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| No. 436 | BAHA’I YEAR 124 | JULY 1967 |
The Martyrdom of the Báb July 9, 1850[edit]
Not until I have said unto him all those things that I wish to say can any earthly power silence Me. Though all the world be armed against Me, yet shall it be powerless to deter Me from fulfilling, to the last word, My intention.
Had you believed in Me, O wayward generation, every one of you would have followed the example of this youth, who stood in rank above most of you, and willingly would have sacrificed himself in My path. The day will come when you will have recognized Me; that day I shall have ceased to be with you.
— THE BÁB
Thus ended a life which posterity will recognize as standing at the confluence of two universal prophetic cycles . . . It can, moreover, be regarded in no other light except as the most dramatic the most tragic event transpiring within the entire range of the first Bahá’í century. Indeed it can be rightly acclaimed as unparalleled in the annals of the lives of all the Founders of the world’s existing systems.
— SHOGHI EFFENDI
Pioneers Witness Birth of Belize National Assembly[edit]
As a prelude to their first national convention, the Bahá’ís of Belize gathered in the lovely terrace room of a sea-front hotel in Belize City, to honor Hand of the Cause, Dr. Ugo Giachery and to hear his illuminating talk on “Road to Peace.”
The three-day convention opened April 28 with eight delegates present from the four existing local assemblies of Belize, among them a Mayan Indian Bahá’í. Also present were representatives from the National Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala, Harold Neff and Mrs. Louise Caswell. Mr. Neff opened the convention and then called on Dr. Giachery, who spoke of the responsibility the community was about to assume and at its new and closer relationship to the Universal House of Justice.
Messages sent to the convention included one from the Universal House of Justice which inspired all present to arise and volunteer as traveling teachers, and one from the Hands of the Cause which included the promise that “those who will arise to serve Him will, in due time, conquer all human frailties.” Among the greetings from other national assemblies was a message from Auxiliary Board member Artemus Lamb, who appealed specifically to the Belizean believers to arise to serve, putting aside all fear and sense of limitation.
Among the teaching goals set for Belize by the Universal House of Justice for the remainder of the Nine Year Plan were eight local assemblies. There are twelve. The Plan also calls for twenty-five localities which have already been established.
On Saturday, April 29, the first National Spiritual Assembly of this small country, long forgotten by the world but well remembered by the Center of the Covenant in His Tablets of the Divine Plan, was elected with five local believers among its members. What emotions must have stirred in the hearts of Mrs. Cora Oliver and Mrs. Shirley Warde, who have labored for fourteen years, patiently nourishing the seeds that grew to fruitful trees!
First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Belize. Left to right, front row: Dr. Giachery, Hand of Cause, Cora Oliver (recording sec’y.), Bernice York, Rouhangiz Yeganeh. Back row, from left: Dr. Hedaiatullah Ahmadiyeh (chairman), George Gable, Katherine Hope (secretary), Wallace Tillet, Shirley Warde (treasurer), and Nat Neal.
First national convention of the Bahá’ís of Belize, April 28-30, 1967, with Hand of the Cause Dr. Giachery.
Panama[edit]
— Host to an Infercontinenial Conference
Photo at left shows road being cut to the Temple site in the Republic of Panama. National Spiritual Assembly of Panama members drove to top of hill site for early morning prayers at first meeting of new Bahá’í year
The Bahá’ís of Panama sponsored a booth at the Fair in La Chorrera. President of the Republic, Marcos Robles, visited the Fair and the Bahá’í booth. He is shown here shaking hands with Theresa Buckley after presentation of a copy of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.
Newly elected members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Republic of Panama. Seated, from left: Buren Douglas, Leota Lockcman, Razuel de Constante. Standing: Harry Haye, Fred Berest, Alan Pringle, Arthur Krummell, James Facey and Antonio Mendoza. The 1967 convention of the Republic of Panama had the largest number of delegates ever attending. Delegates appealed for women teachers to come to the mountains to instruct their women, who in turn would teach the children about the Faith.
Bolivian Convention Reveals New level of Participation[edit]
The seventh annual convention of the Bahá’ís of Bolivia demonstrated an elevation of spirit in harmony with the altitude of the city in which it took place — La Paz, highest capital in the world. The thirty delegates present, most of whom were Indian campesino friends, were representative of the most dedicated teachers in Bolivia and expressed themselves in fluent Spanish and Quechua.
High resolve was evident in the message to the Universal House of Justice, which “pledged incessant labor in expansion and consolidation.” This year’s triumphs included the formation of the first Local Spiritual Assembly in Beni, on the Brazilian border, and Tarija, on the Argentine frontier. An opening to the Faith has been achieved in all nine departments in Bolivia.
Universal participation reached a new level in the strenuous months before Riḍván when over a hundred campesinos volunteered to help with the formation of indigenous assemblies. Due to troubled areas, however, a number of these local assemblies could not be established.
The devotion of these Indian campesino friends, a number of them literally ready to give their lives for the Faith, can be seen in some of their comments during the convention: “Those who laugh at us and speak calumny against us are like barking dogs who run alongside a moving truck which goes on its way leaving them behind.”
One believer who was falsely denounced told of having a rifle pushed against his ribs and being taken as temporary prisoner. He told his captors: “You can kill me whenever you like but I die in the Path of God for I am now a new person with a new spirit and a new soul.”
Especially heartening was the presence of the group of campesino youth who are also actively engaged in teaching work.
Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Bolivia. Seated, left to right: Andres Jachakollo, Yolanda Claros, Angelica Costas, Carmelo Jackakollo. Standing, left to right: Dr. Eshraollah Ouladi, Ehsanollah Rezvani, Nasario Tirado, Enrique Zapata, Estanislao Alvarez.
Delegates attending the seventh annual convention of the Bahá’ís of Bolivia.
Seventh annual convention of the Bahá’ís of Bolivia.
Motilón Indians of Colombia Arise to Accept Faith[edit]
Motilón Indian village in high remote Andes Mountains of Colombia.
HIGH AND REMOTE in the northern Andés mountains of Colombia and Venezuela live the Motilón Indians, a people who have fiercely and steadfastly maintained their independence and aloofness to civilization’s advance and invasion. There are at least three different grades of their hostility, in part due to the inhumane treatment meted out by cruel men, unthinking governments and selfish oil companies. The civilized peoples fear all of them and their razor sharp, exquisitely made arrows and bows. Thus far only the most gentle castes have come into the Faith in large numbers.
Three Pioneers Make First Visit[edit]
The beginning of the New Day for the Motilóns began when a trio of pioneers — a North American, a Persian, and a Swede — went into the area with little knowledge of their whereabouts and much faith. The North American was Donald Witzel, Auxiliary Board member, who had experience approaching the Motilóns on the other side of the Andés in Venezuela. After taking their vehicle as far as it would go and after an extremely arduous trip on foot into the mountains, bedding down on a hillock in the darkness, they woke at dawn to find a friendly passerby who told them that he had slept on Mt. Carmel and could lead them to a guide who knew the Indians and their language and was trusted by them.
Two days more of climbing steep and razor-back slopes and even more precipitous downgrade paths brought the travelers to the first Indian ranchers. More than one traveling teacher, going into these mountains, has hobbled out with feet blistered and shoes, supposedly strong and durable, cut to shreds.
The guide was attracted to the Faith from the beginning and gladly directed the pioneers to the first three villages, which became Bahá’í. On later trips the total of villages, or rancheros, was raised to seven. These were the people who were believed to be not bright enough to become Christian by an Adventist missionary who has lived in their midst for twenty-five years.
Exhaustive Efforts of Olavo Novaes[edit]
Since the initial trip the Motilóns have heard the teachings, seen pictures of the Bahá’í world and learned songs about the Teachings in many tongues. Brazilian pioneer, Olavo Novaes, has aided in the elections of the spiritual assemblies and the convention delegates. His stamina has been nothing short of fantastic. Each year of the past three he has managed to guide the election of seven Local Spiritual Assemblies of the Motilóns, crossing the craggy, tree-covered mountain ranges and chasms between the rancheros in the allotted twenty-four hours of April 21, exhausting even his native guide.
This faithful pioneer who travels the length and breadth of Colombia from the rivers of the swampy Chocó to the vast and danger-infested Amazon River, and from the wide open plains or llanos to the desert of the Guajira, has opened the majority of the departments (states) of Colombia to help fulfill a Nine Year Plan goal in the first two years. Whether in the stifling heat of the desert or jungle, whether in his thin cotton
[Page 6]
clothing in the cold of the night at the high altitude of
Bogotá, or riding careening buses over dangerous
mountain roads, this stalwart pioneer is cheerful, optimistic and steadfast.
Motilón Delegates Come to Convention[edit]
The last national convention of Colombia fell closely on the heels of the Local Spiritual Assembly elections and so Mr. Novaes was able to bring three Motilón Indian delegates with him. The convention site had been changed by the National Spiritual Assembly from the capital city of Bogotá to Bucaramanga in order to make it easier for Guajiro and the Motilón Indian delegates. This was a delightful experience for the Bahá’ís and an historic occasion. The Motilóns rarely if ever go beyond the nearest villages where they sell some of their field crops. When a Catholic priest was able to bring three out a few years ago it was an occasion for much marveling and a profusion of newspaper pictures and articles. These Bahá’í delegates managed their electoral duties with dignity and seriousness and the National Spiritual Assembly was indeed proud of them.
Hamilton Breton, Colombian pioneer, and eager Motilón Indians view photographs of Bahá’í events around the world.
Bahá’í families of a Motilón ranchero with Brazilian pioneer, Olavo Novaes, at extreme right, front row.
Teachers and Funds Urgently Needed[edit]
So much more needs to be done for the Motilóns. Limited manpower of Bahá’í teachers able to walk and climb restricts them to a visit only about once every three or four months and then there is not sufficient time for effective deepening. The children receive no education — not even reading and writing. The Colombian government, it appears, is giving them aid of no kind. A pioneer team could find full-time work with these people alone. An institute with visual aids to teach the Faith, and books and other tools to give the children an education, both spiritual and intellectual, is a dream that is hoped will not be too far in the future as teachers and money become available. Here is one of those opportunities to “raise up a new race of men!”
— CHARLES HORNBY
Convention in Nicaragua[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Nicaragua held their seventh annual convention April 26-27, 1967. Artemus Lamb and Rodrigo Tomas, Auxiliary Board members, attended. The Bahá’ís of Nicaragua are optimistic about their goals and expect to fulfill and possibly surpass their assignment in the Nine Year Plan.
Members of the new National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Nicaragua. Standing, left to right: Ernesto Herrera, Salomon Escalante (corres. sec’y.), Jorge Harper (recording secretary), Armando Fonseca (chairman). Seated, left to right: Edgar Gómez (vice-chairman), Jaleh Ahdi (news corres.), Cecilia King, Rose Mangapis (treasurer) and Jose Arita.
A one-day institute was held at Grant Etang, Grenada, West Indies, February 12, 1967, with Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery. Grenada was included in Dr. Giachery’s trip through the islands of the Caribbean.
Guatemala[edit]
A portable Bahá’í exhibit to be used many times in the coming months of Proclamation in Guatemala.
Jicaque Indians of Honduras Form First Assembly[edit]
The first visits to the Jicaque Indians of the Montana de la Flor, Honduras, were initiated in 1961. These Indians are known by anthropologists to be the most primitive of the Honduras and perhaps of all Central America. Two women, Maralynn George (then a student at the University of Honduras and now Mrs. Hooper Dunbar) and her mother, Mrs. Wanita M. George, teacher in the American school, Tegucigalpa, made the trips during school vacations. After several visits all of the Indians on the north side declared to the Faith, explaining that the Bahá’í laws are similar to laws their grandfathers had taught in the Jicaque tribe for centuries. Finally, after no visits for two years, the pioneer visited them this Riḍván and found them still true in their Faith. The first Jicaque assembly was formed. They are: Marcelina Martinez, Reyes Martinez, Gaviel Martinez, Augustina Martinez, Pablino Martinez, Maria Sevilla Martinez, Celestino Martinez, Camelia Martinez and Celestino Martinez Soto, some of whom appear in the above photo with Wanita George.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í of Guatemala for 1967-68, with Carmen de Burafato, Auxiliary Board member from Mexico.
Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Ruth Blackwell and Bahá’í friends from Petionville showing the beginning stages of a new Center being built in Petionville, Haiti, named for Hand of the Cause, Leroy Ioas. It will be a two-story structure with first floor housing the Bahá’í Center and second floor the home of the Blackwells. Photo at right is view of basement-foundation. Project is expected to be finished within two years.
A New Center in Haiti[edit]
Brazil Convention
New National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Brazil. Front row, left to right: Edvaldo Andrade, Osmar Mendes (recording sec’y.), Razi Milani (vice-chairman) and Djalal Eghrari (treasurer). Back row: Shapoor Monadjem (chairman), Alzira Vallandro, Nylza Taetz (corres. secy., English), Muriel Miessler (corres. sec’y, Portuguese) and Robert Miessler.
Seventh annual Bahá’í convention, held in Aguas de Lindonia, Brazil, April 28 to May 2. Auxiliary Board Members Eve Nicklin and Edmund Miessler are seen in center of photo. An atmosphere of spiritual purpose and responsibility prevailed.
Fourth national convention of the Hawaiian Islands, taken on the front steps of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
Hawaiian Islands[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands, elected April, 1967. Front row, left to right: Elena Marsella, Evelyn Musacchia, Florence Kelly, Elizabeth Hollinger. Back row: Dr. Claude Caver, Robert Wolff, Hugh Chapman, James Wada, Benjamin Ayala.
A school in Brazil[edit]
A Bahá’í Institute to be used as a public school was offered by the Bahá’ís of Gravatai Brazil. Children are being taught by teachers furnished by the mayor of the city. Photo shows day of his inauguration, when members of the “mother community” of Porto Alegre united with those of Gravatai, Tapes and Esteia. Mayor and his wife are in center front.
Laos Elects First National Spiritual Assembly in Vientiane[edit]
An historic event took place last Riḍván with the election of the First National Spiritual Assembly, shown in photo at right. The first national convention of the Bahá’ís of Laos was held April 22-23 in Vientiane, with Hand of the Cause Dr. R. Muhájir, two Auxiliary Board members and three representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand attending. Extensive plans for the expansion of the Faith throughout Laos resulted from the sessions.
Members of the newly elected Assembly appear in photo at right, seated, from left to right: F. Missaghian, Sy Chanh, Dr. Muhájir, Hand of the Cause, Boon My, M. Beizayee (secretary). Standing, left to right: F. Antipolo (vice-chairman), Kham Say (treasurer), Lau Chou, F. Faridian and C. M. Lee (chairman).
Thailand
Left: Fourth National Convention of Thailand. Right: Eight members of newly elected National Spiritual Assembly of Thailand with Auxiliary Board member Yankee Leong (left, rear). Left to right, front: Miss Dhanyu Anapapitra (secretary), Mrs. Shirin Fozdar (chairman), Mrs. Parvati Fozdar (vice chairman), Rear: Sawaeng Thongsoot, Kriang Sack, Thienthai (treasuver), Vollop, Sompong.
Bahá’ís of Taiwan Form National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
“All things made new” seemed to be the theme of the first convention of the Bahá’ís of Taiwan, held April 28-30, 1967. This new pillar of the Universal House of Justice was elected in the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, located near the Center of Taiwan’s capital and largest city.
Auxiliary Board member, Mr. Payman of Indonesia, represented Hand of the Cause Dr. R. Muhájir in his absence. Other Board members present were R. Momtazi from Japan and Mr. C. Duncan from Taiwan. Mr. Payman observed that Taiwan had the special bounty of forming its national assembly in the year that marks the hundredth anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation to the kings and rulers of the world.
Philip Marangella, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of North East Asia opened the convention, paying special tribute to Anthony Seto, the first Chinese in the United States to become a Bahá’í, as well as to Mr. and Mrs. Suleimani who have pioneered there for twelve years. He also introduced Miss Ruthy Tu, the first Chinese Bahá’í of Taiwan, who attended the convention in spite of illness.
In a special message from the Universal House of Justice, the new national assembly was made responsible for eleven goals during the remainder of the Nine Year Plan. More than twenty greetings were received from national and local assemblies and from individuals throughout the world.
First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Taiwan, elected April 29, 1967. Seated, left to right: Isabel Dean (treasurer), R. Suleimani. Standing, left to right: Rong-hwei Kuo (vice-chairman), Robert Yen, Sidney I. Dean (secretary), S. A. Suleimani, Kai-ming Tsao, Tsing-ming Wang (chairman). Absent, Tin-sheng Huang.
First national convention of the Bahá’ís of Taiwan, held April 28-30, 1967 at Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
The Bahá’í Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds at Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. Center is on third floor of this modern five-story building on one of the main thoroughfares of the city.
Plans for World-Wide Proclamation Stir U.S. Convention[edit]
Upcoming world—wide proclamation was an overriding theme of the joyous convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States at Riḍván. One hundred fifty-three delegates, 135 youth, 1000 visitors — nearly 1300 believers shared in a convention abbreviated in time but heightened in new intensity to grasp the meaning and challenge of the glorious tasks which are the privilege of the American Bahá’í community.
On Thursday evening, April 27, the friends prepared for so spiritual a gathering with prayers in the Auditorium of the beautiful Bahá’í House of Worship. For many it was a first visit, for all a renewal of dedication at Riḍván. The beauty of the first blooms of the gardens in springtime lined the way into the Temple; roses at the reading stand brought the beauty of gardens inside. Flowers added color and fragrance throughout the convention period.
The high spiritual level was established at the very outset and it was upheld during the entire week-end and carried back across the land to every community. At the opening session the pace of growth of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh was indicated by a heart-warming cable from the just-formed National Spiritual Assembly of the Leeward, Windward, and Virgin Islands, fulfilling a primary goal of the United States in the Nine Year Plan. Loving greetings and inspiration were in a welcoming cable from Hand of the Cause William Sears who had shared in last year’s convention here, and many others.
Following formalities of opening the convention, consultation on the agenda provided a dynamic beginning to a fruitful weekend. It was evident that adoption of some new procedures, following principles already established, might bring more adventurous consultation as well as more effective use of limited convention time. At the reception which followed, Bahá’ís renewed old friendships and met new counterparts in the Faith from many states.
[edit]
Friday, spiritually fortified with opening devotions, the delegates and visitors filled Foundation Hall to hear the powerful Riḍván Message to the Bahá’í World from the Universal House of Justice. As we enter the challenging fourth year of the Nine Year Plan, the thrill of achievements was shared — eleven new National Spiritual Assemblies, numerous recognitions of the Bahá’í Institutions and Holy Days, additional goals met in all parts of the globe, the beginnings of the construction of the Panama Temple. The challenges to the believers at this time are tremendous as world-wide proclamation begins carrying the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh to the entire planet. The total dedication of the beloved Hands of the Cause, the extension of pioneering efforts, the increasing momentum of home front teaching, highly intensified needs to support the Bahá’í Funds, all point to the third phase of the Nine Year Plan — the phase to be inaugurated at the Inter—Continental Conferences in October of this year.
Already anticipation of these joyful gatherings with their unprecedented opportunities for present day Bahá’ís to proclaim the Divine Message is in the air in all countries as plans progress. Believers are called upon for teaching in support of proclamation, and the imperative need to deepen themselves in the Cause. The very purpose of human life needs to be understood in dimensions of the new World Order.
The beautiful Message from the Hands of the Cause in the Western Hemisphere to the Conventions of Alaska, Canada, and the United States was fully supportive to the Message from the Universal House of Justice. In fulfilling the 1964 challenge to the U.S. believers for a “lion’s share” and leadership, more sacrifice is required at home to sustain human resources abroad and hold achievements they have won. Consultation and dedication to respond to that continuing challenge to unprecedented sacrifice was made clear by the majestic words from the World Center.
Growth of Faith Focuses on Youth[edit]
Increasingly evident from the outset of the 1967 Convention is the mounting role of youth in the growth of the Cause. Increase in number of the believers during the past year was 13% — but among youth was near 35%. It is to be expected that youth will be ever more attracted. There will be tests to face as Bahá’í laws become the standard, and there will be confirmations as young people rise to the standards so far missing in their society.
Progress of the Faith, the growth in numbers, assemblies, groups, was cited and the importance of real growth of the believers was spelled out in homefront teaching reports. It is clear that universal participation begins with personal spiritual deepening, that the character and deeds of the Bahá’ís are increasingly under the scrutiny of the rest of the population as proclamation proceeds, that the obligation for increased resources and increased sacrifices be understood, that systematic programs and accomplishments must be courageously pursued to achieve the goals which mean victory in 1972.
Strengthening of assemblies, homefront pioneering to develop new assemblies and additional centers were all vital aspects for consultation. The increasing executive and planning roles of the National Teaching Committee will help sustain this growth, coordinate the Bahá’í Schools, and the teaching curriculum. Additional resources must emerge from heretofore unidentified talents of many believers. State Goals committees will continue in their coordinating efforts. Individual believers must recognize that the challenge declined by kings a hundred years ago has for nearly a century been the responsibility of the believers. The function of the Faith of God is to exalt the lowly of the land, friends were reminded, with our energies to be used for teaching and our funds for expansion of the Faith.
When homefront teaching of minorities was subject for consultation — bringing the Faith to American Indians, Negroes and Orientals — the urgency of dedication of pioneers was a recurring theme. To stay at a post long enough, to deepen new believers, and to develop administrative understanding, to keep one’s word in the utmost degree, to fulfill obligations one assumes, are essentials not to be forgotten. Pioneers and all should be aware that Bahá’ís are being watched closely by searchers and scoffers, by those who admire and those who would seek to destroy. It was pointed out that actively teaching and living the Faith helps each believer understand the potency of the healing medicine of Bahá’u’lláh to a sick world.
In consultation on education of Bahá’í children and youth, the pattern of “guided discovery” was emphasized, to aid children in learning. Bahá’í education must be viewed within the total administrative order, and through the social and ethical teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The need to include children in the life of the Bahá’í community and the means to attract them to the Bahá’í life were discussed.
In noting the magnified role of youth in the world, in America, and especially in the Bahá’í Faith, a department of Youth and College Activities is being established under the direction of the National Teaching Committee. This is expected to meet the expanding needs of youth on campuses and in communities, isolated or in groups. The vocal, affluent, educated youth of America are searching for firm foundations and rejecting the crumbling structures which have failed them. If young people grow to maturity instead of demanding instant adulthood, they need to be helped to know themselves and know the Faith of God for this day. Bahá’í youth should aim for careers in which their talents can serve the Faith and humanity. Community participation, prayers, praise, principles all need be applied as young people grow up at home or away, in school and on the job. Youth, large numbers of youth, are swelling the Bahá’í ranks, and when they are recognized and assimilated into the total community, vast benefits will accrue to all concerned.
Treasurer’s Report Requires Fiscal Maturity[edit]
With the requirements to teach, to consolidate, to extend services in pioneering, to further development of the World Center — the Treasurer’s report came to a sensitized body of delegates and friends. The spiritual challenge to meet these growing needs in the Holy Land is sharply heightened — to care for the vital World Center, to extend the Auxiliary Institutions, to codify the Holy texts. Needs have nearly doubled since 1963. Thus, for the first time in history, the U.S. Bahá’í community is faced with the figure of a $1,000,000 budget for the year ahead. Acceptance of fiscal maturity should be shared by every believer. The budget which looms so large can be met if every believer would give only $70 a year, if two thirds would give $100, or if only one eighth of the believers gave $500. Nothing is impossible when spiritual beginnings are made. Youth resources must be channeled into the Bahá’í Fund, and all new believers should be made aware of the bounty of sharing in building the Kingdom of God on earth. Each believer, young and adult, new or long in the Cause, is enjoined to meditate and commit himself and resources to the Cause. Consultation in each community will open further ways to meet this prayerfully considered budget.
Joyous Riḍván Feast and Evening With Hand of the Cause[edit]
Inspiration for renewed dedication at every level came at the soul stirring Riḍván Feast and evening with Hand of the Cause Zikru’lláh Khádem and the Auxiliary Board members. The majesty of the thrilling commemoration of Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration 104 years ago was shared by a crowded Auditorium filled with His American followers today. The choir of young Bahá’ís raised a musical salute in prayer and praise.
New believers and those who had known the privilege of serving the Guardian in his lifetime were thrilled by Auxiliary Board member Florence Mayberry’s tribute to Shoghi Effendi. The friends yearned for more as Auxiliary Board member Curtis Kelsey shared his heritage of knowing and directly serving the beloved Master. The station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, His human nature, His superhuman perfections, His servititude to all mankind were lovingly recalled. In conclusion of the Riḍván evening, Mr. Khádem spoke on the evidences of Bahá’u’lláh shining in East and West, the need to prepare ourselves fully for bearing the responsibility of carrying out so powerful a Message as that offered us by the Universal House of Justice this Riḍván, a reminder to all that unity and oneness of mankind is the keystone of the Bahá’í Faith. It was a blessed springtime evening.
Threefold Schedule Plus National Spiritual Assembly Election[edit]
The intensity of this year’s convention was evident on Saturday when simultaneously there was a full day of activity for youth, plus a meaningful session of consultation for non-delegate visitors, in addition to the full agenda for delegates. Prayerful meditation by all of the friends preceded election of members of the National Spiritual Assembly, with assurance of loving prayers in the Holy Shrines and knowledge of prayers of many believers not in attendance sustaining the occasion.
Results of the election were re-election of all nine of the present members, who met and elected officers for the ensuing year. They remain Dr. Daniel Jordan, chairman; Robert F. Quigley, vice-chairman; Dr. David S. Ruhe, secretary; Charlotte Linfoot, assistant secretary; Miss Edna True, recording secretary; Arthur Dahl, treasurer; Dr. Dwight Allen; Dr. Sarah Pereira; and Paul Pettit.
On the Saturday agenda, an extended and valuable consultation dealt with Bahá’í morality. Bahá’í laws, when understood, provide the ideal measure for development of the individual. In a declining culture, the new standards born of God’s new Revelation are affecting all mankind. It is the power of the Bahá’í Faith which enables its adherents to reach for and measure up to those standards. “What would ‘Abdu’l-Bahá do?” could well be the self-question when confronted with problems or temptations. It was unanimously recommended to expand the presentation on Bahá’í morality and make it available in published form.
Over 125 youth met in continuous sessions throughout Saturday as guests at the Yacht Club adjacent to the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Here they heard their own message from the National Spiritual Assembly, and from Auxiliary Board member William Maxwell. They shared consultation on news of Bahá’í growth on campuses and in communities, prepared for summer projects of service to the Faith, and learned of the new department designed to aid youth in the American Bahá’í community. The youth in convention met the call for maturity in response to the needs of the Fund with a spontaneous contribution of over $250, and prepared recommendations to the full convention with a real understanding of the strong role young people must fill in the Bahá’í Faith.
New N.S.A. of Leeward, Windward, and Virgin Islands Represented[edit]
Youngest among the administrative bodies in the Bahá’í world, the newly formed National Assembly of the Leeward, Windward and Virgin Islands, was represented and that daughter assembly shared its joy of first convention and the achievement of adding another pillar to the structure of the Bahá’í world. Moving tribute was paid to the late Hand of the Cause Dorothy Baker, recognizing her early efforts in these areas of the Caribbean.
Exciting achievements of traveling teachers and the addition of international youth projects were a joyous inspiration. Foreign goals were cited, opportunities presented. As the pioneer call went out, response to specific needs was generous, and the dedication of the entire convention was complete. Yá-Bahá‘u‘l—Abhá!
On Sunday, report of the youth to the convention was a sign evidencing their understanding of the role as full participants in bringing to reality the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’í youth welcome their newly opened channel of communication with the National Spiritual Assembly, the dynamic projects to channel their tremendous energies, spiritual guidelines from the Universal House of Justice to the youth of the world, and they cherish their spirit of unity in a discordant society. Their spontaneous contribution to the Fund was pledged to be followed by sustained additions. Recommendations for greater youth recognition in future convention consultations were unanimously approved by the delegates.
Exciting Plans for Inter-Continental Conferences[edit]
On this final morning of convention, the friends heard with great joy the early developments in the thrilling plans for the Inter-Continental Conference to be held in October in Chicago and Wilmette. The excitement of the Centenary plans was heightened on learning that Hand of the Cause Tarázú’lláh Samandari will represent the Universal House of Justice, coming directly to Chicago from an historic pilgrimage of the Hands of the Cause to Adrianople where the Súriy-i-Mulúk was revealed. The Centenary with its commemoration, proclamation, and deliberation cannot be overestimated in its value to bring the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to unimagined new numbers of people during this unprecedented occasion. Prayerful planning continues and exciting details unfold.
Following the Inter-Continental Conferences, the tasks will be clear — follow-up teaching, confirmation and enrollment of newly found believers, continuing efforts to find new avenues for bringing the Faith to people where they are — in classrooms, on the job, in public and personal meetings. Believers must increasingly stand out as happy beings, directing mankind to the redeeming values of divinely sustained religious teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
The convention closed reluctantly on a high spiritual level voiced by Mr. Khádem — the assurances that the increasing troubles facing the planet today are indeed the sufferings in giving birth to the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh — that the pending constitution of the Universal House of Justice will upset the old order. The world’s equilibrium is upset. The glory of being chosen to rise in this day is given to the lowly and weak — and ours is the inescapable task to fulfill the goals assigned by history. The beloved Hand of the Cause expressed joy at being with the American Bahá’ís to whom the world is looking for leadership, and reminded us again that it is imperative to put the Cause of God first in our lives in every way at all times. In recounting the heroic, unceasing work of the beloved Guardian, he recalled that Shoghi Effendi had asked only “that the friends help him to carry the burden of responsibility.” This is what is required now — that American Bahá’ís be in the front lines, earning victories for the Faith. We can see with our own eyes the Glory of Bahá’u’lláh’s power and the fulfillment of all the Holy Writings — that “all things are made new,” “the House of the Lord has its door,” and “soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners.”
— ARLENE JENNRICH
CONVENTION REPORTER
Tanzania Stirred by Visit from Hand of the Cause and Board Members[edit]
From January 13-15 Dar-es-Salaam received a two-day visit from Hand of the Cause William Sears and Auxiliary Board member Aziz Yazdi of Nairobi. Meetings were held with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í’s of Tanzania, the National Teaching Committee and with Bahá’ís in the area.
Three hours before Mr. Sears and Mia Yazdi departed from Tanzania a public meeting was held in the Ukonga area. Mr. Sears stood beneath the same mango tree under which he had spoken ten years prior, in the yard of Mr. Elika, one of the early Bahá’ís of Tanzania. Fifty Bahá’ís and their friends were present.
Hand of the Cause William Sears and members of National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya at opening of first teaching institute in the Western Province of Kenya, March 21, 1967. M7. Sears is also shown at right with a group of friends.
Bahá’ís of Vietnam Continue to Add New Victories[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Vietnam are in many ways setting examples of diligence and devotion to the entire Bahá’í world, in the face of trials and difficulties that are perhaps not encountered to such a degree elsewhere. Out of a total of 171 delegates to the annual convention, 142 votes were cast. Sixty-nine delegates attended, forty others having to turn back midway from Saigon.
An increase of fifty local assemblies since last Riḍván was reported, bringing the total to 176. The total increase of Bahá’ís since a year ago is 6,200. One hundred local assemblies have been incorporated, exceeding the Nine Year Plan goal of sixty. Literature has also been translated into the Banar, Meo and Thaidam dialects.
All Bahá’í activity in Vietnam continues to receive outstanding attention in the press, radio and TV, often being front page news in the leading newspapers.
Eagerness to make the Cause of God progress was evidenced also by a generous contribution to the Fund at the convention, including 5,000 square meters of land valued at approximately $2,000.
It is understandable that the Universal House of
Justice should cable the courageous friends of Vietnam:
“DELIGHTED NEWS CONTINUOUS STEADY PROGRESS
FAITH ASSURE BELIEVERS PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES
BESEECHING BLESSINGS CONFIRMATION UNITED ENDEAVORS SERVICE CAUSE GOD LOVING RIDVAN
GREETINGS.”
Delegates to the Fourth National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Vietnam, April, 1967.
French Proclamation in Two Major Cities[edit]
Faith Proclaimed in Grenoble[edit]
Grenoble, capital of the French Alps, is an active and expanding city with a population of 160,000. It is a center of education (City Universitaire) and the Bahá’ís of Grenoble will hold a summer school this year in Uriage, twelve kilometers from Grenoble, from August 26 to September 2. Students from all over the world are expected to attend.
The city was opened to the Faith by Mr. and Mrs. Foubert. After years of search they discovered the Bahá’í Faith while attending a conference in Nice. They enrolled less than a year ago, and there is now an active group of five in Grenoble. In January, 1967, they planned an exhibition which lasted fifteen days. Three public lectures were held and slides on the Bahá’í Faith were shown. Mr. Schaubacher of Switzerland, Ing. Ghadimi of Belgium, and Mme. David and Mr. Froument of Paris were part of the dynamic program. Coverage by the press and radio, though limited, was nevertheless a beginning. This was the first public presentation of the Faith in Grenoble.
International Fair Held of Nice[edit]
Nice, the first and most prominent city on the French Riviera, held its annual Fair March 2-13. The Bahá’í stand was given favorable location on the floor for tourists, the adjoining booths having displays from many foreign countries. Approximately 15,000 persons visited the stand, 2,500 pamphlets were distributed and many heard about the Faith for the first time. Among those who helped prepare and man the booth were Mr. Georges Delerine, Mrs. Lydia McVicker, Mme. Gaertner and Mme. Sananese.
Two public lectures were held during the Fair at the Hotel Splendid. The president of the Fair wrote the following letter:
“Au moment où s’établit le bilan de notre dernière Manifestation il nous est particulièrement agréable de vous remercier de votre participation qui a suscité un trés vif lntérét auprès de nos nombreux visiteurs.
“La présentation, à la fois attrayante et soignée, du stand de l’Assemblée Spirituelle des BAHÁ’ÍS de France a largement contribué au succés de la FOIRE INTERNATIONALE DE NICE et de cela, croyez le bien, nous vous en sommes infiniment reconnaissants.
“Nous attachons le plus grand prix à la collaboration que vous voulez bien apporter à notre Comité et vous prions d’agréer, Cher Maître, l’expression de nos sentiments les plus distingués.”
Bahá’í exhibit at Fair in Nice, France.
Passing of a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
The passing of a valiant servant of Bahá’u’lláh is noted in the following cablegram received in Wilmette May 31 from the Universal House of Justice.
“DEEPLY GRIEVED PASSING KNIGHT BAHÁ’U’LLÁH MILDRED CLARK. HAVE REQUESTED FINLAND HOLD MEMORIAL MEETINGS ALL COMMUNITIES RECOGNITION HER VALIANT EFFORTS PROMOTE FAITH DURING LONG PERIOD PIONEER SERVICE EUROPE ADDING LUSTRE OVERSEAS ANNALS AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY. APPRECIATE YOUR ASSEMBLY’S EXPRESSION LOVE TRIBUTE PRAYING SHRINES PROGRESS HER SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM.”
Early in the Second Seven Year Plan Mrs. Clark pioneered in Norway as well as in Holland and Luxembourg. When the Ten Year Crusade was announced she was one of the first to arise, arriving at the virgin post of Lofoten Islands in August 1953, and, for this, named a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh by the beloved Guardian. The last few years of her life of service to the Faith were spent in Finland where she passed away on May 27.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Portugal.
Second Seminar Held in Langenhainer[edit]
The second Langenhainer seminar took place May 13-15, two weeks after the national convention, with one hundred Bahá’ís and guests participating. Seminar was held next door to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Langenhainer, near Frankfurt/Main, Germany, and conducted by Dr. Farhad Sobham from Berlin.
The Cologne community presented Bahá’í history through the medium of tape recordings, the Bonn community discussed group dynamics and the Berlin community spoke on spiritual prerequisites of the group.
Teaching was done by the Stuttgart community and included firesides, public meetings and services at the House of Worship. A consultation period followed each presented topic.
A number of visitors came to see the House of Worship, enabling the students of the seminar to put their newly-acquired theoretical knowledge into practice.
Plans for four additional seminars are now being made as part of a long-range teaching program in Langenhainer.
First seminar held in Langenhainer, near Bahá’í House of Worship in Germany. The second seminar was held in mid-May and four more are scheduled.
Sixth national convention in Bern, Switzerland, held April 29-30. The Faith is making good progress in the Alpine country. The harmony and dedication of the Helvetic Bahá’í community was evident in the fine spirit of the Swiss convention.
Conventions in Switzerland and Alaska[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska elected April 23, 1967, with Hand of the Cause John Robarts in center. Seated, left to right: Evelyn Huffman (recording sec’y.), Charlotte Schwartz, Georgia Haisler, Janet J. Smith (secretary). Second row, from left: Auxiliary Board member Howard J. Brown, Blaine Reed, Ben Guhrke, John Kolstoe (vice-chairman), Robert E. Moul (chairman), Donald A. Anderson (treasurer).
Eleventh annual convention of the Bahá’ís of Alaska, held April 22-23, 1967, in Anchorage, Alaska, with Hand of the Cause, John Robarts.
Hand of the Cause Dr. Adelbert Muehlschlegel (center), with National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Switzerland.
Nationwide Institutes on “The Promised Day Is Come”[edit]
An experience of learning and discovery shared with other Bahá’ís, a few hours of happy fellowship among those united in a common faith and love for Bahá’u’lláh and His Revelation, a growing desire to know more about His Teachings and to be deeply aware of Their significance in order to serve Him, to praise Him, and to build His kingdom on earth — these, and more, were a part of the nationwide study by the believers in the United States, of Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablets to the kings and religious leaders of the earth as contained in Shoghi Effendi’s The Promised Day Is Come and God Passes By.
As the beginning of preparation on the part of the believers for a meaningful participation in the Centenary celebrations and the accompanying proclamation of the Faith on which the Bahá’í world will embark next September-October, the believers had studied The Promised Day Is Come individually or in groups during the period of the Fast, the time of spiritual renewal and enlightenment. Immediately following, on April 2, eighty-four institutes were conducted throughout the country at which the friends came together on one weekend, almost three thousand strong, to review and, through further study and consultation, to deepen their understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s proclamation of His Mission.
The reports from the institute leaders, among whom were members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Auxiliary Boards to the Hands of the Cause, National Goals Committee, and others, as well as from the State Goals Committees who served as hosts for these gatherings, give evidence not only to the enthusiastic response to this endeavor, but of a hope for more of similar study institutes in the future.
Virginia Conference Stirs Youth to New Achievements[edit]
“The Challenge of Being a Bahá’í Youth” was the theme for a dynamic youth conference held under the auspices of the Virginia State Goals Committee March 25-26 in Northern Virginia. The keynote speaker, Auxiliary Board member William Maxwell, Jr. stressed the bounties as well as responsibilities of Bahá’í youth and the role these young people can play in living in accordance with the Bahá’í laws and moral standards. A careful study and discussion of the June 1966 message from the Universal House of Justice to Bahá’í youth; youth projects and opportunities for active service; the responsibilities towards the National Fund; stories from the early days of the Faith showing the vital part which youth have played in its development — were among the subjects which the youth gave serious and thoughtful attention. There was a contest on “How I Can Help” with prizes for especially good ideas on: teaching, contributing, studying, praying.
Interspersed with the serious hours were periods of games, music and fun bringing to all thirty-seven participants a feeling of the joy and deep bond of unity which exists among Bahá’ís.
Institute at Charlottesville, Virginia was a success and inspiration to all who came. Three races and thirteen towns and cities were represented.
April 2 Institute in Springfield, Illinois.
Washington, D.C. Dedicates Center[edit]
The dedication of the Bahá’í Center in Washington, DC. on Sunday, April 16, brought to a glorious culmination two and a half years of constant and devoted effort. The occasion attracted over 300 Bahá’ís and their friends from many parts of the country on a day that seemed to have been ordered as a token of divine pleasure, for no day of the year up to that time had been as warm or bright.
A dignified and impressive simplicity suffused the dedicatory service which was repeated four times for a capacity audience at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. The program included a statement of dedication by the Washington Assembly, readings from the Books of several world religions, music by non-Bahá’í artists as well as by the Bahá’í choral groups of Maryland and Virginia, and a brief address on the Bahá’í Faith. The address was given respectively by Dr. Stanwood Cobb, Mr. Harvey Wiener, Mrs. Ruth Dunbar, and Mrs. Tamineh Parsons. Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot, National Spiritual Assembly representative. delivered a message from that body.
Three declarations magnified the achievement of this momentous step for Washington and indeed the entire national Community.
News Briefs[edit]
Dr. David S. Ruhe, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, is the recipient of an honor award from the National Council on Medical Television. The national honor award, the first issued by the Council, is called “The TV Raster” (from the bright face of the television tube). This award was given in recognition of Dr. Ruhe’s “outstanding contributions and pioneering efforts in the development and application of television to the needs of health sciences education.”
The film “And His Name Shall Be One,” the CBS-TV presentation of the Faith, was the basis for the first attempt at mass proclamation by the local Spiritual Assembly of Central Marin Judicial District, California April 21-23. In these three days there were four home fireside showings and one at a large public meeting at a civic center. Publicity in preparation for the showings included personal written invitations, radio and newspaper notices, posters. The very gratifying results were: a total attendance of 127 and four declarations on the weekend of the film showing with one more declaration later as a result of a follow-up meeting.
A Bahá’í speaker, given charge of one class in a series on History of Religions, showed the students how the Bahá’í Faith provides a bridge from the past religions to the future. At the suggestion of the instructor (a Presbyterian minister) in the class at Danville, Illinois, Junior College, Mrs. Mable Amidon, Bahá’í', spoke on the Faith and answered many thoughtful questions from the students. The course covered all of the well known religions including Hindu, Buddhist, Judaic, Islamic Faiths as well as the Christian. Bahá’í books are now in the library of the instructor and one student is preparing a paper on the Faith for his class in sociology.
At the Youth sessions held during the 1967 Convention in Wilmette. At right Auxiliary Board member William Maxwell addresses the youth.
News Briefs[edit]
The State Goals Committee of Western Washington sends an enthusiastic report of a concentrated proclamation program in a number of communities in their area this Spring. Mrs. Eulalia Bobo, of Beverly Hills, California, spent the first week of April in Tacoma where, beginning with a press conference and reception and proceeding to a busy schedule of interviews, talks to various groups, luncheons, firesides and a Bahá’í sponsored public meeting, she captivated her listeners and brought new knowledge of and interest in the Faith. In similar programs in other communities in the State Mrs. Bobo covered the subject “Unity Is Our Destiny,” giving a very direct approach to the solutions offered by the Faith to today’s problems. Most of the communities succeeded in obtaining excellent newspaper publicity, including pictures.
An inter-faith and inter-racial fellowship potluck, held in Santa Rosa, California on March 18 attracted approximately 150 guests and provided a delicious blend of food, song, information and the spirit of goodwill. It was sponsored by the Bahá’í intercommunity Committee of Sonoma County and featured a film on the Bahá’í Faith, talks, both by a Bahá’í speaker and a guest, as well as music, food and fellowship.
“Appreciate the God given gift or human variety” was the theme for the evening, which had been planned as a continuation of the warm relationship that began when Community Baptist Church invited the Bahá’ís to their observance of Negro History Week last February.
The film shown was of the Bahá’í panel, entitled “Celebrities Look at Religion.” Speakers were: Auxiliary Board member Florence Mayberry and Reverend James Coffee, pastor of Community Baptist Church. Music was provided by choir and singing groups of church and civic organizations.
The cheerfully decorated hall, with flowers and sparkling nine pointed stars contributed to the happy spirit of fellowship and joy which pervaded the evening — “even the kids” were thrilled with this potluck!
At the April 1 opening of the Oneida Library. This library, the first of its kind on an Indian reservation in Wisconsin, was planned and developed by Mrs. Sylvia Calhoun, Bahá’í of Green Bay, and other believers of the area, with the cooperation of workers in VISTA as well as young people and women of Oneida.
Local Spiritual Assembly of LaPorte, Texas formed at Riḍván 1967. Left to right, seated: Fran Locher, Margaret Harper, Donja Murray, Lawrence Alexander. Standing: Ross Harper (vice chairman), Willie Hodge (treasurer), Jack R. Keeling (secretary), Ben Locher (chairman), Sonny Mouton.
Local Spiritual Assembly of Springfield, Oregon formed April 21, 1967. Left to right, front: Mrs. Jean Beach, Bruce Beach (vice chairman), Chad Long (treasurer), Lyle Love (chairman), Arthur Schneider (corres. secretary). Rear: Don Grigsby, Mrs. Mary Grigsby (rec. secretary), Mrs. Vera Love, Mrs. Jean Love.
First local spiritual Assembly formed in Huntington Beach, California April 21, 1967.
Librarian Doris Foley of the Keokuk, Iowa Public Library accepts two Bahá’í books from Floyd Donley, chairman of the Keokuk Bahá’í group in celebration of National Library Week April 16-22, This picture appeared in the local paper together with a six column inch account giving many basic teachings of the Faith.
Local book review suggested to correlate with national publicity[edit]
The Library Journal, June 1, 1967 issue, carries a book review of the first American edition of Religion for Mankind by Horace Holley.
The review mentions something of the author and his efforts to learn the meaning of the Bahá’í Faith “and how it functions.” The review states: “For readers who wish to make a similar effort, this book will be most useful. . . . It stresses Bahá’í principles, the organization of a spiritual society, and faith in world peace and unity. Recommended even for small collections.”
The Library Journal has a circulation of approximately 28,000 and is a leading national publication for public and school librarians. The above review was written by Aurora W. Gardner of the Sacramento City-County Library System, California.
This review and recommendation to librarians will no doubt result in a large number of orders by public libraries direct to the Publishing Trust. It would be an excellent time for the communities to secure local publicity by having someone give a book review on this title.
Bahá’í in the News[edit]
In a new revised edition of A Holiday Magazine Guide to Israel, published by Random House, a portion of the Bahá’í Gardens is shown in color on the front cover and on page 73 a picture of Haifa harbor from Mt. Carmel. On page 75 reference is made to the Faith, together with a picture of the Shrine of the Báb and the Archives Building.
Relazioni Religiose of Rome, Italy, a press information agency dealing exclusively with religious affairs and world wide theological developments, announced in its bulletin of February 9, 1967 the legal recognition of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy. (See announcement from the Universal House of Justice on page 4, BAHÁ’Í NEWS February, 1967). Entitled “The Religious Bahá’í Community of Italy Obtains Juridical Recognition” the article tells of the dissemination of the Faith in nearly every country of the world, that it was founded a century ago by Bahá’u’lláh Who said the revelation was direct from God, and that the fundamental principle is that “religious truth is not absolute but relative, that divine revelation is a continuous and progressive process, that all the great religions of the world are of divine origin.”
Modem Maturity, a bi-monthly magazine published by the American Association of Retired Persons, featured, in the April-May number, a two page article on the Bahá’í Faith titled, “The World’s Great Religions-Bahá’í.” This was seventh in a series and included a number of pictures showing ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Houses of Worship and the World Center.
The May issue of The Journal of Graphoanalysis contained a large picture of the Bahá’í House of Warship with this caption: “Congress delegates on the Tuesday evening tour will get a closeup look at the beautiful and world-famous Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.” In the article describing the tour, these words appear: “the world-famous Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, an architectural wonder that has become one of the country’s foremost tourist attractions.”
Bahá’í Publishing Trust[edit]
Bahá’í Anniversary and Feast Day Card. A revised and newly designed edition of this convenient little calendar has just been completed. This double-fold, pocket sized folder contains the festivals and days of fasting, a calendar of the Nineteen Day Feast, the Bahá’í' holy days on which work should be suspended (with the dates), a letter from Shoghi Effendi giving particular instructions concerning the observance of these events, as well as the short obligatory prayer to be recited at noon. This information is essential to functioning within the Bahá’í Community and in participating in spirit as well as form in the festivals and holy days that characterize this new Dispensation. Printed in deep royal blue on sea green.
10 copies . . . . . . . . . $.50
(Order through your local librarian. No standing orders
will be sent to librarians on this item.)
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 twenty-fifth 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.
