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| No. 450 | BAHA’I YEAR 125 | SEPTEMBER, 1968 |
The Universal House of Justice Announces Passing of Hand of the Cause Hermann Grossmann[edit]
DEEPLY REGRET ANNOUNCE PASSING HAND CAUSE HERMANN GROSSMANN. GREATLY ADMIRED BELOVED GUARDIAN HIS GRIEVOUS LOSS DEPRIVES COMPANY HANDS CAUSE OUTSTANDING COLLABORATOR AND BAHÁ’Í WORLD COMMUNITY STAUNCH DEFENDER PROMOTER FAITH. HIS COURAGEOUS LOYALTY DURING CHALLENGING YEARS TESTS PERSECUTIONS GERMANY OUTSTANDING SERVICES SOUTH AMERICA IMMORTALIZED ANNALS FAITH. INVITE ALL NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERINGS BEFITTING HIS EXALTED RANK EXEMPLARY SERVICES. REQUEST THOSE RESPONSIBLE MOTHER TEMPLES ARRANGE SERVICES AUDITORIUM.
July 9, 1968
Dr. Hermann Grossmann[edit]
Dr. Hermann Grossmann was born on February 16,
1899 in Rosario de Santa Fe, Argentina. At the age of
nine he, with his family, moved to Germany. When 17
years old he served in World War I, returning in 1918
disappointed and despairing. In July 1920 he met Mr.
and Mrs. Harlan Ober from the United States, who
were visiting in Leipzig. The Obers had come to that
town because ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had asked them to go there
and give a public talk, despite the fact that there were
no Bahá’ís at the time in that city. Dr. Grossmann
accepted the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh immediately and
with all his heart and wrote to the Master expressing
his wish to serve the Cause of God. In reply ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent him a wonderful Tablet which the beloved
Guardian later said was very precious and significant
since in this ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made it clear that when
becoming a Bahá’í Dr. Grossmann had torn asunder
the veils and had seen the Beauty of the Sun of Reality.
In the following years Dr. Grossmann was active in promotion of Esperanto, publishing a monthly Bahá’í magazine “La Nova Tago” in that language. He was also active in Bahá’í child education work in Germany, publishing many pamphlets and lessons as well as an illustrated magazine “Das Rosengartlein” (The Little Rose Garden). In addition to this he served as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany making many contributions to the establishment of this important Bahá’í institution on a firm basis.
Dr. Grossmann’s first visit to the Guardian in 1937 brought strength and renewed determination to work for the Faith which helped him face the terrible experience of the persecutions and prohibitions of the Second World War.
Appointed Hand of the Cause of God in 1951 Dr. Grossmann made several visits to the British Isles, the islands in the North as well as most of the European countries. In May 1957 he visited the beloved Guardian for the second time. Inspired by the indefatigable work of the Guardian for the spreading and ultimate glory of the Faith and filled with love and admiration for Shoghi Effendi Dr. Grossmann visited South America four times. Here he became a special friend of the Indians whom he dearly loved. Despite serious illness which struck in 1963 and was with him until the end of his life this dedicated Hand of the Cause of God had constant and active concern for the progress of the Faith, keeping in close touch with its activities and praying for its triumph. He passed away on July 7, 1968 leaving unforgettable memories of his great and unique services to the Cause of God.
Tablet to Dr. Grossmann[edit]
To his honor, Mr. Hermann Grossmann, unto him be
the glory of God, the Most Glorious. He is God.
O thou who hast been directed by the Light of Guidance!
Thy letter has been received. It indicated the turning of thine attention to the Kingdom of Abhá. Offer thanksgiving unto God that thou, having torn asunder the veils and having seen the Beauty of the Sun of Reality, art now walking on the Path of the Kingdom! Thou shouldst be eternally obliged and grateful to those souls who were the cause of guidance to thee, for they bestowed upon thee heavenly life and led thee to the realm of Light.
(signed) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Abbas
December 9, 1920
The funeral of Dr. Hermann Grossmann, Hand of the Cause of God[edit]
“O my Lord! I myself and all created things bear witness unto Thy might and I pray Thee not to turn away from Thyself this spirit that hath ascended unto Thee, unto Thy heavenly place, Thine exalted Paradise and Thy retreats of nearness.”
These were some of the words with which a large gathering of over one hundred friends took leave from Dr. Hermann Grossmann on 10 July 1968 up on the sunlit slopes of the cemetery of Neckargemünd facing the beautiful and peaceful Neckar valley.
It was a day of concealed power, of mysterious greatness, not a day of sadness, no, more so a day of fulfillment, a day of serious joy strengthened by a firm and deep Faith into the immortality of the human soul. It was a day of peace and of love, a day of mutual attraction and compassion beyond the reach of words. All of us experienced the pain of personal loss, yet also the joy and the Mercy of new detachment and freedom, of a high and imperishable station now eternally safe.
As the children, his loved ones and his closest friends, one by one placed their gift of flowers into the open earth where he was laid to rest, it was an act of symbolic beauty, graciousness and love, a gesture of certitude, of deepest reverence and also thanks.
Not long before, in the small chapel below on the hill, music had surrounded the prayers read by friends and words of departure spoken by Hand of the Cause Dr.
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Adelbert Mühlschlegel and Auxiliary Board Member
Dr. Eugen Schmidt. Flowers in abundance were there
reflecting in many a tear.
Now up on the slope the soul seemed free from all suffering and it was as if the heart of him would beat once more whose entire life was dedicated to the establishment of the Faith of God in the heart of Europe, in Latin America and in the whole of mankind. He truly was the Establisher of the Faith in these lands, a great educator, a scholar and a true brother. As we looked upon the roses, the snow-white lilies in their prayerlike beauty, upon the crimson-red of the carnations and the last gifts of the Bahá’í institutions, including that of the Universal House of Justice, we realized that our beloved Hand of the Cause was now freed to exercise his influence as never before and in a way more powerful than all the perishable things of this world.
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The Continental Board of Counsellors
The Continental Board of Counsellors for the Protection and Propagation of the Bahá’í Faith in North America announces the following addresses:
—LLOYD G. GARDNER, FLORENCE V. MAYBERRY,
EDNA M. TRUE, Trustee |
The following cablegram was received by the United
States National Spiritual Assembly from The Universal
House of Justice:
FOLLOWING CABLE SENT NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY PERSIA “GRIEVE ANNOUNCE PASSING LUTFULLAH HAKIM DEDICATED SERVANT CAUSE GOD. SPECIAL MISSIONS ENTRUSTED HIM FULL CONFIDENCE REPOSED IN HIM BY MASTER AND GUARDIAN HIS CLOSE ASSOCIATION WITH RARELY DISTINGUISHED BELIEVERS EAST WEST INCLUDING HIS COLLABORATION ESSLEMONT HIS SERVICES PERSIA BRITISH ISLES HOLY LAND HIS MEMBERSHIP APPOINTED AND ELECTED INTERNATIONAL BAHA’I COUNCIL HIS ELECTION UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED IMMORTAL ANNALS FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. INFORM BELIEVERS HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL MEETINGS ALL CENTERS. CONVEY ALL MEMBERS HIS FAMILY EXPRESSIONS LOVING SYMPATHY ASSURANCE PRAYERS PROGRESS HIS RADIANT SOUL ABHA KINGDOM.” REQUEST HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERING MOTHER TEMPLE WEST.
Dr. Hakím passed away Saturday, August 10, 1968.
Surinam and Guiana Greet Hand of the Cause of God[edit]
The Proclamation of the Cause of God was notably advanced in Surinam and Guiana, two small countries on the northern coast of the Latin American continent, on the occasion of the visit of Hand of the Cause of God ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum in early February, 1968. Though belatedly received, Bahá’í News editors wish to share these interesting photos with the Bahá’ís around the world as the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh reaches forward to all strata of human society. In addition to the pictured events, there were meetings with Bahá’ís only, press and radio interviews, visits to an Indian museum owned by a newspaper publisher and many other appointments. After departing from Guiana, Rúḥíyyih Khánum had an intense and fruitful fifteen-minute interview with news media in Trinidad during a brief airport stop.
Presentation of the book The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh, by Rúḥíyyih Khánum to Governor H. de Vries of Surinam, who graciously received the Bahá’í delegation and invited his guest of honor to make a return visit to his country.
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250 students at Shri Vishnu High School heard Rúḥíyyih Khánum speak at Paramaribo, Surinam. Here she is saying
farewell to her audience with a traditional Hindu gesture. Hart
Friedland, a pioneer from the early days of the Ten Year
Crusade, introduced her to the principal and many teachers of
the school. As she departed, the entire classroom arose in a
profound gesture of courtesy.
Deputy Prime-Minister and Minister of Welfare,
Mr. Kraag, in Surinam, bidding farewell to his
distinguished guest, and inviting her to return
again.
Signing the guest book for the Lord Mayor of
Georgetown, Mr. A. Codrington, with whom
Rúḥíyyih Khánum had a lively conversation.
Visit of Rúḥíyyih Khánum to Guiana’s Governor-General,
Sir David Rose, accompanied by Mrs. Chute and Mrs.
Daisy Hahnfeld, chairman of the Local Bahá’í Assembly
of Georgetown, British Guiana. She was also greeted in
Guiana by the Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Bissember,
who made many relevant inquiries and comments on the
Bahá’í teachings.
A visit to Guiana Institute for the Blind in Georgetown
with Mrs. Eileen Hill (right), a Bahá’í teacher at the institute. One of the first blind Bahá’ís from this institute
to embrace the Bahá’í Faith, Sonny Griffith, now makes
all arrangements for radio and press publicity for the
Faith.
After a public talk at the City Hall of Georgetown,
Rúḥíyyih Khánum visits with Mrs. Evelyn John, wife
of Guiana’s Minister of Home Affairs. Mrs. John had
opened the meeting with a rendition of “From the
Sweet-Scented Streams.” Henry Dolfin of the Guiana
Bahá’í Community appears at left. The talk itself was a
high point of Proclamation for Guiana, 180 people coming
by invitations of Sir David Rose, Governor-General.
Panama Temple Site Prepared[edit]
The accompanying photos illustrate the cutting down of the Temple site in Panama to give an area large enough for the Latin American Temple. The mountain was lowered thirty-six feet. In order to level the last twelve feet, 400 holes twelve feet deep were drilled and filled with dynamite. There is now a solid rock foundation.
The extra earth from the site was utilized to build up a parking area which will accommodate fifty cars. In one spot the ground was raised as much as seventy feet. This parking area will be nine feet below the Temple level so that cars cannot be seen from the Temple and will also be separated by the gardens.
Lowering the site does not alter the fantastic view — it can all be seen just as before. This work is progressing and was scheduled for completion by July 1, 1968.
Structural engineers have been engaged in London to work with Mr. Tillotson and they have a representative in Panama with whom the Temple Committee is working. Research is being done on availability of materials and indications are construction will begin on schedule January 1, 1969.
Cutting down the Temple site to make a large enough area for the Temple.
Left of picture shows the parking area being constructed to accommodate fifty cars.
Filling up the 400 holes drilled for placement of dynamite.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Panama for 1968-’69. Seated, left to right: Mrs. Raquel de Constante, Mrs. Leota
Lockman and Mrs. Alicia Coulson. Standing: James Facey,
Harry Haye, Alan Pringle, Fred Berest, Arthur Krummell and
Ken Francisco.
Spreading out earth from top of Temple site to make a larger area.
1968 National Convention in the Republic of Panama.
Italian Cities Stirred by Teachers’ Visits[edit]
Hand of the Cause of God Revisits Sardinia[edit]
The Faith is beginning to blossom like a rose in Sardinia, opening slowly until it reveals its full beauty. Each victory, no matter how small, is the cause of great exaltation in a land known for its reluctance to accept anything new. In April, 1966, the first declaration on the Island was made by Signora Livia Pargentino. In November, 1967, her daughter Stella became a declared Bahá’í youth. In May, 1968, a new declaration was made by Dr. Cesare Giordano, a young Sicilian man who is currently studying and working in Sardinia.
Evidence of constant and increasing activity is the fact that a total of nineteen visitors and traveling teachers were attracted to Sardinia during the Bahá’í year 124. They came from the Italian mainland, from England, the U.S.A., Corsica, Sicily and Ischia. Shoghi Effendi strongly encouraged the friends to visit the Islands and obedience to this wish is helping to bring fruitful results.
The most eventful visit was from Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery and his wife who, from the inception of the Ten Year Crusade in 1953 to the time of their departure from Italy in January, 1964, made frequent visits to the Island; therefore, their three-day visit May 27-30, 1968, was of historic importance. The Bahá’ís of Cagliari rejoiced in the warmth of their honored guests, drawing inspiration from their accounts of the progress of the Faith in the many countries they have visited in the past year. Two meetings were held with visiting guests. A journalist from a local paper covered the weekly fireside at which Dr. Giachery spoke.
Palermo Meeting Generates Lively Discussion[edit]
Dr. Ugo Giachery visited the community of Palermo for a week on June 1, meeting with Bahá’ís and their friends at a fireside where he spoke of his visits to many Bahá’í communities of the world. The highlight of his visit was a public conference held at the Fiera del Mediterraneo at which he spoke on “solutions to the world’s problems in the light of the Bahá’í Faith.” The
Hand of the Cause Dr. Giachery at the public conference at
the Fiera del Mediterraneo June 4, 1968. Seated is Mr. F.
Tagliavia, chairman of the Palermo Local Spiritual Assembly.
Above: Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery at a meeting in Cagliari, Sardinia May 29, 1968.
Conference in Rome May 25, 1968. Standing: Mrs. Boerio, secretary of the Italian National Spiritual Assembly, introducing
speakers Professor Bausani and Professor Rosapepe.
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event was publicized by the local radio. A bookstand at
the entrance of the conference hall helped to attract a
large crowd of a high social and cultural level. A lively
discussion followed the talk.
300 People Attend Public Conference in Rome[edit]
At the closing of the National Convention in Rome, May 25, a public conference attracted 300 people to a large hall given to the Bahá’ís for this occasion by the Italian Society for International Organization. The speakers were Prof. Rosapepe, a non-Bahá’í lawyer well known for his studies on religious minorities, and Prof. Bausani of the Universities of Rome and Naples and chairman of the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly. Professor Rosapepe spoke on the necessity of a simple and wholesome religious Faith that would unite the world at present so torn by many contrasting ideologies. Mr. Bausani emphasized that the Bahá’í Faith, with its Universal House of Justice, an elected body, as its head, is the solution to the problems of today. Its followers, coming from different religious backgrounds, have recognized in Bahá’u’lláh the source of the new energy which will inspire the unity in the world prophecied by all religions of the past. Interesting questions were raised by the attendants at the close of the conference.
Spanish Youth Hold First Teacher Training School[edit]
During the week of April 8-16, 1968 the Spanish Bahá’í youth, in cooperation with the Spanish National Youth Committee, held the first school for youth teachers in Madrid. The school program had two objectives: (1) to prepare Bahá’í teachers to teach the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in these days when humanity is infected with materialism and (2) for youth to become better acquainted with one another.
Subjects dealt with were: “Prophecies Concerning the New Revelation,” by Mr. R. Foroughi, of Granada, who demonstrated that the Bahá’í Revelation is the one promised by all former Revelations. Progressive revelation, the coming of the Prophets, the need for religion, based on the Holy Scriptures, and proofs by which a Prophet can be recognized were also discussed in depth. Mr. Forghani taught the attendants new ways to present the teachings and unfold the principles of the Faith.
Charles Ioas gave specially prepared courses, through audiovisual means, on how to teach, methods for public talks and the qualities that a speaker should develop. At the end of his course he emphasized the importance of the administration and its divine origin. A question period revealed that the students deepened their knowledge in this sphere.
Mr. Mehrabkhani, of Valencia, gave, in seven sessions, a logical and scientific demonstration of the existence of God and the need for religion and progressive revelation in order to guide that portion of society today which denies the existence of God.
Mrs. Charles Ioas and Mrs. Jimenez created a pleasant atmosphere in the Bahá’í Center of Madrid where meals and refreshments were served during recess periods. Every day four youth took charge of cleaning the center, serving meals and washing up in the kitchen.
Recreation sessions were pleasant. On Friday night the youth of Madrid gave a dramatic presentation on “firmness,” representing the life of Badí.
Communities sending representatives to the school were: Barcelona, Cartegena, Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Seville and Tarrasa.
Proclamation Film Project[edit]
In 1967 the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly addressed itself to serious use of the mass media for proclamation, realizing that the great routes of access to the American public now lie primarily in radio, motion pictures, television, and the press. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to commission a documentary film on the worldwide growth of the Bahá’í Faith, at a minimal cost but with maximum quality, the National Spiritual Assembly was quick to seize the initiative.
Mr. George C. Stoney is a famous documentary filmmaker known everywhere for his social statements on film. He is an erstwhile winner of all the important film awards, a teacher of motion picture production, and the writer-director-producer of a hundred-odd motion pictures on varied social and medical topics. From his guest professorship at Stanford University in 1966-67 he proceeded to an 8-month around-the-world graduate student project called the International Honors Program. One central experience of the project was the making of a film on the Bahá’í Faith in Israel, India, Japan and the United States. Stoney and his cameraman William Godsey, with the aid of the World Center staff, the National Spiritual Assemblies of India, North East Asia, and the United States, hoped to catch the reality and the potency of mass conversion in India, the meaning of pioneering as seen in Japan among the Ainu, the cultural breadth of the Faith as seen in America, and the spiritual impact of pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Slide series were to be produced for special teaching purposes. Language versions were anticipated in Japanese and Hindi, and perhaps in French and Spanish. Special shorts were to be edited for Japan, for India, for the United States, and possibly for the Holy Land. Spread over two years, this world-wide cooperative project will cost the National Fund some $40,000, plus later costs of the several versions which can be developed from the basic film materials.
Already the beauty of the World Center, in its setting of the embattled Holy Land of Jews, Arabs, Christians and Bahá’ís, has been apparent. The appeal of Bagchini village (India) jumping into the 21st Century in a great Bahá’í leap, the pattern of lonely Persian pioneer Tehrani developing a warm new life among the Ainu in Sapporo, Hokkaido; and the exuberance and action orientation of the American Bahá’ís — all have begun to take visual form in what may well be the great Bahá’í tool of proclamation for 1969 and 1970. The film will be an instrument which, seen principally on television screens everywhere, but also as a film in a thousand-thousand Bahá’í meetings, will create unprecedented interest in the new religious force of our time.
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Bahá’í Youth School, Ujjain, India. June 1-10, 1968, largely organized by the youth for deepening their knowledge of the Faith. Hand of the Cause of God, Dr. R. Muhájír, is shown third row center with many other teachers and helpers at the school.
Youth of India Organize Summer School at Ujjain[edit]
Over one hundred youth from all over India, including that of the newly enrolled Gaddi tribe of Himachal Pradesh, gathered to deepen their knowledge of the Faith in the beautiful Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Ujjain from June 1-10, 1968.
The summer school, organized by the National Youth Committee in consultation with the Local Spiritual Assembly of Ujjain, was inaugurated by the beloved Hand of the Cause of God Dr. R. Muhájir. Throughout the sessions he so inspired the participants that many youth offered their services in the field of teaching and specially to give the Message to tribal people.
Other classes were given by learned teachers on many aspects of the Faith.
Recreation included a picnic to Kaliadeh Palace, a famous resort.
The summer school received good publicity and a number of people from the city of Ujjain came inquiring about the Faith. Some write-ups were also published in the local press.
First Children’s Camp Held at Gwalior, India[edit]
In spite of many difficulties approximately twenty-five children were brought by a few teachers from the villages of the Gwalior area to the first children’s camp, held June 20-25, 1968, in the palatial building of the Teaching Institute of Gwalior. The children were taught Bahá’í prayers, a short history of the Faith, stories from The Dawn-Breakers, teachings on Bahá’í morals and character, and Bahá’í songs.
During the recess periods the children, of their own initiative, attended a youth class simultaneously conducted in another hall of the building where more than thirty boys were being deepened in their knowledge of the Faith.
Children from seven to twelve years of age listened attentively and answered questions. At the end of the session every child knew some of the Bahá’í prayers and the history and teachings of the Faith.
This happy experience has encouraged the Area Teaching Committee of Gwalior to hold similar camps in the future.
First children’s camp at Gwalior, India, held June 20-25, 1968.
Second Annual convention of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands held in May, 1968 at Tarawa.
New Teaching Wave Sweeps Mauritius[edit]
A wave of enthusiasm has struck the friends in the Island of Mauritius during the past weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Aziz Navidi, traveling teachers from Monaco, played a significant part in the victories won. These two dedicated friends have been in the field nearly every day, inspiring the friends and teaching new contacts. During one fortnight seventy-five new believers were registered and eight new local assemblies were elected at Riḍván.
Mr. and Mrs. Navidi paid a visit to the Mayor of Quartre-Bornes, who offered the Bahá’ís, free of charge, a suitable place in the Municipality for holding a Bahá’í exhibition. The Mayor officially opened the exhibition on May 2, 1968 and addressed the sixty assembled guests, among whom were the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, members of the Legislative Assembly and the Mayor of the neighboring town of Vacoas. The Mayor of Quartre-Bornes spoke of the basic principles of the Bahá’í Faith, and, concerning Bahá’u’lláh, said, “He came as a prophet ... to the soul-starved children of humanity.” He concluded his address by saying, “May the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh be on us all and may we in Mauritius nestle in the light of His divine radiance, favor and intercession....” The Mayor of Vacoas was so impressed by the exhibition that he asked that it also be held in his township.
Mr. and Mrs. Navidi were interviewed on radio. A short television film of the inauguration of the exhibit was made and shown on the local television network. An article with a photograph of the Kampala Temple appeared in a newspaper.
On May 6 the exhibition was transferred to Rose-Hill and established in a centrally located place indicated by the Mayor of that town. There was a constant flow of visitors with a few declarations. Requests are being received to show the exhibition in many other localities.
Thailand[edit]
Delegates at the Bahá’í Convention in Thailand May 25-26, 1968.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Thailand for
1968-’69. Seated, left to right: Sone Chinkom, Mrs. Shirin Fozdar, Sawai Thongsoot. Standing: Miss Dhanya Anapapitra,
Thiep Patoomchat, Mrs. Parvati Fozdar, Mr. Sangiam. Left
inset: Sawaeng Thongsoot. Right inset: Sanya Polprasid.
Hawaii[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Hawaiian Islands
elected for 1968-69. Left to right, front: Mrs. Florence Kelley,
Dr. Richard Bauman, Miss Elena Marsella, Benedict Ayala,
Mrs. Elizabeth Hollinger; rear: William Foster, Hugh Chapman, James Wada, Dr. Claude Caver.
Honduras[edit]
New National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Honduras.
Seated, left to right: Alice Sinclair (cor. sec’y.), Olinda Sierra
(rec. sec’y.), Grace Dean, Lidia de Varela. Standing: Carlos
Vasquez (treasurer), Dale Sinclair (chairman), Thomas
Brent, Luis Bauche (vice chairman), René Sanchez.
West Africa Teaching Surges Forward[edit]
From West Africa encouraging reports are coming of new assemblies formed, new villages opened, extension teaching developing, with plans for much greater expansion in the future. All of this is the result of dedicated work on the part of pioneers, traveling teachers, and the local believers of these communities who have deepened their understanding and who are themselves realizing their own potential to teach the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Gambia, Senegal, Mali, the borders of Guinea, Portuguese Guinea and the Ivory Coast — all are feeling the stirrings of the spirit of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh as it penetrates deeper into the souls of all people.
Gambia now has sixteen Bahá’í Communities with five Local Spiritual Assemblies: Serekunda (maintained since the Ten-Year Crusade); Bathurst; Lamin; Bondali and Nibrass Village, way up the Gambia River near Senegal.
“What a problem we have here!” writes a pioneer Oliver Reimann. “We have absolutely no way of communicating with many of these dear, waiting souls who indicate that most of the surrounding villages will almost ‘enter in troops’ with the visit of a traveling teacher or pioneer. There are no English-speaking Bahá’ís here. We are trying to do two things: (1) get Bondali school teachers to translate all letters in Mandingo, the native tribal tongue; (2) find someone to transcribe into Arabic in English alphabet characters. Isn’t this a wonderful problem?”
The indigenous Bahá’ís in both Gambia and Liberia (seat of the National Spiritual Assembly) are realizing that they can and must teach the Cause. New doors are opening since Riḍván and even government leaders and university teachers are coming to learn of this religion of which they have had only a slight knowledge heretofore. Villages are doing extension teaching
Lamin, Gambia Bahá’í Community, with seven of the Local
Spiritual Assembly members, traveling teacher M. Momen
from Britain, and children.
Bathurst, Gambia Bahá’í Community. Left to right: Adama
Cham, M. A. Djalali (Persian pioneer from Morocco), Mohammadou Sanyang, Moojan Momen, Kebba Dampha. All are members of the Local Assembly except M. Momen, a pioneer youth
from England.
Bondali, Gambia Bahá’í Community, a new village, opened with their first Local Spiritual Assembly, established this year.
First Local Spiritual Assembly of Bondali, Gambia. Left to
right, front: Famara Bojang, Abou Jobe, Kalilu Jamineh,
Arafang Sain; rear: Momodou Lamin Nyassi, Ousman Marena,
Sanyang Bunja, Gibriel Jallow, Kebba Toure.
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through the Bahá’ís who live near the borders of
nearby countries.
Seven School Teachers Plan to Resettle[edit]
Seven of the Assembly members of Bondali are teachers at the Bondali school, several of them becoming confirmed in the Faith at Yundum Teachers College. Six of these teachers plan to leave in October for other villages where they will teach school and also pioneer for the Faith. Among the dedicated Bahá’ís here are Abdoulie Jobe, the first Bahá’í to arise and teach; Mr. Djalali, a Persian pioneer more recently from Morocco, a man of sixty-three, in poor health, but one who with great sacrifice travels and teaches constantly, far from his family who still reside in Morocco.
The Belgian pioneer and the other Bahá’ís in Bamako, Mali, are doing productive work and anticipating a new Local Assembly next Riḍván.
Remaining Challenge of Nine Year Plan[edit]
These are some of the achievements of “service in this highly meritorious field ... open to every believer,” as expressed by the Universal House of Justice in their momentous Riḍván message of 1967. The Nine Year Plan, now past its midway point, garners its fruits through such “heroic sacrifices, dedicated services, prodigious efforts ... made in order to establish the outposts of the Faith in the chief countries, territories and islands of the earth ...” While some press forward in the work of the still new and “unknown sea” of Proclamation, others “unhesitatingly ... place, each according to his circumstances, his share on the altar of Bahá’í sacrifice ...” giving their hearts, their energy and their funds to make these victories a reality.
To each Bahá’í the challenge comes: “How shall I serve Bahá’u’lláh in the remaining years of the Nine Year Plan?”
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of West Africa,
elected 1968. Seated, left to right: J. A. G. Edwards, Mrs.
Elouise G. Sanders, Mrs. Laura Hill, J. M. B. Strong.
Standing: Shidan Kouchekzadeh, Oliver Campbell, Mrs. Vivian
D. Wesson, Husayn R. Ardekani, Oliver Reimann.
Thirteenth annual Bahá’í convention held in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, which is in the vicinity of the mother Temple in Kampala, Uganda.
Uganda and Central Africa[edit]
The newly built Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of Uganda, Kampala.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Uganda and
Central Africa, elected May 25, 1968. Left to right: Hassan
Sabri (treasurer), Tito Wanantsusi (vice chairman), Kolonerio Oule (chairman), Elizabeth Olinga, George William Ebetu,
Moses Senoga (ass’t. treasurer), Sospateri Isimai (sec’y),
Alinote Colleque and Albert Ochamodek.
NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í YOUTH CONFERENCE[edit]
- June 22-23, 1968, Wilmette, Illinois
Those who are now in their teens and twenties are faced with a special challenge and can seize an opportunity that is unique in human history.
Universal House of Justice, June 10, 1966
From the National Bahá’í Youth Conference went this
message to the Universal House of Justice:
PRAISE BE TO BAHA’U’LLAH FOR HAVING AWAKENED US IN THIS DARK BUT WONDROUS AGE ALLOWED US THIS OPPORTUNITY SERVICE AT HIS HOLY THRESHOLD. UNITED COMMITTED WE INHERITORS DIVINE PLAN STAND READY TO SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES CHALLENGES SET BEFORE US BY MASTER AND INSTITUTIONS HIS HAND HAS REARED. MAY WE PROVE WORTHY. JOYOUS GREETINGS FROM THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í YOUTH.
And the Universal House of Justice replied in the following cable, dated June 26, 1968:
WARMLY ACKNOWLEDGE CONFIDENT JOYOUS MESSAGE FROM BAHÁ’Í YOUTH GATHERED PRECINCTS MOTHER TEMPLE WEST STOP MOVED THEIR DETERMINATION SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES SERVE BELOVED FAITH CALL ON THEM BOLDLY CHALLENGE INVITE CONFUSED CONTEMPORARIES ENTRAPPED MORASS MATERIALISM TO EXAMINE PARTAKE LIFEGIVING POWER CAUSE JOIN ARMY BAHA’U’LLAH CONFRONT NEGATIVE FORCES OF A SOCIETY SADLY LACKING SPIRITUAL VALUES STOP ASSURE YOUTH ARDENT PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES GUIDANCE THEIR COURAGEOUS EFFORTS.
IN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE to the call of the National Spiritual Assembly, more than 500 Bahá’í youth from 34 states, the District of Columbia and Canada streamed into Wilmette for the first National Bahá’í Youth Conference ever held in the United States. They were there to be assessed as resources by the National Spiritual Assembly and to be directed “to such participation in the expansion and consolidation of our beloved Faith as will, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, ‘empower them to display, in a fuller measure, their inherent capacities, and to unfold a further stage in their spiritual evolution under the shadow of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.’ ”
The National Spiritual Assembly itself was present at the opening of the Conference as a demonstration to the entire American Bahá’í community of the importance it places on the role of the Bahá’í youth.
Spiritual Descendants of the Dawn-Breakers[edit]
Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, officially welcomed the Conference participants in a speech reviewing the global disintegration of the social order. The Bahá’í world must recruit its adherents from this collapsing old order to establish the new. Since population patterns show a rising youthful majority throughout the world, it is the Bahá’í youth who must assume significant roles in the teaching work. Their many renowned predecessors, none initially over 25 — His Holiness, the Báb, Quddús, Badi, the 12-year-old martyr, Rúḥu’lláh, Shoghi Effendi on his assumption of the Guardianship — have hoisted the standard.
To be effective Bahá’í youth must prepare themselves by cultivating those inner qualities which conduce to moral rectitude and are manifested in honesty, justice, trustworthiness, reliability, chastity and freedom from prejudice. They must live in marked contrast to the increasing moral degeneration around them.
Youth must not become “Bahá’í drop-outs.” Rather, they must strive to acquire knowledge in the arts and sciences, for well-educated people are needed in the Faith.
The Age of Transition[edit]
“This Hour, Laden with Fate” was initiated with a series of slides projecting the hostility and trauma of present-day society and the piercing contrasts between the lives of the poor and the lives of the affluent. National Spiritual Assembly Secretary, Glenford E. Mitchell, recalled the Guardian’s statement in 1936 that humanity — at that time — was entering the “outer fringes” of the age of transition. The Universal House
[Page 13]
of Justice has now declared that we are entering the
“dark heart” of the age of transition. We must be
mindful of the warning that a “new race of men” will
be raised up to fulfill the Plan of God should the Bahá’ís
fail. The Bahá’í youth must become the “conveyor
belt” of the Teachings.
Regarding Bahá’í abstinence from partisan politics, he emphasized that “non-involvement in politics does not mean non-involvement in the welfare of the country.” It “does not mean that we should be ignorant of current events and their meaning” as later “we’ll have to clean up the mess.” “The Guardian asked us to be a careful people, not an ignorant people.” The Bahá’í youth, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, must “open their eyes to the existing conditions, study the evil forces that are at work and then with a concerted effort arise and bring about the necessary reforms....”
“Deepening in the Era of Transition”[edit]
Joan Lincoln, Special Assistant to the Department of Youth and College Activities, climaxed her presentation by singing an original composition: “Oh, God, make me a hollow reed from which the pith of self hath been blown, that I may become a clear channel....”
“Blow your pith, man!” is now the latest word, announced youth chairman Gregory Dahl.
“The Meaning of Authority”[edit]
Glenford Mitchell, in his capacity as Head of the Department of Youth and College Activities, declared, “Authority is one of the ‘hang-ups’ of our times. Many of us in throwing out corrupt elements from our lives have also thrown out the gems.” Those who held the reins of authority for centuries so abused it that it is no longer respected. As a result, we don’t understand what authority is any more.
Order is the law of the universe. It “cannot become the purpose of our life to destroy order.” Deep trouble ensues when Bahá’í institutions are not obeyed. “Bahá’í obedience is not oppressive”; there are “both spiritual and political principles underlying obedience to Bahá’í authority.” Referring to community disaffection, he said that the way to prove a local spiritual assembly’s decision wrong is to “do your best to make it work.” “Bahá’u’lláh fixed things so well that every individual Bahá’í makes a mark on the system.”
Youth must become “Bahá’í scientists” and demonstrate a vital principle of Bahá’u’lláh — loyalty to government and obedience to authority. “If we don’t do this now, when the Bahá’í system begins to emerge, we can’t expect the masses to obey.”
“The generation gap is a bad joke we have to get over. Youth must help parents to understand what is happening and why. Bahá’í youth cannot participate in the nonsense of disowning their parents’ authority and wisdom. We have a generation gap in the Faith, but we must get rid of it.”
“Sex, Its Relationship to Personal, Spiritual and Social Life”[edit]
Psychiatrist and Chairman of the Wilmette Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Hossain Danesh, pointed out that it is non-Bahá’í to discuss sex as distinct from other aspects
Youth responded to the call of
the National Spiritual Assembly and offered their recommendations for action, recalling the Guardian’s summons:
“... the condition of the
world is steadily growing
worse, and your generation
must provide the saints, heroes, martyrs and administrators of future years. With
dedication and will power you
can rise to great heights!”
[Page 14]
of life. Life is a whole and should be seen as such.
The life of a Bahá’í is a process of growth. You cannot have what you want, in the way you want it, when you want it.
Man is born pure, and anything that restricts the achievement of perfection or improvement is an act of sin. Every sin brings its own punishment. A premature sex life becomes an obstacle to growth — a sin. Punishment comes in this life through poor relations with people, unsatisfactory marriage, poor motivation and emotional disturbances.
“Hallucinogenic Drugs: Their Spiritual and Physical Effects”[edit]
Dr. David S. Ruhe, member of the Universal House of Justice, reminded the youth that each person is unique, in the Words of Bahá’u’lláh, “a mine rich in gems of inestimable value.” Hallucinogenic drugs — the worst of these being LSD — destroy creativity, although the purpose of their use is to increase it.
A Bahá’í strives for the development of his inmost potential through use of the Revealed Word.
Historian Arnold Toynbee has said that the “creative minority” is the only significant part of any culture. Bahá’ís are the creative minority at this time and must not kill this creativity through the use of drugs and the consequent imprisonment of self.
“Education and Career Selection”[edit]
Dr. Daniel Jordan, Vice-Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, declared, “The work you do is a means of the glorification of God.” Youth today can choose their careers as never before in the past, and the Universal House of Justice has emphasized the importance of training. Bahá’í youth must have “hearts as warm as sunshine and minds like steel traps.” If Bahá’í youth are not tough-minded, evil forces will try to control their destiny. They must therefore give deep thought to their choice of careers. “A life of decisions made on impulse has no significant future.”
“War and Bahá’í Service in the Armed Forces”[edit]
Col. Salvatore A. Pelle, Director of the Department of Public Information at the National Bahá’í Center, recalled ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words that thoughts of war should be destroyed with thoughts of peace. Bahá’ís, however, are not pacifists, for pacifism as such is antisocial and close to anarchism in its excessive emphasis on the individual. Bahá’ís will fight in the future World Commonwealth Army as part of the International Police Force. At present, Bahá’ís are conscientious cooperators in military life.
Youth-led seminars, these two on minority teaching (above)
and Bahá’í service in the armed forces (below), provoked
intense discussion and demonstrated the youth’s awareness
that, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, “They have upon their
shoulders all the responsibilities for the progress of the
Movement....”
“The Most Challenging Issue”[edit]
Richard Thomas, Special Assistant to the Department of Youth and College Activities, emphasized that Bahá’í youth represent a “certain socio-economic level” and do not know what is happening in the ghetto. “How do we make the Faith relevant to minority problems?” he asked. “How are you going to plug into relevant social action when you leave this Conference?”
Bahá’u’lláh compared the black people to the pupil of the eye — which has the power of sight — and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke of a Negro boy as a black rose. “Unity in diversity rather than integration, which is paternalistic, is the thing.” Bahá’ís have to “get the justice thing going.” They don’t need the Kerner Report — they “got the word” from Shoghi Effendi in 1938.
Richard Thomas of Detroit, Michigan, speaking on “The Most Challenging Issue,” issued a sobering challenge, which the youth were ready to accept: “How do we make the Faith relevant to minority problems? ...”
[Page 15]
A singing moment of joy and praise and glory....
“Black and white Bahá’ís are going to have to go
through their Badasht Conference,” he said, indicating
that there will be some who will not be able to bear the
full implications of the new evolving order in this
country. “If dialogue fails between black and white
Bahá’ís, this country can forget it.”
Youth Seminars[edit]
Spurred on by the many challenges facing them, the youth led and participated in seminars of 15-20 persons on topics ranging from “sex” and “drugs” to “deepening” and “youth’s responsibility to the Bahá’í community.” During the seminars the youth themselves had the opportunity to speak, to question and confront issues relevant to them, and most important, to make specific recommendations for action. A reporter from each seminar selected one outstanding recommendation to present to the entire body of youth and to the National Spiritual Assembly, which was present to receive the youth reports and to acknowledge them as the first fruits of an already historic occasion.
Five-Year Program for Youth[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly was so impressed with one recommendation that, unwilling to wait, they reconvened on the lawn of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds under the mid-day sun and voted to accept the suggestion of a Five-Year Program for youth to aid in the achievement of the goals of the Nine-Year Plan.
Wild and sustained applause greeted this welcome announcement.
“Is there any Remover of Difficulties sa-a-ve God?” sang out a voice and a many-timbred swelling response surged from an attuned audience. It was sung several times before the tender farewell measures of “Yá-Bahá’u’l-Abhá” softly settled over Foundation Hall. A final prayer and then a reluctant dispersal, many staying on for the public worship service in the Auditorium, others departing for the long trips home.
Immediately after the serenely beautiful worship service, the clear, sunny skies which had prevailed during the weekend suddenly darkened and poured down a torrential rain.
Proclamations Throughout the United States[edit]
Believers in all parts of the United States continue to honor state governors and city mayors by presenting them with copies of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh. In some places these presentations have been part of a proclamation program designed to acquaint people with the Faith during an entire week. On June 1 Governor Paul Laxalt of Nevada received this book, expressed interest in what it contained and quoted from it in a later speech. A delegation of four Bahá’ís of varied professions and backgrounds presented Governor Raymond P. Shafer of Pennsylvania with a copy on July 11.
A very successful Bahá’í Week, May 4-12, the first in the State, was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where in addition to proclaiming Bahá’í Week, Mayor Edmund Burry received the book from the Bahá’ís of that city. Friends from the entire county, including five other Bahá’í communities cooperated in contributing time and money to make the week an outstanding success. With excellent publicity, including over twelve hours of free radio and television time, the Faith was heard by uncounted numbers and during two weeks twenty-four declarations were made.
One believer in Spartanburg, South Carolina promoted a Bahá’í Week (“Bahá’í Information Week”) in April, presenting The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to Mayor Robert L. Stoddard, and obtaining excellent publicity on radio and television. This was the first such week to be held in the State.
Similar presentations to city mayors have been reported from Gallup, New Mexico, and Battle Creek and Saginaw, Michigan.
News Briefs[edit]
On April 4, 1968 Mr. N. Janus, well known physicist and traveling teacher, spoke at a public meeting at the Hotel Splendide in Marseille, France. The Local Spiritual Assembly sent two hundred invitations to professors and doctors and advertised the meeting in the newspaper. More than sixty-five persons attended, thirty-five of whom were guests of the Bahá’ís.
Bahá’ís of St. Cloud, France rented a public display window near the cinema for exhibiting books, photographs, press clippings and Bahá’í quotations. A box was placed nearby containing free Bahá’í literature imprinted with the local post box number. To date 600 pamphlets have been taken and several requests received for more information. A Bahá’í pamphlet is also being sent to each of 5,000 names in the St. Cloud directory.
A prominent newspaper writer of Dominican Republic has published a lengthy story in the newspaper El Caribe featuring Miss Sheila Rice-Wray who first came to the country in April of 1947 as a Bahá’í pioneer. The illustrated article of forty-five column inches speaks of Miss Rice-Wray’s work as a teacher of English in the Institute Cultural Dominico-Americano, an artist who frequently exhibits her work, and particularly her activities in teaching the Bahá’í Faith. The article covers many principles of the Faith and speaks of her endeavor to be of service to humanity in all of her activities. The story which appeared on July 13 has brought many new opportunities for proclaiming the Faith in the Dominican Republic.
Adversity in Vietnam Generates Deep Faith[edit]
With a strong belief in Bahá’u’lláh, with great love for humanity, with tremendous sacrifice and effort on the part of all the Bahá’ís of Vietnam, the Faith has had wonderful results this past year. Ninety new local spiritual assemblies were formed at Riḍván and 4,116 new believers enrolled in the Faith.
The official Vietnam press and the national radio and television have announced all news about Bahá’í Holy Days and special meetings. There is a regular Bahá’í program each week on the Hoi-an radio and on the information systems of PhanThiet, BiuhTuy, LongKhánh and Hailong (BinhThuan).
National Assembly members have visited and brought gifts to the victims of war in concentration camps, contributed to the relief fund, opened another Bahá’í school for the children in Tan-thoi-Hoa and have assisted the Bahá’í friends by requesting the government to pay for damages suffered in the war.
Hundreds of Bahá’ís have allowed the local assemblies to use their homes as temporary centers. New centers are being built in four localities.
The work of introducing the Faith to the people is not difficult because the divine Teachings of His Holiness, Bahá’u’lláh, have answered the need of the people in this suffering country. It is sad that the war has delayed progress. Some areas have been lost because of the fighting and many places have been captured. Because of this difficult situation greater effort and sacrifice have had to be made on the part of the Bahá’ís.
In hundreds of cases individuals have shown great devotion to the Cause during this past year. To cite a few:
Mr. Le-Trinh, chairman of the Teaching Committee of Saigon, has traveled to many places during the months prior to Riḍván, often without lunch or dinner, over difficult terrain. He met with an accident on one of his trips and suffered a broken leg.
Mr. Nguyen Van-Phong, devoted Bahá’í nineteen years of age, unfailingly accepts difficult missions assigned by the National Office. He also suffered a broken leg on a teaching trip this year, but remains active despite his injury. Many other Bahá’ís in the unsafe areas have no doubt made even greater sacrifices.
In some ways the situation of the country helps the teaching work. Fear of war has caused some people to become interested in the world peace plan of the Bahá’í Faith. Everyone who has heard about the Faith is, at least, sympathetic.
The faith of the believers is becoming very strong. Gone is the fear shown in previous years. Many families are raising a savings fund for the Faith. Even the poorest Bahá’ís are contributing. Many are volunteering to go out to teach the Faith.
The Bahá’ís of Vietnam in every community of the nation celebrated the Martyrdom of the Báb on July 9, 1968. The celebration was
attended by religious and civic representatives and by thousands in the nine districts of Saigon and Gia Dinh. Le Loc, chairman of
the National Spiritual Assembly, spoke on the life and work of the Báb and the reason why Bahá’ís throughout the world believe
that humanity will be saved and that everyone will live in peace, happiness, progress and unity. He reminded the listeners of the
call that all the prophets have brought to mankind: that each individual should patiently search for truth in order to live in the
truth and to enjoy happiness in the truth.
Government Certifies Solomon Island Bahá’í School[edit]
The Department of Education under the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, has issued a Certificate of Registration for the Bahá’í School at Tawaimare. The certificate entitles the school to the services of two certified teachers whose salaries will, for the most part, be paid from government funds. The certificate will also make acquisition of books and other teaching materials from government funds possible.
The National Assembly states: “With the additional teachers we will be able to bring the standard of education to a higher level, enabling the students to sit for high school examinations and thus secure better positions.
“Recognition has been given to our National Assembly by the Honiara Town Council, as they have asked our advice in certain policy making decisions such as segregation in burial places and whether the Honiara Town Council should take over the supervision of the Department of Education.”
Pioneer Effort in New Guinea Yields Harvest[edit]
The Faith has made rapid progress in the Highland area of North East New Guinea since pioneers Noel and Margaret Bluett arrived there in 1965. During Riḍván this year six assemblies were elected, tripling the results of the previous year when two were elected. The statistics in this area change rapidly but at the present time there are approximately 250 believers, twelve groups and nine isolated believers.
The people of the Highlands are Melanesian by race but speak many different languages and have been divided for countless centuries by custom and warfare. Since 1933 the people’s attention has centered on the expanding commerce and the growing of coffee. However vast differences still divide these people, they associate only with people who understand their native tongue. Frequently fights will break out between tribal groups and the hatreds are deep and fierce.
Amongst the new Bahá’ís these hatreds are being slowly broken down and whenever a function is arranged in one area, visitors from other villages are invited. At most of these functions the discussion on the brotherhood of man is the main topic. Each one will relate how afraid he was of men from other areas, but now that he is a Bahá’í this is changed.
The oneness of mankind is the magnet drawing these Melanesian people into the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and its power will eventually transform their entire civilization.
Local Spiritual Assembly of the village of Rumo, Eastern Highlands District, North East New Guinea, elected Riḍván, 1968.
Local Spiritual Assembly of the village of Arrowana, Eastern Highlands District of North East New Guinea, elected Riḍván, 1968.
Local Spiritual Assembly of the village of Arufa, Eastern Highlands District, North East New Guinea, elected Riḍván, 1968.
Local Spiritual Assembly of the village of Kimo, Eastern Highlands District, North East New Guinea, elected Riḍván, 1968.
Passing of Bahá’ís Proclaims Faith[edit]
Miss Ionita Wright, one of the first Bahá’ís of San Andrés Island, Colombia, who ascended May 5, 1968, was known for her steadfastness in the Faith. During her long illness her insistence that she have a Bahá’í funeral led to the proclamation of the Faith in San Andrés. A pioneer to San Andrés Island contacted “Miss Ionita,” as she was known to the friends, a few days after her arrival there in October, 1966. Within a few days Miss Ionita had enrolled in Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause and remained steadfast despite opposition from friends and relatives. Having elicited a promise from her brother that she have a Bahá’í funeral, he felt bound to keep it regardless of family pressure.
After her death the Bahá’í funeral service was announced on the radio. Although it was held during working hours, nearly five hundred people attended from every stratum of society, including doctors, politicians and religious leaders. Local Spiritual Assembly members and members of the Bahá’í community found new strength as they appeared at the service as followers of Bahá’u’lláh.
At the simple graveside service the first prayer read was Miss Ionita’s favorite, My God, My Adored One, My King, My Desire, what Tongue can voice my thanks to Thee ... Visitors poured over mimeographed copies of the readings selected for the funeral service and took them home to share with friends and relatives. Since that time a large home was offered to the Bahá’ís for a memorial service for Miss Ionita on June 5. A public meeting in San Andres commemorating the Declaration of the Báb overflowed with visitors. Several requests have been received for copies of the funeral service and for Bahá’í literature.
French Consul in Aden Agrees to Bahá’í Funeral for French Citizen[edit]
Mr. Maurice Papilloud, a French believer formerly residing in Asmara, Eritrea, was recently transferred to Aden where he passed away on May 18, 1968. Following his death, the friends of Aden had several meetings with the French Consul (Mr. Papilloud was a French citizen) and with an official of Mr. Papilloud’s business firm in Aden. During those conferences Mr. Papilloud’s belief as a Bahá’í was always considered and it was agreed that a Bahá’í funeral service should be conducted by the Local Spiritual Assembly. About two hundred people attended including the Arab people and European high officials.
During his lifetime in that politically disrupted country Mr. Papilloud was always anxious for opportunities to speak of the Faith. His wish was fulfilled after his death, for both before and after the funeral the people of Aden were asking the friends what their connection with Mr. Papilloud might be and were asking, “What is a Bahá’í?”
RIGHT
North American pioneering youth Margaret Derman, (left)
and Valerie Rovin, enroute to Panama, spent a week visiting
and teaching new Bahá’ís of San Andrés Isles, Colombia. With
them are Mrs. Almerta Forbes and John Cupidon.
Miss Ionita Wright with three San Andrés Isles, Colombia,
assembly members preparing dinner for visiting pioneers on
their way to Panama. Left to right: McZeno Myles, Rosalie de
Arevalo and Lorenza Barker de Newball.
The first functioning Spiritual Assembly of San Andrés Isles,
Colombia (1967-’68). First row, left to right: Zonia Armistead
(pioneer), Helen Hornby (pioneer and treasurer), Lorenza
Barker de Newball (secretary). Second row: Steven Reeves,
John Cupedon (chairman), Ionita Wright. Third row: Anselmo
Daukins (vice-chairman), Auxiliary Board Member Charles
Hornby and Cyrus Daukins. Absent: Bernardo Hooker.
“All We Have to Do Is Proclaim the Faith!”[edit]
The above words were the response of one delegate to the eighth annual convention of Mexico held May 18-19 in Mexico City, following the reading of the message from the Universal House of Justice. Others offered material support and their services as traveling teachers. Auxiliary Board member, Artemus Lamb, representing Hand of the Cause of God, Dr. Ugo Giachery, expressed the spirit and the need of the times in a way that reinforced the determination of many to go forth and pioneer.
There was an unprecedented attendance at this convention and the faces were radiant, humble, shy and devoted as they listened to consultation, took part in the deliberations, shared accounts of the past year’s victories. The Mayan Indian believers brought the convention to its high point and the spirit of the early “dawn-breakers” seemed to come alive again. There was a hushed silence as many new believers mingled with others to fulfill their God-given duty of electing a National Spiritual Assembly.
The Bahá’ís of Nicaragua built a temporary structure for
holding a summer school in El Trapiche de Jalapa, Nicaragua.
The school was held March 11-13, 1968 and attracted forty
people.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Mexico for 1968-’69. First row, right to left: Mrs. Nura Mobine, Mrs. Eloisa
Cervantes, Miss Soledad Bilbatua (secretary), Miss Maria
Tobias. Second row: Dr. Juvenal Gutierrez, (treasurer), Rafael Quiros (coordinator), Mrs. Valeria Nichols, Sr., Eduardo
Perez de Leon and Harold Murray.
Map of Mexico used at the annual convention in charting
progress and goals. Mexico is a large country, over 760,000
square miles, with many remote areas difficult to reach. In
addition to its native Spanish language, Mexico has five goal
languages listed under the Nine Year Plan for literature
translation. This is almost one-fifth of the entire number for all
of North and Latin America!
A Bahá’í meeting in Tipitapa, Nicaragua, a goal of the Local
Spiritual Assembly of Managua, where pioneer José Arita and
Mrs. Anita Chacón de Arita are teaching.
Human Rights Conferences Expand Range of Proclamation Efforts[edit]
Mr. Peter MacDonald, Director of the Office of Navajo
Economic Opportunity, addresses the over one hundred participants at the Gallup, New Mexico Conference on the American
Indian and Human Rights. “One may also wonder,” MacDonald stated, “why the American Indians are not burning down
buildings, rioting, fighting, and killing other human beings to
gain their human rights. The American Indians believe in
human rights ... in preserving, rather than destroying,
human beings and the rights of other people ... in maintaining harmony and understanding and peace among all human
beings regardless of their origin, race or creed.” Mr. Clarence
Acoya, Exec. Director of the New Mexico Commission on
Indian Affairs, and Col. Salvatore Pelle, representing NABOHR, also spoke at the Conference.
The Boston Bahá’ís prepared themselves for their Conference
on Housing and Human Rights through a three-month series of
Sunday evening discussions prior to the conference on issues
related to housing, particularly in the Boston area. Some of
the recommendations emerging from the conference were 1)
that white racism must be combatted by the whites, especially
in the suburbs where polarization to the ghetto continues to
widen, and 2) that there is a need to educate black and white
citizens on cooperative housing since it represents a meaningful and practical means of developing “in-town towns” where
a sense of community control can be exercised by the
community itself.
The North American Bahá’í Office for Human Rights,
in cooperation with sponsoring Bahá’í communities, is
pleased to report the successful completion of its series
of Regional Conferences on Human Rights held in ten
American cities during the month of June. These conferences, as part of the United States Bahá’í Community’s action-oriented observance of International Human Rights Year, have, in addition to furthering the
achievement of human rights in the United States,
resulted in unexpected benefits for the host Bahá’í
communities. Reports from most sponsors indicate increased prestige for the Faith, due both to attendance
at the conferences by community leaders in the fields of
education, social welfare, law, employment, housing
and government, and to recognition by these participants of the added spiritual dimension unique to these
Bahá’í-sponsored conferences. Conference participants
were unanimous in recommending that such conferences be repeated, drawing in an ever-widening circle
of interested persons and organizations.
Twelve of the nineteen-member Regional Council on Human
Rights elected by participants in the Regional Conference on
the Mexican-American and Human Rights in El Paso, Texas.
The formulation of many significant workshop recommendations and the establishment of this Council to begin planning
ways and means of putting such recommendations into community effect are among the successfully achieved goals of
this Conference.
Dr. Daniel Jordan, Director of the Institute for Research in
Human Behavior, Indiana State University, and Vice-Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, addresses the Regional Conference on Prejudice and Human Rights held in
Miami, Florida. August H. VandenBosche, Executive Director
of the Florida Council on Human Relations, and Harold
Braynon, Attorney at Law, also were keynote speakers.
[Page 21]
Participants in the Cleveland, Ohio Conference on Education
and Human Rights enjoy fellowship and conversation at the
Friday evening banquet held at the Holiday Inn. Keynote
speaker at the banquet was Dr. Paul Briggs, Superintendent of
the Cleveland Public Schools. Dr. Dwight Allen, Dean of
School of Education, University of Massachusetts, and member of the National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Ernest Cooper,
Executive Director of the Cleveland Urban League, and Mr.
Peter Kontos of the Educational Research Council of Cleveland
were also keynote speakers.
Attendees of the Regional Conference on Prejudice and Human Rights held in Memphis, Tennessee engage in lively
discussion between sessions. Workshops dealt with such topics
as: “Government: Its Responsibility in Human Rights”, and
“Prejudice: Pre-requisite to Racism”. The Memphis Bahá’ís
report “considerable newspaper coverage, the opportunity to
meet representatives of various organizations, the opportunity
for people of many different walks of life to sit down and
discuss these issues, and the formulation of many recommendations that should help to eliminate prejudice” as indications
of their success.
Workshop participants at the Regional Conference on Education and Human Rights held in Atlanta, Georgia, dealt with
such issues as: “Teachers of the Disadvantaged”. “Segregation: DeFacto and DeJure,” “Enrollments — The Problems of
Overcrowding”, and “The Ghetto Environment”. Dr. Firuz
Kazemzadeh, Dr. Sarah Pereira, and Dr. Paul Clifford, Director of the NDEA Program at Atlanta University, addressed
the Conference participants during general sessions.
Phil Lucas, member of the Bellingham, Washington Bahá’í
Community, entertains participants in the Conference on the
American Indian and Human Rights. This one-day Conference,
which included the unusual element of a Salmon Bake at
Lummi Indian Reservation, stated that its purpose was “to
create a communication between the socially diverse segments of our region; to state the problems of the American
Indian in relation to this society; to formulate recommendations for action on the solution of these problems.”
Four of the workshop leaders at the Regional Conference on
Employment and Human Rights held in Wichita, Kansas: left
to right — Mr. Paul Cougher, Assistant Manager, Kansas State
Employment Service, Mr. Joe Moody, Kansas State Employment Service, Mr. Homer Floyd, Director, Kansas Commission on Civil Rights, and Mr. P. O. Funderburg, Executive
Vice-president, Gateway National Bank, St. Louis, Missouri.
Co-sponsoring the Conference with the Bahá’ís were the
Community Committee on Social Action, the Wichita Council
of Churches, the Wichita Urban League, the YWCA of Wichita,
the Black Immediate Action Group, and the Apprenticeship
Information Center, Dept.-Kansas State Employment Service.
Over three hundred youth attended the Regional Conference
on Youth and Human Rights held in Richmond, California and
voiced their views on such topics as education, employment,
the law, and the role of youth in combatting white racism. On
the subject of race relations the Conference called for the
recognition that racism is a disease of our society and that it
can only be cured by a revolutionary change in the attitude of
the white majority toward the minorities in America.
Many Colors-One Mankind[edit]
A Report of Race Unity Day Meetings in the United States[edit]
Speakers Call For Triumph of Love[edit]
That man’s oneness can only be realized by a world triumph of love was emphasized by speakers at the Race Unity Day observance sponsored by the Peoria, Illinois Bahá’í Community with the support of the Washington Bahá’í Group.
The diversities of race and cultures are witness to “God’s sense of artistry” in creating the whole that is mankind, said Dr. Romeo Garrett, associate professor of sociology at Bradley University, who was the guest speaker.
He went on to say that in order to achieve the “oneness of mankind”, everybody needs to do his part.
Frank Alai, city director of environmental health, said, “Color is an accident in nature and not important. It doesn’t change your personality.”
There would be no need for civil rights legislation “if we followed the teachings of God,” Alai continued. “Prejudice of all kinds is against the will of God, and all divisions of man are man-made.”
The Sing Out-Houston Group, comprised of seventy-nine dynamic college youth, presented choral selections at the Race Unity Day program sponsored by the Bahá’í Association of the University of Houston and the Houston Bahá’í Community. “Youthful enthusiasm and optimism keynoted the choral program, instead of the chorus of dissent that often seems to characterize our modern society,” Louie Welch, Mayor of Houston, noted.
A panel consisting of Mr. Quee Young Kim, graduate student and president of the International Students Organization at the University of Houston from Seoul, Korea; Mrs. Mary H. Brown, Visiting Nurse Association, and Mr. Hormoz Hormozi, chemical engineer, addressed the audience. The meeting was held in a Liberal Arts Auditorium at the University of Houston.
According to Public Information Representative Mrs. Harold Wilson, Palm Beach, Florida, the public meeting sponsored by the Palm Beach Bahá’ís was most successful. Mrs. Wilson reports that “In spite of Hurricane Abby’s calling card, we had 15 intrepid souls who braved the torrential downpours. We carried on with the prayers — one in memoriam of Senator Kennedy — and the reading of the Bahá’í Statement on Human Rights, etc. Dr. Juan-Amon Wilkins had been invited to speak on the importance of physical and mental health — relation to good human relations — and he proved to be a most helpful asset.”
A public meeting sponsored by the Seacoast Area Bahá’ís, Portsmouth, New Hampshire was held at the Unitarian-Universalist Church. The program consisted of a panel discussion by Mrs. Lorraine Brown of Hampton, representative of the Seacoast Committee on Race and Religions and a staff member of the University of
Race Unity Day Proclamation by three Florida Mayors
New Hampshire; Thomas P. Cobbs of York Beach, vice
president of the Regional NAACP and president of the
Portsmouth Chapter; Barney Hill of Portsmouth, past
chairman of the Rockingham County Community Action Program; Dr. Samuel McClellan of Cambridge,
Massachusetts, director of clinical psychiatry.
The Race Unity Day observance sponsored by the Meriden, Connecticut Bahá’í Community began with a brief memorial for the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Chairman A. K. Kalantar read a Prayer for the Departed revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, and Mrs. Dorothy Stringer, soprano, sang “The Lord Knows How Much We Can Bear.”
Three panelists speaking on the theme “Many Colors — One Mankind” presented their ideas of practical and spiritual solutions of the current problems. Mrs. Eloise Woods, the first speaker said, “I have always been interested in race — the human race.” She went on to say there are various ways in which we can better the conditions of our fellow men.
The Reverend Clinton Barlow, pastor of the Grace Baptist Church, stressed the idea that each one must admit to his prejudices and then resolve to change; that we have a collective guilt for the assassinations that have occurred, by not taking an active part in eradicating the prevailing prejudices we encounter.
Mrs. Cornelia Williams, member of the North Haven Bahá’í Group, told how Bahá’u’lláh wrote to the kings and rulers of the world calling upon them to establish peace, improve the lot of their subjects and eliminate prejudice.
[Page 23]
Mayor Lou Haddad signs Race Unity Day Proclamation for
the Seaside, California Bahá’í Group. From right are Councilman Steve Ross; Lee Parsons; Haddad; Mrs. Jane Van Hook,
and Marvin Newport.
Mayor of Belleville, Illinois Urges Community to Make Race Unity Day A Day of Resolve[edit]
The Bahá’í Group of Belleville, Illinois was successful in obtaining a Race Unity Day Proclamation from Charles E. Nichols, Mayor of Belleville. Mayor Nichols signed the proclamation urging all residents to make Race Unity Day a day of resolve to promote in themselves and in the community the bonds of love and understanding between all races and nationalities.
The Belleville Bahá’í Group observed Race Unity Day by holding a gathering in the home of one of the Bahá’ís.
Denver, Colorado Bahá’í Community[edit]
For radio publicity in connection with Race Unity Day, the Denver Community receives the honors. Interviews and appearances were set up for Samuel C. Jackson at KOA, Bill Barker Show for four hours with another guest; KTLN for a five hour interview, and KFML for a one hour interview with only station break interruptions.
In observance of Race Unity Day, the Community sponsored a panel discussion at the Denver YMCA. The panelists were Samuel C. Jackson, Assistant Professor of Public Address at the University of Northern Iowa; Mrs. Elaine Mills of Boulder, a public school teacher; Miss Linda Sauceda, student at John F. Kennedy Junior-Senior High School; Jonathan Parker, a Denver actor, and Manuel Sandos, assistant youth program Director of Denver Opportunity. Among the topics discussed were “Why the unrest and discord among all peoples today?” and “The cause and cure.”
As another part of the day’s observance, the Bahá’ís attended the Children’s Day service at the New Hope Baptist Church. Their children participated in the service.
Other Bahá’í Communities reporting public meetings held in observance of Race Unity Day were Spokane, Washington; Teaneck, New Jersey; Kansas City, Missouri; Ferndale, Michigan; Township of Wilson, Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Columbus, Ohio; Bakersfield, Fresno, South Gate, and San Jose, California; Vassar, Michigan; Fargo, North Dakota; Yonkers, New York; and Montgomery County, Maryland.
Alexandria Bahá’ís Call For Blue Skies To Go Away[edit]
In observance of Race Unity Day, the Bahá’ís of Alexandria, Virginia sponsored a picnic in the public park. “During the picnic,” P. I. Rep Doris G. Marston said, “the skies opened and everyone (about 60) took to shelter. Inside the clubhouse the unity was so evident that people who were not Bahá’ís and were of minority races were surprised—the rain showed the Bahá’í unity in a way that would not have been evident outside in the park.” The Community informed the Public Information Department that it had “no” suggestions for the Race Unity Day Kit or the observance in general “unless you (P. I. D) could order rain for picnics.”
A public picnic sponsored by the Tulsa Bahá’í Community at the La Fortune Park was held on Sunday, June 9, followed by a public meeting on Monday, June 10, at the Hutcherson YMCA in observance of Race Unity Day. Miss Jean Norris, who is presently Assistant Professor of English and advisor to the student newspaper and alumni publication at North Carolina College at Durham and who is currently traveling throughout the south and central United States speaking on the spiritual solution to the racial issue, was the speaker for the occasion.
The Durham and Raleigh, North Carolina Bahá’í Assemblies co-sponsored a picnic at the Umstead State Park, featuring Mr. and Mrs. William Shoemaker of Elizabeth City, North Carolina as the speakers for the occasion.
Dayton and Kettering, Ohio Bahá’í Communities started Race Unity Day with both Mayor Haverstack of Kettering and Mayor Hall of Dayton signing Race Unity Day proclamations.” Both of the signings were televised. This was followed by a picnic held at the Triangle Park in Dayton where approximately one hundred people representing 13 cities and communities attended.
Approximately fifty people, including Bahá’ís and their guests, of six nationalities attended a picnic held in the Thatcher Glen Forest Preserve sponsored by the Oak Park, Illinois Bahá’í Community.
Similar Race Unity Day observances were held by the Bahá’í Communities of Key West, Florida; Des Moines, Iowa; Fairfield, Connecticut, Whittier J. D., Whittier, California; Lawrence, Kansas; Cheshire, Connecticut; Walla Walla, Washington; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Peterborough, New Hampshire; Waynesville, Missouri; Portland, Maine; San Antonio, Texas; Scottsdale, Arizona; Waterloo, Iowa; Geyserville, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; Yakima, Washington; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Gainesville, Florida; West Chester, Pennsylvania; Auburn J. D., Auburn, California; Fair Oak-Folsom, California; Hollywood, Florida; Oroville, California; Ponoma, California; Northampton, New Hampshire; Tallahassee, Florida; Victor J. D., Apple Valley, California; Urbana and Champaign, Illinois; Lower Buck County, Langhorne, Pennsylvania; Dallas and University Park, Texas.
[Page 24]
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Saginaw, Michigan,
formed at Riḍván 1968. Left to right, seated: Mrs. Ann Augustine (secretary), Mrs. Mavis Brundage, Mrs. Virginia Jones,
Mrs. Geraldine Smith; standing: Herbert Merrell Jr. (treasurer), Kenneth Augustine (vice chairman), David Thorpe,
Larry Schwandes, David Smith (chairman).
Baha’i in the News[edit]
The Milwaukee Sentinel for July 6, 1968 carried an excellent feature article by the religious editor, James M. Johnston, which tells in fascinating detail the story of the Faith in Persia, of the life and death of The Báb and of the truths affirmed by Him and by Bahá’u’lláh. Titled “Bahá’í Ranks Grow Despite Century of Persecution” this account, prominently placed on the editorial page and taking six columns, shows what excellent opportunities for publicity are occasioned by the commemoration locally of anniversaries of Bahá’í history.
New Briefs[edit]
From the Pioneer Committee of the Americas comes the following: “In Tamabu, Guatemala, a small town with mostly Indian population, we talked of the fund a little and they seemed especially intrigued with the idea that they could help to build the House of Worship in Panama. We found a can to collect a fund. No one had any money that day, though. The next day they elected an elderly woman as treasurer — she’ll guard the money well. The greatest thing was that the Indian ladies and children brought their pennies and we collected thirty-one cents for the Panama Temple fund. They were so proud and so were we.”
Gwen Venus and Shirley Charters, of New Zealand, attended United Nations seminars held in Auckland, aims of which were to encourage freedom of speech as never before in New Zealand and to discuss Human Rights and the Maori people. At one meeting Gwen was able to give the Bahá’í view, quoting from Bahá’u’lláh’s words on the oneness of mankind. She suggested that since it is now a widely accepted fact that the old laws, orders, economies and even ideals on which the world has based its stability are gone, thought and action should be based on the fact that “the earth is one country and mankind its citizens.” After the meeting some of the speakers and guests came forward for further discussion.
Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís of Omaha, Nebraska whose
recent incorporation, the first in the State, fulfilled a goal of
the Nine Year Plan. Left to right, standing: Walter Steiger
(chairman), Mrs. Anna Gibson, Mrs. Adelaide Turner, Mrs.
Jane Steiger (secretary), Mrs. Jeanne Yancy, Mrs. Kathleen
Station (vice chairman), Mrs. Marcia Horton; seated: Mrs.
Doreene Brown (treasurer), Mrs. Edna Atkins.
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Santa Fe County, New
Mexico formed at Riḍván 1968. Left to right, seated: Victory
Ahrends, Carl Ewing (Treasurer), David Wade (vice Chairman), Sharon Ewing (corresponding secretary); standing:
Neva Jean Nothwang (chairman), Roberta Wade (recording
secretary), Arlette Keir, Emilie Stacy, Nancy Greenman.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of
Burma announced that the new friends of Layde Village have recently acquired a building site (76 feet
x 200 feet) in their village. Materials required for
building their new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds are being collected.
The friends of Layde Village plan to complete the new
building within the next few months.
Correction[edit]
BAHÁ’Í NEWS for July 1968 p. 16 cites the Chinese World as telling of the election of Victor Tom to the local Spiritual Assembly of Santa Barbara, California. The account was in error as Mr. Tom originally of Santa Barbara has been elected to membership of the local Assembly of San Francisco, California.
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.
Material must be received by the twenty-fifth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Bahá’í News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, U.S.A.
Change of address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A. 60091.
