at Loosdrecht, Holland for joyous sessions.
Austrian Village of Spitz is Host to Bahá’ís[edit]
IT WAS THE BRIGHT SPIRIT of the Bahá’ís rather than the weather, which was not so cooperative, that set the warm, enthusiastic tone for the Austrian school held in a charming village on the banks of the Danube River in Lower Austria. To further the theme, “The Plan of God,” Dr. Mühlschlegel and Dr. Masoud Berdjis led concentrated discussion on three major texts: The Kitáb-i-Íqán, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh and The Advent of Divine Justice. Other presentations were made by Miss Charlotte Walker, Auxiliary Board members Mrs. Anna Grossmann, Hans Randel and the German National Assembly secretary, Miss Anneliese Bopp gave an enlightening analysis of “Social Justice Among Nations.” The large number of youth brought an earnest vitality to the class sessions and lively entertainment for recreational hours. The blend of all ages learning together was the spirit of Austrian summer school, July 23-30 — a spirit that rose above the heavy rains and floods of the outer world.
Austrian school held on banks of the Danube.
“Unity in Diversity” — Dutch Theme[edit]
THE THEME of “Unity in Diversity” took on a deeper dimension when presented by John Ferraby at the Dutch Summer School July 30-August 6, at Loosdrecht — a theme traced by Mrs. Dorothy Ferraby in her discussion of the administrative order. Another Board member, Gert van der Garde served as a teacher, as did F. Monayyem; and A. Taherzadeh made a moving presentation of Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablets to the Kings. Twenty-eight guests from the neighborhood helped fill the meeting house to hear Mrs. Rosey Pool read the poetry of Robert Hayden, a Bahá’í who recently won the prize in English poetry at the First World Festival of Negro Arts in Africa, many of the poems being Bahá’í-oriented. A youth committee prepared the session on the Universal House of Justice Message to Bahá’í Youth. Unity in diversity was evident also in the ages of those present, from infants to octogenarians, and in the many nationalities. Several declarations resulted from attending guests.
Germany Holds Four Summer Schools[edit]
TWO ADULT SCHOOLS were held in the traditional places of Husted and Gauting, July 17-30 and August 20-28 respectively. The youth committee arranged their sessions to be held in the city of Bad Mergentheim, one of the places visited briefly by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá more than fifty years ago. There was also a special school for children. In all of the schools the stress was for ever-increasing responsibility on the part of Bahá’ís, not only to proclaim the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh but to demonstrate, individually and collectively, that the Faith does indeed possess the key to a new and better civilization — a more fruitful way of life for all people. Hands of the Cause John Ferraby in Hustedt and Dr. Hermann Grossmann in both Hustedt and Gauting added much to the experience of learning and living that is so uniquely a part of summer school life.
[edit]
Three countries held sessions from August 6-13, at the Gerlev Folk High School in Denmark — Norway, Sweden and Denmark, with 135 Bahá’ís and their friends representing fifteen countries and five continents. Miss Edna True, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, and chairman of the European Teaching Committee, spoke about the building of the Bahá’í Community and the establishing of the Kingdom of God on earth. Her review of the second Seven Year Plan brought back early memories of those first steps in the opening phase of the European work. The presence of Hand of the Cause, Corinne True, at the Teaching Conference in Elsinor in 1950, the first pioneers to these countries, and the first pioneer to lay down her life in the European campaign, Dagmar Dole — all these and many other events were called to mind. It was a heart-touching experience that brought tears to the eyes of both the older ones who remembered or participated in the events and to the “great grandchildren” of today. All caught a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices that made possible the Faith in Scandinavia today.
John Ferraby was again present to illuminate much of the teachings. Others who assisted with the sixteen lectures, three workshops, four firesides, one public meeting and a number of extra study groups were: Dorothy Ferraby, John Long, Hardy Aghsai, Ezad Jazayery, Dr. Raffat, Feridoon Vahman, Lisbeth Andersen, Kamma Jorgensen, Ernst Sondergaard and Tove Deleuran (with all three sponsoring countries well represented). Here again Gregory and Roger Dahl from California made a happy contribution with their able song leadership. Their visit to this school was part of a two-month travel-teaching project. It included visits to a number of Norwegian communities with two weeks spent in the Lofoten Islands, as well as other schools.
German youth took an interesting drive to the quaint,
Middle Ages city of Rothenburg (above), from Bad
Mergentheim where their school was held. Second photo (above) shows interested, intense faces of students
at a class on the story of the Báb. Below are shown the
friends from fifteen countries sharing in the Scandinavian school, Gerlev, Denmark.
“What Does It Mean — Bahá’í?”[edit]
THIS QUESTION was frequently asked of the friends at Centre International deJeunesse in the province of Liege in Belgium from August 13-21. This distinguishing word — Bahá’í — was worn on badges by the 165 youth and adults at the school and was seen by many of the thousands of vacationers there.
Chateau De’Oteppe, now used as a hotel, with its beautiful park, surrounding chalets, camping sites, youth hostel, playgrounds and swimming pool made possible any type of accommodation for the assembled school attendants. Morning sessions were held on three subjects, with special late afternoon talks on a variety of themes. Mrs. Lea Nys, Auxiliary Board member, gave her program on Irán, highlighted by slides from her recent trip. Mrs. G. David of Paris led a round table discussion of the youth, analyzing the recent message from the World Center, to the deep interest of adults as well as the forty-five youth present. Altogether eleven teachers, including several from France, contributed to the high level teaching program. There was lively participation from the students.
Traditionally a unity banquet is held on the last day. This year it took on an extra dimension by the presence of the owner of the center, his wife, and the director, who congratulated the Bahá’ís on their discipline and dignity. The happy week was climaxed by a cable to Haifa concerning nine declarations at the school.
Photo above: Chateau De’Oteppe and part of the grounds of this charming place in Liege, Belgium. Below
are seen some of the 165 people who attended the dynamic sessions which included an excellent round table discussion by the youth.
Italian School Draws 287 to Adriatic Sea[edit]
A PREPONDERANCE OF YOUTH, interested contacts (37 in all), friends from many countries, inspirational courses of study and a happy Bahá’í spirit — all of these, along with a beautifully sunny locale on the Adriatic Sea in Bellaria, have come to mean Bahá’í Summer School in Italy. Expositions on the teachings were ably presented by Auxiliary Board member Eric Blumenthal from Germany, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, former chairman of the National Assembly of the United States, and Mr. Ghadimi, pioneer to Belgium. Board member James Holmlund pinpointed discussion of the youth message from the Universal House of Justice. Profound questions from the youth that followed this presentation exhibited the spiritual maturity of many of them.
Eighty-six of those present during the September 9 to 19 period represented nineteen other countries — a record! This happy circumstance did present one problem — that of language. Special gratitude went to Prof. Alessandro Bausani, who, in addition to giving two courses, translated admirably for the English, Persian and French speaking teachers. Several early pioneers were present to share stories about Europe, Alaska and Morocco. Hossein Mahboubi, chairman of the Italian National Assembly, gave an interesting account of the Persian journeys of Martha Root, that early, intrepid Bahá’í traveling teacher.
Italy set a record for number of countries represented
at the school. A portion of the 287 who came to Bellaria
are shown in photo at top. Center right: Prof. Bausani
interpreting for Eric Blumenthal, Board member from
Germany. Lower right: Youth from Genoa presenting
evening program of song.
[Page 12]
Bahá’ís and friends gather in the Municipality’s garden, Luchon, France, in lovely Pyrenees setting, near Spanish border. Below is shown Mr. Robert, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of France, presenting letter of Leo Tolstoy concerning the Faith to the Mayor of the city. This presentation took place at a reception given to the Bahá’ís by the Mayor.
French School Proclaims Faith to Hundreds[edit]
A RECEPTION BY THE MAYOR, the use of his building, the Hotel de Ville, for classes, a public exhibition in the official tourist office (again granted by the Mayor), and a public meeting that attracted 200 people are some of the thrilling events associated with the summer school held in Luchon in France August 28-September 4. This charming village in the Haute Garonne region of the Pyrenees, close to the Spanish border, proved to be a felicitous choice. The Mayor’s reception for the Bahá’ís was also the occasion for presenting him with a letter from Leo Tolstoy concerning the Bahá’í Faith by Mr. Robert, vice chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of France. There was excellent publicity given on TV and by the local newspaper. The school sessions highlighted by Dr. Mühlschlegel were attended by some seventy Bahá’ís and friends, with a number of people becoming confirmed in the Faith during this period.
Top right: The Mayor of Luchon and Mr. Robert of the
French National Assembly at Mayor’s reception. Center right: Leah Nys, Auxiliary Board member, and Mr.
Yazdanian of the summer school committee view exhibition in official tourist office that attracted hundreds of
people. Below are shown other visitors to the exhibit.
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BAHÁ’Í NEWS editors wish to thank the following European correspondents who cooperated so ably in providing materials for the feature on the schools: Salim Noonoo (France); Mrs. Maude Bosio (Italy); Jean Pitcher (British Isles); B. and N. Ellehammer (Germany); Donald W. Oja (Finland); Lili M. Hermann (Austria); Mrs. Bertie Stoop and Mrs. Lottie Tobias (Holland); Jean and Tove Deleuran, Torkil Christiansen (Denmark); J. P. Laperches (Belgium) |
Editorial Note: The editors regret that a report on the Swiss summer school held at Rietbad in the Canton of St. Gallen, October 2-9 has not been received in time for this special feature on European summer schools. Also, a youth school was held for the first time in Spain, July 24 and 25, in the city of Valencia, this event already having been reported in the November issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
Hand of Cause Visits Japanese School; Dedicates Center in Hokkaido[edit]
Hand of the Cause, Mr. Samandarí (holding the Greatest Name) is the honored guest at the Tenth Annual Summer School of Japan, held in Kobe, with over 100 Bahá’ís attending.
The Bahá’ís of Japan were greatly favored during
August and September of this year when Mr. Samandarí, Hand of the Cause visited their country for the
first time. He visited the four large islands of Japan,
speaking before groups in many cities from Sapporo in
the north to Nagasaki in the south, also giving public
talks and press interviews.
A high point of his visit was a meeting with Miss Agnes Alexander, Hand of the Cause who has been confined to the hospital. To her delight the room was filled with friends, who, in turn, were delighted by their discussion as to which one was the elder. Miss Alexander, who is ninety-one years of age, is older by about three months.
The tenth annual summer school in Japan, with about one hundred in attendance, was inspired to have Mr. Samandarí attend the sessions.
Flies to Hokkaido Dedication of Hazíra[edit]
Twenty-three Bahá’í from the main island of Honshu flew with Mr. Samandarí to attend the dedication of the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. The ceremony began with the Hand of the Cause cutting the ribbons on the walkway, Board member Mr. Umegae then greeting the people, Masazo Odani acting as chairman for the program. Mr. Samandarí spoke movingly to the gathered friends, his last recommendation being for them to read the Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master in the new Center and meditate upon their meaning. Cables were received from the Universal House of Justice, from Miss Alexander and others. Many visitors were introduced, beautiful gifts were received and exhibited, including a plaque from Mr. Sasaki of Sapporo, first Bahá’í in Hokkaido. John McHenry III, Auxiliary Board member, and Mr. Moritake, first Bahá’í of Shiraoi, each spoke briefly, and a tribute was paid to the first pioneer to Hokkaido, Mr. Tehrani.
The Shiraoi Center is unique. It is simply designed and inexpensively constructed. It is nine-sided, with a seating capacity of about sixty-five people. It is compact, functional, light and airy. The local Shiraoi Bahá’ís, with the help of the contractor, planned the structure. One of the officials of the company became a Bahá’í during the dedication. Also fifteen people declared their faith in another village, Tomikawa, visited by Mr. Samandarí and the friends following the dedication.
[Page 15]
Mr. Samandarí is shown above cutting the ribbons of
the walkway leading to the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in
Shiraoi on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Mr. Moritake
(with beard) is the first Bahá’í of Ainu ancestry who
enrolled several years ago. Since that time the Faith
has developed steadily in Hokkaido.
Photo at right shows the charming new center at Shiraoi with landscaping and neat fences around it. Many
Bahá’ís helped with the construction but special responsibility was taken by Mr. Umegae, Mr. Yamami,
Mr. One and Mr. Koyama. Below are shown some of
the seventy people who attended the dedication.
Great Effort Expended to Build Panamanian Schools[edit]
Photo above shows Panamanian believers with American pioneer starting out on eight-hour walk carrying a
blackboard to the Bahá’í School at Boca de Remedios.
Photo below shows a new school in process of construction with inadequate older building in the background.
In the mountainous village of Boca de Remedios, the
Bahá’ís have constructed their own permanent center
and school on land donated by a believer. Through
many sacrifices, the friends donated $56.00, a large sum
for the indigenous people of this area, to buy corrugated zinc sheets. These were carried on foot from the
village of Paso de Ganado, the last stop for the bus to
Boca de Remedios, requiring about eight hours of
walking.
Land has been donated in four other communities for a combination center — school, a similar building currently being under construction in Boca de Soloy. Four Bahá’í schools now operate in the mountains where no provision has ever been made by the government for schools. The teachers receive their training at Villa Virginia and teach only first and second grades — Spanish, a little arithmetic and geography. Each school is equipped with blackboard, world map, chalk and notebooks supplied by the National Assembly.
Six teaching institutes have been held since July of this year in these areas, each lasting two days. Suzana Bejarana, an outstanding woman teacher, recently gave a class on Ṭáhirih which received much approbation.
Milk and finely ground corn have been obtained for the schools by the National Assembly.
Bahá’í Weekend in Sardinia[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Sardinia sponsored a weekend meeting
July 30-August 1, at the farm home of Edmundo Oxilia.
All ages and many nationalities were represented.
Twenty guests were present to hear Signora Pargentino, the first native Bahá’í of Sardinia speak on “The
Search for a Faith,” and to take part in an animated
discussion that followed.
In the beautiful countryside of Fertilia in North
Sardinia, a weekend gathering was held at the end of
July on the farm of Mr. Edmundo Oxilia, the only
Bahá’í in that zone. He and his wife were gracious hosts
to the Bahá’í Group of Cagliari (capital of Sardinia)
and the 20 contacts who took part in the various
meetings. This meeting was unique in the history of the
Faith in that it was organized through the combined
efforts of all the Bahá’ís in Sardinia and was the most
international one held to date.
The Bahá’ís and guests present came from Írán, U.S., England, Ireland and various parts of Italy. All ages were represented. The activities began with the reading of prayers in Italian, English and Persian.
The highlight of the weekend was a talk given by Signora Livia Pargentino, the first declared Bahá’í in Sardinia. She significantly spoke of “The Search for a Faith” and led the animated, interesting discussion which followed.
[Page 17]
Summer school in Meknes, Morocco, held August 1-7 attracted from forty to fifty participants. Basic courses on administration and history were given, with additional lectures on special topics such as Women and the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’í Education, and a special study of the Message of the Universal House of Justice to Bahá’í youth. This vital institution in Morocco grows in value each year.
Right: Winter school session recently held July 14-17 in
Asunción, Paraguay with Hand of Cause Mr. Khazeh
assisting the friends along with Auxiliary Board members. A special appeal was made to devote attention to
teaching the Chacos Indians who live in the desert
areas.
Right below: Some members of the first Bahá’í Assembly in Zoquiapan, Oaxaca, Mexico, with Trina Gil,
pioneer, in center.
The first Yaqui Indian to become a Bahá’í in the State of Sonora, Mexico with pioneer Esther Krieger.
Australian Believer Honored[edit]
A group of friends on steps of the Bahá’í House of Worship, Sydney, Australia on the occasion of a visit of Dr.
Peter Khan from the United States, former chairman
of the National Assembly of Australia. Dr. Khan spoke
to a large gathering at the Australian Bahá’í headquarters on the spiritual mission of America and particularly the vital role being played by American youth.
The Bahá’í Bulletin of Australia states: “It became
evident during the talk that the great theme of Universal Participation is becoming manifest in the world
and we thank Peter for bringing us that much closer
to our brothers and sisters who share our common aim
in God’s Cause.”
“Uncle” Harry Carter, one of the first Australian
aboriginals to become a Bahá’í, was the honored guest
at a Bahá’í home in Plympton, South Australia recently.
This happy gathering, held on the occasion of his
seventy-ninth birthday, was living proof of the principle of unity in diversity, as Bahá’ís and guests gathered for the monthly fireside. They represented Russian, German, Dutch, Scotch, Persian, Yugoslavian,
Malaysian, and Indian nationalities, as well as Australian, including other aboriginals. The guest speaker was
Tushar Kanti Paul from Malaysia whose teaching activities and current art exhibit have attracted the attention of the press.
Colored slides, accompanied by a recording, were shown of the London Congress and the International Bahá’í convention, to an appreciative audience. “Uncle” Harry’s comments did much to make the evening a heart-warming experience for all who were present and to deepen their understanding of the words of Bahá’u’lláh: “Ye are all leaves of one tree.”
International News Briefs[edit]
The bill for the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Indian Ocean went through its third and final reading at the Legislative Assembly and was approved by the government of Mauritius under the name: Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Mauritius and its dependencies.
Bahá’ís from Juneau and Douglas, Alaska, held a three-day summer school for children. Nineteen children were divided into three age groups, with a view toward enlarging their concepts of God and creation, of the principles for the world today and how to put them into practice in daily life.
Nine students at the University of Alaska have organized for group activity, sponsored by the Tanana Valley Assembly. They have a weekly Saturday evening fireside close to the campus and a study class held on campus, with announcements of these activities appearing in the campus bulletin. They are also utilizing posters. The group is filled with enthusiasm and faith in the future, the first ingredient for success.
Two summer conferences were held this summer in the far northwest area of the North American continent. The ninth annual Yukon conference was held near Whitehorse, Canada, July 1-4 with about 100 people coming from Alaska and the Yukon. In addition to the contributions of Auxiliary Board members Ted Anderson
The spirit of activity of the Bahá’ís of East Africa is demonstrated by the participation of 162 delegates in the third national convention held at Riḍván in one of the African villages.
[Page 19]
The first Bahá’ís of Nagaland, an autonomous tribal state of India.
Left: Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, elected Riḍván, 1966.
International Briefs (cont.)[edit]
and Howard Brown, classes were taught by Mrs. Janet Stout and Marilyn Bierman. Tom and Georgia Haisler showed slides and gave notes on their recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land and visit to India. Immediately following the regular sessions, the first children’s school was held at the same site — Upper Jackson Lake, in a new cabin constructed there last summer as a youth project.
Tanana Valley, Alaska held its institute on August 13 and 14. Two Auxiliary Board members also taught several sessions, as did Verne Stout, Gloria Sherie, Blu Mundy, Beverly Kolstoe and Barbara Kirby. Courses included a study of the Bahá’í Fund, various aspects of teaching, methods of self-study, the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-Breakers, (pointing out that this should include all of us), and the significance of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.
The community of Sabadell, Spain, sponsored a fiesta,
or outdoor picnic this past summer. There were many
children and youth in attendance.
Temple Model Has Gardens, Paths, and Fountains[edit]
The Alton, New Hampshire Bahá’í Group has used the model of the Bahá’í House of Worship to make a very attractive display, with gardens, tree-lined walks and fountains, just as they are at the House of Worship. As shown in the accompanying picture these gardens are in proportion to the model. All nine fountains continuously play water (which is reused) and when spotlights are shining on it, it is a thing of great beauty. The complete unit is the area of a standard card table and is compact and portable.
Mr. Edward Gustafson a “not yet Bahá’í” constructed this beautiful display which has been used already in seven New Hampshire cities. In Laconia, New Hampshire where it was on display for eight days in a florist’s window the shop owner stated that it attracted a most unusual amount of interest and favorable attention, people crowded to look at all times of day and several photographed it.
This model is being made available to Bahá’ís in the New England area.
WORLD PEACE DAY 1966[edit]
OAKLAND, CA
COBB COUNTY, GA
MALIBU, CAL.
LOS ANGELES, CAL.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLO.
SAN ANTONIO, TEX.
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
YAKIMA, WASH.
ATTLEBORO, MASS.
The Imperative Challenge in Varied Observances[edit]
The seventh annual Bahá’í World Peace Day observances, held throughout the United States on September 18, 1966 and dedicated to the proposition, “World Peace — The Imperative Challenge” brought a wide variety of types of meetings as described in reports received thus far from more than eighty Bahá’í communities. This day, observed first on September 20, 1959 as Bahá’í Proclamation Day was designated as World Peace Day in 1960 and became thereafter a special annual event designated by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. It is held in September each year as a means of commemorating the introduction of the Bahá’í Faith to the United States on September 23, 1893, the theme of world peace being used as a way of emphasizing the spiritual destiny of America in the establishment of universal peace.
The many reports received this year indicate resourcefulness and fine work in planning and carrying out the many meetings held on this day.
Governors and Mayors Again Proclaim Day[edit]
In 1960 the Bahá’í group of Baltimore County, Maryland, obtained a proclamation from the governor of the state announcing the Bahá’í-sponsored World Peace Day as a state event for that year. The Hands of the Cause recommended that similar proclamations be obtained in other states with the result that in 1961 four more state governors proclaimed this to be an official day in their states (Arizona, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin). During the following years the number of states whose governors proclaimed this day rose to thirty. Beginning in 1962 believers started the practice of getting similar proclamations from city mayors. Beginning with single proclamations in 1962 and 1963 (Savannah, Georgia and Baltimore, Maryland) this number rose to eleven by 1965. Obviously these proclamations are most effective in terms of publicizing the Faith when good photographs and press releases accompany the event of the signing. A few examples are shown on the opposite page.
Unsolicited Publicity Increases[edit]
Community service projects in connection with World Peace Day, such as the donation and planting of trees, peace roses, etc., use of speakers of prominence, and of choral groups resulted in fine feature articles in local papers. In some instances editorials were printed in which the proclamation of the governor was stressed with correct dates and announcements of the observances. In addition to such unsolicited publicity the believers in many places made greater use of paid advertisements, as well as invitations and posters. In one case a reprint of the recent article on the Faith in the National Observer was reproduced on legal size paper with announcement of the local meeting printed at the bottom of the page. Examples of good publicity received include: Asheville, North Carolina, where a dawn redwood tree was planted at Asheville-Biltmore college, with excellent news coverage including pictures; Alexandria, Virginia, where the story of the mayor’s proclamation of World Peace Day was carried in the local paper, with a picture of the city official and the chairman of the local Bahá’í Assembly.
Window and Library Displays[edit]
A very effective support for the World Peace Day observances was used in a number of places where window and library displays coincided with the public meetings. In many of these free literature was allowed as part of the exhibit. The Public Information Department reported receiving requests for display materials from librarians at Army and Air Force bases, and a request was also received from a savings and loan company in New Jersey, which arranged the display in its window. Other localities where window displays were used include Attleboro, Massachusetts, with a display in a bank window; (shown on opposite page).
Booths and Activities at Shopping Centers[edit]
A few enterprising communities have found that the new shopping centers offer fertile sources for booths and meeting places. In California the Malibu-Topanga Bahá’ís observed the day with a music festival (held in a shopping center) dedicated to world peace.
Jefferson County Bahá’ís in Colorado for the second year had a booth at Westland Shopping Center in Lakewood with the World Peace Day slogan appearing in luminous lettering. This booth was open for three consecutive days prior to the public meeting. Much free literature was distributed and those sponsoring the project feel confident that this is one of the best ways of publicizing the Faith and attracting attendance at the meetings.
Programs Widely Varied[edit]
Forms of observance of this Day ranged from picnics and covered dish dinners to full scale dinner parties, from informal gatherings for discussion to large formal public meetings in which a panel of speakers and musical programs were often included. In one community, Lima, Ohio, the occasion was used to dedicate the local Bahá’í center as well as to hold a public meeting. The excellent publicity obtained included the history of the Lima Bahá’í community. In Baltimore a musical program was given by a group composed of Bahá’ís from several nearby communities. A talk on “Music Toward World Peace” preceded the singing. Songs included those from other countries and were on the theme of a Faith for today.
Audiences Well Integrated[edit]
An encouraging aspect of all the reports was the good attendance by minority groups. This was especially marked in the southern part of the country. Reports also indicated that a higher percentage of non-Bahá’ís attended and that interest was sincere. There was a big demand for free literature, which in many cases was presented as part of an attractive display at the meeting. There was greater evidence of cooperation among small groups in jointly sponsoring meetings. This may be a reflection of the activities and encouragement of the newly formed State Goals Committees.
First Auxiliary Board Conference for Northeastern States[edit]
The weekend of September 24 and 25 found over 200 Bahá’ís from ten states, and the Province of Ontario gathered in Hamburg, New York to attend the first of three conferences to be conducted by the Auxiliary Board for the Northeastern States. The theme of the Conference was: The Heroes and Heroines of the Faith, Past, Present and Future.
The two day program consisted of a panel on “The Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”; “The Mystery of God, Divine Interpreter, Our Exemplar ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”; “Propagation of the Faith in the Western Hemisphere”; “Thirty-six Years of the Guardianship.” Hand of the Cause Mr. Zik’ru’lláh Khádem spoke on “The Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice.”
Others participating in the program were: Auxiliary Board members Mrs. Javidukh Khádem, Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Mrs. Velma Sherrill, Mr. Albert James and Mr. Fred Graham. Also Mrs. Audrey Westheuser of the Canadian NSA; Dr. David Ruhe, secretary of the NSA in Wilmette, and Mr. Archie Tichenor, and Mr. William Richter, with the youth of Western New York presenting some choral selections.
The tape recording of the Hand of the Cause Dorothy Baker about pioneering and one by Hand of the Cause Horace Holley about submissiveness to the Will of God added much to the beauty of the conference.
The presence of two devoted souls who had met the Master brought an added warmth to the gathering. They were Miss Ella Quant of Town of Tonawanda, N.Y. and Dr. Habib Moayyad of Tehran, Írán who was a personal physician to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Over twenty-five long-time pioneers were present, and spoke briefly of their experiences in the pioneer field.
Following the Conference on Sunday afternoon a public meeting was held with Dr. David Ruhe speaking on “World Peace, A Reality in This Century.” Over 150 people attended, many of whom were pre-Bahá’ís, and who lingered on after the meeting for stimulating conversation.
Truly this was a most noteworthy occasion, and one long to be remembered by all who were privileged to attend. One believer who has been in the Faith for 45 years remarked that this was, by far, the most outstanding Conference she had ever attended. Veteran and neophyte alike were inspired by the tremendous spirit which was sustained throughout the entire weekend.
North Dakota Law Authorizes Bahá’í Marriages[edit]
On March 18, 1965 the Governor of the State of North Dakota signed Senate Bill 307 authorizing solemnization of marriage by local Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’í Faith according to the usage of that community, organized or possessing a certificate of authority pursuant to the North Dakota Nonprofit Corporation Act. The bill was unanimously passed by the Senate and by a vote of 78 to 26 in the House of Representatives. The bill went into effect on July 1, 1965.
East Texas Bahá’í Institute[edit]
The “Big Thicket,” in East Texas, about thirty miles from Houston was the scene of the first East Texas Bahá’í Institute which was held Labor Day Weekend, September 3-5, 1966.
Here, in an environment more spartan than most city dwellers are accustomed to, about 140 Bahá’ís attended the sessions, which were held at a girl scout ranch. One high point of the weekend came when the friends gathered in the main dining room at 9 a.m. Sunday to join millions over the nation in seeing the CBS television program about the Faith on the “Lamp unto My Feet” show and to applaud it enthusiastically.
The five local Spiritual Assemblies of East Texas, those of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio, co-sponsored the institute, the first attempt at such a cooperative venture in East Texas, resulting in a very well coordinated session despite the hardships of great distances between the cities involved, and the relatively short time available for preparation.
One of the most pleasant features of the institute was the cooking, invariably excellent and making the heat and humidity easier to bear. The kitchen, along with all the other facilities of the ranch was operated by the Bahá’ís. Chief cook was Hormoz Hormozi, whose efforts were rewarded by the friends’ contribution of about $120 to the “Hormoz Hormozi Gift to the World Center.”
The faculty consisted of over thirty members and included one National Assembly member, Paul Pettit and two Auxiliary Board members, William Tucker and Bill Maxwell. The theme was “The Tablets of the Divine Plan.”
Children’s classes, held simultaneously with those for adults, were divided into four age groups, from three through high school and there was also a nursery for children under three. Three of the assemblies had responsibilities for each of these classes and one assembly (Austin) was in charge of providing food and other supplies.
Adult classes, coordinated by one of the local assemblies, were held in the central hall whereas the children were scattered at other more distant spots, resulting in plenty of exercise for everybody. There was much spontaneous singing and the spirits of all were joyous. At the close of the institute the friends left reinvigorated by the physical and spiritual atmosphere, and enthused to undertake with still more devotion the many tasks of the Nine Year Plan.
Huntington, New York Bahá’ís Design “Bookmobile”[edit]
A display of posters accenting some of the basic truths of the Bahá’í Faith was designed by believers in Huntington, New York as a means of teaching and attracting people in public places such as shopping centers, city squares, etc. These posters can be quickly mounted on a car and are so designed that they can be dismounted and used again in a variety of ways and places. Thus the hours spent in building the display are not “wasted” in one-time use and a beginning has been made in building up a stock of teaching materials to be used on short notice.
A memorial service was held October 2nd 1966 at the gravesite in Inglewood Cemetery in California, of Thornton Chase, the very first American believer of the Bahá’í World Faith.
This spot has a very special significance to the many Bahá’ís who unfailingly come from near and far to assist at this commemoration, as it was specially blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself in 1912 when he dedicated it as a holy place.
The Bahá’í Victory chorus sang some hauntingly beautiful songs as prayers were read and flowers were laid on the tombstone.
Reno Institute Trains Believers and Friends[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Reno, Nevada, feeling that their teaching efforts were all too often a repetition of the conventional public meeting, held a summer institute on August 20 in Toiyaba National Forest, Dog Valley, California, an hour’s drive from Reno.
About fifty believers and their friends attended. There were introductory classes for visitors while the Bahá’ís took part in workshops designed to help them teach more effectively and to understand the true meaning of the Covenant. The workshops included acting out and discussing four skits which had been prepared to highlight specific teaching situations. One on “Teaching by Living the Life” used the juvenile delinquency problems of present day society to show that Bahá’ís must become involved with the real needs of real people if they are to convince the world of the divine origin of the Faith. There were two good skits on introducing a person to the Faith and on how to take that person from fireside to study class. These skits illustrated approaches to several types of seekers, including those who are sometimes rude and do not act like seekers at all.
The whole spirit which pervaded this gathering was of happiness and joy in learning and in being together in such a beautiful place. At the close of the day a campfire was held with songs, both conventional and those less familiar Bahá’í songs. These friends will undoubtedly repeat such a project which brought deeper understanding to the believers as well as the enrollment of at least one.
A Poet and His Poetry[edit]
The Evanston Bahá’í Community sponsored a public meeting on Sunday evening, October 2, presenting Mr. Robert Hayden reading his poetry. Approximately 175 people had the privilege of attending this program, Bahá’ís and many others, held at Kendall College Auditorium in Evanston, Illinois.
This evening with Robert Hayden and his poetry was a moving and poignant experience and his presentation made a deep and lasting impression on his audience.
Mr. Hayden received outstanding recognition at the First World Festival of Negro Arts at Dakar, Senegal, Africa, this year when his work, “A Ballad of Remembrance” was awarded first prize for English poetry. The President of Senegal presented this award to Robert Hayden in New York shortly after his appearance in Evanston.
A new Broadway production, “A Hand is on the Gate,” includes a number of Mr. Hayden’s poems. The production is made up of folk music and poetry by American Negroes.
Robert Hayden has received many professional honors including a Ford Foundation grant, a Rosenwald Fellowship and the Hopwell Award for Poetry. He is an associate professor of English at Fisk University.
The American Bahá’í Community is exceedingly proud of this distinguished Bahá’í poet. His recently published volume, Selected Poems, (October House, New York), includes among other fine pieces, “Bahá’u’lláh in the Garden of Riḍván”, and “Dawnbreakers.”
Booth at Navajo Tribal Fair, Window Rock, Arizona,
September 8-11, 1966. The Bahá’í display was the only
religious booth at the fair, which was staffed by Navajos. Featured was a continuous slide presentation showing various Bahá’í gatherings on the reservation. At
the right is Mrs. Chester Kahn of Gamerco, New Mexico with a visitor from England who, although not a
Bahá’í, wished to assist the project.
[Page 24]
Bahá’ís in Montana donate blue spruce to a park in
Browning, Montana, a village in the Blackfeet Indian
Reservation on September 4. Among those present and
expressing thanks were the Mayor of the town, Mr.
Aubert, and Mr. Old Person, Chairman of the Blackfeet
Tribal Council.
BAHA'I IN THE NEWS[edit]
On August 15, a Finnish newspaper, Etelä Suomen Sanomat, published a lengthy interview with Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh who was spending the summer at Helsinki University library doing research on Russian history. The article dealt largely with the Bahá’í Faith, quoting Dr. Kazemzadeh as follows: “Traditional religion has lost its influence upon the modern individual and especially upon the educated classes. In its place has come some sort of vacuum. The principles of the Bahá’í Faith can, in my opinion, solve today’s problems. For instance, I have always been perplexed by the apparent conflict between religion and science, when perfect harmony can be achieved. The Bahá’í Faith is not based on miracles. It gives individuals the freedom to search for truth.”
News Briefs[edit]
Bahá’ís from Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska gathered in Lincoln on Saturday, September 24, 1966 to celebrate the fifty-fourth anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to that city. The friends retraced the automobile route which He took from the Lincoln Hotel to the William Jennings Bryan home. The guides at the Bryan home were interested to know of the visit and were happy to receive photostatic copies of the 1912 newspaper carrying the front page news. “Persian Peace Advocate Pays Visit to Lincoln.”
An article entitled “The Bahá’í Faith and Health” by an English Bahá’í, Madeline Hellaby, appeared in the June issue of Health for All, a monthly British publication widely read by people interested in good health. The article, while making clear that Bahá’ís are not bound to principles of vegetarianism and nature cure, gives Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on healing, quoting extensively from the Writings. It shows how “the organic unity of mankind is to be achieved by its becoming a fully integrated whole, spiritually as well as socially.”
The local Assembly of Los Angeles was recently invited to participate in a television program, “Nine on the Line”, for a half hour’s talk and interview on the Faith. Mrs. Jean Bulkin who represented the Faith on this occasion, stated before the end of the interview, that any viewer wishing to attend a fireside should call the number listed under “Bahá’í Faith” in the telephone directory. There has been good response to this announcement, apparently, for more than twenty new people are now attending firesides in the immediate area of Los Angeles. Other communities where the program was televised may have had similar responses, if their number was listed in the local telephone directory.
Baha’i House of Worship[edit]
- Daily
- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Entire Building)
- Sundays
- 3:30 to 4:00 p.m.
- Sundays
- 4:15 p.m.
Calendar of Events[edit]
- FEASTS
- December 12 — Masá’il (Questions)
- December 31 — Sharaf (Honor)
- U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
- December 10
- U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
- December 30 — January 2
- February 17 — 20
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.
