The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is
of the United States and Canada
The great Being saith: Blessed are they that arise to serve mankind; let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country, let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind. The world is indeed but one home, and the peoples thereon its dwellers. . . .
The great Being saith: O ye children of man! The true faith of God and His religion are for the protection, the unity, the harmony, the peace and the love of mankind; make them not the cause of strife and discard, of hate and enmity. This verily, is the straight path and the firm foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation the happenings of the world will shake it not, neither will time cause it to crumble. We cherish the hope that the sages and rulers of the world will, with one accord, arise for the betterment of mankind, and, after deliberations, full and mature, bestow the remedy of their wise ministry upon this diseased and broken world.
The great Being saith: The firmament of divine wisdom shineth with the twin orbs of consultation and mercy. Take counsel together in all things, inasmuch as consultation is the guiding light that giveth enlightenment and leadeth unto the Way. In the beginning of all things let the end be borne in mind. Let children be instructed ''in all arts and sciences that conduce to the benefit of mankind, to the progress and the exaltation of the station of man; that thereby sedition and mischief may be banished from the world, that’s all by the endeavor of the chiefs of the state and the leaders of men, may repose in the lap of security and peace.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
A BAHÁ’I COMMUNITY
Editorial
It has been inevitable that the attention of Bahá’ís since the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has been directed in great measure upon the general subject of administration. Until the permanent organ and instruments of collective action are established, and crowned by the two great institutions of the Guardianship and Universal House of Justice, this subject will continue to be of absorbing interest and importance.
Spiritual Assemblies, committees and other administrative units, however, are but means to an end, and the end must be kept firmly in mind if the means are to be rightly employed.
The end, or object, of Bahá’í administration is to create and maintain “the community of the Greatest Name.” A true Bahá’í community represents something new in social evolution; it represents nothing short of a humanized civilization. Among the members of relatively small groups, this emergence of the Bahá’í community will be less consciously felt than in the larger cities, like Tihran, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and New York. Here are found conditions under which the Cause is no longer represented by a few personalities, Elections are more highly selective, permitting greater annual changes in the Assembly; and here the problems raised by poverty, sickness, old age, children’s education and other basic human issues are more frequently encountered. As the problems are more difficult, so the Bahá’í solution will be sooner attained.
The supreme virtue of a Bahá’í community is that its members are actually units of one living body. Worldly civilization has its outcasts— its neglected and forgotten members, its citizens deprived of work, its oppressed and despised serfs and slaves. The Bahá’í community is based upon the divine pledge that no member shall ever be deprived of food, of education, of opportunity, of consideration and love. If one is sick, the whole body is sick until the one is healed. If one is poor, all are poor until sacrifice has restored the balance of wealth.
It is this ideal which must be upheld in giving the Bahá’í message and in passing upon the qualifications of new members. The message includes this vitalizing element or it is nothing but one more theology, one more philosophy, capable of producing another dogmatic church, but not of renewing the quality of human life.
Until we have succeeded in demonstrating this outcome of the Faith in our collective Bahá’í society, our eloquent lectures and our most thoroughly equipped study classes will be vain. Neither can the most beautiful and inspiring of Temples remedy the defect of disunited groups.
The Manifestation, in His principle of consultation, has given us the gift of collective intelligence; a Spiritual Assembly is a collective will; but the true faith in Bahá’u’lláh is that which produces collective love. “The waves of the Covenant shall roll until every dead body is cast ashore.” It may well be that the “dead body” is not merely he who disobeys the appointed Center, but also he who will not immerse himself in a Bahá’í community profoundly enough to respond to its every need and opportunity, while seeking nothing for himself.
There are many passages describing this “community of the Greatest Name.” Let us study them again, and each believer apply their inspiring standards to himself.
THE NATIONAL BAHA’I FUND[edit]
Statement by Mr. Carl Scheffler, Former Treasurer
At the present time the Cause is facing what may perhaps be a most difficult period, the fact that the funds for the preliminary work on the Temple have been collected has brought about a condition that is easily understood but nevertheless remains a rather dangerous one for us.
At the present time your treasurer
is receiving scarcely enough to meet
the needs of the limited undertakings
of the National Spiritual Assembly.
These undertakings are limited because
of the needs of the Temple;
but soon there will come a time when
such a limitation will be disastrous for
the Cause and certainly fatal for our[Page 2]
part in this glorious work. The matter
should be carefully considered by
every individual and by every group
and Spiritual Assembly in order that
the need for a repetition of such a
plea as this may not arise.
The ideal toward which we, as Bahá’ís, should strive is a constant flow of the spiritual light and energy of the Cause so that the pressure of Bahá’í influence in the world may not be relaxed for even a moment. In every phase of our life we must continuously press forward so that we may prove effective in our striving with the world of darkness. In our own lives this must become true. We must stand for what we believe continuously, not periodically. We must live the teachings continuously. We must support the Cause continuously and in our giving this same ideal must hold.
A continuous, unbroken flow of funds, even if it is small, is better than a spasmodic effort inspired by a drive. The work of the Cause has actually just begun. The engineers are rapidly unfolding the plans that will erect the Temple which will be as a banner of our faith unfurled for the world to see. We must be ready as never before to stand as Bahá’ís, not only as individuals living the life as the opportunities of the day give us a chance to do, but as one body we must act so that the world may recognize our unity. This unity cannot be expressed better than through our ability to carry forward all that then will need to be done. The building must be completed, funds should be coming in now to do this. Teaching work must be advanced to give a ready answer to the question that then will be asked by the millions.
LOUIS J. BOURGEOIS, ARCHITECT, DEAD[edit]
DESIGNER OF BAHÁ’Í TEMPLE IS STRICKEN AS FONDEST HOPE NEARS FULFILLMENT
START ON THE FRAME NEAR
MANY STYLES OF ARCHITECTURE INTERWOVEN IN PLANS FOR $2,000.000 EDIFICE AT CHICAGO
CHICAGO, Aug. 20 (AP).—Louis Jean Bourgeois, architect and sculptor, died last night when about to have his fondest dream fulfilled. He had hoped to live long enough to see work begun next month on the Bahá’í Temple he started many years ago.
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CABLEGRAM FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI “Approve action regarding History Society. Deeply appreciative loyalty (of) believers.”— (Signed) SHOGHI. |
In 1920, Bourgeois, himself a member of the sect, won an international contest for a design for a temple here. Selecting a site at Wilmette, a northern suburb, he started working after moving his home to a studio on the property.
Cornerstone Laid
The cornerstone was laid by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, son of the founder of the Bahá’í religion. In 1922 work was suspended for lack of funds. The Bahá’í followers are against debt, mortgages and solicitations. Recently enough voluntary contributions were made to proceed a few steps with the $2,000,000 building.
In his design, Bourgeois have combined the essence of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Arabic, Gothic, Renaissance and modern architecture. In his decorative motif is the interwoven symbolism of all the religions ever known to mankind. He has portrayed the tree of life and given the note to the place of the earth in the universe.
Bahá’í Principles in Design
Thus the temple as a whole represents the principles of the Bahá’í movement—universal religion, universal brotherhood, universal education, union of science and religion.
Because of the symbolism of perfection attached by the Orientals to the figure nine as the highest single, integral, that number, or its multiples, are employed extensively throughout the temple. It will have nine sides, nine doors, to be approached by eighteen steps; nine fountains, nine ribs in the dome. The height of the building is scaled at 162 feet, the first story at 36 and the minarets at 45. The property includes nine acres. The edifice will be surrounded by a circular wall.
The above notice appeared in the New York Times on August 21, 1930. —Editor.
A MESSAGE FROM THE TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
Shoghi Effendi has recently said that the teaching work in America this year is of paramount importance. All our spiritual, mental and financial resources must be concentrated in spreading the Message as widely and rapidly as possible. As the Temple rises, there will be undoubtedly an increasing call and need for teachers. The National Spiritual Assembly is carrying on a constructive publicity campaign which will also enhance the need for qualified teachers.
The National Teaching Committee has therefore cooperated with the Greenacre Program Committee in urging the friends wherever possible to be in Greenacre from August 10th to 24th for an intensive two weeks study in preparation for a vigorous teaching campaign in the autumn.
Mr. Vail writes: “The friends in the west are already meeting in Geyserville. Will the friends in the east come to Greenacre for these two weeks or at least for part of them? When we come together in His love to prepare ourselves for that greatest work in this universe of God—heralding the Kingdom — He will surely descend amongst us as He did among the apostles of old.”
The program for these two weeks included six lectures by Mr. Albert Vail on “The Rise of a Great Civilization,” a study of Islam based on the latest research; two lectures an “Administration” by Mr. A. B. McDaniel; two lectures on “Education,” by Dr. Genevieve Coy and Prof. Stanwood Cobb; three illustrated talks on the Temple by Dr. Frederick H. Newell; the annual feast commemorating the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Greenacre; and an Amity Convention from August 21st to 23rd.
A two day convention of all Bahá’ís in the northeastern states who are actively engaged in teaching the Cause was held on August 16th and 17th. The four sessions of the convention dealt with teaching methods, the stimulation of Bahá’í centers, methods of approach to people of capacity and liberal organizations, and the interracial aspects of teaching. Each session was in charge of a leader who introduced the subject and directed the discussion following brief talks on different phases of the topic under consideration. A general public meeting with two prominent speakers is planned for the evening of August 16th.
Anyone interested in the teaching of
the Bahá’í Message is asked to share
with us the inspiration of consultation
with our active teachers, to contribute
constructive suggestions to the discussions
and to take back to their local
group the enthusiasm and spirit of service
which such a gathering will surely
generate. Every Assembly in the
northeastern states was asked to have[Page 3]
at least one representative there.
The National Teaching Committee confidently believes that by means of this two day conference with our experienced teachers and of daily consultation during the following week, a general teaching program for the coming winter can be evolved which will be practical, progressive and constructive and which will merit the unreserved and active support of all Bahá’ís. However, no one realizes more than this committee that plans, even though perfect, are worthless unless translated from the field of thought to that of action. In this Cause effective action is possible only through the devotion and hard work of each believer to the full extent of his capacity.
This Greenacre Convention may be considered as the first in a series of regional teaching conferences which the National Teaching Committee hopes to see initiated in many Bahá’í centers this summer and early fall. A supreme united effort must be made to strengthen present Bahá’í communities and to spread the Cause into virgin territory. The first step in this effort is the recognition on the part of all Bahá’í groups of what their regional problems and possibilities are. Individually, we can do much, but collectively we can do infinitely more. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that in this age special confirmations come to those who work unitedly in groups.
This committee therefore makes the following suggestions and hopes for your whole-hearted cooperation in organizing in the near future a teaching conference in your locality. The majority of the Bahá’í communities and groups seem to fall naturally into the following ten divisions with the suggested places as regional teaching centers. All Bahá’í Assemblies within a reasonable distance of each center constitute the working unit.
| Region | Suggested Center | ||
| 1. New England | Boston | ||
| 2. New York—New Jersey | New York City | ||
| 3. Washington | Washington, D. C. | ||
| 4. Western New York | Geneva | ||
| 5. Ohio | Columbus | ||
| 6. Michigan | Lansing | ||
| 7. Chicago | Wilmette | ||
| Centers to be | |||
| 8. Northwestern | suggested by | ||
| 9. Central California | the Pacific Coast division | ||
| 10. Southern California | of the National Teaching Committee |
These conferences will draw together
the believers in each region, acquaint
them with their common teaching
problems, develop methods of assisting
each other through the exchange
of local teachers and of making
new contacts by teaching the Cause
in a broader and more Comprehensive
way. It is hoped that each region will
develop and carry out according to its
local needs and resources the general
national teaching program which you
will have by that time. Every possible
assistance from the National Teaching
Committee will be given to all regional
teaching activities.
It is suggested that each Spiritual Assembly* in a region, if it desires to participate in such a conference, appoints at an early date a representative to an interassembly committee for the organization of the teaching conference for that region. It is very desirable that this matter be brought to the immediate attention of all the friends in your local community so that they may be thinking constructively along these lines.
May we ask your group to pray for the success of the Greenacre Teachers Convention, the regional teaching conferences and the general national teaching program.
- Sincerely in His service,
- R. C. COLL1soN,
- Chairman of the National
- Teaching Committee.
- Sincerely in His service,
Geneva, New York
July 20, 1930.
- NOTE: The next to the last paragraph of this
circular letter, as it was first sent out to the Assemblies, raised the question in the minds of some as to how the regional conferences were to be arranged. The Teaching Committee wishes to make it clear that these conferences should be arranged through the Local Assemblies or each region both as regards personnel of committees and initiative in carrying them out. The paragraph mentioned has therefore been revised with this in view.
OUTLINE BUREAU[edit]
Announcement of New Compilations
A new outline has been recently completed by the Outline Bureau, which has been given the title of “Material and Divine Civilization.” We feel that this subject is particularly timely as it affords a complete compilation on the social and economic phases of the Bahá’í Teachings. It has been the object of the compilers to arrange this material in a logical sequence of presentation in order that the students of the Cause who wish to make this outline the basis of study may equip themselves with the means of answering those pertinent questions which are increasingly coming to us from a world that is looking for a solution of its problems.
Constantly we are being challenged to present our viewpoint and uphold its practicality. We are continually being put to the tests of our intelligent interest in the special problems of our age. The new outline is designed not only to provide us with the page references of all authenticated Bahá’í books, but also to furnish a bibliography of the best modern books on Economics, Sociology, Education, Peace and Race Relations. This list was suggested by a Professor of Sociology and reviewed by members of our committee.
The outline deals in detail with the following main points:
- 1. The distinction between the Material
and Divine Civilization and the influence of the prophet on the evolution of society.
- 2. The plan for divine civilization
set forth by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This includes (a) specific principles of conduct, and (b) the general foundation for a new social organization. (Bahá’í Principles, etc.)
- 3. The Administration as a means
of protecting and promulgating such a plan.
- 4. Bahá’u’lláh as a source of power
in this new era which is the consummation of past ages.
It is hoped that the believers will at once provide themselves with this
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News Editor Office of the Secretariat Evergreen Cabin West Englewood, New Jersey Bahá’í News is the official organ of the American National Spiritual Assembly. Its cost is defrayed from the National Bahá’í Fund and copies are distributed free of charge to recognized believers throughout the United States and Canada, and to National and Local Spiritual Assemblies in other lands. News articles and reports of general Bahá’í interest and value are requested from Assemblies, National Committees and other representatives of the Cause. The Guardian’s statement concerning the purpose and scope of this publication can be found in the volume entitled “Bahá’í Administration.” |
valuable outline of which there is a present edition of 800 copies. It has taken the Outline Bureau two years to complete these researches.
We wish to call your attention to an offer made at the Convention. The following outlines are on sale: Material and Divine Science....... 15c The Bahá’í Teachings Pertaining
- to Christ ....................... 10c
New Light on the Scriptures....... 15c Material and Divine Civilization 15c For a limited time a complete set of the above outlines will be enclosed in a manila folder and sold for 50c—all charges prepaid.
- Secretary, National Teaching
- Committee
- Pre-Emption Road,
- Secretary, National Teaching
Geneva, New York
TEACHING CONFERENCE AT GREEN ACRE[edit]
A two day conference of the North Eastern Slates was called by the National Teaching Committee to Green Acre, August 20th and 21st. It proved to be an occasion of unique inspiration, a large number of teachers having traveled from various parts of the country to take part in the discussions. As the sessions continued it became apparent that the Bahá’í teaching work can, through such constructive and Cooperative meetings as this, receive an extraordinary impetus and it is hoped by the Teaching Committee that this conference will be but one of many such gatherings designed to promote the ordered and efficient spreading of the Cause. A wave of enthusiasm for unified teaching work, sustained by the vision and experience of a wide circle of deeply interested believers augurs well for this paramount activity in the year which lies ahead.
The program, which was conducted in the form of a forum by Mr. R. C. Collison, Chairman of the National Committee, was as follows:
August 20—9:30 A. M.—“Teaching
- Methods.”
1. How can traveling teachers best
- serve the Cause?
2. How shall we confirm new groups?
3. How can we interest youth?
4. What is the psychology of Bahá’í
- Teaching?
Discussion leader: Albert Vail. 2:30 P. M.—“The Stimulation of
- Bahá’í Centers.”
1. How can we develop more Bahá’í
- teachers?
2. How can we encourage personal
- Bahá’í study?
3. How can we stimulate interassembly
- cooperation?
4. How can meetings be made more
- interesting?
Discussion leader: Mrs. Doris McKay.
August 21-2:30 P. M.—“Making New Contacts.”
1. How can we develop a new type
- of public Bahá’í platform?
2. What is the function of public
- Bahá’í meetings?
3. How can effective follow-up work
- be accomplished?
4. How can we cooperate with outside
- organizations?
Discussion leader: Mrs. Mabel Ives. 8:00 P. M.—“Interracial Aspects of Teaching.”
1. How can local Assemblies promote
- racial amity?
2. How can we prepare ourselves for
- more effective racial amity work?
3. How can we cooperate with interracial
- groups?
4. How will our response to the challenge
- of racial amity affect the
- spread of the Cause?
Discussion leader: Louis Gregory.
IN MEMORIAM
Mrs. Elfleda Spaulding, a truly heroic Bahá’í soul, passed on into the Kingdom July 5, 1930. Mrs. Spaulding had been active in the Bahá’í community of Chicago for many years.
GREEN ACRE Eliot, Maine
“A universal platform for all mankind, irrespective of race, religion or nationality.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Thirty-sixth Season—1930 July 3—September 2 Special Meetings
July 9, 4 P. M. The Anniversary of
- the Martyrdom of the Bab.
- Mrs. Marian Haney, Chairman.
- the Martyrdom of the Bab.
July 12, 4 P. M. Eliot Day—Under
- direction of Eliot Assembly.
July 22, 4 P. M. In Commemoration
- of Miss Sarah J. Farmer, Founder
- of Green Acre.
August 7, Portsmouth Day—Under direction
- of Portsmouth Assembly.
August 16, 17. Convention for teachers
- of North Eastern States.
August 20. Annual Feast Commemorating
- the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
August 21, 22, 23. Amity Convention.
- Devotions 9:30 A. M. daily except
Sunday.
- Sunday Services, 11 A. M.
- Children’s Class every morning except
Saturday and Sunday—conducted by Mr. Louis G. Gregory.
- Sunday, 8 P. M. Community
Entertainment.
Mr. Vail will conduct a course of lectures on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from August 11th to August 27th, inclusive on the Rise of a Great Civilization, a study of Islam based on the latest research and viewed as an expression of eternal religion and compared to other divine teachings.
Subjects:
1. Carlyle and the New Approach to
- Mohammed.
2. The Inspiration of the Prophet—
- The Psychology and Philosophy
- of Inspiration.
3. Mohammed’s Great Weapon,
- The Qur’an.
4. Splendor of the Moslem Civilization.
5. The Immortal Persian Poets.
6. The Seven Valleys of the Sufis—
- Sufi Saints as the Flower of Islam.
7. How Bahá’u’lláh Interprets the
- Symbols of the Bible and the
- Qur’an.
There will be several lectures on Science and Psychology, reviewing some of the modern books as related to the Bahá’í teachings.
Among the speakers will be—Prof. Glen Shook, Prof. Stanwood Cobb, Dr. Genevieve Coy, Mr. Louis G. Gregory, Mr. Allen B. McDaniel, Dr. A. D. Heist, Mrs. Willard J. McKay.
Lectures will be held daily, except Saturdays and Sundays, at 10:15 A. M. All meetings will be held at the Fellowship House unless otherwise specified.
July 28-Aug. 1. Monday, Wednesday
- and Friday, 10:15. Mr. Louis
- Gregory. “Free Will and Destiny”
- and “Social Psychology.”
- “Following Guidance.”
August 4-8. Monday, Wednesday
- and Friday, 10:15. Subject
- given later. Tuesday, Thursday,
- 10:15, Mr. A. B. McDaniel,
- “Administration.”
August 11-15. Monday, Wednesday
- and Friday, 10:15. Mr. Albert
- Vail. Tuesday and Thursday,
- 10:15, Mr. A. B. McDaniel,
- “Administration.”
August 18-22. Monday, Wednesday
- and Friday, 10:15, Mr. Albert
- Vail. Tuesday and Thursday,
- 10:15, Dr. Genevieve Coy and
- Prof. Stanwood Cobb, Education.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- 8 P. M., Dr. Frederick H. Newell.
- Illustrated Talks on the Temple.
August 25-29. Monday and Wednesday
- 10:15, Mr. Albert Vail.
- Tuesday, Thursday and Friday[Page 5]
- 10:15, Prof. G. Shook, Review of
- Prof. Eddington’s book, “Science
- and the Unseen World.”
Arts and Craft Shops will be open, with pottery work, glazing and instruction classes.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA[edit]
Letter from Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf
‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said that if a true Bahá’í passed through a city calling upon the Greatest Name from the depths of his heart, even though no outward contacts were made, the influence for good would be unending. What, then, may we not anticipate when such a galaxy of souls as the following has made both the inward and outward connections: Mrs. Isabella D. Brittingham; Mr. Charles Q. Adams; Mrs. Stuart French; Mrs. Corine True and two daughters; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Gift; Mr. Louis Gregory; Dr. G. V. Gregory; Miss Orcella Rexford; Mrs. Edwina Powell, Mr. John D. Bosch; Mr. George O. Latimer, and recently Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Ioas of San Francisco.
I should like to give some of the details of the work done by each one of these birds of passage, but that will come later when a history of the Cause in this section of the country is written. We are reminded of that prophecy in Daniel, that “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”
The devoted services of Miss Josephine Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ruppers, and their daughter, Nina, will never be forgotten. For twelve long years their home has been open to the travelling friends and since the forming of the Bahá’í study group, many of the meetings and nearly all of the Feasts have been held in their hospitable home. They often go far beyond their physical strength, but one must have an inner sympathetic eye to realize this, for there is never an outward sign to give warning. No service, night or day, is too much for these selfless friends.
Miss Nelson conducts the Esperanto Class. She is a natural teacher, with great patience—the patience born of love for her work. Practically every Bahá’í attends these classes, which are held every Monday evening in the High School. The attendance is taken each time and if it continues at its present rate, the school may introduce Esperanto as a permanent feature in its curriculum.
Since my arrival in Phoenix, we have held from two to three and four meetings each week; these include the Esperanto Class and the Feasts. There
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To avoid confusion in correspondence intended for the National Spiritual Assembly, believers are requested to bear in mind that letters, as well as contributions, should be addressed to Evergreen Cabin West Englewood, New Jersey Communications may be marked “Chairman”, “Secretary”, “Treasurer”, or “News Editor”, but mail unmarked will be correctly distributed. Checks are made payable preferably to National Bahá’í Fund. |
have also been a number of inquirers coming to visit me personally, bringing their questions with them.
There are enough confirmed believers to form a good working Assembly and I assure you they are eagerly awaiting the time when they may become an integral part of the sacred Bahá’í Administration.
The group is composed of about equal numbers of men and women. There are, at present, eight children ranging in age from five months to about twelve years—a line prospect for a Bahá’í Garden which will be started as soon as an Assembly is organized.
On Sunday, December 15th, Mr. and Mrs. Ioas paid Phoenix a visit. In the afternoon Mr. Ioas addressed an enthusiastic and interested audience in one of the charming halls of the Woman’s Club House. Before the meeting a photograph of the group, with a few other friends, was taken on the steps of the Club House.
I wish that every person in Phoenix and every Bahá’í in the country might have listened to the two talks Mr. Ioas gave on that memorable Sunday, the lecture in the evening, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bugbee, supplemented the afternoon talk. Together they constituted a clear and lucid presentation of the development and unfolding of spiritual consciousness all down through the ages to this cycle of the Universal Manifestation of God, Bahá’u’lláh. At the opening of the evening meeting, the moving picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was shown, Mr. Ioas having brought it down with him from San Francisco.
I wish you all might have been with us that evening, the enthusiasm and eagerness with which every word was taken, the unity of purpose of absorbing the teachings, and the oneness of this blessed group in the spirit and fellowship of Bahá’í love was inspiring. As I listened to that illumined talk and looked into the shining faces, I wished, from the bottom of my heart, that Orcella Rexford, Mrs. Powell, and all the others who had come to Phoenix with the great message, could have been with us.
Many of the friends accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Ioas to the station, and remained until their train left at 11:20 pm. Before we separated that night they were talking about plans for the next visit of this young man who seemed to them and to me a tower of light.
Please write news to us, or just letters— anyone who is interested in the growth of this radiant little band— Every word will be appreciated.
- With Bahá’í love,
- Your co-worker,
- ELIZABETH GREENLEAF.
- With Bahá’í love,
December 17, 1929.
BAHA’I PUBLISHING COMMITTEE[edit]
New Publications
The Publishing Committee is happy to announce that the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Vols. I and III are at last ready for distribution. These books have been out of print for many years. The new edition is brought out in a more convenient size, 5½″ x 8⅛″ and is bound in dark blue cloth. When the present stock of Vol. II is exhausted, the new edition will be made to correspond with Vols. I and III and thus make a uniform set. Price of new edition, Vols. I and III, $2.00 each.
Some Answered Questions: A new edition of this book has just been completed and is now ready for distribution. This volume is also made in a smaller size than the original edition, now 5″ x 9″ and is bound in dark blue cloth, Price $2.00.
Special Request
The Committee wishes again to ask all the believers and those interested in the literature to co-operate in the distribution of the books by making their purchases from the nearest Assembly and also by making inquiries at their local bookstores, in this way creating a demand for the books and arousing interest in the Cause.
Foundations of World Unity
The Committee reminds the friends
of this compilation, which includes
many of the significant addresses delivered
by the Master in the United[Page 6]
States and Canada. It can be used effectively
in connection with public
meetings, including amity conventions,
and will interest, particularly those who
approach religion from the point of
view of current social problems. 112
pages. Paper cover. $0.75 per copy.
Special Announcement
It is with regret that the Publishing Committee has received the resignation of its Treasurer-Manager, Mrs. Marie Moore. Mrs. Moore for many years has worked with untiring zeal and the faithful and selfless services she has rendered to the Cause brings forth this expression of appreciation from the Committee.
MR. VAIL AT WEST ENGLEWOOD[edit]
On a hot, hot night in August. Mr. Roy Wilhelm invited the New York, Englewood and other suburban believers to the cool sanctuary of the log cabin and gardens at West Englewood. Mr. Albert Vail, on his way from Chicago to Green Acre, stopped over to give us the benefit of his refreshing personality and able discoursing on the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Teachers of applied psychology might well profit by studying the calm buoyancy and facile oratory of Mr. Vail. It was not only the splashing of the garden fountains and the rustling of the trees outside that revived us. It was his happy faculty of impressing his audience with the atmosphere of resuscitation as well as his intelligent interpretation of what true resurrection was. Starting off with a humorous definition of personal magnetism in a much broader and deeper application than our usual flippant use of the term, Mr. Vail drew the simile of resurrection in the ever—recurrent tendency of human beings to become subject to the material discomforts of life, burying themselves in the “grave of their bodies” and hampering the development of the dynamic spirit within them which would enable them to transcend human limitations and rise into the spiritual and higher mental planes. Then he continued with illustrations of Bahá’u’lláh’s power to work this miracle of transcendency in human hearts and what this power meant to all mankind; how he fulfilled the prophecies of the world’s great religions and inspired agnostic thinkers and sectarian devotees alike with a new vision of life.
Mr. Mohamad Jamil, a newly arrived believer from Baghdad, whose grandfather was one of the early believers banished with Bahá’u’lláh spoke a few words of greeting to us, and then, “resurrected” and happy, we went our several ways, grateful for Mr. Whilhelm’s courtesy and hospitality.
CINCINNATI, OHIO[edit]
Letter from Miss Hilda Stauss
We have recently had such an inspiring meeting and I am so elated over the “spiritual boost” (as Roy Wilhelm once termed it to me) it has given us, that I feel I must give the N. S. A. an account of it, although you may have heard from the other assemblies.
We had arranged for a joint meeting of all Ohio assemblies who could attend at Dayton, Ohio on June 22nd, but when we heard “Mother Beecher” was to visit Mrs. Corrodi at that time in Columbus, we arranged to meet there.
The Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus groups attended, making a group of 30 to 35. Our dinner was made a feast, material as well as spiritual as Mother Beecher had much to tell us.
Following this, we had read of the prayers and words, which opened our meeting and then the time was turned over to Mother Beecher, who gave us a most inspiring talk, to be exact, we were all scolded a little as all mothers have the right to do, as we were not working fast enough, and realizing that these days are quickly passing. Then she read to us the first article in the last issue of the “Star”, words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, suggesting that Bahá’ís arrange gatherings of religious leaders to exchange their ideas and solve their religious problems, and urged that we follow this.
We in Cincinnati do not feel that we are as yet able to do this as we must progress a little further, but it has given us the impetus to work harder at teaching.
Since my return from the Convention we have all tried to get some activity in the group but having been quiet so long, it is just a little harder to pick up the lost threads again but gradually those who were formerly interested are coming back. We also have one new member who I believe can soon be considered a Bahá’í.
Our meetings have been held only once a month, but beginning the 13th, we will hold them every nineteen days. Later I hope to have them weekly and then add the Nineteen Day Feast meetings.
Of course, we will keep the anniversary on the 9th and I am endeavoring to have the article which the Bahá’í News Service forwarded in reference thereto runs in the local papers. The man I interviewed today I believe will do all he can to have the editor run the article. He was interested in the Temple and felt we would like to have a little more information so I am taking to him tomorrow morning copy of the colored print of the Temple and my copy of the Bahá’í World as he did not know if a copy was included in the Editor’s library. I did leave with him one of the Number Nine booklets which I am hoping he is reading tonight. He has heard of the movement, but never investigated it.
To return to the subject of joint meetings, we expect to hold another meeting in Dayton this month and follow that by one in Cincinnati the following month and probably continue through the Fall should the weather permit touring.
As the Bahá’í News Service suggests, we will in the future make these meetings a subject for an article to secure further publicity, and attract attention to our group.
- Sincerely yours, in His Service,
July 7, 1930.
REPORT FROM BRAZIL[edit]
The work in Bahia, Brazil, has grown steadily during the past two years. Perhaps the outstanding accomplishment is the translation into Portuguese of Dr. Esslemont’s book, “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era,” and its wide distribution not only in Bahia but also among various organizations and individuals throughout Brazil. There have been some favorable press notices, and the book has been placed on sale in two book shops of the city, arousing interest among people of all classes.
Regular fortnightly meetings are held in the factory district, in the home of one of the workers. At these meetings simple lessons are given, and free discussion encouraged. Here especially an effort has been made to teach by deed as well as by word, through giving relief in some of the many cases of extreme poverty, and distributing, on such occasions as Christmas, little gifts and cakes among hundreds of poor—in the alms-house, prison, children’s hospital, etc. This, we found, impressed many, especially as it seemed to be a thing unheard of in Bahia. Even the German baker, startled at the size of our order at Christmas, on learning the reason asked to be permitted to make a small contribution, and so gave us the opportunity of giving him the Message.
It is our hope to prepare and publish within the next few months a Spanish translation also of Dr. Esslemont’s book, in order that the Spanish speaking countries of this great continent may, as well as Brazil, have the bounty of receiving the Message of Bahá’u’lláh and being resuscitated through the power of His Words.
- With Bahá’í greetings,
- Sincerely yours in His service,
- LEONORA S. HOLSAPPLE
- Sincerely yours in His service,
Bahia, Brazil.
March 21, 1930.
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS[edit]
Letter from Mrs. Orcella Rexford
The message has been given in Little Rock, and also at Hot Springs, Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ward were confirmed in the latter city and one hundred and twenty-five people turned out in Little Rock, with the temperature soaring up to the hundred mark. Due to the intense heat which keeps everyone at home, Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, who assisted me in giving the message decided it would be better not to try to establish a Bahá’í class there until later. However, there were a large number who signified their desire to investigate the teaching, and Mr. Paul Nichols, an educator of note, having been connected with the Marietta Johnson School of Progressive Education at Fairhope, Ala., volunteered to study with the group the Bahá’í books to the end that if sufficient interest was displayed, a Bahá’í teacher would be sent to them in the fall. There are some very important people in this group, among them being the leading lawyer and dentist. The largest hotel in the city gave them a meeting place free of charge and I now am waiting for word concerning the first meeting.
I hear that the group we called together in Miami, Florida, is still having meetings and looking forward to having a teacher sent to them.
Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler and I addressed a group of colored people at the Normal School in St. Augustine, who were gathered together through the efforts of Dr. Guy and his wife. He is doing some splendid work there.
I hope to give the message both here and in Denver, and will concentrate my efforts on the Southern States this winter.
With Bahá’í greetings to the friends,
- ORCELLA REXFORD.
Colorado Springs,
July 17, 1930.
SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF HAIFA[edit]
We have received a long report from Mirźa Taraz’u’lláh Samandari giving an account of his teaching tours throughout Persia and especially his visit to the Bahá’í centers in Isfahan and Yazd. The latter town is especially interesting, due to the large Zoroastrian population that itself and the villages around it contain. A large number of these Parsees have embraced the Bahá’í Faith ever since the early days of the Cause and during his tour of the villages around Yazd. Mirźa Taraz’u’lláh was given a hearty welcome among them. The increasing amount of freedom that the population has lately gained in Persia, has given these Bahá’í Parsees the opportunity to break away from their old traditional custom with regard to the burial of their dead. Whereas according to the Zoroastrian rituals, their dead were left unburied in a “dakhmeh” on top of a high mountain to be consumed by the birds of prey, they have now taken the bold step of breaking away entirely from those rituals, they have acquired their own cemetery and will henceforth bury their dead according to the Bahá’í teachings. Mirźa Taraz’u’lláh was also invited to a big luncheon party given by a member of the Afnán family in one of his gardens outside the town of Yazd. The luncheon was followed by a very large gathering attended by the Bahá’ís and also by a large number of non-Bahá’ís, during which the Bahá’í teacher was given the opportunity of delivering a public speech on the Cause.
Mr. Mahbubi, one of the friends from Iṣfahán who visited the Guardian in Haifa, acted as interpreter to Miss Martha Root during her visit to Iṣfahán and Shíráz in southern Persia. He gave us a vivid account of the meetings which were held in her honor and he especially mentioned the fact that in those public meetings non-Bahá’ís also attended. Miss Root has been quite enterprising in making use of the airplane in hopping from one end of Persia to the other.
The Bahá’ís throughout the world will be very pleased to learn that three additional rooms built by the Guardian in accordance with the Master’s expressed wish and desire, have now been completed and that the restoration of the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh will soon be terminated. It shall be a happy privilege of all those who will visit Haifa and Akka in the near future to visit that hallowed place so rich in happy and sacred memories. They will find it exactly as when it was occupied by Bahá’u’lláh.
We are very pleased that the Guardian’s health is quite well and although a little tired he still devotes his entire time to his pressing duties and correspondence. He is hoping soon, however, to take his usual rest during the hot summer season which has already become oppressive. The Greatest Holy Leaf is also well and much cheered in heart by the happy news from America of the early construction of the Temple.
The family of the Master as well as the friends here joins in happy greetings to their friends across the seas.
- THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY,
- By Soheil Afnán, Secretary.
Haifa, Palestine,
June, 1930.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF ’IRAQ[edit]
Annual Report
This year has been remarkable compared with previous years. It marks the beginning of a serious effort towards spreading the principles of Bahá’u’lláh in this country. As soon as the present assembly came into power, the chairman sent invitations, on three occasions, and invited the leading Bahá’ís of Baghdad to come to a joint meeting with the Assembly in order to consider two points:—
(1) To consider whether it was advisable
- to start a campaign to
- Spread the Cause in the capital
- and in Iráq.
(2) To consider the last means by
- which such a campaign could be
- made fruitful.
The chairman’s invitation was responded to by the friends who attended these meetings and took part in the deliberations of the assembly on the above mentioned points.
Meanwhile pamphlets bearing the teachings were sent to many prominent men in Baghdad and all over the country. These pamphlets were well received and on many occasions, in the higher circles of society, were mentioned with appreciation.
The Assembly applied itself successfully to the organization of the library and therefore passed regulations governing the maintenance and preservation of the existing library.
The Assembly has also drawn up
and passed a constitution on the same
lines as that adopted by the Bahá’í Assembly
in Egypt. For the first time in
the History of the Bahá’í Assembly in
’Iraq a constitution has been adopted
with a view to putting the election for
the Assembly on a sound basis and to[Page 8]
put an end to the chaotic state of
things which has been prevailing in
the past.
As a preliminary for the application of the constitution the Assembly prepared special census forms to be sent to the friends all over the country in order to prepare an up-to-date register of all the Bahá’ís in this country.
The most important matter which engaged the attention of the Assembly during the current year has been the case of the houses of Bahá’u’lláh. Since the announcement by the Council of the League of Nations of their decision in support of the claim of the Bahá’ís strong efforts have been made, from time to time, to bring the matter to a favorable conclusion. On this occasion the Bahá’í Assembly wishes to record its deep gratefulness to those honorable Bahá’ís who are charged with the responsibility of carrying the case to a successful conclusion.
Considerable activity has been displayed in the districts during this year.
For some time in the past a small number of Bahá’ís lived in Basrah and slowly but steadily worked for the Cause. Gradually their number grew and their presence was felt by the communities around them. The fact that that little group of Bahá’ís lived an exemplary life and applied the spirit of the teaching of Bahá’u’lláh to their private life as well as to their dealings with the people in whose midst they lived had a great deal to do towards furthering the interests of the Cause. One by one additions were made to the number of the members of the Community and no sooner had their number passed beyond nine than a Bahá’í Assembly sprang up. This assembly, though in its infant stage, is making headway and success shall ultimately be attained.
Like her twin sister the infant assembly of Mosul is laboring successfully towards the promulgation of the cause in Mosul and the Northern Districts of ‘Iráq. Its members have been specially energetic in giving the Holy Message to the seekers and they have successfully added to their number and so considerable attention has been attracted to the cause.
Awashiq, an out-of-the-way village and inhabited by simple farmers, holds its head high as the only spot in ‘Iraq which has a healthy Bahá’í Community consisting of the entire population of the village. Our famous village is the only place in this country and one of the very few villages in the East which traces its history in the Cause back to the early days of the Holy Bab.
Ever since the inception of Bahá’ísm, Awashiq has never ceased to be a center of activity and during the current year the people of Awashiq made a final effort and completed the construction of Hazirat-el-Quds which is a two story building constructed of burnt bricks and steel girders comprising one large room and an open court-yard in the ground floor and 4 rooms in the first floor. These upper rooms are partitioned in a manner that when the partitions are removed a large hall becomes available for holding general meetings. Awashiq is situated in the Diyala Valley, one of the most fertile valleys of ‘Iraq. The country abounds with vast gardens of citrous trees and gorgeous date palm groves which during fruition present a glorious sight of thousands of gold, yellow date clusters hanging from these escheloned palms like myriads of tiny incandescent lights.
INTERNATIONAL BAHA’I BUREAU, GENEVA[edit]
Annual Report
The International Bahá’í Center of Geneva since June, 1928, has been developing along tentative lines of general and universal character, and it has been increasing gradually its usefulness. By the explicit wish of the Guardian of the Cause, with his help and guidance, and the help of a few individual friends and Assemblies, added to the almost superhuman efforts of Miss Culver, the Bureau has functioned uninterruptedly since June, 1928. After the departure of Mrs. Stannard, owing to her illness, the Bureau was reorganized and a call sent out for cooperation, that the true nature of its international work might be fully realized.
The work has developed gradually, so that it has assumed more and more an international aspect in its character of service. From all parts letters are received asking for literature, for books, for addresses, information regarding other international centers, etc. To the world it has announced its international character by being a part of the “Federation des Institutions Internationales (Semi-officielles et Privées)”, that are established at Geneva; a federation of institutions which aims to serve as an official protection and aid to its members and a link between them and the Genévoise public.
In the more intimate work the Bureau is a Center where all Bahá’ís who come to Geneva for long or short visits can find a home. The Bureau has its group of students; a French class, every Wednesday evening, of which Mme. Row takes charge. This year a regular Friday afternoon class is to be inaugurated, when the Word will be studied in English.
The Library has grown in volume thanks to the many friends who have contributed. Its usefulness is evident and developing.
During the summer months the Bureau forms a Center of intensive constructive work. Lectures are given, classes and group meetings are held, and social afternoons enjoyed.
The social side has not been neglected. Association with various international centers, taking part in international celebrations,—lunches, dinners, peace celebrations, belonging to international groups who work on similar lines, and the entertaining of groups as well as the celebrating of all Bahá’í feasts and anniversaries, has all received attention and had satisfactory results.
Our aim has been to form a Center that may be for the present a signpost, a lighted beacon, holding aloft the banner of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá until the call of the Guardian for concerted Bahá’í cooperation to carry on and develop the work may be answered and effectuated.
- Allah’u’Abhá!
- JULIA CULVER
- H. EMOGENE HOAGG.
BACK NUMBERS OF BAHA’I MAGAZINE[edit]
The Publishing Committee, to complete its files, wishes to purchase the following back numbers of the Star of the West: Vols. 1, 2 and 3—all issues; Vol. 17—issue No. 6.
Any believer willing to sell these copies is asked to inform the Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City.
SPRINGFIELD BAHA’IS HOLD THIRD ANNUAL OUTDOOR MEETING[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Springfield, Mass., on June 15 held their third annual festival at Forest Park. Believers to the number of forty-six attended, coming from Springfield, Worcester, Ashuelot-Hinsdale, N. H. and Connecticut cities. Mrs. Hebe Struven acted as chairman of a program which included Bahá’í readings, consultation and addresses by Mrs. Jean Bolles and Mrs. Amelia Collins.
