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| No. 454 | BAHA’I YEAR 125 | JANUARY, 1969 |
‘Akká from the air, looking west over the Mediterranean. Most Great Prison shown in center, Mosque to lower left. Photo taken in May, 1967.
‘Akká — The Door of Hope[edit]
THE FORTRESS CITY OF ‘AKKÁ (Acre) has been mentioned
in History since three thousand five hundred years
ago. It was a strong and important port for the Phoenician people. It was occupied by them first, then by the
Greeks, the Romans, and later the Persians and the
Arabs, down through the centuries.
In the twelfth century, during the Crusades, there was many a bloody battle fought there. (In this connection, a Polish historian has written that during some battles, the horses of the Crusaders would step in blood up to the stirrups when passing through some of the narrow lanes of ‘Akká.) The Crusaders made ‘Akká (Acre) the seat of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. Napoleon I made a siege of ‘Akká in 1799 and attacked it with cannon fire from a nearby hill now known as Tel-i-Napoleon; but he was defeated by a Turkish General, Ajhar-Jazzár, and he fled away, leaving, they say, his hat on the battlefield.
‘Akká is named in the New Testament by the name of Ptolomais, which is its Greek name. It is written that Saint Paul the Apostle went through there during his travels. To the Crusaders it was known as St. Jean d’Acre. David describes it in the Psalms as the “Strong City”, and Hosea the Prophet designated ‘Akká as a “Door of Hope”.
Bahá’u’lláh designated it as the “Vale of Nabíl”, the word Nabíl being equal in numerical value to that of ‘Akká.
Prophecies Relating to ‘Akká[edit]
There are many prophecies about ‘Akká:
“Blessed the man that hath visited ‘Akká and blessed he that hath visited the visitor of ‘Akká. Blessed the one that hath drunk from the Spring of the Cow which is in ‘Akká. He that hath been bitten by one of its fleas is better in the estimation of God than he who hath received a grievous blow in the path of God. A month in ‘Akká is better than a thousand years elsewhere.”
and there is a verse in the Quran that says:
“All praise to God who caused his servant Muḥammad to journey by night from the Holy Mosque (Mecca) to the Aquá Mosque (Jerusalem) whose precincts God hath hallowed.”
The “hallowed precincts” in this verse is interpreted as referring to the Holy Land and to ‘Akká.
What Bahá’u’lláh Wrote About ‘Akká[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh has written about His imprisonment in the Prison City in several of His Tablets. On the eve of His banishment there He wrote:
“According to what they say, it is the most desolate of the cities of the world, the most unsightly in appearance, the most detestable in climate, and the foulest in water.” (God Passes By)
“At one time, we were banished to ‘Iráq, for a time to the land of Mystery (Adrianople), and thence to ‘Akká, a penal colony for murderers and thieves.”
“He, for Whose Person a mirror is ashamed to be considered a footstool, is living in the most desolate place.”
“... until they made Him (Bahá’u’lláh) a Prisoner in the most desolate of cities, a place where the hands of those that sought the hem of His Robe were prevented from reaching Him.”
In God Passes By, Shoghi Effendi describes it as “a penal colony to which murderers, highway robbers, and political agitators were consigned from all parts of the Turkish Empire. It was girt by a double system of ramparts; was inhabited by a people whom Bahá’u’lláh stigmatized as ‘the generation of vipers’; was devoid of any source of water within its gates; was flea-infested, damp and honey-combed with gloomy, filthy and tortuous lanes.”
Bahá’u’lláh’s Stay in the Most Great Prison[edit]
He writes: “We entered the Most Great Prison that mankind may be liberated from the Prison of selfish desire.”
“They incarcerated Me and seventy souls in this Most Great Prison.”
“More grievous became Our plight from day to day, nay from hour to hour, until they took us forth from our prison and made Us, with glaring injustice, enter the Most Great Prison.”
“When they caused us to enter this Spot, our plight became so severe that it is not possible to describe.”
Some of its features were; prevention of the believers from meeting Him; preventing any movement at all by the exiles.
“He, for Whose sake the world was called into being, is prevented from meeting His loved ones. This is naught but manifest injustice.” And He also refers to the two internal enemies who had joined hands with Siyyid Muḥammad and were acting as spies on the pilgrims who attempted to enter the Prison City.
Bahá’u’lláh revealed His purpose: to proclaim His Message. He says:
“Upon Our arrival at this Prison, We purposed to transmit to the Kings the Messages of their Lord, the Mighty, the All-Praised. Though We have transmitted to them in several tablets that which We were commanded, yet we do it once again, as a token of God’s grace.” (God Passes By p. 206)
And he makes this prediction, (God Passes By p. 184):
“Upon Our arrival, We were welcomed with banners of light, whereupon the Voice of the Spirit cried out saying: ‘Soon will all that dwell on earth be enlisted under these banners’.”
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Some of Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings in ‘Akká
- The Most Holy Book — Kitáb-i-Aqdas
- The 2nd Tablet to Napoleon III
- Tablet to Queen Victoria
- Tablet to Czar Alexander II of Russia
- Súrih of Haykal — Súrih of the Temple
- Tablet of the Proof — Lawḥ-i-Burhán
- Tablet of the Vision — Lawḥ-i-Ru’yá
- Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
- Tablet to the Pope (Pius IX)
- Ishráqát — Splendours
- Bishárát — Glad Tidings
- Ṭarázát — Ornaments
- Tajallíyát — Effulgences
- Kalimát-i-Firdawsíyyih — Words of Paradise
- Lawḥ-i-Maqṣúd
- Lawḥ-i-Aqdas
- Lawḥ-i-Dunyá — Tablet of the World
Important events associated with the Stay in ‘Akká.
(1) The Ascension of His Son, the noble, the pious Mirzá Mihdi, the Purest Branch, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s 22 year old brother (June 23, 1870). He fell while pacing the roof of the barracks and died 22 hours later.
(2) The memorable interview of the heroic Badí with Bahá’u’lláh. Badí was the young man who carried the Tablet to the Sháh of Persia, in whom Bahá’u’lláh “breathed the spirit of might and power”. (God Passes By p. 199)
(3) The passing of ‘Asiyíh, the Most Exalted Leaf, the wife of Bahá’u’lláh.
(4) The visit made by Professor Browne, the only Western scholar to visit Him.
(5) The mischievous behaviour of the four Azalis and the imposition of further restrictions.
(6) The gradual recognition by all elements of the population of Bahá’u’lláh’s complete innocence; the slow penetration of the true spirit of His teaching through the hard crust of their indifference and bigotry — led to the lessening of the restrictions.
(7) The substitution of a new governor, a sagacious and humane person, Ahmad Big Tawfiq.
(8) The unremitting labors of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who through His contacts with the rank and file of the population, was able to engender goodwill and understanding towards the Bahá’ís.
(9) The departure of prejudiced officials.
(10) The devotion of the governor. It was on the occasion of an audience with Bahá’u’lláh in response to a request for permission to render Bahá’u’lláh some service that the suggestion was made to him of restoring an aqueduct which had fallen into disuse, a suggestion which he immediately arose to carry out. The governor was wont to send his own son to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for instruction and enlightenment.
(11) The inflow of pilgrims, among whom were numbered the devout and venerable Mullá Sádiq Khurásáni, and the father of Badí, both survivors of the Struggle of Tabarsí.
(12) Mustaphá Diyá Pashá, who became governor a few years later went so far as to intimate that Bahá’u’lláh (his Prisoner) was free to pass through its gates whenever He pleased, a suggestion which Bahá’u’lláh declined.
(13) Even the Mufti of ‘Akká, Shaykh Mahmúd, was converted to the Faith; fired with his new-born enthusiasm, he made a compilation of Muslim traditions relating to ‘Akká;
(14) The twice repeated visits of the governor of Beirut, ‘Azíz Pashá, to ‘Akká and to Bahá’u’lláh.
(15) The inhabitants began to call Bahá’u’lláh the “august Leader” and “His Highness”. Such was the reverence He inspired in them.
(16) Shaykh ‘Alí Mírí, the Muftí of ‘Akká, pleaded insistently with Bahá’u’lláh that Bahá’u’lláh might permit the termination of His nine-year confinement within the walls of the Prison City and to leave its gates. After ten years of confinement, Bahá’u’lláh went to the gardens of Riḍván and Mazra’íh.
(17) Bahá’u’lláh’s tent, “the Tabernacle of Glory” was raised on Mount Carmel, the “Hill of God” and “His Vineyard”, the home of Elijah.
Four times He visited Haifa, His last visit being no less than three months long. In the course of one of these visits, when His tent was pitched in the vicinity of the Carmelite monastery, He, “the Lord of the Vineyard”, revealed the Tablet of Carmel. On another occasion He Himself pointed out to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as He stood on the slopes of that mountain, the site which was to serve as the permanent resting place of the Báb and on which a befitting mausoleum was later to be erected.
“The period of His incarceration in ‘Akká brought with it the ripening of a slowly maturing process, and was a period during which the choicest fruits of Bahá’u’lláh’s mission were ultimately garnered.”
Bahá’u’lláh’s Tribulation in ‘Akká[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh, wishing to emphasize the criticalness of the first nine years of His banishment to that prison city has revealed:
“Know thou that upon Our arrival at this spot, We chose to designate it as the ‘Most Great Prison’. Though previously subjected in another land (Tihrán) to chain and fetters, We yet refused to call it by that name. Say: ponder thereon, O ye endued with understanding.”
“The ordeal He endured in Tihrán was one which had been inflicted solely by the external enemies of the Faith. The travail in Adrianople was, on the other hand, purely internal in character. This fresh crisis was marked during almost a decade by the assaults of the adversaries of the Faith from without and machinations of enemies from within.”
The farmán of Sultan Abdu’l-Azíz (July 26, 1868) not only condemned them to perpetual banishment but stipulated their strict incarceration, and forbade them to associate either with each other or with the local inhabitants. The text of the farmán itself was read publicly, soon after the arrival of the exiles, in the principal mosque of the city as a warning to the population.
The Persian ambassador in Constantinople instructed the Persian Consul-General in Damascus to proceed once every three months from Damascus to ‘Akká to personally watch over the exiles and see that the orders were not disobeyed. The story of Bahá’u’lláh’s suffering is given in His Lawḥ-i-Ra’is.
Principles Enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
Of the principles enshrined in these Tablets the most
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vital of them all is the principle of the oneness and
wholeness of the human race, the hall-mark of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and the pivot of His Teaching. He
unreservedly proclaims it as the central purpose of His
Faith.
“We verily,” He declares, “have come to unite and weld together all that dwell on earth.” (God Passes By)
“The world”, He proclaims, “is but one country and mankind its citizens.”
“Soon,” He affirms, “will the present day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead.”
He proclaimed religion to be a radiant light and an impregnable stronghold for the protection and welfare of the peoples of the world.
He unreservedly urged the principle of collective security, recommended reduction in national armaments; proclaimed as necessary and inevitable the convening of a world gathering at which the kings and rulers of the world will deliberate for the establishment of peace among the nations.
He extols justice as “the light of men.”
Inculcates the principle of “moderation in all things.”
Consultation He established as one of the fundamental principles of His Faith.
Regarded the acquisition of knowledge as “incumbent upon everyone.”
The injunction to “consort with all men in a spirit of friendliness”. He further emphasized and recognized such association to be conducive to “union and concord.”
The necessity of adopting a universal tongue and script He repeatedly stressed.
He ordained the institution of the House of Justice, and elaborated the doctrine of the “Most Great Infallibility” of the Manifestation of God, and imposed a ban upon the waging of holy war.
Places Where Bahá’u’lláh Stayed[edit]
Arrival: August 31, 1868, Monday.
1) In the Most Great Prison — 2 years, 2 months, 5 days.
2) The House of Malik. — 3 months. God Passes By p. 189.
3) The house of Khavvám and the house of Rabi’ih — 10 months
4) The house of ‘Udí Khammár and the house of Abbúd — 7 years.
5) The garden of Na’mayn, that is to say Riḍván, designated by Bahá’u’lláh “the New Jerusalem” and “our Verdant Isle” Occasionally visited.
6) The Mazra’ih — 2 years.
7) The Mansion of Bahjí —12 years.
- The total duration — 24 years.
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh — May 29, 1892[edit]
A telegram to the Sultán communicated: “The Sun of Bahá has set”. Bahá’u’lláh was laid to rest in the northernmost room of the house which served as a dwelling place for His son-in-law, the most northerly of the three houses lying to the west of, and adjacent to, the Mansion. His interment took place shortly after sunset, on the very day of His ascension.
The arrival of Bahá’u’lláh in ‘Akká marked, therefore, the opening of the last phase of His forty year long ministry — the final stage and indeed the climax, of the banishment in which the whole of that ministry was spent.
The Universal House of Justice Publishes Book on Holy Places[edit]
Bahá’í Holy Places at the World Centre. For many centuries the Holy Land has been a place of religious pilgrimage. Today the religious attraction of the Holy Land has been reinforced by the establishment in it of the holiest places of the Bahá’í Faith. On the slopes of Carmel and northward in ‘Akká and its neighborhood the Faith has founded its spiritual and administrative World Center to which large numbers of Bahá’ís make pilgrimage every year. They come to pray and meditate in the Shrines of the Founders of their Faith and to visit the many historical sites associated with Them. From their sojourn in these sanctified places they receive an accession of spiritual strength which enables them to take up with renewed vigor their task of promoting the oneness of mankind.
This book consists of excerpts from God Passes By, The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and other titles, giving the historical and spiritual significance of these holy places.
A colored frontispiece shows the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and the Mansion of Bahjí. Many other interesting black and white photos are included in the book. The end sheets depict a map showing the Bahá’í holy places in ‘Akká and Haifa and also the voyage of Bahá’u’lláh from Adrianople to the Most Great Prison.
While every Bahá’í will no doubt wish to own a copy of this book, the Universal House of Justice has stated that it is not designed to be given to any non-Bahá’ís. All Bahá’ís should carefully observe this request.
Per copy.............................$2.00(NET)
(No discount on this title on community library orders)
Order from: BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
Winter School at Gwalior, India[edit]
Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga Inspires Sessions[edit]
The Bahá’ís came from seven states to participate in the Winter School at Gwalior, India held October 11-15, 1968. The occasion was made memorable by the presence of Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga and members of his family. Perhaps the most striking factor was the large gathering of youth, who had come to greet the Olinga family and to take from this meeting their own share of spiritual rewards.
The following cable was received from the Universal House of Justice:
DELIGHTED LARGE ATTENDANCE WINTER SCHOOL PRESENCE HAND CAUSE OLINGA HIGHLY COMMEND EMPHASIS UNIVERSAL PARTICIPATION. BESEECHING BAHA’U’LLAH SHOWER BLESSING ASSISTANCE SERVICES BAHA’IS INDIA.
The Theme — Universal Participation[edit]
By the morning of October 11th the school was filled with eager souls from many areas. Two walked fifty miles. Counsellor S. Vasudevan and four Auxiliary Board members, the National Assembly members, one Filipino and three Persian pioneers were among the two hundred who had gathered.
The theme of this gathering was “Universal Participation.” Everyone returned with a sense of responsibility, that each can do his share, be it great or small. Each would teach, as each can pray and familiarize himself with the teachings and enrich the community. Father of Victories, Enoch Olinga, spelled out the need for speed. Speed is essential in bringing to glorious conclusion the Nine Year Plan.
The presence of Mrs. Olinga was a great gift of spirit to the young ladies who were present from Poona, Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain, Himachal Pradesh. George and Grace Olinga took active part in the general program. Inspiring talks and suggestions came from all of the speakers while Mr. Olinga flooded everyone’s heart with love and pride for the Cause. In one soul-stirring speech the Hand reviewed proclamation of the Cause to the generality of mankind. The love for the supreme Universal House of Justice and devotion to it was written on every face.
Results Already Manifest[edit]
Groups began to form here and there as Bahá’ís made their plans for proclamation on an unprecedented scale. The friends from Chandrapura and Shino, guided by the able Kailash Shrivastava, are working diligently to organize a seven-thousand strong proclamation gathering. The youth have returned to proclaim to their colleges and schools. And in the villages the fire set aflame in the meeting with the Hand is still glowing bright, as results pour in.
Winter School at Gwalior, India, with Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga, visible in third row, left of center. Bahá’ís from seven states attended, including a record number of youth.
Anchorage Assembly Marks Twenty-fifth Anniversary[edit]
The Bahá’í Assembly of Anchorage, Alaska, held a historic meeting on Sunday, September 8, 1968, in the Commodore Room of the Anchorage-Westward Hotel. It marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the formation of the first institution of the Bahá’í Faith in Alaska, the Spiritual Assembly of Anchorage, the “Mother Assembly” of Alaska. During the last year of the first Bahá’í Century, special permission was given to form an assembly anytime during the year when there were nine adult members.
The nine Bahá’ís who signed the joint declaration in 1943 were: Miss Honor Kempton (chairman), Verne L. Stout (vice-chairman), Mrs. Frances Wells (corresponding secretary), Miss Betty Becker (recording secretary), Miss Janet B. Whitenack (later Stout) (treasurer), and Mrs. Lorraine Been, Pvt. Terrell William Frazier, Mrs. Florence B. Green, and Mrs. Mina Lundquist. Two of the original members, Verne and Janet (Whitenack) Stout, who served on the Assembly continuously until they pioneered to the Matanuska Valley in 1958, spoke at the commemoration. Edgar Russell, who became a Bahá’í in Anchorage in 1948, presided. About fifty attended the meeting.
Early Bahá’ís[edit]
As far as records show, it appears that the first Bahá’í in Alaska was the late Miss Margaret Green, from Washington, D.C., public librarian in Juneau from June, 1915 to June 1918. She told many people of the Bahá’í teachings in Juneau and Sitka and placed books in the Juneau library. Mrs. Susan Rice went to Alaska in 1916, followed by Mrs. Emogene Hoagg and Miss Marion Jack who made an extensive eight month tour in 1919-20. Orcella Rexford came in June, 1922, traveling to Dawson, Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks. She gave the Bahá’í message in a crowded theatre of over 500 people in Anchorage, a little less than one fifth of the shifting population of the city at that time. This resulted in the enrollment of Dr. Gayne Gregory (who later married Orcella Rexford) and Mrs. Victoria Robarts.
In response to a special call from Shoghi Effendi on January 26, 1939, during the First Seven Year Plan (1937-1944), Miss Honor Kempton and Miss Betty Becker went to Juneau, later settling in Anchorage. It was during Honor’s early months alone in Anchorage that she met Janet (Whitenack) Stout, who became the first Bahá’í in Alaska during the Seven Year Plan, and who left shortly to settle in Fairbanks. Mrs. Joy (Allen) McCormack came in 1940 followed by Myrtle (Dodge) Silva. Mrs. Frances Wells came in 1943 followed by the first man to venture for the Faith in Alaska, Verne L. Stout.
Although eight Bahá’ís had enrolled after Janet Stout, many had returned to the States, including some of the pioneers. In order to help establish the Anchorage Assembly, Janet gave up a teaching position with the Alaska Native Service in the Kuskokwim Village of Tuluksak. Soon after the formation of the Assembly, Miss Dagmar Dole and Mrs. Helen Robinson and her family came to Anchorage to insure its continuance.
In May of 1944, Honor Kempton served as the first Alaskan delegate to the National Convention in Wilmette. Following this, the first believer enrolled in the second century of the Bahá’í Era was Mrs. Evelyn Huffman (in February 1945), later the first secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, her husband, Vernon Huffman enrolling in December of that year.
Three of the early, dedicated Bahá’í pioneers to Alaska later pioneered in Europe during the Second Seven Year Plan: Honor Kempton, who served on several national assemblies in Europe, now resides in Luxembourg; Dagmar Dole, who lies buried in Switzerland, and of whom the Guardian said was a “distinguished, consecrated pioneer,” was the first to give her life in the European project; and Frances Wells who passed away in Luxembourg in 1960.
Twelfth Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Alaska, May 25-26, 1968 at Anchorage.
Belgium Assists Proclamation in Swiss Romande[edit]
Five major cities of Switzerland received the Belgian Proclamation exposition during the month of June, 1968. It was motored into Switzerland by some devoted friends from Brussels accompanied by Auxiliary Board member, Lea Nys. Publicity and scheduling were coordinated by the Swiss National Teaching Committee with the cooperation of the various cities visited. This resulted in the first, large-scale publicity throughout the Swiss romande. Several journalists, editors, members of the town and state government made a searching inquiry into the Cause. Visitors from France, Holland and other countries also visited the exposition. During the Geneva exhibit, a Human Rights meeting was held with eminent non-Bahá’í speakers, and good television coverage.
Over a thousand visitors viewed the exposition which gave a new, dynamic impulse to Bahá’í activity in the region.
The Kongresshaus in Biel, Switzerland, one of the five cities where the Belgian exhibition was shown.
Bahá’í exhibit, (at left) displayed in the first-floor exhibition
hall of the Biel Kongresshaus. The area was open to everyone
passing through to other parts of the building. Literature was
available for presentation to interested visitors.
Another portion (at right) of the Belgian display shown in
Switzerland which attracted excellent press and television
coverage.
BOOK REVIEW[edit]
By HORACE HOLLEY
248 pp. Wilmette; Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1966
“The focal point of the Bahá’í teachings is clarification of man’s relationship to God.”
Review by Annamarie Honnold
THESE QUOTATIONS taken from Religion for Mankind by Horace Holley state its theme in capsule form. In a series of essays and talks written over a period of forty-seven years, Mr. Holley explains the principles, laws and program of the Bahá’í Faith — a modern faith for mature men moving towards a world civilization. The author does not become involved with the history of the Faith. Instead he presents a viable program for men and nations in search of identity and peace — a program expounded in the authentic Writings of the Bahá’í Faith. Here, religion is vitally concerned with the needs of the world, but not to the exclusion of the spiritual needs of the individual. And the relevance of a living God emerges once again.
The Individual in a World Society[edit]
The wide scope of the book is apparent from the Table of Contents. Part I begins with the need for religion. Swiftly, Mr. Holley moves on in Part II to the new dispensation. Elucidating the essential Bahá’í teachings, he also portrays the stupendous scope of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. The reader may be astonished to learn that the Bahá’í Faith boasts even a new calendar. Part III, on a spiritual society, propounds the need of religious education for a society at peace. He ranges from problems of economics and labor to the significance of the Bahá’í House of Worship. Part IV describes the man of faith — a whole man, developed in mind, soul and spirit, striving to attain his true potential. In Part V the author speaks about the Center of the Covenant and finally answers the question: What about me?
The sequence of the parts is logical and meaningful, yet, each chapter can stand alone on its own merits; for example, the weighty chapter on “Religious Education for a Peaceful Society.” The telescope of Palomar “extends human vision to bodies whose distance from the earth, measured by the time required for the journey of a ray of light, is not less than one billion years.” Nature is subject to rigid organization. There is one law from which the component parts may never deviate. In nature there is neither will nor intelligence. The Ruler of this incredibly vast universe is known to man as God. This God cannot be contained in head or test-tube. The Bahá’í Teachings declare that the heart of the man who believes in God alone can contain Him. But this inner world of man is little understood. Though man is sick of soul, his remedy appears elusive. Even conscience cannot guide individuals for it is early “compounded of many ingredients”. “... conscience is a mirror hung in a room. If the room is darkened the mirror reflects but dimly. Light is needed — the light of truth and love. Then will the mirror of spiritual awareness disclose to the individual the essential nature of his own problem of choice, and open for him the door that leads from the private person to mankind. The helplessness of the individual today is due to the absence of light.” Undeveloped spiritual qualities of the soul atrophy; its material qualities, overstressed become powerful and often cruel.
Source of Spiritual Education[edit]
In this same chapter, Mr. Holley expounds the thesis that sectarian religion also cannot guide men, but leads to chaos. “The human explanation of a truth has been substituted for the truth itself.” On the threshold of internationalism we grope for ways to prevent our very destruction. “One may say that humanity does not yet exist, for men are not directed by a world consciousness or impelled by a mutual faith.” He defines peace as a “divine creation” in which the divine and human purposes are reconciled. Logically, the author proceeds to explain the three kinds of education: material, human and spiritual. The last has been misunderstood, underestimated, neglected. Without an understanding of the Manifestation of God — that most maligned of all men — spiritual education is impossible. “The divine power compels that from age to age men must come to a decision, but the decision itself is free. By that decision, when the prophet has revealed the will of God, men separate into two organic companies: those who believe and those who deny.” Bahá’u’lláh invites “investigation of reality.” The reward is no less than finding the path to the gold mine of “peace on earth.”
Published in England in 1956, with a first American edition published in 1966, this book is even more timely today. Our problems have grown more complex, the dangers everywhere more extreme. Man, individually and collectively, is enmeshed in a dilemma of his own making. Caught in a “death-of-God” vacuum, in this new secularization he feels himself both freed and trapped. Collegians read Harvey Cox’s The Secular City and a great debate is launched: are we moving from the age of Christianity to the age of a secular
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man? Moral standards are questioned, value judgments ridiculed. Man agonizes in search of an identity.
People devise their many differing ways to peace but
nations talk of war.
Religion for Mankind offers an antidote — to the earnest seeker with an open mind — an answer for the here and now. Curiously, its appeal is as wide as the world of thinkers. Students of sociology, history, political science, psychology, education, economics — and of course religion — will find answers to our most perplexing problems. Mr. Holley speaks with a conviction born of his own search and discovery of Bahá’u’lláh, Whom he — as well as millions of others — has embraced as God’s most recent Spokesman, the Promised One, the Spirit of Truth. Only a few of the spiritual and practical pronouncements of Bahá’u’lláh are quoted. But through these majestic and even poetic words one readily feels the Voice of authority.
Broad Spectrum of Interest[edit]
Appealing to a broad spectrum of human interest, any reader’s thinking will be challenged. The economist will read that “Employees are to receive not only wages but also a fixed share of the profit of industry, as partners in a firm.” Startling for the psychiatrist may be this thought: “It is possible to plumb the depths of nature in man’s being, but human reality — the direction of man’s true progress — lies not backward in that dark abyss but forward toward ‘rebirth’ into the spiritual kingdom.” The historian would do well to ponder the statement that “The rise and fall of civilizations proceeds as the effect of prior spiritual causation.” The youth in search of his identity may find help in the author’s statement that “Until we apprehend human beings in the light of the creative purpose, it is impossible to know ourselves or others.” The student who is a Bahá’í will benefit from the reading of this scholarly work, for he knows only too well that “the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh are as an ocean, all personal capacity is but the vessel that must be refilled again and again.” And so it goes. Any inquiring reader will be the wiser for the study of this book.
Author’s Unique Life[edit]
Horace Holley (1887-1960) went abroad after attending Williams College. On the voyage a young artist lent him a book: Abbas Effendi, His Life and Teachings by Myron H. Phelps. His introduction states “That was my first encounter with the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. The wisdom, the universality of spirit and the profound love expressed in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, persecuted Leader of a new religion, captivated me. He stood apart from the epic heroes and thinkers of history and brought a new dimension to my inexperienced, naive liberal culture. Without knowing what it meant I had become a Bahá’í.” During his stay in Europe, he had the good fortune to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a meeting which wrought profound changes in his own life and which was, during years of devoted service, to affect many other lives.
When he returned to America after several years, he became increasingly involved with Bahá’í work — ably he turned writer of books, editor and compiler, lecturer and administrator. For thirty-four of his thirty-six years on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States (and Canada) he served as national secretary. An intensely independent thinker, he was nonetheless able to recognize Divine Authority. He was blessed with both the analytical mind of the intellectual and the sensitivity of the poet. Idealist though he was, his mind grappled with practical down-to-earth problems with skill and insight. Near the end of his life he was bestowed the honor of being appointed a Hand of the Cause of God — a unique appointment in the Bahá’í Faith. In order to expedite this work at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, he moved to Israel in 1959. Death came six months later. He lies buried at the foot of Mount Carmel.
Mr. Holley approaches his subject with the objectivity of a scholar. Bearing in mind that the book was compiled from essays written over many years, it is astonishingly free of redundancy. Writing in concepts rather than anecdotally, only rarely does he speak of himself, but when he does, it is refreshing, and one wishes he had done it more often.
The few pages describing his meeting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá vividly portray a rare glimpse of the emotional side of Mr. Holley. Traveling from Siena to Thonon on Lake Geneva, he caught his first glimpse of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the broad lawns of the Hotel du Parc. Unashamedly he writes that “My whole body underwent a shock ... From sheer happiness I wanted to cry ...” “In ‘Abdu’l-Bahá I felt the awful presence of Bahá’u’lláh, and, as my thoughts returned to activity, I realized that I had thus drawn as near as man now may to pure spirit and pure being. This wonderful experience came to me beyond my own volition. I had entered the Master’s presence and become the servant of a higher will for its own purpose.” During his two-day visit he had ample opportunity to ask questions, but strangely, they seemed to answer themselves. He “was content to remain in the background.” He delighted in the hearty laughter of the Master — asceticism did not fit that personality. Sensitive to the regenerative power in the spirit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, he became “conscious of a new sympathy for individuals and a new series of ties by which all men are joined in one common destiny.”
Recent Developments[edit]
If the author were writing today, he would need to make only minor changes. A Faith known in 247 countries and territories in 1956 has spread to 314 in 1968; its literature then translated into 190 languages today boasts 411. Instead of 15 National Spiritual Assemblies, 81 now circle the globe. Shoghi Effendi, the first and only Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, is no longer living, but already the Universal House of Justice has held its second international election. And recent history only corroborates and clarifies much of what the author expounds.
Religion for Mankind is recommended for those in search of basic answers to our vast array of social and spiritual problems. Every library should carry this appealing title. Written before The Secular City, it nonetheless seems a fitting book to be read after one has examined Cox’s theory. If Christianity has outlived its usefulness, is “urban secularity” the answer? Might not religion itself be ready for a metamorphosis? Might Bahá’u’lláh be the “new name”? The Bahá’í Faith emerges from these pages as the greatest religious innovation since the days of Jesus Christ and Muḥammed. Its aim is the renewal of the world.
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The first Teaching Institute was held at El Trapiche de Jalap,
Nicaragua, September 5-11, 1968. Four teachers, including Auxiliary Board member, Mrs. Edith McLaren, from Guatemala,
created an atmosphere of spiritual wisdom and reverence. During this period, when a number of public meetings were also
held, six new Bahá’ís were enrolled.
The National Proclamation Committee of Panama presented
seventy-five packages of Bahá’í books to the National Library
of the Republic of Panama for distribution to half of the
libraries in the Republic. The above photo, showing two members of the Committee, Shirley Krowitz and Alan Pringle,
third and fourth from left, appeared in the Panama American
daily newspaper on October 3, 1968.
News Briefs[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Chile reports that a Bahá’í employed as a telegraph operator in the Chilian Navy was recently included in personnel sent to a Chilian Antarctic base. So far as is known, this is the first time a Bahá’í has ever visited that continent.
Argentina is making progress in the Nine Year Plan goal of recognition of Bahá’í Holy Days in the schools. The Local Assembly of Cordoba has requested that Bahá’í children be excused on Holy Days. Documents issued by the National Education Council have given this permission for Bahá’í children who attend Federal primary schools in the first zone. This decision was announced in the bulletin of the National Education Council.
Ties Strengthened in Puerto Rico[edit]
Puerto Rico, a United States Territory where there is now one local Assembly, with the formation of two more a goal of the Nine Year Plan, has been the scene recently of active teaching and encouraging progress. A recent report from the secretary of the Puerto Rico Goals Committee recounts recent activities.
Distinguished Bahá’í Visitors Stir Enthusiasm[edit]
“Since the Universal House of Justice has placed Puerto Rico under the care of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Central America, the Bahá’ís of Puerto Rico received the wonderful words of counsel from Mr. Artemus Lamb, who had requested that the primary function of his visit be concentrated on meeting and knowing the friends ... Mr. Lamb very generously accepted the rigorous schedule which included an overnight visit to three major cities of the Island: Mayaguez, where a fireside for college youth was held in addition to generous time for the believers; Arecibo, where the friends visited with him; and finally San Juan, where a meeting was held for the Bahá’ís at the San Juan Center. It was a wonderful opportunity for the friends to ask many questions and learn from the wisdom and long experience of this dedicated Bahá’í who has served so long.
“Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States accompanied by her sister, Miss Lydia Martin, arrived in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on October 29, where a meeting attended by 28 guests and 8 Bahá’ís was held that evening. Dr. Pereira spoke in both Spanish and English, alternately. The following evening in the city of San German she addressed a group of 30 businessmen and civic leaders at the Rotary Club, where she and her party were also guests for dinner. She was one of several speakers, the others concerned with politics, and the sharp contrast brought forward a reporter from El Munde newspaper, who interviewed her, the review appearing later in his newspaper. On October 31 a meeting was held at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras, attended by four guests, and on the following day at Puerto Rico Junior College in Cupey Bajo, Dr. Pereira addressed a group of forty-five students. The librarian had, unasked, set up a beautiful display of Bahá’í books from the shelves of the library. Sr. Hector Campos Parsi hosted Dr. Pereira on his popular fifteen minute television interview show in San Juan. The visit also included meetings for the believers in Guaynabo and San Juan.
A Well Attended State Convention[edit]
“Our State Convention was a glowing success, very well attended, with full, active and lively participation throughout ... The Convention, held in a pleasant location, started almost on time, a Latin miracle, and lasted until almost five o’clock, and everyone stayed. The spirit of universal participation was fully evident. The whole day was permeated with loving fellowship, as the friends became better acquainted, and several were attending their very first big Bahá’í event ... And — wonderful to report — the delegate elected is a Puerto Rican.”
Malaysia Bahá’ís Make University Impact[edit]
One of the nine papers presented at a seminar arranged by the Department of Malay Studies of the University of Malaya held in Kuala Lumpur on September 28, was presented by Dr. Chellie Sundram on the Bahá’í Faith. It was titled “The Bahá’í Faith as a Change-Agent in a Multi-Racial Society.” The paper was well received and generated interesting questions. Many speakers referred to it throughout the seminar. One speaker who had visited the House of Worship at Wilmette suggested the Bahá’í Faith as an example for modern man to emulate. The Society of Orientalists which sponsored the seminar will publish the papers in a book at a later date.
The Bahá’í Society at the University of Malaya also sponsored a successful inauguration ceremony on October 11 at the Arts Concourse building featuring Dr. John Fozdar from Sarawak as the principal Bahá’í speaker. More than 300 guests attended, including the registrar and librarian of the University. Five thousand copies of a Bahá’í pamphlet were distributed to staff and students prior to the ceremony, with special literature being presented to the librarian.
The Bahá’í Society of the Technical College of Kuala Lumpur arranged an exhibition and social mixer at the assembly hall in August to welcome the freshmen of the new academic year. Earlier the principal of the college was welcomed by the chairman of the Bahá’í Society, with Tony Fernandez and A. Raman (chairman and vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly) speaking briefly on the principles of the Faith. The whole evening of fellowship and informality radiated a warm Bahá’í welcome to all who came.
News Briefs[edit]
The Tokyo, Japan community celebrated UN Day with a public meeting to which over 300 invitations were sent. Publicity was obtained in the English language newspapers. The speaker in Japanese was Mr. Hiroshi Tsunoi, a fairly new Bahá’í who is Secretary of the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO. He spoke on the aims and purposes of UNESCO and also brought in the Bahá’í teachings. Mr. Philip Marangella was the speaker in English and addressed the audience on the Bahá’í Faith and the United Nations.
Farhang Sefidvash and Eino Kyllianen made a Proclamation publicity tour through eastern and northern Finland calling on twenty-five newspapers in twenty cities. Each newspaper granted an interview and nineteen published articles about the Faith, the combined circulation of which was approximately one million readers. In southwestern and western Finland, Mrs. Alice Dudley of Turku and Eino Kylliañien traveled 900 kilometers on a three-day Proclamation tour. As a result eight newspapers published articles, some of them illustrated with photos of the Frankfurt Temple. In this way thousands of Finnish people have newly learned of the Faith.
The first presentation of the Faith on a national network was given on September 24 in Finland as part of a series entitled “The Religious Life of our Country.”
Another women’s symposium on the theme of “The
The Birth of the Báb was celebrated by five Communities at
Wanganui, New Zealand, followed by a Proclamation meeting
that generated searching questions from attending guests.
The Bahá’í float, entered in the Aloha Day parade in Honolulu,
Hawaii, won the Queen’s Trophy. The Temple model, which
slowly revolved was made up of marigolds and white chrysanthemums. The open book was of white plumeria with the
words “Bahá’í Faith” in marigolds. A legend on the side of
the float in the Hawaiian language, read: “Progress of Religion
in Hawaii.”
Unfolding Role of Women in Modern Society” was held
in Adelaide, Australia, under Bahá’í sponsorship.
Women from many different organizations attended the
symposium which received some television coverage
crediting the Bahá’í sponsorship. One of the outstanding guest speakers was Mrs. Gretel Dunstan, professor
of education and wife of a former Premier. Mrs. Kaye
Waterman was the Bahá’í speaker who told of the
increasing status given to women by the Prophets of
God of the past and particularly by Bahá’u’lláh in this
new day.
An exhibit prepared by the National Teaching and Proclamation Committee of New Zealand and shown at the Auckland Garden Week, was one of two mentioned in a special report on the show. “The Garden of the World” was the theme used. Bahá’í literature was taken in huge quantities by the visitors.
Since a special appeal for pioneers was launched by Hand of the Cause Jalál Kházeh at the Irish Summer School in July, 1968, and later supported by Hand of the
News Briefs (con.)[edit]
Cause William Sears as he visited communities throughout the British Isles, a new wave of pioneers arose to serve as a special birthday gift to Bahá’u’lláh.
The Bahá’í community has been officially registered and recognized in Equatorial Guinea, Africa, which includes the territories of Fernando Po and Rio Muni.
Sixty-eight delegates from Persia, as well as Hand of the Cause Mr. ‘Alá’í and members of the Continental Board of Counsellors of West Asia, attended a youth convention on September 11, 1968. The five year youth program was discussed and measures adopted to establish six-week class sessions for training prospective pioneers. A total of fifty-eight classes for deepening are planned throughout the country.
The first registered declaration by an Eskimo in the District of Franklin, Canada, has been received: Harry Teemotie of Frobisher Bay. In the Magdalen Islands, M. and Mme. Molaison have become the first Bahá’ís. Canada has also sold its former Temple site and purchased a new site for a Temple and Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
In Fiji the government has approved the appointment of a Bahá’í marriage officer. The appointment of the National secretary, Mrs. Irene Williams, was published in the Fiji Government Gazette.
Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh is celebrated in Vietnam[edit]
Bahá’ís and visitors gathered in Saigon, as shown in photo above, to celebrate the 152nd
birthday of Bahá’u’lláh. Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly Mr. Le Loc, in
addressing the audience, told of Bahá’u’lláh’s message to mankind and of His emphasis
on humanity’s need for unity and peace and His proclamation that the highest form of
worship is selfless service to mankind. Among those present were Ministers of State,
representatives of the Vietnamese Buddhist General Church, the Cao Dai Church, a
Rector of Van Hanh University and a large number of other guests.
State Fairs Provide Avenue for Proclamation[edit]
Throughout the United States Bahá’ís are using space at state and county fairs for Bahá’í displays and are finding results to be well worth the expense and hours of work involved. This is a certain way to bring the Faith to the attention of thousands, some of whom are almost certain to respond with interest.
Los Angeles County Fair, Pomona, California
For seventeen days and for the third consecutive year the Bahá’í Faith was represented in this fair. In a space 10 by 20 feet stood a nine sided table containing a model of the House of Worship and gardens in Wilmette with modulating lights focused on it. As shown in the accompanying picture there were charts, photographs, and book counters with other materials effectively displayed. Over five thousand took pamphlets and more than 300 signed cards indicating interest, many more being taken for future mailing. A typical comment: “This is the loveliest booth in the Hall. Like an oasis and people appreciate it as such.” After the fair closed a drawing was held and two interested seekers were sent two books each. One of the recipients wrote: “We appreciate so much your generous gift of two books. We are looking forward to reading them both. We have
[Page 13]
rarely seen a group of people who reflect such love in
all that they do. We are anxious to learn more of the
faith. May God bless you.”
Michigan State Fair Includes Bahá’í Display
An old Detroit custom of having a Bahá’í exhibit at the annual Michigan State Fair, discontinued for several years because of high costs, was revived in 1968 as a state project.
Administered and coordinated by the local Spiritual Assembly of Ferndale the undertaking used resources and talents of believers throughout the State. The friends responded generously and enthusiastically with prayers, money and time so that an attractive booth was ready when the Fair opened and was fully manned for 12 days. The booth was designed by a Bahá’í who is an architect by profession and consisted of mahogany panels with hinge arrangements which make it easily taken down and packed for cartage elsewhere. It can be used in an enclosed booth-type space, or with a few simple adaptations, as a free-standing display area. It is equipped with a carousel slide projector, screen and assortment of slides and a tape recorder with a prepared tape. It is permanently lettered and has ample space for local display material. There is a lockable built-in storage space under the central counter.
Almost two thousand people stopped at the booth long enough to talk, take literature, or read the display. About eight thousand pieces of literature were taken, the most popular being: Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith, Life After Death, and Prophecy Fulfilled.
Bahá’ís from 12 different areas served for at least one six hour session each, one third of the manpower being youth. Twelve assemblies, 5 groups and 27 individuals contributed financially.
In addition to its obvious asset to proclamation in Michigan, the effort was very worthwhile in providing an opportunity for Bahá’ís from many areas to work together on a teaching project.
101st Session of North Carolina Fair Includes Bahá’í Booth
The Bahá’í booth at the North Carolina State Fair, the first State-wide Bahá’í proclamation project, was a beautiful and colorful display designed by an architect and built and manned by the believers representing many areas in the state. Approximately two thousand pamphlets were taken, many visitors stopping to view the slides, look over the literature and take pamphlets. Many asked questions and a number of people left their names and addresses for receiving more information.
Human Rights Keynote Oregon Fair Booth[edit]
The Bahá’í communities of Springfield, Eugene and Lane
County, Oregon collaborated in sponsoring this booth at the
Lane County Fair.
Bahá’í booth at the Los Angeles County Fair.
Bahá’í display at booth at the North Carolina State Fair.
“Unto These Hills ... the Cherokee Story”[edit]
“Unto These Hills” is the title of a pageant performed on summer evenings at Cherokee, North Carolina, telling the moving story of the band of Cherokee who many years ago hid out in their mountain country, resisting tragic, forced removal to strange lands in the west. “Unto These Hills” might also be the theme of the pioneering story of Ethel Murray, who, responding to the call of the Guardian’s Ten Year Crusade, left her home in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1953, to live among the Cherokee people. She remains there to this day with complete dedication to the importance of teaching the Faith among the Indians.
Two facts mark the significance of this continuing act of devotion. Ethel Murray was one of the first pioneers to move onto an Indian reservation in this country, and the language of the Cherokee people among whom she chose to dwell was the one which had been singled out by the Beloved Guardian for translation, a specific goal of the Crusade and the responsibility of the American Bahá’ís.
Translation into Cherokee[edit]
Two venerable Cherokees, Mose Owl and Ben Bushyhead, were found to do the task and in 1954 Mrs. Murray sent to the American Indian Service Committee first drafts of a text of Bahá’í Writings in Cherokee script, published subsequently under the title “A New Day Comes.” The background story of this unique language, a written script which was the invention of the 19th century Cherokee genius, Sequoya, is but a part of the drama of pioneering accomplishment.
The rest revolves around the resourcefulness and staying power of the “Bahá’í lady,” as Mrs. Murray is lovingly called by her Cherokee friends. When she arose to pioneer in 1953 she was already at an age when many are seeking retirement. To find residence on the Cherokee reservation was in itself a miracle. An abandoned store room was her first home. Through her own courage and with some help from the American Indian Service Committee and several new Cherokee friends, this little place became the first Bahá’í Center on an Indian reservation. When this was no longer habitable, she rented a little shack for $10 a month. Through her tireless efforts to repair and build walls, a roof, and floor, and with the government supplying running water, she has made this small dwelling into several rooms. This is the Bahá’í Center, with the largest room being a Bahá’í meeting room, and the smallest the room where she lives and works on her various projects, among them sewing children’s dresses to sell and earn her contributions to the Fund. She is constantly involved in preparing appropriate new pamphlets for Indian teaching and mailing literature to her friends on
Mrs. Murray (seated, right) and friends outside the Bahá’í Center, Cherokee.
Ben Bushyhead, left, and Mose Owl, translators.
the reservations. Her proclamation efforts have included mailing The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh to the ministers
assigned to the reservation and presenting The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the Chief, who received it
warmly and assured her of his cooperation with her
work on the reservation.
“To Live the Life”[edit]
Many times Ethel Murray has expressed the hope that another would move to the reservation to help her. Of her life there Mrs. Murray writes, “I decided that I must do what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did, live the life, live the life. I felt that Bahá’u’lláh knew all that I was doing and that there must be a harvest sometime when He is ready. And I made up my mind that I would stick it out and not lose my faith in His overall plan.”
That seed of inestimable value have been planted on
[Page 15]
Bahá’í Center, Cherokee. Sign for Center was made by Franklin Kahn.
the soil of this Indian reservation is assured. In the
spirit of instant and exact obedience to the call of the
beloved Guardian and now the University House of
Justice, followed by trust in Bahá’u’lláh, with steadfastness in her teaching efforts and pure love of mankind, this stalwart pioneer has given fifteen years of
devoted service to the Cause of God. Now the need for
support from others is urgent: the harvest is near and
the fruits promise to be plenteous. The soul willing to
respond to the call for pioneers to teach the Indian now
has the opportunity to arise and move to assist in the
work so well prepared in Cherokee. Inquiry for more
information and guidance in support of this pioneer
post should be directed to the American National
Teaching Committee. The time is ripe.
Bahá’í in the News[edit]
In a two page feature article “He Changed My Life” in the December Rotarian Marcus Bach describes his interview last winter with Hand of the Cause Ṭaráẓu’lláh Samandarí. The author was impressed with this remarkable believer, refers to him with reverence and admiration and was especially struck with the fact that Mr. Samandarí, although they spoke of many things, always came back to the thought that “Bahá’u’lláh inspired him because his life and words bore evidence that he was one of Heaven’s chosen ones.”
The 1969 Edition of Chases’ Calendar of Annual Events lists World Religion Day, World Peace Day, Race Unity Day, Naw-Rúz, and the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh as special days and gives the purposes of the days and lists the National Spiritual Assembly as the sponsor.
The Secretariat News published by the United Nations Headquarters in its October 31, 1968 issue carries a quotation by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ about the lovers of mankind.
Atlanta, official monthly publication of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce in the October 1968 issue, has a two-column article in its Town Talk section on the Atlanta Bahá’í Community. In it the writer states of the Faith “This mystical, philosophical religion with its emphasis on the oneness and goodness of all mankind seems a haven to many troubled people in the world.”
The October 11, 1968 issue of the weekly newspaper Catholic Star Herald of Camden, New Jersey, carried a full-page feature article with photos entitled “Area Teacher-Archaeologist Expounds on New Faith—Bahá’í, Described as World’s Newest Religion, Shuns Cult Label in Promoting Pure Spirituality”. The article by staff writer Robert L. Johnston tells the story of Tom Williams, a school teacher, amateur archaeologist and Bahá’í. The article, through an interview with Williams, covers the principles and teachings of the Faith.
Golden Press of New York publishes a series of regional guides. One paperback book entitled Israel and the Holy Land has a color photo of the Shrine of the Báb and a paragraph on the Bahá’í Faith. The publisher is being notified of errors in the text in the hope that future editions will carry correct information.
The Toronto, Canada newspaper, The Globe and Mail for August 11 carried a 35 column inch account of the Faith titled “Bahá’ís Wait for World to Join: ‘The only faith that any man can enter with his head high,” giving an account of an interview with several young believers as well as with the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada. A picture of one of those interviewed was included. The relation of the Faith to Christianity and to other religions was mentioned, as well as the enrollment of many Indians and of how the Faith is taught without clergy. The publication of this story was the result of a letter sent to the editor by the Bahá’ís correcting a reference to the Faith as a “small sect.” The letter of correction was published in full and the Religious Editor telephoned to request the interview subsequently published.
[Page 16]
Greendale, Salisbury, Rhodesia (Africa) Bahá’í children’s
class, taught by pioneer Mrs. Esther G. Glauder, on the occasion of the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, celebrated by several
Bahá’í communities joining together at the National Bahá’í
Center in Waterfalls, Salisbury. For this occasion the children
made models of the Bahá’í Houses of Worship in Wilmette,
Frankfurt, Kampala and Sydney.
The New CHILD'S WAY Magazine Off the Press[edit]
The first issue of the newly-published Child’s Way magazine for children has come off the presses and early responses to the content and cover design are most encouraging. Subscriptions resulting from the announcement in the last issue of the NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW were very gratifying.
It is hoped that families will subscribe to this new publication in multiple copies so that each child may have his own Bahá’í magazine. It is the goal of the managing editors to build subscriptions to at least 1,000 during the first few months so that the magazine will become self-supporting as soon as possible. Once paid subscriptions exceed the initial goal, plans will be instituted for a vast array of improvements.
Bahá’ís who do not have young children are encouraged to order gift subscriptions for relatives and friends and those who maintained open accounts from the previous Child’s Way are assured that they will be honored.
A number of experienced, creative writers and editors have committed themselves to producing this new Child’s Way and the managing editors invite your comments, manuscripts, and children’s work for possible inclusion in later editions. The editors have particular need of good children’s stories and invite budding authors to submit their stories and ideas to the address given below. All letters and manuscripts will be promptly acknowledged.
Child’s Way magazine is published bi-monthly, six issues a year, at the rate of $4.50 per year. Foreign subscriptions and those outside the continental United States will be $5.00 per year. Please send checks along with orders, payable to Child’s Way Magazine, Box 551, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002. Early receipt of subscriptions will assure a complete set of Volume 1.
Bahá’í Distribution and Service Department[edit]
Slide Program: The Hundredth Year
Produced by the International Bahá’í Audio-Visual Center, this religious documentary of the Inter-Continental Conferences of the Bahá’í Faith held to commemorate the Centenary of the Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh in October, 1967 is one of the finest prepared thus far. It is for individual use and is also most suitable for proclamation programs, firesides, deepening courses, summer schools and courses in comparative religion, and makes a welcome addition to Bahá’í libraries or archives.
Those wishing to create their own slide programs will find this set very helpful. An entirely different show may be made by rearranging the slides, or adding others and writing different narration suitable for the show being created.
The voices of the Inter-Continental Conferences especially arranged and narrated for this slide program, are available in both a 12 inch 33 1/3 r.p.m. record and a 3 3/4 i.p.s. 2-track tape which can be played on 2-track or 4-track stereo reproducers. There are 114 slides and with each package of slides a printed narration booklet. The supply of this fine program is limited.
Slide set, narration booklet and record | $19.00 |
Slide set, narration booklet and tape (7" reel) | $21.50 |
| (sold only as sets) |
New Slides: Kampala House of Worship
You may now add to your collection of color slides of Bahá’í buildings with five pictures of the Bahá’í House of Worship and buildings in Kampala, Africa, 1968. There are two interior views, one distance view of the House of Worship which shows local vegetation and terrain, one close-up view of the gardens and House of Worship, and one view of the new Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and the new school building which is located near the House of Worship.
Five slides packaged | $1.00 |
Order from:
- BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT
- 112 LINDEN AVENUE; 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.
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.
