| ←Previous | Bahá’í News Issue 442 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
| No. 442 | BAHA’I YEAR 124 | JANUARY 1968 |
The Paramount Goal of Teaching[edit]
A LETTER FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
To: All National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
We have recently sent to those National Spiritual Assemblies which are engaged in mass teaching the enclosed extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdul-Bahá and from the letters of Shoghi Effendi. We feel that they will also be of great assistance to all other National Spiritual Assemblies.
The paramount goal of the teaching work at the present time is to carry the message of Bahá’u’lláh to every stratum of human society and every walk of life. An eager response to the teachings will often be found in the most unexpected quarters, and any such response should be quickly followed up, for success in a fertile area awakens a response in those who were at first uninterested.
The same presentation of the teachings will not appeal to everybody; the method of expression and the approach must be varied in accordance with the outlook and interests of the hearer. An approach which is designed to appeal to everybody will usually result in attracting the middle section, leaving both extremes untouched. No effort must be spared to ensure that the healing Word of God reaches the rich and the poor, the learned and the illiterate, the old and the young, the devout and the atheist, the dweller in the remote hills and islands, the inhabitant of the teeming cities, the suburban businessman, the laborer in the slums, the nomadic tribesman, the farmer, the university student; all must be brought consciously within the teaching plans of the Bahá’í Community.
Whereas plans must be, carefully made, and every useful means adopted in the furtherance of this work, your Assemblies must never let such plans eclipse the shining truth expounded in the enclosed quotations: that it is the purity of heart, detachment, uprightness, devotion and love of the teacher that attracts the divine confirmations and enables him, however ignorant he be in this world’s learning, to win the hearts of his fellowmen to the Cause of God.
With loving greetings,
Bahá’í World Center
Haifa, Israel THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
October 31, 1967
Fine Mat Presented to Universal House of Justice[edit]
In the ancient custom of the Samoan people, the presentation of a fine mat is the highest honor which can be given. The Samoans have other types of mats which are used for various occasions, but the fine mats are reserved for only the most solemn and most important occasions.
This particular fine mat which has been presented to the Universal House of Justice, was a gift to Mr. Niualeava Tuataga and has a special significance for the following reason:
Mr. Saialala Tamasese was the first Samoan to embrace the Bahá’í Faith. Mr. Tamasese was a member of one of the three royal families of Samoa, the history is too involved to give in detail here, but as such he was an important person in Samoa. Upon his death in 1965, because of his royal descent, great pressure was exerted on his widow and his daughter, who are Bahá’ís, to have a Christian funeral. One must understand Samoan custom to realize how difficult it was for two women to stand firm and insist that Mr. Tamasese was a Bahá’í and would have a Bahá’í burial. They then invited Auxiliary Board member Niu Tuataga to take charge of the burial which took place in the presence of representatives of the Head of State and the largest group of High Chiefs and Christian ministers ever to attend a Bahá’í gathering.
Following such a funeral, it is the custom to present a fine mat to the “minister” who performs the service. In spite of the fact that there is no clergy in the Bahá’í Faith, the family very much wished Mr. Tuataga to accept this fine mat as a token of their love and appreciation. Mr. Tuataga accepted the fine mat on the understanding that it would be presented to the Faith on behalf of the Bahá’ís of Samoa at some suitable time. Little did he know then that there would be an opportunity to present it to the Supreme Body, the Universal House of Justice, to be taken back to the Holiest Spot on Earth.
Extracts enclosed with letter on preceding page
“Whoso ariseth, in this Day, to aid Our Cause, and summoneth to his assistance the hosts of a praiseworthy character and upright conduct, the influence flowing from such an action will, most certainly, be diffused throughout the whole world.”
(Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 287)
“Whoso ariseth to teach Our Cause must needs detach
himself from all earthly things, and regard, at all
times, the triumph of Our Faith as his supreme objective. . . . And when he determineth to leave his
home, for the sake of the Cause of his Lord, let him put
his whole trust in God, as the best provision for his
journey, and array himself with the robe of virtue. . . .
If he be kindled with the fire of His love, if he forgoeth
all created things, the words he uttereth shall set on fire
them that hear him.”
(Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pp. 334-5)
“I swear by Him Who is the Most Great Ocean! Within
the very breath of such souls as are pure and sanctified
far-reaching potentialities are hidden. So great are
these potentialities that they exercise their influence
upon all created things.”
(Bahá’u’lláh—Quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 19)
“He is the true servant of God, who, in this day, were
he to pass through cities of silver and gold, would not
deign to look upon them, and whose heart would remain pure and undefiled from whatever things can be
seen in this world, be they its goods or its treasures. I
swear by the Sun of Truth! The breath of such a man is
endowed with potency, and his words with attraction.”
(Bahá’u’lláh—Quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice,
p. 19)
“The most vital duty, in this day, is to purify your
characters, to correct your manners, and improve your
conduct. The beloved of the Merciful must show forth
such character and conduct among His creatures, that
the fragrance of their holiness may be shed upon the
whole world, and may quicken the dead, inasmuch as
the purpose of the Manifestation of God and the dawning of the limitless lights of the Invisible is to educate
the souls of men, and refine the character of every
living man.”
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá—Quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice,
pp. 21-22)
“If you observe that a soul has turned his face completely toward the Cause of God, his intention is centralized upon the penetration of the Word of God, he is
serving the Cause day and night with the utmost fidelity.
no scent of selfishness is inhaled from his manners and
deeds, and no trace of egotism or prejudice is seen in
his personality—nay rather is he a wanderer in the
wilderness of the love of God, and one intoxicated with
the wine of the knowledge of God, occupied wholly with
the diffusion of the fragrances of God, and attracted to
the signs of the Kingdom of God; know ye of a certainty
that he is confirmed with the powers of the Kingdom,
assisted by the heaven of Might; and he will shine,
gleam and sparkle like unto the morning star with the
utmost brilliancy and splendor from the horizon of the
everlasting gift. If he is alloyed with the slightest trace
of passion, desire, ostentation or self-interest, it is
certain that the results of all efforts will prove fruitless,
and he will become deprived and hopeless.
(Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—Volume I, p. 42)
“The aim is this: the intention of the teacher must be pure, his heart independent; his spirit attracted, his thought at peace, his resolution firm, his magnanimity
Universal House of Justice Appoints United Nations Observer[edit]
In a recent letter of announcement the Universal House of Justice informs officially of “the appointment of Dr. Victor de Araujo as the accredited representative of the Bahá’í International Community and International Observer at the United Nations. Dr. de Araujo will devote his full time to this important position.
“Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, who performed devoted and distinguished services in that office for nearly twenty years, requested to be relieved of that position because its growing responsibilities required full-time service, She has offered to serve as Alternate Observer to which position she has been appointed.”
This most significant step heralds the widening and deepening international efforts of the Universal House of Justice, as it expands the Bahá’í work in support of the United Nations.
Hand of Cause Visits Alaska[edit]
Bahá’ís of Alaska have been privileged to have Hand of the Cause Tarázú’lláh Samandari, accompanied by his son, visit a number of communities. On October 12-14, only a few days after the end of the Intercontinental Conference in Chicago, Mr. Samandari addressed Bahá’ís in the Anchorage area at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Meetings were also held in the Safehaven Recreation Hall at Anchorage and at the homes of several Bahá’ís.
The Fairbanks International Airport was the scene of a warm welcome for Mr. Samandari on October 15. Mr. Samandari spent several days in the Fairbanks area speaking at special meetings for the Bahá’ís, at firesides, and attending a Kiwanis luncheon.
In addressing the friends at one of the Alaska meetings, Mr. Samandari said: “God has not created anything sweeter than meeting and seeing Bahá’í friends. No other joy can compare to it.”
exalted and in the love of God a shining torch. Should
he become as such, his sanctified breath will even affect
the rock; otherwise there will be no result whatsoever.
As long as a soul is not perfected, how can he efface the
defects of others! Unless he is detached from aught else
save God, how can he teach the severance to others!”
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá—Quoted in Bahá’í Scriptures (1923) No. 985, p. 543)
“One thing and only one thing will unfailingly and
alone secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred
Cause, namely, the extent to which our own inner life
and private character mirror forth in their manifold
aspects the splendor of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.”
(From a letter written by the Guardian to the
American believers, dated September 24, 1924, quoted in Bahá’í Administration, p. 66)
“. . .having attained sufficiently the individual regeneration—the essential requisite of teaching—let us
arise to teach His Cause with righteousness, conviction,
understanding and vigor. Let this be the paramount
and most urgent duty of every Bahá’í.”
(From a letter written by the Guardian to the
American believers, dated November 24, 1924,
quoted in Bahá’í Administration, p, 69)
“The first and most important qualification of a Bahá’í
teacher is, indeed, unqualified loyalty and attachment
to the Cause. Knowledge is, of course, essential; but
compared to devotion it is secondary in importance.
“What the Cause now requires is not so much a group
of highly cultured and intellectual people who can
adequately present its Teachings, but a number of
devoted, sincere and loyal supporters who, in utter
disregard of their own weaknesses and limitations, and
with hearts afire with the love of God, foresake their all
for the sake of spreading and establishing His Faith.”
(From a letter written on the Guardian’s behalf to an individual believer, published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS No. 102, August 1936, p. 2)
“They must remember the glorious history of the
Cause, which . . . . was established by dedicated souls
who, for the most part, were neither rich, famous, nor
well-educated, but whose devotion, zeal and self-sacrifice overcame every obstacle and won miraculous victories for the Faith of God.”
(From a letter written on the Guardian’s behalf to
the N.S.A. of India and Burma dated June 29, 1941)
“. . . .what raised aloft the banner of Bahá’u’lláh was
the love, sacrifice and devotion of His humble followers
and the change that His teachings wrought in their
hearts and lives.”
(From a letter written on the Guardian’s behalf to the British N.S.A., dated June 20, 1942)
“It is the quality of devotion and self-sacrifice that
brings rewards in the service of this Faith, rather than
means, ability or financial backing.”
(From a letter written on the Guardian’s behalf to
the N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand, dated May 11, 1948)
“One wise and dedicated soul can so often give life to
an inactive community, bring in new people and inspire
them to greater sacrifice. He hopes that whatever else
you are able to do during the coming months, you will
be able to keep in circulation a few really good Bahá’í
teachers.”
(From a letter written on the Guardian’s behalf to the N.S.A. of Central America, dated June 30, 1952)
‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum Visits Sikkim, India, and Indian Ocean Islands[edit]
The historic first Bahá’í convention held in Gangtok, Sikkim, India, April 30 - May 2, 1967. ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, special representative of the Universal House of Justice, is shown in second row, center.
On April 23 ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum left the Holy Land for India in order to attend, as a special representative of the Universal House of Justice, the first Bahá’í Convention in Sikkim. On her way to Sikkim she stayed a few days in New Delhi to attend the Indian Convention.
The first Bahá’í Convention in Sikkim started on April 30 and ended May 2. Of the 58 delegates 33 were present and fifty-four votes were cast. This small kingdom has a very special place in Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s heart. She visited here first in 1964 when there were hardly 300 Bahá’ís. Now their number is in the thousands with an independent National Spiritual Assembly and a very active community.
The teaching and deepening classes which were held immediately after the Convention were highly successful. Daily a number of new enrollments were received. In the ten-day period that ‘Amatu’l-Bahá stayed in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, over 200 new believers entered the Cause. The highlight of this visit was a very friendly call Rúḥíyyih Khánum made to the Chogyal (king) of Sikkim, who is the spiritual as well as the temporal head of his country. The Choygal asked many questions about the development of the Faith in Sikkim and was assured by ‘Amatu’l-Bahá of the loyalty and peace-loving efforts of the Bahá’ís wherever they are.
At a tea-party which was given in honor of Rúḥíyyih Khánum a great number of high government officials met with her and listened to her lucid explanation of the Teachings. The Chief Administrative Officer, who is like the Prime Minister of Sikkim, invited Rúḥíyyih Khánum to his home as he was unable to attend the afternoon tea due to ill health.
Visit to Orissa, India[edit]
At the invitation of the Bahá’ís of Orissa, ‘Amatu’l-Bahá arrived in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the State of Orissa, on May 19, to lay the foundation stone for the first Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. This is the state which was referred to by Rúḥíyyih Khánum in 1964 as her “baby.” When she visited here in 1964, there were no Bahá’ís in the capital town of Bhubaneswar, and she was greatly impressed by the receptivity of the people there. Before leaving India she appealed to the friends gathered at the all-India conference to arise and go to Bhubaneswar
and take care of her “baby.” Devoted Bahá’ís responded to her call, and now, within three years, not only has the number of believers risen and a Local Spiritual Assembly been elected but the first Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds will be erected to be used both as the national headquarters and as a teaching institute for the promotion of the teaching activities. Dr. Ajudhyanath, governor of the State of Orissa, invited Rúḥíyyih Khánum for tea to his official residence and expressed his hopes to see the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh propagated and established in his area.
Apart from the various Bahá’í activities during this period of six weeks in India and Sikkim, Rúḥíyyih Khánum had very important and cordial meetings with the president of India, Dr. Zakir Hussain and the prime minister of India, Mrs. Indira Ghandi. (Photo August 1967, p. 2.) Dr. Zakir Hussain, cultured and broad-minded scholar, asked about the poems of Táhirih and whether it was possible to obtain these anywhere. Rúḥíyyih Khánum promised to send him whatever is available. She also stressed the importance of two basic teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the loyalty of the Bahá’ís to their governments and their non-interference in political activities. Before leaving India, Rúḥíyyih Khánum was also received in Bombay by the Governor of Maharshtra, Mr. Charion.
Mauritius, Reunion, Island of Madagascar[edit]
On the afternoon of June 5 she arrived on the beautiful island of Mauritius. Dear Bahá’ís from all over the island had come in five busloads to the airport to welcome their precious and beloved guest. During the twenty-eight days ‘Amatu’l-Bahá spent on this island, she spoke to the friends twenty-six times both at Bahá’í gatherings and public meetings. In almost all these meetings she spoke in French, a language she has seldom had occasion to use since her childhood. This greatly exhausted her and involved tremendous effort, though it delighted her audience. During this period she met with the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Dr. Ram Gulam, had a television and radio interview, a press conference in Port Louis as well as meetings with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Indian Ocean.
A week on the Island of Reunion was mostly spent in reactivating the believers and encouraging them to arise and fulfill the objectives of the Nine Year Plan assigned to them.
The last part of this historic trip was spent on the island of Madagascar. The whole period of Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s visit on this island was spent in Tananarive, the capital city. This was due to the limited time she had as well as to her very poor health. Ten days were spent in this beautiful city, five days of which beloved ‘Amatu’l-Bahá was ill in bed; nevertheless she spoke at nine gatherings to the friends and their contacts. This is a French-speaking country with a very intelligent and interesting people. The Bahá’í friends are devoted and dedicated to the teaching work. Rúḥíyyih Khánum often expressed her great love and expectations for this island and its people. She hopes to visit Madagascar (The Malagasy Republic) again and spend more time to travel to all parts of the island.
At the end of this trip she spent a week in Nairobi for medical treatment and was able to meet with the friends and speak to them.
Hand of the Cause ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum is shown in top photo with some ladies of Sikkim. Above is the foundation stone she laid in Bhubaneswar, capital of the State of Orissa and below as she appears with Bahá’ís of Tananarive, Malagasy Republic.
Korea is Host to Hand of Cause[edit]
Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi receiving a plaque from the president of the newly formed Bahá’í Club of Korea University, in Seoul.
There are some events in the Bahá’í history of a country which stand out above all others. One was the recent visit of Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi to the Bahá’ís of Korea November 7-14, on his return from the Intercontinental Conference in New Delhi. For two days Bahá’ís from in and around Seoul, as well as from Kyongju on the east coast and Mokpo on the southwest, gathered at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Seoul to hear him share his studies of the Teachings of over thirty years. Later he visited Pusan and delighted the friends there with similar presentations. Classes covered three pillars on which the foundation of the Cause is built: laws, principles and the administrative order; dealt with the obligation of Bahá’í parents to give their children a Bahá’í education; foresaw the eventual emergence of a universal curriculum and concluded with a study of The Hidden Words. Mr. Faizi described this work of Bahá’u’lláh’s as a spiritual journey beginning with the question, “Why is man selected out of all creation for this journey?” The classes enriched the Bahá’ís in a deepening of the Faith they had never experienced before.
In addition to these sessions Mr. Faizi addressed a large public meeting at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare building in downtown Seoul, making the initial announcement of Bahá’u’lláh’s Proclamation to the world leaders to the people of Korea. Included in the audience were several Buddhist monks, Christian ministers, high ranking military officers and many professors and teachers from the leading universities and high schools.
Mr. Kim Kyong Whan, famous Korean singer, gave a beautiful rendition of “The Sweet Scented Streams.” Mr. Kim learned of the Faith ten years ago in Japan and declared himself a Bahá’í through the efforts of Hand of the Cause Miss Agnes Alexander, who also helped him to receive a Master’s degree in music in New York. He is now a professor of music at one of the foremost colleges in Taegu. Mr. Kim has been blind almost since birth.
Mr. Faizi’s visit inspired a group of students at Korea University to become Bahá’ís and to form the first Bahá’í university club in the country. The club presented him with a plaque thanking him for being their first speaker.
A meeting was arranged between Mr. Faizi and the Israeli Ambassador to Korea, Mr. Mordechai Arbell, who came to the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to call on Mr. Faizi.
In preparation for Mr. Faizi’s visit, the Bahá’ís in Seoul sent out 5,000 personally addressed invitations to the public meeting and gave several press interviews. Time fact sheets concerning the Faith and photographs of Bahá’í buildings and of Mr. Faizi were presented to the reporters. Through the efforts of one young lady, not only was the public meeting televised and sent out all over Korea via the government station, but spot advertising was arranged for seven consecutive evenings, at each of which a different photo of Bahá’í holy places was shown.
Some of the friends who attended classes conducted by Hand of the Cause Mr. Faizi during his visit to Korea November 7-14, Classes were held at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Seoul.
A Goal is Won—The Harvest Is Bountiful[edit]
“The Concourse on high hails with delight the phenomenal rapidity of the victories of Bahá’í pioneering. . ." wrote Shoghi Effendi in 1954 when the Ten Year World Crusade had only been launched less than a year. He was speaking of the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, those intrepid pioneers whose names he inscribed on the Roll of Honor and later placed at the entrance door of the inner Sanctuary of the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh, as a permanent memorial to their contribution during the first year of the Global Crusade.
Shoghi Effendi also wrote on closing the Roll of Honor: “The Concourse on high will continue to applaud the highly meritorious services rendered by future volunteers arising to reinforce the historic work so nobly initiated by the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh in the far-flung, newly opened territories.”
We need only to glance back a decade or so to witness many of those first pioneers threading their way around the globe, and to contemplate subsequent developments of the Faith, to appreciate why a new goal won is a great victory for the Cause. At that time, in 1953, there were twelve National Spiritual Assemblies to launch the World Crusade. Today there are eighty-one pillars of the Universal House of Justice. One of those pillars, a small republic in Central America — Honduras — formed its National Assembly in April, 1961 and took upon its shoulders its own goals to be won.
Honduras Goal — Last Departamento[edit]
One of Honduras’ goals of the Nine Year Plan was to open all of the eighteen Departamentos (states). Last spring one of these, Ocotopeque, still remained unopened. In March, Wanita George, a member of the National Assembly, planned to visit Ocotopeque with a Western Regional Committee member, and solicited the prayers of the Universal House of Justice for success. After a day’s journey she learned the trip was cancelled, but continued on alone, attempting also to keep the Fast until this became impossible.
Waiting in the Pension in that far-west Departamento, she had much time for prayer and also to answer the questions of curious people who wondered what had brought her to that region. On her last evening a youth came to the supper table and asked a number of searching questions. The discussion continued until an alarmed religionist intervened and prohibited further conversation. Some literature had been given out before Mrs. George found it imperative to leave the next morning.
“I Want to Be a Bahá’í”[edit]
Five months later a short letter arrived at the national office in Tegucigalpa. The youthful inquirer of Ocotopeque, Cesar Chinchilla, had secured the address from a pamphlet and requested the free correspondence course offered.
“I want to be a Bahá’í, if it isn’t inconvenient,” he added.
It wasn’t inconvenient! After receiving his correspondence course and other literature, Cesar returned his enrollment card and also that of a friend from the mountain town of La Encarnaci near the Guatemala border. By November of 1967 there were twenty Bahá’ís in La Encarnaci, 200 in the Departamento of Ocotopeque, a large percentage of them being teachers, professors, directors of schools and other professional people. Five communities are large enough to elect assemblies, and pioneer Grace Dean is there working on consolidation. Cesar believes that the Faith has a special appeal to these people living on the frontier of the three countries (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras), always conscious of the danger of war and searching for a solution which they have found in the Bahá’í Teachings.
Third from left, Cesar Chinchilla, new Bahá’í youth from Honduras, and some of the 200 Bahá’ís he has taught in newly opened Departamento of Ocotopeque.
Now it has become necessary for him to leave Ocotopeque but he and his widowed mother are hopeful that the new pioneer, Jerre McKinney, expected to arrive shortly, will come before it is necessary for them to go.
More Pioneers — When Will They Come?[edit]
The National Assembly of Honduras writes:
“There are still vast areas of Honduras with no Bahá’í pioneer, and communities of new, undeepened Bahá’ís with no one to visit and assist them. All, including two Hands of the Cause, have pronounced Honduras ready for mass teaching. We need help! Honduras is a hospitable, lovable country. Anyone who cares to come here with a monthly income of $100.00 or a little more can live economically and well in many of the dozens of lovely, vacation-climate pueblos. They will receive a warm welcome, be loved by their pueblos and will thus establish the Faith in a new location. It is also possible to teach English for added income in many places.
“Our Nine Year Plan calls for two Persian pioneers. Our hearts yearn for the arrival of these brothers and sisters from the cradle of the Faith. Every assistance is assured in obtaining resident visas. They will give new impetus to the teaching work. When will they come?”
ABOVE: Young Bahá’í teacher with students, school in Jankarachi, Bolivia.
RIGHT: Village of Jankohuyo, Bolivia. Large building to right is the Bahá’í School and home of the Bahá’í teacher.
Land of the High Altiplano Visited by Two U.S. Youth[edit]
Bolivia, land of the high altiplano tucked in the mighty Andes, home of many thousands of Bahá’ís, was the destination of two North American youth, Steve Blair and Greg Dahl, as they set off from Miami last September on a pilot international youth project. The project was organized to give the youth experience in Bahá’í teaching, to expose them to the problems and rewards of work in an isolated mass conversion area, and to test the feasibility of future youth projects of a similar nature. In addition the youth were, of course, to contribute as much as they could to the difficult teaching and consolidation work throughout Bolivia, and to encourage the Bahá’ís in their heroic endeavors.
Bolivia, the youth soon discovered, is a country nearly entirely bereft of the material advancements and comforts they were so used to in the U.S. Countries usually build beautiful airports to impress foreigners; when the youth landed on a rocky dirt landing strip in La Paz, the world’s highest commercial airport, and taxied up to a simple, unassuming structure, they perhaps had some idea of what was in store for them. But they were soon to think airplanes themselves a great miracle and luxury, after travelling two months in steam-powered trains, in rickety overcrowded buses, in open trucks, and on foot, visiting and living with the Bahá’ís in all parts of that vast and barren country.
Their first stop, after visiting La Paz, was the Bahá’í Teacher Training Institute in Cochabamba, to attend a 10-day course there being given to train young Bahá’ís in the Faith and in the teaching of literacy. These Bahá’ís are now forming literacy centers in rural areas. (See picture in September BAHÁ’Í NEWS, p. 9.)
After participating in the course, and talking extensively with various National Spiritual Assembly members and Auxiliary Board member Athos Costas, about the background and problems of Bahá’í teaching and consolidation in the campo — the vast expanses of mountain and altiplano not yet reached by civilization — Steve and Greg set out by train and open truck for the provincial center of Sacaca, in whose vicinity there are fifty Bahá’í villages with local assemblies. Sacaca, the trading and commercial center for the vast and populous (by Bolivian standards) region of el Norte de Potosi, is not yet blessed with running water, electricity, or hygienic facilities; drinking Water is supplied to the adobe houses by gutter-like stone channels down the middle of each street. Here they stayed in the “lodgings,” owned by a Bahá’í, before setting out on foot with their Indian guide Andrés Jachakollo, (who represented his people at the London Congress), to visit some Bahá’í villages. After a strenuous day’s hike over great mountains and descending to rivers, they arrived at Jankarachi, one of several villages with a Bahá’í school. (See accompanying pictures.) Meetings were held with the Bahá’ís, about fifty in number, with the visitors saying a few words, translated from Spanish into the native Quechua by Andrés.
Two other villages were visited in a similar manner, during the week-long trip, one (Hankohuyo) with another
Bahá’í elementary school. During this week the youth began to comprehend the enormity of the task facing the Bolivian Bahá’í conirnunity when they learned that there are a thousand villages in the country where Bahá’ís live, many a journey of several days on foot from the nearest road; and since these Bahá’ís are not able to read and write, teachers must be sent to each village to train and deepen them. As of now there are only a handful of such teachers for the whole of that vast country.
The rural-dwelling Bahá’ís of Bolivia farm the barren land and herd sheep and llamas, raising potatoes to eat and fibers to protect them from the freezing Cold and mountain winds. They have only wooden plows for tilling the soil, the wood itself being scarce in a land of few trees, and there is no wheel in their daily life. Disease, hard work and hunger serve to shorten their life expectancy to a fraction of ours, and many die at birth or in childhood. And yet their hearts are so pure that they are truly thankful for that which God has given them, and were able to teach their North American brothers to appreciate deeply the beauty and peace of their life and attitude, the perfection of their hospitality and the light in their worn faces. These were experiences never to be forgotten.
Some members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Jankarachi, Bolivia.
Following upon this trip in the Department of Potosi, the youth visited Oruro, the city of Potosi, and Tarija, before returning to Cochabamba. There, after six weeks in Bolivia, Steve departed for the U.S., with the intention of resuming his studies; upon his return, however, it was discovered that he had contracted hepatitis, and he was forced to spend the remainder of his summer recuperating. Greg, on the other hand, continued on to Santa Cruz in the tropical eastern part of the country to visit the struggling Bahá’í community there, following which he, too, departed Bolivia to visit a week with the Bahá’ís of Peru, in Cuzco and Lima, before flying via Panama to Maracaibo, Venezuela.
Three weeks in Venezuela saw Greg assisting in two Bahá’í courses, one in the region of the Orinoco River in eastern Venezuela, for the Carina Indian Bahá’í’s, accompanied by pioneer Peter McLaren; and one on the Guajira Peninsula, bordering on Colombia, for the Guajiro Bahá’ís. This was the dessert at the end of a long and filling summer; the Venezuelan Indians were wonderful to work with, learning fast, singing Bahá’í songs with vigor, and responding outwardly to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in a way the more reserved Bolivian Bahá’ís would not do. Finally, after three months of travel and strenuous activity, Greg returned to the U.S. to again resume his studies, never to forget his experiences with his Bahá’í brothers in South America.
National Spiritual Assembly of Burma Incorporated[edit]
The Universal House of Justice has advised that the National Spiritual Assembly of Burma was incorporated on September 18, 1967, an added achievement beyond the original goals of the Nine Year Plan. Burma elected its first National Spiritual Assembly in April of 1959, one of four pillars of the then future Universal House of Justice elected that Riḍván and called for by Shoghi Effendi himself.
European Summer Schools Attract Many Participants[edit]
Villagers and Farmers Attend Italian Bahá’í School[edit]
The sixth Italian summer school took place at Contursi, a little village south of Naples, September 1-10, 1967, with 169 participants from thirteen countries. After the opening address of Prof. Bausani and Dr. Giachery. Mr. Rosapepe, the attorney who obtained the recognition of the Faith in Italy and owner of the hotel where the school was held, spoke to the friends. Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery helped to set a high spiritual tone throughout the school sessions. Dr. and Mrs. Giachery visited Italy on their way to Australia, where Dr. Giachery represented the Universal House of Justice at the Sydney Intercontinental Conference. He stressed the forthcoming Proclamation, explaining its importance and encouraged the friends to prepare themselves to meet these difficult times.
Philip Hainsworth, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, spoke on, “The Birth of a World Civilization" and its relationship to the Faith. Mrs. I-lainsworth, a professional singer, sang some prayers she had set to music which she had sung in the Temple at Kampala, Uganda.
Auxiliary Board member Dr. Eric Blumenthal from Germany discussed, “The Courage to Believe.” Other courses on the philosophical and theological concepts of the existence of God were given by Augusto Robiati. Auxiliary Board member James Holmlund gave a three-day course on administration. Professor Bausani taught several courses and also translated for other speakers in several languages.
The youth organized round-table discussions, one of which was on matrimony, provoking a lively debate. One evening was reserved for Dr. and Mrs. Giachery with the youth. A program of songs and dances presented by little children made a happy evening. Mr. Hainsworth told stories of Africa and sang some African songs.
On the last evening in the nearby city of Salerno a public conference was organized at the University Club that attracted fifty attendants, mostly students, to hear Professor Bausani speak.
The harmony and unity of the friends touched not. only the employees of the hotel who often came to lectures, but also the people of the village of Contrusi and the farmers thereabout who tried to the best of their ability to follow the courses, taking books and pamphlets away with them. Perhaps the most interesting and important thing about this school was the interest shown by the local people toward the Faith, which had not been so evident in past years.
The school was a success, reaching the scope of a summer school as indicated by Shoghi Effendi: “To give the believers the opportunity to acquaint themselves, not only by mere study but through wholehearted and active collaboration in various Bahá’í activities, with the essentials of the Administration and in this way enable them to become efficient and able promoters of the Cause.”
Fourteen Countries Present at Swiss Summer School[edit]
The Swiss summer school held in early September in the mountain resort of Leysin attracted 226 participants from fourteen countries and four continents. Speakers came from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Uganda, the United States and Switzerland. Courses in French, German and English gave special emphasis to the period of Proclamation now opening. Hand of the Cause, Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel, spoke on the spiritual development of mankind and on new teaching methods to cope with current trends among younger, disillusioned people. A public tall: was given at the American College of Leysin by Gilbert Robert, oi France, on the theme, “Lights in the World," presenting the Founders of past religious Dispensations and stressing the need for a new Revelation to unite all men under one God. The college managers, the Leysin reformed minister and some villagers were present at the public meeting.
The universal character of the Faith and the international aspect of the school were again emphasized in seven declarations made during the school, including: R. Wohlwend, the first Liechtenstein believer, Count and Countess de Veyrac of Geneva and Monaco and believers from Luxembourg, Great Britain, Switzerland
(Continued on page 12)
Swiss summer school held September 1, 1967, with Hand of the Cause Dr. Mühlschlegel.
Participants at the sixth Italian summer school held September 1-10, 1967, at Contursi, a village south of Naples.
Some of the fifty students who gathered at the Austrian summer school at Loferl Salzburg July 1-8, 1967.
European Summer Schools (Cont’d)[edit]
and Iceland. One day was devoted to the problem of international auxiliary languages, with representatives of Esperanto and Interlingua.
Raymond Foubert of Grenoble, France discussed the views of the Jesuit Father, Theilard de Chardin, and the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Mrs. U. Namdar, of Zurich, presented the life and work of Professor Auguste Forel, noted scientist and one of the first Swiss Bahá’ís. Mrs. Erna Schmidt of Stuttgart, Germany, spoke on the position and the task of women in the modern world, while her daughter Uta dealt with the same subject related to youth. Dr. Karl Schuck gave two courses in which the emergence of the Faith and the power it released in the world were depicted. Mrs. Haenni de Bons spoke on the dynamism of Bahá’í administration, while Mrs. Marion Little presented the station of the Manifestation of God. Dr. Eugen Schmidt, Auxiliary Board member from Stuttgart, spoke on the conditions which must be met to establish Bahá’u’lláh’s world order. Round-table discussions chaired by F. Namdar of Zurich, Rene Steiner of Darmstadt and D. Schaubacher of Bern dealt with religion in the present world, the Bahá’í peace program and the history of the Faith. Hasan Sabri of Kampala gave an inspiring presentation of the position which the Bahá’ís should adopt in the Middle East recurrent crises. Others who presented interesting material were: Mrs. Agnes Ghaznavi, Miss Doris Lohse, Mrs. Marjorie Giorgi and Mrs. Underhill from Philadelphia.
Pioneers also presented recollections from their pioneering years in Europe. The CBS film, “And His Name Shall Be One,” was shown. Evenings were devoted to a unity banquet, music and slide shows.
Divine Civilization — Theme of Austrian School[edit]
A spirit of unity pervaded at the twelfth annual Austrian summer school, held July 1-8, 1967, when about fifty friends from Austria, together with others from Germany, France, Holland, the United States, Irán and even from far-off Australia, gathered at the charming resort of Lofer, nestled in the midst of the beautiful Salzburg mountains.
Earnest study was made of Bahá’í history, as well as of the impact of religion upon humanity, this year’s theme being, “Divine Civilization.” Under the profound leadership of Hand of the Cause, Dr. Mühlschlegel, a whole week’s course was given on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet to Dr. Forel. Indefatigable Annaliese Bopp, national secretary of Germany, gave a most interesting talk on administration. Australia was brought near by colorful slides shown by Dr. and Mrs. Jorgic. A well-attended meeting at the local theater drew a number of interested people and brought some fine contacts. The youth presented classes on highlights of Bahá’í history and the lives of early pioneers and they also helped to make the closing of the school a time of happy fellowship and laughter.
A few of the participants at the German summer school held in Hofheim, Germany, near the mother temple of Europe at Longenhain.
German Summer School Combines With Temple Activity[edit]
The Bahá’í summer school in Germany was held in Hofheim in the Taunus mountains at the Hotel Am Rosenberg, July 29 to August 6, 1967. This was a beautiful location with the Taunus Hills in front and the forest at one side. In the distance could be seen the white dome of Jubilee Hall in Höchst where the European Intercontinental Conference was to be held in October. Although attendance was small during the week (30-40), many others came for weekends. At the Unity Feast on the last evening, eighty-five friends and a few visitors gathered for dinner and the program. Several Americans, including youth, found their way to the summer school and the presence of some Persian friends and a girl from Crete, now living in Germany, added to the international atmosphere. As it was only a ten-minute drive by car or an hour’s walk through the woods to the House of Worship in Langenhain, there were daily afternoon trips and Work projects weeding the gardens and making neat the paths of this beautiful temple; also the opportunity to answer questions of many visitors drawn to this silent teacher.
In the summer school program a wide range of topics was presented in talks followed by discussions. The subject of the opening session, “The Search for Truth,” as fulfillment of man’s spiritual destiny, presented by Dr. Eugen Schmidt, Auxiliary Board member, filtered
Redwood Grove Dedicated to Hand of the Cause Leroy Ioas[edit]
The dedication of the Leroy Ioas Memorial Grove was the highlight of this year’s Unity Feast held July 30, 1967 at Geyserville Bahá’í School. The Grove is a beautiful group of redwoods in the hills west of the main buildings of Geyserville School property.
The dedication ceremony took place in the morning with Arthur Dahl, Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, as the principal speaker. He told of the devotion of Hand of the Cause Mr. Ioas to the Bahá’í Faith, of how he came to Geyserville with his family many times since 1924, spending summers in the cottage which still stands on the School property. Mr. Dahl spoke also of Mr. Ioas’ early efforts to organize a summer school at Geyserville and how he was appointed as a member of the first committee, along with John Bosch (who gave the land for the school) to plan a summer school. Mr. Ioas felt the great need to train believers to teach the Faith and so Geyserville was always very close to his heart. From these early beginnings in the 1920’s, has come the strong School at Geyserville which has sent out pioneers to all parts of the world.
Mr. Dahl enumerated the many other services which this distinguished believer rendered to the Faith throughout his life, of his membership on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, his appointment by the beloved Guardian as Hand of the Cause in 1951 and move to Haifa in 1952 where he became Secretary-General of the International Council.
Ed Carr, one of the members of the Geyserville Bahá’í Council outlined future plans for the Grove and its surroundings. A stage and circular seating arrangements will be built to accommodate groups for special inspirational programs. And higher, among the redwoods, a campfire site will be established.
At the conclusion of the ceremony Mrs. Sylvia Ioas unveiled the plaque which reads: “Leroy Ioas Memorial Grove, Beloved Hand of the Cause. Dedicated July 30, 1967.”
Mrs. Sylvia Ioas stands beside the unveiled plaque which dedicated a redwood grove on the property of the Geyserville Bahá’í School as a memorial to her late husband, Hand of the Cause Leroy Ioas.
through the week’s discussions. Erik Blumenthal (“The Courage to Believe”) and Anna Grossmann, both Auxiliary Board members, presented a summary of the Tablets to the Kings revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. Other topics, presented by members of the German National Spiritual Assembly included, “Spiritual Education,” by Gunther Malz; “Islam, “by Dr. Udo Schaefer; a review of Hasan Balyuzi’s book, Bahá’u’lláh, by Rene Steiner. Discussions were as follows: problems of the worker in the technological world in relation to religion, by Otto Miller; The Hidden Words as the essence of all religions and principles and stages in the development of religion, by Dr. Farhad Sobhani; the young person in today’s world, by Uta Schmidt; the way to world peace, by Hellmut Schmidt.
At the evening sessions, open to the public, Peter Mühlschlegel presented a paper on, “The Meaning of Life and of Culture” and Annaliese Bopp showed slides on the development of the Houses of Worship in the world. On the final evening the progressive stages in the erection of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order were reviewed by Beatrice Ashton as an example of love in action. At the concluding morning session the emphasis was on universal participation — the importance of everyone having a fireside and of putting into action what has been learned at the summer school.
A cablegram was sent from the school to The Universal House of Justice. The essence of the summer school could be summarized in Bahá’u’lláh’s Words of Wisdom, read to conclude the last morning session:
“The source of courage and power is the promotion of the Word of God and steadfastness in His Love.”
New Zeaiand Festival Initiates Proclamation[edit]
The Bahá’ís of New Zealand opened their Proclamation program with a festival of art at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, October 20-22. The program which included devotional, social and educational sessions planned by the National Teaching and Proclamation Committee began with an art display utilizing paintings, photographs, artifacts of various lands, books and art objects attractively arranged. The Center itself had been freshly decorated to make an appropriate setting for the festival events. Over 400 invitations were sent. The greatest contribution to success was the extraordinary effort made by those who labored so strenuously in executing the plan, in loaning valuable items for the art display, or who gave of their enthusiasm in supporting the event itself.
The following description of the art display was given by a committee member: “As one came into the hall, the eye was caught by the flower display and lovely vase and cloth arrangement. On the left was the striking mosaic by Jo Been. On the right of the main room was the display of native artifacts against a tapa cloth background including Malay, Australian and African. Dominating the next stand was a portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá . . . below it a golden Greatest Name and posters and a Japanese flower display. The main display carried the Proclamation posters with excerpts from the Tablets on the Proclamation scroll and a beautiful display of purple and gold flowers. To the left of the stand was the book display and to the left of this again, one of those flower displays which integrated the festival display. . . .”
A visitor came in while Pauline Stiles was working on one of the arrangements and, after speaking to her for some time, observed: “You are both Martha and Mary, I see,” to which Pauline replied that one was in this Faith!
Paintings were loaned by Thelma Waters and a model of the Sydney Temple donated by Aubrey and Greta Lake, some Maori pictures by Freda Butler, a mural by Percy Leadley, posters, photos and other art materials came from Mrs. Midwood, Mrs. Chambers, Mrs. Ian Cookson, Douglas Weekes, Mrs. Venus, Lil Vail, Pam Ringwood, and Peter and Tini Suchnigg. All combined into a unified presentation of the Faith arranged by Mrs. Edith Danielsen who worked endless hours to achieve this result.
A devotional program on Saturday morning, a picnic in the afternoon and a social evening at the Parnell library hall concluded the events for this day. A musical fireside was arranged Sunday afternoon by Edith Danielsen. Virginia Breaks, Auxiliary Board member for the Pacific, spoke on life in the Mariannas and her pioneering experiences, eliciting many questions from visitors.
The festival was climaxed on Sunday evening with a public meeting at the Parnell library, chaired by John Carr and featuring a talk by Mrs. Jeanette Battrick, English pioneer on her way to the Solomons. The talk was moving and spiritual and yet dealt with the realities of this modern day. It created a deep interest in her listeners, particularly some visitors from the United Nations Association.
Some of the friendly responses received from public figures were: J. G. Thomson, Public Relations Office, Wellington; K. J. Cosgrave, Australian High Commissioner, Auckland; L. J. Stevens, British High Commissioner, Wellington; the mayors of several cities including Whangarei and Auckland; and officials from the United Nations Association and other organizations.
Among those who helped to make the Festival a success in arranging flowers, setting up displays, making special contributions when funds ran low (such as donating the invitations and stamps and food), were, in addition to those already mentioned: Hod Vail, the Stiles family, Gladys Bowring, Beryl Hamish, John Milne, Helen Edwards, Albert Damsell, Phil Milne, Mile Ward, Ilona Rogers, Richard Battrick and others who helped in planning devotions, attending the meetings, or who simply wired their good wishes to be read at the public meeting.
l50th Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh Is Observed[edit]
Reports of observances across the United States of the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh received thus far indicate that the inspiration and enthusiasm generated at the Bahá’í Intercontinental Conferences provided much stimulus for many types of local programs for this event. Most communities reported an unprecedented number of guests at their celebrations, even in areas which formerly produced no response to any type of meeting. Among the guests were local dignitaries and civic officials. A great many daily and weekly newspapers carried feature stories on Bahá’u’lláh and there were innumerable radio and television announcements and interviews.
The types of observances covered a wide range of gatherings, including public meetings, receptions, teas, dinners, musical programs, dramatic readings, and slide programs.
In Yonkers, New York, a public meeting was followed by a buffet dinner for 70 persons of whom 17 were special guests. The public meeting was chaired by Mr. Solomon Gorgla Hilton, a native of Sierra Leone, West Africa. The speaker was Mr. Raymond C. Rouse, Sr. His subject was: “Bahá’u’lláh-His Call to the Nations.” A wood panel on the platform carried the theme in large black letters and quotations from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. The program for the dinner, with Col. Eugene Keller, Jr., as master of ceremonies, included selections by a Bahá’í choral group, and highlights of the Intercontinental Conferences in Panama and Chicago. Prominent persons unable to attend sent greetings and good wishes.
The Bahá’í communities of Hamburg Village and Hamburg Township reported that their meeting was the finest they ever had from the viewpoint of attracting the public. Eighty-five persons were present. There were two speakers on the life of Bahá’u’lláh, a piano recital and ballet program.
In Peterborough, New Hampshire, Mr. Guy Murchie spoke in the Bahá’í Center on Bahá’u’lláh. A number of the town’s outstanding persons attended.
The Bahá’ís of Pismo Beach, California, drew 31 non-Bahá’ís to their public meeting on Saturday night to
hear Mr. David Bond of Hollywood, and eleven non-Bahá’ís the following afternoon at tea.
The Bahá’í Group in Burlington, Wisconsin obtained a total of 50 inches of free publicity and paid for ads totaling 35 inches. The paper sent a photographer to cover the meeting.
Highlight of the several area observances in Detroit was a “Night in Persia,” a dinner of gourmet Persian dishes prepared by the Persian believers and enjoyed in the best tradition of Tihrán or Shíráz.
The success at these meetings are but a faint glimmer of what is in the forecast as proclamations get under way throughout the country‘
Cameroon Republic Dedicates First Teaching Institute[edit]
Over 300 Bahá’ís from at least twenty communities gathered with other visitors for the dedication of the first teaching institute of the Cameroon Republic, recently completed at Tinto I Village, West Cameroon, on November 12, 1967, the 150th anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.
The dedication took place in the morning after an introductory talk on the origin and purpose of the teaching institute, and messages of congratulation and greetings were received from the Hands of the Cause in Africa, the Auxiliary Board member for the area and other participants. Following prayers offered in various languages, including Arabic and the vernacular, the new institute was formally dedicated by the guest of honor, Mrs. Mary E. Maxwell, a visiting Bahá’í from the United States. After a short talk she recited the prayer, “Blessed is the Spot.”
Two members of the National Spiritual Assembly gave talks at an afternoon public meeting on the history and Message of Bahá’u’lláh. At the close of the day a devotional program for the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh was followed by a traditional feast offered to all present, according to local custom, at which several village chiefs were special guests. Throughout the day Bahá’ís from the different communities sang songs and a happy and joyous spirit prevailed.
At the present time the institute comprises two classrooms, an office, and a store, and is capable of accommodating forty students at a time who will, at first, find accommodation in the village until the institute can be expanded. This is a goal of the Nine Year Plan achieved with the special cooperation of the Bahá’í Community of Spain. The final goal is to deepen at least 2,000 Bahá’ís before the close of the Nine Year Plan.
On November 11 a special Proclamation Conference was held at the same place. This provided a fine opportunity to read the inspiring message of the Universal House of Justice to the Intercontinental Conferences, to discuss Proclamation plans within the region and to hear the firsthand reports of the National Spiritual Assembly representative and Mrs. Maxwell, both of whom attended the Conference in Kampala, Uganda.
Good publicity was also obtained for the dedication of the teaching institute both in the press and radio for the region.
Bahá’í teaching institute, Tinto I Village, West Carneroon, dedicated November 12, 1967.
Dedication of Bahá’í teaching institute in West Cameroon. Some of the Bahá’ís gathered for celebration.
Proclamation Conference held at Tinto I Village, West Cameroon, November 11, 1967.
Bahá’í United Nations Day Celebrations Proclaim “United World—an Emerging Reality”[edit]
Reports on United Nations Day celebrations have been received from almost fifty communities in the United States and Alaska. While half of the communities reported holding public meetings with speakers, there were many that held a variety of other activities, each demonstrating Bahá’í support for the U.N. Many also made contact with the local United Nations Association and cooperated with other recognized U.N.-supporting organizations.
The Bahá’ís of Clayton, Missouri held an International Costume Party. People of all ages from the city and the university campus came to enjoy the fun of a colorful party and to see the display of information and literature on the UN. It was a glowing success. Having held public celebrations of UN Day for ten full years, the Bahá’ís of Clayton have become recognized as respected contributors to the community’s UN events. As a result this year their party was included in the announcements of the events of UN week published and distributed by the local UNA. This contact has also stimulated new ideas and suggestions for future Bahá’í programs.
In several communities displays designed by the Bahá’ís were presented in bank windows and public libraries. A most attractive window display was made in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This included a slide projector which automatically changed pictures of a UNESCO project and captured the attention of many passing by Harvard Square.
Presentations of trees for city parks and of UN flags to communities, high-schools, and universities also generated publicity for UN Day and provided a more permanent message of Bahá’í support of the UN. In one community, Kettering, Ohio, the presentation of the UN flag to the university was given full television coverage. And a similar presentation in St. Joseph, Michigan opened news articles which included much information on the economic and social work of the UN. This more clearly identified the Bahá’ís as supporters of the UN in its concern for the Welfare of mankind.
Unity in Humanity was the theme for an essay contest sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Sacramento, California. Announced for the entire High School district, three community leaders were invited to serve as judges of the essays and to award cash prizes to the three winners. Much newspaper publicity covered the contest which, sponsored by the Bahá’ís, promoted greater understanding of the concept of the oneness of mankind and of world peace.
International potluck dinners and food fairs appealed to the palates of many. In Toledo, Ohio there was international song accompanying their international dinner. Seventy-five attended, including an editor, who provided a follow-up article in the local newspaper. The largest attendance reported was one thousand attending the food fair in Spenard, Alaska. Inspired by the Bahá’ís and with full community cooperation and support this has become a most popular annual UN commemoration.
Planning began in August with letters to about 30 groups, clubs and airline companies. There followed publicity with posters, flyers, radio-announcements, and even a lighted marque. The program included entertainment by dancers and singers who also performed with international flavor. For the UN commemoration, there was a UN booth with information and literature available. To make the dedication even more meaningful, however, the proceeds from each food booth were donated to the UN itself and to specialized agencies. For those inquiring about the sponsors, a Bahá’í booth was provided. A thoroughly organized and well-planned cooperative venture, the food fair has proved how a few Bahá’ís (25) can achieve an overwhelming success.
In South Bend, Indiana, an international exhibit of articles from over 32 countries was held in the home of a Bahá’í. They received front-page coverage with photos in a new local paper. Their report suggests that their contact with this newly developing local paper was most warmly received and offered opportunities for future news coverage within their community.
With UN Day celebrations this year, the Bahá’ís have gained much distinction in their communities. For example the friends in Niagara Falls, New York approached the Mayor with a UN Day Proclamation and became recognized as the first group in their city to express concern for the United Nations. In Colombia, Maryland, the Bahá’ís will be the first to suggest the establishment of a local United Nations Association.
These activities and many yet to be reported, once again clearly demonstrate how Bahá’ís have contributed to the further understanding of the role the UN plays in establishing world peace. They have thus become clearly identified as world citizens truly dedicated to proclaiming to the world the responsibility of all men to contribute to the cause of world peace.
—U.S. BAHÁ’Í COMMITTEE FOR UNITED NATIONS
First U.N. Observances in Cameroon Republic[edit]
To bring the aims and work of the United Nations to the general public, particularly in West Cameroon for the first time, the United Nations Information Office inaugurated United Nations Week on October 18. The Bahá’ís, through the National Spiritual Assembly, were actively invited to assist.
A special Bahá’í U.N. Activities Committee was appointed to plan a public meeting in Victoria, seat of the National Assembly. Five speakers presented talks on different aspects of the United Nations work: U.N. Liaison Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office, West Cameroon; the Director of Economic Services; Minister of National Economy; a representative of the World Health Organization and a Bahá’í speaker, Mary Maxwell, who, with her husband, William Maxwell of the United States, is now pioneering in Nigeria. The meeting
was most ably conducted by the Senior District Officer of Victoria Division, and many interesting questions made a very lively period of discussion. Approximately 300 attended the meeting and heard the reading of a “Prayer for Mankind,” by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Many tribes, races and nationalities were represented in the audience at the United Nations program in Victoria, West Cameroon.
Good newspaper publicity, including an item on the front page of the only newspaper in West Cameroon, brought mention of the Faith to many hundreds for the first time and presented it in a totally different light to many others.
In Yahounde, capital of the Federal Republic of Cameroon, the Bahá’í Group sponsored a small meeting at which a Bahá’í speaker presented the aims and work of the United Nations. In addition, a Bahá’í pioneer was able to arrange for the showing of two U.N. films to school children at the American Embassy and a special art exhibition arranged by the American International School, which, though not specifically sponsored by the Bahá’ís, were known as such by the United Nations Information Office.
An opportunity came with an invitation to the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly to give a twenty-five minute talk on the West Cameroon Radio during United Nations Week. The topic, “World Unity and International Cooperation,” was broadcast on October 23 at 6:15 p.m. as a special feature immediately after the news. The talk, in support of the United Nations, also gave indirect opportunity to present and explain several of the basic Bahá’í principles vital to world unity and cooperation. This was the second time the Bahá’í Faith was mentioned on this radio station in the last two months, both times in connection with the United Nations programs.
Rúḥíyyih Khánum Speaks at Panamanian UN Meeting[edit]
Many visitors as well as Bahá’ís attended the public address in commemoration of United Nations Day by Hand of the Cause of God, Rúḥíyyih Khánum in the Porto Bello Room of El Panama Hilton Hotel, Panama City on October 24 at 8:00 pm.
After the talk a representative of one of the local papers arose to express his gratitude as a Panamanian to the Universal House of Justice for selecting Panama as one of the places for holding an Intercontinental Conference, for giving Panama the great honor of constructing the first Temple in Latin America, and for sending Madame Rabbani (Rúḥíyyih Khánum) here. He, also, hoped that the Bahá’ís would continue to work with the Indians and help to raise them up to be accepted citizens of the country.
The Senior District Officer, N. A. Ngwa, opens a public program in Victoria, West Cameroon, on the United Nations. It was the first United Nations presentation in Cameroon Republic. Bahá’í speaker, Mary E. Maxwell, seated at extreme right.
Samoan Acting Governor Introduces Bahá’í Speaker[edit]
Individual Bahá’í’s took an active part in a United Nations Day program sponsored by the government at American Samoa. In years past it has been the Bahá’í community of American Samoa that has sponsored the observance, with the aid of the government of American Samoa. This year Governor Aspinall appointed a United Nations Day Committee which included the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific Ocean, Suhayl Ala’i, as member of the Committee for Irán. Mr. Ala’i made suggestions resulting in the inclusion of the Bahá’í prayer for unity in the program and the committee secured the services of Hand of the Cause Dr. Giachery as guest speaker for the evening. Participants in the program were from many ethnic backgrounds.
Acting governor Mr. A. Mangnall (the Governor being absent from the island) asked to introduce Dr. Giachery and made excellent reference to the Faith. The day before he had accepted on behalf of the Governor, a copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh from Dr. Giachery and the Bahá’í delegation.
On the afternoon of October 24 there was a tree planting ceremony at the new park at which Dr. and Mrs. Giachery were present. In the evening the Lee Auditorium was filled to overflowing with more than 600 people. There were many compliments on the program from high government officials, and the Samoan Islands, through the press and the programs, were well informed of the Bahá’í Faith and its support of the United Nations.
Nepean, Ontario Assembly Developed Through Service[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Nepean Township, which is a suburb of Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, formed their first Local Spiritual Assembly by declaration at Riḍván in 1967.
Bahá’ís in Nepean first organized as a group in September, 1963. One of the first community projects was the development of a friendship group to assist Indians and Eskimos living in the Ottawa area to meet other ethnic groups. The monthly gatherings were so well-attended that the meeting-place was transferred from suburban homes in Nepean Township to the YM/YWCA in downstate Ottawa. The group developed into the International Friendship Club of Ottawa and has been one of the most active clubs affiliated with the “Y” for the past three years. Through association in club activities with Bahá’ís of the Ottawa area, a number of people became acquainted with the Faith and some became Bahá’ís.
One of the members of the Nepean Bahá’í Community has been active in the Canadian Interfaith Conference, gaining recognition for the Faith during Canada’s Centennial year. Other activities of the community include local firesides, teaching projects among Indians and Eskimos, and participation in national and metropolitan Ottawa Bahá’í projects.
News Briefs[edit]
There are many ways in which the activities of Bahá’ís around the world attract the interested attention of newswriters. The Kaikohe Northern News in New Zealand featured an illustrated story on Manoocheher Ala’i who, together with his New Zealand wife and four children, owns and runs a large sheep farm at Tautoro in northern New Zealand. The story tells of Manoocheher’s early years studying at Massey University in New Zealand, his return to Irán to work for the Department of Agriculture and finally his establishing himself as the owner of a 545-acre property in New Zealand. The principal part of the story concerns the Bahá’í Faith, its origins, and teachings.
Two cities in Taiwan — Taipei and Tainan — marked the 150th anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s birthday on November 12, with approximately 100 guests attending. Various aspects of the program emphasized the significance of the day and the proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh’s mission to the rulers of the world. An announcement was made by the Tainan victory radio station, and also by the Tainan Daily News. Both of these events mark a good beginning for the more intensive proclamation to come.
About seventy-five Oneida youth attended a Sunday afternoon program, May 28 at CCC Camp, Oneida, Wisconsin. It was sponsored by the Green Bay Bahá’í community and the American Indian Service Committee and was held for the purpose of entertainment and fellowship for the young people and Indians. Calling the event a “Happening” the youths danced to recorded music played by Milwaukee disc jockey Jack Lee, a Bahá’í. Although no special mention was made of the Bahá’í Faith, the friendliness and warmth of the Bahá’í youth and their loving attitude towards the Indians brought forth questions as to their beliefs and what the Faith means.
Local Spiritual Assembly of Nepean Township, suburb of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, newly formed at Riḍván, 1967. Seated, left to right: Maria Mathews, Beth KerrWilson, Lily Ann Irwin, Paula Stropp, secretary. Standing: Dr. Arthur Irwin, Ronald Fowler, Bruce Mathews, chairman, Wayne Irwin, treasurer, John Kerr-Wilson, vice-chairman.
A picture appeared in a local paper, and other “happenings” are planned for the future. This event was a real success in demonstrating the Faith through action, for as one young person put it, “it is not the things we say, but the things we do that count.”
First Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Majuro, Marshall Islands, elected April 21, 1967. This is also the first Local Spiritual Assembly to be formed in the Trust Territory of Micronesia. From left: Jack Peter, Elsie Heran, Ninam Heran, Brad Hollinger (pioneer), Kim Lang (pioneer), Tataku Arawatau, Betra Heran, Harlan Lang (pioneer). Absent: Pencil Heran.
A portion of the estimated crowd of 900 persons who gathered under the “Big Tree” at the Geyserville Bahá’í Grove for the annual Unity Feast July 30, 1967.
Group of friends at Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Rome at a meeting held September 30, 1967, to greet Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery and Mrs. Giachery, who were passing through Italy on their way to Haifa and Adrianople.
News Briefs[edit]
The local Spiritual Assembly of Montclair, New Jersey proclaimed the Bahá’í teachings on the oneness of mankind to the local press and officials with most gratifying results recently. In the summer, shortly after the racial troubles in Newark, they prepared a brief statement on the Oneness of Humanity, stating the spiritual solution to present day problems offered by the Bahá’í Faith and quoting the words of the Guardian concerning the part both white and Negro people must take to bring about understanding.
In response the Mayor of Montclair wrote a warm letter of acknowledgement stating his agreement with the truths stated and expressing admiration for what the Bahá’ís are doing. The statement by the Bahá’ís was published in the local paper and a friend of the Faith, a vice president of the American Association for United Nations asked for copies to send to all Association members in town.
Bahá’í in the News[edit]
Opinion Magazine, published at various intervals during the year by the State of Illinois, Cook County, carried in a recent issue an article by Edward F. Lacy III on “Esperanto, Key to Tomorrow?” Reference is made in the article to Bahá’u’lláh’s advice that the governments should choose one of the existing languages and scripts, or create a new language and a new script which will enable all peoples of the world to communicate with each other. It states that many Bahá’ís are active in the international Esperanto movement and that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá urged the Bahá’ís to learn and use this language.
The November 1967 Register-Leader, publication of the Unitarian-Universalist Association, published a 3-page account of the Bahá’í Faith “One God, One Mankind, One Religion” by Natalie M. DiBuono, Bahá’í and assistant director of public information at the national office in Wilmette, Illinois. The article was specially written for this publication and includes an excellent full account and explanation of the basic principles of the Faith, a sketch of its history and brief description of the World Conference in London, the six Intercontinental Conferences of 1967 and the widespread extent of the Faith today. A picture of the House of Worship in Wilmette as well as brief description of it is included. The other Bahá’í Temples already built and planned for the future are named.
The April-May, 1967 issue of Indian Promenade, published in New Delhi, India in English, French, Spanish and Italian carried a two-page interview with Rúḥíyyih Khánum in connection with International Tourist Year. In response to a question on the achievement of the unity of mankind, Rúḥíyyih Khánum said:
“People are all fundamentally the same everywhere in the world. The fascinating thing about them is the superficial difference. The fundamental thing about them is that they are all the children of One Creator and they are alike. We have a teaching in the Bahá’í Faith that you should welcome the stranger in your midst because he is far from his home and show him particular kindness and courtesy. I feel convinced that the people who come to India during this great year of international tourism will receive a welcome that is something they will never forget. When I came to India I fell in love with this country.”
There is reference to Bahá’u’lláh in a book titled, God Will Work With You But Not For You — A Living Philosophy — by Leo Russell, published by University of Science and Philosophy, Swannanoa, Virginia.
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Tulsa, Oklahoma, incorporated October 24, 1967. Left to right, front: Mrs. Vivian Haley, Mrs. Lola Hodges, Miss Norma Clark, Mrs. Virginia McCoy. Rear: Frank Palmer, Mrs. Eileen Norman, Milton Norman, Mrs. Patti Creighton, Dr. James Lovelady.
The settling of a Bahá’í pioneer couple as well as the recent Intercontinental Conferences have brought publicity about the Faith to the columns of the local paper of Guam, the Pacific Journal. The September 30 issue devoted several columns and a picture to the account of how Richard Benson, Bahá’í from the United States, has moved to Guam and established himself and family for the purpose of spreading the Bahá’í Faith.
The October 8 issue of the same newspaper told of the forthcoming Conference at Sydney, Australia, described its purpose and named the Bahá’ís from the area (Miss Virginia Breaks of Saipan and Edgar Olsen of Inarajan) who were to attend. The account mentioned the spread of the Faith in over 300 countries, territories and islands and 30,000 localities.
Bahá’í Publishing Trust[edit]
Pocket Calendar - 1968
Calendar which formerly began May 1 now begins with January 1 and runs through December 31. Indicates all Feast and Holy Days. Panoramic view of Wilmette Temple shows gardens and harbor.
20 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.00
100 copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.00
(No domestic standing orders sent on calendars)
Order from: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
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; Mr. Rexford C. Parmelee.
Change of address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette. Illinois, U.S.A. 60091.
Changes received by the 15th of the month will take effect in the next month’s mailing.
